The most common way to say “kitchen sink” in Spanish is “fregadero de la cocina” or simply “fregadero” when the context is clear. If you are asking cómo decir fregadero cocina en español, you have found your answer! This article will help you learn all the ways to talk about this important item in your home. We will look at different words, useful phrases, and common situations.
Why Knowing the Right Word Matters
When you travel to a Spanish-speaking country, knowing basic household terms helps you communicate better. If you need a plumber or are just describing your new apartment, knowing the word for the cocina fregadero español is key. Just like learning vocabulario cocina español in general, this specific term opens doors to clearer conversations.
Deciphering “Kitchen Sink” in Spanish
While “fregadero” is the star, there are other words people use. Context matters a lot in Spanish. Let’s explore the main options for fregadero en español.
The Primary Term: Fregadero
Fregadero is the direct translation for a sink used for washing dishes, usually found in the kitchen.
- Definition: A basin fixed in a kitchen, connected to a water supply and a drain, used for washing dishes and food.
- Usage: Very common across many Spanish-speaking regions.
Related Terms for Sinks
Sometimes people use slightly different words depending on the region or the specific type of basin. It is important to know how to traducir fregadero cocina accurately.
| English Term | Common Spanish Translation(s) | Context/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Sink | Fregadero, Pila (less common in modern kitchens) | Where you wash dishes. |
| Bathroom Sink | Lavabo, Tina (Mexico) | Used for washing hands/face. |
| Utility Sink/Tub | Tina, Lavadero | Often found in laundry areas. |
Fregadero vs Lavabo: A Key Difference
A common point of confusion is the difference between fregadero vs lavabo español.
- Fregadero: Always refers to the kitchen sink used for food preparation and washing dishes.
- Lavabo: Always refers to the sink found in the bathroom (the washbasin).
If someone asks you to clean the lavabo, they mean the bathroom sink, not the one where you lavar platos en español.
Building Your Kitchen Vocabulary in Spanish
To talk about the sink properly, you need surrounding words. Learning these bits of vocabulario cocina español helps build full sentences.
Parts of the Kitchen Sink
What are the parts of the sink called? Knowing these terms is helpful if you have a leak or need repairs.
- Faucet (Tap): El grifo or La llave (especially in Latin America).
- Drain: El desagüe.
- Stopper (Plug): El tapón.
- Dish Soap: El jabón para platos or El lavavajillas (sometimes referring to the detergent).
Actions at the Kitchen Sink
What do you do at the sink? These verbs are crucial for daily conversation.
- To wash dishes: Lavar los platos.
- To rinse: Enjuagar.
- To drain: Escurrir.
- To wash vegetables: Lavar las verduras.
If you are talking about the act of cleaning, you will frequently use lavar platos en español.
Constructing Simple Phrases About the Kitchen Sink
Now let’s put the main word, fregadero, into simple, useful sentences. Keep your sentences short for easy speaking.
Asking for the Location
If you are visiting someone, you might need to find the sink.
- Where is the kitchen sink?
- ¿Dónde está el fregadero de la cocina?
- Can I use your sink?
- ¿Puedo usar su fregadero?
Describing the Sink
You might want to tell someone about your sink setup.
- My kitchen sink is new.
- Mi fregadero de la cocina es nuevo.
- It has two basins.
- Tiene dos senos (or ‘dos partes’).
- The faucet is broken.
- El grifo está roto.
These simple statements use the cocina fregadero español correctly.
Practical Requests
When you are hosting or visiting, you might make requests related to the sink.
- Please wash your hands at the sink.
- Por favor, lávate las manos en el fregadero.
- I need to clean the dishes in the sink.
- Necesito limpiar los platos en el fregadero.
Regional Variations: Fregadero vs. Other Terms
Spanish changes a lot from country to country. While fregadero is widely accepted, other terms exist for the kitchen basin. This adds depth to your knowledge of fregadero en español.
Latin America
In many parts of Latin America, especially when referring to older or more rustic sinks, you might hear:
- La Pila: This word often means a large tub or basin, sometimes used informally for the kitchen sink, though it can also mean a laundry tub or a baño fregadero español (bathroom sink) in older contexts.
- El Lavadero: This almost always means the laundry area sink or tub, rarely the main kitchen sink.
Spain
In Spain, fregadero is the standard term used almost exclusively for the kitchen sink.
Summary of Regional Use
| Region | Primary Term for Kitchen Sink | Alternative/Related Term |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | Fregadero | |
| Mexico | Fregadero, Tarja (for stainless steel sinks) | |
| Argentina | Fregadero | Pila (less common) |
| Chile | Fregadero | Pileta (often used for bathroom or laundry sink) |
When in doubt, using fregadero is your safest bet for the cocina fregadero español.
Fathoming How to Talk About Washing Dishes
The main job of the kitchen sink is washing dishes. Learning lavar platos en español involves more than just the sink itself.
The Verb “Lavar” (To Wash)
The verb lavar is essential. Remember to conjugate it correctly based on who is doing the washing.
- Yo lavo (I wash)
- Tú lavas (You wash)
- Él/Ella lava (He/She washes)
Common Phrases Related to Dishwashing
These phrases will help you communicate smoothly around the kitchen area.
