French Conversation · Level 44
75 words
French word
nettoyer
Pronunciation
IPA/netwaje/
Meaning
- verbclean
Example
Je vais nettoyer la chambre.
I am going to clean the room.
More examples
Peux-tu nettoyer la table avant de partir?
Can you wipe the table before leaving?
Core concept
A hand removes dust, grime, or stains from a surface, object, or room until it is clean.
Common phrases
nettoyer la voiture
clean the car
nettoyer la table
wipe the table
nettoyer la cuisine
clean the kitchen
Similar words
laver: To wash clothes, the body, or dishes with water or detergent.
essuyer: To wipe a wet surface with a cloth or towel to remove moisture or dirt.
balayer: To gather and remove floor dirt or dust with a broom.
épousseter: To brush dust from furniture or other surfaces with a cloth or duster.
Definition in French
Enlever la saleté, la poussière ou les taches d'un objet, d'une surface ou d'un lieu pour le rendre propre.
Word origin
Nettoyer comes through Old French neteier from net, meaning 'clean'; net ultimately derives from Latin nitidus, meaning 'shining'.
Usage tips
- Nettoyer usually takes a direct object, while laver is generally more natural for washing clothes or the body.