escombros
/esˈkombɾos/
The English word rubble is translated into Spanish as escombros.
The term escombros refers to the broken remains of an object, usually rock or masonry.
Meaning: the broken remains of an object, usually rock or masonry (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
escombros is a plural noun and is almost always used in its plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/esˈkombɾos/
Did you know?
- If you are describing the 'rubble' of a person's life or emotions, using escombros is a powerful metaphor in Spanish literature, much like the English 'ruins'.
- The word escombrera refers to a specific place where 'rubble' is dumped. It is the Spanish equivalent of a 'debris pile' or 'spoil tip' used in mining and construction.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, the word escombro can also refer to a specific type of large, unrefined stone used in certain traditional masonry.
Examples in context
- El edificio fue reducido a escombros.The building was reduced to rubble.This sentence shows how a building can be reduced to escombros.Tatoeba #2413976 by marcelostockle, translation #2403695 by morgyn
- El temblor de tierra redujo muchos pueblos a escombros.The earthquake reduced many villages to rubble.This sentence illustrates how an earthquake can reduce villages to escombros.Tatoeba #5071913 by albrusgher, translation #4266776 by patgfisher
- Hay una pila de escombros donde el edificio solía estar.There is a pile of rubble where the building used to be.This sentence describes a pile of escombros located where a building once stood.Tatoeba #5072138 by albrusgher, translation #2399374 by orcrist
- Hay escombros por todas partes después del terremoto.There is rubble everywhere after the earthquake.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are walking past a construction site.
- DanielTen cuidado con los escombros en el suelo, Elena.Be careful with the rubble on the ground, Elena.
- ElenaGracias, Daniel, casi me tropiezo.Thanks, Daniel, I almost tripped.
- Daniel¿Ves cuántos escombros hay aquí?Do you see how much rubble is here?
- ElenaSí, es un desastre total.Yes, it is a total mess.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry escombros, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
