What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the infinitive verb limpiar (to clean), the possessive adjective mi (my) and the noun habitación (room).
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word used for 'room' can vary by region. In Spain, habitación is often used. In Latin American countries, cuarto is more commonly used to refer to a room and the phrase limpiar mi cuarto is a very common and slightly more informal way to say 'to clean my room'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the phrase from an infinitive (to clean) to the first-person present tense (I clean), conjugate limpiar to limpio to get limpio mi habitación. To express that the action of cleaning the room was completed in the past, use the preterite form limpié as in limpié mi habitación.
How do you pronounce it?
/limpjaɾ mi abitaθjon/
Did you know?
- If you use cuarto to refer to a room, you are using a word that also refers to a 'quarter' or a fourth of something, such as un cuarto de hora for fifteen minutes.
- The word limpiar shares its ancient roots with the English word 'limpid', which describes something clear or transparent, like water.
- In many Spanish-speaking homes, parents might tell a child to ordenar their room rather than limpiar it. This emphasizes the act of tidying and organizing objects over the actual removal of dirt.
Examples in context
- Le hice limpiar mi habitación.I got him to clean my room.This sentence is useful for showing how to use the phrase when someone else performs the action for you with limpiar mi habitación.Tatoeba #1044931 by Shishir, translation #285077 by CK
- Tengo que limpiar mi habitación.I have to clean my room.This sentence is useful for expressing a personal obligation using limpiar mi habitación.Tatoeba #445679 by Shishir, translation #258316 by CK
- Preferiría limpiar mi habitación a hacer los deberes.I'd rather clean my room than spend time doing my homework.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference between two actions using limpiar mi habitación.Tatoeba #1360738 by Shishir, translation #909542 by CK
- Buenos días, por favor, limpie mi habitación. Gracias.Good morning, please clean my room. Thank you.
- Hola, ¿puedes limpiar mi cuarto antes de que lleguen mis amigos? ¡Gracias!Hi, can you clean my room before my friends arrive? Thanks!
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are discussing chores at home.
- DanielVoy a limpiar mi habitación ahora.I am going to clean my room now.
- SofíaEstá muy desordenada, Daniel.It is very messy, Daniel.
- DanielLo sé, pero terminaré pronto.I know, but I will finish soon.
- SofíaEstá bien, te ayudo un poco.Alright, I will help you a little.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries habitación, limpiar, mi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
