pinchar
“pinchar” means “to prick” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to prick, to click
Also: to puncture, to poke
📝 In Action
Ten cuidado con el cactus, no te vayas a pinchar.
A2Be careful with the cactus, don't prick yourself.
Tienes que pinchar en el enlace para ver el video.
A2You have to click on the link to see the video.
Se me pinchó una rueda del coche en la autopista.
B1I got a flat tire on the highway (literally: A wheel punctured itself on me).
to DJ, to nag/goad
Also: to wiretap
📝 In Action
Mi hermano pincha música electrónica todos los viernes.
B1My brother DJs electronic music every Friday.
Deja de pincharme, no voy a ir a la fiesta.
B2Stop nagging me, I'm not going to the party.
La policía pinchó el teléfono del sospechoso.
C1The police wiretapped the suspect's phone.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "pinchar" in Spanish:
to click→to dj→to poke→to prick→to puncture→to wiretap→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: pinchar
Question 1 of 3
How would you say 'I got a flat tire' naturally in Spain?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Probably from the word 'pincho' (thorn/spike), which is likely a sound-imitation (onomatopoeic) word for the sound of something sharp poking a surface.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'pinchar' used for medical shots?
Yes! If a nurse gives you a shot, you can say 'me pinchó el brazo' (she poked/jabbed my arm).
What's the difference between 'pinchar' and 'clicar'?
'Pinchar' is very traditional and common in Spain. 'Clicar' or 'hacer clic' is also understood everywhere and sounds a bit more modern/global.
Can 'pinchar' mean to fail?
In some contexts, like a sports team or a project, 'pinchar' can mean to 'deflate' or fail unexpectedly.