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洁白
jiébái
pure white
她的婚纱洁白无瑕，在阳光下闪闪发光。
Her wedding dress was pure white and gleamed in the sunlight.
formal
Pure white in color, often implying cleanliness or innocence
这块布料洁白如雪，触感柔软。
This fabric is as pure white as snow and feels soft.
她的心灵洁白无瑕，从不做亏心事。
Her soul is pure white and she never does anything dishonest.
Often used to describe objects (e.g., snow, fabric) or abstract concepts (e.g., soul, reputation).
Pro Tip
Distinguish from '雪白'
'洁白' emphasizes both cleanliness and color, while '雪白' focuses solely on the color (white as snow). '洁白' can imply moral purity, whereas '雪白' is purely descriptive.
Gold Rule
Usage Context
Use '洁白' for objects or abstract concepts that are both white and clean/pure. Avoid using it for simple color descriptions unless cleanliness is implied.
Word Origin
Combines '洁' (clean, pure) and '白' (white). The compound emphasizes both cleanliness and color.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in literary and formal contexts. Often paired with abstract nouns like '心灵' (soul) or '灵魂' (spirit) to imply moral purity.
Word Breakdown
洁
clean, pure
root白
white
root汉英词典