Passar vs. passar a ferro vs. engomar
When expressing the concept of ironing clothes in Portuguese, you will encounter three main terms: passar, passar a ferro, and engomar. While they are often used interchangeably, their usage depends heavily on the level of specificity required and regional differences between Brazilian and European Portuguese.
Passar
A2This is the most common and colloquial verb used in both Brazil and Portugal. It literally implies to pass, but in a domestic context involving laundry, it is universally understood as short for passar a ferro (to iron). It is used when the context makes it obvious that you are talking about clothes.
Eu preciso passar essa camisa antes da reunião.
(I need to iron this shirt before the meeting.)
Você gosta de lavar ou passar?
(Do you like to wash or to iron?)
Minha mãe passou a tarde toda passando roupa.
(My mother spent the whole afternoon ironing clothes.)
Passar a ferro
B1This phrase is less ambiguous than simply using passar. It literally means to pass with iron. You use this when you want to be specific about the tool being used or if the context of the conversation has not yet been established. It distinguishes the action from other meanings of passar (like passing by or spending time).
Tenha cuidado ao passar a ferro tecidos delicados.
(Be careful when ironing delicate fabrics.)
Onde está o aparelho de passar a ferro?
(Where is the ironing device?)
Ela ensinou o filho a passar a ferro suas próprias calças.
(She taught her son to iron his own pants.)
Engomar
C1The usage of this word varies significantly by region. Historically, it means to starch (apply starch/goma to stiffen fabric). In Brazil, it largely retains this specific meaning or sounds old-fashioned. However, in European Portuguese, engomar is extremely common as a standard synonym for ironing, often implying a professional finish (as done in a laundry service).
Vou levar os lençóis à lavandaria para engomar.
(I am going to take the sheets to the laundry to be ironed.)
Este tecido precisa ser engomado para ficar rígido.
(This fabric needs to be starched to stay stiff.)
Comprei uma tábua de engomar nova.
(I bought a new ironing board.)
Summary
In summary, use passar for casual, everyday coversation in all regions. Use passar a ferro when you need to be precise about the action or tool. Use engomar if you are in Portugal (where it is a common synonym for ironing) or if you are specifically referring to stiffening clothes with starch in Brazil.