insecto
/inˈseɡto/masculine
The Spanish word for insect is insecto.
The term for insect is insecto. You can also use the word bicho to refer to insects, or the word bicharraco when referring to large or intimidating insects.
Meaning: arthropod of class Insecta (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia, some people use the word bicho as a general term for insects.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of insecto is insectos.
How do you pronounce it?
/inˈseɡto/
Did you know?
- In some Caribbean dialects, bicho can have much more vulgar or anatomical meanings depending on the context, so be cautious when using it outside of a biological discussion.
- While insecto is the scientific term, calling something a bicho is so common that it can also be used as a friendly, albeit slightly derogatory, way to call a person a 'critter' or 'weirdo'.
- The word insecto comes from the Latin īnsectus, which means 'notched' or 'dissected' to describe the segmented bodies of these creatures.
Examples in context
- Este insecto sigue vivo.This insect is still alive.This sentence is useful for describing the state of an insecto.Tatoeba #1268488 by Shishir, translation #10113918 by DJ_Saidez
- Mantén vivo este insecto.Keep this insect alive.This sentence is useful for giving an instruction regarding an insecto.Tatoeba #1368426 by marcelostockle, translation #57878 by CK
- ¿Ese insecto es un ciempiés?Is that insect a centipede?This sentence is useful for asking for the identification of an insecto.Tatoeba #8006672 by Seael, translation #13135427 by araneo
- El insecto voló hacia la luzThe insect flew towards the light
- Mi hermano tiene miedo de los bichosMy brother is afraid of insects
- El niño encontró un bichito en el jardínThe child found a little insect in the garden
- ¡Qué bicharraco!What a huge bug!
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are looking at a bug in the park.
- Javier¿Ves ese insecto sobre la flor?Do you see that insect on the flower?
- ElenaSí, es un insecto muy bonito, Javier.Yes, it is a very pretty insect, Javier.
- JavierParece un insecto de colores.It looks like a colorful insect.
- ElenaEs fascinante observar a cada insecto.It is fascinating to observe every insect.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “insect” translations and entries insecto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries insecto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
