enjuagar
/enxwaˈɡaɾ/
To rinse in Spanish is enjuagar.
The verb enjuagar is used specifically to describe the action of removing soap or residue from something by using water. It is distinct from the verb lavar, which means to wash something by applying soap or a cleaning agent.
Meaning: to remove soap from something using water (verb)
Which one should you use?
While enjuagar focuses on the removal of soap or residue, lavar is used for the actual process of washing or cleaning with soap.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American countries, the term enjuague bucal is used to refer to a mouth rinse.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are rinsing a part of your own body, such as your mouth or hair, you use the reflexive form enjuagarse. The third-person singular past tense form (preterite) is enjuagó, and the present participle or gerund is enjuagando.
How do you pronounce it?
/enxwaˈɡaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word enjuagar is a direct relative of the English word 'aqua'. It comes from the Vulgar Latin verb *exaquāre*, which literally means to move 'water' 'out'.
- The term enjuague can refer to both a mouthwash and the final rinse cycle of a washing machine.
- While enjuagarse is used for rinsing the mouth, the phrase hacer gárgaras is used specifically for the act of gargling.
Examples in context
- No puedo enjuagar los platos. No hay agua.I cannot rinse the dishes. There is no water.This sentence shows how to use enjuagar in the context of dishes and water availability.Tatoeba #1687330 by hayastan, translation #1687102 by Amastan
- Después de cepillarte los dientes tienes que enjuagarte la boca.You have to rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth.This sentence demonstrates the reflexive use of the verb for rinsing one's mouth after brushing teeth.Tatoeba #7865535 by Seael, translation #8972841 by Nylez
- Necesito enjuagarme la boca.I need to rinse my mouth.This sentence provides a simple example of the reflexive form for needing to rinse one's mouth.Tatoeba #436902 by lukaszpp, translation #436901 by lukaszpp
- Por favor, enjuague las frutas antes de comerlas.Please rinse the fruits before eating them.
- No se olviden de enjuagarse después de aplicar el champú.Don't forget to rinse after applying the shampoo.
- Pásame el enjuague bucal, por favor.Pass me the mouth rinse, please.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are washing dishes together in the kitchen.
- ElenaJavier, ¿puedes enjuagar este vaso, por favor?Javier, can you rinse this glass, please?
- JavierSí, dame el vaso y lo hago ahora.Yes, give me the glass and I'll do it now.
- ElenaGracias, recuerda enjuagarlo bien con agua fría.Thanks, remember to rinse it well with cold water.
- JavierNo te preocupes, Elena, yo lo haré.Don't worry, Elena, I'll do it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry enjuagar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries enjuagar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
