Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| descartar | /deskaɾˈtaɾ/ |
| desechar | /deseˈt͡ʃaɾ/ |
Both verbs mean to discard or reject, but they are applied to different contexts. You use descartar when you are rejecting an idea, a theory, a possibility or an option, such as in the common phrase descartar una opción (to rule out an option). In contrast, desechar is used when you are physically throwing a material object away, such as putting something in the trash.
Which one should you use?
The distinction between the two forms depends on whether the object is abstract or physical: use descartar to rule out or reject an idea or possibility, and use desechar to throw away a physical object.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term botar is an informal synonym used in specific regions, including Colombia and Venezuela.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of descartar is descartado, which can function as an adjective meaning "discarded" or "ruled out".
How do you pronounce it?
/deskaɾˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb descartar comes from the word carta, meaning 'card'. In its earliest sense, it referred to discarding a card from a deck during a game.
- While botar is a synonym for 'throw away' in Colombia and Venezuela, in Spain it primarily means 'to bounce' a ball or 'to fire' an employee.
- In some regions like Colombia or Venezuela, using botar can also mean 'to bounce' a ball or even 'to waste' money, showing how the concept of 'discarding' can shift meanings through different contexts.
Examples in context
- El protocolo requiere desechar los documentos después de un año.The protocol requires discarding the documents after one year.
- Por seguridad, es necesario eliminar todos los datos sensibles.For security purposes, it is necessary to discard all sensitive data.
- Voy a tirar estas revistas viejas.I'm going to discard these old magazines.
- Es hora de botar todas estas cajas vacías.It's time to discard all these empty boxes.
- El informe sugiere descartar el proyecto.The report suggests discarding the project.
- No debemos descartar ninguna idea.We should not discard any idea.
- Él decidió descartar esa opción.He decided to discard that option.
- Vas a descartar todo el material viejo.You are going to discard all the old material.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are reviewing project proposals in an office.
- Lucía¿Quieres descartar este plan?Do you want to discard this plan?
- AlejandroSí, Lucía, es demasiado caro.Yes, Lucía, it is too expensive.
- LucíaEstá bien, lo voy a descartar.Fine, I am going to discard it.
- AlejandroGracias, busquemos algo mejor.Thanks, let's look for something better.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “discard” translations and entries descartar, desechar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries descartar, desechar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
