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sacar la basura

B1 verb 10 min read

sacar la basura

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips sacar la basura in 30 Seconds

Explanation sacar la basura in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'sacar la basura' is introduced as a basic vocabulary item related to household chores (las tareas del hogar). Students learn it as a fixed phrase. The focus is on the present tense conjugation of the verb 'sacar' (yo saco, tú sacas, él saca, etc.). A1 learners use this phrase to describe their daily routines or to understand simple instructions in a home setting. For example, 'Yo saco la basura por la noche' (I take out the trash at night). The goal is simply to recognize the action and the object 'la basura'. Learners might struggle with the 'la' and might try to say 'sacar basura', but they are encouraged to keep the article. It is one of the first multi-word verbal expressions students master because of its high frequency in domestic life. Teachers often use it to practice the imperative 'Saca la basura', which is a very practical command.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'sacar la basura' in more varied tenses, particularly the preterite (past tense). This introduces the important spelling change 'saqué' (I took out). A2 students also learn to use the phrase with frequency adverbs like 'a veces', 'siempre', or 'nunca'. They start to participate in basic conversations about chores: '¿Quién sacó la basura ayer?' (Who took out the trash yesterday?). They also learn to use the phrase with the verb 'tocar' to express responsibility: 'Me toca sacar la basura a mí' (It's my turn to take out the trash). At this level, students are expected to understand the phrase in the context of a slightly more complex narrative about home life or cleaning schedules. They also begin to distinguish between 'sacar la basura' and other chores like 'lavar los platos' or 'hacer la cama'.

At the B1 level (the target level for this word), students use 'sacar la basura' with much more flexibility. They can use it in the subjunctive to express desires, doubts, or requests: 'Espero que mi hermano saque la basura pronto' (I hope my brother takes out the trash soon). B1 learners are also introduced to the cultural nuances of waste disposal in Spanish-speaking countries, such as specific collection times and street containers. They can discuss the environmental implications of 'sacar la basura' and the importance of recycling ('separar los residuos'). The phrase is used in more complex sentence structures, such as 'Aunque no me gusta, tengo que sacar la basura cada noche' (Even though I don't like it, I have to take out the trash every night). At this level, students should be comfortable using the direct object pronoun 'la' to avoid repetition: '¿Sacaste la basura?' 'Sí, la saqué hace cinco minutos'.

At the B2 level, 'sacar la basura' is used fluently in any grammatical context. Learners can discuss more abstract concepts related to waste management, such as municipal policies or the 'recogida de basura' (trash collection) systems. They might use the phrase in hypothetical situations using the conditional: 'Si tuviera tiempo, yo sacaría la basura más a menudo' (If I had time, I would take out the trash more often). B2 students also begin to recognize the phrase in more varied registers, from informal slang to more formal administrative language. They can engage in debates about urban cleanliness and the social responsibility of 'sacar la basura' correctly. The focus shifts from the basic action to the broader implications of waste disposal in society. They also learn more sophisticated synonyms like 'deshacerse de los residuos' and when to use them instead of the more common 'sacar la basura'.

At the C1 level, the learner has a near-native grasp of 'sacar la basura'. They can identify subtle idiomatic or metaphorical uses of the phrase in literature or advanced journalism. For example, a political commentator might use 'sacar la basura' metaphorically to refer to purging corruption from a government department. C1 students understand the socio-economic factors that influence how and when people 'sacan la basura' in different neighborhoods. They can use the phrase in highly complex, multi-clause sentences with perfect grammatical accuracy. Their vocabulary is broad enough to discuss the chemistry of decomposition or the logistics of waste processing plants, using 'sacar la basura' as the starting point for a technical discussion. They also master the use of the passive voice and impersonal 'se': 'Se debe sacar la basura solo en el horario permitido'.

