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lavabo means sink — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: December 15, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

lavabo

noun • /[la-BA-bo]/

sink

Example:

El lavabo está atascado.

The sink is clogged.

🧠 What does lavabo mean?

A 'lavabo' is a plumbing fixture used for washing one's hands, face, or teeth. It is specifically the sink found in a bathroom or washroom, often referred to as a washbasin in English. The word comes from the Latin verb 'lavare', meaning 'to wash'. It is important to distinguish 'lavabo' from 'fregadero', which is the term for a kitchen sink used for washing dishes.

📚 Extra examples

  • El niño se lavó las manos en el lavabo antes de comer.
    The child washed his hands in the sink before eating.
  • El espejo del baño está justo encima del lavabo.
    The bathroom mirror is right above the sink.
  • Por favor, no dejes pelos en el lavabo después de afeitarte.
    Please, do not leave hair in the sink after shaving.
  • El lavabo está atascado; tenemos que llamar a un fontanero.
    The sink is clogged; we need to call a plumber.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'lavabo' comes directly from Latin, where it means 'I will wash'. It originates from the ceremonial washing of the hands by the priest during a Catholic Mass. The basin used for this ritual was called a 'lavabo', and the name was eventually applied to any basin for washing hands.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "lavabo"

Synonyms: lavamanos, pila

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'sink' in Spanish?
For a bathroom sink, the most common word is 'lavabo'. For a kitchen sink, the correct term is 'fregadero'. 'Pila' can also be used for various types of basins, including laundry sinks.
How do you pronounce 'lavabo' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is la-BA-bo, with the stress on the second syllable. The 'v' sound is similar to a soft 'b' in Spanish.
How do you use 'lavabo' in a sentence?
An example is: 'Me cepillo los dientes frente al lavabo todas las mañanas', which means 'I brush my teeth in front of the sink every morning'.
What is the English translation of 'lavabo'?
The English translation is 'sink', 'washbasin', or 'washstand', specifically one located in a bathroom.
Does 'lavabo' change for gender or number?
'Lavabo' is a masculine noun. The singular form is 'el lavabo', and the plural form is 'los lavabos'.
Is 'lavabo' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'lavabo' is the standard and most frequently used word for a bathroom sink in all varieties of Spanish.
Does 'lavabo' have slang or double meanings?
Primarily, 'lavabo' refers to the bathroom sink. In some formal or slightly dated contexts, it can refer to the entire restroom, similar to the English word 'lavatory', but this usage is less common in everyday conversation.
Is 'lavabo' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The word 'lavabo' is universally understood across Spain and Latin America for a bathroom sink. Some regions might also use 'lavamanos' as a synonym, but 'lavabo' is the most common term.

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