Meaning
清楚 means something is clear, distinct, or easy to understand. It can describe both physical clarity (like clear writing or a clear image) and mental clarity (understanding something well). When used as an adverb, it means to do something in a clear or thorough manner.
Usage
Native speakers commonly use 清楚 to express that they understand something well (我很清楚 'I know very well') or to ask if someone understands (你清楚吗？). It's frequently paired with verbs like 看 (see), 听 (hear), 说 (speak), and 写 (write) to indicate clarity. The word can also appear in the negative 不清楚 to express uncertainty or lack of understanding.
Examples
- 01你把这件事说清楚了吗？?Did you explain this matter clearly?
- 02我不太清楚他什么时候来。.I'm not really sure when he's coming.
Characters
Common collocations
- 看清楚to see clearly
- 说清楚to explain clearly
- 搞清楚to figure out, to clarify
- 不清楚not clear, don't know
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters 清 and 楚 independently carry meanings of clarity and distinctness, making this a compound that reinforces the concept of clearness through semantic doubling.