picante
everyday
In Mexico the word for spicy is picante, and people also say picoso. Asking ¿Pica? is the quick way to find out if a dish is hot. It is also called Enchilado.
Meaning: hot with chili (adjective)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| picante | everyday |
| Picoso | Mexico |
| Enchilado | burning from chili, Mexico |
At a food stand you can ask ¿Está picoso? or say sin picante if you want it mild. The verb is picar, as in esta salsa pica mucho.
Which one should you use?
Picoso is the everyday adjective for food with chili. Picante also works and is the word you see on salsa labels.
Did you know?
- Mexican speakers say the salsa pica instead of "is hot", using the verb picar, to sting or bite.
Examples in context
- ¿Esta salsa es muy picante?Is this salsa very spicy?
- Está muy picoso para mí.It is too spicy for me.
- Quiero los tacos sin picante.I want the tacos not spicy.
Example conversation
Hugo orders tacos at a stand in Mexico City while his friend Beth, who is visiting, asks about the salsa.
- Beth¿Esta salsa pica?Does this salsa burn?
- HugoSí, está muy picosa.Yes, it is very spicy.
- BethEntonces solo un poquito.Then just a little.
