desechable
/deseˈt͡ʃable/
The English phrase 'throwaway' is translated into Spanish as desechable.
desechable is most commonly used in the context of consumer goods like plates, cups or razors. You may use the phrase usar y desechar to mean 'use and discard', or para tirar después de usar to mean 'to throw away after use'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word desechable is formed from the verb desechar (to discard/throw away) and the suffix -able (able to be).
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, desechable must agree in number with the noun it modifies, becoming desechables for plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/deseˈtʃable/
Did you know?
- Spanish uses the word desechable for 'disposable' items, but for 'disposable income', it uses the term renta disponible, which has no linguistic connection to throwing things away.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the term desechable is used colloquially to describe a person who is considered disposable or unimportant in a social or professional setting.
- The root of desechable is related to the word echar, which means 'to throw'. In Spanish, echar is famously confused with hechar by native speakers, though the latter is a misspelling of the verb hacer meaning 'to make'.
Examples in context
- Mi plato desechable se rompió.My throwaway plate broke.
- Prefiero utilizar bolsas desechables en el supermercado.I prefer to use throwaway bags at the supermarket.
- Necesitamos más cubiertos descartables para la fiesta.We need more throwaway utensils for the party.
- ¿Podrías comprarme una cámara descartable para el viaje?Could you buy me a throwaway camera for the trip?
- Prefiero los vasos de plástico de un solo uso para evitar ensuciar.I prefer single-use plastic cups to avoid mess.
- ¿Tienes un encendedor de un solo uso para prender la vela?Do you have a single-use lighter to light the candle?
- Los platos de papel son para tirar después de la fiesta.Paper plates are meant to be thrown away after the party.
- Necesito comprar platos desechables para la fiesta.I need to buy disposable plates for the party.
- No me gusta usar cubiertos desechables.I don't like using disposable cutlery.
- Este vaso es desechable.This cup is disposable.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are preparing for a small outdoor picnic.
- MateoElena, ¿trajiste vasos desechables?Elena, did you bring disposable cups?
- ElenaSí, los puse en la mesa.Yes, I put them on the table.
- MateoPerfecto, así no tenemos que lavar nada.Perfect, that way we don't have to wash anything.
- ElenaEs mucho más práctico para hoy.It is much more practical for today.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry desechable, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
