Spanish Conversation · Level 122
60 words
Spanish word
pícaro
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈpikaɾo/
Meaning
- adjectivemischievous
Example
El niño es pícaro y juega con todos.
The boy is mischievous and plays with everyone.
More examples
Su tono fue pícaro y todos sonrieron.
His tone was mischievous and everyone smiled.
Core concept
A mischievous grin and a twinkling eye.
Common phrases
niño pícaro
mischievous child
humor pícaro
mischievous humor
Similar words
pillo: Makes rapid, cheeky moves to tease or briefly surprise others.
travieso: Acts on curiosity by doing small, exploratory pranks that are harmless.
juguetón: Loves playful banter and physical play, often starting jokes or games.
Definition in Spanish
Se usa para alguien travieso y astuto en grado leve, que actúa con picardía más que con mala fe.
Word origin
From medieval Spanish pícaro meaning 'rogue' or 'vagrant', the word's sense narrowed to mild slyness and playful mischief.
Usage tips
- Commonly used affectionately for children or charming adults, but said with irony it can sound reproachful or sharp.
Other meanings
- slyadjective
- rascalnoun
Opposites
- honestohonestadjective
Related words
- picardíamischiefnoun
- pícaramentemischievouslyadverb