At the C2 level, 'sacar la basura' is a tool for creative and highly nuanced expression. The speaker can use the phrase with irony, sarcasm, or in poetic contexts. They have a complete understanding of regional variations and historical changes in how waste is described and handled. A C2 learner could write a sophisticated essay on the sociology of domestic labor, using 'sacar la basura' as a symbolic representation of the invisible work that sustains a household. They are perfectly comfortable with all idiomatic expressions related to waste and can switch between formal technical terms and colloquialisms effortlessly. The phrase is no longer a 'vocabulary word' but a natural part of their linguistic repertoire, used with the same ease and precision as a native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

sacar la basura in 30 Seconds

A common Spanish verbal phrase meaning 'to take out the trash,' essential for describing household chores and daily routines in any Spanish-speaking environment.
The phrase uses the regular verb 'sacar' with the noun 'la basura,' requiring a spelling change in the first-person preterite form (saqué).
Culturally significant due to strict municipal schedules in many Spanish cities, where trash must be taken to street containers at specific evening hours.
A key component of the B1 vocabulary set, used frequently in requests, commands, and negotiations between roommates or family members regarding cleanliness.

The Spanish phrase sacar la basura is a fundamental verbal expression that translates literally to "to take out the trash" or "to remove the rubbish." At its core, it describes the mundane yet essential household chore of transporting waste from the interior of a home or building to an external collection point, such as a bin on the street, a dumpster, or a designated curb for municipal pickup. While it may seem like a simple mechanical action, the phrase carries significant weight in daily domestic life, often serving as a focal point for household negotiations, responsibilities, and routines. In the context of Spanish-speaking cultures, the act of sacar la basura is frequently governed by strict local schedules; many cities in Spain and Latin America do not have permanent large dumpsters on every corner, requiring residents to bring their bags out only at specific hours in the evening when the collection trucks are scheduled to arrive.

Literal Meaning: The verb sacar means to extract, remove, or take something out from a confined space. La basura refers to waste, refuse, or any discarded material. Together, they form the standard way to describe the disposal of household waste.
Social Context: This phrase is central to the 'reparto de tareas' (distribution of chores). It is one of the most common points of contention between roommates or family members, often used in requests, reminders, or complaints about cleanliness and shared responsibility.
Metaphorical Usage: Beyond the physical act, it can occasionally be used metaphorically to describe the act of removing unwanted elements, 'toxic' people, or clutter from one's life, though this is less common than the literal domestic meaning.

"Hijo, no te olvides de sacar la basura antes de que pase el camión a las diez."

— A common parental reminder in a Spanish household.

Understanding the timing of this action is crucial for anyone living in a Spanish-speaking country. For instance, in many Spanish cities, you might see signs that say "Prohibido sacar la basura antes de las 20:00," indicating that waste should not be placed on the street during the heat of the day to prevent odors and pests. This cultural nuance makes the phrase not just a vocabulary item, but a guide to social etiquette and local law. Furthermore, the phrase adapts to the type of waste; while basura is the general term, one might also hear sacar el reciclaje (take out the recycling) or sacar los vidrios (take out the glass), following the same syntactic structure. The verb sacar itself is highly versatile, but when paired with la basura, it becomes a fixed collocation that every B1 learner must master to navigate daily life and conversations about home maintenance.

"¿A quién le toca sacar la basura hoy? Yo lo hice ayer."

"Es importante sacar la basura todas las noches para evitar malos olores en la cocina."

The phrase sacar la basura functions as a standard transitive verb phrase. The verb sacar is a regular -ar verb, but it undergoes a minor orthographic change in the preterite 'yo' form (saqué) to maintain the hard 'k' sound. When using this phrase, the focus is usually on the person performing the action (the subject) and the frequency or timing of the task. Because it is a daily chore, it is frequently paired with temporal adverbs like siempre, nunca, todos los días, or anoche.

The Present Tense: Used for habits and current duties. "Yo saco la basura los lunes." (I take out the trash on Mondays.) Note that the article 'la' is almost never omitted.
The Imperative (Commands): Crucial for household management. "¡Saca la basura ahora mismo!" (Take out the trash right now!) or the polite version "Saque la basura, por favor."
Using Pronouns: When the context of 'basura' is established, you can use the direct object pronoun 'la'. "¿Sacaste la basura?" "Sí, ya la saqué." (Did you take out the trash? Yes, I already took it out.)

In more complex sentences, sacar la basura often appears in the infinitive form after auxiliary verbs or phrases expressing obligation or desire. For example, "Tengo que sacar la basura" (I have to take out the trash) or "Me molesta tener que sacar la basura cuando llueve" (It bothers me to have to take out the trash when it rains). Learners should also practice using the phrase with 'tocar' to express turns: "Te toca sacar la basura" (It's your turn to take out the trash).

