You have probably heard Spanish idiomatic expressions during your language stay to learn Spanish in Spain. Are you familiar with the phrase: “Tener la sartén por el mango”? Or “Esto es pan comido”? Many times, you will understand what each word in a sentence means, but you don't know its meaning and context. These phrases are Spanish idiomatic expressions that are recurrently used in everyday Spanish.

Do you want to know some of the most used idiomatic expressions in the language? Don't miss this donQuijote article then. You can also read this same article in Spanish, French or Italian.

What are Spanish idiomatic expressions?

Spanish idiomatic expressions are phrases or sets of words that have a meaning different from that of the words that compose them. That is, the individual words have a meaning that, when joined together as a phrase or Spanish expression, changes completely.

Moreover, these Spanish idiomatic expressions should not be interpreted literally because their meaning is figurative or culturally specific. These expressions are common in all languages and usually reflect cultural, historical or social aspects of Spain, in this case.

Therefore, Spanish idiomatic expressions are a fundamental part of the language, as they add a touch of depth and distinct nuances to the speakers' communication. Although some of these expressions can be difficult to learn at first if you are not familiar with the culture or language.

Below you can find Spanish idiomatic expressions and examples, divided into several classes according to the topic they deal with. Did you already know any of them?

Spanish idiomatic expressions with animals

• Aburrise como una ostra (bored out of my mind) is synonymous with being in a very boring situation. Example: Me aburrí como una ostra durante la conferencia del sábado.
• Dar gato por liebre (pull the wool over [sb]'s eyes) mean to deceive someone when, for example, you offer something of lesser quality or value than what was promised. E.g.: Me dieron gato por liebre cuando compré este bolso en la playa.
• Estar en la edad del pavo (to go through teenage angst) refers to a stage in which immature behavior is common, such as in adolescence. E.g.: Mi hijo está en la edad del pavo, se pasa el día haciendo tonterías.
• Estar como una cabra (to be crazy as a bat) means to be crazy or to behave eccentrically. E.g.: ¡Estás como una cabra si crees que voy a saltar desde ese puente!
• Estar como pez en el agua (to be in one’s element): to feel very comfortable in a situation or place. E.g.: Estaba como pez en el agua cuando se ponía a cocinar.
• No ver tres en un burro (to be blind as a bat) is used when someone has very bad vision. E.g.: Laura no ve ni tres en un burro sin sus gafas.

• Pagar el pato (to take the rap) refers to suffering the consequences of something for which you are not to blame or responsible. E.g.: Aunque no fue su culpa, Juan tuvo que pagar el pato por un error informático.
• Ser un gallina (to be a chicken) is to be a coward. E.g.: No seas un gallina, ven con nosotros a la casa del terror.
• Ser un rata (to be a tightwad) means to be very stingy or unwilling to spend money. E.g.: Mi vecino es un rata, nunca quiere pagar las reformas del edificio.
• Ser la oveja negra (to go off the rails) means to be the different member of a group or family, usually used in a negative way. E.g.: En mi familia, siempre me han considerado la oveja negra.
• Tener memoria de pez (fish's memory) means to have a bad memory or to forget things quickly. g: ¿No recuerdas lo que pasó ayer? ¡Menuda memoria de pez tienes!
• Tener vista de lince (to have an eagle eye) is the opposite of No ver ni tres en un burro, it refers to when a person has very good and sharp eyesight. E.g.: Luis tiene vista de lince; siempre encuentra las cosas que los demás no ven.

Spanish idiomatic expressions with food

• Comerse el coco (to worry one’s head): to think too much about something, to worry excessively. E.g.: No te comas el coco con eso, seguro que todo saldrá bien.
• Dar calabazas a alguien (to give somebody the brush off): to reject someone, usually in a love context. E.g.: María le dio calabazas a su compañero de clase.
• Darle la vuelta a la tortilla (to turn the tables): to change a situation completely. E.g.: Estábamos perdiendo el partido, pero le dimos la vuelta a la tortilla y ganamos.
• Es pan comido (it's a piece of cake): when something is very easy to do. E.g.: El examen de matemáticas fue pan comido.
• Es el pan de cada día (daily occurrence): refers to something that happens very frequently. E.g.: Las quejas de los clientes son el pan de cada día en nuestro trabajo.
• Estar de mala leche or tener mala leche (to get bent out of shape): to be in a bad mood. E.g.: Hoy no hables con Carlos, está de mala leche por la discusión de ayer.
• Ir a toda leche (to go like the clappers): when something or someone goes very fast. E.g.: Iba a toda leche en su moto cuando tuvo que frenar de golpe.
• Irse a freir espárragos (get lost): to send someone away in a rude or contemptuous manner. E.g.: Si sigues molestándome, te vas a freír espárragos.
• Ir pisando huevos (to walk on eggshells): is when someone goes cautiously or very slowly. E.g.: Mi vecino va pisando huevos cuando coge el coche.

