The English adjective “clean” has several possible meanings. In French, different adjectives are used depending on the context. The most common are “propre,” “net,” “pur,” and “nettoyer” used adjectivally in participle form.

Propre

“Propre” is the most common translation of “clean.” It is used for physical cleanliness, such as a clean room, clothes, or hands.

Examples:

• “Ta chambre est propre.” = “Your room is clean.”
• “Il faut avoir les mains propres avant de manger.” = “You must have clean hands before eating.”
• “Ses vêtements sont toujours propres.” = “Her clothes are always clean.”

“Propre” can also mean “own,” but that is a different usage not related to cleanliness.

Net

“Net” is often used for something that is clean in the sense of neat, tidy, or sharp. It can also be used figuratively for something clear or distinct.

Examples:

• “Un bureau net et bien rangé.” = “A clean and tidy desk.”
• “Une coupure nette.” = “A clean cut.”
• “Il a donné une réponse nette.” = “He gave a clear (clean-cut) answer.”

Pur

“Pur” is used when “clean” means pure, free of impurities, or morally clean. It is less about tidiness and more about purity.

Examples:

• “De l’air pur.” = “Clean air.”
• “De l’eau pure.” = “Clean water.”
• “Une vie pure et simple.” = “A clean and simple life.”

Nettoyé

The past participle “nettoyé” can be used adjectivally to mean something that has been cleaned. It stresses the action of cleaning having been done.

Examples:

• “Un sol bien nettoyé.” = “A well-cleaned floor.”
• “Des vitres fraîchement nettoyées.” = “Freshly cleaned windows.”

Other uses

Sometimes other adjectives or expressions are used depending on the situation. “Sans tache” means spotless or without stains, “hygiénique” means hygienic, and “immaculé” means immaculate.

Examples:

• “Une chemise sans tache.” = “A spotless shirt.”
• “Un environnement hygiénique.” = “A clean (hygienic) environment.”
• “Une nappe immaculée.” = “An immaculate tablecloth.”