Meaning
The task of washing clothes.
Cultural Background
In many Spanish cities, you will see 'tendederos' (clotheslines) outside windows. It is culturally accepted to hang your 'colada' in public view to dry in the sun. In countries like Mexico or Argentina, 'hacer la colada' sounds very European. People prefer 'lavar la ropa'. Using 'colada' might mark you as a tourist or someone who learned Spanish specifically in Spain. The 'lavadero público' (public laundry) was a social hub for women. Even though 'hacer la colada' is now a private task, the language still carries the history of that collective labor.
Use it in Spain
If you are studying in Madrid or Barcelona, this is the most natural phrase to use.
The Silent H
Never pronounce the 'h' in 'hacer'. It is always silent.
Meaning
The task of washing clothes.
Use it in Spain
If you are studying in Madrid or Barcelona, this is the most natural phrase to use.
The Silent H
Never pronounce the 'h' in 'hacer'. It is always silent.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'hacer'.
Hoy yo ______ la colada porque mañana no tengo tiempo.
The subject is 'yo', so the first person singular of 'hacer' is 'hago'.
Which phrase is most common in Spain?
Para lavar la ropa, en España decimos...
'Hacer la colada' is the standard idiomatic expression in Spain.
Match the Spanish phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the items:
These are the standard translations for these household terms.
Fill in the missing word.
A: ¿Qué haces? B: Estoy haciendo la _______.
In the context of 'haciendo la...', 'colada' fits the task of washing clothes.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Household Chores
Laundry
- • Hacer la colada
- • Tender la ropa
- • Planchar
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHoy yo ______ la colada porque mañana no tengo tiempo.
The subject is 'yo', so the first person singular of 'hacer' is 'hago'.
Para lavar la ropa, en España decimos...
'Hacer la colada' is the standard idiomatic expression in Spain.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the standard translations for these household terms.
A: ¿Qué haces? B: Estoy haciendo la _______.
In the context of 'haciendo la...', 'colada' fits the task of washing clothes.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, it is neutral and used in everyday conversation.
It is more natural to say 'hacer la colada' or 'hacer mi ropa'.
'Ropa' is just clothes; 'colada' is the specific batch of clothes being washed.
Related Phrases
Poner la lavadora
similarTo start the washing machine
Tender la ropa
builds onTo hang the clothes to dry
Lavar a mano
specialized formTo wash by hand
