veneno
/beˈneno/masculine
The English phrase "venom" is translated into Spanish as veneno. Wiktionary also lists tósigo.
Meaning: an animal toxin intended for offensive use (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| veneno | /beˈneno/ | masculine |
| tósigo | /ˈtosiɡo/ | masculine |
The word veneno refers to an animal toxin intended for offensive use. It can also be used metaphorically to describe harmful words, spiteful behavior or a toxic atmosphere, similar to how "poison" is used in English.
Which one should you use?
veneno is the standard and most common word for venom, used in both biological and metaphorical contexts. The term tósigo is also a masculine noun for venom. The word ponzoña is another option for expressing venom.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico or parts of Central America, ponzoña may be used more frequently, even in informal situations.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both veneno and tósigo are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/beˈneno/
Did you know?
- The word tósigo comes from the Ancient Greek word for 'arrow', because the first toxins used by humans were applied to the tips of arrows.
- The word ponzoña is often used in Spanish literature and folk tales to describe a 'poison' that is not just a chemical, but a slow-acting malice or a curse.
- In some regions like Mexico, the word ponzoña is surprisingly common in everyday speech to describe something harmful or stinging.
Examples in context
- No hay remedio para el veneno de esta serpiente.There is no antidote for the venom of this snake.This sentence is useful for discussing an antidote for the venom of a snake with veneno.Tatoeba #2559062 by wallebot, translation #1585485 by gizem
- Las púas que tiene el pez piedra en las aletas contienen glándulas que inyectan veneno neurotóxico y citotóxico.The spikes on a stonefish's fins contain glands that inject neurotoxic and cytotoxic venom.This sentence is useful for describing how a stonefish injects neurotoxic and cytotoxic veneno.Tatoeba #7943041 by Seael, translation #13380454 by frpzzd
- El veneno de la serpiente es extremadamente peligroso.The venom of the snake is extremely dangerous.
- El especialista analizó la ponzoña del insecto para determinar su toxicidad.The specialist analyzed the insect's venom to determine its toxicity.
- Cuidado con los sapos, su piel contiene veneno.Be careful with toads, their skin contains venom.
- ¡No te preocupes! Esa araña solo tiene un venenillo leve.Don't worry! That spider only has a mild venom.
- El veneno de la araña es muy peligroso.The spider's venom is very dangerous.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are looking at a snake in a zoo.
- LucíaMira esa serpiente, Javier.Look at that snake, Javier.
- Javier¿Su veneno es mortal?Is its venom deadly?
- LucíaSí, es una de las más tóxicas.Yes, it is one of the most toxic.
- JavierMejor nos alejamos un poco.Better if we move away a bit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “venom” translations and entries veneno, tósigo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tósigo, veneno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
