wash up
vs
wash

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"Wash" is a form of "wash", a transitive verb which is often translated as "lavar". "Wash up" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "lavarse". Learn more about the difference between "wash up" and "wash" below.

wash up(

wash

uhp

)

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. (to clean one's face and hands)

Regionalism used in the United States

(United States)

a. lavarse

Make sure you wash up before we leave for the restaurant.Asegúrate de lavarte antes de que nos vayamos al restaurante.

2. (to float ashore)

a. ser traído por la corriente

The natives on the island were shocked to see a castaway wash up ashore.A los nativos de la isla les sorprendió ver a un náufrago ser traído por la corriente hacia la orilla.

b. ser arrastrado

A lot of seaweed has been washing up on the beach, producing a terrible smell.Muchas algas están siendo arrastradas a la playa, produciendo un olor terrible.

3. (to clean dishes)

Regionalism used in the United Kingdom

(United Kingdom)

a. lavar los platos

Since you cooked dinner tonight, I'll wash up.Como esta noche tú hiciste la cena, yo lavaré los platos.

b. fregar los platos

Can you help me to clear the table and wash up?¿Me puedes ayudar a recoger la mesa y fregar los platos?

c. fregar

We're out of dishwashing liquid, so I can't wash up right now.Se nos acabó el detergente, así que no puedo fregar ahorita.

d. lavar

I don't like drying dishes, but I don't mind washing up.No me gusta secar los platos, pero no me importa lavar.

A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).

transitive verb phrase

4. (to bring ashore)

a. arrastrar

The waves washed up the flotsam from the shipwreck onto the beach.Las olas arrastraron los restos del naufragio hasta la playa.

5. (to clean dishes)

Regionalism used in the United Kingdom

(United Kingdom)

a. lavar

Since we don't have a dishwasher, we'll have to wash up the dishes by hand.Como no tenemos lavavajillas, tendremos que lavar los platos a mano.

b. fregar

If you wash up the dishes, I'll dry them and put them away.Si friegas los platos, los secaré y los pondré en su sitio.

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.

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