clean
clean — 動詞
1. to get dirt, marks, or unwanted materials off a surface, object, or person by wa
清潔；擦洗
用水或工具去除物品上的污垢
to get dirt, marks, or unwanted materials off a surface, object, or person by washing, wiping, or brushing
Shanti cleaned the kitchen floor with a mop and a bucket.
Shanti 用水桶和拖把清潔了廚房地板。
clean + [place] + with [tool]
The dentist told Aoi to clean her teeth after every meal.
牙醫告訴 Aoi 每餐飯後都要清潔牙齒。
direct object: body part — clean teeth / clean hands
Brooke used a special cloth to clean the glass window.
Brooke 用一塊特殊的布來擦洗玻璃窗。
Hassan helped his mother clean the car on Saturday morning.
Hassan 在星期六早上幫他母親清洗了車子。
Please clean your hands with soap before you eat dinner.
吃飯前請用肥皂洗手。
- dirty
the opposite action — to make something unclean
文法句型
clean + noun phrase
常見錯誤
2. for a surface, object, or person to get free of dirt or stains, typically as a r
變乾淨
物體表面經清洗後不再骯髒
for a surface, object, or person to get free of dirt or stains, typically as a result of washing or wiping
This carpet cleans easily with just a little soap and warm water.
這塊地毯加一點肥皂和溫水就能輕鬆洗乾淨。
intransitive: [carpet] cleans easily
Noa watched the white shirt clean up nicely in the washing machine.
Noa 看著那件白襯衫在洗衣機裡洗得很乾淨。
phrasal verb: clean up (intransitive)
The bathroom floor cleans faster when you use hot water and a mop.
浴室地板用熱水和拖把來清洗會更快變乾淨。
Dahlia's new leather shoes clean well with just a soft brush.
Dahlia 的新皮鞋用一把軟刷子就能擦得很乾淨。
文法句型
[thing] cleans [adverb]
用法筆記
Subject is the thing becoming clean, not the person doing the cleaning. Often used with an adverb (easily, well, quickly) to describe how well the cleaning works.
常見錯誤
3. to take out the internal organs of a fish, bird, or animal before cooking and ea
去內臟
烹煮前取出魚或動物的內臟
to take out the internal organs of a fish, bird, or animal before cooking and eating it
The fisherman cleaned the fish before taking it home for dinner.
漁夫把魚的內臟清理乾淨，然後帶回家當晚餐。
direct object: fish/animal for food preparation
Ignacio watched his grandmother clean the chicken for Sunday lunch.
Ignacio 看著祖母把雞清理乾淨，準備做週日午餐。
Aylin learned to clean a rabbit from her uncle on the farm.
Aylin 在農場上跟叔叔學會了如何清理兔子的內臟。
You should clean a fish as soon as possible after catching it.
抓到魚之後，應該盡快把魚的內臟清理掉。
Amihan helped her father clean the ducks they raised on their land.
Amihan 幫父親清理了他們在自家土地上養的鴨子。
文法句型
clean + [animal/fish] + for [purpose]
用法筆記
Only applies to animals raised or caught for eating — not for pets or wild animals you do not intend to cook.
常見錯誤
clean — 名詞
1. the act of removing dirt, dust, or mess from a place or object in order to make
清潔
把物品或空間清理乾淨的過程
the act of removing dirt, dust, or mess from a place or object in order to make it clean and tidy
Lotte gave her kitchen a thorough clean after the dinner party.
Lotte 在晚餐派對後徹底清潔了她的廚房。
give + noun phrase + a clean pattern
The old rug needs a good clean before we put it in the living room.
那張舊地毯需要好好清潔一下，才能放進客廳。
need + a clean for objects that are dirty
Ryan's car was so dusty that a full afternoon clean was the only option.
Ryan 的車子灰塵太多，唯一的辦法是花整個下午清潔。
After the building work, the whole house needed a deep clean from top to bottom.
裝修工程結束後，整棟房子需要從上到下徹底清潔。
Anjali gave the bathroom a quick clean before her guests arrived.
Anjali 在客人到來前快速清潔了浴室。
- scrub
implies a more vigorous, thorough cleaning with hard rubbing ('the floor needs a good scrub')
文法句型
give + noun phrase + a clean
need + a clean
have + a clean
用法筆記
This noun is most commonly used in fixed patterns with verbs like 'give', 'need', or 'have'. It is almost always singular and preceded by an article ('a', 'an') or a determiner. For example, 'give the floor a clean' or 'the bathroom needs a proper clean'.
