Inklingo

How to Say "spicy" in Spanish

English → Spanish

picante

pee-KAHN-teh/piˈkante/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'picante' when describing the general spicy flavor or taste of food or a sauce.
A bright red chili pepper emitting small stylized puffs of steam, indicating heat or spice.

Examples

Esta salsa roja es demasiado picante para mí.

This red sauce is too spicy for me.

Compramos unos tacos muy picantes en el mercado.

We bought some very hot tacos at the market.

Adjective Agreement

Since 'picante' ends in 'e,' it works for both masculine and feminine nouns in the singular (e.g., 'el plato picante,' 'la sopa picante'). It only changes to 'picantes' for plural nouns.

Using 'caliente'

Mistake: “Using 'caliente' when you mean 'spicy.'”

Correction: 'Caliente' means hot temperature (like coffee). Always use 'picante' for spicy flavor.

calientes

kah-lee-EN-tes/kaˈljentes/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'calientes' specifically when referring to food that is hot in temperature or sensation, often implying a strong, lingering heat.
Two vibrant red chili peppers sitting side-by-side, depicted with small stylized flames near their tips to indicate intense spiciness.

Examples

Estos tacos están calientes, ¡trae leche!

These tacos are spicy, bring milk!

Para mí, todos los platos mexicanos son demasiado calientes.

For me, all Mexican dishes are too spicy.

Regional Use

While 'picante' is the standard for 'spicy,' in many Latin American countries, especially Mexico, 'caliente' is also used to mean 'spicy' or 'piquant' when referring to food.

Picante vs. Calientes

Learners often overuse 'calientes' for spicy food when 'picante' is the more appropriate and common term for flavor. Remember that 'calientes' is typically used for food that is hot in temperature or has an intense, immediate heat sensation.

Related Translations

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