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Máquina de lavar

A1 noun #4,000 most common 11 min read

Máquina de lavar

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips Máquina de lavar in 30 Seconds

Explanation Máquina de lavar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you need to know the basic name of the appliance and how to say you have one or use one. 'Máquina de lavar' is a key vocabulary word for describing your home. You should be able to identify it in a picture and understand simple sentences like 'A máquina está na cozinha' (The machine is in the kitchen). Focus on the gender (feminine: 'a máquina') and the basic verb 'lavar' (to wash). You will use this word when talking about your daily routine or describing your apartment to a friend. It is one of the first 'house' words you learn because it is so essential for survival. Practice saying 'Eu tenho uma máquina de lavar' and 'A máquina de lavar é branca.' At this stage, don't worry about technical terms like 'centrifugation'; just focus on the object itself and its location in the house.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'máquina de lavar' with more verbs and in different tenses. You might describe your weekend chores: 'No sábado, eu usei a máquina de lavar três vezes.' You should also be able to ask for help or give simple instructions: 'Pode colocar a roupa na máquina?' You will encounter the word in more varied contexts, such as rental advertisements ('Apartamento com máquina de lavar'). You should also learn the word for detergent ('sabão em pó' or 'detergente') to use alongside the machine. At this level, you can start to distinguish between the machine for clothes and the one for dishes ('máquina de lavar louça'). Understanding basic problems is also useful: 'A máquina de lavar não está funcionando' (The washing machine is not working). This allows you to handle basic domestic situations in a Portuguese-speaking environment.

By B1, you can discuss the 'máquina de lavar' in more detail, including its features and common problems. You might need to call a technician and describe a fault: 'A máquina de lavar está vazando água' (The washing machine is leaking water) or 'O tambor da máquina não gira' (The drum of the machine doesn't spin). You can compare different models: 'Esta máquina é mais econômica que a minha antiga.' You are also comfortable using the word in the future tense: 'Vou comprar uma máquina de lavar nova no próximo mês.' You should know the names of the cycles, like 'ciclo rápido' or 'enxágue'. At this level, you can read product reviews or manuals in Portuguese to understand how to operate the machine or which one has the best energy rating. You might also use the word in social contexts, discussing how you manage your time and household tasks.

At the B2 level, you can use 'máquina de lavar' in broader discussions about lifestyle, technology, and the environment. You might debate the merits of different types of machines (front-loading vs. top-loading) or the environmental impact of water and electricity usage. 'As máquinas de lavar modernas são projetadas para serem sustentáveis.' You can understand more complex instructions and technical specifications. You might also encounter the word in news articles or blogs about home organization and efficiency. You can use the word in hypothetical situations: 'Se eu tivesse uma máquina de lavar melhor, não perderia tanto tempo lavando roupa.' Your vocabulary should include related terms like 'eficiência energética', 'capacidade de carga', and 'amaciante' (fabric softener). You can also handle more complex social interactions, such as negotiating a repair price or discussing appliance warranties.

At the C1 level, the 'máquina de lavar' can be a subject of socio-cultural analysis or professional discussion. You might read or talk about the impact of the washing machine on the liberation of women from domestic labor in the 20th century. You can understand nuanced humor or metaphors involving the machine. Your technical vocabulary is precise; you can discuss the mechanics of the appliance or its place in the 'Internet of Things' (IoT). 'Com a automação residencial, agora é possível controlar a máquina de lavar pelo celular.' You can follow complex documentaries or podcasts that mention the appliance in the context of economic development or history. You are also aware of regional linguistic variations across the Lusophone world, such as the preference for 'lavadora' in certain Brazilian commercial contexts versus 'máquina de lavar' in Portugal.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the term and can use it in any context, from literary metaphors to high-level technical engineering. You might encounter the 'máquina de lavar' in a poem or a novel where it symbolizes the repetitive nature of life or the cleansing of the soul. You can participate in high-level academic discussions about domestic technology or consumer behavior. You understand the most obscure technical terms and can read complex legal documents related to the appliance industry, such as safety regulations or trade agreements. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker's, including the use of subtle idioms and regionalisms. You can effortlessly switch between formal technical language and informal slang or domestic jargon. The 'máquina de lavar' is no longer just a vocabulary word, but a concept you can manipulate with full linguistic flexibility.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

Máquina de lavar in 30 Seconds

A feminine compound noun meaning 'washing machine', used primarily for clothes laundry in domestic settings across the entire Portuguese-speaking world.
Essential vocabulary for home descriptions, daily routines, and appliance shopping, often shortened to just 'máquina' in informal everyday conversations.
Formed by the noun 'máquina' (machine) + 'de' (of) + 'lavar' (to wash), requiring feminine agreement for all associated adjectives.
Key related terms include 'lavadora' (more formal), 'tanquinho' (semi-automatic), and 'máquina de lavar louça' (for dishes), which must be distinguished clearly.

