洗濯
Laundry is the clothes and linens that need to be washed or that have just been washed.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! Laundry is about washing your clothes. You put dirty clothes in the washing machine. Then they become clean! Laundry is the clothes that need washing or are clean. Like shirts, socks, and pants. We do laundry to keep our clothes nice and fresh. It's a job we do at home. Sometimes, we send our laundry to a special shop to be washed.
Laundry is the word for clothes and other things made of cloth, like bed sheets, that you need to wash. When you wash them, you are 'doing the laundry.' This usually involves a washing machine and soap. After washing, you dry them, maybe in a dryer or outside on a line. So, laundry can be the dirty clothes waiting to be washed, or the clean clothes after washing. For example, 'My laundry basket is full!' means I have many dirty clothes to wash.
Laundry refers to clothes and other textiles that need to be washed or have been washed. The act of washing these items is also called 'doing the laundry.' This is a common household chore. People often separate laundry by color (whites, darks) or fabric type to prevent damage. You might hear about 'laundry services' at hotels or for professional cleaning. It's important to know the difference between 'dirty laundry' (items to be washed) and 'clean laundry' (items that are washed and ready to be put away).
The term laundry encompasses both the process of washing clothes, linens, and other fabrics, and the items themselves. It's a fundamental aspect of domestic management. Common collocations include 'doing the laundry,' 'laundry room,' and 'laundry detergent.' Native speakers often use 'laundry' to refer to a specific load of washing, such as 'I've got a load of laundry in the machine.' The phrase 'wash one's dirty laundry in public' is an idiom meaning to discuss private, often embarrassing, matters openly.
Laundry, derived from Old French 'lavanderie,' signifies the collective body of clothes and linens requiring laundering, or those that have undergone the cleaning process. The verb phrase 'to do the laundry' implies the entire cycle of washing, drying, and often folding. In a commercial context, 'laundry' can refer to a business establishment or service providing textile cleaning. Figuratively, 'dirty laundry' can represent scandals or private affairs exposed inappropriately. Understanding the nuances of 'laundry' involves recognizing its dual meaning as both the task and the material.
The etymology of laundry traces back to Latin 'lavare' (to wash), evolving through Old French. It functions as both a mass noun (referring to the general activity or the collection of items) and, less commonly, a count noun (referring to specific loads or establishments). Beyond its literal meaning, 'laundry' can carry figurative weight, as seen in the idiom 'to wash one's dirty laundry in public,' highlighting the exposure of private matters. Its usage spans domestic chores to commercial enterprises, reflecting its pervasive role in societal organization and personal hygiene across centuries.
الكلمة في 30 ثانية
- Laundry refers to clothes needing washing or that have been washed.
- It also means the task or process of washing clothes.
- Common phrases include 'do the laundry', 'dirty laundry', and 'laundry room'.
- Pronounced 'LAHN-dree' with stress on the first syllable.
Hey there! Let's talk about laundry. It's a word we use all the time, right? Basically, laundry is all about washing clothes and other fabric things like sheets and towels. Think of it as giving your clothes a spa day!
When we say 'doing the laundry,' we mean the whole process: sorting, washing, drying, and sometimes folding. But 'laundry' can also mean the clothes themselves – the dirty pile waiting for the machine, or the clean stack ready to be put away. It's a super common word because everyone has to deal with it!
The word laundry comes to us all the way from Old French, where it was 'lavanderie,' meaning 'a place to wash.' This, in turn, comes from the Latin word 'lavare,' which means 'to wash.' So, you can see the connection!
Historically, washing clothes was a huge chore, often done by hand in rivers or at communal wash houses. The development of washing machines and detergents in the 19th and 20th centuries revolutionized laundry day, making it much easier. The term 'laundry' stuck, encompassing both the process and the items being washed.
Interestingly, in some older contexts, 'laundry' could also refer to the person who did the washing, much like 'bakery' refers to a place where bread is baked. But today, it's mostly about the clothes and the job!
You'll hear laundry used in everyday conversations all the time. We often talk about 'doing the laundry,' which means performing the task of washing clothes. For example, 'I need to do the laundry this weekend.' We also refer to the clothes themselves as laundry, like 'Put your dirty laundry in the hamper.'
