I wash
vs
I wash myself

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"I wash" is a form of "wash", a transitive verb which is often translated as "lavar". "I wash myself" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "me lavo". Learn more about the difference between "I wash" and "I wash myself" below.

wash(

wash

)

A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).

transitive verb

1. (to clean)

a. lavar

Wash the vegetables before using them.Lava los vegetales antes de usarlos.

b. lavarse

Wash your hands before eating.Lávate las manos antes de comer.

c. fregar (dishes)

I've been washing dishes in here for half an hour while you've been watching TV.Llevo media hora aquí fregando los platos mientras tú has estado viendo la tele.

2. (to move with water)

a. arrastrar

The tide washed pieces of the wreckage ashore.La marea arrastró pedazos de los restos del naufragio a la orilla.

An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).

intransitive verb

3. (to bathe)

a. lavarse

I'll need some time to wash and shave before the party.Necesitaré tiempo para lavarme y afeitarme antes de la fiesta.

A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling, or idea (e.g., man, dog, house).

noun

4. (clothing being washed)

a. el lavado

(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).

(M)

Add the fabric softener at the beginning of the wash, pouring it into the designated slot.Añade el suavizante de telas al principio del lavado, vertiéndolo en la ranura indicada.

b. la colada

(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).

(F)

Take the wash out of the washing machine and put it in the dryer.Saca la colada de la máquina de lavar y métela en la secadora.

5. (act of washing)

a. lavar (verb)

We gave the convertible a wash before bringing it to the exposition.Lavamos el descapotable antes de manejarlo a la exposición.

b. lavarse (verb)

You ought to give your face and hands a wash before dinner.Deberías lavarte la cara y las manos antes de la cena.

c. fregar (verb)

The cook asked the dishwasher to give the sauté pan a wash and then bring it back to her.La cocinera le pidió al lavaplatos que fregara la sartén y después que se la devolviera.

6. (nautical)

a. la estela

(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).

(F)

The wash from the boat lapped against the dock on the shore.La estela de la barca lamió el muelle en la orilla.

7. (thin layer of paint)

a. la capa

(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).

(F)

This orange wash gives a light, textured look to the walls.Esta capa color naranja aporta un aspecto ligero con textura.

8. (art)

a. la aguada

(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).

(F)

The wash on this painting gives it a very atmospheric effect.La aguada de este cuadro le da un efecto muy atmosférico.

I wash myself(

wash

may

sehlf

)

An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).

intransitive verb phrase

1. (general)

a. me lavo

I always make sure to close the bathroom door when I wash myself.Siempre me aseguro de cerrar la puerta del baño cuando me lavo.

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