Inklingo
← Dictionary

anzuelo

an-ZWEH-loh/anˈθwelo/

“anzuelo” means “fishing hook” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

fishing hook

Also: hook
NounmB1
A single sharp metal fishing hook hanging from a thin line.

📝 In Action

Puse un trozo de pan en el anzuelo para pescar.

A2

I put a piece of bread on the fishing hook to fish.

Ten cuidado, el anzuelo está muy afilado.

B1

Be careful, the hook is very sharp.

Se me olvidó comprar anzuelos para la excursión.

B1

I forgot to buy hooks for the trip.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • garfio (large hook)

Common Collocations

  • echar el anzuelo – to cast the hook/line
  • quitar el anzuelo – to remove the hook

bait

Also: lure, trap
NounmB2
A small, bright red worm wiggling on the end of a metal hook.

📝 In Action

Ese descuento es solo un anzuelo para que entres a la tienda.

B2

That discount is just bait to get you into the store.

No caigas en su anzuelo; te está mintiendo.

B2

Don't fall for his trap; he is lying to you.

Ella usó el ascenso como anzuelo para que él trabajara más.

C1

She used the promotion as a lure to make him work harder.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • señuelo (decoy/lure)
  • trampa (trap)

Common Collocations

  • morder el anzuelo – to take the bait
  • picar el anzuelo – to take the bait/bite

Idioms & Expressions

  • tragar el anzuelo – To believe a lie completely and without suspicion.

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "anzuelo" in Spanish:

bait→fishing hook→hook→lure→trap→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: anzuelo

Question 1 of 3

If you fall for a lie in Spanish, what do you 'bite'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
pescar(to fish) — Verb
anzuelar(to bait a hook) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'hamiciolus', which is a cute way of saying 'little hook'. This comes from the root 'hamus', meaning hook.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: anzolGalician: anzol

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 'anzuelo' for a coat hook?

No, for a coat hook you should use 'gancho' or 'perchero'. 'Anzuelo' is specifically for fishing or for a metaphorical bait.

Is 'anzuelo' the same as 'señuelo'?

Not exactly. An 'anzuelo' is the sharp hook itself. A 'señuelo' is the fake fish or colorful thing (the decoy) used to attract the fish to the hook.

How do you say 'to take the bait'?

You say 'morder el anzuelo' or 'picar el anzuelo'.