You might also hear phrases like 'laundry room,' which is the place where you do your washing, or 'laundry service,' which is when someone else washes your clothes for you. When talking about clothes, 'laundry' is usually neutral. However, if you're talking about the *task*, saying 'I'm busy with the laundry' sounds more active than just saying 'I have laundry.'
In more formal settings, you might hear 'textile cleaning' or 'garment care,' but 'laundry' is perfectly acceptable in most professional contexts too, especially in the service industry (like a hotel laundry).
While 'laundry' itself isn't packed with idioms, it's part of some common expressions. Here are a few:
- Wash one's dirty laundry in public: This means discussing private or embarrassing matters openly, often in a way that causes shame or scandal. Example: 'They shouldn't have aired their marital problems; it's like washing their dirty laundry in public.'
- Do the laundry: This is the most common phrase, meaning to wash clothes. Example: 'Could you help me do the laundry today?'
- Clean laundry: Refers to clothes that have been washed and are ready to be put away. Example: 'The clean laundry is folded on the bed.'
- Dirty laundry: Refers to clothes that need to be washed. Example: 'Please put your dirty laundry in the basket.'
- Laundry list: This can refer to a long list of items, often tedious or numerous, much like a long list of clothes to wash. Example: 'The project requirements turned out to be a laundry list of impossible tasks.'
The word laundry is a noun. It's generally treated as uncountable, meaning we usually don't say 'laundries' when referring to the clothes themselves or the task. However, if you're talking about different *types* of laundry services or perhaps multiple piles of laundry, you might occasionally hear 'laundries,' but it's rare.
For pronunciation, it's LAHN-dree. The stress is on the first syllable. In British English, it sounds like /ˈlɔːndri/, and in American English, it's very similar, perhaps /ˈlɑːndri/ or /ˈlɔːndri/. It rhymes with words like 'foundry' or 'boundary.' A common mistake is mispronouncing the 'au' sound, but thinking of it like the 'aw' in 'law' helps.
When using articles, we often say 'the laundry' when referring to a specific load or the general task. 'I need to do the laundry.' We don't typically use 'a laundry' unless referring to a specific place, like 'a local laundry service.'
Fun Fact
The word 'laundry' originally referred to the place where washing was done, not just the clothes themselves.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'LAWN-dree', with the 'aw' sound as in 'law' and the 'dree' like in 'dream'.
Sounds like 'LAHN-dree', similar to UK but the 'ah' sound might be more prominent, like in 'father'.
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing the vowel sound (e.g., saying 'lend-ry').
- Adding an extra syllable or sound.
- Incorrect stress placement (e.g., stressing the second syllable).
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Generally easy to read, common vocabulary.
Straightforward to write, standard grammar.
Easy to pronounce and use in common phrases.
Easy to understand when spoken.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
متقدم
Grammar to Know
Uncountable Nouns
We do 'laundry', not 'laundries'. Compare with 'information' or 'advice'.
Present Continuous Tense
She 'is doing' the laundry right now.
Articles (a/an, the)
Use 'the laundry' for a specific load. Avoid 'a laundry' for clothes.
Examples by Level
I need to wash my laundry.
I need to wash my clothes.
'my' shows possession.
The laundry is dirty.
The clothes are dirty.
'is' links the subject to its description.
Mom is doing laundry.
Mom is washing clothes.
Present continuous tense 'is doing'.
Where is the laundry basket?
Where is the clothes basket?
'Where' asks for a location.
This shirt is clean laundry.
This shirt is clean clothes.
'clean' describes the laundry.
Let's do laundry now.
Let's wash clothes now.
'Let's' is short for 'Let us'.
My laundry smells good.
My clothes smell good.
'smells good' describes the scent.
Put the laundry here.
Put the clothes here.
'here' indicates a place.
I have a lot of laundry to do this weekend.
I have many clothes to wash this weekend.
'a lot of' means 'many'.
Could you sort the laundry before washing?
Could you separate the clothes before washing?
Imperative mood 'sort' used politely.
The laundry room is small but functional.
The room for washing clothes is small but useful.
