Meaning
Cleaning kitchenware.
Cultural Background
Washing dishes by hand is still seen as a moment for deep conversation in many families, despite the prevalence of dishwashers. In the past, wooden dishes were washed with sand or special herbs to maintain their quality. The 'dishwasher' (indaplovė) is now a standard wedding gift, symbolizing the transition to modern domestic life. It is considered slightly rude for a guest to actually start washing dishes without a very strong insistence, but the offer must be made.
Use Prefixes
Use 'suplauti' when you want to sound like you've finished the whole job. It sounds more natural to native ears.
The Skalbti Trap
Never say 'skalbti indus'. It's the #1 mistake for English speakers. Think: Skalbti = Socks, Plauti = Plates.
Meaning
Cleaning kitchenware.
Use Prefixes
Use 'suplauti' when you want to sound like you've finished the whole job. It sounds more natural to native ears.
The Skalbti Trap
Never say 'skalbti indus'. It's the #1 mistake for English speakers. Think: Skalbti = Socks, Plauti = Plates.
The Guest Rule
Always offer to help wash dishes at a Lithuanian's house, but don't be surprised if they refuse three times.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'plauti' in the present tense.
Aš dabar _______ indus.
'Dabar' (now) requires the present tense first-person singular form.
Which word is used for washing dishes?
Reikia _______ indus.
'Plauti' is the specific verb for washing with water, used for dishes.
Match the tense with the correct phrase.
Match the following:
Understanding the time markers is key for A2 level.
Complete the dialogue with the correct word.
Svečias: Ar galiu padėti _______ indus? Šeimininkas: Ne, ačiū!
In a social context, guests offer to help wash dishes.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
What to 'Plauti' vs What to 'Skalbti'
Plauti (Hard)
- • Indai
- • Automobilis
- • Grindys
Skalbti (Soft)
- • Marškiniai
- • Rankšluosčiai
- • Patalynė
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAš dabar _______ indus.
'Dabar' (now) requires the present tense first-person singular form.
Reikia _______ indus.
'Plauti' is the specific verb for washing with water, used for dishes.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Understanding the time markers is key for A2 level.
Svečias: Ar galiu padėti _______ indus? Šeimininkas: Ne, ačiū!
In a social context, guests offer to help wash dishes.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, 'mazgoti' is an older or more regional synonym, but 'plauti' is much more common in modern standard Lithuanian.
The word is 'indaplovė'. It's a combination of 'indas' and 'plauti'.
'Plauti indus' is the general phrase for all kitchenware. 'Plauti lėkštes' specifically means washing plates.
The accusative case (indus) for positive sentences, and the genitive case (indų) for negative sentences (e.g., 'Aš neplaunu indų').
Related Phrases
šluostyti indus
builds onto dry the dishes
krauti indaplovę
specialized formto load the dishwasher
nešvarūs indai
similardirty dishes
švarūs indai
contrastclean dishes
