chicle
/ˈt͡ʃikle/
In Spanish, the English word 'gum' (referring to a single piece of chewing gum) is translated as chicle.
The word chicle is used to refer to both a single piece of chewing gum and the substance of chewing gum in general.
Meaning: single piece of chewing gum (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, you might hear the term chiclete used to refer to gum.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of chicle is chicles.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʃikle/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the word goma to mean chewing gum. In Spanish, goma typically refers to an eraser or rubber.
Did you know?
- In Mexico, the expression estirar el chicle literally means 'to stretch the gum' but is used to describe dragging out a situation or a conversation longer than necessary.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, chicle is used as a slang adjective to describe someone who is overly clingy or doesn't know how to leave a conversation.
- The word chicle has its roots in the indigenous Nahuatl word tzictli, which referred to the resin of the sapodilla tree used as a natural gum.
Examples in context
- Tom se tragó un chicle.Tom swallowed his chewing gum.This sentence shows how to use chicle when talking about swallowing a piece of gum.Tatoeba #4438345 by cueyayotl, translation #4134445 by CK
- Me tragué el chicle por accidente.I swallowed my gum by accident.This sentence illustrates using chicle to describe swallowing gum by accident.Tatoeba #1013718 by Shishir, translation #9023316 by mccarras
- ¿Tienes chicle?Do you have any gum?This sentence demonstrates how to ask if someone has any chicle.Tatoeba #1239396 by marcelostockle, translation #953193 by CK
- Me gustaría comprar chicle en la tienda.I would like to buy gum at the store.
- Por favor, no mastiques goma de mascar durante la reunión.Please do not chew gum during the meeting.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are walking to class together.
- JavierSofía, ¿me das un chicle?Sofía, can you give me a piece of gum?
- SofíaClaro, tengo varios en mi bolso.Sure, I have several in my bag.
- JavierGracias, necesito un chicle para el aliento.Thanks, I need a piece of gum for my breath.
- SofíaAquí tienes, Javier.Here you go, Javier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gum” translations and entries chicle, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chicle, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
