Inklingo

How to Say "washer" in Spanish

English → Spanish

lavadora

/la-ba-DOH-ra//laβaˈðoɾa/

nounA1informal household term
Use 'lavadora' when referring to the machine that washes clothes in a home or laundry facility.
A modern white washing machine with a circular glass door standing in a bright room.

Examples

Puse la ropa sucia en la lavadora.

I put the dirty clothes in the washing machine.

Esta lavadora es muy ruidosa cuando centrifuga.

This washing machine is very noisy when it spins.

Si la lavadora se rompe, tendremos que lavar la ropa a mano.

If the washing machine breaks, we will have to wash the clothes by hand.

Always Feminine

Even though it refers to a machine, this word is always feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it.

The '-dora' Suffix

The ending '-dora' is often used in Spanish to name machines that perform a specific action (from 'lavar', to wash).

Using the wrong verb

Mistake: “Hacer la lavadora.”

Correction: Say 'Poner la lavadora'. While English speakers 'do' laundry, Spanish speakers 'put' or 'set' the machine.

zapatilla

/sah-pah-tee-yah//sapaˈtiʝa/

nounB2mechanical/plumbing term
Use 'zapatilla' when referring to a small, typically rubber, ring or seal used in plumbing or mechanics to prevent leaks.
A pair of pink satin ballet slippers with long ribbons.

Examples

Se necesita una nueva zapatilla para arreglar la fuga.

A new washer is needed to fix the leak.

La bailarina compró zapatillas de punta nuevas.

The ballerina bought new pointe shoes.

El grifo gotea; creo que hay que cambiar la zapatilla.

The faucet is leaking; I think the washer needs to be replaced.

Metaphorical Extension

In plumbing, the word is used because the small rubber disk 'clothes' or fits onto the valve, much like a tiny shoe.

Appliance vs. Small Part

The most common mistake is using 'lavadora' when you actually mean a small mechanical 'washer' (like a rubber ring). Remember that 'lavadora' is exclusively for the clothes washing machine.

Related Translations

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