Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
Kitchen Sink in Spanish: Fregadero
Fregadero · noun · freh-gah-DEH-roh
Fregadero is the most widely used Spanish word for kitchen sink, the basin used for washing dishes and food.
freh-gah-DEH-roh
Deja los platos en el fregadero.
Leave the dishes in the kitchen sink.
Kitchen Sink in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for kitchen sink, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| fregadero | kitchen sink | freh-gah-DEH-roh | Default, widely understood |
| pileta de cocina | kitchen sink | Argentina | |
| lavaplatos | kitchen sink | Colombia, some Central American countries | |
| lavadero | kitchen sink | Mexico, some regions |
How Native Speakers Use Fregadero
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Household chore
Necesito limpiar el fregadero de la cocina antes de preparar la cena.
I need to clean the kitchen sink before preparing dinner.
Planning evening chores at home.
Repair request
El fregadero tiene una fuga de agua.
The kitchen sink has a water leak.
Reporting a plumbing issue.
Cleaning instruction
Limpia el fregadero después de lavar los platos.
Clean the sink after washing the dishes.
Giving household instructions.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Fregadero
Using lavabo for kitchen sink
Incorrect: Pon los platos en el lavabo.
Correct: Pon los platos en el fregadero.
Lavabo typically refers to the bathroom sink or washbasin, while fregadero is specifically the kitchen sink for washing dishes.
Saying sink without specifying kitchen
Incorrect: ¿Dónde está el fregadero? (in a bathroom context)
Correct: ¿Dónde está el lavabo?
In the bathroom, use lavabo or lavamanos — fregadero is associated with the kitchen.
Lock in Kitchen Sink Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Fregadero used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using fregadero in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Deja los platos en el fregadero. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
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Common Questions About Kitchen Sink in Spanish
- How do you say 'kitchen sink' in Spanish?
- The most common term is fregadero, used widely in Spain and many Latin American countries — regional alternatives include pileta de cocina in Argentina and lavaplatos in Colombia.
- What is the difference between fregadero and lavabo?
- Fregadero refers to the kitchen sink where you wash dishes, while lavabo is the bathroom sink used for washing hands and face.
- Is fregadero used in all Spanish-speaking countries?
- It is the most universally understood term, but some countries prefer local variants — Colombians often say lavaplatos, Argentines say pileta, and some Mexicans use lavadero for the kitchen basin.