Spicy
A very common synonym for 'picante', especially in Mexico. Use it exactly the same way.
Literally 'that stings/burns'. Used to describe the sensation. For example, 'La salsa pica' means 'The salsa is spicy'.
Used mostly in Mexico, this means something has chili in it that makes it spicy.
Is the salsa spicy?
I like spicy food, but not a lot.
Be careful, this soup is a little spicy.
These tacos aren't spicy.
‘Picante’ is the most universally understood word for spicy food across all Spanish-speaking countries.
All three terms, 'picante', 'picoso', and 'enchiloso', are extremely common. Mexicans have a high tolerance for spice, so 'un poco picante' (a little spicy) might be very spicy for a foreigner.
While 'picante' is used for food, be aware that it can also mean 'risqué' or 'racy' in other contexts (like a joke or a movie). The primary meaning is still food-related, but the double-entendre exists.
'Picante' is the standard term. 'Picoso' is understood but less common.
Spicy food is less common here. 'Picante' is the correct word, but you will often hear people ask '¿Pica?' (Is it spicy?) with a bit of caution.
Using 'caliente' for spicy. — 'Caliente' means hot in temperature, not flavor. 'La sopa está caliente' means 'The soup is hot (temperature)'. 'La sopa está picante' means 'The soup is spicy'. Confusing them can lead to getting a cold soup with chili or a burning hot soup with no spice.
Forgetting to match gender and number. — Adjectives must match the noun. Say 'la salsa picosa' (feminine singular) or 'los tacos picosos' (masculine plural). Saying 'los tacos picoso' is incorrect.
Using 'especia' for spicy. — 'Especia' means 'spice' (like cumin, paprika, etc.), not the sensation of being spicy. Food with many 'especias' is 'especiado' (spiced/seasoned), but not necessarily 'picante'.
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