Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun

When you wash yourself or a body part, you must add 'se' (or 'me,' 'te,' etc.) before the verb. This makes it a reflexive verb: 'Me lavo la cara' (I wash my face).

Using 'Se' for Body Parts

'Lavar' almost always involves water and soap (like washing a shirt). 'Limpiar' is a general term for cleaning, which might mean dusting, sweeping, or washing.

The Difference from 'Limpiar'

The machine you use to wash clothes is a 'lavadora' (washing machine).

Common Laundry Noun

A fundamental verb used constantly for daily cleaning activities.

In this context, 'lavar' still implies making something look clean, but it refers to making illegal money look legal, or a bad reputation look good.

Figurative Use

If you see 'lavar dinero' (to wash money), know that it refers to the financial crime, not literally cleaning cash.

Context is Key

Used in formal, legal, or journalistic contexts, particularly regarding finance or reputation.

Learn the Spanish verb 'lavar' (to wash). Comprehensive guide covering its basic use for cleaning (A1), reflexive form 'lavarse,' and advanced figurative meanings like 'to launder money' (C1). Includes full conjugation tables.

lavar

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations