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How to Say "salty" in Spanish

English → Spanish

salado

/sah-LAH-doh//saˈlaðo/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'salado' when describing food that contains too much salt.
A wooden spoon scooping white salt crystals from a small bowl.

Examples

Esta sopa está muy salada.

This soup is very salty.

No me gustan los frutos secos salados.

I don't like salty nuts.

El agua del mar es salada.

Sea water is salty.

Using with 'Estar'

When describing food that currently tastes salty, use 'estar'. If you use 'ser', you are describing the general nature of the food (e.g., 'El mar es salado').

Gender Matching

The word must change to 'salada' when describing feminine things, like 'la comida' or 'la sopa'.

Salty vs. Spicy

Mistake: “Using 'salado' when food is hot/spicy.”

Correction: Use 'picante' for spicy heat. 'Salado' only refers to salt content.

picado

/pee-KAH-doh//piˈkaðo/

adjectiveB1informal
Use 'picado' as modern slang to describe someone who is upset or annoyed, especially after losing a game or competition.
A cartoon character with crossed arms and a slight frown, looking away with a huff.

Examples

Se quedó picado porque perdió el partido de tenis.

He was annoyed because he lost the tennis match.

No te pongas picada, solo era una broma.

Don't get upset, it was just a joke.

Feeling vs. Being

Use 'estar' or 'quedarse' with this meaning because it describes a temporary mood or reaction to something that happened.

Taste vs. Feeling

The most common mistake is using 'salado' when you mean 'picado'. Remember that 'salado' almost always refers to the taste of food with too much salt, while 'picado' is informal slang for feeling bitter or resentful after losing.

Related Translations

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