pegajoso
/peɡaˈxoso/
The English word sticky is translated into Spanish as pegajoso. Wiktionary also lists pegadizo and pegachento.
Meaning: able or likely to stick (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| pegajoso | /peɡaˈxoso/ |
| pegadizo | /peɡadiθo/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /peɡadiso/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
| pegachento | /peɡat͡ʃento/ (from spelling rules) |
The most common translation for sticky is pegajoso or pegajosa. Use this to describe physical substances like glue, syrup or sap that stick to surfaces. If you are referring to something that is 'sticky' in a metaphorical sense, such as a catchy song or a slogan, use pegadizo.
Which one should you use?
pegajoso describes physical textures and substances that stick to surfaces. In contrast, pegadizo is used for things that are 'catchy', such as music or slogans.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, you may hear chicloso used to describe something sticky. In some regions of Spain, such as Andalusia, pegoso and pringoso are used interchangeably with pegajoso.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/peɡaˈxoso/
Did you know?
- If you call a person pegajoso in a social context, you are not talking about their skin, but rather calling them 'clingy' or over-affectionate.
- The Spanish pegajoso shares a root with the verb pegar, which can mean 'to stick' but also 'to hit' or 'to slap'.
- Spanish speakers often use pegajoso to describe humid weather that makes your skin feel tacky, a use similar to the English 'sticky heat'.
Examples in context
- Este líquido pegajoso se puede utilizar como cola.This sticky liquid can be used as glue.This sentence shows how to describe a liquid that can be used as glue using pegajoso.Tatoeba #13842713 by mervert1, translation #9801575 by AlanF_US
- Natto es pegajoso.Natto is sticky.This sentence uses pegajoso to describe the texture of Natto.Tatoeba #718787 by darinmex, translation #282275 by CM
- Perros calientes, nueces y semillas, trozos de carne o queso, uvas enteras, caramelos pegajosos o pegajosos, palomitas de maíz, trozos de mantequilla de maní, verduras crudas, pasas, goma de mascar y malvaviscos son peligros conocidos de asfixia para los niños.Hot dogs, nuts and seeds, chunks of meat or cheese, whole grapes, hard/gooey or sticky candy, popcorn, chunks of peanut butter, raw vegetables, raisins, chewing gum, and marshmallows are known choking hazards for children.This sentence uses pegajoso to list various items that are potential choking hazards for children.Tatoeba #6582609 by Eccles17, translation #6582607 by Eccles17
- Este pegamento es muy pegajoso.This glue is very sticky.
- ¡Cuidado con los caramelos pegajosos!Watch out for sticky candies!
- La cinta adhesiva se ha vuelto pegajosa.The adhesive tape has become sticky.
- Asegúrate de que la etiqueta adhesiva no esté pegajosa.Make sure the adhesive label is not sticky.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are in the kitchen after eating dessert.
- LucíaTengo las manos muy pegajosas por el almíbar.My hands are very sticky from the syrup.
- DanielEse postre era demasiado pegajoso.That dessert was too sticky.
- LucíaVoy a lavarme las manos ahora.I am going to wash my hands now.
- DanielYo también necesito un poco de agua.I need some water too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sticky” translations and entries pegajoso, pegadizo, pegachento, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
