Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| picazón | /pikaθon/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /pikason/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
feminine |
| comezón | /komeˈθon/ /komeˈson/ |
masculine |
| rasquiña | /rasˈkiɲa/ | feminine |
| comecome | /komekome/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
These nouns refer to the sensation felt on an area of the skin that causes a person or animal to want to scratch. If you wish to express the sensation of itching using a verb, use picar. For example, you might say me pica to mean "it itches me."
Which one should you use?
picazón is the most standard and widely understood term for an itch across the Spanish-speaking world. comezón is a common synonym for picazón and is frequently used in Mexico and parts of Latin America. rasquiña is a colloquial or slang term.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
picazón is a neutral, standard term. comezón is also neutral and common. rasquiña is considered slang or colloquial. In medical or scientific contexts, the term prurito is often used instead of these common words.
Is it said differently in some regions?
rasquiña is particularly common in Latin America. In some parts of Mexico, comezón is commonly used instead of picazón.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
picazón and rasquiña are feminine nouns. comezón and comecome are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/pikaθon/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When you want to say you "have an itch," do not use the verb rascar (to scratch). Instead, use tener picazón.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, rasquiña can refer to more than just a physical itch. It is sometimes used metaphorically to describe a feeling of restlessness or a desire to do something.
- The verb used for itching, picar, is the same word used for 'stinging' or 'biting'. It is also used to describe the spicy sensation of chili peppers on the tongue.
- The word comezón comes from the Latin word for 'eating'. This reflects an ancient perception that an itch feels as if something is eating or gnawing at the skin.
Examples in context
- Mi mote es "Comezón".My nickname is "Itch."This example shows the word comezón being used as a nickname.Tatoeba #10923955 by Seael, translation #435595 by CN
- Doctor, tengo picazón en la entrepierna.Doctor, I've got an itch in my crotch.This example uses picazón to describe a sensation in a medical context.Tatoeba #5130296 by don_ramon, translation #2733323 by JimBreen
- Necesito crema para la picazón.I need anti-itch ointment.This example uses picazón to indicate the need for medicine.Tatoeba #436838 by lukaszpp, translation #436837 by lukaszpp
- Tengo picor en la piernaI have an itch on my leg
- ¿Tiene usted prurito en alguna parte específica?Do you have itching in any specific area?
- Me da mucha picazón en la gargantaMy throat itches a lot
- Tengo una rasquiña en la espaldaI have an itch on my back
- Me pica la narizMy nose itches
- Me pica ligeramenteIt itches me slightly
- Me pica intensamenteIt itches me intensely
- Me pica insoportablementeIt itches me unbearably
- Me pica en el brazo izquierdoMy left arm itches
- Tengo una picazón en el cuero cabelludoI have an itch on my scalp
- ¿Puede recomendarme algo para aliviar el picor?Can you recommend something to relieve the itch?
- Tengo una picazón constante y no desapareceI have constant itching that won't go away
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is sitting on the sofa at home.
- JavierMaría, ¿sientes mucha picazón?María, do you feel a lot of itching?
- MaríaSí, Javier, tengo una picazón terrible.Yes, Javier, I have a terrible itch.
- JavierTal vez es por la nueva crema.Maybe it is because of the new cream.
- MaríaEs probable, me pica todo el brazo.It is likely, my whole arm itches.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “itch” translations and entries picazón, comezón, rasquiña, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comezón, picazón, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
