me lavo la cara
/me labo la kaɾa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I wash my face" is translated into Spanish as me lavo la cara.
This phrase is used to state that you are cleaning your face using water and soap. You may occasionally encounter the diminutive carita to mean "little face".
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, instead of using a possessive adjective like "my" (mi), you use the definite article la in the phrase la cara because the reflexive pronoun me already indicates that the face belongs to the subject.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say lavo mi cara by translating "my" literally. Instead, use the definite article la with reflexive verbs as seen in me lavo la cara.
Did you know?
- The word cara in Spanish can also mean 'expensive' when used as an adjective, creating a humorous pun if someone were to say they are 'washing an expensive face'.
- The word cara comes from the Ancient Greek kára, which originally referred to the entire 'head' rather than just the 'face'.
- Using the diminutive carita to refer to your face can change the tone of the sentence. It can make the phrase sound quite affectionate or, conversely, condescending and patronizing.
Examples in context
- Me lavo la cara cada mañana.I wash my face every morning.This sentence is useful for describing a daily morning routine using me lavo la cara.Tatoeba #1427866 by Shishir, translation #261837 by CK
- Cada noche, antes de acostarme, lavo mi rostro con un limpiador facial.Every night, before going to bed, I wash my face with a facial cleanser.
- Antes de salir de casa, siempre me lavo la cara.Before leaving the house, I always wash my face.
- Me lavo la cara con agua fría.I wash my face with cold water.
- Primero me lavo la cara y luego desayuno.First I wash my face and then I eat breakfast.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are getting ready for the day.
- JavierYa estoy listo, ya me lavo la cara.I am ready now, I am washing my face.
- LucíaYo también voy al baño ahora.I am going to the bathroom now too.
- JavierEstá bien, Lucía. Te espero afuera.That is fine, Lucía. I will wait for you outside.
- LucíaGracias, Javier. No tardo nada.Thanks, Javier. I will be very quick.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cara, la, me, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
