Spanish Phrase
¿Qué podemos tirar?
Meaning
This phrase is used to ask for clarification on which items are no longer needed and can be discarded. It combines the interrogative pronoun 'qué' with the first-person plural form of the verb 'poder' (to be able to) and the infinitive 'tirar' (to throw). It is essential for coordinating tasks like cleaning, organizing, or moving house.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are helping someone clean a room, decluttering a shared space, or managing waste in a professional environment. It is a polite way to ensure you do not accidentally dispose of something valuable.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Quépodemostirar?
Qué (Interrogative)
The word 'qué' carries an accent mark whenever it is used to ask a question or in an exclamation.
Podemos (Poder)
This is the 'nosotros' (we) form of the verb 'poder'. It is followed directly by an infinitive to express what 'we can' do.
Tirar (Infinitive)
While 'tirar' can mean to pull or to shoot, in this context it means to throw away or discard.
🗨In Conversation
Hay muchas cajas viejas en el garaje.
There are many old boxes in the garage.
¿Qué podemos tirar?
What can we throw away?
✕Common Mistakes
¿Que podemos tirar?
In Spanish, 'qué' must have an accent mark when used in a question to distinguish it from the conjunction 'que'.
¿Qué podemos lanzamos?
After the conjugated verb 'podemos', you must use the infinitive form 'tirar'. Also, 'lanzar' usually refers to throwing an object like a ball, not discarding trash.
↔Alternatives
¿Qué se puede tirar?
What can be thrown away?
¿Qué podemos desechar?
What can we discard?
¿Qué va a la basura?
What goes in the trash?
Cultural Tip
Recycling habits vary significantly across the Spanish-speaking world. In Spain, for example, you might be asked to 'tirar' things into specific colored containers (blue for paper, yellow for plastic), so be prepared for follow-up instructions on where exactly to throw things.