Inklingo

How to Say "sting" in Spanish

English → Spanish

picada

/pee-KAH-dah//piˈkaða/

nounA1general
Use 'picada' to refer to the actual bite or sting mark left by an insect, such as a mosquito, bee, or wasp.
A small red bump on a person's forearm.

Examples

Tengo una picada de mosquito en la pierna.

I have a mosquito bite on my leg.

¡No te rasques esa picada!

Don't scratch that bite!

Esta crema es muy buena para las picadas de insectos.

This cream is very good for insect bites.

Action to Noun

This comes from the verb 'picar' (to sting or poke). By adding '-ada', we turn the action into the result (the mark on your skin).

Regional Preference

Mistake: “Using 'picada' for a bite in Spain.”

Correction: In Spain, use 'picadura'. Use 'picada' mostly in South America.

pinchazo

/peen-CHAH-soh//pinˈt͡ʃaθo/

nounA2general
Use 'pinchazo' to describe the sharp, brief pain experienced at the moment of being stung by an insect.
A close-up of a finger being lightly pricked by a single green thorn from a rose stem.

Examples

Sentí un pequeño pinchazo en el brazo.

I felt a little prick in my arm.

Solo será un pinchazo, no llores.

It will only be a quick shot, don't cry.

Me di un pinchazo con la espina de la rosa.

I pricked myself with the rose thorn.

The -azo Ending

The ending '-azo' in Spanish usually refers to a sudden action or a hit with something. In this case, it's a 'hit' with something sharp.

Shot vs. Pinchazo

Mistake: “Using 'disparo' for a medical shot.”

Correction: Use 'pinchazo' or 'inyección'. 'Disparo' is only for a gun!

Picada vs. Pinchazo

Learners often confuse 'picada' and 'pinchazo' by using them interchangeably. Remember that 'picada' refers to the lasting mark or the bite itself, while 'pinchazo' describes the immediate sensation of pain.

Related Translations

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