• No importar un pepino/rábano/pimiento (do not care): you can use any of the three vegetables for this phrase; it means not caring at all or when you have no interest in something. E.g.: Me importa un pimiento lo que digan los demás.
• No hacer ni el huevo (to do nothing): means to do absolutely nothing. E.g.: Pedro no hizo ni el huevo en el proyecto final.
• Parecerse como un huevo a una castaña (to be like chalk and cheese): not to resemble each other at all or to be physically different. E.g.: Aunque son hermanos, se parecen como un huevo a una castaña.
• Ponerse como un tomate (to turn red as a beetroot): synonymous with blushing or being embarrassed. E.g.: Cuando recibe un cumplido, se pone como un tomate.
• Pedirle peras al olmo (to reach for the moon/to make a silk purse out of a pig’s ear): to ask for something impossible or very difficult to get. E.g.: Esperar que cambie de actitud es como pedirle peras al olmo.
• Ponerle la guinda al pastel (putting the icing on the cake): adding the finishing touch to something. E.g.: El gol en el último minuto le puso la guinda al pastel tras un fin de semana genial.
• Ser un chorizo: to be a thief. E.g.: Despidieron al contable porque resultó ser un chorizo.
• Ser un bombón (to be eye candy): is to be a very attractive person. E.g.: Es un bombón de niño, se parece a su madre.
• Ser un pez gordo (To be a big shot): to be an important or influential person in a particular field. E.g.: El nuevo jefe es un pez gordo de la industria.
• Ser carne de cañón (To be cannon fodder): to be always exposed to danger. E.g.: Si sigues tomando malas decisiones, acabarás siendo carne de cañón.
• Ser un melón (to be a blockhead): to be dumb or not very smart, used in an affectionate or negative way, depending on the context. E.g.: No seas melón y revisa los datos antes de enviar el informe.
• Ser del año de la pera (to be from another era): when something is very old. E.g.: Este televisor es del año de la pera, ¡no tiene mando a distancia!
• Temblar como un flan (to tremble like a flan): is to be very nervous or scared in a specific situation. E.g.: Antes de la entrevista temblaba como un flan.

Spanish idiomatic expressions with body parts

• Andar con pies de plomo (to walk on the safe side): is to act very cautiously. E.g.: Lo mejor es andar con pies de plomo cuando hables con tu superior.
• Buscarle tres pies al gato (to take the scenic route): when something gets unnecessarily complicated, or you look for problems where there are none. This expression could also be categorized in idiomatic expressions with animals. E.g.: No le busques tres pies al gato, la solución es más sencilla de lo que parece.

