spazzatura
/spat.t͡saˈtu.ra/
The English phrase 'rubbish' can be translated into Italian as spazzatura.
spazzatura is used to describe both physical waste, such as trash or sweeping and figuratively to describe things of very poor quality, such as a bad movie or a bad idea. Other terms exist depending on the context: robaccia is an informal way to refer to a collection of low-quality objects, clutter or something nonsensical. cavolata is an informal, lighthearted term. And the colloquial expression cosetta da quattro soldi describes something of very low value, literally meaning something worth only a few coins.
Meaning: items of low quality (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word spazzatura is derived from the verb spazzare, which means 'to sweep'.
Which one should you use?
While spazzatura is the standard term, rifiuti is used in more formal or technical contexts, such as in administrative or environmental discussions regarding waste and refuse.
How does it change in a sentence?
spazzatura is typically used in the singular to refer to waste in general. However, you can use the plural form spazzature when referring to different types of waste or refuse.
How do you pronounce it?
/spat.tsaˈtu.ra/, 4 syllables, stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- While spazzatura is the standard word for trash, Italians use cavolata to call a statement or idea 'rubbish'. This term comes from the word cavolo meaning 'cabbage', turning a common vegetable into a synonym for nonsense.
- If you want to call a person 'rubbish' or a 'loser' in a very insulting way, you might call them a pezzo di m***a, which literally translates to a 'piece of sh*t'.
- In some Italian regions, you might hear the word monnezza instead of spazzatura. This term is particularly common in Rome and carries a slightly more visceral or derogatory tone.
Examples in context
- Questa è tutta spazzatura.This is all rubbish.This sentence is useful for identifying that something is all rubbish using spazzatura.Tatoeba #4530785 by Guybrush88, translation #4494860 by CK
- Bruci questa spazzatura nel fuoco.Burn this rubbish on the fire.This sentence shows how to use spazzatura in the context of burning waste.Tatoeba #2409636 by Guybrush88, translation #61213 by sundown
- Quest'auto è un ammasso di spazzatura.This car is a pile of rubbish.This sentence illustrates how to use spazzatura to describe a pile of something, like a car.Tatoeba #3574685 by Guybrush88, translation #875012 by Cainntear
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Lorenzo are looking at some cheap toys in a store.
- MartinaGuarda questi giochi, sono solo spazzatura.Look at these toys, they are just rubbish.
- LorenzoHai ragione, si rompono subito.You are right, they break immediately.
- MartinaPerché costano così tanto se sono spazzatura?Why are they so expensive if they are rubbish?
- LorenzoNon lo so, andiamo via di qui.I don't know, let's get out of here.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry spazzatura, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
