cubos de basura
/kubos de basuɾa/from spelling rules
cubos de basura is the Spanish phrase for bins.
The phrase refers to containers used for holding waste materials before they are emptied.
Which one should you use?
Use cubos de basura for general waste containers, whereas papelera is typically reserved for smaller, indoor desk-side bins.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, it is common to use Tachos de Basura. In many parts of Latin America, particularly Mexico, bote de basura is a common way to refer to a bin. The term papeleras is particularly common in Spain and some Latin American countries. In Spain, papelera is commonly used specifically for small bins used for paper or office waste.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is cubo de basura.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the word basura is used as a harsh insult to describe a person with no moral value.
- The word basura is etymologically linked to the Latin verb verrō, which means 'to sweep'.
- While cubo means 'bucket' or 'bin', it is also the standard Spanish term for a 'cube' in geometry.
Examples in context
- Por favor, coloque los residuos en los cubos de basura designados.Please place the waste in the designated bins.
- Echa el papel en las papeleras.Throw the paper in the bins.
- Saca los cubos de basura, por favor.Take out the bins, please.
- Los cubos de basura están llenos.The bins are full.
- Necesitamos comprar nuevos cubos de basura.We need to buy new bins.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are in the kitchen cleaning up.
- Alejandro¿Dónde están los cubos de basura?Where are the bins?
- LucíaEstán en el pasillo, Alejandro.They are in the hallway, Alejandro.
- AlejandroGracias, ya los veo.Thanks, I see them now.
- LucíaNo olvides sacarlos hoy.Don't forget to take them out today.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries basura, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
