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pinchazo

peen-CHAH-soh/pinˈt͡ʃaθo/

prick, shot

Also: sting
NounmA2
A close-up of a finger being lightly pricked by a single green thorn from a rose stem.

📝 In Action

Sentí un pequeño pinchazo en el brazo.

A1

I felt a little prick in my arm.

Solo será un pinchazo, no llores.

A2

It will only be a quick shot, don't cry.

Me di un pinchazo con la espina de la rosa.

B1

I pricked myself with the rose thorn.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • picadura (sting/bite)
  • inyección (injection)

Common Collocations

  • sentir un pinchazo – to feel a prick
  • dar un pinchazo – to give a shot

puncture, flat tire

NounmB1
Latin America
A bicycle wheel on the ground with a large metal nail stuck in the rubber tire.

📝 In Action

Llegamos tarde por un pinchazo en la rueda.

B1

We arrived late because of a puncture in the tire.

Tengo un pinchazo en la bici.

A2

I have a flat on my bike.

Tuve que arreglar el pinchazo antes de salir.

B1

I had to fix the puncture before leaving.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • reventón (blowout)

Common Collocations

  • tener un pinchazo – to have a flat tire
  • reparar un pinchazo – to repair a puncture

sharp pain, stitch

Also: twinge
NounmB2
A stylized character clutching their side with a jagged yellow spark shape indicating a sudden sharp pain.

📝 In Action

Siento un pinchazo en el pecho cuando respiro hondo.

B2

I feel a sharp pain in my chest when I breathe deeply.

Me dio un pinchazo en el costado mientras corría.

B1

I got a stitch in my side while I was running.

Sentí un pinchazo en la espalda al levantar la caja.

B2

I felt a twinge in my back when lifting the box.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • puntada (stitch/sharp pain)
  • dolor agudo (acute pain)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • pinchazo en el costado – side stitch
  • notar un pinchazo – to notice a sharp pain

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: pinchazo

Question 1 of 3

If you are at the doctor and they need to give you a vaccine, what might you feel?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
pinchar(to prick/poke) — Verb
pincho(skewer/tapas) — Noun
pinchadiscos(DJ (disc jockey)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Derived from the verb 'pinchar', which likely comes from a mix of Latin 'punctiare' (to prick) and 'pungere'.

First recorded: 16th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: punchPortuguese: pinchar

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can 'pinchazo' be used for bug bites?

Generally, no. We use 'picadura' for insect bites or stings. 'Pinchazo' is reserved for inanimate objects like needles, thorns, or glass.

Does 'pinchazo' ever mean failure?

Yes! In Spain, informally, a 'pinchazo' can mean a flop or a failure, like a movie that didn't sell any tickets.

Is it the same word for bicycle and car tires?

Yes, 'pinchazo' works for any pneumatic tire, from a scooter to a massive truck.