• Costar un ojo de la cara (to cost a fortune/to cost an arm and a leg): when something is very expensive. E.g.: Ese coche deportivo cuesta un ojo de la cara. 
• Dar la cara (face up): when someone takes responsibility for something. E.g.: Cuando hubo problemas, fue el único que dio la cara por mí.
• Echar un ojo (to keep an eye on sth/sb): when you keep an eye on or take care of something briefly. E.g.: ¿Puedes echarle un ojo a la comida mientras no estoy?
• Echar una mano (to lend a hand): when you help someone. E.g.: Necesito que me eches una mano con estos documentos.
• Empinar el codo (to have a few): when drinking alcohol in excess. E.g.: Después del trabajo, nos fuimos al bar a empinar el codo todo el equipo.
• Estar mal de la cabeza (to be out of your mind): used when someone is crazy. E.g.: No puedo creer que haya hecho eso; está mal de la cabeza.
• Estar hasta las narices (to be sick to death): when you are really fed up or tired of something or someone. E.g.: Estoy hasta las narices de tus mentiras; no te creo más.
• Hacer oídos sordos (to turn a deaf ear): when you ignore something on purpose. E.g.: Aunque se lo dijeron varias veces, hizo oídos sordos y siguió adelante.
• Hacer algo al pie de la letra (to do something to the T): when you do something exactly as instructed. E.g.: Siguió las instrucciones al pie de la letra y todo salió perfecto.
• Hablar por los codos (to talk nineteen to the dozen): when someone talks a lot or incessantly. E.g.: Rocío habla por los codos; a veces es difícil seguirle el ritmo.
• Hincar los codos (to swot): when you study hard and put a lot of effort into something, generally used for studies. E.g.: Si quieres aprobar, tendrás que hincar los codos las últimas semanas.
• Lavarse las manos (to pass the bucket): to wash one's hands of a problem or responsibility. E.g.: Se lavó las manos cuando le preguntaron qué había pasado.
• Levantarse con el pie izquierdo (to get out of bed on the wrong side): to start the day in a bad mood. E.g.: Diego se ha levantado con el pie izquierdo, tiene un humor horrible.
• Meter la pata (to screw up): to make a mistake, especially when saying something inappropriate. E.g.: Metí la pata al mencionar el tema.
• Morderse la lengua (to hold one's tongue/ bite one’s lip): to restrain oneself from saying something one thinks. E.g.: Quería decirle lo que pensaba, pero me mordí la lengua para no empeorar las cosas.

• No dar tu brazo a torcer (not budge an inch): when you don't give in to an argument or opinion. E.g.: Aunque todos estaban de acuerdo, él no dio su brazo a torcer.
• No tener pelos en la lengua (not mincing words): to say what you think straight out, in a direct way. E.g.: No tiene pelos en la lengua; siempre dice lo que piensa.
• No pegar ojo (not sleeping a wink): when you can't get to sleep. E.g.: Anoche no pegué ojo por el ruido en la calle.
• No tener un pelo de tonto (not a fool): to be very clever or cunning. E.g.: No intentes engañarlo, no tiene un pelo de tonto.
• No tener ni pies ni cabeza (without rhyme or reason): when something does not make sense or is illogical. E.g.: La historia que me contó no tiene ni pies ni cabeza.
• Poner la oreja (to put your ear): to listen attentively to or eavesdrop on another person's conversation. E.g.: Siempre está poniendo la oreja cuando hay alguna disputa.
• Salvarse por un pelo (a narrow escape): to escape a danger or situation by a hair's breadth. E.g.: Casi perdemos el tren, pero nos salvamos por un pelo.
• Ser el brazo derecho de alguien (to be sb’s right-hand man/woman): to be someone's most trusted person. E.g.: Rubén es el brazo derecho del director.
• Ser como uña y carne (to be like flesh and blood): to be very close to someone or to be inseparable. E.g.: Pedro y Juan han sido como uña y carne desde pequeños.
• Tener la cabeza llena de pájaros (to have a head full of birds): to be dreamy or not have one's feet on the ground. E.g.: Tiene la cabeza llena de pájaros, siempre soñando despierta.
• Tomarle el pelo a alguien (to pull someone’s leg): to pull someone's leg, usually as a joke. E.g.: No le hagas caso, solo te está tomando el pelo con esa historia.
• Tener cara dura (to be a cheeky person): to be shameless or shameless. E.g.: Tiene mucha cara dura para pedir más dinero tras su comportamiento.
• Tener los pies en el suelo (to put your feet on the ground): be realistic, don't get carried away by fantasies. E.g.: Aunque tiene grandes sueños, siempre mantiene los pies en el suelo.

Spanish idiomatic expressions with colors

• Buscar al príncipe azul (to look for Prince Charming): looking for the ideal or perfect partner. E.g.: Aún sueña con encontrar a su príncipe azul.
• Dar en el blanco (to hit the bullseye): to be right about something when you assume or statement. E.g.: Con su propuesta, dio en el blanco; todos estuvieron de acuerdo.
• Dar luz verde (to give the green light): to give permission for something to begin. E.g.: Dio luz verde al proyecto tras su presentación.
• Estar verde (to be very early stage): when you are unprepared or inexperienced in something. E.g.: Aún está verde en esta área; necesita más experiencia.
• Estar como una rosa (to feel as fresh as a daisy): to be in great health or look great. E.g.: Después de unas vacaciones, volvió al trabajo como una rosa.
• Estar sin blanca (to be broke): when you have no money. E.g.: Me quedé sin blanca tras las vacaciones en Nueva York.

