picas
/ˈpikas/
The English word "spades" is translated into Spanish as picas in the context of a card game.
Meaning: card game (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify a card belonging to the spade suit, you must use the preposition de followed by picas. For example, as de picas means "ace of spades". To refer specifically to "the ace of spades", the standard phrase is el as de picas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpikas/
Did you know?
- While English uses 'spades' to refer to the tool, the Spanish word picas actually refers to 'pikes' or 'spears', the long-handled-weaponry used by infantry.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the word pica functions as a verb meaning 'to sting' or 'to peck'.
- The term pica can also refer to a 'pickaxe', meaning the word carries a dual identity as both a piercing weapon and a heavy digging tool.
Examples in context
- Tengo el as de picas.I have the ace of spades.Tatoeba #5837682 by albrusgher, translation #2528229 by CM
- Yo tengo el rey de picas.I have the King of Spades.Tatoeba #10288190 by Seael, translation #10288187 by ddnktr
- Tom levantó la reina de picas.Tom held up the queen of spades.Tatoeba #5837948 by albrusgher, translation #5730941 by CM
- Por favor, pasa el 2 de espadasPlease pass the 2 of spades
- Pásame el 2 de picasPass me the 2 of spades
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are deciding which card game to play.
- Alejandro¿Quieres jugar a las picas?Do you want to play spades?
- MaríaNo me gusta ese juego.I don't like that game.
- AlejandroEstá bien, busquemos otro juego.That's fine, let's find another game.
- MaríaPodemos jugar al póker.We can play poker.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry picas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
