What does it mean word for word?
The phrase cubos de basura literally translates to 'buckets of trash'.
Which one should you use?
While cubos de basura is the standard term, you may encounter other variations. Basurero is a single word that can mean either the trash can itself or the person who collects the trash. For formal contexts, you might use Contenedores de basura or Recipientes de basura.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Regional usage varies significantly. In Mexico and parts of Latin America, botes de basura is a very common way to say trash cans. In Argentina, Uruguay and some parts of Chile, papelera is the commonly used term. In Spain, papeleras is commonly used to refer to smaller trash cans, such as those found in offices or street corners. Additionally, in Spain, the formal term Contenedores de basura is often used for larger communal trash containers.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a single trash can, use the singular form cubo de basura.
Did you know?
- The word basura is etymologically linked to the act of sweeping, as it derives from the Latin 'verrō', meaning 'to sweep'.
- In many Latin American countries, you will hear people use the word bote for a trash can, which comes from the verb 'botar' meaning 'to throw'.
Examples in context
- Por favor, coloque los papeles en las papeleras designadas.Please place the papers in the designated trash cans.
- La municipalidad ha instalado nuevos contenedores de basura en el centro de la ciudad.The municipality has installed new trash containers in the city center.
- No arroje basura al suelo, utilice los recipientes de basura adecuados.Do not throw trash on the ground, use the appropriate trash containers.
- Me puedes pasar la bolsa de basura para vaciarla en los cubos.Can you pass me the trash bag to empty it in the trash cans.
- Los niños encontraron un gato dentro de los basureros del parque.The children found a cat inside the park's trash cans.
- No dejes el papel en el suelo, colócalo en la papelera.Don't leave the paper on the ground, put it in the trash can.
- Por favor, deposita los residuos en el tacho de basura adecuado.Please deposit the waste in the appropriate trash can.
- No hay suficientes cestos de basura en el parque, por eso está tan sucio.There are not enough trash cans in the park, that's why it is so dirty.
- Necesitamos comprar nuevos cubos de basura.We need to buy new trash cans.
- Los cubos de basura están en la cocina.The trash cans are in the kitchen.
- ¿Dónde están los cubos de basura para el reciclaje?Where are the trash cans for recycling?
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are cleaning their apartment.
- Alejandro¿Dónde puse los cubos de basura?Where did I put the trash cans?
- LucíaEstán debajo del fregadero, Alejandro.They are under the sink, Alejandro.
- AlejandroAh, ya los veo. Gracias.Ah, I see them now. Thanks.
- LucíaDe nada, ahora podemos terminar de limpiar.You're welcome, now we can finish cleaning.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries basura, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
