How to Say "to prick" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to prick” is “picar” — use 'picar' when referring to being pricked or bitten by a small creature, like an insect or a sting, or when something causes a sharp, itchy sensation..
picar
/pee-KAHR//piˈkaɾ/
Examples
Me picó un mosquito en el brazo.
A mosquito bit me on the arm.
Ten cuidado con esa salsa, porque pica mucho.
Be careful with that sauce, because it's very spicy.
Me pican los ojos por el humo.
My eyes are itching because of the smoke.
The Spelling Swap
When you say 'I bit/stung' (the past), the 'c' changes to 'qu' (piqué). This is just to make sure the word still sounds like a 'K' sound.
Using 'Me' for Itching
When something itches, use words like 'me,' 'te,' or 'le' to show who feels it. 'Me pica la nariz' means 'My nose itches me.'
Hot vs. Spicy
Mistake: “Using 'caliente' to say food is spicy.”
Correction: Use 'picar' or 'picante.' 'Esta sopa pica' means it's spicy; 'Esta sopa está caliente' just means it's high temperature.
pinchar
/peen-CHAR//pinˈtʃaɾ/
Examples
Ten cuidado con el cactus, no te vayas a pinchar.
Be careful with the cactus, don't prick yourself.
Tienes que pinchar en el enlace para ver el video.
You have to click on the link to see the video.
Se me pinchó una rueda del coche en la autopista.
I got a flat tire on the highway (literally: A wheel punctured itself on me).
Using 'Se' for Accidents
When a tire goes flat, Spanish speakers often say 'se me pinchó la rueda.' This implies it was an accident that happened 'to' you, rather than something you did on purpose.
Clicking in Tech
When talking about computers, use the word 'en' after pinchar, like 'pincha en el icono' (click on the icon).
Click vs. Pinchar
Mistake: “Hacer click el link.”
Correction: Pinchar en el link (or 'Hacer clic en el link').
Distinguishing 'picar' from 'pinchar'
Related Translations
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