• No hay color (to be like apples and oranges): when there is no comparison between two things or situations. E.g.: No hay color entre los dos equipos; el primero es mucho mejor.
• Ponerse morado (to eat like a horse): when you eat or drink too much. E.g.: Se puso morado en la boda del sábado.
• Poner verde a alguien (to call someone every name in the book): to criticize someone or speak ill of that person. E.g.: Tras la cena, pusieron verde al camarero por su mala gestión.
• Ponerse rojo (to turn red as a beetroot): to blush, usually out of embarrassment, is synonymous with the expression 'ponerse como un tomate'. E.g.: Se puso rojo cuando le preguntaron sobre su vida personal.
• Quedarse en blanco (to go blank): to suddenly forget something during an important moment. E.g.: Durante la presentación, se quedó en blanco y no supo qué decir.
• Verlo todo de color de rosas (to see all peaches and cream): being very optimistic, seeing everything in a positive way. E.g.: Aunque tiene problemas, siempre lo ve todo de color de rosa.

In addition to all these idiomatic expressions in Spanish, there are many more that have nothing to do with Spanish colors, food in Spanish or parts of the body. For example: 'Dar en el clavo', when you get an argument right or 'Hablar del rey de Roma', when you are talking about a person, and he appears at that moment.

All these idiomatic expressions will help you to improve your knowledge of the language and to communicate like a native speaker with the locals in Spain. Most of these expressions are used in Spain, in other countries where Spanish is also spoken, they have their own expressions, although some of them do coincide.

Saying or asking for the time in Spanish is one of the first basic lessons when you are learning the language. Whether it is because you are late for an interview or a movie; you are stopped on the street and asked the time or even you have an appointment and you are late!

Learning the time in Spanish, both digital and analog, is essential to further develop your knowledge of the language. Because mastering Spanish is not only about learning grammar and vocabulary, but also small details such as the time in Spanish or Spanish slang.
You can read this article in Spanish, French, Italian or Dutch.

How to tell the time in Spanish?

The most common question you will hear if you learn Spanish in Spain or Latin America is: “¿Qué hora es?” (What time is it?) This is the most direct way to ask for the time in Spanish, regardless of whether you know your interlocutor.
Also, depending on the context, you may hear several ways of asking for the time in Spanish. Here are some examples:

• Perdona, ¿qué hora es? (Excuse me, what time is it?)
• Oye, ¿qué hora tenemos? (Hey, what time do we have?)
• ¿Tienes hora? (Do you know what time it is?)
• ¿Me puedes decir qué hora es?
• Disculpa, ¿me puedes decir la hora?

Once you have understood the bulk of the question, you need to know how to answer. In Spanish, you can distinguish the time in digital or analog, as in all other languages. So, let's see how to differentiate and tell the different times in Spanish.

The hours in Spanish

The simplest way to tell the time in Spanish is when you want to tell an exact time. It's as simple as saying the time followed by “en punto”, or you can simplify it and just say the time. For example:

• 05:00 h: Las cinco en punto (Five o'clock)
• 09:00h: Las nueve ()
• 13:00 h: La una en punto (One o'clock)
• 18:00 h: Las seis (Six o'clock)

Hours with minutes

When you need to tell an hour with minutes, simply mention the hour and then the minutes. But keep in mind that, if the minutes are less than 30, you simply add the conjunction “y” (and) followed by the minutes. Whereas, if the minutes are more than 30, you can say “menos” and the time remaining until the next hour.
Here are some examples:

• 08:15h: Las ocho y cuarto (Quarter past eight)
• 11:25h: Las once y veinticinco (Twenty-five minutes past eleven)
• 14:30h: Las dos y media (Half past two)
• 15:50h: Son las cuatro menos diez (Ten to four o'clock)
• 20:45h: Las nueve menos cuarto (Quarter to nine)
• 22:10h: Las diez y diez (Ten past ten)

Difference between digital and analog format

The digital format is the most used nowadays to see the time since everyone has a mobile phone or a watch with a screen. This time format in Spanish is read as it is written:

