gas pimienta
/ɡas pimjenta/from spelling rules
The English phrase "pepper spray" is translated into Spanish as gas pimienta.
Gas pimienta refers to a non-lethal riot-control agent.
Meaning: non-lethal riot-control agent (noun)
Which one should you use?
The phrase spray de pimienta is also commonly used, especially in Latin America, due to the influence of the English word "spray".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the variation Espray de pimienta is used to mean pepper spray.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun gas is masculine, so it is used with the masculine article el gas pimienta.
Did you know?
- The term gas was coined by the Belgian chemist Jan Baptist van Helmont, possibly drawing from the Greek word kháos, meaning 'chasm' or 'void'.
- The term 'pimiento' is often used in Spanish to refer to the bell pepper, creating a linguistic distinction between the spicy 'pimienta' and the mild 'pimiento'.
- While gas pimienta is the standard term, the Spanish word espray is an official adaptation of the English 'spray' recognized by the Royal Spanish Academy.
Examples in context
- ¿Sabes dónde puedo conseguir un aerosol de pimienta?Do you know where I can get pepper spray?
- Creo que deberías llevar un aerosol de pimienta contigo para mayor seguridadI think you should carry pepper spray with you for added security
- ¿Dónde puedo comprar espray de pimienta en esta área?Where can I buy pepper spray in this area?
- Es recomendable llevar espray de pimienta encima para sentirte más protegidoIt's advisable to carry pepper spray on you to feel more protected.
- Lleva gas pimienta en su bolso.She carries pepper spray in her purse.
- ¿Es necesario usar gas pimienta?Is it necessary to use pepper spray?
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are discussing safety tips for walking at night.
- AlejandroLucía, ¿tienes algo para protegerte al caminar?Lucía, do you have something to protect yourself when walking?
- LucíaSí, Alejandro, yo uso gas pimienta.Yes, Alejandro, I use pepper spray.
- AlejandroEs una buena idea llevar gas pimienta.It is a good idea to carry pepper spray.
- LucíaMe hace sentir mucho más segura.It makes me feel much safer.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gas, pimienta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
