toallitas para secadora
/toaʝitas paɾa sekadoɾa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "dryer sheets" is translated into Spanish as toallitas para secadora.
toallitas para secadora refers to disposable fabric sheets placed in a clothes dryer to reduce static cling and soften fabrics.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of toallitas (the diminutive of toallas, meaning little towels), para (for) and secadora (dryer).
Which one should you use?
You can use hojas para secadora as an alternative way to say "dryer sheets", replacing the diminutive "little towels" with hojas (sheets).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term used is sábanas suavizantes. In Spain, you may use either papel suavizante or toallitas suavizantes.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a single dryer sheet, use the singular form toallita para secadora.
How do you pronounce it?
/toaʝitas paɾa sekadoɾa/
Did you know?
- The word secadora comes from the Latin siccus, meaning 'dry'. This is the same root that gives English the word 'desiccate'.
- In Spanish, the word toallita can refer to anything from a dryer sheet to a baby wipe or a facial cleanser. The specific use of para secadora is necessary to distinguish it from hygiene products.
- The term suavizante used in several forms of this phrase refers to any 'softener'. In Spanish, this one word covers both the liquid poured into the machine and the disposable sheets.
Examples in context
- ¿Sabes dónde puedo comprar hojitas para la secadora? Me han recomendado que las pruebe.Do you know where I can buy dryer sheets? I've been recommended to give them a try.
- Necesito comprar toallitas para secadora.I need to buy dryer sheets.
- ¿Dónde están las toallitas para secadora?Where are the dryer sheets?
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are at the supermarket.
- Sofía¿Viste las toallitas para secadora en la lista?Did you see the dryer sheets on the list?
- AlejandroNo, pero las buscaré en el pasillo de limpieza.No, but I will look for them in the cleaning aisle.
- SofíaGracias, Alejandro, las necesitamos para la ropa.Thanks, Alejandro, we need them for the clothes.
- AlejandroDe nada, Sofía, las encontraré pronto.You're welcome, Sofía, I'll find them soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries para, secadora, CC BY-SA 4.0.
