This doesn’t make any sense, right? Well, in Spanish it does.

Just as you do, we have idioms and slang phrases that help communicate our feelings and states in a more accurate way. As humans, we are always searching for new words that can describe us better, even if that means not making sense at all. That’s why languages are so fun to learn!

So today, we are going to learn 3 expressions for three different states: being sleepy, being annoyed by someone or you being that person who annoys others, and to get motivated and start working hard. 

Echar una pestañita

Explanation: “Echar una pestañita” is a colloquial phrase that means to take a short nap or a quick rest. It literally translates to throwing an eyelash, though the word “pestañita” refers to a little blink, metaphorically representing a brief sleep.

English Equivalent: “To take a catnap”

Examples in Context:

1. Me voy a echar una pestañita para recuperar energías.
   • I’m going to take a catnap to recharge my energy.
2. Estaba muy cansado en la oficina, así que decidí echar una pestañita en mi descanso.
   • I was very tired at the office, so I decided to take a catnap during my break.
3. Me eché una pestañita antes de seguir trabajando.
   • I took a catnap before continuing working.

Dar lata

Explanation: “Dar lata” is used to describe someone who is being annoying or bothersome. It literally translates to “give a tin can” but is understood as causing inconvenience or disturbance.

English Equivalent: “To be a nuisance”

Examples in Context:

1. ¡Ya deja de dar lata!
   • Stop being a nuisance.
2. Hola Lupita, perdón que te dé lata a esta hora, pero de casualidad viste mis llaves, las traigo perdidas.
   • Hello Lupita, sorry to be a nuisance/bother you this late, but did you see my keys by any chance? I’ve lost them. 
3. Ese perro no deja de dar lata ladrando toda la noche.
   • That dog won’t stop being a nuisance, barking all night long.

 

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Ponerse las pilas

Explanation: “Ponerse las pilas” means to get one’s act together or to get motivated and start working hard. The phrase conjures the image of putting in fresh batteries to become more energetic or efficient.

English Equivalent: “To get one’s act together”

Examples in Context:

1. Si quieres pasar el examen, tienes que ponerte las pilas y estudiar todos los días.
   • If you want to pass the exam, you need to get your act together and study every day.
2. Ya me tengo que poner las pilas.
   • I have to get my act together.
3. Tienes que ponerte las pilas si quieres mejorar tu condición física.
   • You need to get your act together if you want to improve your physical condition.

So now you now how to “echarte una pestañita,” “dar lata,” and “ponerte las pilas” in Spanish! Have fun trying them out next time you’re having a conversation.

Paulina Gerez is a translator-interpreter, content creator, and founder of Crack The Code, a series of online courses focused on languages. Through her social media, she helps people see learning a language from another perspective through her fun experiences. Instagram: paulinagerezm / Tiktok: paugerez3 / YT: paulina gerez 

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In these situations, the right question can be the key to breaking the ice. A few words can be the start of an extraordinary conversation and the beginning of a lasting relationship. So, don’t let fear and nerves paralyze you and deprive you of communication.

One way to avoid getting too confused is by being at the wheel of the conversation. Talk about the topics you are most familiar with. Ultimately, the primary goal of a language is to achieve communication, and in this case, we want to achieve it through conversation.

Speech is one of the bridges to achieve that connection – so here are some questions you can ask to start a conversation and enhance your speaking ability.    

How to start a conversation in Spanish

Imagine you’re at a crowded bar on a sweltering summer evening. You turn to the person next to you and exclaim, 

“¡Qué calor, ¿no?!” It’s so hot, isn’t it?

This simple remark about the weather serves as a universal conversation starter. 

Suddenly, you’re engaged in a discussion about summer vacations or your favorite cooling drinks. You can also go:

“¿Qué tomas?” What are you drinking?  

Now, picture yourself at a business conference, surrounded by professionals from various industries. You strike up a conversation with someone new and ask:

“¿A qué te dedicas?” What do you do?

This question not only demonstrates your interest in the other person but also provides an opportunity for them to showcase their expertise and accomplishments. As they share their professional background, you find common ground and explore potential areas of mutual interest.

 

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In a different scenario, you’re waiting for a friend at a café. A stranger sitting nearby catches your eye, and you decide to break the silence with a friendly inquiry: 

“¿Qué esperas?” What are you waiting for?

This question may seem straightforward, but it can lead to unexpected conversations about plans for the day, favorite coffee shops in the area, or shared experiences of waiting in line.

These examples illustrate how seemingly mundane questions can serve as powerful tools for initiating conversation and building connections. So the next time you find yourself in a situation where you’re unsure how to break the ice, don’t hesitate to ask a question. You never know where it might lead.

More starter questions

¿Vienes mucho aquí, o es la primera vez que vienes? Do you come here often, or is it the first time you’re here?

¿Vives cerca? Do you live close by? 

¿Qué tal tu comida? How’s your food?  

Obviously, it always depends on the context you find yourself in, but with the right question, you can turn a chance encounter into a meaningful connection.

Paulina Gerez is a translator-interpreter, content creator, and founder of Crack The Code, a series of online courses focused on languages. Through her social media, she helps people see learning a language from another perspective through her fun experiences. Instagram: paulinagerezm / Tiktok: paugerez3 / YT: paulina gerez 

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Don’t get me wrong, I am a big advocate of people communicating despite making mistakes and this has happened to me quite a lot while learning Italian, French and even English. It is a matter of trying. However, while their attempts at using these phrases can be endearing, I’ve found it helpful to guide them toward more natural expressions in my own language. 

In this article, we’ll explore four common English phrases and their incorrect or literal translations in Spanish, along with the reasons why they are wrong and the correct way to say them in Spanish.

Four common English to Spanish translation mistakes and how to avoid them

 

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Actually

Incorrect: “Actualmente”

Reason: “Actualmente” refers to the present moment in Spanish, while “actually” means “in reality” or “de hecho” in Spanish.

Correct Form: “En realidad” or “de hecho”

Example: “Actually, I’m not sure if I can make it to the party tonight.”

Translation: De hecho, no estoy segura si voy a lograr ir a la fiesta hoy.

No problem

Incorrect: “No problemo”

Reason: “Problemo” is not a word in Spanish. 

Correct Form: “Sin problema” or “no te preocupes”

Example: “No problem, I can help you with that.”

Translation: Sin problema, yo te ayudo con eso. 

To realize

Incorrect: “Realizar”

Reason: While “realizar” does mean “to realize” in some contexts, the meaning in Spanish for it is “to carry out” or “to perform.” “To realize” in the sense of understanding or becoming aware of something is better translated as “darse cuenta.”

Correct Form: “Darse cuenta”

Example: “I didn’t realize it was so late.”

Translation: No me di cuenta que era tan tarde.

Can I have

Incorrect: “Puedo tener”

Reason: While “puedo tener” technically translates to “I can have,” it is not the correct and natural way to ask for something in Spanish. Instead, we use “me puede dar” or “me puede traer.”

Correct Form: “Me puede dar” or “me puede traer”

Example: “Can I have a glass of water, please?”

Translation: Me puede traer un vaso de agua, por favor?

By understanding and avoiding literal translations, you’ll be able to communicate more effectively and naturally in Spanish. Keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – it’s all part of the learning process!

Paulina Gerez is a translator-interpreter, content creator, and founder of Crack The Code, a series of online courses focused on languages. Through her social media, she helps people see learning a language from another perspective through her fun experiences. Instagram: paulinagerezm / Tiktok: paugerez3 / YT: paulina gerez

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Ok, I am being a bit dramatic, but it is not that far from the truth. Apart from getting into the details of this useful word, I’m going to explain another useful Mexican slang word used to prevent you from coming to any harm. 

1. “Aguas!”

The expression originates from colonial-era Mexico City. During that time, people would throw waste and dirty water from their windows onto the streets below. To warn pedestrians of the impending danger, those above would shout “¡Aguas!” (waters), indicating that people should watch out for the dirty water. Over time, this warning evolved into a general cautionary phrase used in various contexts to alert others to potential hazards.

 Example Usage:

• “¡Aguas! Hay vidrio roto en el suelo.” Watch out! There’s broken glass on the ground.
• “Aguas con ese tipo, parece peligroso.” Be careful with that guy; he seems dangerous.

 

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2. Abusado 

Abusado translates to ‘Watch out!’ or ‘Be careful!’ in English. It’s used as a warning to someone to be cautious and avoid potential danger, and it is used in the imperative form of the verb. For example, if someone is walking on a slippery surface, you might say ‘Watch out! Don’t slip, be careful!’ which in Spanish could be “¡Abusado! ¡No te vayas a resbalar, ten cuidado!” 

More examples: 

• “Abusado! La estufa está caliente.” Watch out! The stove is hot.
• “Abusada eh!” Be careful, okay?   

Both of these Mexican slang expressions convey a message of caution and you can use them interchangeably. 

Paulina Gerez is a translator-interpreter, content creator, and founder of Crack The Code, a series of online courses focused on languages. Through her social media, she helps people see learning a language from another perspective through her fun experiences. Instagram: paulinagerezm / Tiktok: paugerez3 / YT: paulina gerez 

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What does chisme mean? 

“Chisme” refers to casual or informal conversation, often focusing on personal or sensational topics, shared among friends, family, or acquaintances. It can involve anything from juicy rumors to harmless anecdotes about others’ lives.

There are a few theories about the origins of this word, but the one that makes more sense to me is the following: The word “chisme” originates from the Latin “cimex,” meaning bug or insect. Over time, it evolved to refer to the buzzing sound of insects, which metaphorically represents the whispers and murmurings of gossip. Isn’t it cool? 

While there isn’t a direct translation for “chisme” in English, the closest equivalents are “gossip” or “rumor” and, when speaking about someone being a “chismoso” the closest translation will be somebody that is being “nosy”. However, “chisme” carries a sense of intimacy and cultural context that these English terms may not fully capture. 

Example 1

“¿Supiste del chisme de Andrea? Que se va a divorciar.” (Did you hear the gossip about Andrea? They say she’s gonna get a divorce.)

Example 2

“– ¿Que te vas a divorciar? (Are the rumors of your divorce true?)

– ¡Ash, ya te fueron con el chisme!” (Ugh, who told you about it?)

 

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 Example 3

– “Qué chismes hay en el pueblo?” (What gossip is there in town?)

Example 4

“– De qué hablan?” (What are you talking about)

 – No seas chismosx. Qué te importa? (What do you care? Don’t be nosy!) 

Being part of the chisme fosters social bonds, provides entertainment, and sometimes serves as a form of social control. While it can be viewed negatively when used to spread malicious rumors, it also serves as a means of communication and community cohesion.

I mean, who doesn’t enjoy a dramatic juicy rumor once in a while? 

Paulina Gerez is a translator-interpreter, content creator, and founder of Crack The Code, a series of online courses focused on languages. Through her social media, she helps people see learning a language from another perspective through her fun experiences. Instagram: paulinagerezm / Tiktok: paugerez3 / YT: paulina gerez

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Neta no. Neta sí. Es neta. Dime la neta. 

Neta is one of the most common slang words in Mexico. Its origin traces back to the Spanish word “neto,” meaning “net” or “clear.” Over time, “neto” evolved into “neta,” and it was adopted as a fundamental part of Mexican Spanish. Today, the word has different meanings, including truth, honesty, authenticity, coolness and sincerity. It serves as a linguistic tool for expressing agreement, affirmation, or emphasis, depending on the context.

Example 1:

–”¿Es cierto que van a cerrar la tienda?” (Is it true that the store is closing?)

–”Sí, es neta. La dueña ya lo confirmó.” (Yes, it’s true. The owner already confirmed it.)

Example 2:

–”¿Confías en él?” (Do you trust him?)

–”¡Sí, ese wey es súper neta.” (Yeah, that dude is super legit.)

 

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Example 3: 

–¿Te cae bien? (Do you like her?)

–¡Sí, ella es la neta! (Yes, she is super cool!) 

In these examples, “neta” is used to affirm the truthfulness of a statement or to emphasize the authenticity, honesty of a person. It adds a layer of sincerity and certainty to the conversation, making it a powerful tool for effective communication in Mexican Spanish.

Example 4: 

–Supiste que Karla ya no va a ir al viaje? (Did you know that Karla is ditching the trip?) 

¿Es neta?, ¿por? (Are you serious? why?) 

–La neta ni idea (I really I don’t know) 

Whether used to express agreement, confirm information, or convey sincerity, when you hear the word “neta,” know that the truth is being spoken in the most authentic way possible.

Paulina Gerez is a translator-interpreter, content creator, and founder of Crack The Code, a series of online courses focused on languages. Through her social media, she helps people see learning a language from another perspective through her fun experiences. Instagram: paulinagerezm / Tiktok: paugerez3 / YT: paulina gerez

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But, what does that actually mean? Well, this is what we are going to be discussing in today’s article since cañón is a slang word that we use all the time and in all kinds of contexts. 

The phrase México es un país cañón means that Mexico is a really cool and outstanding country, like saying Mexico is the bomb! This word is used in a casual, informal environment and is used as an alternative to a bad word. Let’s dive into its usages. 

Navigating Difficulty:

In its most common context, “está cañón” is used to articulate challenging circumstances. Whether facing a formidable task or encountering unexpected obstacles, Mexicans may casually remark, “Hoy estuvo cañón” (“Today was tough”) or “Estuvo cañona la clase” referring to a Crossfit class where people ended up exhausted due to the difficulty of the exercises. This usage reflects the resilience inherent in Mexican culture, acknowledging challenges while embracing the determination to overcome them. 

 

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Exclaiming Surprise:

Beyond difficulties, we use “está cañón” to express surprise or amazement. When talking about an extraordinary experience or encountering something truly impressive, someone might exclaim, “¡Eso sí está cañón!” (“That’s really something!”) or simply “está cañón el pozole” to say that the food is incredibly delicious. This demonstrates the phrase’s versatility in capturing a spectrum of emotions, from astonishment to appreciation.

Describing Outstanding Individuals:

In a unique twist, “está cañón” or “es cañón” is also applied to describe individuals with exceptional qualities. When someone possesses remarkable skills, talents or stands out in a crowd, we can say “Ella está cañona” (“That girl is outstanding”). In this context, the phrase acquires a positive connotation, meaning that someone is really good at doing something celebrating uniqueness and excellence.

Acknowledging Adversity:

Whether referring to intense weather conditions, traffic congestion, or a challenging phase of life, we might state: “El tráfico está cañón hoy” (“The traffic is tough today”), “está cañón el calor/sol” (It’s crazy hot today/the Sun is really strong).

Affirmation: 

It is similar to saying “sure,” “absolutely,” or “you bet” in English. When someone uses cañón in this context, they are expressing confirmation or agreement with what has been said or proposed.

For example:

Person A: “Está padre, ¿no?” (It is cool, right?)

Person B: “¡Cañón!” (Absolutely!)

This word serves as more than a linguistic tool. It reflects the Mexican spirit, emphasizing perseverance, resilience, and the ability to find humor even in challenging circumstances.

Paulina Gerez is a translator-interpreter, content creator, and founder of Crack The Code, a series of online courses focused on languages. Through her social media, she helps people see learning a language from another perspective through her fun experiences. Instagram: paulinagerezm / Tiktok: paugerez3 / YT: paulina gerez

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Let’s explore some common English idioms and their Spanish equivalents to unravel the mystery of expression.

Beat Around the Bush – Andarse con rodeos 

When someone is avoiding the topic or not getting straight to the point, you might say they are “beating around the bush.” In Spanish, this translates to “andarse con rodeos.” 

Next time someone is not being straightforward, try this expression: 

Example: No te andes con rodeos, solo ve al grano! 

Stop beating around the bush, cut to the chase! 

 

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Speak of the Devil – Hablando del Rey de Roma

In Spanish, the equivalent expression for this idiom is “Hablando del Rey de Roma.” It’s a fun way to acknowledge that the person you were just talking about has unexpectedly shown up. Next time this happens, try smoothly using the Spanish version!

Example: Carlos: ¿Has visto a Sofía últimamente? No la he visto en semanas.

