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Spanish Phrase

¿Puedes hacerlo menos picante?

/ˈpwe.ðes aˈθeɾ.lo ˈme.nos piˈkan.te/
Meaning"Can you make it less spicy?"
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Meaning

A polite request asking someone to reduce the spiciness of a dish or sauce. It can be used both in a restaurant and when cooking at home, and it conveys a courteous tone.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you find a meal too hot and want the chef or a friend to tone down the chili, pepper, or any spicy ingredient. It works well in casual dining, at a family table, or when ordering take‑away.

✦Grammar Breakdown

¿Puedeshacerlomenospicante?

1

Poder (present)

‘Puedes’ is the second‑person singular present of poder, used to ask if someone is able to do something.

2

Infinitive with direct object pronoun

‘Hacerlo’ combines the infinitive ‘hacer’ (to do/make) with the pronoun ‘lo’, referring to the dish or food.

3

Comparative adverb ‘menos’

‘Menos’ means ‘less’ and is placed before the adjective it modifies.

4

Adjective used predicatively

‘Picante’ describes the level of spiciness; it agrees in gender and number with the implied noun (e.g., el plato).

🗨In Conversation

A

¿Puedes hacerlo menos picante?

Can you make it less spicy?

Claro, le bajaré el chile y le añadiré un poco más de crema.

Sure, I’ll cut back the chili and add a little more cream.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • ¿Puedes hacerlo menos picantes?

    ‘Picante’ must stay singular because it describes the implied singular noun (el plato).

  • ¿Puedes hacer lo menos picante?

    Do not separate the pronoun from the infinitive; it must stay attached as ‘hacerlo’.

  • ¿Puedes hacerlo menos picante?

    When speaking formally, use ‘puede’ (third‑person) or ‘podría’ for a more polite tone.

↔Alternatives

  • ¿Podrías hacerlo menos picante?

    Could you make it less spicy?

  • ¿Puedes reducir el picante?

    Can you reduce the spiciness?

  • ¿Lo puedes hacer menos fuerte?

    Can you make it less strong?

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Cultural Tip

In many Latin American countries the word ‘picante’ is used for hot, chili‑flavored dishes, while in Mexico you’ll also hear ‘picoso’. It’s always polite to add ‘por favor’ before the request, especially in a restaurant. If the chef can’t change the dish, you can ask for a milder side (e.g., crema, yogurt) to balance the heat.