aguijón
/aɡiˈxon/masculine
The Spanish word for stinger is aguijón. Wiktionary also lists lanceta.
Meaning: pointed portion of an insect (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| aguijón | /aɡiˈxon/ | masculine |
| lanceta | /lanˈθeta/ /lanˈseta/ |
feminine |
The word refers to the pointed portion of an insect.
Which one should you use?
aguijón is the standard, most common term for an insect's stinger. lanceta is another form.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun aguijón becomes aguijones in its plural form. The feminine noun lanceta becomes lancetas in its plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/aɡiˈxon/
Did you know?
- The verb aguijonear can be used to describe a person who is constantly prodding or provoking someone in an argument.
- In Spanish, the phrase el aguijón de la conciencia refers to the 'sting of conscience' or the feeling of guilt.
- The term aguijón is derived from the Vulgar Latin word *aquīleōnem, which comes from *aquīleus, meaning a prick or goad.
Examples in context
- Una avispa me clavó el aguijón en el brazo.A wasp stuck its stinger in my arm.This sentence is useful for showing how to use aguijón when describing an insect sticking its stinger into a person.Tatoeba #997123 by hayastan, translation #9795594 by DJ_Saidez
- El aguijón de una abeja puede producir mucho dolor.The stinger of a bee can cause a lot of pain.
- Después de la picadura de la medusa, le ardía la piel por la ponzoña.After the jellyfish sting, their skin burned from the venom.
- El aguijón de la abeja es muy pequeño.The bee's stinger is very small.
- Ten cuidado con el aguijón de esa avispa.Be careful with that wasp's stinger.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are looking at a bee on a flower.
- LucíaMira, la abeja tiene el aguijón fuera.Look, the bee has its stinger out.
- JavierNo te acerques mucho, Lucía.Don't get too close, Lucía.
- LucíaEs verdad, es peligrosa.It's true, she is dangerous.
- JavierMejor nos alejamos de la flor.Better if we move away from the flower.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stinger” translations and entries aguijón, lanceta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aguijón, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