The term máquina de lavar is a fundamental compound noun in the Portuguese language, literally translating to 'machine of washing' or 'washing machine.' In everyday Lusophone life, whether in the bustling apartments of São Paulo or the historic neighborhoods of Lisbon, this appliance is the cornerstone of domestic maintenance. It refers specifically to the automated device used to clean textiles, such as clothing, towels, and bedsheets. While the full term is máquina de lavar roupa, most native speakers simply drop the word roupa (clothes) because the context of laundry is usually implied. However, it is important to distinguish it from its kitchen cousin, the máquina de lavar louça (dishwasher).

Grammatical Gender: The word máquina is feminine, meaning you must always use feminine articles and adjectives: a máquina, esta máquina, or uma máquina nova.

Preciso comprar uma máquina de lavar nova porque a antiga parou de funcionar.

Example: Buying a new washing machine.

Historically, the introduction of the máquina de lavar represented a massive shift in the domestic landscape of Portuguese-speaking countries. Before its ubiquity, laundry was a grueling manual task often performed at public washhouses (lavadouros públicos) or in large stone basins at home. Today, the machine is ubiquitous, though in Brazil, you might also encounter the tanquinho, a simpler, semi-automatic version of the washing machine that is more affordable and common in many households. Understanding the difference between a fully automatic máquina and a tanquinho is a key cultural nuance for any learner.

Regional Variation: In Brazil, the formal term used in stores is often lavadora de roupas, whereas in Portugal, máquina de lavar roupa remains the standard designation for both formal and informal settings.

A máquina de lavar está fazendo um barulho muito estranho hoje.

People use this word when discussing household chores, shopping for appliances, or complaining about technical failures. In the context of an apartment rental, it is one of the most sought-after amenities. You will find it in real estate listings under 'comodidades' or 'eletrodomésticos.' It is also a central term in discussions about sustainability and energy consumption, as modern máquinas are rated by their efficiency (procel in Brazil, energy labels in the EU).

Technical Parts: When talking about the machine, you might mention the tambor (drum), the dispenser (detergent drawer), or the painel digital (digital panel).

Não coloque muita roupa na máquina de lavar, senão ela não limpa direito.

Using máquina de lavar correctly involves mastering its relationship with common verbs and prepositions. Because it is an object that 'does' something and also an object 'on' which we act, it appears in various syntactic roles. The most common verb paired with it is por or colocar (to put). You 'put clothes in the machine' (colocar a roupa na máquina). Notice the use of the contraction na (em + a), indicating location inside the device.

Common Verbs: - Ligar: To turn on.
- Desligar: To turn off.
- Programar: To set the cycle.
- Consertar: To repair.

Você pode ligar a máquina de lavar para mim antes de sair?

Another essential aspect is discussing the cycles of the machine. In Portuguese, the rinse cycle is the enxágue and the spin cycle is the centrifugação. If you are giving instructions to someone, you might say: 'Selecione o ciclo delicado na máquina.' When the machine is finished, we use the verb terminar or acabar. 'A máquina já acabou' is a very frequent phrase in a Portuguese-speaking household, signaling that it is time to hang the clothes to dry (estender a roupa).

In more complex sentences, máquina de lavar can be the subject performing an action, often related to its state of repair. 'A máquina de lavar quebrou' (The washing machine broke) is a classic headache. If you are describing an apartment, you would use it with the verb ter (to have) or haver (there is/are). 'O apartamento tem máquina de lavar' is a vital sentence for travelers and expats alike.

Prepositional Usage: Use na for location (inside): 'A roupa está na máquina.' Use da for possession or origin: 'O barulho da máquina.'

Esqueci as chaves dentro da máquina de lavar!

For advanced learners, using the word in the passive voice or with causative verbs adds depth. 'Mandei consertar a máquina de lavar' (I had the washing machine repaired). Here, the focus is on the action being done to the machine by a third party. You might also hear it in comparative contexts: 'Esta máquina de lavar é mais silenciosa que a outra' (This washing machine is quieter than the other one).

A máquina de lavar economiza muita água se for usada no modo eco.

The máquina de lavar is a staple of everyday conversation in Portuguese-speaking households. You will hear it most frequently in the context of domestic management. In Brazil, it's common for families to have a dedicated área de serviço (service area or laundry room) where the machine is located. In Portugal, particularly in older apartments, the machine is often found in the kitchen, tucked under a counter, or in a small balcony called a marquise.

In the Store: If you go to a store like Casas Bahia (Brazil) or Worten (Portugal), you will hear sales assistants asking: 'Qual a capacidade de carga da máquina de lavar que o senhor procura?'

O técnico veio ver o que há de errado com a máquina de lavar.

