quisquilloso
/kiskiˈʝoso/
The English word "touchy" can be translated into Spanish as quisquilloso. Wiktionary also lists picajoso and picajón.
Meaning: (person) easily offended, oversensitive (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| quisquilloso | /kiskiˈʝoso/ |
| picajoso | /pikaˈxoso/ |
| picajón | /pikaxon/ (from spelling rules) |
| touchy | /ˈtat͡ʃi/ |
| picón | /piˈkon/ |
In Spanish, these terms describe a person who is easily offended or oversensitive. Use quisquilloso when describing someone who finds fault in trivial matters or is difficult to please.
Which one should you use?
While quisquilloso can mean touchy, it is also frequently used to describe someone who is overly picky or fastidious about small details.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
picajoso is a more colloquial way to describe someone who is easily offended or takes things personally. For a lighthearted and informal tone, you can use Delicadito(a).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word espinoso can be used to express a sensitive or delicate matter.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective quisquilloso changes its ending to quisquillosa to agree with a feminine subject.
How do you pronounce it?
/kiskiˈʝoso/
Did you know?
- The word quisquilloso is derived from quisquilla, which is the Spanish word for a very small shrimp.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone delicadito is often a sarcastic way to mock their sensitivity rather than a gentle observation.
- While quisquilloso focuses on being fastidious, picón specifically describes someone who gets easily annoyed or 'salty' after losing a game or being teased.
Examples in context
- La situación es delicada y hay que abordarla con cautela.The situation is touchy and needs to be approached with caution.
- Tenemos que evitar hacer comentarios delicados sobre su enfermedad.We should avoid making touchy comments about their illness.
- Es un tema sensible en nuestra familia y preferimos no hablar de ello.It's a touchy subject in our family, and we prefer not to discuss it.
- Debemos ser conscientes de que cualquier mención del divorcio podría ser sensible para ella.We should be aware that any mention of divorce could be touchy for her.
- Mi hermano es un poco delicadito cuando se trata de críticas.My brother is a bit touchy when it comes to criticism.
- ¿Por qué eres tan delicadita con ese tema?Why are you so touchy about that subject?
- No seas tan quisquilloso con la comida.Don't be so touchy about the food.
- Mi jefe es muy quisquilloso con los detalles.My boss is very touchy about details.
- Él se pone quisquilloso cuando está cansado.He becomes touchy when he is tired.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are discussing a mutual friend.
- Daniel¿Por qué se enojó tanto por un chiste?Why did he get so angry over a joke?
- LucíaEs que es un poco quisquilloso.It's just that he is a bit touchy.
- DanielTienes razón, es muy sensible.You are right, he is very sensitive.
- LucíaDeberías evitar bromas pesadas con él.You should avoid heavy jokes with him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “touchy” translations and entries quisquilloso, picajoso, picajón, touchy, picón, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries quisquilloso, touchy, CC BY-SA 4.0.
