How to Say "scrap metal" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “scrap metal” is “chatarra” — B1 level.
English → SpanishB1
nounB1
old metal items meant for recycling or disposal
Examples
Vendimos el coche viejo como chatarra.
We sold the old car as scrap metal.
El patio estaba lleno de chatarra acumulada.
The yard was full of accumulated junk.
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.
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.
Related Translations
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