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How to Say "i waste" in Spanish

English → Spanish

desperdicio

/des-pair-DEE-syoh//despeɾˈdisjo/

verbB1general
Use this word when you are talking about the act of using a resource like water, food, or money inefficiently or to excess.
A garden hose on a green lawn with water pouring out into a large puddle.

Examples

Yo nunca desperdicio el agua.

I never waste water.

Si no estudio, desperdicio mi oportunidad.

If I don't study, I waste my opportunity.

The 'O' Ending

When you see 'desperdicio' ending in 'o', it means 'I waste'. If it were just the noun 'waste', it would usually follow a word like 'el' or 'un'.

pierdo

/pyehr-doh//ˈpjeɾðo/

verbB1general
This translation is best when referring to wasting abstract things like time or effort, often due to a lack of organization or a bad strategy.
A person pouring a large bucket of water onto extremely dry, cracked ground, watching the water instantly disappear without effect, symbolizing wasted effort.

Examples

Si no hay un plan, pierdo demasiado tiempo pensando.

If there is no plan, I waste too much time thinking.

No pierdo dinero en cosas que no necesito.

I don't waste money on things I don't need.

Desperdicio vs. Pierdo

The most common mistake is using 'desperdicio' for time or effort. Remember that 'desperdicio' is for tangible resources, while 'pierdo' is for intangible things like time and energy.

Related Translations

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