chatarrería
/t͡ʃatareˈɾia/feminine
The English word junkyard is translated into Spanish as chatarrería. Wiktionary also lists cementerio.
Meaning: a business that sells used metal or items (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| chatarrería | /t͡ʃatareˈɾia/ | feminine |
| cementerio | /θemenˈteɾjo/ /semenˈteɾjo/ |
masculine |
The term chatarrería is the standard word for a business that processes and sells scrap metal. It is a feminine noun.
What does it mean word for word?
The word chatarrería is derived from chatarra, which means scrap metal.
Which one should you use?
While chatarrería is the standard term, you may encounter other variations depending on the context and level of formality. Cementerio is a masculine noun that can also refer to a junkyard.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the term Desarmadero is used to refer to a junkyard or scrapyard, specifically one used for dismantling vehicles.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of chatarrería is chatarrerías.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃatareˈɾia/
Did you know?
- The term desarmadero is so specific to the Southern Cone that using it in other Spanish-speaking countries might cause a listener to think of weapon disposal rather than car parts.
- The word cementerio contains a linguistic quirk where an extra 'n' was added to the word. This happened because it was mistakenly influenced by the Spanish word cemento, even though the original Greek root has no such letter.
- The term chatarrería follows a common Spanish naming pattern where the suffix -ería identifies a place of trade. You will see this same pattern in words like panadería for a bakery or librería for a bookstore.
Examples in context
- Tengo que llevar el coche viejo a la chatarrería.I have to take the old car to the junkyard.
- En esa chatarrería venden piezas muy baratas.That junkyard sells very cheap parts.
- Busco una parte de metal en la chatarrería local.I am looking for a metal part at the local junkyard.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are looking for a car part.
- LucíaDaniel, necesito un espejo para el coche.Daniel, I need a mirror for the car.
- DanielPodemos buscar uno en la chatarrería.We can look for one at the junkyard.
- LucíaEs una buena idea, Lucía irá contigo.That is a good idea, Lucía will go with you.
- DanielVamos ahora mismo a la chatarrería.Let's go to the junkyard right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “junkyard” translations and entries chatarrería, cementerio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cementerio, chatarrería, CC BY-SA 4.0.
