Learning a new language is a challenging task, but at the same time rewarding. In the case of Spanish, one of the most interesting parts are the idioms, which are phrases and expressions that cannot be translated literally, but that have a specific meaning in the Spanish culture and language. In this chapter of our intermediate level Spanish eBook, we're going to explore 10 Spanish idioms that will enrich your vocabulary and help you express yourself like a native speaker.
1. "Being in the Clouds"
Literally, this expression means "to be in the clouds". However, in Spanish it is used to describe someone who is absent-minded, daydreaming, or not paying attention to what is going on around them. For example, "Juan está en las nubes, no se enterado de nada de lo que hemos dicho" (Juan is in the clouds, he didn't understand anything we said).
2. "Don't have hairs on your tongue"
This idiom, which literally translates to "having no hair on the tongue," is used to describe someone who speaks his mind, without beating around the bush or without worrying about offending others. For example, "María no tiene pelos en la lengua, ela siempre dice lo que ela piensa" (Maria doesn't have hairs on her tongue, she always says what she thinks).
3. "To be healthier than a pear"
"Be healthier than a pear" is a Spanish idiom that is used to describe someone who is in excellent health. For example, "A peso de su edad dele, mi abuelo está más sano que una pera" (Despite his age, my grandfather is healthier than a pear).
4. "No hay color"
This expression is used to indicate that there is no possible comparison between two things, because one is clearly superior to the other. For example, "Between these two restaurants, no hay color, este es mucho mejor" (Between these two restaurants, there is no comparison, this one is much better).
5. "To be bread eaten"
"Being bread eaten" is a Spanish idiom that means something is very easy to do. For example, "This exam is going to be pan comido" (This exam is going to be a breeze).
6. "To be like a goat"
This expression, which literally translates to "being like a goat", is used to describe someone who is considered crazy or eccentric. For example, "Mi tío está como una goat, siempre está inventing cosas rare" (My uncle is crazy, he is always inventing strange things).
7. "Have a dog's humor"
This idiom, which literally translates to "having a dog's mood," is used to describe someone who is in a bad mood. For example, "Hoy tengo un humor de perros, mejor no me hables" (Today I'm in a bad mood, you better not talk to me).
8. "Dar en el clavo"
"Hit the nail" is a Spanish idiom that means hitting the bull's-eye or hitting exactly. For example, "Con su commentario dele, Juan dio en el clavo" (With his comment, Juan hit the nail on the head).
9. "Do not catch the eye"
This expression, which literally translates as "not batting an eye", is used to indicate that someone has not been able to sleep. For example, "Estuve tan nervioso que no pegué ojo en Toda la noche" (I was so nervous that I couldn't sleep all night).
10. "Estar hecho un ají"
This idiom, which literally translates to "be like a bell pepper", is used to describe someone who is very angry. For example, "Cuando se enteró de la noticia, se puso hecho un ají" (When he heard the news, he was furious).
Idioms are an essential part of any language as they give language color and flavor. Learning these Spanish expressions will not only help you understand native speakers better, it will also allow you to express yourself in a more natural and authentic way. So why not start using these expressions in your Spanish conversations today?