• 07:12h: Las siete y doce (Seven twelve o’clock)
• 12:47h: Las doce cuarenta y siete (Twelve fourty-seven)
• 13:30h: Las trece treinta or La una y media de la tarde (Thirteen thirty o'clock)
• 16:45h: Las dieciséis cuarenta y cinco (Sixteen forty-five o'clock)

On the other hand, the analog format is the traditional clock with hands, and, in this case, the time is told in the manner explained above. Examples:

• 04:30h: Las cuatro y media ()
• 06:15h: Las seis y cuarto (Quarter past six)
• 10:55h: Las once menos cinco ()
• 19:35h: Las ocho menos veinticinco ()

It should be noted that, in Spanish, the AM and PM format is not used as in English. So, to differentiate the hours in Spanish, we say “de la mañana”, “de la tarde” or “de la noche”. Also, for 12:00h, you can say “es mediodía” or “es medianoche”. Here are some examples:

• 09:00h: Son las nueve de la mañana (It is nine o'clock in the morning)
• 20:00h: Son las ocho de la tarde (It is eight o'clock in the evening)
• 12:00h: Son las doce del mediodía ()
• 00:00h: Son las doce de la noche ()
• 18:00h: Las seis de la tarde ()
• 05:00h: Las cinco de la mañana ()
• 14:00h: Las dos de la tarde (Two o'clock in the afternoon)

Below, you will find some phrases where the hours are used in Spanish so that you can see various contexts:

1. La reunión empieza a las diez en punto (10:00 am) - The meeting starts at ten o'clock.
2. Llegué al aeropuerto a las cinco y media de la mañana (5:30 am) - I arrived at the airport at half past five in the morning.
3. El tren sale a las cuatro menos diez de la tarde (3:50 pm) - The train leaves at ten to four o'clock in the afternoon.
4. Nos vemos a las siete de la tarde en las taquillas del cine (7:00 pm) - Meet me at 7:00 p.m. at the cinema box office.
5. La obra de teatro empieza a las ocho y cuarto (8:15 pm) - The play starts at a quarter to eight.
6. Tengo una reserva para comer a las dos y media de la tarde (2:30pm) - I have a lunch reservation at 2:30 pm.
7. Mi vecino se despierta a las seis de la mañana para pasear a su perro (6:00 am) - My neighbor wakes up at six o'clock in the morning to walk his dog.

As in any language, learning to tell time in Spanish is a matter of practice. Remember that it is important to learn the basic ways to tell the hours in minutes or to differentiate between digital and analog format, since both are still used to tell the time in Spanish. With a little practice, you will master it quickly. Good luck!

Learning the parts of the body in Spanish is one of the first vocabulary lessons when you are learning the language, just like the colors in Spanish. Studying all the words about the human body will help you explain to the doctor if something hurts or how to give a compliment to a friend.

Do you have a headache and need a pill, have you had a fever and stomachache for several days, or do you want to ask the doctor how to relieve a specific pain? Spanish body parts vocabulary is more useful than you might think.

You can read this article in multiples languages: Spanish, French or Italian.

Parts of the body in Spanish

First, you are going to learn how to say human body in Spanish, it is translated as ‘cuerpo’ or ‘cuerpo humano’; and the parts of the body or the skeleton are translated as 'las partes del cuerpo' and 'esqueleto'. Depending on which area you want to refer to, you will have to use one term or another.

Next, it is essential to learn the most basic parts of the body in Spanish and the ones you are most likely to use in your day-to-day life.

The most common parts of the body in Spanish are:

• Cabeza (Head)
• Pelo (Hair)
• Cara (Face)
• Oreja (Ear)
• Ceja (Eyebrow)
• Ojo (Eye)
• Nariz (Nose)
• Boca (Mouth)
• Cuello (Neck)
• Pecho (Chest)
• Hombro (Shoulder)
• Espalda (Back)
• Estómago (Stomach)
• Brazo (Arm)
• Codo (Elbow)
• Mano (Hand)
• Dedos de la mano (Fingers)
• Pierna (Leg)
• Rodilla (Knee)
• Pie (Foot)
• Dedo del pie (Toe)
• Talón (Heel)

More body parts vocabulary in Spanish

Once you have learned the most basic Spanish words for body parts, it is time to delve into other parts or organs that will also be helpful. This vocabulary about the parts of the body in Spanish is less common, but if you must go to the doctor, are studying medicine or want to explain an ailment correctly, knowing these words is essential to communicate successfully.

