pizca
“pizca” means “pinch” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
pinch
Also: dash, smidgen
📝 In Action
Añade una pizca de sal a la sopa.
A1Add a pinch of salt to the soup.
Solo necesito una pizca de azúcar para el café.
A2I only need a dash of sugar for the coffee.
Mezcla la harina con una pizca de canela.
B1Mix the flour with a smidgen of cinnamon.
shred, bit
Also: ounce, trace
📝 In Action
No tiene ni una pizca de vergüenza.
B1He doesn't have a shred of shame.
Sus palabras no tenían ni una pizca de verdad.
B2His words didn't have a bit of truth in them.
A ese plan le falta una pizca de lógica.
B2That plan lacks an ounce of logic.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: pizca
Question 1 of 3
Which is the correct way to say 'a pinch of salt'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Likely from a pre-Roman sound-based word mimicking the action of picking up something small with the fingers.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'pizca' and 'pellizco'?
A 'pizca' is usually the amount of something (like salt), while a 'pellizco' is the physical act of pinching someone's skin or a larger chunk of something.
Is 'pizca' formal or informal?
It is neutral. You can use it in a professional cookbook or in a casual conversation with friends.
Is 'pizca' used more in Spain or Latin America?
It is used equally and understood perfectly in all Spanish-speaking countries.