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How to Say "bugs" in Spanish

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insectos

/in-SEK-tos//inˈsektos/

nounA1informal
Use 'insectos' for a general, informal term referring to insects and other creepy-crawlies, especially when you want a broad category.
A colorful storybook illustration showing three different insects: a red ladybug, a green grasshopper, and a brown ant, all perched on a large green leaf.

Examples

Hay muchos insectos volando cerca de la luz.

There are many insects flying near the light.

Necesitas repelente si vas a un lugar con muchos insectos.

You need repellent if you go to a place with lots of bugs.

Los científicos estudian el comportamiento de los insectos sociales, como las hormigas.

Scientists study the behavior of social insects, like ants.

Masculine Plural

Since 'insectos' is the plural form of the masculine word 'insecto,' you must use the masculine plural word for 'the' (los) and any descriptive words (adjectives) must also agree, usually ending in -os (e.g., los pequeños insectos).

Gender Error

Mistake: “La insectos (Incorrect use of feminine 'la')”

Correction: Los insectos. Remember, the word is masculine even though the creatures themselves don't have a specific gender assigned in the word.

bichos

/BEE-chohs//ˈbitʃos/

nounA2general
Choose 'bichos' to refer to small creatures in general, including insects, spiders, or other unidentifiable small animals, often found in nature or homes.
A collection of colorful insects like a ladybug, a beetle, and a butterfly on a green leaf.

Examples

Hay muchos bichos en el jardín durante el verano.

There are many bugs in the garden during the summer.

¡Cuidado! No pises esos bichos.

Watch out! Don't step on those critters.

Making it plural

To talk about more than one 'bicho', we just add an 's' at the end. It always stays masculine, even if the bugs are technically female.

Insecto vs. Bicho

Mistake: “Using 'insecto' in a casual conversation at a picnic.”

Correction: Use 'bicho' for a more natural, everyday feel. 'Insecto' sounds like you are in a science class.

escuchas

/es-KOO-chas//esˈku.tʃas/

nounB2formal
Use 'escuchas' specifically when referring to illegal or covert listening devices, most commonly in a legal or espionage context (like wiretaps).
A simple depiction of a small, hidden microphone device, often used for secret recording or surveillance.

Examples

Las escuchas telefónicas confirmaron las sospechas del fiscal.

The wiretaps confirmed the prosecutor's suspicions.

El escándalo involucró escuchas ilegales a periodistas.

The scandal involved illegal eavesdropping on journalists.

Singular vs. Plural

The singular 'la escucha' (the listening/eavesdropping) is less common than the plural 'las escuchas' when referring to specific surveillance operations.

Using the wrong gender

Mistake: “Saying 'los escuchas'.”

Correction: The word is feminine: 'las escuchas' (the wiretaps). The masculine 'el escucha' usually means 'the listener' (person).

Insects vs. Listening Devices

The most common mistake is using 'escuchas' when you mean insects. Remember, 'escuchas' refers only to surveillance equipment, while 'insectos' and 'bichos' refer to living creatures.

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