At the A1 level, you only need to know 'espina' as it relates to very common things: roses and basic fish. Imagine you are looking at a beautiful red rose. You see the sharp parts on the green stem. Those are 'espinas'. You might say, 'La rosa es bonita, pero tiene espinas'. It is a simple noun that helps you describe nature.
You should also know that when you eat a fish like a 'merluza' (hake) or 'salmón', the small bones inside are called 'espinas'. If you are eating with a Spanish friend, they might say '¡Cuidado con la espina!'. This is a very useful safety word to know early on. At this stage, don't worry about the idioms or the anatomy; just focus on the physical 'sharp things' on plants and in fish.
Grammatically, remember it is feminine: 'una espina', 'la espina', 'muchas espinas'. It behaves like most words ending in 'a'. You can use it with simple verbs like 'tener' (to have) or 'ver' (to see). For example: 'Yo veo una espina en el pescado'. This level is about building the foundation of the word's physical meaning.
At the A2 level, you expand your use of 'espina' to include more specific actions and a very common idiom. You should be able to say 'Me pinché con una espina' (I pricked myself with a thorn). This uses the reflexive verb 'pincharse', which is common when talking about accidents in the garden. You are also expected to use it in the plural more naturally when talking about cleaning or preparing food: 'Tengo que quitar las espinas del pescado'.
A very important addition at this level is the phrase 'dar mala espina'. If you see someone acting strangely or a deal that seems too good to be true, you can say 'Esto me da mala espina'. This is a very 'native' way to say 'I have a bad feeling about this'. It shows you are moving beyond literal translations and starting to use Spanish the way people actually speak in daily life. You might also encounter 'espina dorsal' in a basic science or health context, simply knowing that it refers to the spine.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with the metaphorical uses of 'espina'. One of the most important expressions is 'quitarse una espina' or 'tener una espina clavada'. This refers to a past failure or a missed opportunity that still bothers you. For example, 'Perdí el examen el año pasado, pero este año aprobé y me quité la espina'. This means you finally achieved what you failed to do before, removing the 'thorn' of regret.
You will also start to use the adjective 'espinoso'. Instead of just saying a problem is 'difícil', you can say 'es un tema espinoso'. This adds color and precision to your vocabulary. At this level, you should also be able to distinguish 'espina' from related words like 'púa' or 'aguijón' in more complex descriptions. You might read a short story where a character feels an 'espina' of jealousy or doubt, and you should understand that this refers to a sharp, sudden emotional pain.
At the B2 level, 'espina' becomes a tool for more sophisticated expression. You can use it in debates and formal writing to describe complex situations. You might discuss 'la espina dorsal de la economía' (the backbone of the economy), showing how the anatomical term 'espina dorsal' is used metaphorically for support structures. You should also be aware of the religious and historical connotations, such as the 'corona de espinas', and how this imagery appears in Spanish art and literature.
Your use of idioms like 'dar mala espina' should be fluid. You might say, 'Desde que entró en la habitación, su actitud me dio mala espina, así que decidí marcharme'. You can also use the word in more technical culinary contexts, discussing the differences between types of fish based on their 'espinas' (e.g., 'pescado blanco' vs 'pescado azul'). Your understanding of the word is now multi-dimensional, covering physical, metaphorical, and structural meanings.
At the C1 level, you explore the nuances of 'espina' in high-level literature and technical fields. You might encounter the word in biological texts describing specific plant morphology or in medical texts discussing 'espina bífida'. In literature, you will appreciate how authors use 'espina' to create contrast—the classic 'no hay rosa sin espinas' (there is no rose without thorns) is just the beginning. You will see it used to describe the 'sharpness' of a person's wit or the 'stinging' nature of a critique.
You should also be familiar with regional variations or very specific idioms. For instance, in some poetic contexts, 'espina' might represent the essence of suffering. Your ability to use 'espinoso' in academic settings to describe a 'thorny' philosophical problem should be precise. You understand that 'espina' isn't just a word; it's a symbol of the inherent duality of life—beauty and pain, suspicion and truth. You can use it to add a layer of sophistication to your creative writing or advanced speaking.
