masticar
/mastiˈkaɾ/
To chew in Spanish is masticar. If unsure, use masticar. Wiktionary also lists mascar and gandir.
Meaning: to crush food with teeth prior to swallowing (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| masticar | /mastiˈkaɾ/ | |
| mascar | /masˈkaɾ/ | |
| gandir | /ɡandiɾ/ (from spelling rules) | |
| chacchar | /t͡ʃaɡˈt͡ʃaɾ/ /t͡ʃaxˈt͡ʃaɾ/ |
|
| picchar (coca) | Peru | |
| picchear (coca) | Bolivia |
The verb refers to the physical act of crushing food with the teeth before swallowing.
Which one should you use?
masticar is the standard, most common term used for the physical act of chewing food. Other forms like mascar, gandir and chacchar also exist in the language for this concept.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Peru, the term picchar (coca) is used specifically for the act of chewing coca leaves. Similarly, in Bolivia, the term picchear (coca) is used for chewing coca leaves.
How do you pronounce it?
/mastiˈkaɾ/
Did you know?
- In certain Caribbean dialects, the word masticar can be used figuratively to mean 'to analyze' or 'to think over' a piece of information slowly.
- The verb chacchar is not of Spanish origin, but was borrowed from the Quechua word chajchay.
- While masticar is the general term for chewing, mascar is more frequently used in Spanish when referring to chewing gum.
Examples in context
- ¿Te duele al masticar?Does it hurt when you chew?This sentence is useful for asking about pain while using masticar.Tatoeba #10172649 by Seael, translation #63567 by CK
- Me gusta masticar tabaco.I like to chew tobacco.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference regarding chewing tobacco with masticar.Tatoeba #5051965 by don_ramon, translation #1762348 by Amastan
- Es fácil masticar alcachofa.Artichoke is easy to chew.This sentence is useful for describing how easy it is to chew an artichoke with masticar.Tatoeba #12155720 by JSKabylie15, translation #12243883 by Miktsoanit
- Es importante masticar correctamente para una buena digestión.It is important to chew properly for good digestion.
- No deberías chupar la comida, sino masticarla adecuadamente.You shouldn't just suck the food, but chew it properly.
- Ella masticaba lentamente, saboreando cada pedazo de comida.She chewed slowly, savoring every bite.
- Él tenía la costumbre de morderse las uñas.He had the habit of chewing his nails.
- Los niños chupaban los dulces antes de masticarlos.The children would suck on the candy before chewing it.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are eating lunch together at a restaurant.
- AlejandroSofía, debes masticar más despacio.Sofía, you should chew more slowly.
- SofíaLo siento, Alejandro, tengo mucha hambre.I'm sorry, Alejandro, I am very hungry.
- AlejandroEs mejor masticar cada bocado con calma.It is better to chew each bite calmly.
- SofíaTienes razón, lo intentaré.You are right, I will try.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chew” translations and entries masticar, mascar, chacchar, 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 chacchar, mascar, masticar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
