Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
To Clean in Spanish: Limpiar
Limpiar · verb · leem-pee-AHR
The English verb 'to clean' translates to 'limpiar' in Spanish. It is a regular -ar verb used for cleaning surfaces, rooms, objects, and even figurative messes. Related terms include 'limpio/a' (clean, adjective) and 'limpieza' (cleaning, noun).
leem-pee-AHR
Necesito limpiar la cocina antes de que lleguen los invitados.
I need to clean the kitchen before the guests arrive.
To Clean in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for to clean, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| limpiar | to clean | leem-pee-AHR | Default, widely understood |
| asear | to clean | personal grooming or tidying up | |
| fregar | to clean | scrubbing dishes or floors, common in Caribbean Spanish |
How Native Speakers Use Limpiar
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Household chore
Mi hermana limpia el baño todos los sábados por la mañana.
My sister cleans the bathroom every Saturday morning.
Describing a regular household routine.
Workplace
El equipo de mantenimiento limpia las oficinas después del horario laboral.
The maintenance team cleans the offices after business hours.
Professional cleaning in an office building.
Personal care
Limpia bien la herida con agua y jabón.
Clean the wound well with soap and water.
First aid instruction using the imperative form.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Limpiar
Adjective vs. verb confusion
Incorrect: La casa está limpiar.
Correct: La casa está limpia.
After 'estar,' you need the adjective 'limpia' (clean), not the infinitive verb 'limpiar' (to clean). 'Limpiar' is the action; 'limpia' describes the state.
Regional verb mix-up
Incorrect: Voy a fregar la ventana.
Correct: Voy a limpiar la ventana.
'Fregar' specifically means to scrub or scour and is used for dishes and floors. For windows and general surfaces, 'limpiar' is the appropriate choice.
Lock in To Clean Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Limpiar used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using limpiar in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Necesito limpiar la cocina antes de que lleguen los invitados. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About To Clean in Spanish
- How do you say 'to clean' in Spanish?
- The most common translation is 'limpiar,' a regular -ar verb that applies to cleaning rooms, surfaces, and objects. In Caribbean countries, 'fregar' is often used for scrubbing dishes or floors, but 'limpiar' is universally understood.
- How do you conjugate 'limpiar' in the present tense?
- 'Limpiar' follows regular -ar conjugation: yo limpio, tú limpias, él/ella limpia, nosotros limpiamos, ustedes limpian, ellos limpian. There are no stem changes or irregularities to worry about.
- What is the difference between 'limpiar' and 'asear'?
- 'Limpiar' is the general verb for cleaning anything, while 'asear' specifically refers to tidying up or grooming. You would use 'asearse' reflexively to talk about getting yourself cleaned up, such as before going out.