Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| picar | /piˈkaɾ/ |
| aguijonear | /aɡixoneˈaɾ/ |
The primary meaning refers to an insect or arachnid puncturing the skin. While picar is the most common way to describe an insect stinging or biting a person, it can also be used figuratively to describe sharp or biting words and criticism. Related to this, the noun picadura refers to the physical mark on the skin or the act of being stung.
Which one should you use?
picar is the common verb used for many types of insect bites or stings. In contrast, aguijonear is a more technical term that specifically refers to the action of using a stinger (an aguijón).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To say that an insect stung you in the past, use the preterite form picó along with an indirect object pronoun such as me, te or le (for example, me picó means 'it stung me').
How do you pronounce it?
/piˈkaɾ/
Did you know?
- The English word 'pique' (as in 'to pique one's interest') shares the same linguistic ancestor as the Spanish picar.
- The verb picar is also used to describe the act of snacking on small amounts of food, such as appetizers before a main meal.
- When someone is acting irritable or 'prickly', a Spanish speaker might say they are picado, using the same root as the word for a sting.
Examples in context
- El mosquito me picó en el brazo.The mosquito stung me on the arm.
- Sentí un ardor en el ojo después de cortar la cebolla.I felt a sting in my eye after cutting the onion.
- El producto químico provocó un ardor en mi piel.The chemical substance caused a sting on my skin.
- Me picó un insecto en la playa.I got stung by an insect at the beach.
- Si te acercas mucho a esa planta, te vas a picar.If you get too close to that plant, you'll get stung.
- Esa abeja me va a picar.That bee is going to sting me.
- Ten cuidado, esa avispa puede picar.Be careful, that wasp can sting.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are walking through a garden.
- Elena¡Cuidado, Daniel! Esa avispa te puede picar.Watch out, Daniel! That wasp might sting you.
- DanielNo te preocupes, Elena, no es peligrosa.Don't worry, Elena, it is not dangerous.
- ElenaMejor no te acerques tanto.It is better if you don't get so close.
- DanielEstá bien, me alejaré un poco.Alright, I will move away a little.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sting” translations and entries picar, aguijonear, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aguijonear, picar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