常見錯誤
clean — 形容詞
1. having no dirt, dust, marks, or other unwanted substances on the surface or in a
乾淨的
沒有灰塵或污垢的
having no dirt, dust, marks, or other unwanted substances on the surface or in a space.
Ilan washed the kitchen floor, and now it is clean and dry.
Ilan 用肥皂和水洗了廚房地板，現在既乾淨又乾爽。
Mum gave Kwame a clean towel after his bath.
媽媽在 Kwame 洗完澡後給了他一條乾淨的毛巾。
collocation: clean + towel / shirt / blanket
The water in this glass looks clean enough to drink.
這杯水看起來很乾淨，可以直接喝。
Gabriela put on a clean shirt before she left for school.
Gabriela 在出門上學前換上了一件乾淨的襯衫。
The cat likes to sleep on a clean blanket by the fire.
那隻貓喜歡躺在壁爐旁一條乾淨的毯子上。
用法筆記
The opposite is dirty. For food or water, clean means safe to eat or drink. For a person or animal, clean means having washed.
常見錯誤
2. done in an honest way that follows the rules, without cheating or taking unfair
公正的
在比賽、商業中遵守規則的
done in an honest way that follows the rules, without cheating or taking unfair advantages.
The referee made sure the match stayed clean and fair for both teams.
裁判確保比賽過程公正乾淨，雙方都遵守規則。
collocation: a clean match / fight / game
Chiara promised to run a clean election campaign with no secret donations.
Chiara 承諾要進行一場乾淨的競選活動，不收秘密捐款。
In a clean boxing match, neither fighter is allowed to hit below the belt.
在一場公正的拳擊比賽中，兩名選手都不能攻擊腰部以下部位。
The company maintains a clean reputation by treating all partners honestly.
這家公司保持著良好的信譽，以誠實態度對待所有合作夥伴。
Kabir told us the deal was completely clean and approved by both lawyers.
Kabir 告訴我們這筆交易完全正當，雙方律師都已批准。
- fair
broader term for equal treatment; can replace clean in most contexts
- sporting
especially describes generous, fair-minded behaviour in games
- aboveboard
emphasises openness and transparency; slightly formal
用法筆記
Frequently used in sports, business, and politics to describe conduct that is openly fair rather than secretly dishonest.
常見錯誤
3. not connected with any criminal activity, such as carrying illegal drugs, weapon
清白的
沒有違法行為或犯罪前科的
not connected with any criminal activity, such as carrying illegal drugs, weapons, or stolen goods, and having no record of past offences.
The police checked Sirin's bag and said she was clean with nothing illegal inside.
警察檢查了 Sirin 的包包後說她是清白的，裡面沒有任何違禁品。
Applicants for this job must have a clean criminal record with no past convictions.
應徵這份工作的人必須有乾淨的犯罪紀錄，沒有任何前科。
collocation: clean criminal record
Security guards checked everyone at the entrance to make sure they were clean.
入口處的保全人員檢查了每一個人，確認他們身上沒有違禁品。
All athletes must show a clean drug test before they can enter the competition.
所有運動員在參賽前都必須出示陰性藥檢報告，才能進入比賽。
The landlord only accepts tenants who can prove they have a clean record.
房東只接受能夠證明自己沒有犯罪紀錄的租客。
- law-abiding
describes a person who always follows the law; broader than clean
- innocent
means not guilty of a specific crime; not a direct synonym for having a clean record
- blameless
emphasises moral innocence rather than legal status
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2 (HONEST): sense 2 describes conduct that is fair and within the rules, while this sense focuses on the absence of any criminal history or illegal items. Commonly appears in police checks, job applications, and background screenings.
常見錯誤
4. free from any content or behaviour that is corrupt, cruel, harmful, or intended
正派的
符合道德標準、不低俗的
free from any content or behaviour that is corrupt, cruel, harmful, or intended to offend people.
The comedian tried to keep his show clean by avoiding rude jokes about religion.
那位喜劇演員盡量讓表演內容保持得體，避開關於宗教的粗魯笑話。
attributive: a clean show / clean comedy
Many parents look for clean entertainment that the whole family can watch together.
許多家長尋找適合全家人一起觀看且內容健康的娛樂節目。
The magazine promised to publish only clean content that is suitable for all ages.