Another common place to hear the word is in service-based businesses. While many people have machines at home, lavanderias (laundromats) are becoming increasingly popular in big cities like Luanda, Maputo, or Rio de Janeiro. In these self-service spots, instructions on the wall will frequently use the term: 'Não sobrecarregue a máquina de lavar.' In the service industry, hotel staff might mention the industrial máquinas de lavar used for linens.

In popular culture, the sounds of the máquina de lavar are often used in Brazilian soap operas (novelas) to depict a middle-class domestic setting. It signifies the routine and sometimes the drudgery of daily life. You might also hear it in news reports concerning water shortages, where authorities might advise: 'Evite usar a máquina de lavar durante o dia para economizar água.'

In Real Estate: When viewing a house, a realtor might say: 'Aqui temos a ligação para a máquina de lavar.' (Here we have the connection for the washing machine).

A máquina de lavar desta lavanderia aceita moedas e cartões.

Finally, you will hear it in the context of 'DIY' repairs. Many YouTube channels in Portuguese are dedicated to fixing appliance issues. Titles like 'Como limpar sua máquina de lavar por dentro' (How to clean your washing machine inside) or 'Máquina de lavar não joga água fora' (Washing machine not draining water) are very common and provide great listening practice for learners interested in practical vocabulary.

Minha vizinha sempre usa a máquina de lavar tarde da noite.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is forgetting the preposition de. In English, we say 'washing machine' (adjective + noun), but in Portuguese, we use a noun-phrase structure: máquina de lavar (machine of to wash). Saying 'máquina lavar' or 'lavar máquina' is incorrect and sounds very broken. Always remember that 'de' is the bridge between the device and its function.

Gender Errors: Confusing the gender is another pitfall. Because 'machine' doesn't have a gender in English, learners often say 'o máquina.' Remember: A máquina. All adjectives must agree: 'A máquina está quebrada' (not quebrado).

Errado: O máquina de lavar está cheio.
Correto: A máquina de lavar está cheia.

Another mistake is confusing the máquina de lavar roupa with the máquina de lavar louça. If you tell a technician your 'máquina de lavar' is broken while pointing to the kitchen sink, they might be confused if they specialize only in laundry appliances. In many Portuguese-speaking regions, if you don't specify, people assume you mean the clothes washer, but it's safer to be specific if there's any ambiguity.

Learners also struggle with the pluralization. The plural of máquina de lavar is máquinas de lavar. Only the first word (the noun) changes. You do not pluralize the verb 'lavar.' For example: 'As máquinas de lavar do prédio são novas.' (The washing machines in the building are new). Adding an 's' to 'lavar' is a common morphological error for beginners.

Preposition Confusion: Using 'para' instead of 'de'. While 'máquina para lavar' is grammatically understandable, it is not the standard lexical unit. Stick to de.

Errado: Eu tenho duas máquinas de lavares.
Correto: Eu tenho duas máquinas de lavar.

Finally, watch out for the verb lavar vs limpar. You wash (lavar) clothes with water and soap, but you clean (limpar) the machine itself. If you say 'Vou lavar a máquina,' it might mean you are cleaning the exterior of the appliance, whereas 'Vou lavar a roupa na máquina' means you are using it for its intended purpose.

A máquina de lavar é essencial para o dia a dia.

While máquina de lavar is the most common term, there are several synonyms and related appliances that you should know to navigate a Portuguese-speaking household effectively. The most direct synonym, especially in technical or commercial contexts in Brazil, is lavadora. When you look at a catalog, you will likely see 'Lavadora de Roupas Brastemp' rather than 'Máquina de lavar'.

Máquina vs. Lavadora: Máquina de lavar: The everyday, conversational term used by everyone.
Lavadora: More formal, often used in advertising and technical manuals.

Comprei uma lavadora automática de última geração.

In Brazil, you will often hear the word tanquinho. This is a semi-automatic washing machine, usually top-loading, which doesn't spin-dry (centrifugar) the clothes as effectively as a full máquina. It is a cheaper alternative and is very common in many Brazilian homes. If someone says 'Botei a roupa no tanquinho,' they are using this specific type of appliance. In contrast, a lava e seca is a high-end machine that both washes and dries the clothes in one cycle.

Other Washing Machines: - Máquina de lavar louça: Dishwasher.
- Lava-jato: A high-pressure washer (used for cars or sidewalks).
- Secadora: Clothes dryer.

Não confunda a máquina de lavar roupa com a de louça.

For very small items or delicate fabrics, people might talk about lavar à mão (washing by hand) in a tanque (a laundry sink). The tanque is the physical basin, often made of cement or ceramic, where manual scrubbing happens. This is an important distinction: the máquina is the appliance, the tanquinho is the semi-automatic version, and the tanque is the sink. Knowing these three allows you to navigate any laundry-related situation in a Portuguese-speaking home.

Comparison of Terms

Máquina de lavar: Standard, works for everything.
Lavadora: Technical, formal.
Tanquinho: Simple, manual intervention needed.
Lava e Seca: Modern, dual-function.

