residuo
“residuo” means “waste” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
waste
Also: residue, scrap
📝 In Action
Es importante separar cada residuo en el contenedor correcto.
A2It is important to separate each waste item into the correct bin.
La fábrica produce muchos residuos tóxicos.
B1The factory produces a lot of toxic waste.
Quedó un pequeño residuo blanco en el fondo del vaso.
B2A small white residue remained at the bottom of the glass.
remainder
Also: trace
📝 In Action
Si divides diez entre tres, el residuo es uno.
B1If you divide ten by three, the remainder is one.
No queda ni un residuo de duda sobre su inocencia.
C1Not even a trace of doubt remains about his innocence.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: residuo
Question 1 of 3
Which word is more formal and used for environmental topics?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'residuum', which comes from 'residere', meaning 'to remain behind' or 'to sit back'.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'residuo' to talk about food leftovers?
Generally, no. For food leftovers on a plate, use 'sobras' or 'restos'. 'Residuo' is more for chemical, industrial, or environmental waste.
Is 'residuo' common in daily conversation?
It's common if you are talking about recycling or the environment, but for throwing out the kitchen trash, most people just say 'basura'.
What is the difference between 'residuo' and 'desecho'?
They are very similar. 'Residuo' often implies something that remains after a process, while 'desecho' emphasizes that something is being thrown away because it's no longer useful.