Inklingo

pistolas

pees-TOH-lahspisˈtolas

pistolas means pistols in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

pistols, guns

Also: handguns
NounfB2
A high quality storybook illustration depicting two stylized, colorful pistols resting side by side.

📝 In Action

La policía confiscó dos pistolas ilegales en la redada.

B2

The police confiscated two illegal pistols in the raid.

Los guardias de seguridad llevaban pistolas en sus cinturones.

B1

The security guards carried guns on their belts.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • armas (weapons)
  • revólveres (revolvers)

Common Collocations

  • cargar pistolasto load guns
  • pistolas de juguetetoy guns

Idioms & Expressions

  • a punta de pistolasat gunpoint

No way!, Stop it!

Also: No dice!
InterjectionfC1slang
MexicoCentral America
A high quality storybook illustration of a character vehemently holding up a hand with an open palm, signaling a firm stop or refusal.

📝 In Action

—¿Me prestas tu carro? —¡Pistolas! Está dañado.

C1

"Will you lend me your car?" "No way! It's damaged."

¡Pistolas con eso! No quiero oír más quejas.

C2

Stop it with that! I don't want to hear any more complaints.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "pistolas" in Spanish:

gunshandgunsno dice!pistolsstop it!

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: pistolas

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'pistolas' in its literal meaning?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

The word 'pistola' (singular) entered Spanish from Italian 'pistola' in the 16th century. It is believed to trace back to the Czech word 'píšťala,' which originally meant 'whistle' or 'pipe' but later referred to a small firearm used by infantry.

First recorded: 16th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: pistolaFrench: pistolet

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'pistolas' used more often than the singular 'pistola'?

The singular form, 'pistola,' is generally more frequent in everyday language. However, the plural form, 'pistolas,' is very common in reports about crime, military actions, or when referring to a collection of weapons.

Is the interjection meaning of '¡Pistolas!' polite?

No. The interjection '¡Pistolas!' is very informal slang, primarily used in Mexico and Central America, and should only be used with close friends or in very casual settings. It is a strong, definitive refusal.