moco
/ˈmoko/masculine
In Spanish, the English phrase booger is translated as moco. Wiktionary also lists pelotilla de la nariz.
Meaning: a piece of solid or semi-solid mucus (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| moco | /ˈmoko/ | masculine |
| pelotilla de la nariz | /pelotiʝa de la naɾiθ/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /pelotiʝa de la naɾis/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
feminine |
The word moco is the general term for mucus or a runny nose, but it is also the most common way to refer to a booger. For example, you can use moco verde to specifically refer to a green booger.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase pelotilla de la nariz literally translates to 'little ball of the nose', describing the shape of the object.
Which one should you use?
While moco is the standard and most common term, you can also use the descriptive phrase pelotilla de la nariz.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form mocos is frequently used when describing a runny nose or a buildup of mucus.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmoko/
Did you know?
- The term moco has its roots in the Latin 'muccus', which is the direct ancestor of the English word 'mucus'.
- While moco is the most direct translation, using pelotilla de la nariz is a much more polite and roundabout way to describe the object.
- In some regions, using the word moco in a playful or childish context is common, but using it in formal settings is considered highly distasteful.
Examples in context
- ¡Por favor, lávate las manos si tienes mocos!Please wash your hands if you have boogers!
- No me importa ver mocos verdes en las películas de terrorI don't mind seeing green boogers in horror movies
- Tengo un moco seco en la nariz.I have a dry booger in my nose.
- Ese moco es muy grande.That booger is very big.
- Él se limpió un moco con el dedo.He cleaned a booger with his finger.
Example conversation
A mother and son are talking in the living room.
- MaríaJavier, tienes un moco en la cara.Javier, you have a booger on your face.
- Javier¿Es un moco muy feo, mamá?Is it a very ugly booger, mom?
- MaríaSí, por favor, límpiate pronto.Yes, please clean yourself up soon.
- JavierEstá bien, lo voy a quitar.Okay, I am going to remove it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “booger” translations and entries moco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, la, moco, nariz, pelotilla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
