Meaning
To clean eating utensils and plates after a meal.
Cultural Background
In Spain, the verb 'fregar' is much more common than 'lavar' for dishes. 'Fregar' literally means to scrub, reflecting a more vigorous cleaning action. Mexicans often use the word 'trastes' instead of 'platos'. 'Trastes' is a more inclusive word that covers pots, pans, and all kitchen utensils. The 'sobremesa' (post-meal conversation) is very important. Washing dishes usually happens only after the long conversation is finished, never while guests are still at the table.
The 'If I cook, you wash' rule
In Spanish, a common phrase is 'El que cocina no lava los platos' (The one who cooks doesn't wash the dishes).
Avoid 'Hacer'
Never use 'hacer' with dishes. It's the most common 'Gringo' mistake!
Meaning
To clean eating utensils and plates after a meal.
The 'If I cook, you wash' rule
In Spanish, a common phrase is 'El que cocina no lava los platos' (The one who cooks doesn't wash the dishes).
Avoid 'Hacer'
Never use 'hacer' with dishes. It's the most common 'Gringo' mistake!
Regional Vocabulary
If you are in Mexico, use 'trastes'. If you are in Spain, use 'fregar'. You will sound much more native.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct way to say 'I wash the dishes'.
Yo _______ los platos.
'Lavo' is the first-person singular present tense of 'lavar'.
Complete the sentence with the correct article.
No me gusta lavar ____ platos.
'Platos' is masculine plural.
Match the region to the phrase variation.
Where would you most likely hear 'Fregar los platos'?
'Fregar' is the standard term for washing dishes in Spain.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Quién lavó los platos? B: Mi hermano los ______ ayer.
The past tense (preterite) is needed for 'ayer'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Kitchen Chores
Cleaning
- • Lavar los platos
- • Secar los platos
- • Limpiar la mesa
Preparing
- • Cocinar
- • Poner la mesa
- • Cortar verduras
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo _______ los platos.
'Lavo' is the first-person singular present tense of 'lavar'.
No me gusta lavar ____ platos.
'Platos' is masculine plural.
Where would you most likely hear 'Fregar los platos'?
'Fregar' is the standard term for washing dishes in Spain.
A: ¿Quién lavó los platos? B: Mi hermano los ______ ayer.
The past tense (preterite) is needed for 'ayer'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsUsually 'lavar los platos' because you are referring to the specific dishes from the meal you just ate.
Yes, but usually you say 'poner el lavaplatos' (to start the dishwasher).
They are called 'el lavaplatos' (the dishwasher) or 'el fregaplatos'.
No, in Spain it is the standard neutral term. In some parts of Latin America, it can mean 'to annoy', so be careful!
Once the context is established, you can just say 'Voy a lavar' or 'Voy a fregar'.
You say 'Ya los lavé'.
Related Phrases
Secar los platos
builds onTo dry the dishes
Poner la mesa
contrastTo set the table
Quitar la mesa
similarTo clear the table
