Spanish Phrase
Carga el lavavajillas, por favor.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct but polite request to put dirty dishes into the dishwasher. It uses the informal imperative form of the verb 'cargar' combined with the polite 'por favor' to soften the instruction.
When to use
Use this phrase in a household setting with family, partners, or roommates. It is the standard way to ask someone to help with kitchen chores in a casual environment.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cargaellavavajillaspor favor
Carga (Imperative)
This is the 'tú' command form of 'cargar'. For regular -ar verbs, the informal command is the same as the third-person singular present.
Compound Noun
'Lavavajillas' is a compound noun (lava + vajillas). These types of nouns in Spanish are almost always masculine and end in 's' even in the singular.
🗨In Conversation
Carga el lavavajillas, por favor.
Load the dishwasher, please.
Lo haré en un momento, cuando termine mi café.
I will do it in a moment, when I finish my coffee.
✕Common Mistakes
Cargas el lavavajillas, por favor.
Use the imperative 'Carga' for commands rather than the indicative 'Cargas'.
Carga la lavavajillas, por favor.
'Lavavajillas' is a masculine noun, so it requires the article 'el'.
↔Alternatives
¿Puedes llenar el lavavajillas?
Can you fill the dishwasher?
Pon los platos en el lavavajillas.
Put the dishes in the dishwasher.
Cultural Tip
While 'lavavajillas' is standard in Spain, you might hear 'lavaplatos' more frequently in many Latin American countries. In both regions, using 'por favor' is essential to avoid sounding overly bossy when using the imperative 'tú' form.