We explore Colloquial Phrases with the Verb ‘Arder’ in Spanish
In the fascinating world of the Spanish language, colloquial phrases often add a touch of spark and originality to everyday conversations. One of the many expressions used in Spanish includes those with the verb ‘arder.’ From ‘está que arde’ to ‘está ardiendo’, these phrases convey much more than a simple sensation of heat. In this article, we will explore the different meanings and uses of these expressions that will help you make an impressions on your Spanish conversations.
Está que arde: Intense heat
The phrase ‘está que arde’ is commonly used to describe a situation or place where the heat is unbearable. This use is quite literal and applies to hot summer days or any place where the thermometer rises higher than desired. For example, you might hear someone say, ‘Hoy el día está que arde, mejor nos quedamos en casa’ (Today, the day is scorching; we better stay at home).
Está ardiendo: Passion and emotion
When someone tells you that he/she ‘está ardiendo’, he/she is unlikely to be referring to high temperature. In this context, the phrase is used to express intense passion or strong emotion. For example, if a friend tells you that she ‘está ardiendo’ for a music band, it means she has great passion for that music and enjoy it very very much.
¡Estás que ardes!: Compliment
‘¡Estás que ardes!’ is an expression used to compliment someone, especially when she/he looks particularly attractive. It’s a friendly and colloquial way to tell someone that he/she looks great in an elegant outfit. For example, at a party, you could say to a friend, ‘¡Oye, Juan, ¡estás que ardes con ese traje!’ (Hey, Juan, you look stunning in that suit!).
Todo está que arde: Problematic situation
This expression is used to describe a situation that is out of control or in the midst of chaos. When someone says ‘todo está que arde’, it means the situation is complicated and problematic. It’s commonly heard in conversations about politics, football, economics, or religion. For example, in an office with a heavy workload and imminent deadlines, you might hear a coworker say, ‘Hoy todo está que arde en la oficina, no sé cómo lo vamos a hacer’(Today, everything is a mess in the office; I don’t know how we’ll manage).
Ardieron las redes sociales: Going viral on the Internet
In the digital age, ‘ardieron las redes sociales’ has become a common expression to indicate a phenomenon that has gone viral on the internet. It can refer to a post, a video, a meme, or any content that has been widely shared on social media.
Estar que arde de dolor: Intense suffering
This variation of the expression is used to describe extreme pain or suffering. If someone tells you he/she ‘está que arde de dolor’, it means that person is experiencing unbearable pain. For example, someone with a severe migraine might say, ‘Me arde la cabeza de dolor’ (My head is burning with pain).
Arder en deseos: Longing
‘Arder en deseos’ is an expression used to convey a deep and passionate desire for something. It can refer to a romantic desire, a longing to fulfill a dream, or a passion to achieve a goal. For example, someone who has always dreamed of visiting Paris might say, ‘Ardo en deseos de visitar París algún día’ (I burn with the desire to visit Paris someday).
No hay fuego sin humo: Doubts or suspicions
Although in this expression the word ‘arder’ does not appear, it relates to fire and smoke. ‘No hay fuego sin humo’ is used to express the idea that when there are rumors or suspicions about something, there’s likely some truth to it. It suggests that where there’s smoke, there could be fire, meaning the suspicions may have a basis.
In conclusion, the verb ‘arder’ and its several colloquial expressions in Spanish add richness and diversity to the language. From describing situations of intense heat to conveying deep passions and emotions, these phrases add a special touch to everyday conversations. Furthermore, they demonstrate the versatility of the Spanish language to adapt to different contexts and express a wide range of feelings.
So don’t hesitate to use these expressions and add some passion to your Spanish conversations!
And don’t forget to check out our Spanish blog posts on idioms and expressions such as the one on uses and expressions with the word ‘palo’ in Spanish or the article on the uses of the verb ‘pillar’.
