JLPT · Level 91
45 words
Japanese word
清い
Pronunciation
Romajikiyoi
Meaning
- i-adjectivepure
Example
この泉の水は清いです。ko no izumi no mizu wa kiyo i de su
The water from this spring is pure.
More examples
彼は清い心で人を助けます。kare wa kiyo i kokoro de hito o tasu ke ma su
He helps people with a pure heart.
Core concept
Describes something free from unwanted matter or taint, whether physically clean and clear or inwardly pure.
Common phrases
清い心kiyo i kokoro
a pure heart
清い水kiyo i mizu
pure water
Definition in Japanese
混じり気や汚れがなく、澄んでいて純粋なさま。ma ji ri ke ya yogo re ga na ku su n de i te jun sui na sa ma
Word origin
清い (kiyoi) is the modern form of 清し (kiyoshi), an older Japanese adjective meaning "pure" or "clean".
Usage tips
- Although 清い (kiyoi) can mean "clean," everyday Japanese usually uses きれい (kirei) for ordinary cleanliness.
Other meanings
- cleani-adjective
- cleari-adjective
Opposites
- 汚いkitanaidirtyi-adjective
Related words
- 清めるkiyomerupurifyverb
- 清さkiyosapuritynoun