Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Trash in Spanish: Basura and Related Words
Basura · noun (feminine) · bah-SOO-rah
Basura is the universal Spanish word for trash or garbage. It is a feminine noun used in every Spanish-speaking country to refer to discarded materials, waste, or rubbish.
bah-SOO-rah
Por favor, saca la basura antes de irte.
Please take out the trash before you leave.
Trash in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for trash, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| basura | trash | bah-SOO-rah | Default, widely understood |
| desperdicios | trash | general (waste) | |
| desechos | trash | general (refuse, debris) |
How Native Speakers Use Basura
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Household chore
¿Puedes tirar la basura en el contenedor de afuera?
Can you throw the trash in the bin outside?
Asking someone to dispose of household waste.
Street cleanliness
No dejes basura en la playa; llévala contigo.
Don't leave trash on the beach; take it with you.
A sign or reminder about keeping public spaces clean.
Recycling conversation
Separamos los desperdicios reciclables de la basura común.
We separate recyclable waste from regular trash.
Discussing waste sorting and recycling habits.
Figurative use
Esa película fue una basura total.
That movie was total trash.
Using basura figuratively to describe something of very poor quality.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Basura
Confusing basura with basurero
Incorrect: Pon los restos en la basura. (pointing at the trash can itself)
Correct: Pon los restos en el basurero.
Basura means the trash itself (the waste material). Basurero refers to the trash can or the person who collects garbage.
Using plural unnecessarily
Incorrect: Hay muchas basuras en la calle.
Correct: Hay mucha basura en la calle.
Basura is typically used as an uncountable noun in Spanish. Use mucha basura (much trash) rather than muchas basuras.
Lock in Trash Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Basura used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using basura in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Por favor, saca la basura antes de irte. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Trash in Spanish
- What is the difference between basura and desperdicios?
- Basura is the general, everyday term for trash or garbage. Desperdicios is a more formal word that specifically refers to waste or scraps, often used in the context of food waste or industrial refuse.
- How do you say trash can in Spanish?
- The most common terms are basurero, bote de basura (Mexico), cubo de basura (Spain), and tacho de basura (Argentina). The word changes by region, but basurero is widely understood.
- Can basura be used as an insult in Spanish?
- Yes, calling something or someone basura is a strong, colloquial way to express that it is worthless or despicable. It carries a harsh tone similar to calling something trash in English.