pistola
neutral
A handgun is a pistola. General words are arma or arma de fuego, and slang in Mexico and Chile is fierro.
Meaning: a firearm (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| pistola | neutral |
| Arma | neutral |
| Fierro | slang, Mexico, Chile |
Fierro literally means iron. In slang it names a gun, mostly in Mexico, Chile and some neighboring countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
Arma is feminine but takes el in the singular: el arma, las armas.
What mistakes should you avoid?
The word fierro also means a piece of iron or metal in plain speech, so context decides.
Did you know?
- The Spanish noun arma is feminine but uses el in the singular, as in el arma.
Examples in context
- La policía encontró una pistola.The police found a gun.
- Está prohibido portar armas.Carrying weapons is forbidden.
- Dijo que traía un fierro.He said he had a gun.
Example conversation
A news report is discussed by Hugo and his wife Clara.
- HugoDicen que encontraron una pistola en el auto.They say they found a gun in the car.
- ClaraQué miedo, espero que todos estén bien.How scary, I hope everyone is fine.
- HugoSí, no hubo heridos.Yes, nobody was hurt.
