masticar
/mastiˈkaɾ/
In Spanish, the English concept of chewing is expressed using masticar.
While English often uses the gerund 'chewing' as a noun to refer to the act itself, Spanish typically uses the infinitive form masticar to express this concept.
Meaning: the act by which something is chewed (noun)
Which one should you use?
Use the infinitive masticar to express the general idea or the act of chewing. If you are referring to the continuous action of chewing happening right now, use the gerund masticando. For formal, technical or anatomical contexts regarding the biological process of chewing, use the noun masticación.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the continuous action of chewing, use the present participle (gerund) masticando.
How do you pronounce it?
/mastiˈkaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word masticar can be used figuratively in some dialects to describe someone who speaks slowly or with a heavy accent.
- The English word 'masticate' is a direct linguistic cousin to the Spanish masticar, as both stem from the Latin 'masticare'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, if you are chewing gum, you might say you are mascando chicle instead of using the more formal masticando chicle.
Examples in context
- Tengo dificultad para masticar.I have difficulty chewing.This sentence is useful for describing difficulty with the action of masticar.Tatoeba #1329531 by marcelostockle, translation #268650 by CK
- La muchacha nerviosa tiene la costumbre de masticar el extremo de su lápiz.The nervous girl is in the habit of chewing the end of her pencil.This sentence shows a habit of masticar something specific.Tatoeba #921758 by burntsoap, translation #46056 by CK
- Se dice en el libro: "Las serpientes se tragan a sus presas sin masticar y luego se duermen".It says here in the book: "Snakes swallow their prey without chewing before going to sleep".This sentence describes the act of swallowing without masticar.Tatoeba #9174131 by carlosalberto, translation #9176948 by DJ_Saidez
- Es importante masticar bien los alimentos antes de tragarlos.It is important to chew food well before swallowing it.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are talking about a baby who is starting to eat solid food.
- MateoEl bebé ya está intentando masticar.The baby is already trying to chew.
- LucíaSí, pero todavía no sabe masticar bien.Yes, but he still doesn't know how to chew well.
- MateoEs normal, aprender a masticar toma tiempo.It's normal, learning to chew takes time.
- LucíaTienes razón, Mateo.You are right, Mateo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry masticar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries masticar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
