hisopo
/iˈsopo/
The English phrase 'q-tip' can be translated into Spanish as hisopo.
A hisopo refers to a small stick with cotton on one or both ends used for cleaning or applying medicine. You may often see or hear the phrase hisopo de algodón to specifically clarify that the swab is made of cotton.
Which one should you use?
While hisopo is a standard term, bastoncillo de algodón is another formal way to refer to a cotton swab.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Hisopo and bastoncillo de algodón are considered formal terms. In some regions, particularly in parts of Latin America, the term cotonete is used colloquially.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term cotonete is used informally in some regions, especially in parts of Latin America.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of hisopo is hisopos.
How do you pronounce it?
/iˈsopo/
Did you know?
- In a Catholic church, a priest uses a hisopo to sprinkle holy water on the congregation. This ritual object is a brush or bunch of fibers, not a cotton swab.
- In some Latin American countries, the word cotonete is not just a generic term but a brand name that became so popular it replaced the original word for swab.
- The word bastoncillo is a diminutive of bastón, which means 'cane'. It literally describes a cotton swab as a 'little cane'.
Examples in context
- Cuando te limpies los oídos, usa un hisopo para no dañar los tímpanos.When you clean your ears, use a Q-tip so as not to damage the eardrums.
- Puedes encontrar bastoncillos de algodón en la farmacia.You can find cotton swabs in the pharmacy.
- Me gustaría comprar unos cotonetes para limpiarme los oídos.I would like to buy some Q-tips to clean my ears.
- Necesito un hisopo para limpiar la herida.I need a q-tip to clean the wound.
- ¿Tienes un hisopo en el botiquín?Do you have a q-tip in the medicine cabinet?
- Usa un hisopo para aplicar la crema.Use a q-tip to apply the cream.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are in the bathroom.
- Mateo¿Dónde está el hisopo, Lucía?Where is the q-tip, Lucía?
- LucíaEstá en el cajón de arriba.It is in the top drawer.
- MateoGracias, lo necesito para la oreja.Thanks, I need it for my ear.
- LucíaTen mucho cuidado al usarlo.Be very careful when using it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hisopo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
