Is it spicy?
in Spanish¿Pica?
/PEE-kah/
This is the most authentic, natural way to ask if food is spicy. It literally means 'Does it bite?' or 'Does it sting?' and implies the sensation of heat from chili peppers.
When in doubt, always ask '¿Pica?' before pouring the red sauce!
💬Other Ways to Say It
¿Está picante?
/ehs-TAH pee-KAHN-teh/
The direct translation using the adjective 'picante' (spicy). It asks about the current state of the food.
¿Es picante?
/ehs pee-KAHN-teh/
Uses the verb 'ser' to ask about the permanent nature of the dish.
¿Tiene chile?
/TYEH-neh CHEE-leh/
Literally 'Does it have chili?' In Mexico, this is often the most practical way to find out if it will be hot.
¿Tiene ají?
/TYEH-neh ah-HEE/
Similar to '¿Tiene chile?', but uses the South American word for hot pepper ('ají').
¿Es muy fuerte?
/ehs MOOY FWEHR-teh/
Literally 'Is it very strong?' In Spain, where spicy food is rare, people might describe intense flavors (including spice) as 'strong'.
¿Pica mucho?
/PEE-kah MOO-choh/
Literally 'Does it sting a lot?' This helps gauge the intensity level.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
There are three main ways to ask about spice, each with a slightly different nuance.
| Phrase | Literal Meaning | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¿Pica? | Casual dining, street food, checking salsas. Most natural option. | Writing a formal menu description. | |
| ¿Está picante? | Asking about a specific dish in front of you. | Asking about the general nature of a recipe (use 'es'). | |
| ¿Es picante? | Asking about menu items generally (e.g., 'Is curry spicy?'). | Testing a specific batch of salsa. |
📈Difficulty Level
Very easy. Just remember 'picante' is pee-KAHN-teh, pronouncing the 'e' at the end.
Simple question structure. '¿Pica?' is just a verb in the third person.
The definition of 'spicy' varies wildly between Spain (low tolerance) and Mexico (high tolerance).
Key Challenges:
- Distinguishing between 'caliente' (hot temp) and 'picante' (spicy)
- Understanding regional tolerance levels
💡Examples in Action
Disculpa, ¿esta salsa pica?
Excuse me, is this sauce spicy?
No como comida muy picante. ¿Esto pica mucho?
I don't eat very spicy food. Is this very hot?
¿El ceviche tiene ají?
Does the ceviche have hot peppers?
¡Cuidado! Eso pica muchísimo.
Careful! That is extremely spicy.
🌍Cultural Context
The 'Mexico Scale' of Spiciness
In Mexico, if a local tells you 'no pica' (it doesn't sting), do not trust them blindly! For Mexicans, 'no pica' often means 'it only burns a little bit.' If you have a low tolerance for spice, ask '¿Pica mucho o poquito?' (Does it sting a lot or a little?) or assume it will be spicy.
Spicy vs. Spiced
English speakers often confuse 'spicy' (hot) with 'spiced' (full of spices like cumin, cinnamon, or cloves). In Spanish, 'picante' strictly refers to heat/burn. If you want food with flavor but no heat, you are looking for something 'condimentado' (seasoned), not 'picante'.
The Water Myth
If you accidentally eat something too spicy, asking for water ('agua') is the instinct, but in Latin American culture, you might be offered milk, cream, or a tortilla with salt instead. Capsaicin (the spicy chemical) is oil-based, so water just spreads it around!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Caliente' for Spicy
Mistake: "Asking '¿Está caliente?' to mean 'Is it spicy?'"
Correction: ¿Está picante? / ¿Pica?
Confusing 'Picante' with 'Especiado'
Mistake: "Thinking 'picante' means it has many herbs and spices."
Correction: Condimentado / Sazonado
Mispronouncing 'Chile'
Mistake: "Pronouncing it like the country 'Chile' (CHEE-leh) vs the food."
Correction: They are pronounced the same!
💡Pro Tips
Ask for it on the side
If you aren't sure about the spice level, ask for the salsa 'aparte' (on the side). You can say: '¿Me puede traer la salsa aparte, por favor?' This lets you test it safely.
Watch the server's reaction
When you ask '¿Pica?', watch the waiter's face. A hesitation or a slight hand wobble usually means 'Yes, it's very spicy for a tourist.'
🗺️Regional Variations
Mexico
Mexico is the capital of spice. 'Picoso' is a common variation for 'picante'. The verb 'enchilarse' means 'to get burned by chili'.
Spain
Spaniards generally have a lower tolerance for spice than Latin Americans. 'Picante' is often a warning on menus.
Andean Region (Peru/Colombia/Bolivia)
The word 'chile' is rarely used here; the pepper is called 'ají'. Peruvian cuisine uses specific peppers like 'ají amarillo' or 'rocoto' (which is very hot).
💬What Comes Next?
The waiter confirms it is spicy
Sí, pica un poco. (Yes, it stings a little.)
Yes, it's a little spicy.
Entonces sin salsa, por favor.
Then without sauce, please.
You want to know if they have a non-spicy option
Esta salsa es muy picante.
This sauce is very spicy.
¿Tiene una salsa que no pique?
Do you have a sauce that doesn't sting?
🧠Memory Tricks
Think of the verb 'Picar' like a mosquito bite or a needle prick. Spicy food 'pricks' or 'bites' your tongue just like a bug bites your skin.
🔄How It Differs from English
English uses the word 'hot' for both high temperature and spiciness, which causes confusion. Spanish separates these strictly: 'caliente' is for temperature, 'picante' is for spice/heat. You must switch your mindset to distinguish these two sensations.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: Translating this as '¿Está caliente?' asks if the food is warm/steaming, not if it's spicy.
Use instead: Use '¿Pica?' for spice and '¿Está caliente?' for temperature.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to order water in Spanish
Essential for putting out the fire if the food is too spicy!
How to ask for the bill
The natural next step after finishing your meal.
How to say delicious in Spanish
To compliment the chef if you enjoyed the spicy food.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: Is it spicy?
Question 1 of 3
You are at a restaurant and want to know if the soup is too hot (temperature) to eat yet. What do you ask?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I say 'soy picante'?
No! 'Soy picante' would mean 'I am spicy/hot' in a personality or sexual way. If you want to say you eat spicy food, say 'Me gusta lo picante' (I like spicy things).
What if I want just a little bit of spice?
You can ask for 'poquito picante' (a little spicy) or ask for the sauce 'aparte' (on the side) so you can control the amount yourself.
Is 'caliente' ever used for spicy food?
Generally, no. However, in some very specific Spanglish contexts in the US, you might hear it, but it is grammatically incorrect in standard Spanish. Stick to 'picante' to avoid confusion.
What does 'enchilado' mean?
'Enchilado' (or 'enchilada' for a female) is a Mexican term for the state of suffering from eating something too spicy. 'Estoy enchilado' means 'My mouth is burning from the chili!'
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