lavandería
/lah-vahn-deh-REE-ah/
laundromat
Lavandería, meaning 'laundromat', is a public place with machines for washing clothes.
lavandería(noun)
laundromat
?public place with coin-operated machines
,laundry room
?room in a house or building designated for washing clothes
washhouse
?less common or older term
📝 In Action
Necesito ir a la lavandería porque mi lavadora está rota.
A1I need to go to the laundromat because my washing machine is broken.
Nuestra casa tiene una lavandería pequeña en el sótano.
A2Our house has a small laundry room in the basement.
La lavandería abre a las ocho de la mañana.
A1The laundromat opens at eight in the morning.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Alert
Since 'lavandería' ends in -a, it is feminine. Remember to use feminine articles like 'la' or 'una' before it.
⭐ Usage Tips
Distinguish the Place and the Machine
Don't confuse 'lavandería' (the room/building) with 'lavadora' (the washing machine itself).
Lavandería also refers to the 'laundry' itself—the clothes that need washing.
lavandería(noun)
laundry
?the clothes/load of washing
,laundry service
?the cleaning service provided by a business or hotel
📝 In Action
Tengo que recoger mi lavandería antes de que cierren.
A2I have to pick up my laundry before they close.
El hotel ofrece un excelente servicio de lavandería.
B1The hotel offers an excellent laundry service.
Puse toda la lavandería sucia en una bolsa.
A2I put all the dirty laundry in a bag.
💡 Grammar Points
Focus on the Action
When talking about the action of washing, many Spanish speakers prefer 'hacer la colada' (Spain) or 'lavar la ropa' (Latin America) over 'hacer la lavandería'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: lavandería
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'lavandería' to refer to the physical location?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'lavandería' and 'tintorería'?
'Lavandería' is a place where you wash clothes using water (a laundromat or laundry room). 'Tintorería' is a dry cleaner's, where they use chemical solvents for cleaning delicate items like suits and dresses.
How do I say 'to do the laundry'?
The most common ways are 'lavar la ropa' (to wash the clothes) or, especially in Spain, 'hacer la colada'. While you can say 'hacer la lavandería,' it often sounds less natural than these alternatives.