معنی
Personal problems should be kept private and not aired in public.
زمینه فرهنگی
In Spain, the concept of 'el qué dirán' is historically linked to the 'limpieza de sangre' (purity of blood) and religious orthodoxy, where any public stain on one's reputation could have legal or social consequences. Mexican culture places a massive emphasis on the 'matriarch' as the keeper of the home's secrets. A mother might use this phrase to protect her children's reputation even from other family members. In Argentina, while people are generally very open and expressive (often compared to Italians), this proverb is still used in political and sports contexts to demand 'códigos' (unwritten rules of loyalty). Colombian social etiquette often involves 'quedar bien' (looking good/politeness). This proverb supports the idea of maintaining a polite exterior regardless of internal family turmoil.
Use it to be polite
If someone is telling you too much gossip, you can say 'Bueno, ya sabes que la ropa sucia se lava en casa' to politely end the conversation.
Don't use it for actual laundry
If you are at a laundromat, don't use this phrase to explain why you are leaving. People will think you are talking about a family secret!
معنی
Personal problems should be kept private and not aired in public.
Use it to be polite
If someone is telling you too much gossip, you can say 'Bueno, ya sabes que la ropa sucia se lava en casa' to politely end the conversation.
Don't use it for actual laundry
If you are at a laundromat, don't use this phrase to explain why you are leaving. People will think you are talking about a family secret!
The 'Trapos' variation
Using 'trapos sucios' instead of 'ropa sucia' makes the phrase sound a bit more 'juicy' or scandalous.
خودت رو بسنج
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
La ropa ______ se ______ en casa.
The proverb is 'La ropa sucia se lava en casa.'
In which situation would you use this proverb?
Your friend is telling everyone at a party that her parents are getting a divorce.
The proverb is used to advise someone to keep private matters private.
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: '¡No puedo creer que el jefe nos haya mentido! Voy a publicarlo en Twitter ahora mismo.' Speaker B: 'Espera, no hagas eso. ________.'
Speaker B is advising Speaker A to handle the workplace conflict internally rather than publicly.
Which variation of the proverb is also commonly used?
Select the correct alternative form.
'Los trapos sucios se lavan en casa' is a very common variation.
🎉 امتیاز: /4
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
Private vs. Public
بانک تمرین
4 تمرینهاLa ropa ______ se ______ en casa.
The proverb is 'La ropa sucia se lava en casa.'
Your friend is telling everyone at a party that her parents are getting a divorce.
The proverb is used to advise someone to keep private matters private.
Speaker A: '¡No puedo creer que el jefe nos haya mentido! Voy a publicarlo en Twitter ahora mismo.' Speaker B: 'Espera, no hagas eso. ________.'
Speaker B is advising Speaker A to handle the workplace conflict internally rather than publicly.
Select the correct alternative form.
'Los trapos sucios se lavan en casa' is a very common variation.
🎉 امتیاز: /4
سوالات متداول
10 سوالNot necessarily. It depends on the tone. It can be a gentle piece of advice or a firm warning to be quiet.
It's a bit informal for an email. It's better to say 'Este es un asunto interno' (This is an internal matter).
It is the passive 'se'. It means 'is washed'. It's a common way in Spanish to state general rules.
Usually older people, parents, or leaders who want to maintain order and reputation.
No, there is no common proverb about washing clean laundry at home.
Yes, it is universally understood from Spain to Chile.
You can, but the proverb is usually stated as a general truth without 'mi'.
The opposite action is 'sacar los trapos al sol' (to air the dirty laundry).
No. 'Lavado de dinero' is money laundering (illegal). This proverb is about social secrets.
Yes, if a friend is oversharing about their partner, you can use it as a joke or advice.
عبارات مرتبط
Sacar los trapos al sol
contrastTo expose private or shameful matters in public.
En boca cerrada no entran moscas
similarKeep your mouth shut to avoid trouble.
Lo que pasa en Las Vegas, se queda en Las Vegas
similarWhat happens in a specific context should stay there.
No hay que airear las vergüenzas
synonymOne should not air out shames.
