Weird Spanish phrases.
Learning a language is not only about mastering grammar or expanding your vocabulary, but also about the expressions that are used in everyday life. In Spanish, there are many expressions that, when translated literally, can seem quite strange. They are part of the charm and cultural richness of the language.
Here are 10 weird Spanish phrases that every learner should know.
1. “Estar en las nubes”
If someone tells you that you are “in the clouds”, it does not mean that you have learned to fly, but that you are distracted or daydreaming. It is an expression used when someone is not paying attention or is lost in thought.
Example: “Siempre estás en las nubes durante la clase de matemáticas.”
2. “Tirar la casa por la ventana”
This phrase is used to describe when someone spends a lot of money, usually on a celebration or on a major purchase. Literally, it means “to throw the house out the window”, but don’t worry, nobody is destroying your house.
Example: “Voy a tirar la casa por la ventana en mi cumpleaños.”
3. “Ser el ombligo del mundo”
It means to think of oneself as the centre of attention (literally “the navel fo the world”) or to think that everything is about oneself.
Example: “No te creas el ombligo del mundo, no todo se trata de ti.”
4. “No tener pelos en la lengua”
If someone doesn’t have “pelos en la lengua” (lit. “hair on the tongue”), it means that person speaks bluntly and says things directly, without fear of consequences.
Example: “Me encanta hablar con Marta, no tiene pelos en la lengua y siempre dice lo que piensa.”
5. “Meter la pata”
It means to make a mistake or do something inappropriate. Literally translated, it means “put one’s foot in it”. Although it sounds like we’re talking about putting our foot somewhere, this phrase refers to an awkward situation caused by a mistake.
Example: “¡Uf, metí la pata en la reunión y dije lo que no debía!”
6. “Ser un manazas”
It is used to describe someone who is clumsy or breaks things easily. If someone is “a manazas”, it is better not to give them something delicate because they will probably break it.
Example: “No toques eso, que eres un manazas y lo vas a romper.”
7. “Dar en el clavo”
It means getting it right or making the right decision. It is as if you have literally “hit” right where it was needed.
Example: “Tu comentario dio en el clavo, era justo lo que necesitábamos escuchar.”
8. “Costar un ojo de la cara”
If something costs “un ojo de la cara” (lit. an eye of the head), it means that it is extremely expensive. Although not literally, the idea is that you would have to sacrifice something very valuable, like an eye, in order to pay for it. In English we would say “an harm and a leg”.
Example: “Ese coche cuesta un ojo de la cara, mejor seguimos buscando.”
9. “Estar hasta las narices”
This phrase indicates that someone is fed up with something or tired of a certain situation. In English, we would say “to have had enough”. If someone “está hasta las narices”, it is better not to keep bothering them.
Example: “Estoy hasta las narices de este tráfico, ya llevamos dos horas aquí.”
10. “Estar como una cabra”
If they tell you that “estás como una cabra” (lit. to be like a goat), they are not comparing you this the cute animal. What they mean is that you’re acting in a very crazy or eccentric way.
A funny way of saying that someone is a bit strange!
Example: “No puedes andar descalzo en la nieve, estás como una cabra.”
These expressions are just a small sample of the many weird phrases, used in everyday life.
Learning them will not only enrich your vocabulary, but will also help you to better understand native speakers and sound more natural in Spanish. Don’t hesitate to use them in your everyday life!
If you want to continue exploring other aspects of colloquial Spanish, we suggest you take a look at our article on Spanish expressions with the verb “hacer” and “hacerse”.
Finally, we would like to remind you that at our Spanish language school, El Rincón del Tándem, you can learn the language in a fun and interactive way.
Check out our list of courses and get started on your learning journey!
¡Hasta pronto!
