limpieza
/leem-PYEH-sah/
cleaning
Limpieza as "cleaning": The act of making something spotless and bright.
limpieza(noun)
cleaning
?the act of making something clean
,cleanliness
?the state of being clean
housework
?domestic chores
📝 In Action
Necesitamos hacer la limpieza profunda de la cocina este fin de semana.
A2We need to do a deep cleaning of the kitchen this weekend.
La limpieza es esencial para la salud.
A1Cleanliness is essential for health.
Contratamos un servicio de limpieza de oficinas.
B1We hired an office cleaning service.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Check
Remember that 'limpieza' is always feminine, so you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la limpieza', 'una limpieza rápida').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong verb
Mistake: "Hicimos la limpiar."
Correction: Hicimos la limpieza. (You use the noun 'limpieza' after 'hacer'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Common Phrase
The phrase 'hacer la limpieza' (to do the cleaning) is much more common than simply saying 'limpiar' when referring to the overall task.
Limpieza as "integrity": Representing moral honesty and uprightness.
limpieza(noun)
integrity
?moral honesty
,honesty
?purity of character
purity
?moral or spiritual spotlessness
📝 In Action
Su limpieza de espíritu lo hacía un líder admirable.
B2His integrity (or purity of spirit) made him an admirable leader.
El presidente destacó la limpieza de sus intenciones.
B1The president highlighted the purity of his intentions.
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Use
In this sense, 'limpieza' is often paired with abstract nouns like 'espíritu' (spirit), 'conciencia' (conscience), or 'intenciones' (intentions) to emphasize moral clarity.
Limpieza as "purge": The systematic removal of undesirable elements from a group.
limpieza(noun)
purge
?systematic removal of undesirable people
,cleanup operation
?organizational restructuring
vetting
?checking credentials (less common)
📝 In Action
El nuevo director anunció una limpieza en el departamento de finanzas.
C1The new director announced a cleanup (or purge) in the finance department.
La limpieza étnica es un crimen contra la humanidad.
C2Ethnic cleansing is a crime against humanity.
⭐ Usage Tips
Serious Context
Be careful when using this meaning, as it often refers to serious, systematic, and sometimes violent removal of people or groups.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: limpieza
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'limpieza' in its figurative sense of 'moral integrity'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'limpieza' the only word for 'cleaning'?
No, you can also use 'aseo,' which often implies personal grooming or lighter tidiness. However, 'limpieza' is the most common and standard word for general, thorough cleaning (like house cleaning or office cleaning).
Why is 'limpieza' feminine?
Many Spanish nouns that end in the suffix '-eza' (which indicates a quality or state) are feminine, such as 'belleza' (beauty) and 'tristeza' (sadness). 'Limpieza' follows this common pattern.