purgo
[ˈpuːr.ɡoː]
To clean in Latin is expressed by the verb purgo. Wiktionary also lists mundo and tergeo.
Meaning: (transitive) to remove dirt from a place or object (verb)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| purgo | [ˈpuːr.ɡoː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈpur.ɡo] (narrow) |
| mundo | [ˈmʊn.doː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈmun.do] (narrow) |
| tergeo | [ˈtɛr.ɡe.oː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈtɛr.d͡ʒe.o] (narrow) |
These verbs are used to describe the action of removing dirt from an object or a place.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb purgo literally means to clear, purge or purify, relating to the concept of making something pure or empty of unwanted elements.
Which one should you use?
The choice of verb depends on the action being performed: purgo implies purging or clearing something out, such as removing impurities or clearing a space. In contrast, tergeo specifically implies a wiping or rubbing motion, such as wiping a surface clean. The word mundo is also a form for this action.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to say "I have cleaned" to indicate the action is completed, use the perfect tense form purgavi.
Did you know?
- The word mundo is closely related to the Latin word for 'world', mundus, because the Romans viewed the cosmos as an ordered and clean place.
- The verb purgo may have originally meant 'to lead the fire about', reflecting an ancient ritual of using fire to purify objects or spaces.
- In Roman culture, the act of cleaning and purification often overlapped with religious rites, where purgo described both physical scrubbing and spiritual cleansing.
Examples in context
- Raedam purgo.I clean the car.This sentence shows how to use purgo to describe the action of cleaning a car.Tatoeba #7058077 by alexmarcelo, translation #5226625 by Airvian
- Castum corpus, anima beata.A clean body, a blessed soul.
- Mens pura in corpore puro.A clean mind in a clean body.
- Togam expolitam et calceos nitidos habebat.He wore a clean toga and shiny shoes.
- Vasa purgo.I am cleaning the dishes.
- Tablinum purgo.I clean the study.
Example conversation
Aurelia and Quintus are organizing their shared room.
- AureliaQuid agis, Quinte?What are you doing, Quintus?
- QuintusMensam purgo.I am cleaning the table.
- AureliaBene, ego autem lectum purgo.Good, and I am cleaning the bed.
- QuintusGratias tibi ago, Aurelia.Thank you, Aurelia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clean” translations and entries purgo, mundo, tergeo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries purgo, tergeo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
