A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "How do i wash this" in Italian
Ask how to wash an item of clothing or fabric when shopping in Italy.
Come si lava questo?
KOH-meh see LAH-vah KWES-tohneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when you're in a clothing store or market and need to check the washing instructions for an item you're considering buying. It's a polite way to get specific care information before making a purchase.
Alternatives
- Come lo lavo?Use this if you're more comfortable using the informal 'tu' form with the shop assistant.
- Quali sono le istruzioni di lavaggio?This is a more formal and direct way to ask for the washing instructions.
Ways to get it wrong
Washing vs. Showering
Don't confuse 'lavare' (to wash clothes/dishes) with 'farsi la doccia' (to shower).
Pronouncing 'si'
Make sure to pronounce the 'i' in 'si' clearly; it's not a silent letter.
A small cultural note
Italians are often very particular about garment care, so asking this question shows you're a thoughtful shopper.
Frequently asked
how to ask washing instructions in italian
You can ask 'Come si lava questo?' which means 'How is this washed?'. This is a polite and common way to inquire about garment care.
italian for how to wash clothes
The general phrase for 'how to wash' is 'come lavare'. To ask about a specific item, use 'Come si lava questo?'.
what does come si lava questo mean
'Come si lava questo?' translates to 'How is this washed?' in English. It's used when you need to know the proper washing method for an item.
