Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| punta | /ˈpunta/ | feminine |
| pincho | /ˈpint͡ʃo/ | masculine |
| púa | /ˈpua/ | feminine |
| puya | /ˈpuʝa/ | feminine |
| espiga | /esˈpiɡa/ | feminine |
These terms are used to describe objects that resemble a nail in shape. In a sporting context, specifically regarding volleyball, the verb rematar is used to mean 'to spike' the ball.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends heavily on what kind of spike you are describing. Punta is a general term for a tip or point of an object. Púa is used for smaller, sharp items such as a thorn, a guitar pick or a spike on clothing. Pincho can refer to a physical spike. Puya refers to a sharp implement used for poking, a sting or even a sharp metaphorical remark. Espiga is the specific botanical term for a spike or ear of grain, such as wheat or barley.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, pincho is very commonly used to refer to small snacks served on a toothpick or skewer.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms provided vary in gender: pincho is masculine, while púa, punta, puya and espiga are feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpunta/
When do people say it?
In Spain, if you use the word pincho, people may think of a small snack on a skewer rather than a physical spike.
Did you know?
- In Spain, pinchos are often displayed on a bar counter, where the toothpick is used to keep the ingredients together and to calculate the bill.
- The word puya descends from the Latin word for 'dagger'.
Examples in context
- La niña curiosa arrancó una espiga de trigo y fue sacando los granos uno por uno, dejándolos caer en la tierra, para así observar cómo las hormigas se los iban llevando al hormiguero.The curious girl yanked out a spike of wheat and was taking out each grain one by one, letting them fall on the earth, so as to observe how the ants were taking them to the anthill.This sentence shows the use of espiga to describe a spike of wheat.Tatoeba #5391510 by Shishir, translation #9317719 by DJ_Saidez
- El erizo tiene púas afiladas.The hedgehog has sharp spikes.
- El campo de trigo está lleno de espigas doradas.The wheat field is filled with golden spikes.
- La montaña tiene varios picos nevados.The mountain has several snowy peaks.
- Los pinchos de carne asada están deliciosos.The grilled meat skewers are delicious.
- Cuidado con la punta de ese lápiz.Watch out for the point of that pencil.
- La punta de la flecha es muy afilada.The tip of the arrow is very sharp.
Example conversation
María and Javier are looking at a decorative object in a shop.
- María¿Viste la punta de ese adorno?Did you see the spike of that decoration?
- JavierSí, parece muy peligrosa.Yes, it looks very dangerous.
- MaríaJavier, no la toques.Javier, don't touch it.
- JavierEstá bien, no te preocupes.Okay, don't worry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spike” translations and entries punta, pincho, púa, puya, espiga, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pincho, punta, puya, púa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
