Lava Versus Hugas (Chabacano Versus Tagalog)

One of the mistakes I would often commit when I was new in Manila when speaking Tagalog was using the world laba instead of hugas. When I used the word laba on plates, my coworker thought I was referring to my bag. That was when I was given a huge lecture on the difference between the Tagalog words laba and hugas. Apparently, the former is used only for apparel and accessories while the latter is used for kitchen utensils and other tools.

My confusion on these two words stem from my native language, Chabacano wherein the word lava is used for everything.

Here are some examples

Tagalog; Naghugas ako ng pinggan kanina.

Chabacano: Ya lava yo plato enante*.

English: I washed the dishes earlier.

Tagalog: Nilabhan ko ang damit ko

Chabacano: Ya lava yo mio ropa.

English: I washed my clothes.

Today, the difference between these two words is firmly etched into my mind that I never confuse them even when I am with a group of people with whom I have to constantly switch between the two languages from one minute to another.

*variations; endenate/s, denante/s, enantes