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veneno

/veh-NEH-noh/

poison

A small, clear glass vial filled with glowing, vibrant emerald green liquid, suggesting poison.

The word veneno can refer to poison, a substance causing death or illness.

veneno(Noun)

mA2

poison

?

substance causing death or illness

,

venom

?

toxin from an animal, like a snake

Also:

toxin

?

general biological substance

📝 In Action

Necesitas un antídoto rápido, ¡esto es veneno!

A2

You need a quick antidote, this is poison!

La serpiente cascabel tiene un veneno muy potente.

B1

The rattlesnake has very powerful venom.

Hay que guardar los productos de limpieza lejos de los niños, son veneno.

A2

We must keep the cleaning products away from children, they are poison.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • tóxico (toxic)
  • ponzoña (venom/poison (less common))

Antonyms

  • antídoto (antidote)

Common Collocations

  • veneno mortal – deadly poison
  • inocular veneno – to inject venom

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Check

Remember that 'veneno' is a masculine noun, so always use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'El veneno es peligroso'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Poison vs. Venom

Spanish uses 'veneno' for both substances that are eaten (poison) and substances injected by animals (venom). Context tells you which one is meant.

A simple illustration of a person's torso silhouette with dark, swirling purple smoke emanating strongly from the chest area, symbolizing malice or negative intent.

Veneno can also metaphorically describe malice or negative intent.

veneno(Noun)

mB2

malice

?

negative feeling or intent

,

bitterness

?

emotional resentment

Also:

toxicity

?

in a social or emotional sense

📝 In Action

Sus palabras estaban llenas de veneno y crítica.

B2

His words were full of malice and criticism.

Hay mucho veneno en ese ambiente de trabajo.

C1

There is a lot of toxicity (or bitterness) in that work environment.

El veneno de la envidia puede destruir amistades.

B2

The poison of envy can destroy friendships.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • malicia (malice)
  • amargura (bitterness)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • soltar veneno – to speak maliciously (literally: to release poison)
  • echar veneno – to spread rumors or bitterness

💡 Grammar Points

Using Prepositions

We often use the preposition 'de' (of) to specify what kind of figurative 'veneno' it is: 'veneno de la envidia' (the poison of envy).

⭐ Usage Tips

Emotional Impact

Using 'veneno' figuratively emphasizes the destructive, harmful nature of the emotion or comment, much stronger than just saying 'badness'.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: veneno

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'veneno' in its figurative, emotional sense?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

venenoso(poisonous, venomous) - adjective
envenenar(to poison) - verb
envenenamiento(poisoning) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'veneno' used for animal toxins (venom) or only substances that are eaten (poison)?

'Veneno' covers both! You use it for the toxin produced by a snake or spider (venom), and also for a chemical substance that is harmful if swallowed (poison).

What is the corresponding verb for 'veneno'?

The verb is 'envenenar,' which means 'to poison' someone or something.