tolva de basura
/tolba de basuɾa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "trash chute" is translated into Spanish as tolva de basura.
The term refers to a vertical shaft in a building used for dropping trash from upper floors to a collection bin below. You may also use conducto de basura to describe the physical duct or shaft itself.
Which one should you use?
The phrase conducto de basura is a common alternative used to describe the physical duct or shaft of a trash chute.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American countries, the phrase El tiro de basura is used to refer to a trash chute.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking apartment buildings, you might hear people refer to the 'chimney' of the building when talking about the trash chute, using the word chimenea.
- While the word tolva is used for a trash chute, it also refers to a 'hopper' used in agriculture or industry to dispense grain or coal.
- The word basura is etymologically linked to the act of sweeping, originating from the Latin verb verrō, which means 'to sweep'.
Examples in context
- No tires bolsas de plástico en la tolva de basura.Do not throw plastic bags in the trash chute.
- La tolva de basura está en el pasillo.The trash chute is in the hallway.
- No dejes la bolsa fuera de la tolva de basura.Don't leave the bag outside the trash chute.
- ¿Dónde está la tolva de basura de este edificio?Where is the trash chute for this building?
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are cleaning their apartment.
- ElenaMateo, lleva estas bolsas a la tolva de basura.Mateo, take these bags to the trash chute.
- MateoClaro, voy ahora mismo.Sure, I'm going right now.
- ElenaTen cuidado de que la tolva de basura no esté llena.Be careful that the trash chute isn't full.
- MateoNo te preocupes, Elena, yo reviso.Don't worry, Elena, I'll check.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries basura, de, tolva, CC BY-SA 4.0.
