Spanish expressions: colloquial phrases

By Marta Díaz on Thursday, January 25, 2024

Spanish colloquial expressions are linguistic gems that reflect the essence of everyday life. After all, these expressions give a touch of authenticity and emotional connection to Spanish discussions.

In this article, you can discover the most common and peculiar Spanish expressions, discover their meaning and some examples. Read on to find out!

What are colloquial expressions?

Colloquial expressions are informal linguistic turns of phrases used in everyday speech. These expressions encapsulate the cultural and social richness of Spanish, offering its speakers a different way of interpreting life situations.

One of the most remarkable characteristics of colloquial expressions in Spanish is their ability to add authenticity to communication. Often, these expressions are untranslatable literally and require a deep understanding of culture, context, and language. For example, the expression “Estar en las nubes” does not literally mean to be floating in the sky, but to be distracted

The role of colloquial expressions in Spanish

Colloquial expressions simplify and streamline conversation, as well as strengthen the bonds between speakers by sharing a common and familiar language. They also bring an emotional and cultural nuance that more formal forms of communication cannot comprehend.

By using these colloquial expressions, speakers establish a sense of closeness and complicity. Understanding these expressions requires an understanding of the customs and the community that uses them, in this case, Spanish. These expressions are small windows that allow us to peek into the life and mentality of those who use them.

The most common colloquial expressions

These are some of the most common Spanish expressions:

• “Estar en las últimas”: this colloquial expression is used when someone or something is about to run out of steam or come to an end.

Example: “Mi teléfono está en las últimas, necesito uno nuevo” (“My phone is on its last legs, I need a new one”).

• “Meter la pata”: it is used when someone makes a mistake or says something inappropriate without meaning to.

An example would be: “No debería haberle dicho eso a mi prima, metí la pata” (“I shouldn't have said that to my cousin, I screwed up”).

• “Ser pan comido”: this expression indicates that something is very easy to do.

Example: “No te preocupes por el examen, será pan comido” (“Don't worry about the exam, it'll be a piece of cake”).

• “Tomar el pelo”: means to joke or make a joke on someone.

Example: “No te preocupes, solo estoy tomándote el pelo con este tema” (“Don't worry, I'm just teasing you on this one”).

• “Meterse en camisa de once varas”: this phrase expresses the idea of getting involved in something complicated or problematic.

Example: “No deberías haber hablado con el jefe, te has metido en camisa de once varas” (“You shouldn't have talked to the boss, you've gotten yourself in over your head”).

• “Estar en las nubes”: this expression is used to refer to someone who is distracted or thinking about something different. There is also a very similar expression in Spanish that means the same thing: “Estar en la parra”.

When you are talking to someone and they don't seem to be listening to you, you can say: “Parece que estás en las nubes, no me estás prestando atención” (“You seem to be in the clouds, you are not paying attention to me”).

• “Estar de mala leche/uva”: this expression is used to describe someone who is in a bad mood or has a bad temper.

An example would be: “No hables ahora con tu compañero, está de mala leche por suspender el trabajo” (“Don't talk to your partner now, he's in a bad mood for failing the essay”).

• “Ser más pesado que una vaca en brazos”: this colloquial expression is used to refer to someone who is annoying or insistent.

When you are in the car, and they keep asking you if there is much time left to get to your destination. You can say: “Deja de preguntarme lo mismo, eres más pesado que una vaca en brazos” (“Stop asking me the same question, you're heavier than a cow in your arms”).

• “Se te va te la olla”: when someone is losing their mind or acting irrationally used this expression.

Example: “¿Cómo que no recuerdas dónde pusiste las llaves? Se te va la olla” (“What do you mean you don't remember where you put the keys? You lose your mind”).

• “Estar al loro”: this colloquial expression means to be attentive or attentive to something, it can be something that concerns you or an action of another person.

For example: “Estate al loro, que van a cambiar el horario de la reunion” (“Be on the lookout, they are going to change the meeting schedule”).

• “Cantar las 40”: used to scold someone or to tell the truth in a direct way.

Example: “Su jefe le cantó las 40 por su mal comportamiento en la oficina” (“Your boss told you off for your bad behavior in the office”).

• “Estar en el quinto pino”: indicates being in a distant or secluded place.

Example: “Juan vive muy lejos. Su casa está en el quinto pino” (“Juan lives far away. His house is in the boondocks”).

• “Ser de puño cerrado”: refers to someone who is stingy or does not like to spend money.

For example: “No esperes que pague Tania la cuenta, es de puño cerrado” (“Don't expect Tania to pay the bill, she is miserly”).

• “Andar con la hora pegada al culo”: describes someone who is always in a hurry, late or in a hurry to a meeting or appointment.

When you meet a friend and he is late for the agreed time: “Siempre anda con la hora pegada al culo, nunca llega a tiempo” (“He is always late, he is never on time”).

These are just some of the most common expressions in Spanish, but there are many more in Spanish and they are cultural capsules. Each colloquial expression in Spanish is a different way for speakers to interpret and cope with life.

Mastering colloquial expressions enriches your communication skills in Spanish, but also allows you to immerse yourself in the culture of a country. However, if you want to improve your Spanish to the maximum, don't hesitate to take an intensive Spanish course with Enforex. We have schools in various cities in Spain and several Latin American countries so that you can learn Spanish surrounded by culture.