Parts of the head in Spanish

• Frente (Forehead)
• Mejilla (Cheek)
• Pómulos (Cheekbones)
• Párpado (Eyelid)
• Pestañas (Eyelashes)
• Labios (Lips)
• Lengua (Tongue)
• Dientes (Teeth)
• Garganta (Throat)
• Mandíbula (Jaw)
• Barbilla (Chin)

Other parts of the human body in Spanish

• Axila (Axilla)
• Muñeca (Wrist)
• Antebrazo (Forearm)
• Palma (Palm)
• Pulgar (Thumb)
• Dedo índice (Index Finger)
• Dedo corazón (Middle Finger)
• Dedo anular (Ring Finger)
• Meñique (Little finger)
• Uña (Nail)
• Barriga (Belly)
• Cintura (Waist)
• Senos (Breast)
• Pezón (Nipple)
• Ombligo (Navel)
• Caderas (Hips)
• Trasero (Buttocks)
• Genitales (Genitalia)
• Muslo (Thigh)
• Tobillo (Ankle)

Organs and bones in Spanish

• Cerebro (Brain)
• Pulmones (Lungs)
• Corazón (Heart)
• Sangre (Blood)
• Riñón (Kidney)
• Intestino grueso (Large Intestine)
• Intestino delgado (Small intestine)
• Hígado (Liver)
• Musculo (Muscle)
• Esófago (Esophagus)
• Piel (Skin)

• Cráneo (Skull)
• Clavícula (Clavicle)
• Fémur (Femur)
• Humero (Humerus)
• Rótula (Patella)
• Radio (Radius)
• Cúbito (Ulna)
• Costillas (Ribs)
• Omoplato (Scapula)
• Columna vertebral or espina dorsal (Vertebral column or spine)
• Esternón (Sternum)
• Tibia (Tibia)
• Peroné (Fibula)
• Vértebra (Vertebra)

Phrases using Spanish body parts

Below, you will find some phrases that use words from the parts of the body in Spanish that you have seen throughout this article. Practice and use all the vocabulary in this article about Spanish body parts:

1. Me duele la cabeza después de pasar todo el día frente al ordenador (I have a headache after spending the whole day in front of the computer)
2. Siento tensión en los hombros después del entrenamiento (I feel tension in my shoulders after training)
3. Cuando como demasiado y en exceso, me duele el estómago (When I eat too much and in excess, my stomach hurts)
4. Los riñones filtran la sangre y eliminan las toxinas del cuerpo (The kidneys filter the blood and remove toxins from the body)
5. El cráneo protege el cerebro de posibles golpes (The skull protects the brain from possible blows)
6. La pelvis conecta la columna vertebral con las piernas (The pelvis connects the spine to the legs)
7. El fémur es el hueso más largo y fuerte del cuerpo humano (The femur is the longest and strongest bone in the human body)
8. La mandíbula se mueve cuando hablamos y masticamos (The jaw moves when we talk and chew)
9. Me fracturé la clavícula en un accidente de bicicleta (I fractured my collarbone in a bicycle accident)
10. Las costillas protegen los pulmones y el corazón (The ribs protect the lungs and heart)
11. En total tenemos 20 dedos, los 10 que componen las manos y otros 10 en los pies (We have a total of 20 fingers, the 10 that make up our hands and another 10 on our feet)
12. El esófago transporta los alimentos desde la boca hasta el estómago (The esophagus transports food from the mouth to the stomach)
13. Me hice daño en las rodillas al caer mientras hacía ejercicio (I hurt my knees when I fell while I was exercising)
14. El cúbito y el radio son los dos huesos del antebrazo (The ulna and radius are the two bones of the forearm)
15. Me torcí los tobillos jugando al fútbol el fin de semana pasado (I sprained my ankles playing soccer last weekend)

Are you missing a word from the Spanish body parts that is not in this article? Although this list is very complete, we are sure that there is some term that we have missed.

However, if you learn all these Spanish words for body parts little by little, you will become a subject matter expert. Or you can complete your knowledge of Spanish by studying Spanish courses in Spain and put all your knowledge of the language into practice with native speakers.

If you are traveling to a Spanish-speaking country, it is essential to know the medical Spanish vocabulary in case of an emergency or incident. You may get sick, must visit the doctor or need to go to the emergency room, you must know how to explain to the professionals what has happened or where it hurts.

