Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| basura | /baˈsuɾa/ | feminine |
| basuraleza | /basuɾaleθa/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /basuɾalesa/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
Spain, feminine |
The primary way to refer to discarded items or trash is with the word basura. If you want to describe the act of dropping or throwing trash without properly disposing of it, you can use the verb phrases tirar basura en, hacer basuraleza or crear basuraleza. Note that parir is a separate verb meaning to give birth.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal contexts or on official public signs, you might see the phrase arrojar basura used to mean "to litter." For more technical or professional settings, the terms residuos or desechos act as formal synonyms for general waste or litter. In casual conversation, you can use the diminutive basurilla to refer to small amounts of litter.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word basuraleza is used specifically in Spain to refer to litter or trash.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun basura is feminine. It is typically used in the singular form even when you are referring to multiple pieces of litter.
How do you pronounce it?
/baˈsuɾa/
Did you know?
- Calling someone una basura is a harsh insult in Spanish, meaning they are a worthless or despicable person.
- The term basuraleza is a linguistic pun in Spain that blends basura with naturaleza, which means 'nature'.
- The Spanish word basura is a distant relative of the English verb 'sweep', as both trace back to the Latin root 'verrō'.
Examples in context
- ¡No arroje basura!Don't litter!This sentence is a way to say "Don't litter!" using basura.Tatoeba #434663 by lukaszpp, translation #434662 by lukaszpp
- Hoy en día no puedes andar por la calle sin ver a la gente tirar la basura al suelo.These days you can't walk down the street without seeing people dropping litter.This sentence describes people dropping basura on the street.Tatoeba #866073 by SalsaVioleta, translation #18706 by Zifre
- Por favor, no arroje residuos en el sueloPlease, do not litter on the ground
- Ayudemos a mantener nuestras calles limpias, no arrojemos basuraLet's help keep our streets clean, let's not litter
- La acumulación de desechos en el área es un problema graveThe accumulation of litter in the area is a serious problem
- No puedo creer la cantidad de porquería que la gente tira en la calleI can't believe the amount of litter people throw on the street
- Hay mucha basura en el parque.There is a lot of litter in the park.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are walking on the beach.
- ElenaMira cuánta basura hay en la arena.Look how much litter there is on the sand.
- AlejandroEs terrible, la gente no respeta la playa.It's terrible, people don't respect the beach.
- ElenaAyúdame a recoger esta basura, por favor.Help me pick up this litter, please.
- AlejandroClaro, Alejandro te ayudará con eso.Sure, Alejandro will help you with that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “litter” translations and entries basura, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries basura, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