At the C2 level, your mastery of 'espina' is near-native. You understand its etymological roots from the Latin 'spina' and how it has branched out into various Romance languages. You can recognize the word in archaic or classical Spanish texts (like those of Cervantes or Quevedo), where its usage might slightly differ from modern Spanish but still retains the core concept of a sharp point. You are capable of playing with the word's multiple meanings in puns or complex metaphors.
In a professional or academic setting, you can discuss the 'espina dorsal' of a legal argument or a structural project with total confidence. You also understand the subtle difference in 'vibe' between 'me da mala espina' and 'me huele mal', choosing the former for a more visceral, intuitive feeling of suspicion. You have reached a point where 'espina' is a fully integrated part of your conceptual map of the Spanish language, allowing you to express the finest shades of physical and emotional discomfort.
espina en 30 secondes
- Espina means 'thorn' for plants and 'bone' for fish.
- It is a feminine noun: la espina, las espinas.
- Commonly used in the idiom 'dar mala espina' (to feel suspicious).
- Also refers to the 'espina dorsal' (the spine/backbone).
The Spanish word espina is a versatile noun that primarily refers to sharp, pointed structures found in nature. At its most basic level, it describes the defensive thorns of a plant, such as those on a rose bush, or the slender, sharp bones of a fish. However, the linguistic reach of 'espina' extends far beyond biology, permeating everyday Spanish through metaphors related to discomfort, suspicion, and emotional pain. Understanding 'espina' requires recognizing whether you are in a garden, a kitchen, or a deep emotional conversation.
- Botanical Context
- In botany, an 'espina' is a hard, woody, pointed projection that arises from the stem or leaf of a plant. Unlike 'pelos' (hairs) or 'tricomas', 'espinas' are deeply integrated into the plant's vascular system. When you are pruning roses or walking through a bramble, you are dealing with 'espinas'. It is the physical manifestation of nature's defense mechanism.
- Culinary and Biological Context
- When eating fish, Spanish speakers do not refer to the small, sharp bones as 'huesos' (which is reserved for mammals and birds). Instead, they are 'espinas'. If you get a fishbone stuck in your throat, you say 'se me clavó una espina'. This distinction is crucial for learners to avoid sounding unnatural in a restaurant setting.
- Anatomical Context
- While 'columna vertebral' is the standard term for the spine, 'espina dorsal' is a common scientific and formal synonym. It refers to the series of vertebrae that protect the spinal cord. Here, the word evokes the segmented, sharp-edged appearance of the vertebrae.
Ten cuidado al oler la rosa, no te vayas a pinchar con una espina.
The word also carries significant metaphorical weight. In Spanish culture, 'una espina' can represent a lingering doubt, a regret, or a small but persistent problem. The phrase 'tener una espina clavada' (to have a thorn stuck [in one]) is one of the most common idioms used to describe a desire for redemption or the need to resolve a past failure. Furthermore, 'dar mala espina' is the go-to expression for describing a 'bad vibe' or a suspicious feeling about a person or situation. This versatility makes 'espina' a high-frequency word that bridges the gap between the physical world and the psyche.
Este pescado tiene muchas espinas, cómelo con mucha precaución.
- Emotional Nuance
- Metaphorically, an 'espina' is something that pricks the conscience or the heart. It is not a massive trauma (which might be a 'herida' or 'golpe'), but rather a sharp, localized pain that remains until it is 'extracted' through action or confession.
Ese negocio me da mala espina; creo que es una estafa.
Using 'espina' correctly depends on the grammatical context and the specific 'sharp object' you are referring to. As a feminine noun, it always takes feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la espina larga, unas espinas afiladas). Below, we explore the structural patterns and common verb pairings that define its usage.
- With Physical Verbs
- Common verbs associated with physical thorns include 'pincharse' (to prick oneself), 'quitar' (to remove), and 'clavar' (to drive in/stick). For example, 'Me pinché con una espina' (I pricked myself with a thorn). When cleaning fish, you 'quitas las espinas' (remove the bones).
