清楚 qīng chu
“clear; distinct; to understand thoroughly”
adjective, verb, adverbial adjectiveHSK 3 · 2021 list level 2
新HSK等级2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus level
清楚 appears in the November 2025 exam syllabus in the following numbered entry. Levels refer to the listed reading and use, not every meaning.
- Entry 807: 清楚 qīngchu — Level 3; official annotation 3 (形、动). PDF page 100
Separate from the HSK 2.0 and 2021 list labels above. Compare the three lists.
用法How to use 清楚
清楚 means "clear" or "clearly understand." It describes something easy to see, hear, or understand, and it can also mean to be clear about a fact. Common patterns are 听清楚/看清楚/写清楚 and 清楚 + clause or 对……很清楚.
例句Example sentences
- 老师说得慢，我听得很清楚。lǎo shī shuō de màn, wǒ tīng de hěn qīng chu.The teacher spoke slowly, and I heard it very clearly.
- 我不太清楚这个字的意思。wǒ bú tài qīng chu zhè ge zì de yì si.I'm not very clear about the meaning of this character.
- 请把地址写清楚。qǐng bǎ dì zhǐ xiě qīng chu.Please write the address clearly.
常见错误Common mistakes
-
✗我不清楚他说。
✓我不清楚他说什么。
清楚 needs a complete idea after it; use a full clause or noun phrase, not a bare subject-verb.
易混词Easily confused
清楚vs明白
Both can mean "understand/clear," but 清楚 often describes something clear or distinct (听清楚、写清楚) and being clear about a fact; 明白 focuses more on understanding meaning or reason.