lavo
/labo/from spelling rules
The Spanish word lavo means 'I wash'.
To specify an object, you place an object pronoun before the verb. For example, instead of saying Lavo la ropa (I wash the clothes), you can say La lavo (I wash them). Similarly, Lavo los platos (I wash the dishes) becomes Los lavo (I wash them). You can also use the phrase Lavo a mano to say 'I wash by hand'.
What does it mean word for word?
The form lavo is derived from the verb lavar, which means to wash.
How does it change in a sentence?
lavo is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb lavar. This verb follows the regular -ar conjugation pattern, which includes the forms lavas (you wash), lava (he/she washes), lavamos (we wash) and lavan (they wash).
How do you pronounce it?
/labo/
Did you know?
- In slang, lavar can sometimes refer to 'whitewashing' or illegally cleaning money, similar to the English term 'money laundering'.
- The verb lavar is a linguistic relative of the English word 'lave', an archaic term meaning to wash or bathe.
- In some Caribbean dialects, people might use the phrase lavar la ropa sucia not just for laundry, but as a warning against airing private family disputes in public.
Examples in context
- Lavo mi ropa todos los díasI wash my clothes every day
- Lavo los platos después de cada comidaI wash the dishes after every meal
- Lavo yo los platos, tú te encargas de secarlosI wash the dishes, you dry them
- Me lavo los dientes después de cada comidaI brush my teeth after every meal
- Yo lavo los platos después de cenar.I wash the dishes after dinner.
- Lavo mi ropa los fines de semana.I wash my clothes on weekends.
- Siempre lavo las frutas antes de comerlas.I always wash the fruit before eating it.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are in the kitchen after dinner.
- JavierTú cocinas y yo lavo todo.You cook and I wash everything.
- SofíaGracias, Javier. Eres muy amable.Thank you, Javier. You are very kind.
- JavierNo hay problema, Sofía.No problem, Sofía.
- SofíaMe voy a descansar un poco.I am going to rest a bit.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