A lava e seca é ótima para quem mora em apartamento pequeno.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The first manual washing machines appeared in the 19th century, but the term 'máquina de lavar' only became a household staple in the mid-20th century when electric models became affordable in Portugal and Brazil. In many rural areas of Portugal, people still remember when the 'máquina de lavar' was a luxury only the wealthy had.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈma.ki.nɐ dɨ lɐ.ˈvaɾ/

US /ˈma.ki.nɐ dʒi la.ˈvaʁ/

The primary stress is on the first syllable of 'máquina' (MA-qui-na) and the last syllable of 'lavar' (la-VAR).

Rhymes With

Página (for máquina) Vagina (for máquina - use with caution) Falar (for lavar) Jantar (for lavar) Andar (for lavar) Lugar (for lavar) Pensar (for lavar) Olhar (for lavar)

Common Errors

Stressing the second syllable of máquina (ma-QUI-na).
Pronouncing 'de' as 'day' instead of 'djee' or 'duh'.
Dropping the 'de' entirely.
Pronouncing 'lavar' as 'lava' (like the volcanic rock).
Making the 'i' in máquina too long.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it looks like 'machine' and 'lavatory/lave'.

Writing 2/5

Requires remembering the 'de' and the accent on 'máquina'.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation of 'máquina' stress and the 'de' sound varies by region.

Listening 1/5

Clear and distinct, though often shortened to 'máquina'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Máquina Lavar Roupa Casa Água

Learn Next

Secadora Amaciante Sabão em pó Varal Passar ferro

Advanced

Centrifugação Eletrodoméstico Eficiência energética Manutenção Obsolescência

Grammar to Know

Compound Nouns with 'de'

Máquina de lavar, Máquina de costura, Pão de mel.

Feminine Noun Agreement

A máquina está limpa (not limpo).

Prepositional Contractions

Na máquina (em + a), Da máquina (de + a).

Infinitive as Noun Modifier

Lavar follows 'de' to describe the function.

Pluralizing Compound Nouns

Only the first part changes: Máquinas de lavar.

Examples by Level

A máquina de lavar é branca.

The washing machine is white.

Feminine noun 'máquina' takes the feminine adjective 'branca'.

Eu tenho uma máquina de lavar.

I have a washing machine.

Uses the verb 'ter' (to have) in the first person singular.

Onde está a máquina de lavar?

Where is the washing machine?

Common question structure using 'Onde está'.

A máquina de lavar está na cozinha.

The washing machine is in the kitchen.

Uses 'na' (em + a) for location.

Minha máquina de lavar é pequena.

My washing machine is small.

Possessive 'minha' agrees with the feminine noun 'máquina'.

A máquina de lavar é nova.

The washing machine is new.

Adjective 'nova' matches the feminine noun.

Eu ligo a máquina de lavar.

I turn on the washing machine.

Verb 'ligar' means to turn on or start.

A máquina de lavar lava a roupa.

The washing machine washes the clothes.

The noun 'máquina' and the verb 'lavar' are related but distinct.

Eu coloquei a roupa na máquina de lavar ontem.

I put the clothes in the washing machine yesterday.

Past tense 'coloquei' (colocar) and adverb 'ontem'.

Você pode me ajudar com a máquina de lavar?

Can you help me with the washing machine?

Polite request using 'pode' + infinitive.

A máquina de lavar parou de funcionar.

The washing machine stopped working.

The phrase 'parou de' indicates a cessation of action.

Nós precisamos de uma máquina de lavar melhor.

We need a better washing machine.

Verb 'precisar' requires the preposition 'de'.

A máquina de lavar está muito cheia.

The washing machine is too full.

Adverb 'muito' modifies the adjective 'cheia'.

Vou comprar sabão para a máquina de lavar.

I'm going to buy soap for the washing machine.

Future construction 'vou' + infinitive.

A máquina de lavar faz muito barulho.

The washing machine makes a lot of noise.

Verb 'fazer' used for sounds.

Ela lava a roupa na máquina de lavar toda semana.

She washes the clothes in the washing machine every week.

Present tense indicating a habit.

O técnico disse que a máquina de lavar precisa de um conserto caro.

The technician said the washing machine needs an expensive repair.

Reported speech using 'disse que'.

Esta máquina de lavar tem um ciclo especial para roupas delicadas.

This washing machine has a special cycle for delicate clothes.

Specific vocabulary: 'ciclo' and 'delicadas'.

Eu prefiro a máquina de lavar que abre por cima.

I prefer the washing machine that opens from the top.

Relative clause 'que abre por cima'.

A máquina de lavar já terminou o enxágue?

Has the washing machine finished the rinse yet?

Technical term 'enxágue' (rinse).

Não se esqueça de limpar o filtro da máquina de lavar.