- With Idiomatic Verbs
- In figurative language, 'dar' and 'quitarse' are the primary verbs. 'Dar mala espina' uses 'espina' as the subject of the feeling. 'Quitarse la espina' uses it as an object of relief. 'Todavía tengo esa espina clavada' uses the participle 'clavada' to emphasize the permanence of a past regret.
El jardinero se protegió las manos para no herirse con las espinas de los cactus.
When discussing anatomy, 'espina' is almost always followed by the adjective 'dorsal'. While English uses 'spine' or 'backbone', Spanish distinguishes between the 'columna' (the whole structure) and the 'espina' (the dorsal aspect). In medical or technical writing, you might see 'espina ilíaca' or other specific bone projections. However, for A2 learners, focusing on 'espina dorsal' is sufficient.
Después de perder la final el año pasado, este año por fin se quitó la espina ganando el trofeo.
- Prepositional Usage
- We often use 'de' to specify the source: 'espina de rosa', 'espina de pescado', 'espina de cactus'. This is the standard way to clarify which type of 'sharp thing' you are talking about.
No me gusta el salmón porque a veces tiene espinas muy pequeñas y difíciles de ver.
You will encounter 'espina' in a variety of real-world settings, ranging from the mundane to the dramatic. Its frequency is high because it covers both common physical objects and deep-seated cultural metaphors. Here are the primary environments where you will hear the word used by native speakers.
- At the Fishmonger or Restaurant
- If you go to a 'pescadería' (fish market) in Spain or Latin America, you might ask the fishmonger: '¿Puede quitarle las espinas, por favor?' (Can you remove the bones, please?). In a restaurant, a waiter might warn you: 'Cuidado, que el pescado tiene espina'. It is a standard part of culinary vocabulary.
- In Gardens and Nature
- When hiking or gardening, 'espina' is the warning word. Parents often shout '¡Cuidado con las espinas!' to children playing near bushes. It is more common than 'pincho' (spike) when referring to biological growth.
- In Crime Dramas and Gossip
- In 'telenovelas' or police procedurals, characters frequently say 'Esto me da mala espina'. It implies that something doesn't smell right or that a situation is suspicious. It's the equivalent of saying 'I have a bad feeling about this'.
La policía sospecha del vecino porque su coartada les da mala espina.
In literature and music, 'espina' is a powerful symbol. From the 'corona de espinas' (crown of thorns) in religious contexts to the 'espina en el corazón' in romantic ballads (boleros), the word signifies a pain that is inseparable from beauty or devotion. You will hear it in lyrics by artists like Juan Luis Guerra ('Como abeja al panal') or in the poetry of Pablo Neruda, where the contrast between the rose and the thorn is a recurring motif.
El cantante dice que lleva una espina clavada por un amor del pasado.
Learning 'espina' involves navigating a few linguistic traps, primarily due to how English groups different concepts under the word 'bone' or 'thorn'. Here are the most frequent errors learners make and how to avoid them.
- Mistake 1: Using 'Hueso' for Fish Bones
- In English, we say 'fish bone'. Naturally, learners want to say 'hueso de pescado'. However, 'hueso' refers to the dense, calcium-rich bones of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Fish have 'espinas'. Using 'hueso' for a fish will make you sound like you're talking about a whale or a prehistoric monster.
- Mistake 2: Confusing 'Espina' with 'Espalda'
- Because 'espina' sounds like 'spine', and 'spine' is in your 'back', learners often confuse 'espina' with 'espalda' (back). If you have back pain, you say 'Me duele la espalda', not 'Me duele la espina'. You only mention the 'espina dorsal' in a medical context or when referring to the specific bone structure.
- Mistake 3: Overusing 'Espina' for all Sharp Things
- Not every sharp point is an 'espina'. A splinter in your finger is an 'astilla'. A bee sting is a 'picadura' (caused by an 'aguijón'). A sharp nail is a 'clavo'. Use 'espina' specifically for biological points (plants/fish) or the specific idioms mentioned.
Incorrecto: El filete de merluza tiene un hueso.
Correcto: El filete de merluza tiene una espina.
Another subtle mistake involves the gender. While many words ending in '-a' are feminine, learners sometimes forget and say 'el espina' because 'spine' in English is gender-neutral. Always remember: La espina.
