Inklingo

How to Say "bin" in Spanish

English → Spanish

contenedor

/kon-teh-nah-DOR//kon.te.naˈðoɾ/

nounA2general
Use 'contenedor' for a general-purpose bin, especially larger ones used for recycling or waste collection points.
A simple, brightly colored blue recycling bin with a hinged lid, slightly overflowing with crumpled paper and plastic bottles.

Examples

Tienes que tirar el cartón en el contenedor azul.

You have to throw the cardboard in the blue recycling bin.

Los trabajadores vaciaron el contenedor de basura esta mañana.

The workers emptied the dumpster this morning.

Always Masculine

Since 'contenedor' ends in -dor, it is a masculine noun and always uses 'el' or 'un'. The plural is 'los contenedores'.

cubo

/koo-bo//ˈku.βo/

nounA2general
Use 'cubo' specifically when referring to a 'cubo de basura,' which is a smaller bin typically kept inside a home for trash.
A bright red plastic bucket with a silver metal handle, sitting on a patch of green grass.

Examples

Por favor, saca el cubo de basura, está lleno.

Please take out the trash bin, it is full.

Necesito un cubo de agua para limpiar el suelo.

I need a bucket of water to clean the floor.

Los niños hicieron castillos de arena con sus cubos en la playa.

The children made sandcastles with their pails at the beach.

Masculine Noun

Remember that 'cubo' is a masculine word, so you must use masculine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'el cubo', 'un cubo grande').

Confusing 'cubo' and 'caja'

Mistake: “Using 'caja' when referring to a bucket/pail.”

Correction: 'Caja' means 'box.' Use 'cubo' or 'balde' for the container used for water or trash.

Contenedor vs. Cubo de Basura

Learners often confuse 'contenedor' and 'cubo.' Remember that 'cubo' is almost always used in the phrase 'cubo de basura' for an indoor trash bin, while 'contenedor' is more general and often refers to larger outdoor bins for recycling or waste.

Related Translations

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