Let’s talk… Like a native! Our “linguistic” column is finally back, we got quite a long break ahahah. Christmas, the beginning of a new year, important topics to talk about… Yes, it has been a busy period for us. This month we will provide you with some Spanish expressions that will make you sound like a native. Well, almost like a native.
Idiomatic expressions are undoubtedly a good way to show off you Spanish skills; they will make your speaking more fluent and authentic. helpValencia has chosen for you only few of the dozens offered by @partnership_valencia, a very nice Instagram profile that address several topics. How to learn all these expression? By moving to Valencia (what a question) and by looking for a shared flat. Our suggestions for the perfect accommodation are often language-related: shared flats are definitely the right choice if you are planning to move abroad. You will save money and you will increase your chances to live with a Spanish native speaker!
Let’s try to be brief for once, so that you can go practice Spanish as soon as possible. To sum up, today’s topic is: Spanish expressions that you should definitely learn in order to sound like a native.
HABLAR POR LOS CODOS
Do you have a friend or an aquaintance who speaks a lot? Well, to describe this person in Spanish, you have definitely to use this expression.
What does it mean? To talk a lot
PLANCHAR LA OREJA
We keep this on the issue! No, it does not hurt, not at all! If you are tired and you want to go to sleep you will have to say “Me voy a planchar la oreja”.
What does it mean? To sleep.
NO DAR PALO AL AGUA
Recently, we have become extremely lazy, especially during weekends. The sofa is our lover, the blanket our best friend and a warm cup of tea our favourite treat. If this is your mood, you will need this expression to blow your friends off.
What does it mean? To be very lazy.
MONTAR UN POLLO
Something small just happened, but your friend is nervous and overreacts: he rides a chicken! Not literally ahahaha
What does it mean? To make a scene
ESTAR DE BUEN AŇO
Christmas is not far away and you have certainly gained some weight. Well, if it like that, you can say that you “estas de buen año”.
What does it mean? To be fat
SE ME VA LA PINZA
It may happen that you have a strange day and you act a little bit weird. Well, in this case, this expression perfectly matches.
What does it mean? To act irrationally.
PONERSE COMO UN TOMATE
If there is something that makes us uncomfortable, our body has often a reaction such as… completely red chicks ahahah. When this happens, you actually turn into a tomato.
What does it mean? To blush
AL MAL TIEMPO, BUENA CARA
We use this expression very often, we think it is such a positive attitude that everyone should hang it at home. When something negative is happening in his/her life, the poster will remember you how to react…
What does it mean? To put on a brave face when there is a problem
ESTO ES COSER Y CANTAR
Have you ever done something extremely easy? This expression corresponds to the English “A walk in the park”.
What does it mean? This is very easy
HACE UN FRIO QUE PELA
Just because it is winter and it is cold, you may find this idiom quite useful.
What does it mean? It’s freezing cold.
HABLAR POR LOS CODOS
Do you have a friend or an aquaintance who speaks a lot? Well, to describe this person in Spanish, you have definitely to use this expression.
What does it mean? To talk a lot
Did you know any of them already? They are all new for us and we cannot wait to begin a game with our flatmates in order to learn them quicker. We strongly believe that we will sound like natives soon… Dreams come true ahahah.
We have mentioned a game above. Do you know what are we talking about? Some months ago, helpValencia has posted some interesting tips to learn easily a new language. Newcomers, you are clearly justified. Habitual readers, you have no excuses! To refresh your memory, here some of the most important tips we have suggested you:
# Use your own language as leverage. Find a Spanish tandem partner and meet him every week to practice and improve you Spanish.
# Move to Valencia and live in a shared flat, the most common housing solution for students and young workers who decide to move far from home or abroad.
# Last, but not least, you have to practice regularly with exercises, apps (such as Duolingo) or with the game we were talking about few minutes ago. Curious to discover this game? It is the flash card method. Write the word on a side and the translation on the other one. You choose a random card in the deck and make an effort to translate it or to remember what it means. You learn by playing!
By the way, if you wish to check all the other tips, feel free to click and discover all of them. Our team is international, therefore we have used them several times and (trust us) they work!
Study well…
helpValencia team