澄清

• Pinyin: chéng qīng
• Hanzi breakdown: 澄 = 氵+ 登 (settle clear); 清 = 氵+ 青 (clear water)

Meaning

To clarify; to clear up. As an adjective, clear, limpid, or transparent.

Used for clearing murky liquids, clarifying misunderstandings, or explaining confusing situations. In formal contexts, refers to official clarifications or corrections of misinformation.

Examples

1. 公司发表声明澄清了有关谣言。 The company issued a statement to clear up the rumors.
2. 让水静置一会儿，杂质就会澄清下来。 Let the water sit for a while and the impurities will settle out.
3. 他需要澄清自己在这件事中的立场。 He needs to clarify his position in this matter.

Usage Guide

Context: public relations, explanations, science

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 发言人出面澄清了媒体的误解。(The spokesperson came forward to clarify the media's misunderstanding.)
• 经过过滤，液体变得澄清透明。(After filtering, the liquid became clear and transparent.)

Don't Say

• 我澄清了房间 — use 打扫 or 清理 for cleaning a room; 澄清 is for liquids or misunderstandings

Origin & History

澄 (to clarify) + 清 (clear)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal