You’re the bee’s knees, the cat’s pajamas, all that and a bag of chips.
It’s raining cats and canines.
Sleep tight, don’t let the mattress bugs chunk.
To somebody who isn’t a local English speaker, these phrases are weird to say the least.
Equally, Spanish has some humorous phrases like this that aren’t in any respect unusual to native audio system however might nicely shock non-natives.
This publish will cowl 26 of those humorous Spanish phrases and sayings so you should utilize them your self!
Contents
Obtain:
This weblog publish is on the market as a handy and moveable PDF that you simply
can take wherever.
Click on right here to get a replica. (Obtain)
Humorous Spanish Phrases
1. Ponerse las pilas
Literal translation: To place in your batteries
English equal: To look alive
I heard this typically once I was in highschool. The instructor would stroll by, see me gazing aimlessly into house and say “Ponte las pilas!”
This phrase is utilized in each Latin America and Spain. Nevertheless, I discovered that it’s extra generally utilized in Argentina.
Ponte pilas (notice the lacking las) is utilized in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
Yo sé que es temprano, pero ponte las pilas. (I do know that it’s early, however look alive.)
2. Comer moscas
Literal translation: To eat flies
English equal: To talk aimlessly
All of us have a good friend that’ll begin a narrative about going to the grocery retailer, however by some means handle to show it into an hour lengthy autobiography.
An individual who comer moscas is an individual who typically goes off on tangents or speaks aimlessly.
This phrase can be utilized in each Latin America and Spain.
Sara siempre come moscas. (Sara at all times goes off on a tangent.)
3. Papar moscas
Literal translation: To eat/gulp down flies
English equal: To daydream
Each single time I hear this phrase, I think about Homer Simpson dreaming a couple of scrumptious donut.
A daydreaming individual can typically look fairly just like Homer, with their mouth open, and their ideas removed from the place they really are.
And that’s the second when a fly will fly straight down your throat. All of the sudden, you awake out of your daydream and snap again to actuality.
¿Estás papando moscas? (Are you daydreaming?)
4. Buena onda
Literal translation: Good wave
English equal: Good vibes
This phrase is often used when speaking about an individual that has an ideal aura or vitality.
Buena onda is used extra typically in Spain than it’s in Latin America, however it’s not unusual to listen to it there as nicely.
Me da buena onda. (He’s giving me good vibes.)
5. Me pica el bagre
Literal translation: The catfish is biting me
English equal: I’m very hungry
You understand that feeling whenever you’re so hungry that your abdomen begins to cramp or there’s a pinching feeling?
In Spanish, we are saying that feeling comes from a catfish biting your abdomen. After all, this isn’t literal, however that’s the way it feels!
This phrase is most typical in South America, particularly Argentina.
Me olvidé de desayunar, me pica el bagre. (I forgot to eat breakfast, I’m so hungry.)
6. Ojo
Literal translation: Eye
English equal: Watch your self, I’m watching you
Once I lived in Spain, we had a lady come to our dwelling to assist my mother maintain the condominium.
Each time I used to be doing one thing naughty, she would pull down the pores and skin beneath her eye and say, “Ojo, Devyn, ojo.”
This virtually at all times stopped me in my tracks, since I knew she was watching.
¡Ojo! Viene un coche. (Be careful! There’s a automotive coming.)
7. Corto de luces
Literal translation: In need of lights
English equal: Not the brightest bulb
In English we are saying issues like, “the lights are on, however no person’s dwelling” or “not the brightest bulb” to say somebody won’t be very sensible.
This phrase is the Spanish equal to say somebody is ditsy or gradual.
You’ll hear this phrase extra typically on the streets of Mexico than you’ll on the streets of Spain.
Soy corto de luces, olvidé mis llaves. (I’m not the brightest bulb, I forgot my keys.)
8. Hablar del rey de Roma
Literal translation: To talk of the king of Rome
English equal: To talk of the satan
Isn’t it superb how as quickly as you begin speaking about somebody they handle to stroll into the room?
That’s what this phrase refers to! It’s used extra typically in Spain than in Latin America.
¡Rafael! Hablando del rey de Roma, hablábamos de ti. (Rafael! Communicate of the satan, we had been simply speaking about you.)
9. El mismo perro con diferente collar
Literal translation: The identical canine with a distinct collar
English equal: Individuals don’t change
This phrase signifies that individuals don’t change or {that a} state of affairs doesn’t change.
You’ll hear this phrase typically when elections come round. A brand new individual is put into workplace, however es el mismo perro.
This phrase is used quite a bit in Latin America, which is ironic as a result of issues are at all times altering down there.
Los gentes tiene esperanzas, pero el presidente es el mismo perro con diferente collar. (The persons are hopeful, however the president hasn’t modified.)
10. Más se perdió en Cuba
Literal translation: Extra was misplaced in Cuba
English equal: It may very well be worse
Taking a look at Cuba and their political local weather during the last 100 years, it’s clear that they’ve had it tough.
It’s straightforward to see the fact of how minor a state of affairs is whenever you evaluate it to what Cuba has been by.
So possibly subsequent time my younger daughter involves me wailing over a dropped toy I’ll simply say, “más se perdió en Cuba.”
Se te cayó tu juguete? Más se perdió en Cuba. (You dropped your toy? There are worse issues.)
11. Ser pan comido
Literal translation: To be eaten bread
English equal: To be a chunk of cake
If one thing is a chunk of bread that was already eaten, meaning there’s no additional work that must be accomplished.
In different phrases, one thing will be seen as straightforward as in it might’ve already been accomplished.
In English, we’d name the identical factor a chunk of cake.
No estoy preocupada del examen, es pan comido. (I’m not anxious in regards to the examination, it’s a chunk of cake.)
12. Tener mala leche
Literal translation: To have unhealthy milk
English equal: To have unhealthy luck
If you happen to occur to open your fridge and seize the milk, solely to search out that it smells bitter, I’d enterprise to say that you simply’d think about your self unfortunate.
And that’s precisely what this phrase means in Spanish! To have unhealthy milk is to have unhealthy luck.
Tenemos mala leche, llueve cada vacaciones. (We now have unhealthy luck, it rains each trip.)
13. Estar como una cabra
Literal translation: To be like a goat
English equal: To be loopy
This phrase is extraordinarily frequent in most, if not all, Spanish talking nations.
Goats are recognized to be a bit temperamental or to do unusual and loopy issues. So if somebody says you’re like a goat, they’re saying you’re loopy!
Estás como una cabra cuando estás enojado. (You’re loopy whenever you’re mad.)
And we’re midway by! A few of these phrases would possibly sound a bit unusual at first, however with time (and apply) they’ll begin to really feel extra pure.
One of the best ways to actually perceive how these phrases are used is to listen to them be utilized in context, and to do that I like to recommend listening to native audio system and noting how they incorporate these phrases naturally.
Even in the event you can’t have a dialog with a local speaker, you may nonetheless discover methods to listen to these phrases from your private home, whether or not it’s listening to Spanish music, watching Spanish films or studying Spanish books.
Studying packages resembling FluentU are an ideal choice to apply this as nicely.
FluentU makes use of genuine Spanish movies (like music movies, commercials and provoking talks) that includes native audio system to show you Spanish by context and pure speech.
Every video comes with interactive subtitles and different instruments that will help you be taught extra effectively. Plus, you would possibly even be taught much more humorous Spanish phrases within the course of.
FluentU is on the market on iOS and Android.
Humorous Spanish Sayings
14. Creerse la última coca-cola en el desierto
Literal translation: To suppose that you simply’re the final coke within the desert
English equal: To suppose you’re the bee’s knees
This phrase signifies that you suppose that you simply’re fairly darn cool and even God’s present to humanity.
We now have a variety of phrases that say principally the identical factor. “you suppose you’re the bee’s knees,” “the cat’s pajamas” or “all that and a bag of chips” are just some examples.
This phrase is used extra typically in Latin America than in Spain.
Pablo se cree la última coca-cola en el desierto. (Pablo thinks he’s the bee’s knees.)
15. Aunque la mona se vista de seda, mona se queda
Literal translation: Even when the feminine monkey clothes in silk, she is going to stay a feminine monkey
English equal: You may’t put lipstick on a pig
This phrase factors out that you would be able to’t cover who you’re. It doesn’t matter what you do to vary your character or look for others, you’ll nonetheless be you.
La cirugía plástica es peligrosa, además, aunque la mona se vista de seda, mona se queda. (Cosmetic surgery is harmful, plus, you’ll nonetheless be the identical individual.)
16. A pan de quince días, hambre de tres semanas
Literal translation: To a 15-day bread, a 3-week starvation
English equal: Beggars can’t be choosers
In Spain, we love exaggerating, particularly inside our humor.
So once we use this phrase, we’re saying that even a 15 day outdated bread gained’t be too arduous to chew when hungry.
The phrase suggests you simply settle for what you’re given.
Pediste un favor, a pan de quince días, hambre de tres semanas. (You requested for a favor, beggars can’t be choosers.)
17. Lavar cerdos con jabón es perder tiempo y jabón
Literal translation: Washing pigs with cleaning soap is dropping time and cleaning soap
English equal: Some issues are a waste of time
Settle for it, pigs are usually not clear. They scent actually unhealthy. If you happen to attempt to wash a pig, there’s little impact your cleaning soap and scrubbing may have on the stench.
In different phrases, a pig bathtub is a waste of time.
This phrase signifies that not every thing is value your time and it’s okay to just accept that and prioritize.
Lavar cerdos con jabón es perder tiempo y jabón, céntrese en lo que puede controlar. (Some issues are a waste of time, concentrate on what you may management.)
18. Como el que oye llover
Literal translation: Like he who hears raining
English equal: It’s like water off a duck’s again
There may be now an inclination in our world to disregard what individuals say, to fake that it doesn’t have an effect on us.
