lavabo
/laˈbabo/
The Spanish phrase for bathroom sink is lavabo.
The term lavabo refers specifically to a fixed basin equipped with a faucet used for washing one's hands and face in a bathroom.
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between different types of sinks. Use lavabo specifically for a bathroom sink, whereas fregadero is used for a kitchen sink. You may also use lavamanos as a common alternative when referring to a sink intended specifically for washing hands.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of lavabo is lavabos.
How do you pronounce it?
/laˈbabo/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word lavabo is the first person future form of the Latin verb 'to wash', literally meaning 'I shall wash'.
- The term lavabo historically relates to the ritual washing of hands performed by priests during a Catholic Mass.
- While lavabo is the standard term in Spain, many Latin American countries prefer lavamanos for the bathroom sink.
Examples in context
- El lavabo está en el baño.The bathroom sink is in the bathroom.
- El lavamanos se encuentra en el cuarto de baño.The bathroom sink
- El lavabo está muy limpio.The bathroom sink is very clean.
- Hay que arreglar el lavabo.The sink needs to be fixed.
Example conversation
María and Javier are cleaning the house together.
- MaríaJavier, ¿puedes limpiar el lavabo?Javier, can you clean the bathroom sink?
- JavierSí, ahora mismo lo hago.Yes, I'll do it right now.
- MaríaUsa el spray azul para el lavabo.Use the blue spray for the bathroom sink.
- JavierEstá bien, María.All right, María.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lavabo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lavabo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