Incorrecto: Me clavé una espina de madera.
Correcto: Me clavé una astilla de madera.
Spanish has several words for 'sharp things', and choosing the right one depends on the material and the intent. Comparing 'espina' with its synonyms and near-synonyms will help you achieve precision in your speech.
- Espina vs. Púa
- While 'espina' is botanical or fish-related, 'púa' usually refers to the quills of a porcupine (puercoespín), the teeth of a comb, or a guitar pick. 'Púa' is often more rigid and artificial than 'espina'.
- Espina vs. Aguijón
- An 'aguijón' is a stinger, like that of a bee or a scorpion. While an 'espina' is a passive defense (you step on it), an 'aguijón' is often used actively for attack or defense through a sting.
- Espina vs. Astilla
- An 'astilla' is a splinter or a shard of wood or glass. If you break a wooden chair and a small piece enters your skin, it is an 'astilla'. If a rose bush pricks you, it is an 'espina'.
El erizo de mar tiene muchas púas, pero la rosa tiene espinas.
In a figurative sense, if you want to say something is 'thorny' (difficult), you use the adjective 'espinoso'. A 'tema espinoso' is a controversial or difficult subject. This is a direct derivative of 'espina' and is used exactly like the English 'thorny issue'.
La política exterior es un asunto muy espinoso para el gobierno actual.
- Summary Table
-
- Espina: Plants, fish, metaphors of suspicion.
- Púa: Porcupines, combs, guitar picks.
- Aguijón: Bees, wasps, scorpions (stingers).
- Astilla: Wood or glass splinters.
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
The English word 'spine' and the Spanish word 'espina' share the same Latin root, which is why they sound so similar and both refer to the backbone.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing the initial 'e' like the English 'ee'. It should be 'eh'.
- Aspirating the 'p' (adding a puff of air). In Spanish, 'p' is unaspirated.
- Making the 's' too long or voiced like a 'z'.
- Treating it as a masculine noun because it sounds like 'spine'.
- Confusing the 'i' sound with the short 'i' in 'pin'. It should be a long 'ee' sound.
Niveau de difficulté
Easy to recognize because of the similarity to 'spine'.
Requires remembering the 'hueso' vs 'espina' distinction for fish.
Simple pronunciation, though the 'e' needs to be crisp.
Idiomatic uses like 'mala espina' can be confusing if not learned.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Gender of nouns ending in -a
La espina (feminine).
Reflexive verbs for accidental actions
Me pinché (I pricked myself).
Idiomatic use of 'dar'
Me da mala espina (It gives me a bad feeling).
Preposition 'de' for origin
Espina de pescado (Fish bone).
Adjective placement
Espina dorsal (Adjective follows noun).
Exemples par niveau
La rosa roja tiene una espina.
The red rose has a thorn.
Feminine singular noun 'una espina'.
Cuidado, el pescado tiene espinas.
Careful, the fish has bones.
Plural 'espinas' used for fish bones.
La espina es pequeña.
The thorn is small.
Definite article 'la' with adjective 'pequeña'.
No toques las espinas del cactus.
Don't touch the cactus thorns.
Plural 'las espinas' with the preposition 'de'.
Mi gato no come espinas.
My cat doesn't eat fish bones.
Negative sentence with plural 'espinas'.
Veo una espina en mi dedo.
I see a thorn in my finger.
Direct object 'una espina'.
Las flores tienen espinas.
The flowers have thorns.
General statement using plural articles.
Quiero un pescado sin espinas.
I want a fish without bones.
Preposition 'sin' (without) followed by 'espinas'.
Me pinché con una espina de rosa.
I pricked myself with a rose thorn.
Reflexive verb 'pincharse'.
Este negocio me da mala espina.
This business gives me a bad feeling.
Idiom 'dar mala espina'.
El cocinero quita las espinas con pinzas.
The chef removes the bones with tweezers.
Verb 'quitar' (to remove).
La espina dorsal protege los nervios.
The spine protects the nerves.
Compound term 'espina dorsal'.
Me duele el dedo por la espina.
My finger hurts because of the thorn.
