cutícula
/kuˈtikula/feminine
The Spanish word for cuticle is cutícula.
The term refers to the strip of hardened skin at the base of the finger and toenail.
Meaning: strip of hardened skin at the base of the finger and toenail (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the formal term used in medical or scientific contexts is Eponiquio.
How do you pronounce it?
/kuˈtikula/
Did you know?
- While cutícula is common, a Spanish speaker might use the term padrastro to refer to the piece of skin around the nail, even though this word literally means 'stepfather' in most other contexts.
- The term cutícula is used in Spanish zoology to describe the exoskeleton of arthropods, such as insects and crustaceans.
- In Spanish, cutícula is used not only for nails but also in botany to describe the protective waxy layer on a leaf.
Examples in context
- El manicurista está cuidando mis cutículas.The manicurist is taking care of my cuticles.
- Tengo la cutícula muy seca.I have very dry cuticle.
- No te arranques la cutícula.Do not pull your cuticle.
- La manicurista me cortó la cutícula.The manicurist cut my cuticle.
Example conversation
Elena is looking at her hands after a manicure.
- ElenaMateo, mira mi cutícula.Mateo, look at my cuticle.
- MateoEstá un poco roja, Elena.It is a little red, Elena.
- ElenaSí, me duele un poco.Yes, it hurts a little.
- MateoDeberías ponerte crema.You should put on some cream.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cuticle” translations and entries cutícula, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
