Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Pimple in Spanish: Grano, Espinilla & Barro
Grano · noun (masculine) · GRAH-noh
The most common Spanish word for pimple is 'grano,' which also means grain or seed in other contexts. In Mexico, 'espinilla' and 'barro' are frequently used alternatives. These terms all refer to the small inflamed bumps on the skin caused by clogged pores.
Pronounce 'grano' as GRAH-noh, with stress on the first syllable. 'Espinilla' is pronounced ehs-pee-NEE-yah.
Me salió un grano enorme en la frente antes de la fiesta.
I got a huge pimple on my forehead before the party.
Pimple in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for pimple, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| grano | pimple | GRAH-noh | Default, widely understood |
| espinilla | pimple | common in Mexico and Central America | |
| barro | pimple | used in Mexico for acne bumps |
How Native Speakers Use Grano
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Teenage concern
Los adolescentes suelen preocuparse mucho por los granos.
Teenagers tend to worry a lot about pimples.
Discussing common teen skin issues.
Skincare routine
Uso una crema especial para las espinillas.
I use a special cream for pimples.
Talking about acne treatment products.
Doctor visit
El dermatólogo me recetó un tratamiento para los barros.
The dermatologist prescribed me a treatment for pimples.
Visiting a skin specialist.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Grano
Confusing 'grano' meanings
Incorrect: Cosechamos muchos granos este año. (meaning pimples)
Correct: Cosechamos muchos granos este año. (meaning grains)
'Grano' has multiple meanings: pimple (skin), grain (cereal), and even a grain of sand. Context determines the interpretation, so be clear about which meaning you intend.
Using 'espinilla' for shinbone
Incorrect: Me duele la espinilla. (meaning pimple on the shin)
Correct: Me duele la espinilla. (can mean shinbone OR pimple)
'Espinilla' also means shinbone. In Mexico, it commonly means pimple, but in other regions it refers to the front of the lower leg, so context and region matter.
Lock in Pimple Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Grano used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using grano in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Me salió un grano enorme en la frente antes de la fiesta. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Pimple in Spanish
- What is the most universal word for pimple in Spanish?
- The word 'grano' is understood everywhere in the Spanish-speaking world, making it the safest choice, while 'espinilla' and 'barro' are more region-specific to Mexico and Central America.
- How do you say 'acne' in Spanish?
- Acne is 'acné' in Spanish, stressed on the final syllable, and it is the clinical term used by dermatologists across all Spanish-speaking countries.
- Is there a verb for 'to pop a pimple' in Spanish?
- The common expressions are 'reventar un grano' or 'exprimir un grano,' both meaning to squeeze or pop a pimple, though dermatologists strongly advise against doing so.