Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| palillo | /paˈliʝo/ | masculine |
| escarbadientes | /esˌkaɾbaˈdjentes/ | masculine |
| mondadientes | /mondadjentes/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| limpiadientes | /limpjadjentes/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
A toothpick is a stick used for removing food residue from the area between the teeth. While palillo is often used for this purpose, it is also a general term for other small sticks, such as a cocktail stick or a small wooden skewer used in cooking.
What does it mean word for word?
The term mondadientes is a compound of mondar (to peel or clean) and dientes (teeth), literally meaning tooth-remover. The term escarbadientes is a compound of escarbar (to dig or scrub) and dientes (teeth), literally meaning tooth-scrubber.
Which one should you use?
Palillo is a general term for a small stick or a toothpick, whereas mondadientes and escarbadientes are more specific to the function of cleaning teeth.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term escarbadientes is commonly used in the Rioplatense region, which includes Argentina and Uruguay.
How does it change in a sentence?
All provided forms of the word are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈliʝo/
Did you know?
- The verb in mondadientes, mondar, can also be used for the act of peeling fruit, such as an orange or a potato, linking the cleaning of teeth to the cleaning of skin.
- In some regions, calling a toothpick a palillo might actually lead to confusion if you are actually looking for a 'matchstick', which is also called a palillo de cerilla.
- While escarbadientes describes the action of 'scrubbing' or 'digging' at the teeth, it sounds much more vigorous and intense than the English 'toothpick'.
Examples in context
- Dame un palillo.Give me a toothpick.This sentence is useful for requesting a toothpick.Tatoeba #740051 by Shishir, translation #440083 by CM
- Mary me sonrió con un palillo en la comisura del labio.Mary smiled at me with a toothpick in the corner of her mouth.This sentence shows the use of the word palillo in a descriptive context.Tatoeba #7951183 by Seael, translation #10058295 by Swalis
- Disculpe, ¿tiene algún palillo dental disponible?Excuse me, do you have any toothpicks available?
- Me encantaría probar esos deliciosos aperitivos. ¿Tienes algún palillo?I'd love to try those delicious appetizers. Do you have a toothpick?
- Necesito un palillo para limpiar mis dientes.I need a toothpick to clean my teeth.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are finishing a meal at a restaurant.
- Mateo¿Tienes un palillo, María?Do you have a toothpick, María?
- MaríaNo, pero puedo pedir uno.No, but I can ask for one.
- MateoGracias, me siento muy incómodo.Thanks, I feel very uncomfortable.
- MaríaTranquilo, ya lo traigo.Don't worry, I'll bring it now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “toothpick” translations and entries palillo, escarbadientes, mondadientes, 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.
