que pica
/ke pika/from spelling rules
The English word 'itchy' can be translated into Spanish as que pica.
While que pica is used to describe an object or body part, the noun picazón is used to name the sensation of itchiness itself.
Meaning: Translations (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase que pica literally means 'that itches'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you may come across the phrase tener comezón more frequently.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because que pica functions as a relative clause, it must follow the noun it describes, such as una piel que pica (skin that is itchy).
Did you know?
- The word pica comes from the verb picar, which is also used to describe the sting of a bee or the spicy heat of a chili pepper.
- The word picar is used in Spain to describe the act of snacking on small appetizers before a main meal.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, calling a person picante can imply they are flirtatious or suggestive, rather than literally 'spicy' or 'itchy'.
Examples in context
- Me duelen los ojos y los siento un poco rojos. También tengo picazón en la piel.My eyes hurt, and they feel a bit red. I also have itchiness on my skin.
- No sé qué me pasó, pero siento comezón en todo el cuerpo.I don't know what happened, but I feel itchiness all over my body.
- La paciente presenta síntomas de irritación y experimenta picor en la zona afectada.The patient has symptoms of irritation and experiences itchiness in the affected area.
- Creo que tengo alergia al polen, tengo mucha comezón en los ojos.I think I'm allergic to pollen, my eyes are really itchy.
- Tengo una alergia y me ha dado mucha rasquiña en todo el cuerpo.I have an allergy, and I'm feeling a lot of itchiness all over my body.
- Tengo una alergia que pica mucho.I have an allergy that is very itchy.
- Es una picadura que pica.It is a bite that is itchy.
- Esa crema ayuda con la irritación que pica.That cream helps with the irritation that is itchy.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are talking about a new wool sweater.
- SofíaMira mi suéter nuevo, Javier.Look at my new sweater, Javier.
- JavierEs muy bonito, pero ¿es cómodo?It is very pretty, but is it comfortable?
- SofíaNo, es una lana que pica.No, it is a wool that is itchy.
- JavierEntonces mejor ponte una camiseta debajo.Then it's better to put a t-shirt underneath.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “itchy” translations, 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.
