Inklingo

How to Say "cleanliness" in Spanish

English → Spanish

limpieza

leem-PYEH-sahlimˈpje.sa

nounA1general
Use 'limpieza' when referring to the general state of being clean, the act of cleaning, or the absence of dirt and mess.
A cartoon character enthusiastically wiping a large window with a blue rag until the glass sparkles and shines brightly.

Examples

La limpieza de la casa es importante para un ambiente agradable.

The cleanliness of the house is important for a pleasant environment.

Necesitamos hacer la limpieza profunda de la cocina este fin de semana.

We need to do a deep cleaning of the kitchen this weekend.

La limpieza es esencial para la salud.

Cleanliness is essential for health.

Contratamos un servicio de limpieza de oficinas.

We hired an office cleaning service.

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').

Using the wrong verb

Mistake: “Hicimos la limpiar.”

Correction: Hicimos la limpieza. (You use the noun 'limpieza' after 'hacer'.)

higiene

ee-HYEH-nehiˈxjene

nounA2general
Use 'higiene' specifically when talking about cleanliness in relation to health, sanitation, and the prevention of disease.
A child smiling and washing their hands with soap and water at a sink.

Examples

Es crucial mantener una buena higiene personal para evitar enfermedades.

It is crucial to maintain good personal hygiene to avoid illnesses.

La higiene personal es fundamental para la salud.

Personal hygiene is fundamental for health.

Es importante mantener una buena higiene en la cocina.

It is important to maintain good hygiene in the kitchen.

Lávate los dientes por higiene bucal.

Brush your teeth for oral hygiene.

Identifying Gender

Even though it ends in 'e', this word uses 'la' (la higiene). Many health-related words in Spanish ending in 'ene' or 'ina' follow this feminine pattern.

Using it with Verbs

In Spanish, you don't 'do' hygiene; you 'have' (tener), 'maintain' (mantener), or 'look after' (cuidar) it.

Wrong Gender

Mistake: “el higiene es importante”

Correction: la higiene es importante (higiene is always a feminine word).

General vs. Health-Related Cleanliness

Learners often confuse 'limpieza' and 'higiene' by using them interchangeably. Remember that 'limpieza' is about being free of dirt, while 'higiene' is specifically about cleanliness for health reasons.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.