Which one should you use?
While comer comida chatarra is a standard way to express this, you may encounter different terms depending on the context and location. For example, in Spain, comida basura is a more common term for junk food than comida chatarra.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you need to be more formal, you can use consumir comida chatarra or ingerir alimentos poco saludables. For informal situations, you might say comer comida basura or comer porquerías.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, you can use morfar comida chatarra or comer porquerías. In Colombia, it is common to say papearse comida chatarra or comer porquerías. As noted previously, comida basura is specifically common in Spain.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to express the continuous action of the phrase (the gerund), use the form comiendo comida chatarra.
Did you know?
- The term comida chatarra uses the word chatarra, which refers to 'scrap metal' in a industrial context. This equates unhealthy food to industrial waste or scrap.
- The word chatarra actually traces its roots back to the Basque word txatarra, which originally meant 'something old'.
- Using porquerías to describe junk food literally translates to calling the food 'filth' or 'pig-stuff'.
Examples in context
- Me odio por no tener la voluntad de dejar de comer comida chatarra.I hate myself for not having the will power to quit eating junk food.This sentence expresses regret regarding the lack of willpower to stop comer comida chatarra.Tatoeba #1305642 by marcelostockle, translation #953471 by CK
- Debemos evitar ingerir alimentos poco saludables.We should avoid ingesting unhealthy food.
- No comamos porquerías hoy.Let's not eat junk food today.
- A todos les gusta comer comida basura de vez en cuando.Everyone loves to eat junk food occasionally.
- No es saludable comer comida chatarra todos los días.It is not healthy to eat junk food every day.
- Debemos evitar comer comida chatarra durante la semana.We should avoid eating junk food during the week.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are discussing their new diet at home.
- MaríaMateo, dejemos de comer comida chatarra.Mateo, let's stop eating junk food.
- MateoTienes razón, María, es muy difícil.You're right, María, it is very difficult.
- MaríaPodemos cocinar algo sano en casa.We can cook something healthy at home.
- MateoEs una buena idea para nosotros.That is a good idea for us.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chatarra, comer, comida, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
