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"Contenedor" is a noun which is often translated as "container", and "recipiente" is a noun which is also often translated as "container". Learn more about the difference between "contenedor" and "recipiente" below.
el contenedor(
kohn
-
teh
-
neh
-
dohr
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (for goods)
a. container
El barco lleva contenedores cargados de cereales.The ship is carrying containers loaded with cereals.
b. garbage can (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Puedes poner los platos usados en ese contenedor negro.You can put the used plates in that black garbage can.
c. rubbish bin (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
En el contenedor azul se deposita papel y cartón.Paper and cardboard should be deposited in the blue rubbish bin.
d. dumpster (registered trademark) (large) (United States)
A word or phrase that is a proprietary term owned by a brand (e.g., iPod).
Regionalism used in the United States
Hay un gran contenedor en la carretera.There's a big dumpster on the highway.
e. skip (large) (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Tendremos que alquilar un contenedor para los escombros.We'll need to hire a skip for the rubble.
3. (receptacle)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
a. containing
El paciente presenta un tumor benigno contenedor de tejido fibroso.The patient has a benign tumor containing fibrous tissue.
el recipiente, la recipiente(
rreh
-
see
-
pyehn
-
teh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (vessel)
a. container
Las comidas que se preparan en recipientes de barro ganan en sabor.Food prepared in earthenware containers enjoy enhanced flavors.
b. receptacle
Deposite los desechos de plástico en el recipiente adecuado.Please deposit plastic waste in the appropriate receptacle.
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
