hora de limpiar
/oɾa de limpjaɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "time to clean up" is translated into Spanish as hora de limpiar.
hora de limpiar is used to indicate the moment to start tidying a space or to perform the physical act of scrubbing or washing away dirt.
Which one should you use?
While hora de limpiar is a general phrase, if you specifically mean tidying up scattered objects like toys rather than scrubbing dirt, you can use hora de recoger to be more precise. Additionally, Toca ordenar is a way to say "It's your turn to tidy up."
How does it change in a sentence?
To use this in a full sentence meaning "it is time to clean", you should add es (it is) to the beginning to say es hora de limpiar.
How do you pronounce it?
/oɾa de limpjaɾ/
Did you know?
- While hora de limpiar is common, you might hear people say toca limpiar. The verb tocar here does not mean 'to touch', but rather 'it is someone's turn' or 'it is time for'.
- The Spanish word limpiar comes from the Latin limpidus, which means 'clear' or 'transparent'. This makes the act of cleaning literally a process of making something clear.
- Spanish has a distinct difference between limpiar (removing dirt) and ordenar (putting things in their place). You can have a room that is limpio (sterile) but not ordenado (organized).
Examples in context
- Es hora de limpiar la oficina antes de la reunión.It's time to clean up the office before the meeting.
- Es el momento de ordenar los documentos y archivarlos correctamente.It's the moment to tidy up the documents and file them correctly.
- Es hora de recoger los juguetes antes de irnos.It's time to pick up the toys before we leave.
- Es hora de limpiar la cocina.It is time to clean the kitchen.
- Ya es hora de limpiar el desastre.It is already time to clean up the mess.
- Papá dice que es hora de limpiar el cuarto.Dad says it is time to clean the room.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are finishing a craft project.
- AlejandroSofía, ya es hora de limpiar la mesa.Sofía, it is time to clean up the table.
- SofíaTienes razón, hay mucho papel por todas partes.You are right, there is paper everywhere.
- AlejandroYo recojo los lápices y tú barres.I will pick up the pencils and you sweep.
- SofíaEstá bien, Alejandro, yo lo hago.Alright, Alejandro, I will do it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, hora, limpiar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
