When visiting or living in Colombia, it’s always helpful to know how to communicate basic everyday terms, such as “trash.” In this guide, you’ll learn various ways to express this concept, both formally and informally, while understanding any regional variations that may exist. So, let’s dive into the rich Colombian slang and languages to equip you with the knowledge you need.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Trash”
If you prefer a more formal approach or are in a professional setting, you may want to use these expressions to refer to “trash” in Colombia:
1. Basura: This is the standard Spanish word for “trash” and is widely understood across all regions of Colombia. It is the most polite and common term used in formal contexts.
2. Desechos: This term is more technical and refers to “waste” or “garbage.” It is often used in formal environments, such as official documents or professional settings.
Informal Ways to Say “Trash”
Colombian slang is vibrant and rich, and when it comes to informal conversations, locals often use various terms to refer to “trash.” Here are some popular informal expressions for “trash” you can use during casual conversations:
1. Mierda: This term is colloquially used to mean “trash” or “garbage” in Colombia. However, please note that it’s considered vulgar and may not be appropriate in all situations.
2. Cachaco: Although originally referring to people from Bogotá, “cachaco” is sometimes used to describe trash or rubbish. This term is more common within the capital and its surrounding areas.
3. Trasto: This is another popular slang term used in some regions of Colombia, including Medellín and the Antioquia region, to refer to “trash” or “garbage.”
Regional Variations
While most of the terms mentioned earlier are widely understood throughout Colombia, it’s important to note that certain regional variations exist. Here are a few examples:
1. Pelanga: In the coastal regions of Colombia, specifically in Barranquilla and the Caribbean coast, “pelanga” is a slang term used to refer to “trash” or “garbage.”
2. Guarapo: In the Valle del Cauca region, particularly around Cali, “guarapo” is a slang term used to mean “trash” or “rubbish.”
Additional Tips and Examples
To help you navigate conversations and understand how “trash” can be used in context, here are some additional tips and examples:
- When asking where to dispose of trash, you can use the following sentence: “¿Dónde se puede botar la basura?” (Where can I throw away the trash?)
- If you want to complain about someone littering, you might say: “No deberías tirar la basura en la calle” (You should not throw trash on the street).
- In a casual conversation, you could exclaim: “¡Qué trasto tan feo!” (What an ugly piece of trash!). Remember that “trasto” is a more informal slang term.
By incorporating these phrases and expressions into your vocabulary, you’ll be able to comfortably communicate about “trash” while respecting local customs and understanding different dialects across Colombia.
Remember, embracing the local language and slang enriches your experience, fosters connections, and showcases your genuine interest in Colombian culture.
