el algodon
el algodon means cotton, a common natural fabric used in everyday clothing and towels. It is often chosen for comfort and breathability.
Common Phrases
- camisa de algodon — cotton shirt
- toalla de algodon — cotton towel
Example
Prefiero ropa de algodon para el calor.
I prefer cotton clothes for the heat.
Common Mistake
Missing the written accent in the correct spelling: algodón vs algodon.
el cesto
el cesto means a basket, often used for holding items like laundry. In home routines, it frequently refers to where you collect clothes before washing.
Common Phrases
- cesto de ropa — laundry basket
- poner la ropa en el cesto — to put the clothes in the basket
Example
Pongo la ropa en el cesto al final del dia.
I put the clothes in the basket at the end of the day.
Common Mistake
Mixing up the article: el cesto (correct) vs la cesto (incorrect).
el cajon
el cajon means a drawer, like a part of a dresser or closet storage. It is useful for talking about where you keep items such as socks or shirts.
Common Phrases
- abrir el cajon — to open the drawer
- cajon de calcetines — sock drawer
Example
Abro el cajon y guardo las camisetas.
I open the drawer and put away the T-shirts.
Common Mistake
Forgetting the accent in the standard spelling: cajón vs cajon.
la lavadora
la lavadora means the washing machine. You use it when talking about starting a wash, choosing settings, or placing the machine in your home.
Common Phrases
- poner la lavadora — to start the washing machine
- la lavadora grande — the large washing machine
Example
La lavadora esta en el sotano.
The washing machine is in the basement.
Common Mistake
Using the wrong article: la lavadora (correct) vs el lavadora (incorrect).
la arruga
la arruga means a wrinkle in fabric. It is used when clothes look creased and you want them to look smoother.
Common Phrases
- quitar una arruga — to remove a wrinkle
- arrugas profundas — deep wrinkles
Example
Veo una arruga en la camisa.
I see a wrinkle in the shirt.
Common Mistake
Wrong gender: la arruga (correct) vs el arruga (incorrect).
la seda
la seda means silk, a delicate fabric that often needs extra care. It is common in clothing and scarves.
Common Phrases
- camisa de seda — silk shirt
- ropa de seda — silk clothing
Example
La seda es delicada y suave.
Silk is delicate and soft.
Common Mistake
Wrong article: la seda (correct) vs el seda (incorrect).
la mancha
la mancha means a stain or mark on fabric. You use it when something spills and you notice a spot that needs cleaning.
Common Phrases
- mancha de vino — wine stain
- quitar una mancha — to remove a stain
Example
Hay una mancha en la falda.
There is a stain on the skirt.
Common Mistake
Wrong article: la mancha (correct) vs el mancha (incorrect).
la etiqueta
la etiqueta means a label or tag, especially the care label inside clothing. It helps you choose the safest way to wash and dry an item.
Common Phrases
- leer la etiqueta — to read the label
- etiqueta de cuidado — care label
Example
Leo la etiqueta y sigo las instrucciones.
I read the label and follow the instructions.
Common Mistake
Using the wrong article: la etiqueta (correct) vs el etiqueta (incorrect).