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"Lavar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to wash", and "planchar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to iron". Learn more about the difference between "lavar" and "planchar" below.
lavar(
lah
-
bahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to clean)
a. to wash
Tienes que lavar la fruta antes de comértela.You need to wash the fruit before eating it.
b. to launder (clothes, linens)
¿Quieres que te lave esta camisa?Do you want me to launder this shirt for you?
lavarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to wash
¡Lávate bien! Vienes muy sucio del partido.Wash properly! You're really dirty from the game.
Lávate bien las manos antes de tocarte los ojos.Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes.
planchar(
plahn
-
chahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
b. to straighten (hair)
Ella se plancha el pelo cada mañana para que no esté rizado.She straightens her hair every morning so that it isn't frizzy.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
2. (colloquial) (to appear idiotic) (Chile)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Chile
a. to look stupid
En casa lamo mi plato, pero en público no lo hago por no querer planchar.At home I lick my plate, but in public I don't do it because I don't want to look stupid.
