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chingadera means junk — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 17, 2026

🌶️ Mexican Slang

chingadera

noun • /[chin-ga-DE-ra]/

junk

Example:

¿Qué es esta chingadera?

What is this junk?

🧠 What does chingadera mean?

Chingadera is a highly versatile and informal noun primarily used in Mexico. It generally refers to a thing, object, or item, often implying something of little value, a trifle, a gadget, or a piece of junk. Its specific meaning can vary greatly depending on the context and tone, but it commonly denotes an unspecified object or an insignificant possession. It can also be used to refer to a foolish action or an annoying situation, similar to saying "what a mess" or "what a hassle" in English. Due to its informal and potentially vulgar roots, it is essential to be mindful of the social setting when using this term.

📚 Extra examples

  • Perdí mis llaves, ¡qué chingadera!
    I lost my keys, what a hassle!
  • Necesito arreglar esta chingadera antes de que se rompa del todo.
    I need to fix this junk before it breaks completely.
  • En el garaje hay un montón de chingaderas viejas.
    There's a bunch of old junk in the garage.
  • ¿Qué es esa chingadera que traes ahí?
    What is that gadget you're carrying there?

💡 Did You Know?

The verb 'chingar' from which 'chingadera' derives is one of the most versatile and often vulgar verbs in Mexican Spanish, with a wide range of meanings from 'to bother' or 'to screw up' to 'to succeed' depending on the context. This contributes to the informal and sometimes charged nature of 'chingadera'.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "chingadera"

Synonyms: coso, cacharrito, trasto, aparato, artilugio, cosa
Opposites: valor, importancia, cosa valiosa

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'junk' in Spanish?
While 'basura' can mean trash, in the context of unspecified items or things of little value, 'chingadera' is a common Mexican slang term. Other general terms for 'thing' include 'cosa' or 'objeto'.
How do you pronounce 'chingadera' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is cheen-gah-DEH-rah. The 'ch' is like in 'chair', 'g' is a hard 'g' like in 'go', and 'd' is pronounced softly, almost like 'th' in 'the', between vowels.
How do you use 'chingadera' in a sentence?
'Chingadera' can be used to refer to an object, often something insignificant or broken, as in 'Esa chingadera no funciona' (That junk doesn't work). It can also describe an annoying situation or event, like '¡Qué chingadera!' (What a hassle!).
What is the English translation of 'chingadera'?
The primary English translation is 'junk'. However, depending on the context, it can also mean 'thing', 'gadget', 'trifle', 'hassle', or 'mess'.
Does 'chingadera' change for gender or number?
As a noun, 'chingadera' is feminine and singular. Its plural form is 'chingaderas'.
Is 'chingadera' common in everyday Spanish?
'Chingadera' is very common in informal spoken Spanish, particularly in Mexico. It is not typically used in formal settings or academic writing.
Does 'chingadera' have slang or double meanings?
Yes, 'chingadera' is a slang term. Its root is related to the verb 'chingar', which is a strong and vulgar verb in Mexican Spanish. While 'chingadera' itself is less vulgar than the verb, it carries informal and sometimes offensive connotations, so its usage requires careful consideration of the audience and situation.
Is 'chingadera' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The term 'chingadera' is overwhelmingly specific to Mexico and is not commonly used in Spain. While other Latin American countries might understand it due to Mexican cultural influence, it is not a standard term throughout the region.

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