Colloquial expressions are an essential part of learning any language. In Spanish, these expressions are especially rich and varied, reflecting the cultural diversity of Hispanic countries. In this chapter, we're going to explore 17 colloquial expressions in Spanish that every intermediate level student should know.
1. Estar en las nubes: This expression is used when someone is distracted or thinking about something else. It is equivalent to the English expression "to be in the clouds". For example, "Juan is in the clouds, I didn't hear what you said".
2. Better late than never: This expression is used to indicate that it is better to do something late than never. For example, "It's better late than never, but I finally finished my task".
3. No hay mal que por bien no venga: This expression is used to express that something bad can have a positive result. It is similar to the English expression "every cloud has a silver lining". For example, "I lost my work, but there's nothing wrong with it, I found a better one".
4. Estar hecho un ají: This expression is used when someone is very angry. Ají is a word for pepper in some Hispanic countries. For example, "Mi jefe está hecho un ají because I got to work late".
5. No tener pelos en la lengua: This expression is used to describe someone who speaks openly and without fear. It is similar to the English expression "to not mince one’s words". For example, "María doesn't have hair on her tongue, she always says what she thinks".
6. Tomar el pelo: This expression is used when someone is joking or deceiving another person. It is equivalent to the English expression "to pull someone’s leg". For example, "No te creas todo lo que dice Juan, a veces le gusta take el pelo".
7. Echar una mano: This expression is used when someone needs help. It is similar to the English expression "to lend a hand". For example, "¿Puedes echarme una mano con esta cajas?"
8. No ver la hora: This expression is used when someone is anxious for something to happen. It is equivalent to the English expression "can't wait". For example, "No veo la hora de que lleguen las vacaciones".
9. Be like a goat: This expression is used to describe someone who is acting strange or crazy. For example, "My aunt is like a goat, she always does rare things".
10. Tirar la casa por la ventana: This expression is used when someone spends a lot of money on something. It is similar to the English expression "to spare no expense". For example, "En su boda, tiraron la casa por la ventana".
11. Dar en el clavo: This expression is used when someone hits something. It is equivalent to the English expression "to hit the nail on the head". For example, "With his comment, Juan dio en el clavo".
12. Estar en las ultimas: This expression is used when something or someone is in a very bad situation or about to end. For example, "My car is on the last ones, I need to buy a new one".
13. Meter la pata: This expression is used when someone makes a mistake. It is similar to the English expression "to put one’s foot in one’s mouth". For example, "Metí la pata cuando olvidé el cumpleaños de mi mulher".
14. No catch ojo: This expression is used when someone cannot sleep. It is equivalent to the English expression "not to sleep a wink". For example, "I was so nervous that I didn't catch my eye all night".
15. Ser un cero a la izquierda: This expression is used to describe someone who has no importance or influence. For example, "In this group, I feel like a cero a la izquierda".
16. Hablar por los codos: This expression is used to describe someone who talks a lot. It is similar to the English expression "to talk nineteen to the dozen". For example, "Mi primo habla por los codos, he never calls himself".
17. Estar en las buenas y en las malas: This expression is used to express unconditional loyalty, both in good times and in bad. It is equivalent to the English expression "to be there through thick and thin". For example, "My best friend is always in the buenas and in the bags".
Knowing these colloquial expressions in Spanish will not only enrich your vocabulary, but also help you better understand Hispanic culture. Remember, practice makes perfect, so try using these expressions in your Spanish conversations!
