Speak like a native! These are the expressions with ‘ser’ that you should know.
Hello everyone! Do you know how we Spaniards manage to pronounce and express so much with so few words? The secret is in the idiomatic expressions, and today we will focus on those that use the verb “ser”. Get ready to discover how to enrich your vocabulary and surprise your friends with phrases you won’t find in textbooks. Ready to get started?
The verb “ser” is sometimes a headache for many learners. Especially when you only have a single word in your native language that means both ser and estar. But don’t lose heart! It can also be a very useful verb for many situations.
The idiomatic expressions are phrases or sayings that, through metaphors, images, stories or cultural references, explain a certain idea. Most languages use idiomatic expressions. You probably know and use many of them in your mother tongue.
The problem is that they cannot always be translated literally without losing their meaning or sounding strange. However, there are equivalent phrases in other languages that can serve a similar function.
That’s why we invite you to check out this list of expressions that we have selected for you. We are sure you will find some that you can use in your day-to-day life. Don’t be afraid and dare to be “la mar de bueno” (to be really good) with these phrases!
1. Ser pan comido
Meaning: Something very easy to do.
Example: “El examen de matemáticas fue pan comido.”
Have you ever encountered tasks that seemed like a mountain and turned out to be simpler than a child’s play? I bet you have! When something is effortless, you can say it’s “pan comido”.
This phrase functions as an adjective and you cannot alter its structure without changing the meaning. It would be incorrect to say: “esto será pan que comeré” or “el examen ha sido un pan que he comido”.
The equivalent phrase in English would be “easy peasy”.
2. Ser el colmo
Meaning: To be too much, something unbearable or unconscionable.
Example: “¡Es el colmo que Pedro llegue tarde otra vez!”
When we have run out of patience and the situation has gone beyond the limits, we say that “es el colmo”. The word “colmo” means the complement or culmination of something. Do you remember the last situation that made you think like this?
Now you know what phrase to use to react like a true native speaker, next time you experience something similar.
The equivalent phrase in English would be “the last straw”.
3. Ser de armas tomar
Meaning: Determined and brave person.
Example: “La nueva jefa es de armas tomar. No se deja intimidar por nadie.”
Knowing someone who faces problems with courage is inspiring, there is no doubt. Sometimes it also applies to people with a strong personality and determination.
Are you a person “de armas tomar”? If the answer is yes, you now have an adjective more to describe your personality.
The equivalent phrase in English would be “to be reckoned with”.
4. Ser uña y carne
Meaning: People who are very close to each other.
Example: “María y Ana son uña y carne, siempre están juntas.”
This expression is quite common during childhood. When we were at school, there was always a special classmate with whom we spent a lot of time. We were “uña y carne”’ with that person.
If among your friends, there is a special one with whom you are “uña y carne”, congratulations! Profound friendships are not as common as they should be. In other countries, the phrase “uña y mugre” is also used.
The equivalent phrase in English would be “to be joined at the hip, to be as thick as thieves, to be like two peas in a pod, to be hand in glove”.
5. Ser el ombligo del mundo
Meaning: Thinking oneself to be the center of the universe.
Example: “Marta actúa como si fuera el ombligo del mundo.”
We all know someone who thinks he/she is the centre of the universe. Do you have such a person in your environment? Now, you know what to say, next time you’ll see this person. But be careful! This phrase usually has a negative connotation, so choose carefully how and when to use it.
The equivalent phrase in English would be “the centre of the universe.”
6. Ser la oveja negra
Meaning: Someone, in a group, who is different or a problem person.
Example: “En mi familia todos son médicos, menos yo. Soy la oveja negra.”
In every family, group of friends or work group you can find a “oveja negra”. If you have no one in mind, you may be the black sheep of the group. But don’t get distressed! This doesn’t necessarily mean something terrible. It can also bring some advantages and opportunities for personal development.
The equivalent phrase in English would be “to be the black sheep.”
7. Ser la leche
Meaning: Something incredible, in the negative or positive sense. Extraordinarily good or bad.
Example of positive sense: “El concierto fue la leche.”
Example of negative sense: “Eres la leche, siempre olvidas todo.”
Be careful with this expression! When there is no clear context, the attitude you have when using it can make the expression acquire a positive or negative connotation. At the beginning, use it carefully and ask your Spanish friends if you have used it correctly.
When someone says “eres la leche”, pay attention to your interlocutor’s non-verbal language, tone of voice and some textual marks. That way you will be able to determine what their intention is and react appropriately.