Prepositional phrase 'por la espina'.
Esa persona me da mala espina.
That person gives me a bad vibe.
Idiom applied to a person.
Ten cuidado, hay espinas en el suelo.
Be careful, there are thorns on the ground.
Existential 'hay' with 'espinas'.
El pescado no tiene ninguna espina.
The fish doesn't have a single bone.
Use of 'ninguna' for emphasis.
Por fin me quité la espina de no haber viajado a Japón.
I finally got over the regret of not having traveled to Japan.
Idiom 'quitarse la espina'.
Es un asunto espinoso que debemos discutir.
It's a thorny issue that we must discuss.
Adjective 'espinoso' (thorny).
Todavía tiene esa espina clavada por lo que pasó.
He still has that thorn stuck [in him] because of what happened.
Idiom 'tener una espina clavada'.
La corona de espinas es un símbolo religioso.
The crown of thorns is a religious symbol.
Cultural/Religious reference.
El camino estaba lleno de espinas y maleza.
The path was full of thorns and weeds.
Phrase 'lleno de'.
No me gusta ese trato, me da mala espina.
I don't like that deal, it feels suspicious to me.
Idiom 'dar mala espina'.
Se clavó una espina mientras trabajaba en el jardín.
He got a thorn stuck [in him] while working in the garden.
Verb 'clavarse'.
La espina del pescado se le quedó en la garganta.
The fishbone got stuck in his throat.
Specific location 'en la garganta'.
La espina dorsal de la empresa son sus empleados.
The backbone of the company is its employees.
Metaphorical use of 'espina dorsal'.
A pesar de la belleza de la oferta, algo me daba mala espina.
Despite the beauty of the offer, something gave me a bad feeling.
Contrast using 'a pesar de'.
El debate sobre la reforma es un tema muy espinoso.
The debate about the reform is a very thorny topic.
Adjective 'espinoso' in a political context.
Se quitó la espina ganando el campeonato este año.
He made up for it by winning the championship this year.
Idiom for redemption.
La planta desarrolló espinas para protegerse de los herbívoros.
The plant developed thorns to protect itself from herbivores.
Biological explanation.
Me da mala espina que no hayan respondido a mis llamadas.
It gives me a bad feeling that they haven't answered my calls.
Subjunctive 'hayan respondido' after 'me da mala espina que'.
La estructura del edificio tiene una espina central de acero.
The building's structure has a central steel spine.
Architectural metaphor.
Cada rosa tiene su espina, como dice el refrán.
Every rose has its thorn, as the saying goes.
Proverbial usage.
La novela trata sobre la espina del desamor que nunca sana.
The novel is about the thorn of heartbreak that never heals.
Literary metaphor.
El cirujano operó la espina dorsal con gran precisión.
The surgeon operated on the spine with great precision.
Technical anatomical use.
Su mirada me dio mala espina desde el primer momento.
His gaze gave me a bad feeling from the very first moment.
Idiom used for intuition.
La falta de transparencia en las cuentas da mala espina a los inversores.
The lack of transparency in the accounts makes investors suspicious.
Business context.
Es un terreno espinoso en el que no conviene entrar sin preparación.
It's thorny ground that one shouldn't enter without preparation.
Advanced metaphorical 'terreno'.
Logró quitarse la espina de su fracaso juvenil con este éxito rotundo.
He managed to remove the thorn of his youthful failure with this resounding success.
Nuanced use of 'quitarse la espina'.
La espina de la duda comenzó a crecer en su mente.
The thorn of doubt began to grow in her mind.
Abstract metaphor 'espina de la duda'.
Anatómicamente, la espina es una apófisis ósea.
Anatomically, the spine [process] is a bony outgrowth.
Formal scientific definition.
La poética de Lorca a menudo entrelaza la sangre con la espina.
Lorca's poetics often intertwine blood with the thorn.
Literary analysis.
Aquel encuentro fortuito le dejó una espina clavada en el alma.
That chance encounter left a thorn stuck in his soul.
Deeply metaphorical usage.
La espina bífida es una malformación congénita del tubo neural.
Spina bifida is a congenital malformation of the neural tube.
