How to Say "wash" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “wash” is “lava” — use 'lava' when giving a command to 'you' (singular, informal) to perform the action of washing, or when referring to the third-person singular present tense of the verb 'lavar' (to wash)..
lava
/lah-bah//ˈla.βa/
Examples
¡Lava tus manos antes de comer!
Wash your hands before eating!
Él lava los platos todas las noches.
He washes the dishes every night.
Two Meanings for 'Lava'
The word 'lava' can mean 'he/she washes' or it can be a command like 'Wash the car!'.
Reflexive Use
Mistake: “Saying 'Yo lavo' when you mean 'I wash myself'.”
Correction: If you are washing yourself, you need to add 'me': 'Me lavo'. Use 'lava' alone for objects, like 'Ella lava el perro'.
lavado
lah-VAH-doh/laˈβa.ðo/
Examples
El lavado de ropa se hace los domingos.
The washing of clothes is done on Sundays.
El lavado de manos es vital para la salud.
Hand washing is vital for health.
El coche necesita un buen lavado.
The car needs a good wash.
The Noun Form
When 'lavado' is a noun, it always refers to the action or process of washing, not the object being washed. It is always masculine: 'el lavado'.
baño
Examples
El anillo tiene un baño de oro.
The ring has a gold plating.
Action vs. Coating
Related Translations
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