lavatrice e asciugatrice
The English phrase "washer and dryer" is translated into Italian as lavatrice e asciugatrice.
This phrase is used to refer to the two separate machines used for washing and drying clothes.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the nouns lavatrice (washing machine) and asciugatrice (dryer) joined by the conjunction e (and).
Which one should you use?
While lavatrice e asciugatrice refers to two distinct appliances, if you are referring to a single machine that performs both functions, use the compound term lavatrice-asciugatrice.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase lavatrice e asciugatrice, both nouns are feminine singular nouns, which is the standard way to refer to these specific appliances in Italian.
Did you know?
- The word lavatrice is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'lavatory'. Both derive from the Latin 'lavare', meaning 'to wash'.
- While an asciugatrice is a common appliance in many countries, you will find that many Italian homes rely on a stendino or stendibiancheria instead. It is culturally very common to air-dry clothes on a folding rack or outdoor line.
- The nouns lavatrice and asciugatrice both use the suffix -trice to denote an agent. This means the words literally translate to 'the female washer' and 'the female dryer'.
Examples in context
- Devo comprare una lavatrice e un'asciugatrice nuove.I need to buy a new washer and a new dryer.
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are discussing the appliances in their new home.
- MartinaMatteo, abbiamo già la lavatrice e asciugatrice?Matteo, do we already have the washer and dryer?
- MatteoSì, sono arrivate stamattina.Yes, they arrived this morning.
- MartinaDove le hanno installate?Where did they install them?
- MatteoSono nella lavanderia.They are in the laundry room.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries asciugatrice, e, lavatrice, CC BY-SA 4.0.
