lavadora
/labaˈdoɾa/feminine
The English phrase washing machine is translated into Spanish as lavadora. It is also spelled lavarropa. Wiktionary also lists lavarropas.
Meaning: machine that washes clothes (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| lavadora | /labaˈdoɾa/ | feminine |
| lavarropas | /labaˈropas/ | Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, feminine, masculine |
| lavarropa | /labaropa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine, masculine, alternative form |
The term refers to a machine that washes clothes.
Which one should you use?
While lavadora is the most common term in Spain and many parts of Latin America, lavarropas is specific to the Southern Cone region.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term lavarropas is used in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. An alternative spelling, lavarropa, is also used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word lavarropas is invariable in gender, which means it can be used as both masculine and feminine depending on the article used.
How do you pronounce it?
/labaˈdoɾa/
Did you know?
- The word lavadora shares the same root as the English word 'lavatory', as both stem from the Latin 'lavare' meaning 'to wash'.
- In Argentina and Uruguay, using lavadora instead of lavarropas can sound overly formal or like a technical manual to locals.
- In Argentina and Uruguay, the term lavarropas functions as a verbal compound where the action of washing is glued directly to the object being washed.
Examples in context
- Mi lavadora se rompió.My washing machine broke.This sentence is useful for describing a broken lavadora.Tatoeba #6022992 by Julian_L, translation #5064561 by Theocracy
- Te echaste la lavadora.You broke the washing machine.This sentence is useful for describing breaking a lavadora.Tatoeba #1393742 by marcelostockle, translation #1394002 by CK
- Se ha roto la lavadora.The washing machine has broken down.This sentence is useful for saying a lavadora has broken down.Tatoeba #1591631 by Shishir, translation #1588697 by Grim_fandango
- Necesito comprar una lavadora nueva.I need to buy a new washing machine.
- El técnico revisó la máquina de lavar.The technician checked the washing machine.
- Decidí comprar una lavaseca para ahorrar espacio.I decided to buy a washer-dryer to save space.
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are in their new apartment looking at appliances.
- Elena¿Es esta la lavadora, Javier?Is this the washing machine, Javier?
- JavierSí, la lavadora está en el lavadero.Yes, the washing machine is in the laundry room.
- ElenaEs una lavadora muy moderna.It is a very modern washing machine.
- JavierMe alegra que te guste.I'm glad you like it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “washing machine” translations and entries lavadora, lavarropas, lavarropa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lavadora, lavarropa, lavarropas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
