limpar

Senses

1. 1.

   to clean

   to remove dirt, dust, or unwanted material from a surface or object

2. 2.

   to clear

   to remove items or obstacles from a space

3. 3.

   to wipe

   to rub or dry with a cloth

4. 4.

   to clean up (figurative)

   to eliminate, remove, or get rid of something problematic

Examples

• "Preciso limpar a casa antes dos convidados chegarem."

  I need to clean the house before the guests arrive.

• "Ela limpou a mesa com um pano úmido."

  She wiped the table with a damp cloth.

• "O governo prometeu limpar a corrupção."

  The government promised to clean up corruption.

Usage

A common, everyday verb used in both literal and figurative contexts. Often paired with object nouns (limpar a casa, limpar as mãos). In formal speech, "realizar limpeza" is more formal, but "limpar" dominates in casual Brazilian Portuguese.