Italian Phrase
La pattumiera sta strabordando.
Meaning
This phrase indicates that a waste container is so full that its contents are spilling over the sides. It uses the present continuous tense to highlight a situation that requires immediate attention.
When to use
Use this in a domestic or office setting when you notice the bin is full. It serves as a literal observation or a polite prompt for someone to empty the trash.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lapattumierastastrabordando
Pattumiera
A feminine noun derived from 'pattume' (refuse), specifically used for the kitchen or indoor waste bin.
Sta strabordando
This is the present continuous form. 'Sta' (from stare) plus the gerund 'strabordando' (from strabordare) describes an action currently happening.
🗨In Conversation
La pattumiera sta strabordando.
The trash can is overflowing.
Sì, hai ragione. La porto fuori subito.
Yes, you're right. I'll take it out immediately.
✕Common Mistakes
La pattumiera è strabordando.
In Italian, the continuous tense (is doing) must use the auxiliary verb 'stare', never 'essere'.
La pattumiera sta strabordante.
You must use the gerund 'strabordando' to indicate an ongoing action, rather than the adjective 'strabordante'.
↔Alternatives
Il cestino è pieno.
The bin is full.
Dobbiamo buttare la spazzatura.
We need to throw out the trash.
Cultural Tip
Italy implements very strict recycling rules known as 'raccolta differenziata'. Most households have separate bins for 'umido' (organic), 'plastica', 'carta', and 'indifferenziata' (general waste), so you might specify which 'pattumiera' is full.