Highly specialized medical term.
Cualquier irregularidad administrativa suele dar mala espina a la auditoría.
Any administrative irregularity usually raises red flags for the audit.
Formal idiom in corporate context.
El autor utiliza la espina como metonimia del sufrimiento humano.
The author uses the thorn as a metonymy for human suffering.
Literary theory context.
Se debatió entre la flor y la espina, entre el placer y el deber.
He debated between the flower and the thorn, between pleasure and duty.
Philosophical/Literary contrast.
La espina dorsal de su argumentación se basaba en premisas falsas.
The backbone of his argument was based on false premises.
Abstract structural metaphor.
No quiso quitarse la espina, prefiriendo vivir con el recuerdo del error.
He didn't want to get over it, preferring to live with the memory of the mistake.
Complex psychological usage.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— The sharp needles of a cactus plant.
Las espinas de cactus son difíciles de quitar.
— To remove a physical thorn or a metaphorical regret.
Logró sacar la espina de su dedo.
— A small thorn or a minor nagging doubt.
Solo es una pequeña espina, no te preocupes.
— To protect oneself from thorns (e.g., using gloves).
Usa guantes para protegerte de las espinas.
— To clean a fish by removing all bones.
Hay que limpiar bien el salmón de espinas.
— To feel like a nuisance or a source of pain.
A veces me siento como una espina en su costado.
— Surrounded by thorns (literal or metaphorical obstacles).
El palacio estaba rodeado de espinas.
— The main bone of a fish or a central structural element.
Retira la espina central del lenguado.
Souvent confondu avec
Use 'hueso' for chicken/beef, 'espina' for fish.
'Espalda' is the back; 'espina' is the spine bone.
'Astilla' is for wood/glass; 'espina' is for plants.
Expressions idiomatiques
— To cause suspicion or a bad feeling about someone/something.
Ese hombre me da mala espina.
informal— To achieve something that makes up for a past failure or regret.
Por fin se quitó la espina ganando la carrera.
neutral— To harbor a lingering resentment, regret, or unresolved issue.
Tengo la espina clavada de no haber ido a su boda.
neutral— There is no pleasure without some pain or difficulty.
El trabajo es bueno pero duro; no hay rosa sin espinas.
proverb— To be on pins and needles (often confused contextually with being pricked).
Estoy en ascuas esperando el resultado.
informal— To be a constant source of annoyance (thorn in one's side).
Ese competidor es una espina en mi costado.
neutral— To get revenge or to redeem oneself.
Se sacó la espina venciendo a su rival.
informal— In a very difficult or painful situation.
Vivió años entre espinas antes de triunfar.
literary— To walk into a dangerous or problematic situation.
Ten cuidado, estás pisando espinas con ese tema.
figurative— To endure a sharp, sudden disappointment.
Tuvo que morder la espina del rechazo.
literaryFacile à confondre
Both are sharp points.
Púa is for porcupines or combs; espina is for plants/fish.
El peine tiene púas; la rosa tiene espinas.
Both cause a prick/sting.
Aguijón is an insect's stinger; espina is a plant's thorn.
La avispa tiene aguijón.
Both are sharp.
Pincho is generic or a snack; espina is specifically biological.
Comimos unos pinchos en el bar.
Both are sharp points.
Clavo is a metal nail; espina is organic.
Puse un clavo en la madera.
Both refer to an end point.
Punta is the tip of anything (pen, mountain); espina is a thorn.
La punta del lápiz.
Structures de phrases
La [flor] tiene [espinas].
La rosa tiene espinas.
El [pescado] tiene muchas [espinas].
El salmón tiene muchas espinas.
[Algo] me da mala espina.
Ese hombre me da mala espina.
Me pinché con una [espina].
Me pinché con una espina de cactus.
Quitarse la espina de [verbo/sustantivo].
Quiero quitarme la espina de ese examen.
Tener una espina clavada por [razón].
Tengo una espina clavada por no ir al viaje.
La espina dorsal de [concepto].
La espina dorsal del proyecto es la innovación.
Es un tema harto [espinoso].
