清掃中(せいそうちゅう)

清掃中(せいそうちゅう) is a compound of 清掃(せいそう) (cleaning) + 中(ちゅう) (in progress). It is primarily seen on signs rather than used in conversation.

Where YOU'LL see IT

• トイレ: restroom signs
• ホテルの客室(きゃくしつ): hotel room door cards
• 公共(こうきょう)施設(しせつ): public buildings, stations

THE 〜中(ちゅう) PATTERN:
The suffix 中(ちゅう) attaches to nouns to mean "in the middle of ~":

• 工事中(こうじちゅう): under construction
• 点検中(てんけんちゅう): under inspection
• 準備中(じゅんびちゅう): in preparation
• 使用中(しようちゅう): in use
• 営業中(えいぎょうちゅう): open for business

Related words

• 清掃(せいそう): cleaning (the action itself)
• 掃除(そうじ): cleaning (more everyday term)
• 清掃(せいそう) is more formal than 掃除(そうじ) and used for professional or institutional cleaning.