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    limpiar los platos

    Grammar & Usage

    verb phrase
    neutral

    How it works

    A verbal periphrasis formed by the transitive infinitive verb 'limpiar' (to clean) and the direct object 'los platos' (the dishes). 'Los' is the masculine plural definite article modifying the masculine plural noun 'platos'. While often interchangeable with 'lavar los platos' (to wash dishes), it can specifically emphasize wiping or removing leftover food.

    Sample sentences

    Después de cenar, me toca limpiar los platos.

    After dinner, it's my turn to clean the dishes.

    ¿Puedes ayudarme a limpiar los platos antes de salir?

    Can you help me clean the dishes before leaving?

    Siempre limpiamos los platos con agua caliente y jabón.

    We always clean the dishes with hot water and soap.

    Quick facts

    verb_type:Regular -ar verb (limpiar)
    regional_notes:'Lavar los platos' is more common in Latin America for washing with water and soap, and 'fregar los platos' is widely used in Spain.
    grammatical_gender:'Plato' is a masculine noun.

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    Después de cenar, me toca limpiar los platos.

    After dinner, it's my turn to clean the dishes.

    ¿Puedes ayudarme a limpiar los platos antes de salir?

    Can you help me clean the dishes before leaving?

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