這本雜誌承諾只刊登適合所有年齡層閱讀的正派內容。
Ramón told us to keep our language clean around the younger children.
Ramón 告訴我們，有小孩子在旁邊時說話要注意措辭。
The school library only stocks clean books with positive messages for students.
學校圖書館只收藏內容健康、傳達正面訊息的書籍。
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 5 (DECENT): this sense covers general moral decency and the absence of any harmful or corrupt content, while sense 5 refers specifically to avoiding sexual references.
5. not containing any sexual references, images, or words that could embarrass or o
不露骨的
不含色情或露骨內容的
not containing any sexual references, images, or words that could embarrass or offend people.
This hotel room service offers only clean movies with no adult scenes at all.
這家飯店的客房服務只提供不含露骨情節的電影，完全沒有成人內容。
collocation: clean movie / clean film
Anong prefers clean humour that everyone can laugh at without feeling awkward.
Anong 喜歡那種大家聽了都不會尷尬的健康笑話。
The radio station plays only clean versions of songs with all strong language removed.
這家廣播電台只播放潔版的歌曲，所有不雅歌詞都已刪除。
Darius promised to keep his comedy routine clean because the audience included children.
Darius 承諾他的喜劇表演會保持健康，因為台下有兒童觀眾。
The school asks students to tell clean jokes during the annual talent show event.
學校要求學生在年度才藝表演大會上講的都是無傷大雅的笑話。
- decent
often used interchangeably, though decent is broader in meaning
- wholesome
suggests positively healthy and good, not just non-sexual
- inoffensive
focuses on not causing offence; broader than just sexual content
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 4 (MORAL): sense 4 is about general moral decency and absence of corruption, while this sense is specifically about avoiding sexual or obscene material. Often used in media ratings, parental guidance discussions, and public broadcast standards.
6. no longer using an addictive substance such as an illegal drug or alcohol, after
戒毒成功的
停止使用成癮物質且未復發的
no longer using an addictive substance such as an illegal drug or alcohol, after a period of dependence on it.
Mark has been clean for two years after he stopped taking drugs completely.
Mark 戒毒已經兩年了，在那之後他完全停止了用藥。
predicative use with duration: has been clean for [period]
The support group helps people who want to stay clean and avoid alcohol.
這個支援小組幫助那些想要保持戒毒狀態、遠離酒精的人。
Hyun feels proud every morning when he wakes up clean and healthy again.
Hyun 每天早上醒來發現自己又恢復了健康和潔淨，都感到非常自豪。
The clinic offers free counselling for people who are trying to get clean.
這家診所為正在努力戒毒的人提供免費的心理輔導。
Caleb celebrated reaching one year clean with a party for his closest friends.
Caleb 慶祝戒毒滿一週年，邀請最親近的朋友一起聚會。
用法筆記
This sense is almost always used predicatively (he is clean) and never before a noun (*a clean person). Frequently followed by a duration: clean for [X years/months]. Can also apply to alcohol (clean and sober).
常見錯誤
7. describes a surface or edge that is smooth, even, and free of bumps, roughness,
平滑的
表面光滑無粗糙邊緣的
describes a surface or edge that is smooth, even, and free of bumps, roughness, or sharp projections
The carpenter ran his hand over the clean edge of the new table.
那位木匠用手摸了摸新桌子的平滑邊緣。
A clean cut through the leather requires a very sharp knife.
要用非常鋒利的刀子才能在皮革上切出平滑的切口。
clean + noun describing a smooth cut
Élise admired the clean lines of the modern building's design.
Élise 很欣賞那棟現代建築設計中的流暢線條。
Daichi sanded the wooden surface until it felt perfectly clean and smooth.
Daichi 把木頭表面打磨到感覺完全平滑為止。
- rough
opposite — having an uneven or bumpy surface
用法筆記
Often used of edges, cuts, shapes, and design lines where evenness is the key quality.
8. done with precision and without mistakes, especially describing a movement or ac
俐落的
技巧純熟且無錯誤的
done with precision and without mistakes, especially describing a movement or action that shows good training or technique
The surgeon made a clean incision that healed with almost no scarring.
外科醫生做了一個俐落的切口，癒合後幾乎沒有疤痕。
clean + noun describing a skilful action
Tariro's clean catch at the boundary won the match for her team.
