limpo
/ˈlĩ.pu/
The Portuguese word for clean is limpo.
The word limpo functions both as an adjective meaning 'clean' (in an unmarked condition) and as the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb 'limpar' (meaning 'I clean'). Related nouns for the removal of dirt include limpeza and limpada.
Meaning: (transitive) to remove dirt from a place or object (verb)
Which one should you use?
While limpo is commonly used as an adjective, the infinitive verb form for 'to clean' is limpar.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions of Brazil, the informal term asseadinho is used to describe cleanliness in a cute or endearing way.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, limpo must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes, taking the forms limpo, limpa, limpos, limpas.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈlĩ.pu/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Brazilian slang, limpar can mean to steal everything from a place or to 'clean out' a store.
- When someone has a ficha limpa, it literally means their 'file is clean', referring to a person with no criminal record.
- In a gambling context, limpo can describe a win or a profit that is 'net' or 'clear' after expenses.
Examples in context
- O copo está limpo.The glass is clean.This sentence uses limpo to describe the state of a glass.Tatoeba #2105903 by alexmarcelo, translation #2002537 by bichodebola
- O ar aqui é limpo.The air here is clean.This sentence uses limpo to describe the quality of the air.Tatoeba #12387074 by piterkeo, translation #3734734 by CK
- O banho está limpo?Is the bath clean?This sentence uses limpo to ask about the cleanliness of a bath.Tatoeba #12417129 by DouglasLeandro, translation #324958 by CK
- Quando chegamos ao hotel, ficamos impressionados com o quão limpo e higienizado ele estava.When we arrived at the hotel, we were impressed with how clean and sanitized it was.
- A casa da Vânia está sempre tão arrumada e limpinha.Vania's house is always so tidy and clean.
- 59 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Juliana are talking about house chores.
- LucasVocê já deixou o quarto limpo?Did you already leave the room clean?
- JulianaSim, eu limpo tudo agora mesmo.Yes, I will clean everything right now.
- LucasObrigado por manter o espaço limpo.Thank you for keeping the space clean.
- JulianaDe nada, eu gosto de tudo limpo.You're welcome, I like everything clean.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry limpo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
