The word 清真寺 is formed by combining three characters: 清, meaning "pure" or "clear"; 真, meaning "true" or "real"; and 寺, meaning "temple" or "monastery". Together, 清真 historically conveys the concept of "Islamic" or "halal", often interpreted as "pure and true", so when 寺 is added, the entire compound literally means "Islamic temple", specifically referring to a mosque.