limpiar
/limˈpjaɾ/
The English phrase "clean out" is translated into Spanish as limpiar.
The verb limpiar is used to mean both "clean out" and "clean up".
Meaning: Translations (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form limpiar is the infinitive, which you use after other verbs or prepositions. If you need to speak in the past tense, the third-person singular preterite form is limpió (he/she/it cleaned). For the future tense, the first-person singular form is limpiaré (I will clean).
How do you pronounce it?
/limˈpjaɾ/
Did you know?
- In colloquial Spanish, the verb limpiar can be used as slang to mean stealing everything from a place or emptying someone's pockets.
- While limpiar means to clean, the word limpia can refer to a spiritual cleansing ritual common in various Latin American folk traditions.
- The English word 'limpid' shares the same Latin root as limpiar, meaning clear or transparent.
Examples in context
- Deberías limpiar el maletero de tu coche.You should clean out the trunk of your car.This sentence is useful for using limpiar to suggest cleaning out a car trunk.Tatoeba #7107783 by arh, translation #7091341 by CK
- Tom no tuvo más alternativa que ayudar a Mary a limpiar la cochera.Tom had no other choice but to help Mary clean out the garage.This sentence is useful for using limpiar to describe helping to clean out a garage.Tatoeba #1481534 by marcelostockle, translation #1028798 by CK
- Él se encargó de despejar el área de trabajo.He took care of cleaning out the work area.
- Por favor, vacíe los cajones antes de entregar el mueble.Please clean out the drawers before delivering the furniture.
- El técnico tuvo que depurar el sistema de archivos.The technician had to clean out the file system.
- Voy a limpiar mi clóset este fin de semana.I'm going to clean out my closet this weekend.
- ¡Hay que ordenar el garaje! Está lleno de cosas sin usar.We need to clean out the garage! It's full of unused things.
- Es hora de deshacerte de todo lo que no necesitas.It's time to clean out everything you don't need.
- Limpia completamente la habitaciónClean out the room completely
- Necesito limpiar el armario esta tarde.I need to clean out the closet this afternoon.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are at home organizing their things.
- Daniel¿Me ayudas a limpiar el armario?Will you help me clean out the closet?
- MaríaClaro, Daniel, yo te ayudo.Sure, Daniel, I will help you.
- DanielHay demasiada ropa vieja aquí.There is too much old clothes in here.
- MaríaEntonces vamos a limpiar todo hoy.Then let's clean it all out today.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry limpiar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries limpiar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