Don't forget to clean the washing machine filter.

Imperative negative 'não se esqueça'.

A máquina de lavar gasta muita energia se você usar água quente.

The washing machine uses a lot of energy if you use hot water.

Conditional 'se' clause.

Minha máquina de lavar antiga durou quase dez anos.

My old washing machine lasted almost ten years.

Verb 'durar' (to last) in the past tense.

Você leu o manual da máquina de lavar antes de usá-la?

Did you read the washing machine manual before using it?

Use of the object pronoun '-la' to refer to 'a máquina'.

As máquinas de lavar atuais são muito mais silenciosas que as de antigamente.

Current washing machines are much quieter than those from the past.

Comparison of superiority 'mais... que'.

A eficiência energética é o fator principal na escolha de uma máquina de lavar.

Energy efficiency is the main factor in choosing a washing machine.

Abstract noun phrase 'eficiência energética'.

Caso a máquina de lavar transborde, desligue-a imediatamente da tomada.

In case the washing machine overflows, unplug it immediately from the socket.

Subjunctive 'transborde' after 'caso'.

Muitas pessoas preferem a máquina de lavar e secar para economizar espaço.

Many people prefer the washer-dryer to save space.

Compound appliance name 'máquina de lavar e secar'.

A garantia da máquina de lavar cobre defeitos de fabricação por dois anos.

The washing machine warranty covers manufacturing defects for two years.

Legal/Commercial vocabulary: 'garantia' and 'defeitos'.

É recomendável não sobrecarregar a máquina de lavar para evitar danos ao motor.

It is recommended not to overload the washing machine to avoid damage to the motor.

Impersonal expression 'É recomendável'.

A instalação da máquina de lavar deve ser feita por um profissional qualificado.

The installation of the washing machine should be done by a qualified professional.

Passive voice 'deve ser feita'.

O mercado de máquinas de lavar tem crescido bastante com as novas tecnologias.

The washing machine market has grown significantly with new technologies.

Present perfect continuous 'tem crescido'.

A onipresença da máquina de lavar revolucionou a gestão do tempo doméstico.

The omnipresence of the washing machine revolutionized the management of domestic time.

Advanced vocabulary: 'onipresença' and 'revolucionou'.

A obsolescência programada em máquinas de lavar é um tema de debate constante.

Planned obsolescence in washing machines is a topic of constant debate.

Sociological term 'obsolescência programada'.

O impacto ambiental das máquinas de lavar vai além do consumo de água.

The environmental impact of washing machines goes beyond water consumption.

Complex prepositional phrase 'vai além de'.

Muitas máquinas de lavar modernas já integram sistemas de inteligência artificial.

Many modern washing machines already integrate artificial intelligence systems.

Technological vocabulary: 'integram' and 'inteligência artificial'.

A manutenção preventiva da máquina de lavar pode prolongar sua vida útil consideravelmente.

Preventive maintenance of the washing machine can considerably prolong its useful life.

Formal phrase 'prolongar sua vida útil'.

A transição do tanque para a máquina de lavar alterou as dinâmicas sociais nas comunidades.

The transition from the laundry sink to the washing machine altered social dynamics in communities.

Historical/Sociological analysis.

A complexidade dos circuitos internos de uma máquina de lavar exige conhecimentos técnicos específicos.

The complexity of the internal circuits of a washing machine requires specific technical knowledge.

Abstract subject 'A complexidade'.

A máquina de lavar tornou-se um símbolo da classe média emergente em muitos países.

The washing machine has become a symbol of the emerging middle class in many countries.

Pronominal verb 'tornou-se'.

O ruído hipnótico da máquina de lavar servia de pano de fundo para suas reflexões melancólicas.

The hypnotic noise of the washing machine served as a backdrop for his melancholy reflections.

Literary style, metaphorical use of 'pano de fundo'.

A máquina de lavar, em sua faina incessante, parece mimetizar o ciclo perpétuo da existência urbana.

The washing machine, in its incessant toil, seems to mimic the perpetual cycle of urban existence.

High-level vocabulary: 'faina', 'incessante', 'mimetizar'.

A desconstrução da máquina de lavar enquanto objeto de consumo revela as entranhas do capitalismo tardio.

The deconstruction of the washing machine as a consumer object reveals the guts of late capitalism.

Philosophical/Critical discourse.

Há uma certa poesia no girar centrífugo da máquina de lavar, onde o caos se torna ordem.

There is a certain poetry in the centrifugal spinning of the washing machine, where chaos becomes order.

Abstract existential observation.

A onomatopeia do ciclo de lavagem da máquina de lavar ecoava pelo corredor vazio, pontuando o silêncio.

The onomatopoeia of the washing machine's wash cycle echoed through the empty hallway, punctuating the silence.

Literary use of 'pontuando' and 'onomatopeia'.

