Learning a second language means familiarizing oneself with words and grammar. This immersive journey also includes learning the unique expressions and idioms that make the vernacular vibrant.
Spanish is no exception. When your child spends time with native Spanish speakers, they may hear strange and colorful idioms that could leave them scratching their heads. These phrases can help them sound more fluent and make conversations more fluid.
This blog will show you the ropes of common Spanish idioms and their meanings. Help your kids become familiar with these phrases, and soon enough, you’ll find them speaking Spanish like a native. Don’t worry, our lesson will be a piece of cake.
What are Spanish Idioms?
Spanish modismos (idioms) are expressions that don’t make sense if translated literally or word-for-word. They usually can’t be translated from one language to another because they will lose meaning and sound very different.
Spanish idioms tend to be tricky, especially for people starting to learn the language. They are culture-specific, nuanced, and don’t always mean what they seem to mean.
Common Spanish Idioms and Their Meanings
Ser pan comido
Literal translation: to be a piece of cake
“Pan comido” means “bread eaten.” This common Spanish idiom pertains to something super easy to do.
Example:
La tarea de lectura es pan comido.
The reading assignment is a piece of cake.
No tener pelos en la lengua
Literal translation: to tell it like it is
“Pelos en la lengua” translates to “hairs on your tongue” and means for someone to be straightforward and opinionated. It urges them not to be afraid to speak their mind.
Example:
Mi hermana no tiene pelos en la lengua.
My sister tells it like it is.
Quedarse de piedra
Literal translation: to be stunned
When you are amazed, you say this easy Spanish idiom as it means “to stay like a stone.” A similar jaw-dropping idiom, “quedarse con la boca abierta,” expresses surprise and astonishment. This idiom translates to “keeping your mouth open.”
Example:
Mi padre quedé de piedra cuando vio la puntuación de mi cuestionario.
Father was stunned when he saw the score on my quiz.
Hablar por los codos
Literal translation: to speak through the elbows
Children might hear their parents or teachers say this Spanish idiom if they are talking excessively.
Example:
Ana hablaba por los codos durante la fiesta.
Ana was talking non-stop during the party.
Ser como buscar una aguja en un pajar
Literal translation: It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack
Similar to its English counterpart, this Spanish idiom refers to something difficult to find.
Example:
Hay unas 1,000 personas allá. Encontrar a Jose va a ser como buscar una aguja en un pajar.
There are 1,000 people there. Finding Jose will be like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Ponerse como un tomate
Literal translation: to turn red as a tomato
Have you ever gotten embarrassed about something that you blush and your cheeks turn red as a tomato? That feeling is where this Spanish idiom comes from.
Example:
Se puso como un tomate cuando resbaló frente a la clase.
He turned red as a tomato when he slipped in front of the class.
Vista de lince
Literal translation: to have an eagle or sharp eye
Another easy Spanish idiom to learn can be used when someone has great visual acuity and attention to detail. “Vista de lince” is derived from the belief of ancient people that a lynx can see incredibly far distances.
This idiom and the lynx get their namesake from Lynceus, a Greek mythological figure that had such amazing sight it could see through objects.
Example:
Necesitas vista de lince si quieres ser piloto.
You need eagle eyes if you want to be a pilot.
No tener pies ni cabeza
Literal translation: to not make any sense
If you would translate this idiom word-by-word, it means “to have neither feet nor head.” Like its translation, it means something that doesn’t make sense and is illogical or absurd.
Example:
Lo que ella dijo no tiene pies ni cabeza
What she said makes no sense.
Andar con pies de plomo
Literal translation: to walk on eggshells / to treat carefully or warily
The literal translation of this Spanish idiom example means “walking with leaden feet,” originating from footwear worn by scuba divers. They must walk carefully when performing tasks underwater as they require precise attention and caution.
Example:
Pepito decidió andar con pies de ploma cuando comenzó su nuevo trabajo.
Pepito decided to tread carefully when he started his new job.
Estar hecho un ají
Literal translation: to be hopping mad
While “ají” means chili in Spanish, this idiom means when you are extremely angry about something.
Example:
Mi hermano estar hecho un ají porque alguien se comió su empanada.
Brother was hopping mad because someone ate his empanada.
Expand Your Child’s Spanish Vocabulary
Common Spanish idioms add a special touch of magic that makes conversations more exciting. These short phrases add color and depth to the language, offering a glimpse into the culture and history of Spanish-speaking communities. Learning them helps your child communicate more effectively while providing insights into the mindset and values of Spanish speakers.
Whether you’re “hecho un aji” (feeling spicy), “entre la espada y la pared” (caught in a tight spot), or just “hablando por los codos” (chatting away), remember that learning idioms are like using secret codes.
Learn more about the beauty of the Spanish language by visiting the Rayito de Sol blog.
