bicho
/ˈbit͡ʃo/masculine
The English word 'bug' can be translated into Spanish as bicho.
Bicho is a colloquial name for various arthropods and other similar creeping creatures. If you are referring specifically to an insect in a precise or formal manner, you can use insecto. When discussing insect pests or infestations, the formal term is plaga.
Meaning: a colloquial name for various arthropods and other similar creeping creatures (noun)
Which one should you use?
While bicho is used colloquially for any bug, insecto is the more formal and precise term for an insect.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbitʃo/
Did you know?
- In Puerto Rico, bicho is frequently used as a slang term for a penis, which is a stark contrast to its general use as 'bug' in Spain.
- The word bicho actually shares a common ancestor with the English word 'beast'.
- The phrase bicho raro literally means 'strange bug' but is used to describe an eccentric person or a social misfit.
Examples in context
- Me tragué un bicho.I swallowed a bug.This sentence is useful for describing the accidental swallowing of a bicho.Tatoeba #13704316 by Seael, translation #2407140 by CK
- Tom dio con el bicho.Tom found the bug.This sentence is useful for describing finding a bicho.Tatoeba #7884742 by Seael, translation #7563153 by Hybrid
- Está mirando al bicho.He's watching the bug.This sentence is useful for describing watching a bicho.Tatoeba #4637576 by lawka, translation #1120824 by cntrational
- Es esencial proteger los cultivos de los insectos.It is essential to protect crops from bugs.
- El laboratorio está estudiando una nueva plaga que afecta las plantaciones.The laboratory is researching a new bug that affects crops.
- ¡Cuidado con ese bicho volador!Watch out for that flying bug!
- Me encontré un bichito en el jardín.I found a little bug in the garden.
- Las mariposas son insectos fascinantes.Butterflies are fascinating bugs/insects.
- ¡Cuidado! ¡Hay una mosca en la sopa!Careful! There's a bug in the soup!
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are in the garden.
- SofíaMira ese bicho verde.Look at that green bug.
- Daniel¡Qué bicho más raro!What a strange bug!
- SofíaNo le hagas daño.Don't hurt it.
- DanielEstá bien, lo dejaré en paz.It's okay, I will leave it alone.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bug” translations and entries bicho, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bicho, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
