pícaro
/ˈpikaɾo/masculine
The English word 'rascal' can be translated into Spanish as pícaro, pillo or granuja.
Meaning: cheeky person (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pícaro | /ˈpikaɾo/ | masculine |
| pillo | /ˈpiʝo/ | masculine |
| granuja | /ɡɾaˈnuxa/ | masculine |
These terms are used to describe a cheeky person. The word pillo is used in informal speech to refer to someone who is crafty or sly.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word canalla is used to describe someone who is deceitful, sneaky or who causes trouble.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpikaɾo/
When do people say it?
The word pícaro refers to a specific archetype in Spanish literature known as the 'picaresque novel', which features a rogue protagonist.
Did you know?
- While pillo means 'rascal' today, it comes from the Latin word pīlum, which referred to a heavy spear or javelin.
- While 'rascal' in English can be affectionate, using canalla in Spain to describe a rascal often carries a much heavier, more insulting weight of being a truly despicable person.
- A person might call a child pillo to mean they are being clever or naughty, but calling an adult pillo can imply they are a professional con artist.
Examples in context
- El pillo logró salirse con la suya una vez más.The rascal managed to get away with it once again.
- No juegues con él, es un tramposo.Don't play with him, he's a rascal.
- Eres un pillito, siempre buscando travesuras.You're a little rascal, always up to mischief.
- Ese niño es un pícaro.That boy is a rascal.
- El pícaro se llevó las galletas.The rascal took the cookies.
- No seas un pícaro, Daniel.Don't be a rascal, Daniel.
Example conversation
Lucía catches Daniel playing a small prank on her.
- Lucía¿Dónde escondiste mis llaves, pícaro?Where did you hide my keys, you rascal?
- DanielNo te dije nada, Lucía.I didn't tell you anything, Lucía.
- LucíaEres un pícaro muy travieso.You are a very cheeky rascal.
- DanielSolo quería bromear un poco.I only wanted to joke around a bit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rascal” translations and entries pícaro, pillo, granuja, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries granuja, pillo, pícaro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
