chatarra
/t͡ʃaˈtara/feminine
Scrap in Spanish is translated as chatarra.
The term chatarra refers to discarded objects. If you are discussing scrap that can be salvaged or repurposed, you might use the phrase material recuperable. Related verbs used to describe the act of discarding include quitar, desechar and descartar, while the specific action of disposing of something at a scrapyard is expressed with desguazar, achatarrar or chatarrear.
Meaning: discarded objects (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
chatarra is a feminine noun that is typically used in the singular to refer to scrap metal or junk in general. It also serves as the root for the word chatarrería, which means a scrapyard.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃaˈtara/
Did you know?
- The word chatarra is used in the phrase comida chatarra to describe 'junk food'. In this context, it suggests the food is as low in value as scrap metal.
- The word chatarra actually has roots in the Basque language, coming from the word txatarra, which means 'something old'.
- While chatarra is the general term, in Mexico, the word fierro viejo is frequently used in street calls by scrap collectors.
Examples in context
- El auto se convirtió en chatarra.The car was turned into scrap.This sentence demonstrates how a car can become chatarra.Tatoeba #6856770 by albrusgher, translation #4063787 by Abeer
- Por favor, asegúrese de desechar los residuos correctamente.Please make sure to dispose of scrap properly.
- Ayer vendí toda la chatarra que tenía en el garaje.Yesterday, I sold all the scrap I had in the garage.
- Vamos a tirar todas estas chácharas al contenedor de basura.Let's throw all this scrap in the trash container.
- Vendemos toda la chatarra vieja del taller.We sell all the old scrap from the workshop.
- Ese montón de chatarra estorba en el jardín.That pile of scrap is in the way in the garden.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are cleaning out their garage.
- Javier¿Qué hacemos con esta chatarra?What do we do with this scrap?
- LucíaPodemos llevar la chatarra al reciclaje.We can take the scrap to the recycling center.
- JavierEs una buena idea, Lucía.That is a good idea, Lucía.
- LucíaYo traeré las bolsas para recogerla.I will bring the bags to pick it up.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scrap” translations and entries chatarra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chatarra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
