escombro

rubble, debris

noun es-KOHM-broh Rare

Usage Note

Escombro is most commonly used in the plural escombros to mean rubble or construction debris — los escombros del edificio derrumbado ('the rubble of the collapsed building'). The singular may refer to a single piece or to a type of fish (the mackerel family), though that sense is rare and mainly Iberian.

Examples

"Los escombros bloqueaban la entrada al edificio."

Natural Translation

The rubble was blocking the entrance to the building.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

How to Roll Your Rs in Spanish (Even If You Can't Yet)

Roll your Rs in Spanish by building from the butter sound you already make, then adding airflow. A step-by-step method, minimal pairs, and self-check drills.

June 3, 2026 7 min read

SpanishNow

Mexican Spanish Slang Every Traveler Should Know

Mexican Spanish slang decoded for travelers: what güey, mande, órale, and ahorita really mean, who you can safely say them to, and how rude each one is.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

How to Memorize Spanish Vocabulary Fast (That Sticks)

Memorize Spanish vocabulary fast with a 15-minute daily loop: spaced repetition, frequency-first words, and example-sentence cards that actually stick.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Por vs Para in Spanish: One Mental Model, No Acronyms

Por looks backward at cause and path; para looks forward at goal and destination. Master por vs para in Spanish with one mental model — no acronyms needed.

June 3, 2026 6 min read