"Si no sacas la basura, la casa va a oler muy mal mañana."

— A conditional warning about the consequences of neglect.

"Estábamos cenando cuando nos dimos cuenta de que habíamos olvidado sacar la basura."

"Prefiero lavar los platos que sacar la basura en invierno."

You will encounter the phrase sacar la basura in a variety of real-world settings, most commonly within the domestic sphere. It is the quintessential 'household chore' phrase. If you are living with a host family, sharing an apartment with roommates, or staying in an Airbnb where you are responsible for waste disposal, this phrase will be part of your daily vocabulary. Beyond the home, it appears in urban environments through signage and public announcements regarding municipal services.

In the Kitchen: The most common place to hear it is in the kitchen after a meal. "La bolsa está llena, hay que sacar la basura." (The bag is full, we must take out the trash.)
City Signage: In many Spanish cities, you will see signs on buildings or near public bins that regulate the hours for disposal. Phrases like "Horario para sacar la basura: 20:00 a 23:00" are common.
Television and Media: In sitcoms or family dramas, sacar la basura is a frequent plot point for showing domestic conflict or the mundane nature of a character's life. It is the ultimate relatable task.

Furthermore, in neighborhoods with active 'comunidades de vecinos' (neighborhood associations), the rules for sacar la basura are often discussed in meetings. You might hear neighbors complaining: "El vecino del 3B siempre saca la basura fuera de hora" (The neighbor in 3B always takes the trash out outside of the allowed hours). This highlights that the phrase is not just about the action, but about the social responsibility and community living that characterizes many Spanish-speaking urban areas.

"Disculpe, ¿sabe a qué hora se puede sacar la basura en esta calle?"

— A useful question for a new resident in a Spanish city.

"No podemos salir todavía, primero tengo que sacar la basura porque mañana es festivo y no habrá recogida."

"En este edificio, está prohibido sacar la basura los domingos."

Even for intermediate learners, certain errors when using sacar la basura are common. These usually stem from direct translation from English or confusion with similar Spanish verbs. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Spanish sound much more natural and precise.

Using "Tomar" instead of "Sacar": English speakers often think of "taking" out the trash and reach for tomar. However, tomar means to take hold of or to drink. You must use sacar to indicate removal from a space. "Tomar la basura" sounds like you are picking it up to keep it or eat it.
Incorrect Preterite Spelling: As mentioned, 'yo saqué' is the only correct spelling. Writing 'sacé' is a frequent mistake in written assignments and exams.
Confusing "Basura" with "Bolsa": Sometimes learners say "sacar la bolsa" (take out the bag). While understandable, sacar la basura is the standard phrase for the chore. "Sacar la bolsa" might just mean taking a shopping bag out of a drawer.

Another mistake involves the preposition used after the phrase. If you want to say where you are taking it, use 'a' or 'fuera'. For example, "Saca la basura a la calle" or "Saca la basura fuera." Some learners incorrectly use 'en', which would imply you are taking the trash out while remaining inside the trash itself. Additionally, remember that basura is an uncountable concept in English ("trash") but functions as a singular noun in Spanish. You don't usually say "las basuras" unless you are referring to different types of waste or multiple piles of rubbish in a very specific technical context.

Incorrect: "Yo tomé la basura anoche."
Correct: "Yo saqué la basura anoche."

— A classic example of the 'tomar' vs 'sacar' confusion.

"No digas 'voy a poner la basura fuera', lo más natural es decir 'voy a sacar la basura'."

While sacar la basura is the most common way to describe this action, there are several synonyms and related terms that can enrich your vocabulary and help you understand different regional dialects or more formal contexts. Knowing these alternatives allows you to be more precise about what exactly you are removing and why.

