bicho
/bee-cho/
bug
In many contexts, "bicho" simply means a small creature or insect, like this ladybug.
bicho(noun)
bug
?insect or small creature
,critter
?small animal
insect
?general term
,worm
?sometimes used for larvae
📝 In Action
Hay un bicho enorme en mi ensalada. ¡Qué asco!
A2There is a huge bug in my salad. How gross!
Los niños estaban buscando bichos debajo de las piedras.
A2The children were looking for critters under the rocks.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine
Even if the creature is female, 'bicho' is always used with masculine articles (el bicho, un bicho).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Gender
Mistake: "La bicha (unless referring to a regional slang for a female person)"
Correction: Use 'el bicho' for insects/animals; the feminine form 'bicha' is rarely used in this context.
⭐ Usage Tips
Diminutives
Use 'bichito' (little bug) to sound more affectionate or when talking about something very small.
"Bicho" can also refer to a germ or pathogen, often used when talking about sickness.
bicho(noun)
germ
?pathogen or bacteria
,virus
?illness or sickness
bug
?informal term for an illness
📝 In Action
Creo que agarré un bicho en el avión y ahora tengo fiebre.
B2I think I caught a bug/virus on the plane and now I have a fever.
Tienen que limpiar bien para matar todos los bichos.
B2They have to clean well to kill all the germs.
💡 Grammar Points
Catching a Sickness
When referring to catching an illness, Spanish often uses 'agarrar un bicho' (to grab a bug) or 'coger un bicho' (to catch a bug).
⭐ Usage Tips
Alternative to 'Virus'
This is a much more common and casual way to talk about getting sick than using the formal medical terms.
Informally, "bicho" is a general term for any animal.
bicho(noun)
animal
?general term, informal
,beast
?large or wild animal
pet
?sometimes used for one's own pet
📝 In Action
¿Qué bicho es ese? Parece un perro gigante.
B1What animal is that? It looks like a giant dog.
Nuestro gato es un bicho perezoso que solo duerme.
B1Our cat is a lazy critter that only sleeps.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
Use this meaning when the context already implies you are talking about a larger animal, otherwise, it defaults to 'bug'.
When used to describe a person, "bicho" can mean a strange or eccentric person—a weirdo.
bicho(noun)
weirdo
?strange or eccentric person
,rascal
?mischievous or naughty person (often affectionate)
pest
?annoying person
📝 In Action
Ese bicho del vecino siempre nos está espiando.
C1That weirdo neighbor is always spying on us.
Mi hijo es un bicho, nunca para de correr.
C1My son is a rascal; he never stops running.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Flexibility
Though the word is masculine ('el bicho'), in some regions, 'la bicha' is used specifically to refer to a female person negatively.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Overuse in Formal Settings
Mistake: "Using 'bicho' to refer to a person in a professional environment."
Correction: Use neutral terms like 'persona' or 'individuo.' This meaning is strictly informal.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: bicho
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'bicho' is being used in the phrase: '¡Lávate las manos para no agarrar el bicho!'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'bicho' always negative?
No. While it often refers to creepy-crawlies or illnesses, it can be used neutrally for any small animal, and even affectionately for pets or naughty children.
Can I use 'bicho' to talk about a large animal like a lion?
Yes, but it's very informal. You are essentially calling the lion a 'critter' or 'beast.' It's better to use 'animal' or 'bestia' for neutral descriptions of large creatures.