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"Clean up" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "limpiar", and "clear up" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "despejarse". Learn more about the difference between "clean up" and "clear up" below.
clean up(
klin
uhp
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. limpiar
You'd better clean up this mess before your father gets home.Tienes que limpiar este lío antes de que llegue tu papá.
2. (to purge)
a. limpiar
Ismael was elected on his promise to clean up city hall.Ismael fue elegido por su promesa de limpiar el ayuntamiento.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
3. (to tidy up)
a. limpiar
Don't forget to clean up the sink after shaving.No te olvides de limpiar el lavabo después de afeitarte.
An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
4. (to tidy up)
a. limpiar
Cleaning up after a party is the worst job ever!Limpiar después de una fiesta es la peor de las tareas.
a. barrer con todo
Juan Manuel cleaned up in the contest. He took away $25,000,000.Juan Manuel barrió con todo en el concurso. Se llevó $25,000,000.
clear up(
klihr
uhp
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
1. (to improve)
a. despejarse
It rained all night and all morning and finally cleared up in the afternoon.Llovió toda la noche y la mañana y por fin se despejó en la tarde.
a. ordenar
Frank, go help your sister clear up in the kitchen.Frank, ve a ayudarle a tu hermana a ordenar la cocina.
a. mejorarse
My cold cleared up after a good hot shower.Mi resfriado se mejoró después de una buena ducha caliente.
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. ordenar
You have to clear up this mess before you can go out and play.Tienes que ordenar este lío antes de salir a jugar.
6. (to resolve)
b. aclarar
Please clear this up for me; I can't see what you meant.Por favor, aclárame esto; no entiendo qué quisiste decir.
c. esclarecer
When Rodney watched the video, it cleared up the confusion he'd had.Cuando Rodney vio el video, esclareció la confusión que había tenido.
