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"Rasca" is a form of "rasca", a noun which is often translated as "cold". "Picante" is an adjective which is often translated as "spicy". Learn more about the difference between "rasca" and "picante" below.
la rasca(
rrahs
-
kah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (colloquial) (frozenness) (Spain)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Spain
a. cold
Llévate una chaqueta porque por la noche hará rasca.Take a jacket with you because at night it will be cold.
2. (colloquial) (heavy drinking) (Southern Cone)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. drunkenness
Cuando era alcohólico no podía controlar mis rascas.When I was an alcoholic, I could not control my drunkenness.
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
3. (colloquial) (vulgar) (Southern Cone)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. tacky (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Los mensajes que me envía este hombre son muy rascas. Es muy maleducado.This guy's messages are so tacky. He has no class at all. He is so impolite!
4. (colloquial) (of bad quality) (Southern Cone)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. trashy
Nunca compro en esa tienda porque los tejidos rascas que utilizan para las prendas se rompen fácilmente.I never buy at that store because the trashy fabrics they use for their clothes break very easily.
picante(
pee
-
kahn
-
teh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
4. (culinary)
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Me encanta la comida con un montón de picante.I love really spicy food.
Este curry tiene demasiado picante para mí.This curry's far too hot for me.
5. (spicy sauce) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
6. (figurative) (energy)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
a. zip (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Al protagonista de la comedia le falta picante.The lead in the play needs a bit more zip.