Have you seen Sofia lately? I haven’t seen her in weeks! 

Ana: No, ni yo. Hablando del Rey de Roma, ¡mira quien llegó! 

Neither have I. Speaking of the devil, look who’s here!

Sofía: ¡Hola! ¿De qué están hablando? 

Hey! What are you talking about?

Carlos: Estábamos precisamente hablando de que no te veíamos hace mucho. 

We were just saying that we haven’t seen you in a long time. 

Costs an Arm and a Leg – Costar un ojo de la cara

Have you ever wanted to buy something that cost an arm and a leg? In Spanish, the equivalent phrase is “costar un ojo de la cara.” Now you can tell your friends about that new gadget you desire while sacrificing a totally different body part.

Example: Ana: Si vas a ir al concierto? 

Are you going to the concert? 

Sofía: No, cuesta un ojo de la cara. 

No, it costs an arm and a leg. 

Understanding idioms not only enriches your language skills but also provides insights into local culture. So, whether you find yourself beating around the bush, speaking of the devil, or buying something that costs an arm and a leg, remember that language is a journey – one that often involves a bit of cabeza-breaking along the way. But fear not, as each idiom cracked is a step closer to mastering the art of expression in Spanish. 

Paulina Gerez is a translator-interpreter, content creator, and founder of Crack The Code, a series of online courses focused on languages. Through her social media, she helps people see learning a language from another perspective through her fun experiences. Instagram: paulinagerezm / Tiktok: paugerez3 / YT: paulina gerez

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Ultimately, we learn best when we are having fun, and I can’t think of a better way to lift your mood than by listening to “El cha cha cha”! If you still haven’t heard these songs, take a minute to play them while you go through the article, and add a spark of rhythm to your reading. 

Now that you have the rhythm of Cuban music in your head, let’s delve into four distinctive Mexican words that start with the letter CH – “chacharear,” “chin,” “chafa,” and “chido”. 

*The pronunciation guide is in the video at the end of the article so be sure to push play

1. Chacharear

Definition: To wander through markets, especially thrift stores, bazaars and flea markets. Leisurely browsing through clothing and products.

In Mexican culture, we love going to flea markets and bazaars to explore the huge array of goods on offer. It’s a leisurely activity, often done with friends or family, appreciating the variety of products on display.  

Examples:

• (speaking on the phone) ¿Qué haces? What are you doing?

 – Nada aquí chachareando. Hay un bazar en la esquina de mi casa, ¿no quieres venir?

 Nothing just wandering around. There is a bazaar going on the corner of my street, wanna come?

• ¿Quieres venir conmigo al mercado? Do you wanna come with me to the market?

– ¿A qué vas? What for?

– Pues namas’ a chacharear Not much, just to wander around

(, ,) 

2. Chin

Definition: An expression of mild disappointment or annoyance; akin to saying “darn” or “oh no.”

“Chin” is a versatile term used to convey a range of emotions, from slight inconvenience to a more significant letdown. It’s a succinct expression that captures the essence of a less-than-ideal situation without dwelling on negativity.

Examples:

• –Hola, Pau, te estoy esperando Hi Pau, I’m waiting for you.

–¡Chin! Se me olvidó por completo nuestra cita, perdón!  Oh no! I completely forgot about our appointment!

– No te preocupes, reagendamos Don’t worry, we’ll reschedule

• ¡Chin, ya lo rompí! Darn, I broke it

 

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3. Chafa

Definition: Something of poor quality, fake, or subpar; not up to standard.

“Chafa” is a term used to describe things that fall short of expectations, whether it be a counterfeit product or an unsatisfactory experience. It’s a straightforward way of expressing disappointment or disapproval.

Examples:

• Me compré este reloj en una tienda de segunda mano, pero está bien chafa, ya dejó de funcionar. 

I bought this watch in a second-hand store, but it is such poor quality, it has already stopped working

• –Oye, Pau, se va a cancelar la fiesta. Hey Pau, the party’s gonna be canceled

– Nooo, qué chafa Oh nooo! That’s a bummer

(,)

4. Chido

Definition: Cool, awesome, or excellent; something impressive or pleasing.