The equivalent phrase in English, depending on its negative or positive meaning, would be “to be the dog’s bollocks, to be the best/worst, to be the greatest, to take the biscuit, to be really something”.
8. Ser un pez gordo
Meaning: Influential and powerful person.
Example: “Ese hombre es un pez gordo en la industria del cine.”
We have all heard the expression “pez gordo”, but we have rarely come across one. Do you know anyone who is a pez gordo?
This expression comes from the fishing industry. The most valued specimens were those that were larger and better fed. Although it can also be related to the voracity of these animals, which consume smaller fish and are placed on a higher scale of the food chain.
The equivalent phrase in English would be “be a big shot.”
9. Ser agua pasada
Meaning: Something that is no longer relevant.
Example: “Eso es agua pasada, ya lo he superado.”
This is usually associated with an event in the past, something that can no longer be changed or that has lost its importance for us. It is a metaphor for water that ‘passes’ under a bridge and is gone forever, with no need to think about it any more. ¿A qué mola esta frase?
Thanks to this article, your days of drawing a blank due to lack of vocabulary are a thing of the past (“agua pasada”).
The equivalent phrase in English ¡ would be “be water under the bridge”.
10. Ser un trago amargo
Meaning: An experience that is hard to endure.
Example: “Perder mi trabajo fue un trago amargo.”
Although to each his own… the bitter taste certainly does not have too many followers. Perhaps it is related to the fact that many toxic substances have this peculiar aftertaste.
In any case, if in the future you get stuck talking to a native, remember the phrases in this article so that you can quickly get out of this “trago amargo”.
The equivalent phrase in English would be “be a bitter pill to swallow/ be a bitter pill”.
11. Ser un manitas
Meaning: A person who is skilled in crafts or repairs.
Example: “Carlos es un manitas, siempre soluciona problemas en casa.”
How many times have you broken something at home and you’ve had to hire someone to repair it? In those moments, being a handyman or knowing one can save your life… And your money!
Now that you know the expression, you can ask your friends or neighbors if there is a manitas among them. Or exchange your services for a good Spanish lesson with a native speaker.
The equivalent phrase in English would be “to be a handyman”.
12. Ser un libro abierto
Meaning: Very transparent, sincere person, who expresses themselves openly.
Example: “María es un libro abierto, siempre expresa sus sentimientos.”
Do you consider yourself “un libro abierto” or do you find it difficult to express what you feel? They say that sincerity is the most precious human quality, but sometimes it can end up playing a dirty trick on you.
Imagine you are preparing a surprise party for a friend. Your friends have asked you to keep it a secret, but… You’re a “libro abierto”! So no matter how hard you try, your gestures and words give you away. Fortunately, not everyone can read between the lines…
The equivalent phrase in English would be “to be an open book”.
13. Ser la mar de
Meaning: To intensify a quality (adjective). It often works as a synonym for “muy”.
Example: “El profesor es la mar de interesante.”
Although we know for sure the origin of this expression, it probably has to do with the extension of the sea, that feeling of infinity that it creates. Of all the expressions we have talked about, this is the most traditional. That is, it is only used in Spain. So, if you live in a Spanish city, don’t miss the opportunity to use it and talk “la mar de bien” to your Spanish friends.
The equivalent phrase in English would be “to be really something”.
14. Ser una lata
Meaning: Something annoying or boring, which causes boredom or displeasure to someone.
Example: “La reunión fue una lata.”
When something annoys you, or makes you fed up…. when someone is very insistent and annoying… when a person “te suelta un rollazo”.
It’s the perfect time to use this phrase!
Some people say that this expression has gone out of fashion and prefer to use terms such as “ser un coñazo” (being a pain in the ass). However, the latter may be a bit strong and not suitable for more formal contexts.
The equivalent phrase in English would be “to be a drag / to be a pain”.
15. Ser el pan nuestro de cada día
Meaning: Something that is usual and daily.
Example: “Los atascos son el pan nuestro de cada día en esta ciudad.”
Few foods are as ancient as bread. It is part of the life of most people on earth, through different preparations. That is why it is considered an element that is present in society on a daily and routine basis.
This phrase, in addition to referring to a common and usual fact, may have its roots in the Christian prayer of the Lord’s Prayer.
For example, for our Spanish students, idiomatic expressions are “el pan nuestro de cada día” at the school.
The equivalent phrase in English would be “the order of the day, our daily bread, our bread and butter”.
No more excuses! Now you have 15 expressions with “ser” that will make you sound like a native Spanish speaker. Which one is your favorite? Don’t hesitate to use these expressions in your daily conversations and your fluency and understanding of Spanish will certainly improve.
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