'but' connects contrasting ideas.
Make sure to check pockets before putting laundry in the machine.
Check pockets before putting clothes in the machine.
Imperative mood 'Make sure' gives advice.
We use a special detergent for colored laundry.
We use special soap for colored clothes.
'colored' describes the type of laundry.
The hotel offers a laundry service for guests.
The hotel provides a washing service for visitors.
'offers' means provides.
After drying, fold the laundry neatly.
After drying, fold the clothes tidily.
Sequence indicated by 'After'.
Don't mix the white laundry with the dark colors.
Don't mix white clothes with dark colors.
'Don't' is a negative command.
I usually do the laundry on Saturdays to get it out of the way for the week.
I typically wash clothes on Saturdays to finish the task for the week.
'to get it out of the way' means to complete a task.
Could you please hang the wet laundry outside to dry?
Could you please put the wet clothes outside to dry?
'Could you please' is a polite request.
The sheer volume of laundry generated by a large family can be overwhelming.
The large amount of laundry produced by a big family can be difficult to manage.
'sheer volume' emphasizes the large quantity.
Many people prefer professional laundry services for delicate items.
Many people like professional laundry services for fragile items more.
'delicate items' refers to fragile fabrics.
He learned the hard way not to overload the washing machine; it ruined the laundry.
He discovered through experience not to put too many clothes in the washing machine; it damaged the clothes.
'learned the hard way' means to learn from a negative experience.
The smell of freshly dried laundry is one of life's simple pleasures.
The scent of newly dried clothes is one of life's simple enjoyments.
'simple pleasures' refers to small, enjoyable things.
We need to separate the dark laundry from the light-colored items before washing.
We must divide the dark clothes from the light-colored items before washing.
'separate' means to divide.
The laundromat down the street has new, efficient machines for all your laundry needs.
The self-service laundry place nearby has new, effective machines for all your washing requirements.
'laundromat' is a place with coin-operated washing machines.
The constant cycle of laundry is perhaps the most time-consuming domestic chore.
The continuous process of washing clothes is possibly the most lengthy household task.
'constant cycle' implies repetition; 'domestic chore' refers to housework.
She decided to outsource the laundry, freeing up her weekends for more enjoyable activities.
She chose to have the laundry done by others, giving her more free time on weekends for pleasant activities.
'outsource' means to get services from an outside provider.
In many cultures, the task of laundry was traditionally the responsibility of women.
In numerous cultures, the job of washing clothes was historically the duty of women.
'traditionally' suggests a long-standing custom; 'responsibility' implies duty.
The idiom 'to wash one's dirty laundry in public' warns against airing private grievances inappropriately.
The expression 'to wash one's dirty laundry in public' advises against discussing personal complaints publicly in a bad way.
'idiom' refers to a figurative expression; 'grievances' are complaints.
Modern detergents have significantly reduced the effort required for laundry.
Contemporary cleaning agents have greatly lessened the work needed for washing clothes.
'significantly reduced' means made much smaller; 'detergent' is washing powder/liquid.
He was meticulous about separating his laundry, ensuring whites never mixed with colors.
He was very careful about dividing his clothes, making sure white items never mixed with colored ones.
'meticulous' means extremely careful and precise.
The sheer volume of laundry generated by a large family can be overwhelming.
The large amount of laundry produced by a big family can be difficult to manage.
'sheer volume' emphasizes the large quantity.
The hotel's premium laundry service includes dry cleaning and express delivery.
The hotel's high-quality laundry service includes dry cleaning and fast delivery.
'premium' suggests high quality and cost.
The advent of automated washing machines has fundamentally altered the domestic landscape, transforming laundry from arduous labor into a relatively simple task.
The arrival of automatic washing machines has completely changed the home environment, changing laundry from difficult work into a fairly easy job.
'advent' means arrival; 'fundamentally altered' means changed completely; 'arduous' means difficult.
While convenient, relying solely on commercial laundry services can be prohibitively expensive for long-term use.
Although practical, depending only on professional laundry services can be too costly for extended periods.
'prohibitively expensive' means too costly to afford; 'solely' means only.
The meticulous sorting of laundry, often ingrained from childhood, reflects a deeper cultural emphasis on order and cleanliness.
