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"Wash the dishes" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "lavar los platos", and "do the dishes" is an intransitive verb phrase which is also often translated as "lavar los platos". Learn more about the difference between "wash the dishes" and "do the dishes" below.
wash the dishes(
wash
thuh
dih
-
shihz
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. lava los platos (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
Wash the dishes with gloves if you don't want your hands to get chapped.Lava los platos con guantes si no quieres que se te estropeen las manos.
b. lave los platos (formal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
Wash the dishes with this dishwashing liquid and you'll be able to see yourself in them.Lave los platos con este líquido lavavajillas y podrá verse reflejada en ellos.
a. laven los platos (plural)
A word or phrase that is plural (e.g., los libros).
Wash the dishes before you go to bed. Don't leave them until tomorrow. - Yes, Mom.Laven los platos antes de irse a la cama. No los dejen para mañana. - Sí, mamá.
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.).
a. lavar los platos
Would you help me wash the dishes after dinner?¿Me ayudarías a lavar los platos después de la cena?
c. lavar la vajilla
Be careful when you wash the dishes because you've already broken two cups this week.Ten cuidado cuando lavas la vajilla porque ya rompiste dos tazas esta semana.
d. fregar la vajilla
Please, allow me. The chef should never wash the dishes.Por favor, déjame hacerlo. El chef nunca debería fregar la vajilla.
e. lavar los trastes (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
I'll wash the breakfast dishes while you make the beds.Yo lavaré los trastes del desayuno mientras tú haces las camas.
f. fregar los trastes (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
I never go to bed without washing the dinner dishes.Yo nunca me voy a la cama sin fregar los trastes de la cena.
do the dishes(
du
thuh
dih
-
shihz
)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.).
a. lavar los platos
I always do the dishes right after I eat.Siempre lavo los platos inmediatamente después de comer.
b. fregar los platos
Maya is always in trouble because she never does the dishes.Maya siempre se mete en problemas porque nunca friega los platos.
c. lavar la vajilla
Who usually does the dishes at home? - My father.¿Quién suele lavar la vajilla en tu casa? - Mi padre.
d. fregar la vajilla
When you finish doing the dishes, mop the kitchen floor, please.Cuando acabes de fregar la vajilla, friega el suelo de la cocina, por favor.
e. lavar los trastes (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
I ran out of soap, and now I can't do the dishes.Se me acabó el jabón y ahora no puedo lavar los trastes.
f. fregar los trastes (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
Go watch TV. I'll do the dishes.Vete a ver la tele, yo fregaré los trastes.
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
2. (imperative)
a. lava los platos (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
Do the dishes. Then you can go out with your friends.Lava los platos. Después puedes salir con tus amigos.
b. friega los platos (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
Do the dishes today. Your brother did them yesterday.Friega los platos hoy. Tu hermano lo hizo ayer.
c. lava los trastes (informal) (singular) (Latin America)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
Please do the dishes before your grandparents come over.Por favor, lava los trastes antes de que lleguen tus abuelos.
