piojos
/pjoxos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "head lice" is translated into Spanish as piojos.
piojos refers to the small insects that live on the human scalp and feed on blood. While the term can refer to lice in a general sense, it is the standard way to specify head lice in both domestic and medical contexts. For a clinical or technical description of an infestation, the term Pediculosis is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is piojo, meaning "head louse".
How do you pronounce it?
/pjoxos/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word piojo is used as a playful or affectionate nickname for a small child, similar to calling someone 'peanut' or 'munchkin' in English.
- The word piojo is used in the common expression no tener ni un piojo, which means to be completely penniless or broke.
- In some regions, the expression ser un piojo describes a person who is excessively clingy or refuses to leave someone alone, mirroring the insect's physical attachment to the scalp.
Examples in context
- El niño tiene piojos de la cabeza.The child has head lice.
- La escuela ha establecido una política de prevención de piojos de la cabeza.The school has implemented a head lice prevention policy.
- Mi hija tiene piojos de la cabeza, ¿qué tratamiento recomendarían?My daughter has head lice, what treatment would you recommend?
- Mi sobrino tiene piojos.My nephew has head lice.
- Usa un peine fino para eliminar las liendres.Use a fine-tooth comb to remove the head lice nits.
- La pediculosis es muy común entre los niños en edad escolar.Head lice infestation is very common among school-aged children.
- Los piojos son muy molestos.Head lice are very annoying.
- El niño tiene piojos en el pelo.The boy has head lice in his hair.
- Debemos usar un champú para los piojos.We must use a shampoo for head lice.
Example conversation
A mother and father discussing their child's hair.
- DanielElena, creo que el niño tiene piojos.Elena, I think the boy has head lice.
- Elena¡No puede ser! ¿Dónde los viste, Daniel?No way! Where did you see them, Daniel?
- DanielEn su cuero cabelludo, parecen piojos pequeños.On his scalp, they look like small head lice.
- ElenaVoy a comprar un tratamiento ahora mismo.I am going to buy a treatment right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