Botar la basura: Very common in Latin America (especially Colombia, Mexico, and Chile). Botar means to throw away. It is slightly more informal than sacar and focuses on the act of discarding.
Tirar la basura: Common in Spain and many other regions. Like botar, it means to throw out or toss. It emphasizes the disposal aspect more than the 'taking out' aspect.
Retirar los residuos: This is a much more formal or technical term. You will see this in official documents, apartment building rules, or environmental reports. Residuos is the formal word for waste.
Deshacerse de los desperdicios: Literally "to get rid of the waste." Desperdicios often refers specifically to food scraps or leftovers. This phrase is more descriptive of the intent to clear space.

In a domestic setting, if you are being specific about recycling, you would replace basura with the specific material. For example, "sacar el cartón" (take out the cardboard) or "sacar el plástico" (take out the plastic). In some countries, like Argentina, you might hear sacar los residuos more frequently in urban middle-class contexts. Understanding these nuances helps you adapt to your surroundings. However, if you stick with sacar la basura, you will be understood perfectly everywhere in the Spanish-speaking world.

"En lugar de solo sacar la basura, deberíamos empezar a separar los residuos para reciclar."

— Using more formal terms to discuss environmental habits.

"¿Puedes botar esta bolsa en el contenedor de afuera?"

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Se solicita a los residentes retirar los residuos sólidos en el horario establecido."

Neutral

"Por favor, saca la basura antes de irte a dormir."

Informal

"¡Oye! ¡Saca la basura que ya apesta!"

Child friendly

"Vamos a ayudar a papá a sacar la bolsita de basura."

Slang

"Ese tío es pura basura, hay que sacarlo de aquí."

Fun Fact

In old Spanish, 'basura' specifically referred to the dung or manure swept from stables, which eventually generalized to all forms of waste.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sæˈkɑːr lə bəˈsʊərə/

US /sɑˈkɑr lɑ bɑˈsurɑ/

The stress in 'sacar' is on the last syllable '-car'. The stress in 'basura' is on the second syllable '-su-'.

Rhymes With

pasar cantar llegar altura pintura locura dulzura ternura

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' in 'sacar' like an English 'r' (retroflex) instead of a tap.
Stress on the first syllable of 'basura' (BA-su-ra) instead of the second (ba-SU-ra).
Pronouncing 'la' with a schwa sound (luh) instead of a clear 'ah'.
Merging 'sacar' and 'la' into one word 'sacarla' improperly.
Failing to pronounce the 'u' in 'basura' clearly, making it sound like 'basera'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as it uses common words.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the 'qu' spelling change in the preterite.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to say, but requires correct stress on 'basura'.

Listening 1/5

Very distinct sound, easy to pick up in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

sacar basura casa limpiar bolsa

Learn Next

reciclar contenedor desechos limpieza quehaceres

Advanced

gestión de residuos sostenibilidad biodegradable vertedero incineración

Grammar to Know

Orthographic change in verbs ending in -car

Sacar -> Saqué (Preterite 'yo' form).

Direct object pronouns with infinitive

Tengo que sacarla (I have to take it out).

Impersonal 'se' for general rules

Se saca la basura por la noche.

Subjunctive for requests and suggestions

Te sugiero que saques la basura ahora.

The verb 'tocar' for turns

Me toca sacar la basura.

Examples by Level

Yo saco la basura por la noche.

I take out the trash at night.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

¿Tú sacas la basura hoy?

Do you take out the trash today?

Present tense question.

Ella saca la basura todos los días.

She takes out the trash every day.

Frequency adverb 'todos los días'.

Nosotros sacamos la basura juntos.

We take out the trash together.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

Ellos sacan la basura a las ocho.

They take out the trash at eight.

Telling time with the action.

Saca la basura, por favor.

Take out the trash, please.

Imperative (command) form.

No saco la basura los domingos.

I don't take out the trash on Sundays.

Negative sentence.

¿Dónde saco la basura?

Where do I take out the trash?

Interrogative with 'dónde'.

Ayer saqué la basura muy tarde.

Yesterday I took out the trash very late.

Preterite tense with spelling change 'qu'.

¿Sacaste la basura anoche?

Did you take out the trash last night?

Preterite tense question.

Mi padre siempre sacaba la basura.

My father always used to take out the trash.

Imperfect tense for habits.

Ya he sacado la basura.

I have already taken out the trash.

Present perfect tense.

Antes de salir, voy a sacar la basura.

Before leaving, I am going to take out the trash.

