espina
/esˈpina/feminine
The Spanish word for thorn is espina. If unsure, use espina. Wiktionary also lists aguate / ahuate / afate / guate and ajuate / uguate / huate.
Meaning: sharp protective structure of a plant (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| espina | /esˈpina/ | feminine |
| aguate / ahuate / afate / guate | masculine | |
| ajuate / uguate / huate | masculine | |
| shute | /ˈʃute/ | masculine |
espina refers to the sharp protective structure of a plant. It is also the standard word used for a fish bone. Metaphorically, the phrase una espina clavada (a stuck thorn) describes a persistent problem or a source of constant irritation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, some people may use espinita to indicate a small thorn.
How do you pronounce it?
/esˈpina/
When do people say it?
The phrase No hay rosa sin espinas is used similarly to the English saying "Every rose has its thorn". The expression Sacar una espina literally means to remove a thorn, but it is used figuratively to mean removing an annoyance or solving a problem.
Did you know?
- In medical Spanish, espina also refers to the vertebrae of the spinal column, known as the columna espinal.
- In Mexico, the words ahuate and aguate are derived from the Classical Nahuatl word 'ahhuatl'.
- The phrase una espina clavada describes a lingering regret or a grudge rather than just a physical pain.
Examples in context
- Tengo una espina en el dedo.I have a thorn in my finger.This sentence is useful for describing having an espina in your finger.Tatoeba #2266989 by hayastan, translation #2266988 by _undertoad
- Me clavé una espina en el dedo.I got a thorn in my finger.This sentence is useful for describing the action of getting an espina in your finger.Tatoeba #2266975 by hayastan, translation #2266974 by _undertoad
- Vanunu se volvió una espina clavada para Israel.Vanunu became a thorn in Israel's side.This sentence shows the metaphorical use of espina.Tatoeba #8089079 by Seael, translation #6322358 by OsoHombre
- Mi madre se pinchó con una espina en el jardín.My mother pricked herself with a thorn in the garden.
- ¡Ay! Me clavé un pincho en el pie.Ouch! I stepped on a thorn.
- Rosa tiene una espina.Rose has a thorn.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are walking through a botanical garden.
- JavierTen cuidado con esa espina.Be careful with that thorn.
- SofíaGracias, es una planta muy peligrosa.Thanks, it is a very dangerous plant.
- JavierCada espina de esta rosa es enorme.Every thorn on this rose is huge.
- SofíaJavier, no toques las flores todavía.Javier, don't touch the flowers yet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thorn” translations and entries espina, shute, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ahuate, espina, shute, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
