picante
/pee-KAHN-teh/
spicy
When referring to food, picante means spicy.
picante(adjective)
spicy
?flavor or taste
,hot
?flavor or taste (as in chili)
fiery
?intensely spicy
📝 In Action
Esta salsa roja es demasiado picante para mí.
A1This red sauce is too spicy for me.
Compramos unos tacos muy picantes en el mercado.
A2We bought some very hot tacos at the market.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Since 'picante' ends in 'e,' it works for both masculine and feminine nouns in the singular (e.g., 'el plato picante,' 'la sopa picante'). It only changes to 'picantes' for plural nouns.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'caliente'
Mistake: "Using 'caliente' when you mean 'spicy.'"
Correction: 'Caliente' means hot temperature (like coffee). Always use 'picante' for spicy flavor.
⭐ Usage Tips
Asking about Intensity
To ask how spicy something is, you can say: '¿Qué tan picante es?' (How spicy is it?).
Picante can also describe content that is suggestive or racy.
picante(adjective)
racy
?suggestive or sexually explicit content
,risqué
?slightly improper or daring
naughty
?joke or comment
,sharp
?witty or critical (less common usage)
📝 In Action
El comediante contó un chiste muy picante sobre política.
B1The comedian told a very racy joke about politics.
Su comentario fue un poco picante y ofendió a algunos invitados.
B2His comment was a little sharp/suggestive and offended some guests.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Meaning
Think of this meaning as describing something that 'stings' or 'spices up' a conversation, making it thrilling or slightly inappropriate.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
When used outside of food, 'picante' almost always implies something sexual, suggestive, or critical/witty, depending on the noun it modifies (joke, comment, rumor, debate).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: picante
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'picante' in its figurative (non-food) sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'picante' and 'caliente'?
'Picante' describes a strong, burning flavor, like chili. 'Caliente' describes high temperature, like hot coffee or a hot day.
Does 'picante' change its ending for masculine and feminine nouns?
No. 'Picante' is gender-neutral in the singular, so you use it for both masculine nouns ('el plato picante') and feminine nouns ('la salsa picante'). It only changes to 'picantes' in the plural.