Meaning and Usage
The word '쓰레기통' means 'garbage can' or 'trash bin' in Korean. It is a compound noun combining '쓰레기' (trash, garbage) and '통' (container, bin). This word is commonly used in everyday conversation when referring to a container for disposing of waste.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '쓰레기통' in public places, homes, and offices. It is used when instructing someone to throw away trash or when talking about cleaning and waste management.
Collocations and Patterns
- 쓰레기통에 버리다: to throw something into the garbage can.
- 쓰레기통이 가득 차다: the garbage can is full.
- 쓰레기통을 비우다: to empty the garbage can.
These phrases are useful for practical daily communication.
Register and Politeness
'쓰레기통' is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal contexts without change.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '쓰레기통' with '휴지통' (wastebasket, often for paper). Remember, '쓰레기통' is for general trash, while '휴지통' is more specific to paper waste.