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"Papelera" is a form of "papelera", a noun which is often translated as "wastepaper basket". "Reloj" is a noun which is often translated as "clock". Learn more about the difference between "reloj" and "papelera" below.
el reloj(
rreh
-
lohh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (general)
la papelera(
pah
-
peh
-
leh
-
rah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
a. wastepaper basket (in an office or a house)
Tuve que rebuscar en la papelera para encontrar la nota con su teléfono.I had to rummage through the wastepaper basket to find the note with her phone number.
b. wastebasket (in an office or a house) (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
La papelera ya está llena; deberías vaciarla.The wastebasket is already full; you should empty it.
c. wastepaper bin (in an office or a house) (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Rompió el contrato y tiró los trozos a la papelera.She ripped up the contract, and threw the pieces in the wastepaper bin.
d. garbage can (in the street) (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
El basurero vacía las papeleras a diario.The trash collector empties the garbage cans on a daily basis.
e. rubbish bin (in the street) (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
No encontramos ni una sola papelera en todo el pueblo.We couldn't find a single rubbish bin in the entire village.
2. (plant)
a. paper mill
Cada año, las papeleras utilizan toneladas de madera en la fabricación de papel.Paper mills use tons of wood each year to make paper.