On the positive end of the spectrum, “chido” is a term expressing admiration or approval. It’s a popular slang term that is widely used to describe something that is not just good but has that extra flair of coolness.

Examples:

• –¿Qué te parece el cuadro? What do you think of the painting?

– Muy chido. Very cool

• –¿Te gustó la película? Did you like the movie?

–No estuvo tan chida como pensaba, pero sí. It was not as cool as I thought it would be, but yeah

(,)  

• No estuvo chido eso que hiciste what you did was not nice

These four words — “chacharear,” “chin,” “chafa,” and “chido” — are words that we use in a casual informal way. But they will add a nice touch to your Spanish repertoire, making you feel “in the know” with what the cool kids are saying.

Paulina Gerez is a translator-interpreter, content creator, and founder of Crack The Code, a series of online courses focused on languages. Through her social media, she helps people see learning a language from another perspective through her fun experiences. Instagram: paulinagerezm / Tiktok: paugerez3 / YT: paulina gerez

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“Pedo” is one word in Spanish that showcases the complexity of Mexican vocabulary. While originally associated with flatulence, in Mexico, this versatile term has taken on a variety of meanings, making it a linguistic curiosity worth exploring.

“Pedo” in Mexico is a linguistic chameleon, adapting easily to various contexts, so let’s dive into its usage in different situations.

Difficulty or problem

In Mexico, “pedo” is often used colloquially to refer to a difficulty or problem. For example, someone might say, “es un pedo” when they want to express that something is a real problem or a rather difficult task to complete. You’ll also hear “me metí en un pedo,” which translates as “I’m in trouble.”

Fight or conflict

“Pedo” can also signify a conflict or fight. If someone mentions being in a “pedo,” they might be describing a heated argument or altercation. For instance, “anoche, hubo un pedo en el bar” — It went down at the bar last night. 

“Hacerla de pedo,” on the other hand, means making a stink or giving someone a hard time — “se pasó un rojo y el poli se la hizo de pedo” (he ran a red and the cop gave him a hard time about it).

Describing someone or something

Another common usage of “pedo” in Mexico is to describe being drunk or intoxicated. Saying “estaba bien pedo anoche” — I was really drunk last night — or “estoy medio peda” — I’m a bit tipsy — is a casual way to convey the state you’re in. On the other hand, the word “peda,” is used to describe a party or a night out with heavy drinking, which comes from this sense of pedo “estuvo buena la peda” (the party was great/last night was great). 

You can call someone “mal pedo” to show that they’re a mean person, while a situation described with the same term is a bad one. Lost your keys? “Qué mal pedo!” Conversely, a good-natured person or a fortunate situation can be described as “buen pedo.” In English you can say an exceptionally good movie or meal was “something else” — in Mexican Spanish, it’s “otro pedo.”

 

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Possibilities

If someone says, “ni pedo” they’re expressing resignation in regards to a situation, in the same way an English speaker sighs “oh well.” But when adding the preposition “de,” the meaning changes to “there’s no way!” — ¡ni de pedo! —  hinting that the speaker wouldn’t do what they’re being asked even if they were drunk. 

Greetings and expressions of surprise

In some cases, “pedo” is used as an expression of surprise or disbelief. For example, upon hearing unexpected news, someone might exclaim, “no mames, en serio? ¡Qué pedo!” (No way, seriously? What a surprise!), or “qué pedo, qué pasó?” (What is going on?). In addition, it is a very common way to greet your friends just by saying “Qué pedo!”

Understanding the various uses of the word “pedo” will add depth to your comprehension of Mexican Spanish. It’s essential to consider the context in which the term is used to grasp its intended meaning fully, and you should always keep in mind that it is an informal word. Don’t use it with your parents, your in-laws, your teachers or any person to whom you would normally speak in a formal way. Save it for your very close friends.

Paulina Gerez is a translator-interpreter, content creator, and founder of Crack The Code, a series of online courses focused on languages. Through her social media, she helps people see learning a language from another perspective through her fun experiences. Instagram: paulinagerezm / Tiktok: paugerez3 / YT: paulina gerez

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