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"Lavar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to wash", and "planchar la ropa" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to iron the clothes". Learn more about the difference between "lavar" and "planchar la ropa" 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 la ropa(
plahn
-
chahr
lah
rroh
-
pah
)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.).
1. (general)
a. to iron the clothes
Usando este programa de lavado no hace falta planchar la ropa.If you use this wash program, you won't need to iron the clothes.
b. to iron one's clothes
Me pasé toda la mañana del domingo planchando la ropa.I spent all of Sunday morning ironing my clothes.
c. to do the ironing
Nuestra señora de la limpieza también nos plancha la ropa.Our cleaning lady also does the ironing.
d. to press the clothes
En la tintorería planchan la ropa con una plancha especial.At the dry cleaner's they use a special iron to press the clothes.
