picaduras
/pikaduɾas/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'stings' (referring to the marks on the skin) is translated into Spanish as picaduras.
picaduras is used to refer to the physical marks or wounds left on the skin by an insect. It is important to note that while you might feel picazón (the sensation of itching) resulting from these marks, picaduras refers specifically to the physical wounds themselves.
Which one should you use?
In English, speakers often distinguish between a 'sting' (from an insect with a stinger) and a 'bite' (from an insect with mandibles). In Spanish, picadura is commonly used to refer to the marks left by both types of insect attacks.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is picadura, and the plural form is picaduras.
How do you pronounce it?
/pikaduɾas/
Did you know?
- If you are eating something very spicy, you might say it pica rather than using a different word for 'spicy'. The sensation of heat on your tongue is linguistically linked to the sharp prick of an insect.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, picadura is the term used for a puncture or a leak in a tire or a sports ball.
- The noun picadura is derived from the verb picar, which can mean 'to sting', 'to bite', or even 'to peck' if you are talking about a bird.
Examples in context
- Las picaduras de abeja pueden ser muy dolorosas.Bee stings can be very painful.This sentence shows how to describe the pain caused by picaduras from a bee.Tatoeba #1082818 by hayastan, translation #321079 by CK
- Las picaduras de abejas son muy molestas.Bee stings are really annoying.This sentence shows how to describe the annoyance caused by picaduras from bees.Tatoeba #6047274 by Adelpa, translation #9947306 by Alairis
- Me duele mucho la picadura de la abeja.The bee sting really hurts me.
- La crítica destructiva realmente lastima a los artistas.Destructive criticism really stings artists.
- ¡Ay! ¡El mosquito me picó!Ouch! The mosquito stung me!
- Los ojos me arden después de cortar cebollas.My eyes sting after cutting onions.
- Tengo varias picaduras en los brazos.I have several stings on my arms.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are talking about their camping trip.
- DanielLucía, ¿te pican mucho las piernas?Lucía, are your legs itching a lot?
- LucíaSí, tengo varias picaduras por el bosque.Yes, I have several stings from the forest.
- DanielPuedo darte una crema para el picor.I can give you a cream for the itching.
- LucíaGracias, Daniel, me vendría muy bien.Thanks, Daniel, that would be very helpful.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
