מכונת כביסה
mekhonat kvisa
The English phrase 'washer' (referring to a washing machine) is translated into Hebrew as מכונת כביסה (mekhonat kvisa).
The phrase is used to refer to the household appliance used for washing clothes.
Meaning: flat annulus (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a compound noun where mekhonat means 'machine of' and kvisa means 'washing'.
Which one should you use?
In English, one might use the shorthand 'washer', but in Hebrew, mekhonat kvisa is the standard way to refer to the appliance.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural 'washing machines', use mekhonot kvisa.
How do you pronounce it?
mekhonat kvisa
Did you know?
- Hebrew distinguishes between כביסה for clothes and שטיפה for washing other things like a car or a floor. You would never use מכונת כביסה to describe a machine that washes anything other than fabric.
- The root of כביסה is related to the idea of scrubbing or rubbing. This links the concept of a mechanical 'washer' to the ancient manual labor of scrubbing clothes against a stone.
- If you were to ask for a 'washer' in a hardware store using the phrase מכונת כביסה, the clerk would likely be very confused, as they would expect a massive appliance instead of a small part.
Examples in context
- קנינו מכונת כביסה חדשה.We bought a new washer.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase מכונת כביסה.Tatoeba #2150380 by fekundulo, translation #4779502 by Joseph
Example conversation
Daniel and Agur are discussing household chores.
- דניאל Danielעגור, התחלת להפעיל מכונת כביסה?Agur, hatkhalt lehaf'il makhonat kvisa?Agur, did you start the washing machine?
- עגור Adiלא, אני מחפשת את האבקה.lo, ani mekhapset et ha'avaka.No, I am looking for the powder.
- דניאל Danielהיא נמצאת ליד מכונת הכביסה.hi nimtsat leyad makhonat hakvisa.It is located next to the washing machine.
- עגור Adiמצאתי אותה, תודה דניאל.matsati ota, toda Daniel.I found it, thanks Daniel.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