Es un tema harto espinoso para la prensa.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
High (Top 3000 words)
-
El hueso del pescado.
→
La espina del pescado.
Fish have 'espinas', not 'huesos'.
-
Me duele la espina.
→
Me duele la espalda.
Use 'espalda' for the back, unless you specifically mean the spinal bone.
-
El cactus tiene púas.
→
El cactus tiene espinas.
While 'púas' is understood, 'espinas' is the correct botanical term.
-
Tengo un espina.
→
Tengo una espina.
'Espina' is feminine.
-
Esto me da mal espina.
→
Esto me da mala espina.
The adjective must agree with the feminine noun.
Astuces
Dining Etiquette
When eating whole fish in Spain, it's polite to carefully move the 'espinas' to the side of the plate.
Cactus Spikes
Cactuses have 'espinas', never 'huesos' or 'pelos'.
Suspicion
Use 'me da mala espina' when you feel someone is lying to you.
Gender Tip
Associate 'La Espina' with 'La Rosa' to remember it's feminine.
Soft P
Make sure the 'p' in espina doesn't have a puff of air.
Metaphors
Use 'espina' to represent a small, nagging problem in your stories.
Context Clues
If you hear 'espina' in a kitchen, it's a bone. In a garden, it's a thorn.
Medical Terms
Remember 'espina dorsal' for the spinal column.
Plant Defense
Plants use 'espinas' for protection; use this to remember the word.
Word Family
Learning 'espinilla' (pimple) helps you remember 'espina'.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of a 'Spine' on a 'Fish'. A fish spine is an 'espina'. If a rose has a 'spine', it's a thorn: 'espina'.
Association visuelle
Imagine a rose bush with tiny fish skeletons growing on it instead of thorns. This links the two main meanings.
Word Web
Défi
Write three sentences: one about a plant, one about a fish, and one using 'mala espina'.
Origine du mot
Derived from the Latin 'spina', which referred to a thorn, prickle, or the backbone of an animal.
Sens originel : A sharp point or thorn.
Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Spanish.Contexte culturel
No major sensitivities, but be aware of the religious weight of the word in Catholic contexts.
English speakers often use 'thorn' for plants and 'bone' for fish, whereas Spanish uses one word for both, emphasizing the 'sharp point' quality.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Cooking/Dining
- ¿Tiene espinas?
- Quitar las espinas
- Me clavé una espina
- Filete sin espinas
Gardening/Nature
- Cuidado con las espinas
- Espinas de cactus
- Pincharse con una espina
- Rosal con espinas
Medical/Health
- Espina dorsal
- Dolor en la espina
- Espina bífida
- Vértebra
Emotional/Intuition
- Dar mala espina
- Quitarse la espina
- Tener una espina clavada
- Esa situación me da mala espina
Literature/Art
- Corona de espinas
- No hay rosa sin espinas
- La espina del dolor
- Canto de espinas
Amorces de conversation
"¿Alguna vez te has clavado una espina de pescado?"
"¿Qué cosas o personas te dan mala espina?"
"¿Tienes alguna 'espina clavada' (algún arrepentimiento) de tu infancia?"
"¿Prefieres comprar el pescado con o sin espinas?"
"¿Crees que es verdad que 'no hay rosa sin espinas'?"
Sujets d'écriture
Describe una situación reciente que te dio 'mala espina'. ¿Por qué sospechaste?
Escribe sobre una meta que lograste para 'quitarte una espina' de un fracaso anterior.
¿Qué planta con espinas te parece la más hermosa y por qué?
Relata una experiencia graciosa o dolorosa con una espina de pescado.
Reflexiona sobre el proverbio 'No hay rosa sin espinas' aplicado a tu vida actual.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, you should always use 'espina'. Using 'hueso' for fish sounds very strange to native speakers.
It is feminine: la espina.
It means 'I have a bad feeling about this' or 'It seems suspicious'.
You can say 'columna vertebral' (most common) or 'espina dorsal'.
No, a splinter is an 'astilla'.
The word for pimple is 'espinilla', which is a diminutive of 'espina'.
Yes, 'espinazo' usually refers to the backbone of an animal, often in a culinary context (like pork backbone).
