picar
/piˈkaɾ/
In Spanish, the English phrase 'nosh' is translated as picar.
The verb picar is used to describe the act of snacking or nibbling on something. You can use the construction picar algo to specifically convey the idea of nibbling on a certain food item.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, picar means 'to peck' (as a bird does) or 'to sting' (as an insect does). This provides the conceptual basis for the phrase, as it evokes the idea of 'pecking' at small amounts of food.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the specific act of having small snacks known as tapas is referred to as tapear.
How does it change in a sentence?
The related noun picoteo can be used to refer to the act of snacking itself or to a spread of small bites served at a social gathering.
How do you pronounce it?
/piˈkaɾ/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, picar can describe a sudden flash of anger or irritability, as if someone has been 'pricked' by a mood.
- The English word 'pique' (as in 'to pique one's interest') shares the same linguistic roots as the Spanish picar. Both words stem from the idea of a sharp, sudden strike or sting.
- Because picar means 'to sting', you might use it to describe the sensation of a spicy food hitting your tongue. A sharp, stinging sensation from a chili is often described using this same verb.
Examples in context
- Siempre llevo un tentempié en mi bolso.I always carry a nosh in my purse.
- Después de clase me gusta picar algo en la cocina.After class, I like to nosh in the kitchen.
- Me encanta piquear unas papas fritas por la tarde.I love to nosh on some french fries in the afternoon.
- Estamos picando un poco de queso.We are snacking on a little bit of cheese.
- No quiero picar nada antes de la cena.I don't want to nosh anything before dinner.
- ¿Podemos picar algo mientras vemos la película?Can we nosh on something while we watch the movie?
- Ella suele picar entre horas en la oficina.She usually noshes between meals at the office.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are sitting in the living room in the afternoon.
- Javier¿Tienes hambre, Elena?Are you hungry, Elena?
- ElenaSí, me gustaría picar algo ahora.Yes, I would like to nosh on something now.
- JavierTengo unas galletas en la cocina.I have some cookies in the kitchen.
- Elena¡Perfecto, vamos a por ellas!Perfect, let's go get them!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry picar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries picar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