A obsolescência da máquina de lavar é o testemunho mudo de uma era de descartabilidade desenfreada.

The obsolescence of the washing machine is the silent testimony of an era of unbridled disposability.

Metaphorical and critical tone.

Através da vigia da máquina de lavar, víamos a dança frenética dos tecidos sob o jugo da água e do sabão.

Through the porthole of the washing machine, we saw the frenetic dance of fabrics under the yoke of water and soap.

Poetic descriptions: 'vigia', 'dança frenética', 'jugo'.

A integração da máquina de lavar no ecossistema digital levanta questões prementes sobre a privacidade doméstica.

The integration of the washing machine into the digital ecosystem raises pressing questions about domestic privacy.

Technical/Societal critique using 'questões prementes'.

Synonyms

Lavadora Máquina de lavar roupa Lavadora de roupas Tanquinho Lava e seca Máquina Equipamento de lavagem Eletrodoméstico de lavanderia

Antonyms

Lavagem à mão Tanque Secadora Sujeira

Common Collocations

Ligar a máquina

Capacidade da máquina

Consertar a máquina

Ciclo da máquina

Máquina de lavar nova

Barulho da máquina

Filtro da máquina

Mangueira da máquina

Painel da máquina

Sabão para máquina

Common Phrases

A máquina já acabou?

— Has the washing machine finished its cycle? Used to check if it's time to hang the clothes.

A máquina já acabou? Quero estender a roupa.

Pôr a roupa na máquina

— To put the clothes in the washing machine. A standard way to describe the start of the chore.

Vou pôr a roupa na máquina e já volto.

Tirar a roupa da máquina

— To take the clothes out of the washing machine once finished.

Não esqueça de tirar a roupa da máquina.

Bater a roupa na máquina

— A colloquial Brazilian expression for running a load of laundry.

Vou bater uma roupa na máquina hoje.

Máquina de lavar cheia

— A full washing machine load.

Só ligo a máquina quando ela está cheia.

Instalar a máquina de lavar

— The act of setting up the appliance's water and power connections.

O encanador vai instalar a máquina de lavar.

Ciclo delicado da máquina

— The setting for fragile fabrics.

Use o ciclo delicado da máquina para as sedas.

Máquina de lavar vazando

— A washing machine that is leaking water.

Socorro, a máquina de lavar está vazando!

Programar a máquina

— To select the specific settings for a wash.

Eu não sei como programar esta máquina.

A máquina estragou

— The washing machine broke down (common in Brazil and Portugal).

A máquina estragou logo na segunda-feira.

Often Confused With

Máquina de lavar vs Máquina de lavar louça

This is for dishes. Mixing them up could lead to soapy disasters or ruined clothes.

Máquina de lavar vs Secadora

Only dries clothes. In many Lusophone countries, these are separate units.

Máquina de lavar vs Tanque

The sink for hand washing. 'Lavar no tanque' is manual; 'lavar na máquina' is automatic.

Idioms & Expressions

"Lavar a roupa suja"

— To air one's dirty laundry; to discuss private or scandalous matters in public or to resolve conflicts.

Eles começaram a lavar a roupa suja na frente de todos.

Informal / Common

"Roupa suja se lava em casa"

— Family or private problems should be resolved within the home, not discussed with outsiders.

Não conte nada ao vizinho; roupa suja se lava em casa.

Proverb / Idiom

"Estar na máquina"

— Metaphorically, to be in a repetitive or intense process (less common, usually literal).

Minha cabeça parece que está na máquina de lavar hoje.

Slang

"Lavar as mãos"

— To wash one's hands of a situation; to refuse responsibility (related to 'lavar').

Eu lavei as mãos sobre aquele projeto.

Common

"Fazer uma lavagem cerebral"

— To brainwash someone.

Aquele grupo fez uma lavagem cerebral nele.

Common

"Lavar a alma"

— To do something that brings great relief or spiritual cleansing.

Aquele banho de mar lavou a minha alma.

Poetic / Informal

"Entrar numa fria"

— To get into a bad situation (often used when a machine breaks).

Entrei numa fria com essa máquina de lavar usada.

Slang

"Dar um banho"

— To be much better than someone else at something (related to washing/cleaning).

Ela deu um banho nos adversários durante o debate.

Informal

"Passar a limpo"

— To clarify something or to rewrite something neatly.

Precisamos passar essa história a limpo.

Common

"Ficar a ver navios"

— To be left with nothing (often what happens when the machine breaks and you have no clothes).

A máquina quebrou e eu fiquei a ver navios.

Idiom

Easily Confused

Máquina de lavar vs Lavadeira

Sounds like 'lavadora'.

A 'lavadeira' is a person who washes clothes for a living. A 'lavadora' is the machine itself.

A lavadeira trouxe as roupas, mas a lavadora está quebrada.

Máquina de lavar vs Lava-jato

Both involve 'washing'.

