The phrase "lavar la cara" is a verb phrase in Spanish.
/lɐˈβaɾ la ˈkaɾa/
"Lavar la cara" literally translates to "to wash the face." It refers to the act of cleansing the face using water and possibly soap or other facial cleansing products. The phrase is widely used in both oral and written contexts but is more frequently encountered in everyday speech, particularly in casual settings, such as discussions about personal hygiene or daily routines.
After exercising, I need to wash my face to feel fresh.
Es importante lavar la cara antes de dormir para evitar el acné.
The phrase "lavar la cara" also appears in idiomatic expressions, often conveying a metaphorical sense of improving one's reputation or appearance.
We need to wash the face of our company after the scandal.
Después de la crítica, intentó lavar la cara de su imagen pública.
After the criticism, he tried to wash the face of his public image.
Para limpiar su reputación, trabajó arduamente para lavar la cara de sus errores pasados.
The word "lavar" comes from the Latin "lavare," meaning "to wash." The word "cara" comes from Latin "cara," which means "face."
Synonyms: - Limpiar la cara (to clean the face) - Higienizar la cara (to sanitize the face)
Antonyms: - Suciar la cara (to dirty the face) - Desatender la limpieza facial (to neglect facial cleaning)
This comprehensive overview aims to provide context and understanding for the phrase "lavar la cara" in colloquial Spanish usage.