bolsa de basura
/bolsa de basuɾa/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'trash can liner' is translated into Spanish as bolsa de basura.
This phrase refers to a plastic bag used to line a trash can to keep it clean.
Which one should you use?
You can also use the alternative phrase bolsa para la basura, which translates to 'bag for the trash'. Using para la instead of de is a common alternative that emphasizes the purpose of the bag.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, you change the noun bolsa to bolsas while basura remains singular, resulting in bolsas de basura for 'trash bags'.
How do you pronounce it?
/bolsa de basuɾa/
Did you know?
- The word bolsa is used for everything from a trash liner to a handbag and even the stock market, which is called la bolsa.
- The word basura descends from the Latin verrō, which means 'sweep'. This reveals that the word originally described the act of sweeping something away rather than the waste itself.
- While bolsa de basura is widely understood, in some Latin American countries you might hear people ask for bolsas para los desechos to refer to waste products.
Examples in context
- Por favor, necesito una bolsa de basura nuevaPlease, I need a new trash can liner
- Necesito una bolsa de basura nueva.I need a new trash can liner.
- ¿Dónde pusiste la bolsa de basura?Where did you put the trash can liner?
- Esta bolsa de basura es muy resistente.This trash can liner is very strong.
Example conversation
In the kitchen, Daniel is looking for cleaning supplies.
- Daniel¿Tienes una bolsa de basura?Do you have a trash can liner?
- ElenaSí, están en el armario de la cocina.Yes, they are in the kitchen cabinet.
- DanielGracias, Elena.Thanks, Elena.
- ElenaDe nada, Daniel.You're welcome, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries basura, bolsa, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