This phrase is a metaphor for these phrases that we attempt to let previous us with out being too affected.
Sus insultos son como el que oye llover. (Your insults are like water off a geese again.)
19. No hay burro calvo, ni calabaza con pelo
Literal translation: There isn’t any bald donkey nor any pumpkin with hair
English equal: Say what you actually know and do what you may actually do
Think about a bald donkey or a pumpkin with hair… it wouldn’t make any sense!
The purpose is, discuss what you already know, do what you are able to do, interval. Simply be your self and don’t fake to know every thing.
Eres nuevo en este trabajo, no hay burro calvo, ni calabaza con pelo. (You’re new to this job, so say what you actually know and do what you may actually do.)
20. Con paciencia y con maña, un elefante se comió una araña
Literal translation: With persistence and ability, an elephant ate a spider
English equal: Little strokes fell nice oaks
Now this must be your mantra when studying Spanish, because it signifies that anyone can do something after they put their thoughts to it and stay affected person.
You do not want to be an elephant to do that, nor do it is advisable eat a spider, however you certainly have to inventory on some persistence and persistence if you wish to get there.
Es dificíl, pero con paciencia y con maña, un elefante se comió una araña. (It’s arduous, however with persistence and ability, you are able to do it.)
21. Cría fama y échate a dormir
Literal translation: Breed fame and crash out
English equal: Give a canine a nasty identify and cling it
We all know it is extremely troublesome to lose a nasty repute, even when it occurs to be unjustified.
I believe this saying is a good instance of how in another way Spaniards and Individuals (or English-speaking individuals, for that matter) deal with issues.
Su reputación es importante para él, cría fama y échate a dormir. (His repute is necessary to him, after you have a nasty repute, you may’t change it.)
22. Quien fue a Sevilla, perdió su silla
Literal translation: He who went to Seville misplaced his chair
English equal: If you happen to go away your home, you lose it
That is a type of sayings that has that multipurpose taste I like probably the most in Spanish language.
It may be utilized not solely to the truth that in the event you go away your seat unattended you may lose it, but in addition to some other state of affairs whenever you go away one thing unattended and return to search out somebody has it.
If you happen to really feel courageous sufficient to take a look (in Spanish!) on the origin of this saying, you may go to this webpage.
Robé tu silla porque quien fue a Sevilla, perdió su silla. (I stole your chair as a result of in the event you go away your home, you lose it.)
23. Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente
Literal translation: Eyes that don’t see, coronary heart that doesn’t really feel
English equal: Out of sight, out of thoughts
There may be a variety of dialogue amongst Spanish audio system about the true which means of this saying, and I assume every of us makes use of it another way relying on the place we grew up.
I favor the interpretation “Out of sight, out of thoughts” as a result of it appears to be nearer with the literal Spanish which means.
If you happen to don’t see what is going on you then don’t give it some thought, so that you don’t fear.
You may as well interpret it as “Lengthy absent, quickly forgotten” as in you don’t see your ex anymore, so that you neglect them.
Estoy feliz que su exnovio se fue a la escuela porque ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente. (I’m blissful her ex-boyfriend left for varsity as a result of out of sight, out of thoughts.)
24. Las palabras se las lleva el viento
Literal translation: The wind blows phrases away
English equal: Actions converse louder than phrases
Within the literal translation, this phrase primarily says that phrases are so weak that they may very well be blown over by the wind, so you must solidify your guarantees by appearing on them.
Las palabras se las lleva el viento, quiero ver que te importa. (Actions converse louder than phrases, I wish to see that you simply care.)
25. No hay mal que cien años dure, ni cuerpo que lo resista
Literal translation: There isn’t a evil that might final 100 years, nor a physique that might endure that
English equal: Nothing goes on ceaselessly
Now this saying will not be humorous at first sight.
The humorous bit comes from the truth that you may change this saying to make it appropriate for the state of affairs somebody goes by.
These are the extra humorous variations of this phrase:
No hay mal aliento que cien años dure. (Dangerous breath doesn’t go on ceaselessly)
No hay camisa manchada de vino que cien años dure. (No wine-stained shirt will likely be like that ceaselessly.)
26. Dame pan y dime tonto
Literal translation: Give me bread and name me silly
English equal: I get what I would like
Within the enterprise world, actually in any business, there are people who find themselves keen to do something to get to the highest.
Some individuals don’t care whose ft they step on or whose emotions they harm, they’ll do every thing they’ll to get what they need, so that you would possibly hear them say this.
This phrase is heard extra generally in South and Central America.
Dame pan y dime tonto, voy a ser el presidente.(I get what I would like, I would be the president.)
Now you’ve got 26 humorous Spanish phrases so as to add to your individual vocabulary, so give them a strive!
Obtain:
This weblog publish is on the market as a handy and moveable PDF that you simply
can take wherever.
Click on right here to get a replica. (Obtain)
