Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| sucio | /ˈsuθjo/ /ˈsusjo/ |
| chuco | /ˈt͡ʃuko/ |
The primary way to express that something is covered with or containing dirt is through the adjective sucio. If you want to describe the action of becoming soiled, you can use the verbs ensuciarse or shuquearse. For describing something done in a dirty manner, the adverb obscenamente is used.
Which one should you use?
While sucio is the standard term for dirty, chuco is a more informal, regional variation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American regions, such as parts of Mexico, the colloquial term chuco is used to mean dirty. In Latin America, cochino is an informal way to say dirty or unclean, while in Spain, guarro is primarily used to describe people or things as dirty or sloppy.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, sucio must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes: sucia is the feminine singular form, sucio is the masculine singular form, sucias is the feminine plural form and sucios is the masculine plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsuθjo/
Did you know?
- The word sucio actually has its roots in the concept of being 'juicy' or 'oily'. It evolved from the Latin word sūcidus, which originally meant something filled with sap or juice.
- In many parts of Latin America, the word cochino is used to describe someone who is dirty, but this is also the literal word for 'pig'.
- In some contexts, using cochino can imply not just physical dirt, but also a lack of moral purity or 'dirty' thoughts.
Examples in context
- El niño está sucio.The child is dirty.This sentence shows how to describe a child being dirty using sucio.Tatoeba #536422 by Leono, translation #68340 by CK
- Mi sostén está sucio.My bra is dirty.This sentence uses sucio to describe a piece of clothing.Tatoeba #4999441 by don_ramon, translation #4965687 by ieflicca
- Tus pies están sucios.Your feet are dirty.This sentence shows the masculine plural form sucios used with feet.Tatoeba #979980 by Shishir, translation #274464 by CK
- un mantel sucioA dirty tablecloth
- 75 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are cleaning the kitchen together.
- SofíaMateo, este trapo está muy sucio.Mateo, this cloth is very dirty.
- MateoTienes razón, voy a buscar uno limpio.You're right, I'll look for a clean one.
- SofíaEl piso también se ve sucio.The floor looks dirty too.
- MateoLo pasaré con la mopa ahora.I'll go over it with the mop now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dirty” translations and entries sucio, chuco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chuco, sucio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
