lavare
to wash
Intermediate Verb
🔊
Pronunciation
/laˈvare/
💡
Cultural Note
Many Italians still wash dishes by hand, as dishwashers ('lavastoviglie') are less universal than in some countries. The reflexive form 'lavarsi' means to wash oneself. 'Lavare i panni in piazza' (to wash laundry in the square) is an idiom meaning to air dirty laundry in public.
📝 Example Sentences
Devo lavare i piatti dopo cena.
I have to wash the dishes after dinner.
Lava le mani prima di mangiare.
Wash your hands before eating.
Ho lavato tutti i vestiti stamattina.
I washed all the clothes this morning.