Ir + a + infinitive (future plan).

No pudimos sacar la basura porque llovía.

We couldn't take out the trash because it was raining.

Preterite of 'poder' + infinitive.

Me toca sacar la basura esta semana.

It is my turn to take out the trash this week.

Verb 'tocar' used for turns.

Juan está sacando la basura ahora.

Juan is taking out the trash now.

Present progressive.

Es necesario que saques la basura hoy.

It is necessary that you take out the trash today.

Present subjunctive after 'es necesario que'.

Si sacas la basura, yo lavaré los platos.

If you take out the trash, I will wash the dishes.

First conditional (Si + present + future).

Le pedí que sacara la basura, pero se olvidó.

I asked him to take out the trash, but he forgot.

Imperfect subjunctive in a subordinate clause.

Habíamos sacado la basura justo antes de la lluvia.

We had taken out the trash just before the rain.

Past perfect (Pluperfect).

No creo que él haya sacado la basura todavía.

I don't think he has taken out the trash yet.

Present perfect subjunctive.

Para evitar hormigas, hay que sacar la basura con frecuencia.

To avoid ants, you must take out the trash frequently.

Impersonal 'hay que' + infinitive.

Cuando termine de limpiar, sacaré la basura.

When I finish cleaning, I will take out the trash.

Temporal clause with subjunctive (cuando + subjunctive).

Mi compañero de piso nunca quiere sacar la basura.

My roommate never wants to take out the trash.

Verb 'querer' + infinitive.

Aunque saques la basura, la cocina sigue oliendo mal.

Even if you take out the trash, the kitchen still smells bad.

Concessive clause with subjunctive (aunque + subjunctive).

Se prohíbe sacar la basura antes de las ocho de la tarde.

Taking out the trash before 8 PM is prohibited.

Impersonal 'se'.

Dudo que hayamos sacado la basura en el contenedor correcto.

I doubt that we took out the trash in the correct bin.

Present perfect subjunctive after doubt.

Sacar la basura es una responsabilidad compartida en esta casa.

Taking out the trash is a shared responsibility in this house.

Infinitive used as a noun/subject.

Si hubieras sacado la basura, no habría este desorden.

If you had taken out the trash, there wouldn't be this mess.

Third conditional (Si + pluperfect subjunctive + conditional perfect).

El ayuntamiento multa a quienes sacan la basura fuera de hora.

The city council fines those who take out the trash outside of hours.

Relative clause.

Me molesta que siempre me pidas sacar la basura a mí.

It bothers me that you always ask me to take out the trash.

Subjunctive after verbs of emotion.

A pesar de haber sacado la basura, el gato encontró restos.

Despite having taken out the trash, the cat found scraps.

A pesar de + compound infinitive.

Es imperativo que la ciudadanía se conciencie sobre cuándo sacar la basura.

It is imperative that the citizenry becomes aware of when to take out the trash.

Formal register with complex subjunctive.

El fiscal sugirió que sacar la basura de la empresa era una metáfora del fraude.

The prosecutor suggested that 'taking out the trash' from the company was a metaphor for fraud.

Metaphorical usage in a formal context.

Por mucho que intentes sacar la basura emocional, siempre queda algo.

No matter how much you try to take out the emotional trash, something always remains.

Abstract/figurative use of the phrase.

La logística de sacar la basura en una metrópolis es un desafío ingenieril.

The logistics of taking out the trash in a metropolis is an engineering challenge.

Academic/technical context.

No es que no quiera sacar la basura, es que me parece un sistema ineficiente.

It's not that I don't want to take out the trash, it's that I find it an inefficient system.

Double negation and contrastive structure.

Habiendo sacado la basura, procedimos a desinfectar todo el recinto.

Having taken out the trash, we proceeded to disinfect the entire premises.

Perfect participle construction.

Cualquiera que haya tenido que sacar la basura en un quinto sin ascensor sabe lo que es el dolor.

Anyone who has had to take out the trash in a fifth-floor walk-up knows what pain is.

Relative clause with 'cualquiera que' + subjunctive.

La ordenanza municipal estipula las sanciones por no sacar la basura adecuadamente.

The municipal ordinance stipulates the penalties for not taking out the trash properly.

