veneno
/beˈneno/masculine
The English word poison translates to Spanish as veneno. If unsure, use veneno. Wiktionary also lists ponzoña.
Meaning: substance harmful to a living organism (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| veneno | /beˈneno/ | masculine |
| ponzoña | /ponˈθoɲa/ /ponˈsoɲa/ |
feminine |
Veneno refers to a substance that is harmful to a living organism. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is harmful to one's character or a toxic situation, similar to how the English word is used.
Which one should you use?
While veneno is the general term for any poison, ponzoña is often used in a literary or archaic sense to refer specifically to venom or a highly toxic substance.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Chile, ponzoña may be used as a synonym for veneno. In Argentina, the word tóxico is often used to describe dangerous people or toxic relationships.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of veneno is venenos.
How do you pronounce it?
/beˈneno/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, calling a person veneno or describing them as having veneno refers to a sharp, biting, or malicious wit rather than literal toxicity.
- The word ponzoña has a surprising connection to the Latin word 'pōtiō', which means 'a drink'.
- In some contexts, dar veneno is used idiomatically to mean speaking harshly or criticizing someone with intense malice.
Examples in context
- ¿El azúcar es un veneno?Is sugar a poison?This sentence is useful for asking if a substance like sugar is a poison using veneno.Tatoeba #10124680 by manufrutos, translation #5201662 by Hybrid
- El veneno te puede matar.Poison can kill you.This sentence is useful for stating that veneno can kill someone.Tatoeba #1296679 by marcelostockle, translation #681755 by Source_VOA
- La nicotina es un veneno.Nicotine is a poison.This sentence is useful for identifying a specific substance like nicotine as a poison using veneno.Tatoeba #6992355 by cueyayotl, translation #6560493 by Source_VOA
- Ten cuidado, ese producto contiene veneno.Be careful, that product contains poison.
- Aléjate de esa sustancia, es altamente tóxica.Stay away from that substance, it is highly toxic.
- Ese líquido tiene venenito, mejor no lo tomes.That liquid has a little poison, better not drink it.
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are looking at a dangerous bottle in a laboratory.
- Daniel¿Sabes qué contiene este frasco, Sofía?Do you know what this bottle contains, Sofía?
- SofíaCreo que es un veneno muy fuerte.I think it is a very strong poison.
- DanielTen mucho cuidado con ese veneno.Be very careful with that poison.
- SofíaNo te preocupes, soy muy precavida.Don't worry, I am very cautious.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “poison” translations and entries veneno, ponzoña, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ponzoña, veneno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
