Are you studying Spanish and want to learn Spanish idioms? Here are some amazing examples of Spanish idioms and their meanings.
Interesting Spanish idioms and their meanings to help you sound like a native speaker
Spanish idioms are a fantastic method to express yourself and spice up your interactions in Spanish. In addition to being enjoyable to learn, they also make you sound more like a native speaker. Additionally, they might help provide a sense of humor to a conversation or emphasize a point you’re attempting to convey.
So, if you want to sound like a native Spanish speaker, look no further than this list of 20 interesting Spanish idioms and their meanings. From unique phrases that mean “to be scared” to humorous expressions that mean “to be angry,” there’s something for everyone! Get ready to impress your Spanish-speaking friends and family with these 20 Spanish idioms.
Definition of an idiom
An idiom is a term, phrase, or collection of words that has a meaning that differs from that which is written. It’s a word or phrase that has a different literal meaning from its typical or common meaning. It’s a linguistic term with a different meaning from what the words themselves would suggest, either ordinary or special. It’s a word or phrase that refers to something else metaphorically rather than literally.
Idioms are frequently used in everyday speech and writing. Many people use these expressions so frequently without even realizing that they are using idiomatic language when they speak or write. But if you want to speak coherently, especially in the Spanish language, which frequently uses colloquial terms, you must understand the definition and usage of idiomatic language.
Explanation of the unique and humorous aspects of Spanish idioms
- Aburrido/a – This is a very common phrase in Spanish and means “bored”. It’s mostly used as a way of telling someone that you’re bored and want to do something else. You can also use it to describe a situation that you find boring.
- Arreglado/a – This is an adjective that means “completely ready”. It’s used to describe something ready to go, whether it’s a project, a vacation, or even a date.
- Atreverse – This means “to dare”, but it’s more of an expression than a regular verb. You can use it to tell someone to be brave and do something, or to express your bravery in a certain situation.
- Chismoso/a – This is a word that describes people who like to gossip and share information that isn’t necessarily true. It’s commonly used in Spanish-speaking countries and is a great word to use to describe someone who talks too much.
- Derramar la tinta – This is a way of saying “to spill the ink”. This is a phrase that is almost always used figuratively, but it means to spill the ink. For example, if you spill the ink while writing with a pen, you can say “Derramé la tinta”.
- Deslenguado/a – This word is commonly translated as someone who can’t stop talking. In reality, it’s someone who talks a lot and has a hard time shutting up.
- Díselo – This is a Spanish command that means “tell him/her that”. You can use it when you want to tell someone else something. This idiom is very commonly used in daily conversation.
- Empezar a – This is a very useful and common expression that means “to start to”. You can use it to describe a situation that is about to happen or start happening soon. For example, if you’re going to start a new project tomorrow, you can say that you “empieza a hoy” (it starts today).
- Enojarse – This is a very commonly used word that means “to get angry”. You can also use it to express that you’re getting angry, or that you’re sorry for something that made you angry in the past.
- Estar asustado/a – This level of fear is almost always temporary, so it’s not like “being scared”. It’s a way of saying that you’re scared and need time to calm down.
- Estar enfermo/a – This is a way of saying that you’re sick. It can be used for minor sicknesses, or for when you’re feeling sick but not sick enough to stay home.
- Estar cansado/a – This is a way of saying that you’re tired. It’s a level of tiredness that doesn’t require you to go to sleep and sleep it off.
- Estar dispuesto/a – This is a word that describes someone ready to do something. You can also use it to tell someone that you’re ready for something, or even to tell yourself that you’re ready for something.
- Estar enojado/a – In most cases, this is used when you’re angry with someone, but not necessarily with a specific person. You can say that you’re “enojado/a con la vida” (angry at life) or “enojado/a con el mundo” (angry with the world).
- Estar enfermo/a – You can also use this word to describe that you feel sick but you’re not sick enough to stay in bed.
- Estar ocupado/a – This is a word that describes someone busy. It can also be used to tell someone that you are busy, but you can also use it when you’re trying to tell someone that you can’t do something because you’re busy.
- Estar pensando – This is a word that means “thinking” in the sense of “imagining”. For example, if you’re thinking of your next vacation, you can say that you’re “pensando en la playa” (“thinking about the beach”).
- Estar preocupado/a – This is a word that is commonly used when you’re worried about something. You can also use it when you want to tell someone else that you’re worried about something.
- Estar seguro/a – This is another word that is used when you’re positive about something. You can use it when you want to tell someone that you’re sure of something, but it can also be used to tell someone that you’re not sure of something.
- Estar triste – This word is used when you feel sad. You can also use it to tell someone that you’re sad about something.
- Estar zurciendo – This word is often used when you’re “ironing” your clothes. This idiom is mostly used in Latin America, Costa Rica, and Guatemala.