pico
/PEE-koh/
beak
"Pico" as a noun means "beak," like the mouth of a bird.
📝 In Action
El pájaro alimentó a sus crías con su pico.
A1The bird fed its young with its beak.
Ten cuidado, el loro tiene un pico muy fuerte.
A2Be careful, the parrot has a very strong beak.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun
Remember that 'pico' is a masculine noun, so you must always use 'el' or 'un' before it.
"Pico" can also refer to the "peak" or highest point of a mountain.
📝 In Action
Llegamos al pico de la montaña después de tres horas.
A2We reached the peak of the mountain after three hours.
El lápiz necesita punta; se le rompió el pico.
A2The pencil needs sharpening; its tip broke off.
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Height
You can use 'pico' specifically for the sharp, highest point of a mountain range. For a general high point, 'cima' is also common.
When used to describe a quantity, "pico" means "and a bit" or an excess amount after a round number.
pico(noun)
and a bit
?excess amount after a round number
,odd
?extra amount
change
?small amount of money
📝 In Action
La cuenta es de cien euros y pico.
B1The bill is a hundred euros and a bit more.
Tiene veinticinco años y pico.
B2He is twenty-five years old and a little over.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'y pico'
This phrase always follows a round number to indicate a small, unspecified amount that exceeds it. It means 'and a little extra.'
Informally, "pico" can refer to a person's "mouth."
📝 In Action
¡Cierra el pico y escúchame!
B2Shut your mouth and listen to me!
Le dio un pico a su novia antes de irse.
C1He gave his girlfriend a quick kiss before leaving.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Formal vs. Informal
Mistake: "Using 'pico' in a formal presentation when referring to a person's mouth."
Correction: Use 'boca' instead. 'Pico' carries an informal or slightly rude tone when talking about a person.
⭐ Usage Tips
Quick Kiss
In many regions, 'un pico' is also used to mean a quick, light kiss, similar to a peck.
"Pico" is also the word for the digging tool known as a "pickaxe."
📝 In Action
Necesitamos un pico y una pala para cavar el hoyo.
B1We need a pickaxe and a shovel to dig the hole.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pico
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'pico' is used when describing a bill of 500 euros and 25 cents?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'pico' always a masculine word?
Yes, 'pico' is always a masculine noun, meaning you must use 'el' or 'un' with it, regardless of which meaning you are using.
How do I know if 'pico' means 'peak' or 'beak'?
Context is key! If you are talking about nature, it usually means 'beak' (with birds) or 'peak' (with mountains). If it follows a number, it means 'a little extra.' If used with people, it often means 'mouth' informally.