Portuguese Phrase
Você já lavou a roupa?
Meaning
This phrase is a common inquiry about household chores, specifically laundry. It uses the past tense (pretérito perfeito) combined with the adverb 'já' (already) to check if a specific task has been completed.
When to use
Use this in a domestic setting with family members or roommates to coordinate housework. It is a standard way to ask if the laundry is done or needs attention.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vocêjálavouaroupa
Pretérito Perfeito
The verb 'lavou' is the third-person singular past tense of 'lavar', indicating a completed action.
Adverb 'Já'
The word 'já' means 'already' and is used here to emphasize the completion of the task.
🗨In Conversation
Você já lavou a roupa?
Have you already washed the clothes?
Sim, já está no varal.
Yes, it is already on the clothesline.
✕Common Mistakes
Você já lavar a roupa?
The verb must be conjugated in the past tense (lavou) rather than left in the infinitive (lavar).
Você já lavou o roupa?
'Roupa' is a feminine noun, so the article must be 'a' instead of 'o'.
↔Alternatives
A roupa já está limpa?
Are the clothes already clean?
Já deu conta da roupa?
Did you take care of the laundry already?
Cultural Tip
In many Portuguese-speaking regions, especially Brazil, laundry is a frequent activity due to the tropical climate. It is common to see 'varais' (clotheslines) on balconies or in service areas, as air-drying is often preferred over using electric dryers.