chatarra
cha-TAH-rrah
/tʃaˈta.ra/
Chatarra often refers to scrap metal and old mechanical parts meant for recycling.
chatarra(Noun)
scrap metal
?old metal items meant for recycling or disposal
junk
?broken or worthless objects
,clunker
?an old, broken-down vehicle
📝 In Action
Vendimos el coche viejo como chatarra.
B1We sold the old car as scrap metal.
El patio estaba lleno de chatarra acumulada.
B1The yard was full of accumulated junk.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Chatarra' as a Group Word
This word often acts like 'water' or 'luggage'—it describes a collection of things as one single mass. You usually say 'la chatarra' (the junk) even if there are many pieces of metal.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Chatarra vs. Basura
Mistake: “Using 'chatarra' for kitchen waste or paper.”
Correction: Use 'basura' for general trash. 'Chatarra' specifically refers to metal or mechanical items that are now useless.
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Cars
If you call someone's car 'una chatarra,' you are saying it's a total wreck or a 'piece of junk.'
Comida chatarra is the term used for junk food with low nutritional value.
📝 In Action
No es bueno comer mucha chatarra.
A2It's not good to eat a lot of junk food.
Los niños prefieren la comida chatarra.
A2Children prefer junk food.
⭐ Usage Tips
Shortening the phrase
While the full phrase is 'comida chatarra,' people often just say 'comer chatarra' to mean eating snacks or unhealthy food.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: chatarra
Question 1 of 2
If you take an old, broken washing machine to a recycling center, what are you bringing?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'chatarra' an insult?
When applied to an object, like a car or a computer, it is a way of saying it's useless or poor quality. When applied to food, it just means it's unhealthy.
Can I use 'chatarra' for old clothes?
No, for old clothes or rags, you would typically use 'trapos.' 'Chatarra' is almost always reserved for metal, machinery, or food.