pistola
/pees-TOH-lah/
pistol
The most common translation of pistola is a handgun.
📝 In Action
El policía sacó su pistola de la funda.
A2The police officer took his pistol out of the holster.
En las películas de vaqueros, siempre hay alguien con una pistola en el cinto.
B1In cowboy movies, there is always someone with a gun on their belt.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Remember that 'pistola' is a feminine word, so you must use feminine articles and adjectives: 'una pistola vieja' (an old pistol).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. General
While 'pistola' specifically means 'pistol,' it is often used conversationally to mean any small 'gun' (arma).
In a different context, pistola refers to a spray gun used for painting or airbrushing.
📝 In Action
Necesitas la pistola de pintura para aplicar el esmalte de manera uniforme.
B1You need the spray gun to apply the enamel evenly.
El dentista usó una pequeña pistola de agua para limpiar el área.
B2The dentist used a small water syringe/jet to clean the area.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
In non-violent or non-military contexts (like construction or medicine), 'pistola' likely refers to a handheld spraying or injecting device.
In Chile and Mexico, pistola is slang for an annoying or tiresome person, a 'pain in the neck.'
pistola(noun)
pain in the neck
?annoying/tiresome person (Chile/Mexico)
tough cookie
?aggressive or difficult person
📝 In Action
¡Qué pistola eres! No paras de hablar de lo mismo.
C1You're such a pain! You won't stop talking about the same thing.
Esa abogada es una pistola, consiguió todo lo que pidió.
C2That lawyer is a real tough cookie; she got everything she asked for.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
When used figuratively to describe a person, 'pistola' often describes someone who 'shoots' off aggressive words or is relentless, sometimes meaning they are extremely annoying or demanding.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Understanding Context
Mistake: "Using this meaning in formal settings."
Correction: This is strictly informal and regional. Use 'molesto/a' (annoying) or 'difícil' (difficult) in neutral conversations.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pistola
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'pistola' is most likely used when describing a dentist's tool?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'pistola' refer only to pistols, or can it mean any small gun?
While the literal translation is 'pistol,' in everyday conversation, especially when talking about crime or police work, it is often used as a general term for any small, handheld firearm (like 'gun').
Is 'pistola' ever used as a compliment?
Rarely. In some very specific informal contexts (like gaming or sports in certain regions) it might be used to describe someone who is aggressively good or dominant, which is a kind of compliment, but usually, it describes someone or something annoying or dangerous.