mordida
“mordida” means “bite” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
bite
Also: bite mark, nibble
📝 In Action
¿Me das una mordida de tu manzana?
A1Can I have a bite of your apple?
La mordida del perro no fue profunda.
A2The dog's bite was not deep.
Solo le dio una mordida pequeña al pastel.
B1She only took a small nibble of the cake.
bribe
Also: kickback, payoff
📝 In Action
El oficial le pidió una mordida para evitar la multa.
B1The officer asked him for a bribe to avoid the fine.
Aquí no aceptamos mordidas.
B2We don't accept bribes here.
La corrupción y la mordida son problemas graves.
C1Corruption and bribery are serious problems.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: mordida
Question 1 of 3
If you are eating a taco and want your friend to try it, what would you say?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Spanish verb 'morder' (to bite), which traces back to the Latin word 'mordere', meaning to clamp the teeth or sting.
First recorded: 13th century (as a reference to biting)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'mordida' used in Spain to mean a bribe?
No, in Spain 'mordida' usually just means a bite. For a bribe, people in Spain might use 'soborno' or the slang 'moche' or 'mordida' is understood but much less common than in Mexico.
What is the difference between 'mordida' and 'mordisco'?
They are very similar. 'Mordida' is more common in Latin America for a bite of food, while 'mordisco' is common in Spain or for a 'nip' or 'pinch' with the teeth.
Can 'mordida' be a verb?
No, 'mordida' is a noun. The verb form is 'morder'. However, 'mordida' is also the feminine form of the past participle (e.g., 'la manzana fue mordida' - the apple was bitten).