Legal/Administrative vocabulary.

La obsolescencia programada nos obliga a sacar la basura tecnológica con una frecuencia alarmante.

Planned obsolescence forces us to take out 'technological trash' with alarming frequency.

Sociological critique.

En su última novela, el autor utiliza el acto de sacar la basura como un rito de purificación existencial.

In his latest novel, the author uses the act of taking out the trash as a rite of existential purification.

Literary analysis.

Resulta paradójico que, al sacar la basura, estemos simplemente desplazando el problema a otra latitud.

It is paradoxical that, by taking out the trash, we are simply displacing the problem to another latitude.

Philosophical/Environmental paradox.

Saca la basura de tu mente antes de que corrompa tus mejores intenciones.

Take the trash out of your mind before it corrupts your best intentions.

Highly metaphorical/poetic imperative.

La huelga de limpieza impidió a los ciudadanos sacar la basura durante semanas, sumiendo a la ciudad en el caos.

The cleaning strike prevented citizens from taking out the trash for weeks, plunging the city into chaos.

Complex historical/narrative context.

Poco importa quién saque la basura si el sistema de reciclaje es, en esencia, una falacia.

It matters little who takes out the trash if the recycling system is, in essence, a fallacy.

Concessive structure with 'poco importa'.

El hedor persistía, como si el acto de sacar la basura hubiera sido meramente superficial.

The stench persisted, as if the act of taking out the trash had been merely superficial.

Simile with 'como si' + pluperfect subjunctive.

Bajo la premisa de sacar la basura, el espía logró infiltrarse en la embajada sin levantar sospechas.

Under the premise of taking out the trash, the spy managed to infiltrate the embassy without raising suspicion.

Narrative plot device.

Common Collocations

le toca sacar la basura

olvidar sacar la basura

horario para sacar la basura

sacar la basura a tiempo

ayudar a sacar la basura

prohibido sacar la basura

sacar la basura orgánica

mandar a sacar la basura

sacar la basura fuera

negarse a sacar la basura

Common Phrases

¿Quién saca la basura?

— A standard question used to determine who is responsible for the task at a given time.

¿Quién saca la basura esta noche?

Ya saqué la basura.

— A common confirmation that the chore has been completed.

No te preocupes, ya saqué la basura.

No te olvides de sacar la basura.

— A very frequent reminder given to family members or roommates.

Antes de dormir, no te olvides de sacar la basura.

Me toca sacar la basura.

— Expresses that it is the speaker's turn or duty to do the chore.

Me toca sacar la basura a mí hoy.

Hay que sacar la basura.

— An impersonal way to say that the trash needs to be taken out.

La bolsa está llena, hay que sacar la basura.

Saca la basura al contenedor.

— Specifically tells someone to take the trash to the street bin.

Saca la basura al contenedor de la esquina.

Voy a sacar la basura.

— A statement of intent to perform the action immediately.

Espera un segundo, voy a sacar la basura.

Tengo que sacar la basura.

— Expresses the obligation to perform the chore.

Tengo que sacar la basura antes de que pase el camión.

Saca la basura, que huele.

— A slightly more urgent or complaining way to ask someone to do the task.

¡Saca la basura, que huele fatal!

Es tu turno de sacar la basura.

— Directly identifies the person responsible for the task.

Es tu turno de sacar la basura, yo lo hice ayer.

Often Confused With

sacar la basura vs tomar la basura

Incorrect translation of 'take out'; 'tomar' means to hold or consume.

sacar la basura vs quitar la basura

Means removing trash from a surface, not necessarily taking it out of the house.

sacar la basura vs limpiar la basura

Means cleaning the trash itself (illogical) rather than removing it.

Idioms & Expressions

"sacar la basura (metaphorical)"

— To remove unwanted or bad people, thoughts, or elements from a group or one's life.

Es hora de sacar la basura de este departamento gubernamental.

informal/political

"limpiar la casa y sacar la basura"

— A phrase used to describe a complete overhaul or 'cleaning up' of a situation, often in business or politics.

El nuevo gerente va a limpiar la casa y sacar la basura.

business

"sacar los trapos sucios"

— While not 'basura', this related idiom means to 'air dirty laundry' or reveal secrets, often heard alongside discussions of cleaning.

