Ripio is a noun in Spanish.
/rí.pjo/
Ripio primarily refers to small rocks or gravel, often used in construction and road work to provide a stable base or surface. In a broader sense, it can also denote debris or rubbish, suggesting waste material that is not of significant value. The term is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, especially within construction and environmental discussions. While it is not a very frequent term in everyday conversation, it is important within specific fields.
El contratista necesitaba un camión lleno de ripio para la obra.
The contractor needed a truck full of gravel for the project.
Después de la tormenta, había mucho ripio en la calle.
After the storm, there was a lot of debris on the street.
Para mejorar el drenaje, se colocó ripio en el jardín.
To improve drainage, gravel was placed in the garden.
While "ripio" is not commonly used in a variety of idiomatic expressions, it does appear in a few phrases that may relate to construction or waste:
A río revuelto, ganancia de pescadores
In a troubled river, fishermen gain.
This idiom can be used metaphorically to imply that amidst chaos (like rubbish or debris), some people may find opportunities.
Ver el ripio de su propio ojo
To see the rubble in one's own eye.
This phrase is a variation of "ver la paja en el ojo ajeno," meaning to notice someone else's faults while ignoring one's own.
No todo lo que brilla es ripio
Not everything that shines is debris.
This saying speaks to the idea that appearances can be misleading; just because something looks good doesn’t mean it is of value.
The word ripio comes from the Latin ripa, which means "bank" or "shore," but it has evolved to represent debris and poor-quality materials, focusing on the remnants that can be often found in construction contexts.
Synonyms: - Grava (gravel) - Escombros (rubble) - Basura (rubbish)
Antonyms: - Material noble (noble material) - Buena calidad (good quality)