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verb HSK 5
qīng chú
to clear away · to eliminate · to remove · to get rid of

Meaning

清除 means to completely remove or eliminate something unwanted, whether physical objects, abstract problems, or harmful elements. The word combines 清 (clear/clean) and 除 (remove), emphasizing thorough elimination. It's commonly used in contexts ranging from cleaning debris to removing computer files to eliminating social problems.

Usage

This is a formal-neutral verb frequently used in written language, news reports, technical contexts, and official settings. It implies a deliberate, thorough removal process. Common in discussions about cleaning up pollution, deleting data, removing obstacles, or eliminating negative influences. Less casual than words like 扔掉 (throw away) or 删除 (delete).

Examples

  1. 01
    请定期清除浏览器的缓存文件。
    Qǐng dìng qī qīng chú liú lǎn qì de huǎn cún wén jiàn.
    Please regularly clear your browser's cache files.
  2. 02
    政府正在努力清除城市中的安全隐患。
    Zhèng fǔ zhèng zài nǔ lì qīng chú chéng shì zhōng de ān quán yǐn huàn.
    The government is working hard to eliminate safety hazards in the city.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 清除障碍
    qīng chú zhàng ài
    to remove obstacles
  • 清除垃圾
    qīng chú lā jī
    to clear away garbage
  • 清除缓存
    qīng chú huǎn cún
    to clear cache
  • 清除隐患
    qīng chú yǐn huàn
    to eliminate hidden dangers

Antonyms

Origin

Compound of 清 (clear/pure) and 除 (remove/eliminate), creating a meaning of 'to clear away by removing.' Both characters have ancient origins in Chinese.

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