picar
“picar” means “to sting or bite” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to sting or bite, to be spicy
Also: to itch, to prick
📝 In Action
Me picó un mosquito en el brazo.
A1A mosquito bit me on the arm.
Ten cuidado con esa salsa, porque pica mucho.
A1Be careful with that sauce, because it's very spicy.
Me pican los ojos por el humo.
A2My eyes are itching because of the smoke.
to chop or mince
Also: to crush
📝 In Action
Pica la cebolla muy fina para la ensalada.
A2Chop the onion very finely for the salad.
Necesitamos picar hielo para los refrescos.
B1We need to crush ice for the sodas.
El carnicero está picando la carne.
B1The butcher is mincing the meat.
to snack or nibble
Also: to take the bait
📝 In Action
No piques nada antes de la cena.
B1Don't snack on anything before dinner.
Nos gusta picar algo mientras tomamos una cerveza.
B1We like to nibble on something while having a beer.
Le hice una broma y picó.
B2I played a joke on him and he fell for it.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "picar" in Spanish:
to itch→🗣️ Practice in a Tongue Twister
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: picar
Question 1 of 3
If a friend says 'Esta salsa pica,' what should you expect?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Vulgar Latin 'piccare,' which means 'to prick' or 'to puncture' with a sharp object.
First recorded: 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'picar' always mean something bad like a bug bite?
Not at all! While it can mean a bite or sting, it's also a very positive word used for sharing snacks ('tapas') with friends or adding flavor to food.
What's the difference between 'picar' and 'morder'?
Generally, 'picar' is for things that sting or prick (like bees, mosquitos, or needles), while 'morder' is for using teeth (like a dog or a person eating an apple).
How do I say 'my skin itches' using this word?
You use it like the word 'gustar.' You say: 'Me pica la piel.' (Me itches the skin).