A 'lava-jato' is a car wash or a high-pressure water sprayer for cleaning floors/cars.

Usei o lava-jato para limpar a calçada, não a máquina de lavar.

Máquina de lavar vs Lava-louças

Short for dishwasher.

It is specifically for kitchen items, never for clothes.

Coloque os pratos na lava-louças, não na máquina de lavar.

Máquina de lavar vs Lavagem

Related root.

'Lavagem' is the act or the cycle itself, not the machine.

A primeira lavagem da máquina demora mais.

Máquina de lavar vs Lavadouro

Related root.

A 'lavadouro' is a public place with stone basins for washing clothes by hand.

Antigamente, as mulheres iam ao lavadouro porque não tinham máquina de lavar.

Sentence Patterns

A máquina de lavar é [adjective].

A máquina de lavar é grande.

Eu tenho [number] máquina(s) de lavar.

Eu tenho uma máquina de lavar.

Vou colocar a roupa na máquina de lavar.

Vou colocar a roupa na máquina de lavar agora.

A máquina de lavar está [action/state].

A máquina de lavar está funcionando.

Preciso de alguém para consertar a máquina de lavar.

Preciso de um técnico para consertar a máquina de lavar.

Se a máquina de lavar quebrar, eu [future action].

Se a máquina de lavar quebrar, eu comprarei outra.

Apesar de ser cara, a máquina de lavar vale o investimento.

Apesar de ser cara, a máquina de lavar vale o investimento pela economia de água.

É imperativo que a máquina de lavar seja mantida em boas condições.

É imperativo que a máquina de lavar seja mantida em boas condições para evitar desperdícios.

Word Family

Nouns

Lavagem (the act of washing)

Lavanderia (laundry room/laundromat)

Lavadora (washing machine - synonym)

Lavadouro (public washhouse)

Lavadeira (washerwoman)

Verbs

Lavar (to wash)

Lavajatear (to use a pressure washer)

Enxaguar (to rinse)

Centrifugar (to spin dry)

Limpar (to clean)

Adjectives

Lavável (washable)

Lavado (washed/clean)

Limpíssimo (very clean)

Sujo (dirty - opposite)

Encardido (heavily soiled)

Sabão (soap)

Amaciante (fabric softener)

Varal (clothesline)

Pregador (clothespin)

Cesto de roupa (laundry basket)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in domestic and commercial contexts.

Common Mistakes

O máquina de lavar → A máquina de lavar
Máquina is a feminine noun and always takes feminine articles.
Máquina lavar → Máquina de lavar
You must use the preposition 'de' to connect the noun and the verb.
Eu lavo a máquina → Eu lavo a roupa na máquina
'Lavo a máquina' means you are cleaning the appliance itself, not the clothes.
Máquinas de lavares → Máquinas de lavar
The verb in a compound noun like this remains in the infinitive; only the first noun is pluralized.
Máquina para lavar → Máquina de lavar
While 'para' makes sense, 'de' is the standard idiomatic preposition for this object.

Tips

Always Feminine

Remember that 'máquina' is always feminine. Even if the machine looks 'tough' or 'industrial', it's always 'a máquina'. This is a common mistake for English speakers who are used to gender-neutral objects.

Differentiate the Machines

Be careful when specifying which machine you mean. In a kitchen, 'máquina de lavar' could technically mean the dishwasher, though people usually say 'máquina de lavar louça' for that. When in doubt, add 'roupa' to the end.

The Tanquinho Factor

If you are in Brazil and buying a used machine, check if it's a 'máquina' or a 'tanquinho'. A 'tanquinho' won't dry your clothes as well as a 'máquina' will, which might be a surprise if you're not expecting it.

The Stress Rule

The accent on 'máquina' isn't just for decoration. It tells you to emphasize the 'MA'. Practice saying 'MA-kee-na' with a strong start. This will help you sound much more like a native speaker.

Rental Listings

When looking for an apartment in Portugal or Brazil, look for the phrase 'máquina de lavar' in the description. If it's not there, the place might not have one, which is common in some older or cheaper rentals.

Filter Cleaning

In Portuguese, the lint filter is called the 'filtro'. You will often hear 'Tem que limpar o filtro da máquina'. Keeping this vocabulary in mind will help you maintain your appliance if you live abroad.

Kilograms Matter

Washing machines are sold by weight capacity in kilograms (quilos). A standard family size is 'uma máquina de 10 quilos'. Knowing this will help you choose the right size at the store.

Portugal vs Brazil

In Portugal, you'll see machines in kitchens. In Brazil, they are in the service area. Don't be confused if you can't find the 'máquina de lavar' in a Brazilian kitchen; look for the door near the sink!

Common Verbs

Master the verbs 'pôr' (to put), 'tirar' (to take out), and 'estender' (to hang/extend). Together with 'máquina de lavar', these three verbs complete the entire laundry cycle in your vocabulary.

