Meaning and Usage
The adjective 清い (きよい) primarily describes something that is pure, clear, or noble. It is often used to describe physical clarity, such as clean water, but also abstract qualities like a pure heart or noble character.
Common Contexts
- Describing natural elements: 清い水 (clear water), 清い空気 (pure air).
- Describing moral or emotional purity: 清い心 (pure heart), 清い気持ち (clean feelings).
Collocations and Patterns
- 清い水 (きよいみず): clear water, emphasizing physical cleanliness.
- 心が清い (こころがきよい): having a pure or noble heart.
- 清い気持ちで (きよいきもちで): with pure feelings or intentions.
Register and Nuance
清い is somewhat formal and poetic, often found in written language or polite speech. It conveys a positive, almost idealized quality. It is less common in casual conversation but useful for expressing admiration or respect.
Common Learner Mistake
Do not confuse 清い with similar-sounding words like きよめる (to purify) or きよまる (to become pure). 清い is an adjective describing a state, not an action.
Use 清い when you want to emphasize purity or clarity in a respectful or poetic way, whether about nature or character.