Inklingo

How to Say "to wash" in Spanish

English → Spanish

lavar

lah-VAR/laˈβaɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'lavar' when cleaning inanimate objects or specific body parts that are not part of a full bath, like hands or hair.
A close-up view of hands washing a dinner plate under running water, creating soapy bubbles.

Examples

Necesito lavar el coche antes del viaje.

I need to wash the car before the trip.

Ella lava la ropa todos los sábados por la mañana.

She washes the clothes every Saturday morning.

Estamos lavando las verduras para la cena.

We are washing the vegetables for dinner.

Using 'Se' for Body Parts

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).

The Difference from 'Limpiar'

'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.

Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun

Mistake: “Yo lavo la cara. (I wash the face [maybe someone else's?])”

Correction: Yo me lavo la cara. (I wash my face.) Remember to use 'me' when the action comes back to you.

bañar

verbA1general
Use 'bañar' when referring to the act of cleaning a whole person or animal, typically involving immersion in water.

Examples

Tengo que bañar al perro porque está muy sucio.

I have to bathe the dog because he is very dirty.

Choosing Between 'Lavar' and 'Bañar'

The most common mistake is using 'lavar' for bathing a person or pet. Remember, 'bañar' specifically refers to the act of bathing someone or an animal, while 'lavar' is for cleaning objects or parts of the body (like washing hands).

Related Translations

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