vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Las sobras" is a form of "sobra", a noun which is often translated as "excess". "Los desperdicios" is a form of "desperdicio", a noun which is often translated as "waste". Learn more about the difference between "las sobras" and "los desperdicios" below.
la sobra(
soh
-
brah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
las sobras
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
2. (culinary)
3. (sewing)
a. remnants
Aproveché las sobras de la tela para hacerle un vestido a la muñeca de mi hija.I used the remnants of the cloth to make a dress for my daughter's doll.
a. dregs
Hay gente que sabe leer las sobras del café para adivinar el futuro.There are people who can read coffee dregs to predict the future.
el desperdicio(
dehs
-
pehr
-
dee
-
syoh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. waste
Si no imprimes a doble cara es un desperdicio de papel y de dinero.If you do not print on both sides it is a waste of paper and money.
los desperdicios
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
2. (leftovers)
a. scraps
Puedes dar los desperdicios de la cena al perro.You can give the scraps from dinner to the dog.
