moscas
/MO-skahs/
flies
The most literal meaning of moscas is the plural noun for the insect, flies.
📝 In Action
Hay demasiadas moscas en la cocina.
A1There are too many flies in the kitchen.
Las moscas son atraídas por la fruta madura.
A2Flies are attracted by ripe fruit.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and Plural
Since the singular word 'mosca' is feminine, its plural 'moscas' must also use feminine articles, like 'las moscas' (the flies) or 'unas moscas' (some flies).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up the Plural
Mistake: "Muchos moscas."
Correction: Muchas moscas. Remember to match the word 'muchas' (many) to the feminine noun 'moscas'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Singular
When talking about one insect, use 'una mosca'. When referring to the general category of the insect, you usually use the plural 'moscas'.
When used in the phrase 'por si las moscas' (literally: for if the flies), the word moscas helps express the idea of 'just in case,' or taking precautions.
moscas(noun)
just in case
?in the phrase 'por si las moscas'
suspicion
?in the phrase 'tener la mosca detrás de la oreja'
📝 In Action
Lleva un paraguas, por si las moscas.
B1Take an umbrella, just in case (literally: 'for if the flies').
Parece que tiene la mosca detrás de la oreja con ese negocio.
B2It seems he is suspicious about that deal (literally: 'he has the fly behind his ear').
💡 Grammar Points
Fixed Phrases
These phrases are fixed and cannot be changed. For example, 'por si las moscas' always uses the plural 'moscas' and cannot be changed to 'por si la mosca'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Por si las moscas'
This is a very common and natural way to express caution. It's used just like the English 'just in case' and is perfect for informal conversations.
As a verb form of moscar, moscas means 'you annoy' (2nd person singular present tense).
moscas(verb)
you annoy
?2nd person singular present tense of 'moscar'
you suspect
?usually used reflexively, 'tú te moscas'
📝 In Action
Si tú le moscas con ese tono, no va a ayudarte.
C1If you annoy him with that tone, he's not going to help you.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Tú' Form
This specific form, 'moscas,' is the 'tú' (you, informal singular) conjugation for the present tense. If you are talking to a group, you would use 'moscan' (ustedes).
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on the Noun
Unless you are in a highly regional or specific informal setting, you will use 'moscas' 99% of the time as the plural noun for 'flies.' Focus your energy on that meaning.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
imperfect
present
preterite
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: moscas
Question 1 of 2
Which English phrase best captures the meaning of 'Llevo un mapa por si las moscas'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'por si las moscas' mean 'just in case'?
The exact origin is debated, but it likely comes from the idea of taking precautions against small, annoying things (like flies) that might ruin something, or perhaps the need to cover food 'in case the flies' land on it. It's a colorful way to express caution.
Is 'moscas' ever used to mean money?
Yes, in some very informal, regional Spanish (especially Spain), 'mosca' in the singular can be slang for money, but this is less common than the insect meaning. You will hear 'moscas' used in the phrase 'estar sin blanca' (to be broke), where 'moscas' is implied as money.