limpio
/LIM-pyoh/
clean
Limpio means 'clean,' like this spotless towel.
📝 In Action
Mi habitación está limpia por fin.
A1My room is clean finally.
¿Está limpio el plato?
A1Is the plate clean?
Necesito una toalla limpia.
A2I need a clean towel.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and Number
As an adjective, 'limpio' must match the person or thing it describes. Use 'limpia' for feminine nouns (la casa limpia) and 'limpios/limpias' for plurals (los pisos limpios).
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'Estar'
You almost always use 'estar' (to be temporarily) with 'limpio' because cleanliness is a current state that can change (La mesa está limpia, The table is clean).
When referring to character, limpio means 'honest' or morally pure.
limpio(Adjective)
honest
?morally pure or fair
innocent
?of guilt/suspicion
,clear
?record or conscience
📝 In Action
Él tiene un historial limpio.
B1He has a clean record.
Fue un juego limpio y sin trampas.
B1It was a fair game without cheating.
Ella quiere tener su conciencia limpia.
B2She wants to have a clear conscience.
⭐ Usage Tips
Fair Play
When talking about sports or competitions, 'juego limpio' is the standard way to say 'fair play' or 'sportsmanship.'
Limpio can also mean 'net,' referring to the amount remaining after all financial deductions.
limpio(Adjective)
net
?financial/after deductions
smooth
?of a cut or motion
,broke
?informal slang: having no money
📝 In Action
El salario limpio es lo que recibes después de impuestos.
B2The net salary is what you receive after taxes.
El cirujano hizo un corte muy limpio.
B2The surgeon made a very clean (smooth, precise) cut.
Perdí mi cartera y ahora estoy limpio.
C1I lost my wallet and now I am broke.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: limpio
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'limpio' to mean 'net' or 'after deductions'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'limpio' used in so many different ways (clean, honest, net)?
All the meanings stem from the core idea of 'purity' or 'being without blemish.' A physical space without dirt, a person's conscience without guilt, or a financial amount without deductions are all 'limpio' (pure/clear) in their respective contexts.
Does 'limpio' change gender?
Yes, 'limpio' is an adjective and must change to match the thing it describes. For a masculine singular object, use 'limpio' (el coche limpio); for feminine singular, use 'limpia' (la mesa limpia). It also takes plural forms: 'limpios' and 'limpias'.