pícnic
/ˈpiɡnik/feminine
The Spanish word for picnic is pícnic. Wiktionary also lists jira.
Meaning: a meal eaten outdoors (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pícnic | /ˈpiɡnik/ | feminine |
| jira | /ˈxiɾa/ | feminine |
A picnic refers to a meal eaten outdoors. You can use the phrase ¡Vamos de pícnic! to informally say "Let's go on a picnic!"
Which one should you use?
pícnic is the standard term that is widely understood, whereas jira is a more colloquial and regional way to describe a picnic or a social outing involving food and drink.
Is it said differently in some regions?
jira is used in some Spanish-speaking regions to refer to a picnic or a social outing.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both pícnic and jira are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpiɡnik/
Did you know?
- The word jira is etymologically linked to the word jirón, which means a 'shred' or 'torn piece' of fabric.
- While pícnic is common, some Spanish speakers prefer the phrase merienda campestre, which literally translates to 'country snack'.
- Because pícnic is a relatively recent borrowing, using it in rural or traditional areas might make you sound more like a textbook than a local.
Examples in context
- El pícnic se canceló por la lluvia.The picnic was canceled because of rain.This sentence is useful for seeing how to express that a pícnic was canceled due to weather.Tatoeba #10281441 by manufrutos, translation #4501614 by CK
- Organizaremos una merienda campestre para celebrar el aniversario de la empresa.We will organize a picnic to celebrate the company's anniversary.
- El próximo fin de semana, mi familia y yo iremos de excursión de campo para disfrutar de una comida al aire libre.Next weekend, my family and I will go on a countryside excursion to enjoy an outdoor meal.
- Nuestro club social organiza regularmente almuerzos al aire libre para sus socios.Our social club regularly organizes outdoor lunches for its members.
- ¡Vamos de pícnic al parque! No olvides traer la manta y la comida.Let's go on a picnic to the park! Don't forget to bring the blanket and the food.
- El domingo quiero hacer un asado en el campo con mis amigos.On Sunday, I want to have a barbecue in the countryside with my friends.
- Preparé una cesta para el pícnic.I prepared a basket for the picnic.
- La comida del pícnic estaba deliciosa.The picnic food was delicious.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are planning a weekend trip to the park.
- Sofía¿Quieres ir de pícnic al parque mañana?Do you want to go on a picnic at the park tomorrow?
- DanielSí, me parece una idea excelente, Sofía.Yes, I think that is an excellent idea, Sofía.
- SofíaYo llevaré las frutas y el pan.I will bring the fruit and the bread.
- DanielPerfecto, yo llevaré las bebidas frías.Perfect, I will bring the cold drinks.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “picnic” translations and entries pícnic, jira, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jira, pícnic, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
