picazón
/pikaθon/from spelling rules
The English word 'itching' is translated into Spanish as picazón.
Picazón is a noun used to describe the sensation of an itch. When you want to express that you are currently experiencing this sensation, it is more common to use the phrase tener picazón (to have itching) rather than using a continuous verb form.
Meaning: sensation (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun picazón is derived from the verb picar, which means to itch or to sting.
Which one should you use?
Picazón is the noun used to name the sensation itself, whereas the verb picar is used to describe the actual action of the skin itching.
How do you pronounce it?
/pikaθon/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, if someone says Me pica, they might not mean their skin itches, but could be describing the sensation of a spicy pepper on their tongue.
- In some Spanish speaking regions, if someone is acting restless or impatient, they might be described as having picazón in a figurative sense, meaning they have an itch to do something.
- Depending on the country, a person might use the word comezón instead of picazón. Both are correct, but comezón is much more frequent in Mexico and parts of Latin America.
Examples in context
- No podía soportar la picazón.I couldn't stand the itching.This sentence shows how to express an inability to endure the sensation of picazón.Tatoeba #5131066 by don_ramon, translation #2308280 by CK
- ¿Has tenido picazón, erupciones o sequedad en alguna parte del cuerpo?Have you had any persistent itching, rash, or dryness anywhere on your body?This sentence is useful for asking about the presence of picazón, rashes or dryness on the body.Tatoeba #10111248 by manufrutos, translation #9851357 by NurseMeeks
- Tengo picazónI have itching
- El medicamento me produce picazón en la piel.The medication is causing itching on my skin.
- Siento una fuerte comezón en el cuero cabelludo.I am experiencing a strong itching sensation on my scalp.
- La piel se presenta con enrojecimiento e irritación debido a la picazón.The skin appears red and irritated due to the itching.
- Ese nuevo suéter me provoca mucho picor en la piel.That new sweater is making my skin itch a lot.
- Me dio una rasquiña intensa después de salir del agua del mar.I got an intense itch after coming out of the sea water.
- ¡Qué comezón tengo en la nariz!I have such an itchy sensation in my nose!
- La picazón en la espalda es muy molesta.The itching on the back is very annoying.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are talking about a skin reaction.
- María¿Sientes mucha picazón en el brazo, Mateo?Do you feel a lot of itching on your arm, Mateo?
- MateoSí, María, esta picazón no me deja dormir.Yes, María, this itching won't let me sleep.
- MaríaTal vez necesites una crema para la piel.Maybe you need a skin cream.
- MateoTienes razón, iré a la farmacia ahora.You are right, I will go to the pharmacy now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry picazón, 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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
