Usage and Nuances
The verb 清除 (qīngchú) means to thoroughly remove or clear away something unwanted, such as clutter, viruses, or illegal structures. It implies a complete and effective removal rather than a simple or partial cleaning.
Common Collocations
- 清除杂物 (clear away clutter): often used in daily life when tidying up.
- 清除病毒 (remove viruses): common in technology or health contexts.
- 清除障碍 (remove obstacles): used metaphorically or literally.
Register and Tone
清除 is neutral and formal, suitable for written and spoken Chinese, especially in official or technical contexts. It is stronger than simply 打扫 (to clean) or 去除 (to remove), emphasizing thoroughness.
Common Confusions
Avoid confusing 清除 with 清理, which also means to clean or clear but can imply organizing or sorting rather than complete removal. 清除 stresses elimination without residue.