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Spanish Idioms and Sayings from Spain and Latin America

Learning & Grammer

The Spanish language is so special because it's spoken not only in Spain, but also, and especially, in Latin America. This has led to regional variations in Spanish, some of which even surprise native speakers. This is particularly evident in Spanish idioms. These reflect the culture and mentality of each Spanish-speaking country. Here, we'll introduce you to some of these Spanish idioms. This way, you'll be able to get by in any Spanish-speaking country.

What are Spanish Idioms?

Spanish idioms (frases hechas or modismos) are expressions in Spanish that have a special meaning not directly derivable from the words themselves. These idioms are often culturally specific and cannot be translated literally. Most Spanish idioms employ literary devices such as similes, metaphors, or personification. Furthermore, they vary considerably from country to country, as Spanish differs significantly from one region to another.

It's best to take a look at our list of Spanish idioms and learn the differences. Then, when you're talking to a native Spanish speaker, you can surprise them by using one of these idioms. Of course, Spanish idioms are also perfect for a holiday in a Spanish-speaking country. You'll find them at the end of this article.

Differences in Idioms from Spain and Latin America

Spanish idioms (frases hechas or modismos) are expressions in Spanish that have a special meaning not directly derivable from the words themselves. These idioms are often culturally specific and cannot be translated literally. Most Spanish idioms employ literary devices such as similes, metaphors, or personification. Furthermore, they vary considerably from country to country, as Spanish differs significantly from one region to another.

It's best to take a look at our list of Spanish idioms and learn the differences. Then, when you're talking to a native Spanish speaker, you can surprise them by using one of these idioms. Of course, Spanish idioms are also perfect for a holiday in a Spanish-speaking country. You'll find them at the end of this article.

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Spanish Idioms from Spain

In Spain, the country of origin, there are countless regional idioms and expressions. For example, if you were to ask a native Spanish speaker from Latin America, they might not even know these expressions in Spanish. Therefore, only use them if you are speaking with someone from Spain!

Estar en las nubes

Definition: Being distracted or scattered
Example: Mi amigo siempre está en las nubes durante las classes.

Más vale tarde que nunca
Definition: Better late than never
Example: Llegué al cumpleaños de Ana tarde, pero más vale tarde que nunca.

Camarón que se duerme se lo lleva la corriente
Definition: If you don't pay attention, you lose
Example: No debes dejar tus pertenencias sin vigilancia, camarón que se duerme se lo lleva la corriente.

Tener la sartén por el mango
Definition: Those who have control or power,
Example: En el equipo de trabajo, María tiene la sartén por el mango.

Ser uña y carne
Definition: Being very close friends or allies
Example: Pedro y Juan son uña y carne, hacen todo juntos.

Spanish Idioms in Latin America

Idioms from Peru

Idiom Definition Example
Ser más cholo que la ají Show pride in Peru A Juan le encanta la música criolla, es más cholo que la ají.
Tener aguante have patience or perseverance En el tráfico limeño, se necesita tener aguante.
Qué yuca difficult or challenging ¡La prueba alemana era imposible! ¿Qué yuca?
Qué papaya Unexpected or easily accessible Me dieron el día libre en el trabajo, ¡qué papaya!
Qué palta Something is frustrating Qué palta, se me olvidaron las llaves en casa y la puerta está cerrada.

Mexican Idioms

Idioms Definition Example
Echarle ganas Make an effort Voy a echarle ganas para aprobar el examen.
Que chido/a Does "cool" mean ¡Esa película estuvo muy chida!
Chamba Does "job" mean Estoy buscando chamba en el centro de la ciudad.
No hay bronca German: "No problem" Olvidé traer el libro, pero mi amigo dijo que no hay bronca.
Está cañón It is difficult l examen de matemáticas está cañón, necesito estudiar mucho.

Idioms from Argentina

Idiom Definition Example
Estar en pedo Drunk A Juan le encanta la música criolla, es más cholo que la ají.
Laburar Work En el tráfico limeño, se necesita tener aguante.
Ser un quilombo To be a chaotic situation or person ¡La prueba alemana era imposible! ¿Qué yuca?
Hacerse el vivo behave cleverly Me dieron el día libre en el trabajo, ¡qué papaya!
Ser more lento that the dulce de leche be slow Qué palta, se me olvidaron las llaves en casa y la puerta está cerrada.

Idioms from Colombia

Idiom Definition Example
Tiran los gallos To show off or brag José siempre tira los gallos sobre sus logros deportivos.
Estar sin blanca Being broke or having no money Después de las vacaciones, estoy sin blanca.
Estar en la luna Being absent Cuando Juan está en la luna, ni siquiera escucha lo que le dicen.
Está chiviado It is defective Mi teléfono móvil está chiviado, no puedo hacer llamadas ni enviar mensajes.
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Spanish Idioms Involving Food

Estar de mala leche

Literally: To be bad milk.
Meaning: To be in a bad mood.

Ponerse como un tomate

Literally: To be like a tomato
. Meaning: To blush.

Ser la media naranja

Literally: To be half an orange.
Meaning: To be a soulmate.

Dar calabazas

Literally: Pumpkins
signify: To reject someone

Ser la pera

Literally: To be the pear.
Meaning: To be the best.

Ser pan comido

Literally: To be eaten bread.
Meaning: Child's play.

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