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A colorful storybook illustration showing three different insects: a red ladybug, a green grasshopper, and a brown ant, all perched on a large green leaf.

insectos

in-SEK-tos

nounmA1
insects?small creatures with six legs
Also:bugs?informal, general term,creepy-crawlies?informal, often used with children

📝 In Action

Hay muchos insectos volando cerca de la luz.

A1

There are many insects flying near the light.

Necesitas repelente si vas a un lugar con muchos insectos.

A2

You need repellent if you go to a place with lots of bugs.

Los científicos estudian el comportamiento de los insectos sociales, como las hormigas.

B1

Scientists study the behavior of social insects, like ants.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • bichos (bugs, critters)

Common Collocations

  • repelente de insectos – insect repellent
  • picadura de insecto – insect bite
  • plaga de insectos – insect plague/infestation

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine Plural

Since 'insectos' is the plural form of the masculine word 'insecto,' you must use the masculine plural word for 'the' (los) and any descriptive words (adjectives) must also agree, usually ending in -os (e.g., los pequeños insectos).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Gender Error

Mistake: "La insectos (Incorrect use of feminine 'la')"

Correction: Los insectos. Remember, the word is masculine even though the creatures themselves don't have a specific gender assigned in the word.

⭐ Usage Tips

Use 'Bichos' Informally

While 'insectos' is the proper term, in casual conversation, especially when talking about something annoying or small, people often use 'bichos' (bugs/critters). Example: '¡Hay bichos en la cocina!'

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: insectos

Question 1 of 2

Which Spanish word is used informally to describe small, annoying creatures, often instead of 'insectos'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

insecto(insect (singular)) - noun
insecticida(insecticide) - noun
entomología(entomology (study of insects)) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'insectos' only mean the biological class Insecta (six legs)?

Yes, scientifically, 'insectos' refers specifically to creatures with six legs. However, in casual talk, people sometimes mistakenly use it to refer to other small creatures like spiders (which are *arácnidos* and have eight legs).

How do I say 'insect bite'?

The most common way is 'picadura de insecto' (literally 'prick/sting of insect').