pico
/ˈpiko/masculine
The English word pickaxe is translated into Spanish as pico, zapapico or piqueta.
Meaning: heavy iron tool (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pico | /ˈpiko/ | masculine |
| zapapico | /θapaˈpiko/ /sapaˈpiko/ |
masculine |
| piqueta | /piˈketa/ | feminine |
A pickaxe is a heavy iron tool. The verb picar can be used to describe the act of using such a tool.
Which one should you use?
While pico is the most common term for a pickaxe, it can also refer to a mountain peak or a bird's beak depending on context. Piqueta often refers to a smaller, lighter version of a pickaxe or a specific type of hand tool used for breaking hard ground. Zapapico is a term used more frequently in certain Latin American regions to describe the tool or the act of using it.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Zapapico is a term used more frequently in certain Latin American regions.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word pico is pronounced /ˈpiko/.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word 'pico' is used as a slang term for a 'kiss' or a 'peck' on the lips.
- In Spanish, the verb picar used for a pickaxe also describes the way a bird pecks or the stinging sensation of chili peppers.
- The word piqueta comes from pica, which refers to a 'pike' weapon, combined with a diminutive suffix.
Examples in context
- Necesito un pico para cavarI need a pickaxe to dig
- El obrero usa un pico para romper el suelo.The worker uses a pickaxe to break the ground.
- Necesito un pico para cavar en la tierra dura.I need a pickaxe to dig in the hard earth.
- El pico está apoyado contra la pared.The pickaxe is leaning against the wall.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are working in a construction site.
- Sofía¿Puedes pasarme el pico, Mateo?Can you pass me the pickaxe, Mateo?
- MateoSí, aquí tienes el pico.Yes, here is the pickaxe.
- SofíaGracias, este pico es muy pesado.Thanks, this pickaxe is very heavy.
- MateoEs necesario para este trabajo duro.It is necessary for this hard work.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pickaxe” translations and entries pico, zapapico, piqueta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pico, piqueta, zapapico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
