harapos
/aɾapos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "rags" is translated into Spanish as harapos.
The term refers to old, torn pieces of cloth used for cleaning or as poor quality clothing. While the word jergas primarily translates to "slang," it can also refer to soiled or worn-out clothing.
Which one should you use?
The term guiñapos is a colloquial way to say "rags" in Spanish, expressing the idea of shredded or ragged garments.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is harapo.
How do you pronounce it?
/aɾapos/
Did you know?
- While harapos describes the clothes themselves, Spanish uses the phrase estar hecho un guiñapo to describe a person who is physically or emotionally exhausted.
- In some regions, the word trapo is more common than harapo for cleaning rags, but calling someone a trapo can be a harsh insult meaning they are spineless.
- In Spanish literature and theater, harapos is often used as a symbol of hidden nobility, mirroring the trope of the 'prince in rags'.
Examples in context
- Por favor, desecha esos trapos viejosPlease dispose of those old rags
- El pobre hombre vestía con haraposThe poor man was dressed in rags
- Mi abuela siempre cosía mis andurrialesMy grandmother used to mend my rags
- La ropa de ese hombre son solo harapos.That man's clothes are just rags.
- Tiró los harapos viejos a la basura.He threw the old rags in the trash.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are cleaning an old car in the driveway.
- MaríaAlejandro, ¿tienes más harapos para limpiar?Alejandro, do you have more rags for cleaning?
- AlejandroSí, están en el cajón del taller.Yes, they are in the workshop drawer.
- MaríaPerfecto, porque estos ya son solo harapos.Perfect, because these are already just rags.
- AlejandroTraigo los trapos nuevos ahora mismo.I'll bring the new cloths right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
