fregar or lavar - which to use when?

Question

I see that they both mean" to wash", so I am a little confused as to when to use "lavar", and when "fregar".

I'm guessing that "fregar" is a more vigorous wash - something more akin to a good scrub, while "lavar" is gentler - would this be right?

Answer 1

I could be wrong on this, but I think that fregar encompasses both meanings and can be used to mean both "to clean/wash" (limpiar/lavar) and "to scrub" (frotar); whereas, lavar is used to only for "to clean/wash."

For example, if I recall correctly, it is possible to use both verbs for something like washing the dishes.

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Lavar los platos

Fregar los platos

Limpiar los platos

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I think that in a general sense, however, lavar is used more often to mean to wash or clean something and that fregar is probably used more often to mean scrub.

Have a look at this article and see if you can spot the difference between "fregar el piso" and "lavar el piso". Tareas domésticas

As far as washing your hands (lavarse las manos), take a look at this article and notice how each of the verbs is used (lavarse, fregar, limpiarse) Principios Básicos Sobre Cómo Lavarse las Manos

Well, I certainly wouldn't have wanted to be in that nunnery - or that army! Yes, fregar does seem to imply harder work - thank you - sheila-foster, Oct 20, 2009

Be careful because in some countries fregar has a rather nasty conotation similar to the F word in English. - LAtINaPunKROcKerAConFundidA, Oct 20, 2009

In these countries, would they use "frotarse" instead? - Izanoni1, Oct 20, 2009

Hmm... Yes, I believe that they would. - LAtINaPunKROcKerAConFundidA, Oct 20, 2009

It's odd that you should say that, because when I was young, the word "scrubber" had similar conotations, and was used to describe a lady who was perhaps too free with her favours - isn't language fascinating? - sheila-foster, Oct 21, 2009

Yes! - LAtINaPunKROcKerAConFundidA, Oct 21, 2009

Answer 2

Hi DJ Huero,

"Por favor, lava tus manos antes que comiendo." -Please, wash your hands before eating.

In Spanish, the definite article replaces the possessive adjective when referring to a body part, and lavarse should be reflexive.

"Por favor, lavate las manos antes que comiendo." -Please, wash your hands before eating.

aww, ok, good reminder - DJ_Huero, Oct 21, 2009

Answer 3

fregona=mop, fregadero=kitchen sink fregar el suelo=to mop the floor, fregar los platos en el fregadero, lavar los platos= to wash the pots so while you can say lavar or fregar los platos I think fregar falls better with el suelo but the two are obviously interchangable and I normally go with lavar los platos but of course if you are talking about washing a person you use lavarse me lavo las manos= I wash my hands.

That's a nice analysis Ken. - Izanoni1, Oct 21, 2009

Answer 4

Here's an example, but I'll need help explaining why....anyone hop in.

"Por favor, lava tus manos antes que comiendo." -Please, wash your hands before eating.

"Fregué el suelo con sepillo." -I scrubbed the floor.

Answer 5

Lavar las manos. fregar los platos

you can use Lavar to describe washing dishes... - DJ_Huero, Oct 20, 2009

Well, that's how I read it in the dictionary Ken, but lesson 1.13 just told me to "lavar los platos" but "fregar el suelo" which is why I'm confused! - sheila-foster, Oct 20, 2009

lavarse - Izanoni1, Oct 20, 2009

Of course, an oversight by me there it should lavarse and DJ I agree you can use lavar see my post below. - kenwilliams, Oct 21, 2009

Answer 6

Be really careful because in some countries "Fregar" can be used in a form that makes it similar to saying "F off" in English.