Spanish Conversation · Level 40
75 words
Spanish word
bicho
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈbitʃo/
Meaning
- masculine nouninsect
Example
Hay muchos bichos en el jardín.
There are many insects in the garden.
More examples
Encontré un bicho en la cama.
I found an insect in the bed.
Core concept
Small bothersome creature.
Common phrases
cazar bichos
catch insects
control de bichos
pest control
Similar words
insecto: Standard, general insect (six-legged, often winged), appropriate for neutral or formal contexts.
bichito: Tiny, endearing insect or bug; diminutive form that makes it sound cute or harmless.
Definition in Spanish
Puede significar tanto un insecto como, en lenguaje familiar, una criatura pequeña o una persona extraña o molesta.
Word origin
Derived from a Romance diminutive for a tiny living thing, retaining the literal 'insect/creature' sense and extending in familiar speech to 'pest' or irritating person.
Usage tips
- Common in everyday speech for insects and for people seen as pests, so expect regional variation and avoid it in formal situations.