- Are the dishes clean?
- ¿Están limpios los platos?
- I am washing the dishes now.
- Estoy lavando los platos ahora.
- Do you prefer to wash by hand or use the dishwasher?
- ¿Prefieres lavar a mano o usar el lavavajillas? (Note: Lavavajillas is the dishwasher.)
This goes beyond just naming the sink; it uses the sink actively, which is a key part of learning frases cocina español.
Expanding Your Kitchen Vocabulary Essentials
To give a full picture of the kitchen, look beyond the sink. A good grasp of vocabulario cocina español makes conversations richer.
Essential Kitchen Items
| English Item | Spanish Translation |
|---|---|
| Stove/Cooktop | La estufa / La placa de cocina |
| Refrigerator | El refrigerador / La nevera |
| Microwave | El microondas |
| Countertop | La encimera / El mostrador |
| Sponge | La esponja |
| Drying rack | El escurridor |
If you are describing your kitchen, you can link the sink to these other items: “The stove is next to the fregadero.” (La estufa está al lado del fregadero.)
Interpreting Plumbing Issues and Repairs
Sometimes, communication happens when things go wrong. If the sink stops working, you need specific vocabulary.
Plumbing Problems
- The sink is clogged.
- El fregadero está tapado. (Or: El desagüe está obstruido.)
- The water is not draining.
- El agua no drena.
- There is a leak under the sink.
- Hay una fuga debajo del fregadero.
These are crucial frases cocina español for emergencies.
Calling a Professional
If you need to call someone for help with your cocina fregadero español:
- I need a plumber.
- Necesito un plomero (or fontanero in Spain).
- Can you come fix the sink today?
- ¿Puede venir a arreglar el fregadero hoy?
Contextualizing the Sink: Kitchen vs. Bathroom
We already touched on fregadero vs lavabo español, but reinforcing this distinction is vital for clear communication, especially when talking about the baño fregadero español.
The primary difference is function and location.
- Fregadero: Function is washing large items (dishes, pots). Location is the kitchen.
- Lavabo: Function is personal hygiene (washing hands, brushing teeth). Location is the bathroom.
If you are talking about a small sink in a utility room, the term can sometimes shift to lavadero or pila, but stick to fregadero for the main kitchen unit.
When “Lavabo” is Used for Kitchen Sinks (Rarely)
In very rare, older contexts, or perhaps in certain small regional dialects, “lavabo” might be loosely applied to a sink. However, relying on this is risky. For modern, everyday speech, assume:
- Fregadero = Kitchen Sink
- Lavabo = Bathroom Sink
This clarity ensures that when you discuss cómo decir fregadero cocina en español, you avoid confusion with bathroom needs.
Advanced Conversation: Describing Your Fregadero
Once you master the basic term, try using descriptive adjectives. This shows fluency when using vocabulario cocina español.
Adjectives for Sinks
You can describe the sink’s material, size, and condition.
- Stainless steel: De acero inoxidable.
- Deep: Profundo.
- Old/Worn out: Viejo/Desgastado.
- Double-basin: De doble seno.
Example Sentence: “Me gusta mi fregadero nuevo; es profundo y de acero inoxidable.” (I like my new sink; it is deep and stainless steel.)
This level of detail moves beyond simply knowing how to traducir fregadero cocina and lets you converse naturally.
Tips for Remembering Fregadero
How can you lock in the word fregadero? Use memory aids.
- Association: Think of the sound “fregar,” which means “to scrub” or “to mop.” You scrub dishes in the fregadero.
- Visualization: Picture yourself actively scrubbing dishes (lavar platos en español) in the basin.
- Repetition in Context: Whenever you see a sink in a Spanish movie or show, name it aloud: “¡Ese es el fregadero!”
Consistent, targeted practice ensures you remember this core piece of vocabulario cocina español.
Conclusion
Learning how to say “kitchen sink” in Spanish is straightforward: use fregadero de la cocina or just fregadero. We have covered the main term, regional differences, associated vocabulary for utensilios cocina español, and practical frases cocina español. Whether you are asking where to lavar platos en español or explaining a leak, knowing fregadero en español makes your Spanish much more useful in the home. Keep practicing these terms, and your communication skills will surely improve!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
H5: What is the most common word for kitchen sink in Spanish?
The most common word for kitchen sink in Spanish is fregadero. You can also say fregadero de la cocina.
H5: Is “lavabo” ever used for a kitchen sink?
Generally, no. Lavabo is almost always used for the bathroom sink (washbasin). For the kitchen sink, use fregadero. Mixing them up can cause confusion, especially when discussing fregadero vs lavabo español.
H5: How do you say “faucet” or “tap” in Spanish for the kitchen sink?
The most common words for the faucet are el grifo (used widely, especially in Spain) or la llave (common in parts of Latin America).
H5: If a sink is clogged, how do I say that in Spanish?
You would say, “El fregadero está tapado” (The sink is clogged) or “El desagüe está obstruido” (The drain is blocked). This uses essential plumbing vocabulario cocina español.
H5: What is the word for washing dishes in Spanish?
The phrase for washing dishes is lavar los platos. This is the action you perform at the cocina fregadero español.