picado
“picado” means “chopped” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
chopped, minced
Also: crushed
📝 In Action
Necesito un poco de ajo picado para la salsa.
A1I need some minced garlic for the sauce.
El camarero me trajo un café con hielo picado.
A2The waiter brought me a coffee with crushed ice.
La carne picada es perfecta para hacer hamburguesas.
B1Minced meat is perfect for making hamburgers.
annoyed, salty
Also: pitted
📝 In Action
Se quedó picado porque perdió el partido de tenis.
B1He was annoyed because he lost the tennis match.
No te pongas picada, solo era una broma.
B1Don't get upset, it was just a joke.
high-angle shot, dive
📝 In Action
El director usó un picado para que el personaje pareciera pequeño.
B2The director used a high-angle shot to make the character look small.
El avión inició un picado hacia la pista.
C1The plane started a steep dive toward the runway.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: picado
Question 1 of 3
If you are cooking and the recipe asks for 'hielo picado', what should you prepare?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Spanish verb 'picar', which comes from the Vulgar Latin 'piccare', meaning 'to prick' or 'to peck with a beak'. It carries the idea of something being hit or cut by a sharp point.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'picado' always mean something is spicy?
No! This is a common mistake. 'Picante' means spicy. 'Picado' means chopped. However, if a wine is 'picado', it means it has started to turn into vinegar (it has a 'bite').
Can I use 'picado' for a person's teeth?
Yes. If someone has 'dientes picados', it means they have cavities or tooth decay.
What is 'mar picado'?
It means a 'choppy sea'. It's used when the water is rough with many small, breaking waves.