basura
standard
Trash in Puerto Rico is basura. The trash can is called a zafacón, a word typical of Puerto Rico. It is also called Zafacón de basura.
Meaning: garbage (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| basura | standard |
| Zafacón | trash can, Puerto Rico |
| Zafacón de basura | bin |
Say Saca la basura for take out the trash and Tíralo en el zafacón for throw it in the bin.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain the bin is a papelera or cubo de basura. In Mexico it is a bote de basura. Zafacón is also used in the Dominican Republic.
How does it change in a sentence?
Basura is feminine: la basura, and it is used in the singular for all trash.
Did you know?
- Zafacón is one of the best known Puerto Rican words, and many visitors learn it on their first day.
Examples in context
- Saca la basura antes de dormir.Take out the trash before bed.
- Tíralo en el zafacón.Throw it in the trash can.
- Hoy pasa el camión de la basura.The garbage truck comes today.
Example conversation
Mother Ileana reminds her teenage son Adrián about chores in their house in Bayamón.
- IleanaAdrián, saca la basura, por favor.Adrián, take out the trash, please.
- AdriánAhora mismo, mami.Right now, mom.
- IleanaY tira esa funda en el zafacón.And throw that bag in the trash can.