Electrical Safety

In Brazil, check the voltage! Some 'máquinas de lavar' are 110v and others are 220v. Plugging a 110v machine into a 220v outlet will 'queimar a máquina' (burn the machine).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'MA-chine' that 'DE-livers' 'LA-vender' scented clothes. MA-quina DE LA-var.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant white box with a circular window (the machine) eating dirty socks and spitting out clean ones.

Word Web

Água Sabão Roupa Eletricidade Cesto Limpeza Casa Trabalho

Challenge

Try to name five things you can put in a 'máquina de lavar' in Portuguese (e.g., camiseta, meia, calça, toalha, lençol).

Word Origin

The word 'máquina' comes from the Latin 'machina', which originally meant a device, engine, or trick. 'Lavar' comes from the Latin 'lavare', meaning to wash or bathe.

Original meaning: A device for the purpose of washing.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, though in some contexts, discussing 'lavadeira' (washerwoman) can evoke historical class and racial dynamics in Brazil.

Unlike the US, where 'laundry' can refer to the room, the clothes, or the process, Portuguese uses specific words: 'lavanderia' (room/business), 'roupa suja' (dirty clothes), and 'lavar roupa' (the act).

The song 'Máquina de Lavar' by Brazilian artist Itamar Assumpção. Commonly featured in 'Dicas de Faxina' (cleaning tips) on Brazilian social media. A staple prop in the classic Portuguese sitcom 'Os Contemporâneos'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

Põe a roupa na máquina.
A máquina já parou.
Tem muita roupa na máquina.
A máquina está vazando.

At the Store

Quanto custa esta máquina?
Qual a garantia da máquina?
Vocês entregam a máquina?
Essa máquina é econômica?

Repairs

A máquina não liga.
O tambor não gira.
A máquina faz barulho.
Preciso de um técnico.

Real Estate

O apartamento tem máquina?
Onde fica a máquina?
A máquina é nova?
Tem espaço para a máquina?

Laundromat

Como funciona a máquina?
Qual máquina está livre?
A máquina aceita cartão?
Quanto tempo demora a máquina?

Conversation Starters

"Você prefere máquina de lavar que abre por cima ou pela frente?"

"A sua máquina de lavar gasta muita energia?"

"Quantas vezes por semana você usa a máquina de lavar?"

"Qual é a melhor marca de máquina de lavar na sua opinião?"

"Você já teve algum problema sério com a sua máquina de lavar?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva como a máquina de lavar facilita a sua rotina diária.

Escreva sobre um dia em que a sua máquina de lavar quebrou e o que você fez.

Imagine a vida antes da invenção da máquina de lavar. Como seria o seu dia?

Quais critérios você usaria para escolher uma nova máquina de lavar para sua casa?

Reflita sobre o barulho da máquina de lavar: ele te acalma ou te irrita?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Em Portugal, diz-se 'máquina de lavar roupa'. É comum usar o nome completo ou apenas 'máquina' se o contexto for claro. Ao contrário do Brasil, o termo 'lavadora' é raramente usado em conversas informais.

A 'máquina de lavar' é totalmente automática e faz todo o processo, incluindo a centrifugação. O 'tanquinho' é semi-automático, geralmente mais barato, e muitas vezes não centrifuga a roupa, exigindo que você a torça na mão.

Sim, em contextos domésticos, se você disser 'Vou pôr a roupa na máquina', todos entenderão que se trata da máquina de lavar roupa. É a forma mais comum e natural de falar no dia a dia.

É feminino. Dizemos 'a máquina de lavar'. Todos os artigos e adjetivos devem concordar com o gênero feminino, como em 'uma máquina nova' ou 'a máquina está cheia'.

Chama-se 'máquina de lavar e secar' ou, mais informalmente no Brasil, 'lava e seca'. É um eletrodoméstico dois-em-um muito popular em apartamentos pequenos.

Você deve usar 'sabão em pó' ou 'sabão líquido' específico para máquinas automáticas. No Brasil, é comum chamar o sabão em pó de 'Omo' (uma marca famosa), independentemente da marca real.

Centrifugar é a parte do ciclo em que a máquina gira muito rápido para retirar o excesso de água das roupas. É uma palavra técnica importante para quem usa a máquina de lavar.

Você pode dizer: 'Você pode ligar a máquina de lavar, por favor?' ou 'Pode bater essa roupa na máquina para mim?'. Ambas são formas naturais de fazer o pedido.

Se a máquina estiver vazando (leaking), você deve desligá-la da tomada e fechar a torneira de água. Depois, deve chamar um 'técnico de eletrodomésticos' para o conserto.

Geralmente fica na 'área de serviço', um pequeno cômodo ao lado da cozinha. Muitas vezes, a área de serviço também tem um 'tanque' para lavar roupas delicadas à mão.