contenedor de basura
/kontenedoɾ de basuɾa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "wheelie bin" is translated into Spanish as contenedor de basura.
contenedor de basura refers to an outdoor rubbish bin.
Meaning: outdoor rubbish bin (noun)
Which one should you use?
While contenedor de basura is the standard term, cubo de basura is a common alternative used to refer to a standard rubbish bin. Contenedor de basura con ruedas specifically describes a trash container with wheels.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term cubo de basura de ruedas may be used for "wheelie bin".
How do you pronounce it?
/kontenedoɾ de basuɾa/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, you might hear bote de basura instead of contenedor, where bote refers to a can or small boat.
- The word basura is often used in Spanish idioms to describe something of very low quality or a person who is morally corrupt.
- While contenedor is used for large outdoor bins, the word cubo literally means 'bucket', showing that small indoor bins are conceptualized as buckets.
Examples in context
- El contenedor de basura está lleno.The wheelie bin is full.
- Saca el contenedor de basura a la calle.Put the wheelie bin out on the street.
- Necesitamos un contenedor de basura nuevo.We need a new wheelie bin.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are cleaning the backyard.
- SofíaMateo, ¿dónde está el contenedor de basura?Mateo, where is the wheelie bin?
- MateoEstá detrás del garaje, Sofía.It is behind the garage, Sofia.
- SofíaAyúdame a mover el contenedor de basura, por favor.Help me move the wheelie bin, please.
- MateoEstá bien, yo lo llevo.Alright, I will take it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