The very careful organization of clothes, often learned from a young age, shows a stronger cultural focus on tidiness and hygiene.
'ingrained' means deeply fixed; 'emphasis' means importance.
Figuratively, 'dirty laundry' can refer to scandals or unresolved conflicts that, when exposed, can cause significant social disruption.
In a symbolic sense, 'dirty laundry' can mean scandals or unsettled arguments that, when revealed, can cause major social problems.
'figuratively' means not literally; 'unresolved conflicts' are arguments not settled.
The subtle difference in fabric care instructions for 'laundry' items can mean the difference between longevity and premature wear.
The slight variation in directions for caring for 'laundry' items can determine the difference between lasting a long time and wearing out too soon.
'longevity' means lasting a long time; 'premature wear' means wearing out too early.
Many apartment buildings now feature communal laundry facilities, requiring residents to coordinate usage schedules.
Numerous apartment blocks now have shared laundry rooms, needing inhabitants to organize times for using them.
'communal' means shared by members of a community.
The historical evolution of laundry practices mirrors broader societal changes in technology and gender roles.
The historical development of washing clothes methods reflects wider societal shifts in technology and the roles of men and women.
'mirrors' means reflects; 'societal changes' are shifts in society.
Understanding the precise care required for different types of laundry is crucial for maintaining garment quality.
Knowing the exact care needed for various kinds of clothes is vital for keeping clothes in good condition.
'crucial' means extremely important; 'garment quality' refers to how good the clothes are.
The etymological journey of 'laundry' from Latin 'lavare' to its modern English usage encapsulates a fascinating history of domestic technology and social evolution.
The word study of 'laundry' from Latin 'lavare' to its current English use contains an interesting history of home technology and social development.
'etymological journey' refers to the history of a word; 'encapsulates' means contains.
The pervasive metaphor of 'dirty laundry' in political discourse often serves to deflect attention from substantive issues by focusing on personal scandal.
The widespread comparison of 'dirty laundry' in political talk frequently functions to divert focus from important topics by concentrating on personal disgrace.
'pervasive metaphor' is a widely used figurative comparison; 'deflect attention' means to draw focus away.
Historically, the communal wash house functioned not merely as a place for laundry, but as a vital social nexus for information exchange and community bonding.
In the past, the shared washing place served not just for cleaning clothes, but as an essential social center for sharing news and building community ties.
'nexus' means a connection or focal point; 'vital' means extremely important.
The subtle semantic range of 'laundry,' encompassing the task, the items, and the establishment, allows for nuanced expression in various registers.
The slight range of meanings of 'laundry,' including the job, the items, and the place, permits detailed expression in different styles of language.
'semantic range' refers to the spectrum of meanings; 'registers' are styles of language.
One might argue that the modern obsession with 'perfectly folded laundry' is a sublimation of deeper anxieties about control and order in an increasingly chaotic world.
It could be suggested that the current intense focus on 'perfectly folded laundry' represents a channeling of deeper worries about control and structure in a world becoming more disordered.
'sublimation' is a psychological term for channeling unacceptable impulses; 'anxieties' are worries.
The economic implications of the global laundry services industry are substantial, impacting employment, resource consumption, and technological innovation.
The financial effects of the worldwide laundry services business are significant, influencing jobs, use of resources, and new technological ideas.
'economic implications' refers to financial consequences; 'substantial' means large.
The cultural significance of laundry rituals varies immensely, from pragmatic necessity to symbolic acts of purification and renewal.
The cultural importance of laundry customs differs greatly, ranging from practical needs to symbolic gestures of cleansing and rebirth.
'pragmatic necessity' means practical need; 'purification and renewal' suggests cleansing and starting fresh.
Understanding the historical trajectory of laundry technology—from the washboard to the smart washer—provides a lens through which to view broader technological progress.
Comprehending the historical path of washing clothes technology—from the washboard to the intelligent washing machine—offers a way to examine wider technological advancement.
'trajectory' means path; 'lens' is a way of viewing something.
تلازمات شائعة
Idioms & Expressions
"wash one's dirty laundry in public"
To discuss private or embarrassing matters openly, often causing scandal.
