gusano
/goo-SAH-no/
worm
Gusano meaning 'worm', illustrating a small, legless creature.
📝 In Action
Después de la lluvia, vimos muchos gusanos en el suelo.
A1After the rain, we saw many worms on the ground.
El gusano de seda es famoso por producir la seda.
B1The silkworm is famous for producing silk.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun Rule
Since 'gusano' ends in 'o', it is a masculine word. Always use 'el' (the) and masculine adjectives with it, like 'el gusano verde' (the green worm).
⭐ Usage Tips
Specific Worms
While 'gusano' is a general term for 'worm,' use 'lombriz' specifically for the common earthworm you find in the garden.
Gusano meaning 'scoundrel', depicted as a sneaky, untrustworthy person.
gusano(noun)
scoundrel
?a morally despicable person
,creep
?contemptible person
rat
?betrayer/bad person
📝 In Action
No confíes en él, es un gusano que solo busca problemas.
C1Don't trust him, he's a creep who only looks for trouble.
Lo trataron como a un gusano después de lo que hizo.
C1They treated him like dirt (like a worm) after what he did.
⭐ Usage Tips
Strong Insult
This meaning is highly negative and insulting. Use it only when you want to express strong contempt for someone's character.
Gusano meaning 'computer worm', visualized as self-replicating malware emerging from a screen.
📝 In Action
El ataque fue causado por un nuevo tipo de gusano informático.
B2The attack was caused by a new type of computer worm.
⭐ Usage Tips
Technical Context
This meaning is almost always used with the adjective 'informático' (computer/IT) to avoid confusion with the animal.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: gusano
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'gusano' to mean something other than a small animal?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'gusano' the same as 'lombriz'?
'Gusano' is a general term for many types of worms, including caterpillars and grubs. 'Lombriz' specifically means 'earthworm,' the kind you find in garden soil. So, all 'lombrices' are 'gusanos', but not all 'gusanos' are 'lombrices'.
Can 'gusano' be used for women?
Yes, when used as an insult (meaning a 'creep' or 'scoundrel'), it can refer to a woman, even though the word itself is masculine. You would still say 'Ella es un gusano' (She is a worm/creep).