soy quisquilloso
/soi kiskiʝoso/from spelling rules
The phrase "I am picky" in Spanish is soy quisquilloso.
This phrase is used when someone is very fussy and hard to please regarding small details.
Which one should you use?
If you want to sound more positive or professional (e.g., regarding work standards), use soy exigente instead of soy quisquilloso.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the speaker is female, the adjective changes from quisquilloso to soy quisquillosa. To say 'you are picky' to a male, use eres quisquilloso.
Did you know?
- The adjective quisquilloso is derived from the word quisquilla, which refers to a small shrimp or prawn. This links the idea of being 'picky' to something tiny and insignificant.
- While quisquilloso describes a person's fussy personality, it can also describe someone who is easily offended or hypersensitive to teasing. In this context, it implies someone who 'takes offense at every little thing'.
- If a person is picky specifically about food, a speaker might use the word especial instead of quisquilloso to be more polite.
Examples in context
- Soy exigente con la calidad de los alimentos.I am picky about the quality of food.
- Tengo gustos muy específicos cuando se trata de música.I have very specific tastes when it comes to music.
- Soy muy quisquillosa con la limpieza de mi casa.I am very picky about the cleanliness of my house.
- Me gusta todo perfecto, por eso tardo tanto en decidirme.I like everything perfect, that's why I take so long to make a decision.
- Mi amigo es bastante tiquismiquis para elegir sus compañeros de viaje.My friend is quite picky when choosing his travel companions.
- Soy muy remilgada con los restaurantes a los que voy.I am very picky about the restaurants I go to.
- No me gusta nada, soy muy quisquilloso con la comida.I don't like anything, I am very picky with food.
- Lo siento, soy quisquilloso con la limpieza.I am sorry, I am picky about cleanliness.
- No me gusta el desorden porque soy quisquilloso.I don't like clutter because I am picky.
- Soy quisquilloso cuando elijo la ropa.I am picky when I choose clothes.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are decorating a new apartment.
- Daniel¿Te gusta este color de pintura?Do you like this paint color?
- LucíaNo estoy segura, Daniel.I am not sure, Daniel.
- DanielNo te preocupes, ya sé que soy quisquilloso.Don't worry, I know I am picky.
- LucíaEs mejor así para que quede perfecto.It is better that way so it turns out perfect.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
