repelente de insectos
/repelente de inseɡtos/from spelling rulesfeminine
The English phrase "bug spray" is repelente de insectos in Spanish.
In casual conversation, speakers often shorten repelente de insectos to just repelente.
Meaning: insecticide for household pests (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of repelente (repellent) and de insectos (of insects).
Which one should you use?
While repelente de insectos refers to something that keeps bugs away, insecticida is often used for sprays meant to kill them.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase repelente de insectos is feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/repelente de inseɡtos/
Did you know?
- In some regions, you might hear people refer to bug spray as veneno para insectos, which literally translates to 'poison for insects'.
- In some Latin American cultures, traditional 'bug sprays' are homemade using citronela (citronella) or clavo (clove), and these natural alternatives are often referred to as remedios caseros rather than repelente.
- In many Latin American countries, if you ask for repelente de insectos you might receive a lotion or cream, whereas the word spray specifically implies the aerosol form.
Examples in context
- Necesito comprar repelente de insectos antes de ir de camping este fin de semana.I need to buy bug spray before going camping this weekend.
- ¿Dónde puedo conseguir repelente para mosquitos en esta ciudad?Where can I get mosquito repellent in this city?
- El repelente de insectos está en la cocina.The bug spray is in the kitchen.
- Usa este repelente de insectos para la casa.Use this household bug spray.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are preparing for a hike.
- MateoElena, ¿tienes el repelente de insectos?Elena, do you have the bug spray?
- ElenaSí, Mateo, está en mi mochila.Yes, Mateo, it is in my backpack.
- MateoGracias, hay muchos mosquitos en el bosque.Thanks, there are many mosquitoes in the forest.
- ElenaPor eso traemos el repelente de insectos.That is why we are bringing the bug spray.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bug spray” translations, 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.
