cestino della spazzatura
The English phrase 'trash can' is translated into Italian as cestino della spazzatura.
cestino della spazzatura is used to describe a container for holding waste paper and other small pieces of trash.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cestino (small basket), della (of the) and spazzatura (trash).
Which one should you use?
cestino della spazzatura typically refers to a small bin, such as one found in an office or a bathroom. If you are referring to a large, heavy-duty bin or a street dumpster, you should use bidone della spazzatura instead. In casual conversation, Italians often shorten the phrase to just cestino if the context of trash is already understood.
Did you know?
- While cestino is a small bin, a bidone is a large drum. The word bidone is also used in Italian slang to describe a 'scam' or a 'fraud'.
- In many Italian cities, the cestino is replaced by a cassonetto, a large shared metal container that is often locked and requires a special electronic key for residents to open.
- In Italy, you may see a cestino in a public park that is designed for organic waste only, marked with the word umido, which means 'humid' or 'moist'.
Examples in context
- Scusi, dov'è il cestino?Excuse me, where is the trash can?
- Mi scusi, per cortesia, dove posso trovare il bidone della spazzatura?Excuse me, please, where can I find the trash bin?
- Scusa, dove c'è il cestino della spazzatura?Hey, where's the trash bin?
- Mi sai dire dove si trova la pattumiera?Can you tell me where the trash can is?
- Mi serve un cestino per i rifiutiI need a trash can
- Dov'è il cestino della spazzatura?Where is the trash can?
- Il cestino della spazzatura è pieno.The trash can is full.
- Metti quel foglio nel cestino della spazzatura.Put that paper in the trash can.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Chiara are cleaning the living room together.
- AlessandroChiara, puoi svuotare il cestino della spazzatura?Chiara, can you empty the trash can?
- ChiaraCerto, lo faccio subito.Sure, I'll do it right away.
- AlessandroGrazie, ci sono troppi rifiuti.Thanks, there is too much waste.
- ChiaraHai ragione, ora porto tutto fuori.You're right, I'll take everything outside now.
