French Conversation · Level 11
89 words
French word
laver
Pronunciation
IPA/lave/
Meaning
- verbwash
Example
Je me lave les mains avant de manger.
I wash my hands before eating.
More examples
Je vais laver la voiture ce week-end.
I am going to wash the car this weekend.
Core concept
Water and often soap moving over a person or surface until dirt or stains come away.
Common phrases
se laver les mains
wash one's hands
laver la voiture
wash the car
laver à la main
wash by hand
Similar words
nettoyer: To make something clean by removing dirt with tools or cleaning products.
essuyer: To wipe water or dirt away using a cloth or towel.
rincer: To wash away soap or foam with water.
frotter: To remove dirt by rubbing it firmly.
Definition in French
Nettoyer quelque chose ou quelqu'un à l'aide d'eau, souvent avec du savon, pour éliminer la saleté ou les taches.
Word origin
French laver comes from Latin lavare, meaning to wash, through the inherited development of the word in French.
Usage tips
- In the example, French uses the reflexive se laver and the definite article in se laver les mains, not a possessive determiner.