They shouldn't have argued about their finances in front of everyone; it was like washing their dirty laundry in public.
neutral/informal"do the laundry"
To wash clothes and other fabric items.
I'll do the laundry on Sunday morning.
neutral/casual"laundry list"
A long, often tedious or extensive list of items.
The list of tasks for the project was a mile long – a real laundry list.
neutral/informal"clean laundry"
Clothes that have been washed and are ready to be put away.
The clean laundry is piled on the bed waiting to be folded.
neutral"dirty laundry"
Clothes that need to be washed.
Please put all your dirty laundry into the hamper.
neutral"air one's dirty laundry"
Similar to 'wash one's dirty laundry in public'; to reveal private and potentially embarrassing information.
He tends to air his dirty laundry whenever he feels slighted.
neutral/informalعائلة الكلمة
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
مرتبط
How to Use It
أخطاء شائعة
'Laundry' is typically treated as an uncountable noun. We refer to 'the laundry' or 'some laundry,' not 'laundries.'
While 'do the laundry' is common, 'launder' is the specific verb. 'The company launders uniforms' is more formal than 'The company washes uniforms.'
The primary stress falls on the first syllable. Incorrect stress can make the word difficult to understand.
While 'laundry' is uncountable, we use quantifiers like 'load,' 'batch,' or 'pile' to refer to specific amounts.
The term covers the entire process and state of clothes related to washing.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'LAWN' (like grass) and 'DREE' (like needing to be free from dirt). Your lawn clothes need washing!
Visual Association
Imagine a huge pile of clothes shaped like a grassy lawn, all needing a wash.
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Try saying 'laundry, laundry, laundry' five times fast while pretending to fold clothes.
أصل الكلمة
Old French
Original meaning: Place to wash
السياق الثقافي
Generally no cultural sensitivity, though in some cultures, the burden of laundry historically fell disproportionately on women.
Laundry is a universal chore in English-speaking countries. The 'laundry room' is a common feature in homes. 'Laundry day' is often a set day of the week. The idiom 'washing dirty laundry' is widely understood.
اختبر نفسك
Please put your dirty ______ in the basket.
'Laundry' refers to dirty clothes that need washing.
What does 'doing the laundry' mean?
'Doing the laundry' is the common phrase for washing clothes.
You can say 'I have three laundries to do today.'
Typically, 'laundry' is uncountable. You would say 'I have three loads/batches of laundry to do today.'
Word
المعنى
These are common combinations of words related to laundry.
The correct sentence is 'Hang the laundry to dry.'
The hotel offers a convenient ______ service for guests.
'Laundry service' refers to having clothes washed by the hotel.
Which phrase means discussing private matters publicly?
The idiom 'wash dirty laundry in public' means to reveal private or embarrassing information.
The verb 'to launder' is primarily used for washing household clothes.
'To launder' is often used for professional washing of clothes or, figuratively, for making money seem legitimate (money laundering).
The ______ of laundry generated by a large family can be overwhelming.
'Volume' is often used to describe a large quantity of something, especially when it's a continuous process like laundry.
The correct sentence is 'He was meticulous about separating his laundry.'
النتيجة: /10
Summary
Laundry is the essential, everyday task of keeping our clothes clean and fresh.
- Laundry refers to clothes needing washing or that have been washed.
- It also means the task or process of washing clothes.
- Common phrases include 'do the laundry', 'dirty laundry', and 'laundry room'.
- Pronounced 'LAHN-dree' with stress on the first syllable.
مثال
毎日洗濯をします。
Related Content
هذه الكلمة بلغات أخرى
مزيد من كلمات home
上に
B1Above; on top of.
不在
B1Absent; not present. Not in a particular place.
手頃な
B1Affordable, reasonable (price).
お先に
B1Excuse me for going first; said when leaving before others.
仲介
B1Mediation, agency (e.g., real estate).
あっ
B1Ah!; an exclamation of sudden realization or surprise.
エアコン
A2air conditioner
冷暖房
B1Air conditioning and heating system.
風通しの良い
B1Well-ventilated; airy.
～可
A2Suffix meaning "permitted" or "allowed".
