no picante
/no pikante/from spelling rules
The English phrase "not spicy" is translated into Spanish as no picante.
Used to describe food that does not have a burning or hot taste from chili peppers.
Which one should you use?
no picante is an adjective phrase used for description, whereas no pica uses the verb picar to describe the sensation of the food not being spicy.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you can use no pica to indicate that something is not spicy. In Guatemala and Honduras, sin chile is commonly used to mean "without spice". In Spain, sin guindilla can be used to specifically request no chili peppers.
Did you know?
- In some regions, saying me pica can be a polite euphemism to say that you have an itch in a private area.
- In a social context, picar can mean to provoke someone or 'get under their skin' to make them angry.
- The term picoteo comes from the same root as picante and refers to the Spanish custom of eating small appetizers and snacks during a gathering.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría un plato sin picante, por favor.I would like a dish without spice, please.
- Disculpe, ¿puede recomendarme algo que no sea picante?Excuse me, could you recommend something that is not spicy?
- Oye, ¿me puedes preparar algo sin picante? Nada de picante, por favor.Hey, can you make me something without spice? Nothing spicy, please.
- No me va el picante. ¿Tienes algo más suave?Spice doesn't suit me. Do you have anything milder?
- No me gusta, me pica demasiado.I don't like it, it's too spicy for me.
- Prefiero la paella sin picante, por favor.I prefer paella without spice, please.
- ¿Tienes alguna tapa sin guindilla?Do you have any tapas without chili peppers?
- Esta salsa no es picante.This sauce is not spicy.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are ordering food at a Mexican restaurant.
- AlejandroLucía, ¿quieres probar este taco?Lucía, do you want to try this taco?
- Lucía¿Es muy fuerte?Is it very strong?
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, es no picante.Don't worry, it is not spicy.
- LucíaPerfecto, entonces quiero uno.Perfect, then I want one.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
