How Do You Say Clean Up in Spanish? A Definitive Guide
“Clean up” in Spanish can be expressed in several ways, each with subtle nuances. The most common and versatile translation is limpiar, but depending on the context, words and phrases like ordenar, asear, recoger, or even poner en orden might be more appropriate.
The Core Translations: Limpiar, Ordenar, Asear
The fundamental verbs for expressing “clean up” revolve around cleanliness and order. Understanding their distinct uses is key to accurate communication.
Limpiar: The General Purpose Cleaner
Limpiar is arguably the most frequent and direct translation of “to clean.” It encompasses a broad range of cleaning activities, from scrubbing a floor to wiping a table. It primarily focuses on removing dirt and grime.
- Example: “Voy a limpiar la cocina.” (I am going to clean the kitchen.)
- Example: “Limpié las ventanas ayer.” (I cleaned the windows yesterday.)
Ordenar: Bringing Order to Chaos
Ordenar translates more closely to “to tidy up” or “to organize.” It emphasizes putting things in their proper place rather than necessarily removing dirt.
- Example: “Ordena tu habitación, por favor.” (Tidy up your room, please.)
- Example: “Necesito ordenar mi escritorio.” (I need to organize my desk.)
Asear: Personal Hygiene and Light Cleaning
Asear often refers to personal hygiene, like washing oneself. However, it can also be used for light cleaning, implying making something neat and presentable without necessarily deep cleaning.
- Example: “Me voy a asear antes de salir.” (I’m going to clean myself up before going out.) (Personal Hygiene)
- Example: “Asea tu puesto de trabajo.” (Clean up your workstation.) (Light Cleaning)
Beyond the Basics: Recoger, Poner en Orden, Despejar
While limpiar, ordenar, and asear are the main verbs, other options provide greater specificity.
Recoger: Picking Up and Gathering
Recoger means “to pick up” or “to gather.” It’s used when you’re referring to collecting things that are scattered around.
- Example: “Recoge los juguetes, por favor.” (Pick up the toys, please.)
- Example: “Tenemos que recoger la basura.” (We have to pick up the trash.)
Poner en Orden: Putting Things in Order
Poner en orden is a phrase that directly translates to “to put in order.” It’s synonymous with ordenar but provides a bit more emphasis.
- Example: “Necesito poner en orden mis documentos.” (I need to put my documents in order.)
- Example: “Vamos a poner en orden la casa antes de que lleguen los invitados.” (We’re going to tidy up the house before the guests arrive.)
Despejar: Clearing Out and Emptying
Despejar means “to clear” or “to clear out.” It’s used when removing obstacles or emptying a space.
- Example: “Despeja la mesa, por favor.” (Clear the table, please.)
- Example: “Necesito despejar mi mente.” (I need to clear my mind.) (Figurative usage)
FAQs: Mastering the Art of Spanish Cleaning
Here are some frequently asked questions to further refine your understanding of how to say “clean up” in Spanish:
FAQ 1: How do I say “clean up after yourself” in Spanish?
The most common way is “limpiar después de ti.” You can also use “recoger lo que ensuciaste” which translates to “pick up what you dirtied.” “Ordenar después de ti” is another option, emphasizing tidying up after yourself.
FAQ 2: What’s the difference between limpiar and lavar?
Limpiar means “to clean” in a general sense, encompassing various methods of removing dirt. Lavar specifically means “to wash” with water and usually soap or detergent. You would limpiar a window, but lavar clothes.
FAQ 3: How do I say “spring cleaning” in Spanish?
“Spring cleaning” is translated as “limpieza de primavera” or “limpieza a fondo de primavera“. The “a fondo” adds emphasis, meaning a deep cleaning.
FAQ 4: Is there a Spanish equivalent for “clean freak”?
Yes! A “clean freak” can be described as a “maníaco de la limpieza” or a “obsesionado con la limpieza.” Another option is “tiquismiquis con la limpieza“, indicating someone very picky about cleanliness.
FAQ 5: How do I say “clean up crew” in Spanish?
The “clean up crew” is often referred to as the “equipo de limpieza” or “personal de limpieza.” For a larger scale operation like after a disaster, you might say “brigada de limpieza“.
FAQ 6: Can limpiar be used figuratively?
Yes, limpiar can be used figuratively. For instance, “limpiar su nombre” means “to clear one’s name” (of accusations). “Limpiar la conciencia” means “to clear one’s conscience.”
FAQ 7: How do I say “cleaning supplies” in Spanish?
“Cleaning supplies” are called “productos de limpieza” or “artículos de limpieza“.
FAQ 8: Is there a formal and informal way to say “clean up”?
While all the terms above can be used in both formal and informal settings, ordenar and limpiar tend to be more neutral. Using the imperative mood (“¡Limpia!”) adds informality. Using the formal “usted” (e.g., “Limpie usted”) adds formality.
FAQ 9: How do I say “Clean your room!” to a child?
You could say “¡Limpia tu habitación!” or “¡Ordena tu cuarto!“. Using the diminutive “¡Limpia tu cuartito!” can sound more gentle. Remember that “habitación” and “cuarto” both mean “room.”
FAQ 10: How would I say “clean eating” (as in a diet) in Spanish?
“Clean eating” as a dietary concept is trickier to directly translate. You might describe it as “comer sano y natural” (eating healthy and natural) or “alimentación limpia” (clean eating), although the latter is less common. Explaining the concept is usually more effective.
FAQ 11: What is the difference between sucio and mugriento?
Both sucio and mugriento mean “dirty.” However, mugriento implies a much greater level of dirt and grime, suggesting something is filthy or grimy. Sucio is a more general term.
FAQ 12: Are there regional variations in how to say “clean up”?
Yes, as with any language, there are regional variations. For example, in some Latin American countries, you might hear “hacer aseo” used to mean “to clean.” While limpiar and ordenar are widely understood, being aware of local dialects can enhance communication.