Portuguese Phrase
Lavo a louça depois do jantar.
Meaning
This phrase describes the specific household chore of cleaning dishes following the evening meal. In Portuguese, the present tense 'lavo' is often used to express both a recurring habit and a firm intention to perform an action in the immediate future.
When to use
This sentence is typically used in domestic settings when discussing chores or daily routines. It is the standard way to tell family members or roommates that you are taking responsibility for the kitchen cleanup.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lavoalouçadepoisdojantar
Lavo
The first-person singular present indicative of 'lavar' (to wash).
Do
A mandatory contraction of the preposition 'de' (of) and the masculine article 'o' (the).
🗨In Conversation
Quem vai limpar a cozinha hoje?
Who is going to clean the kitchen today?
Lavo a louça depois do jantar.
I wash the dishes after dinner.
✕Common Mistakes
Eu lavo o louça depois do jantar.
The noun 'louça' is feminine, so it requires the feminine article 'a' rather than the masculine 'o'.
↔Alternatives
Vou lavar a louça.
I am going to wash the dishes.
Eu cuido da louça.
I'll take care of the dishes.
Cultural Tip
In many Portuguese-speaking cultures, 'louça' refers to the collective set of plates, glasses, and pots used. Offering to 'lavar a louça' is considered a very polite gesture if you have been invited to someone's home for a meal.