No es el momento de sacar los trapos sucios.

informal

"ser una basura"

— To be a terrible person or of very poor quality. Related to the noun 'basura'.

Esa película es una basura.

slang

"tirar a la basura"

— To waste something or throw away an opportunity.

Tiró su carrera a la basura por un error.

neutral

"basura espacial"

— Space debris. A technical term using the noun.

La basura espacial es un problema para los satélites.

scientific

"comida basura"

— Junk food. A very common collocation.

No deberías comer tanta comida basura.

neutral

"tratar a alguien como basura"

— To treat someone very poorly or without respect.

Él trata a sus empleados como basura.

informal

"recoger la basura"

— The act of the garbage truck picking up the trash. The counterpart to 'sacar'.

El camión viene a recoger la basura a las seis.

neutral

"oler a basura"

— To smell very bad, specifically like rotting waste.

Toda la calle huele a basura hoy.

neutral

Easily Confused

sacar la basura vs sacar

Has many meanings.

In this context, it specifically means removal from an interior to an exterior.

Saco dinero del banco / Saco la basura.

sacar la basura vs basura

English 'trash' vs 'garbage'.

Basura covers both; there is no common distinction in Spanish.

Toda la basura va al mismo sitio.

sacar la basura vs desechos

More formal.

Desechos is often used for industrial or medical waste.

Desechos tóxicos.

sacar la basura vs residuos

Technical/Formal.

Used by the government or recycling centers.

Planta de tratamiento de residuos.

sacar la basura vs desperdicios

Food-focused.

Usually refers to leftovers or organic remains from cooking.

Los desperdicios de la comida.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] + [sacar] + la basura.

Yo saco la basura.

[Subject] + [sacó/saqué] + la basura + [time].

Él sacó la basura anoche.

Es [adjective] que + [Subject] + [saque] + la basura.

Es importante que tú saques la basura.

[Subject] + [olvidar] + de + sacar la basura.

Me olvidé de sacar la basura.

[Tocar] + [Indirect Object] + sacar la basura.

Nos toca sacar la basura.

Si + [Subject] + [past subjunctive], [conditional].

Si sacaras la basura, la casa no olería mal.

A pesar de + [infinitive compound], [result].

A pesar de haber sacado la basura, el olor persiste.

[Metaphorical subject] + [sacar] + la basura + [context].

Debemos sacar la basura de la corrupción política.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life.

Common Mistakes

Yo sacé la basura. → Yo saqué la basura.
Verbs ending in -car change 'c' to 'qu' before 'e' to maintain the /k/ sound.
Voy a tomar la basura fuera. → Voy a sacar la basura.
English 'take out' translates to 'sacar', not 'tomar'.
Él saca basura. → Él saca la basura.
In Spanish, chores usually require the definite article.
Saca la basura en el contenedor. → Saca la basura al contenedor.
Use 'a' for the destination of the movement.
Me toca de sacar la basura. → Me toca sacar la basura.
The verb 'tocar' is followed directly by the infinitive, no 'de' is needed.

Tips

The Preterite Spelling

Don't forget the 'qu' in 'saqué'. This is the most common mistake for B1 students writing about their past chores.

Know the Containers

In Spain, you don't just 'sacar la basura' to one bin. You must separate it into blue (paper), yellow (plastic), and green (glass).

Use 'Tocar'

To sound more like a native speaker, use 'Me toca sacar la basura' instead of 'Es mi turno de sacar la basura'.

Stress it Right

The word is ba-SU-ra. If you stress the first syllable, people might not understand you immediately.

Watch for Pronouns

Often people say 'Ya la saqué'. The 'la' refers to 'la basura'. Train your ear to catch that small 'la'.

Context Matters

If writing a formal email to a landlord, use 'retirar los residuos' instead of 'sacar la basura'.

Don't say 'Tomar'

English speakers often use 'tomar' because of 'take'. Remember: 'Sacar' is for removal, 'Tomar' is for taking or drinking.

Daily Routine

Add 'sacar la basura' to your daily list of Spanish sentences to practice every evening.

Bajar vs Sacar

If you are in a city like Buenos Aires or Madrid, 'bajar la basura' is a very common alternative.

