Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| comida chatarra | /koˌmida t͡ʃaˈtara/ | feminine |
| comida basura | /koˌmida baˈsuɾa/ | feminine |
Both forms are used to describe food that has little or no nutritional value.
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase comida basura, the word basura literally means garbage or trash. In the phrase comida chatarra, the word chatarra literally refers to scrap metal or junk.
Which one should you use?
The choice between the two main forms often depends on the region. Comida basura is the more common term used in Spain, while comida chatarra is more common in Latin America.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may also hear the word chucherías used to refer to junk food like candies and chips.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both terms are feminine nouns. When pluralizing the phrase, only the noun comida changes to comidas, while the modifier remains singular, as in comidas basura.
How do you pronounce it?
/koˌmida tʃaˈtara/
Did you know?
- The term comida chatarra relies on the word chatarra, which is actually a loanword from Basque, specifically from the word txatarra meaning 'something old'.
Examples in context
- Me gusta la comida basura.I like junk food.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for comida basura.Tatoeba #9177188 by ecorralest101, translation #3732642 by CK
- Comes mucha comida chatarra.You eat too much junk food.This sentence is useful for noting how much comida chatarra someone consumes.Tatoeba #5045625 by don_ramon, translation #5045081 by CK
- Deja de comer comida basura.Stop eating junk food.This sentence is useful for telling someone to stop eating comida basura.Tatoeba #11760114 by Seael, translation #11760108 by CK
- No deberíamos comer tanta comida chatarraWe shouldn't eat so much junk food
- Los niños consumen demasiada comida chatarra estos días.Children consume too much junk food these days.
- Voy a la tienda para comprar algunas chucherías para la noche de películas.I'm going to the store to buy some junk food for movie night.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- Javier¿Pedimos una pizza o algo más saludable?Shall we order a pizza or something healthier?
- LucíaNo quiero comer tanta comida chatarra esta noche.I don't want to eat so much junk food tonight.
- JavierTienes razón, Lucía, busquemos un restaurante de ensaladas.You are right, Lucía, let's look for a salad restaurant.
- LucíaPerfecto, eso es mucho mejor para nosotros.Perfect, that is much better for us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “junk food” translations and entries comida chatarra, comida basura, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries basura, chatarra, comida, comida basura, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
