Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hisopo | /iˈsopo/ | masculine |
| bastoncillo | /bastonˈθiʝo/ | masculine |
| bastoncillo de algodón | /bastonθiʝo de alɡodon/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /bastonsiʝo de alɡodon/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
| hisopo de algodón | /isopo de alɡodon/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| cotonete | /kotoˈnete/ | masculine |
| copito | /kopito/ (from spelling rules) | Colombia, masculine |
A cotton swab is a small wad of cotton wrapped around the end of a small rod.
What does it mean word for word?
The word bastoncillo is a diminutive of bastón (stick), literally meaning 'little stick'.
Which one should you use?
While bastoncillo refers to the physical shape (a little stick), hisopo is a more technical or medical term for a swab or applicator. Another formal way to refer to a cotton swab is palillo de algodón.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia, the word copito is frequently used to refer to a cotton swab. Copito de algodón literally translates to 'little cotton flake' and is a popular informal term for a cotton swab.
How does it change in a sentence?
All forms provided are masculine nouns. To refer to multiple cotton swabs, use the plural form bastoncillos de algodón.
How do you pronounce it?
hisopo is pronounced /iˈsopo/.
Did you know?
- The technical term hisopo connects a modern hygiene item to the ancient herb 'hyssop' used in biblical purification rituals.
- In some Latin American countries, calling a cotton swab a bastoncillo might confuse people, as they may think you are referring to a 'cane' or a 'drumstick'.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, the term copito is used for cotton swabs because they resemble copos de nieve, which are 'snowflakes'.
Examples in context
- En el laboratorio, debemos realizar un frotis utilizando un hisopo estéril.In the laboratory, we must perform a swab using a sterile cotton swab.
- Por favor, haga uso de un palillo de algodón para aplicar el medicamento en la zona afectada.Please, use a cotton swab to apply the medicine to the affected area.
- Recuerda usar un copito de algodón para limpiar tus oídos con precaución.Remember to use a cotton swab to clean your ears with caution.
- Siempre llevo bastoncillos de algodón en mi bolso por si acaso los necesito durante el día.I always carry cotton swabs in my bag just in case I need them during the day.
- Necesito un hisopo para limpiar la herida.I need a cotton swab to clean the wound.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are in the bathroom getting ready.
- SofíaJavier, ¿tienes algún hisopo a mano?Javier, do you have a cotton swab handy?
- JavierSí, están en el cajón pequeño.Yes, they are in the small drawer.
- SofíaNo encuentro el paquete de hisopos.I cannot find the package of cotton swabs.
- JavierMira detrás del espejo, Sofía.Look behind the mirror, Sofía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cotton swab” translations and entries hisopo, bastoncillo, bastoncillo de algodón, cotonete, 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 algodón, bastoncillo, de, hisopo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
