Inklingo

How to Say "scratch" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “scratch” is “cero” — use 'cero' when referring to starting a project, task, or situation from the very beginning, with no prior progress or foundation.

English → Spanish

cero

SEH-roh[ˈseɾo]

nounA2
Use 'cero' when referring to starting a project, task, or situation from the very beginning, with no prior progress or foundation.
A single pair of running shoes positioned right up against a brightly painted white starting line on an athletic track.

Examples

Tuvimos que reconstruir el negocio desde cero después del incendio.

We had to rebuild the business from scratch after the fire.

Empezamos de cero después de la crisis.

We started from scratch after the crisis.

¿Cuánto sacaste en el examen? Un cero.

What did you get on the exam? A zero (a failing grade).

El marcador está tres a cero.

The score is three to zero.

Scores and Grades

In many Spanish-speaking countries, getting 'un cero' on a test means you failed completely.

Literal Translation of Idioms

Mistake: “Él es un cero.”

Correction: Él es un cero a la izquierda.

rasguño

nounA2
Use 'rasguño' to describe a minor cut or abrasion on skin, or a superficial mark or line on a surface.

Examples

Me hice un rasguño en la mano al abrir la caja.

I got a scratch on my hand when opening the box.

Starting from Scratch vs. Physical Scratch

The most common mistake is using 'rasguño' for the idiomatic meaning of starting from nothing. Remember, 'cero' (zero) signifies a complete beginning, while 'rasguño' refers to a physical mark or slight injury.

Related Translations

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