Insults

Remember that calling someone 'basura' is very offensive. Keep 'basura' for the actual trash!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Sack' (sounds like Sacar) of 'Basura' (rubbish). You 'Sacar' the 'Sack'.

Visual Association

Imagine a bright green trash bag (bolsa de basura) being pulled through a doorway (sacar) into the street.

Word Web

limpieza casa tareas bolsa camión noche olvido contenedor

Challenge

Try to say 'Yo saco la basura' every time you actually take out the trash for the next week.

Word Origin

The verb 'sacar' comes from the Gothic '*sakan', meaning 'to dispute' or 'to claim', which evolved in Ibero-Romance to mean 'to take out'. 'Basura' comes from the Vulgar Latin '*versūra', derived from 'verrĕre', meaning 'to sweep'.

Original meaning: The original meaning of 'basura' was 'that which is swept up' (sweepings).

Romance (Spanish), with Germanic roots for the verb and Latin roots for the noun.

Cultural Context

Be careful using 'basura' to describe people, as it is a very strong insult ('Eres una basura').

In the US/UK, 'taking out the trash' usually means moving a bin to the curb once a week. In Spanish cities, it is a daily walk to a street container.

Commonly heard in Spanish soap operas (telenovelas) as a mundane chore characters do while discussing secrets. Referenced in the song 'La Basura' by various artists as a metaphor for a bad relationship. Often used in Spanish comedy sketches about 'la convivencia' (living together).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At home with family

¿Quién sacó la basura ayer?
No me toca a mí.
La bolsa se rompió.
Huele muy mal.

Living with roommates

Hay que sacar la basura.
Es tu turno.
Mañana no hay recogida.
Separa el plástico.

In a Spanish city

¿Dónde está el contenedor?
¿A qué hora se saca la basura?
Me han puesto una multa.
El camión ya pasó.

Talking about environment

Generamos mucha basura.
Hay que reciclar más.
Saca el vidrio aparte.
Desechos orgánicos.

Cleaning day

Primero limpiamos, luego sacamos la basura.
Tira todo eso.
Vacía las papeleras.
Lleva las bolsas fuera.

Conversation Starters

"¿En tu país, a qué hora es normal sacar la basura a la calle?"

"¿Quién suele sacar la basura en tu casa, tú o tu pareja?"

"¿Te parece que en esta ciudad es fácil sacar la basura y reciclar?"

"¿Alguna vez te has olvidado de sacar la basura y has tenido problemas?"

"¿Crees que sacar la basura es la peor tarea del hogar?"

Journal Prompts

Describe la rutina de limpieza en tu hogar. ¿Con qué frecuencia tienes que sacar la basura?

Escribe sobre una vez que tuviste una discusión con alguien por no sacar la basura a tiempo.

Compara cómo se saca la basura en tu país de origen y en un país hispanohablante.

¿Qué importancia tiene para ti el reciclaje cuando vas a sacar la basura?

Imagina que eres un camión de la basura. Describe tu noche recogiendo lo que la gente saca.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Se dice 'sacar la basura'. También es muy común 'bajar la basura' si vives en un piso.

'Sacar' enfatiza el movimiento de dentro hacia fuera. 'Botar' es más común en Latinoamérica y significa 'tirar' o 'desechar'.

Sí, el verbo 'sacar' es regular en su mayoría, pero cambia 'c' por 'qu' en el pretérito 'yo' (saqué) y en el subjuntivo (saque).

No es común. Normalmente decimos 'sacar la basura' para referirnos a la tarea doméstica específica.

Depende de la ciudad, pero generalmente es por la noche, entre las 20:00 y las 23:00.

Se dice 'cubo de la basura' en España y 'basurero' o 'bote de basura' en Latinoamérica.

Significa 'It's my turn to take out the trash'. Se usa el verbo 'tocar' para asignar turnos.

Sí, 'basuras', pero se usa poco, generalmente para referirse a diferentes tipos de residuos.

Puedes decir: '¿Podrías sacar la basura, por favor?' o '¿Te importaría sacar la basura?'.

Es una expresión metafórica que significa deshacerse de sentimientos o pensamientos negativos.