Tariro 在邊界線俐落地接住了球，為她的球隊贏得了比賽。
The mechanic did a clean job of replacing the brake pads on my car.
那位技師俐落地幫我換好了車上的剎車片。
Ramón delivered a clean presentation that impressed the whole board of directors.
Ramón 做了一場乾淨俐落的簡報，讓全體董事會印象深刻。
Zayd played a clean piano recital with no wrong notes and steady timing.
Zayd 的鋼琴獨奏會彈得非常俐落，沒有錯音，節奏也很穩定。
用法筆記
Common with nouns describing actions or results: clean hit, clean throw, clean dive, clean sweep (sports victory). Not used for describing a person themselves (❌ a clean player).
常見錯誤
9. used before a noun to mean 'complete' or 'total', especially when describing a s
完全的
用於名詞前，表示徹底沒有遺漏
used before a noun to mean 'complete' or 'total', especially when describing a separation, escape, or fresh start that leaves nothing behind
The thief made a clean escape before anyone noticed the missing painting.
那名小偷在任何人注意到畫作失竊之前就完全逃脫了。
collocation: clean escape
After the election, the party wanted a clean break with the old policies.
選舉過後，該政黨想要與舊政策徹底劃清界線。
collocation: clean break
The new manager ordered a clean sweep of all outdated procedures.
新任經理下令全面清除所有過時的程序。
Caleb made a clean start after moving to a different city last year.
Caleb 去年搬到另一個城市後，徹底重新開始了新生活。
The court ruling gave the company a clean slate to rebuild its reputation.
法院的判決給了那家公司一個全新的起點來重建聲譽。
- partial
incomplete — opposite of total/complete
用法筆記
Only used before a noun (attributive position). Common in fixed phrases: clean break, clean sweep, clean slate, clean start, clean getaway. Cannot be used after a linking verb (❌ The escape was clean).
常見錯誤
10. describes a page, paper, or other writing surface that is blank and has nothing
空白的
紙張等尚未使用或未寫任何東西的
describes a page, paper, or other writing surface that is blank and has nothing written, printed, or drawn on it yet
The student opened a clean notebook and began writing notes for the class.
那名學生打開一本空白的筆記本，開始寫課堂筆記。
Walid pulled a clean sheet of paper from the printer tray for his sketch.
Walid 從印表機紙匣抽出一張空白紙來畫素描。
collocation: clean sheet of paper
The teacher handed out clean copies of the test to each student in the room.
老師發給教室裡每個學生一份空白的考卷。
Please begin writing your essay on a clean page in the exam booklet.
請在考試手冊的空白頁上開始寫您的作文。
Lakshmi always kept a clean notepad next to her desk for phone messages.
Lakshmi 總是在桌上放一本空白便條本來記電話留言。
- written on
already containing writing or marks
- used
already filled or partially filled
用法筆記
Used before a noun (attributive only). Most often with paper, page, sheet, notebook, copy, or form. Not used for electronic documents — the equivalent is 'blank' or 'empty'.
常見錯誤
clean — 副詞
1. informally used before a verb or preposition to mean 'completely' or 'all the wa
徹底
完全地；徹底地（口語加強詞）
informally used before a verb or preposition to mean 'completely' or 'all the way', emphasising that an action has no part left unfinished
Yuki clean forgot about her dentist appointment until the clinic called.
Yuki 完全忘了牙醫約診，直到診所打電話來才想起來。
clean + forgot (common colloquial pattern)
The sword cut clean through the rope with one smooth motion.
那柄劍一下就把繩子乾脆地切斷了。
cut clean through (adverb before preposition)
After the flood, the bridge was clean gone — washed away entirely.
洪水過後，那座橋徹底消失了——全被沖走了。
Imran's throw missed the target clean and hit the wall behind it.
Imran 那一擲完全沒命中目標，打到了後面的牆上。
The shop on Elm Street was clean out of milk by nine in the morning.
Elm 街上那間小店早上九點牛奶就賣得精光了。
- completely
neutral register, works in formal and informal contexts
- totally
slightly less formal than 'completely', common in speech
- entirely
more formal than 'clean'; used in all registers but never in the before-verb slot that 'clean' occupies
文法句型
clean + verb
clean + preposition
用法筆記
Informal sense used mainly in everyday speech and casual writing. The adverb goes immediately before the verb or preposition it modifies. It does not appear in formal academic or business writing.