Usually, yes, as it involves pain or suspicion, but it's a neutral biological term as well.
You say 'quitar las espinas' or 'desespinar'.
It is more common to use it for a 'thorny' situation or topic, but you could describe a prickly personality as 'espinoso'.
Teste-toi 190 questions
Write a sentence in Spanish about a rose having a thorn.
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Write a sentence in Spanish about a suspicious person using 'mala espina'.
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Write a sentence in Spanish about removing bones from a fish.
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Write a sentence in Spanish about pricking your finger with a thorn.
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Translate: 'There is no rose without thorns.'
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Describe a 'thorny issue' in Spanish.
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Write a sentence about the spine (anatomy).
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Explain why you don't like eating whole fish (using 'espinas').
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Write a sentence about a past regret using 'espina clavada'.
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Describe a cactus using the word 'espina'.
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Translate: 'The chef removed the fish bones.'
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Write a sentence about a 'bad feeling' about a house.
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Use 'quitarse la espina' in a sentence about a sport.
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Translate: 'Watch out for the thorns!'
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Write a sentence about the 'backbone' of a company.
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Translate: 'I have a thorn in my foot.'
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Describe the texture of a thorn.
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Write a sentence about a 'crown of thorns'.
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Translate: 'A thorny path.'
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Write a sentence using 'espinilla'.
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Pronounce correctly: 'La espina de la rosa'.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Say: 'Cuidado con las espinas'.
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'Este pescado tiene muchas espinas'.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Say: 'Me da mala espina'.
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Tu as dit :
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Pronounce: 'Espina dorsal'.
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'Quiero quitarme la espina'.
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'Tengo una espina clavada'.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Say: 'No hay rosa sin espinas'.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Say: 'Es un tema muy espinoso'.
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Tu as dit :
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Pronounce: 'Corona de espinas'.
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Tu as dit :
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Explain in Spanish what 'mala espina' means to you.
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Tu as dit :
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Tell a short story about a fishbone in Spanish.
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'Me pinché con un cactus'.
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'Limpia el pescado de espinas'.
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Tu as dit :
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Pronounce: 'Espinazo'.
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'La espina bífida es grave'.
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'Me saqué la espina por fin'.
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'Las espinas son defensas'.
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Tu as dit :
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Say: 'Esa situación me da mala espina'.
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Tu as dit :
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Pronounce: 'Espinosamente'.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Listen and identify the word: '...espina...'
Listen to the sentence: 'La rosa tiene espinas'. What does the rose have?
Listen: 'Este pescado tiene espinas'. Is it safe to eat quickly?
Listen: 'Me da mala espina'. Is the speaker happy or suspicious?
Listen: 'La espina dorsal'. What body part is mentioned?
Listen: 'Quítate la espina'. What is the advice?
Listen: 'Un asunto espinoso'. Is the topic easy?
Listen: 'Se clavó una espina'. What happened?
Listen: 'Limpio de espinas'. How is the fish?
Listen: 'Tengo una espina clavada'. How does the person feel?
Listen: 'Corona de espinas'. Where might you hear this?
Listen: 'Espinilla'. What is it?
Listen: 'Puercoespín'. What animal is it?
Listen: 'Me pinchó'. What caused it?
Listen: 'Sin ninguna espina'. Is there a single bone?
/ 190 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'espina' is essential for describing physical sharp points in nature (thorns and fishbones) and intuitive feelings of suspicion. Example: 'Cuidado con la espina del pescado' (Watch out for the fish bone).
- Espina means 'thorn' for plants and 'bone' for fish.
- It is a feminine noun: la espina, las espinas.
- Commonly used in the idiom 'dar mala espina' (to feel suspicious).
- Also refers to the 'espina dorsal' (the spine/backbone).
Dining Etiquette
When eating whole fish in Spain, it's polite to carefully move the 'espinas' to the side of the plate.
Cactus Spikes
Cactuses have 'espinas', never 'huesos' or 'pelos'.
Suspicion
Use 'me da mala espina' when you feel someone is lying to you.
Gender Tip
Associate 'La Espina' with 'La Rosa' to remember it's feminine.
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