Italian Phrase
Lavo i piatti.
Meaning
‘Lavo i piatti’ means ‘I wash the dishes.’ It describes a present‑time action, usually after a meal, and can be part of a routine or a one‑off chore.
When to use
Use this sentence when you want to tell someone that you are currently washing the dishes, when you describe your daily routine, or when you volunteer to clean up after cooking.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lavoipiatti
Verb conjugation (lavare)
‘Lavo’ is the 1st person singular present indicative of the verb ‘lavare’ (to wash).
Definite article (i)
‘i’ is the masculine plural definite article, used before plural nouns that begin with a consonant.
Plural noun (piatti)
‘piatti’ is the plural form of ‘piatto’ (plate/dish). The noun must agree in number with the article.
🗨In Conversation
Lavo i piatti.
I’m washing the dishes.
Grazie, ti aiuto!
Thanks, I’ll help you!
✕Common Mistakes
Lavare i piatti.
The verb must be conjugated to match the subject; use ‘Lavo’ for ‘I’.
Lavo i piatto.
The noun must agree in number with the article; ‘piatti’ is plural.
↔Alternatives
Sto lavando i piatti.
I am washing the dishes.
Mi occupo dei piatti.
I’m taking care of the dishes.
Pulisco i piatti.
I clean the dishes.
Cultural Tip
In many Italian families the kitchen is a shared space and everyone pitches in on the ‘lavare i piatti’ after a meal. Historically, washing dishes was seen as a women’s task, but today it’s common for all household members to take turns. Remember that ‘piatti’ can refer both to plates and to dishes in general, so the phrase works for any type of dishware.