Memorize “Lavar” conjugations in the Preterite (Past) Tense effortlessly. Our unique loop-based audio helps you absorb verb forms naturally—just like native speakers. Tap to play and start memorizing 10x faster now!

Pro Tip: Play the audio on a loop while reviewing the conjugation chart to naturally absorb the correct forms. Try it now!

Conjugation Chart of “Lavar” (to wash) in the Preterite (Past) Tense

Why Use Loop-Based Learning

• 🧠 Activates natural language processing in the brain
• 🔄 Makes conjugations feel automatic
• 📝 Reduces mental effort compared to rote memorization
• 💡 Builds fluency through repetition

Unlike traditional methods that rely on memorizing rules and grammar drills, our approach mimics how native speakers naturally acquire language—by hearing patterns repeatedly in context. This activates your brain’s phonological loop, making verb forms feel familiar and automatic.

To learn more about the science behind this technique, read our detailed article: The Neuroscience of Language Learning: How Listening on a Loop Strengthens Your Fluency

Understanding the Preterite (Past) Tense of “Lavar”

The preterite of lavar is used to express a specific instance of washing in the past, for example Lavé toda la ropa ayer (I washed all the clothes yesterday). This tense emphasizes the completed action of washing at a particular moment.

This is a regular -ar verb that follows the standard preterite conjugation pattern. Its straightforward conjugation makes it an excellent example for practicing regular preterite forms.

How to Use Lavar in the Preterite (Past) Tense

The preterite of lavar indicates a completed action of washing or cleaning in the past.

To wash/clean: Describes cleaning with water, for example Lavé la ropa esta mañana (I washed the clothes this morning) or Lavó los platos después de cenar (He/she washed the dishes after dinner).

To wash up: Used for personal hygiene, for example Me lavé las manos antes de comer (I washed my hands before eating).

Real Life Examples of Lavar in the Preterite (Past) Tense

Lavé toda la ropa sucia ayer. (I washed all the dirty clothes yesterday.)

Lavaste los platos después de la cena. (You washed the dishes after dinner.)

Mi mamá lavó las cortinas de la sala. (My mom washed the living room curtains.)

Lavamos el auto el fin de semana. (We washed the car on the weekend.)

Los empleados lavaron todas las ventanas. (The employees washed all the windows.)

Lavé mis manos antes de comer. (I washed my hands before eating.)

Lavaste el piso de la cocina. (You washed the kitchen floor.)

El chef lavó las verduras frescas. (The chef washed the fresh vegetables.)

Lavamos las paredes del cuarto. (We washed the bedroom walls.)

Los niños lavaron sus juguetes. (The children washed their toys.)

Lavé el mantel después del almuerzo. (I washed the tablecloth after lunch.)

Lavaste tu cara con agua fría. (You washed your face with cold water.)

La enfermera lavó las heridas. (The nurse washed the wounds.)

Lavamos las sábanas esta mañana. (We washed the sheets this morning.)

Los estudiantes lavaron los pinceles. (The students washed the paintbrushes.)

Conjugation Chart with English Translations

Conjugations of Lavar (to wash) in the Preterite (Past) Tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Preterite tense is also known as the Simple Past, Past Simple, Definite Past, Absolute Past, or Past Tense Indicative in English, and as Pretérito Perfecto Simple, Pretérito Indefinido, Pretérito Simple, Pasado Simple, or Pretérito de Indicativo in Spanish.