pizca
/ˈpiθka/
The English phrase "smidge" can be translated into Spanish as pizca.
Pizca refers to a very small amount of something, particularly when discussing food or ingredients. In practice, it is almost always used as part of the phrase una pizca de to mean "a smidge of" something, such as una pizca de sal.
What does it mean word for word?
The word pizca literally means "a pinch", referring to the small amount one can pick up between a thumb and a finger.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the variation poquitito is a commonly used way to say "smidge".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpiθka/
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers often use una pizca in the negative to mean 'not at all', such as saying no tengo ni una pizca de paciencia to mean 'I don't have a shred of patience'.
- The Argentine variation poquitito achieves its meaning by stacking two separate diminutive suffixes onto the root word poco to emphasize extreme smallness.
- The word pizca is believed to be onomatopoeic, mimicking the sound of a small movement or the action of grabbing something quickly.
Examples in context
- ¿Podría agregarme sal al plato, pero solo un poco?Could you add some salt to my dish, but just a smidge?
- Agrega poquito vinagre a la ensalada, no me gusta en exceso.Add a smidge of vinegar to the salad, I don't like it in excess.
- Añade una pizca de sal.Add a smidge of salt.
- Solo quiero una pizca de azúcar.I only want a smidge of sugar.
- Ponle una pizca de pimienta.Put a smidge of pepper on it.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are cooking together in their kitchen.
- Lucía¿Le pongo una pizca de canela?Should I add a smidge of cinnamon?
- JavierSí, Lucía, solo una pizca.Yes, Lucía, just a smidge.
- Lucía¿Te gusta así?Do you like it like this?
- JavierEstá perfecto, gracias.It is perfect, thanks.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pizca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pizca, CC BY-SA 4.0.
