Portuguese Phrase
Também lavei a cara.
Meaning
This phrase indicates that the speaker has cleaned their face in addition to another action already mentioned. In Portuguese, the verb 'lavar' is used for washing parts of the body, and 'cara' is a common, informal word for face.
When to use
Use this phrase when describing your morning routine or explaining how you refreshed yourself. It is suitable for informal settings among friends or family.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tambémlaveiacara
Também
An adverb meaning 'also' or 'too'. It usually appears before the verb it modifies.
Pretérito Perfeito
'Lavei' is the first-person singular past tense of 'lavar'. It describes a completed action in the past.
Definite Articles with Body Parts
In Portuguese, use 'a' or 'o' instead of possessive pronouns (my, your) when the owner of the body part is clear from the context.
🗨In Conversation
Você já se despertou totalmente?
Are you fully awake yet?
Sim, tomei um café e também lavei a cara.
Yes, I had a coffee and I also washed my face.
✕Common Mistakes
Também lavei minha cara.
Portuguese speakers typically use the definite article 'a' instead of the possessive 'minha' when referring to their own body parts.
Eu também lavo a cara.
Use 'lavei' for the past tense; 'lavo' is the present tense and implies a recurring habit.
↔Alternatives
Eu também lavei o rosto.
I also washed my face (more formal).
Lavei a cara também.
I washed my face too.
Cultural Tip
While 'cara' is very common in Brazil, 'rosto' is often preferred in more formal contexts or in European Portuguese. In some contexts, 'cara' can be slightly more blunt, but it is perfectly acceptable in daily conversation.