Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| desechable | /deseˈt͡ʃable/ |
| de un solo uso | /de un ˌsolo ˈuso/ |
| de usar y tirar | /de uˌsaɾ i tiˈɾaɾ/ |
The term desechable is a common and widely understood way to say disposable in Spanish. It describes something designed to be discarded rather than refilled or repaired. It can also function as a noun to refer to an object that is designed to be disposed of.
What does it mean word for word?
The word desechable is derived from the verb desechar, which means 'to discard' or 'to throw away'.
Which one should you use?
While desechable is a direct adjective for 'disposable', the phrase de un solo uso is often used in environmental or regulatory contexts to specifically mean 'single-use'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase de usar y tirar is a common, more colloquial way to describe disposable items, literally meaning 'of use and throw'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, desechable must agree in number with the noun it modifies, becoming desechables for plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/deseˈtʃable/
Did you know?
- The verb desechar inside desechable can also be used metaphorically to describe rejecting an idea or discarding a romantic partner.
- In some Latin American contexts, using desechables as a general noun can specifically refer to party supplies like paper plates and plastic forks.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the term de un solo uso is specifically used in legal and environmental legislation to ban items like plastic straws.
Examples in context
- Considera a las mujeres placeres desechables y no propósitos con sentido.He regards women as disposable pleasures rather than as meaningful pursuits.This sentence uses desechable to describe pleasures that are viewed as disposable.Tatoeba #8005681 by Seael, translation #725436 by darinmex
- Creo que la gente debería dejar de utilizar las bolsas de compra desechables.I think that people should stop using disposable shopping bags.This sentence uses desechables to describe disposable shopping bags.Tatoeba #10067091 by jxff, translation #8178062 by CK
- Usa los vasos desechables, no los de vidrio.Use the disposable cups, not the glass ones.This sentence uses desechables to describe disposable cups.
- Por favor, use guantes desechables.Please, use disposable gloves.
- Utilice platos descartables para el evento corporativo.Use disposable plates for the corporate event.
- Estos productos son de un solo uso.These products are disposable/single-use.
- Estos cubiertos son para botar después de usar.These utensils are disposable/for throwing away after use.
- Las servilletas desechables están en el estante.The disposable napkins are on the shelf.
- Necesitamos más cosas desechables para la fiesta.We need more disposable things for the party.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are organizing a small picnic in the park.
- Alejandro¿Trajiste platos desechables para el picnic?Did you bring disposable plates for the picnic?
- SofíaSí, tengo un paquete de platos desechables en mi bolso.Yes, I have a pack of disposable plates in my bag.
- AlejandroPerfecto, así no tendremos que lavar nada.Perfect, that way we won't have to wash anything.
- SofíaEs más práctico para nosotros hoy.It is more practical for us today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “disposable” translations and entries desechable, de un solo uso, de usar y tirar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