That's why in this donQuijote post you will learn the essential medical Spanish vocabulary you need for your next trip, to expand your knowledge of the language or out of pure curiosity if you are learning Spanish. Keep reading and don't miss anything!

You can read this same post in Spanish or French.

Medical Spanish words

First, you should know medical Spanish terms that are used to call or appeal to professionals in the field:

• Doctor/a (Doctor/ Physician)
• Enfermera/o (Nurse)
• Hospital (Hospital)
• Ambulancia (Ambulance)
• Sala de espera (Waiting room)
• Urgencias (Emergency Room)
• Síntomas (Symptoms)
• Enfermedad (Illness)

These are just some of the most common words that are commonly used when it comes to medical personnel and their workplace. But, if you want to dig deeper into the symptoms, these medical Spanish words will be of great use to you:

• Accidente (Accident)
• Alergia (Allergy)
• Ampolla (Blister)
• Análisis de sangre (Blood test)
• Análisis de orina (Urinalysis)
• Depresión (Depression)
• Deshidratación (Dehydration)
• Diarrea (Diarrhea)
• Dolor (Pain)
• Dolor de cabeza (Headache)
• Dolor de garganta (Sore throat)
• Dolor de estómago (Stomach pain)
• Dolor lumbar (Lumbar pain)
• Estreñimiento (Constipation)
• Fatiga (Fatigue)
• Fiebre (Fever)
• Fractura (Fracture)
• Gripe (Flu/Influenza)
• Hemorragia (Hemorrhage)
• Infección (Infection)
• Intoxicación (Intoxication)
• Mareo (Dizziness)
• Medicina (Medicine)
• Moratón (Bruise)
• Nauseas (Nausea)
• Pastillas (Pills)
• Picadura (Stinging)
• Picazón (Itching)
• Quemadura (Burn)
• Sangre (Blood)
• Sarpullido (Rash)
• Tensión alta/baja (High/low blood pressure)
• Termómetro (Thermometer)
• Tirita (Band-aid)
• Tos (Cough)
• Vacuna (Vaccine)
• Virus (Virus)
• Vómitos (Vomiting)

On the other hand, you may need to know some specific medical Spanish terms, especially if you suffer from a specific disease and need to explain it to a professional. Here are some of those medical Spanish words:

• Artritis (Arthritis)
• Arritmia (Arrhythmia)
• Asma (Asthma)
• Cáncer (Cancer)
• Diabetes (Diabetes)
• Dificultad respiratoria (Respiratory distress)
• Hipertensión o hipotensión arterial (Hypertension or arterial hypotension)
• Inflamación (Inflammation)
• Irritación (Irritation)
• Infección bacteriana (Bacterial infection)
• Ictus (Stroke)
• Migraña (Migraine)
• Neumonía (Pneumonia)
• Osteoartritis (Osteoarthritis)
• Parálisis (Paralysis)
• Resfriado (Cold)
• Septicemia (Sepsis)
• Trombosis (Thrombosis)

In case you have an accident and need to explain to the doctor what has happened, these words will help you communicate your situation:

• Golpearse la cabeza (Hitting your head)
• Sangrar (Bleeding)
• Romperse un hueso (Breaking a bone)
• Accidente de coche (Car accident)
• Cortarse (Cutting)
• Desmayarse (Fainting)
• Caerse (Falling)
• Lesión/lesionarse (Injury)
• Torcerse un tobillo (Twisting an ankle)
• Herida (Wound)
• Vendaje (Bandage)

Once you have explained the situation, and the doctors and nurses know how to treat you, these words about medicines will also clarify the diagnosis:

• Antibiótico (Antibiotic)
• Analgésico (Analgesic)
• Anestesia (Anesthesia)
• Aspirina (Aspirin)
• Enalapril (Enalapril)
• Insulina (Insulin)
• Ibuprofeno (Ibuprofen)
• Laxante (Laxative)
• Omeprazol (Omeprazole)
• Paracetamol (Paracetamol)
• Penicilina (Penicillin)

Medical Spanish Phrases

Once you have assimilated the medical Spanish vocabulary, you must know how to formulate the necessary phrases so that the doctor or any health professional understands you. For that reason, here are some of the medical Spanish phrases that can help you if the doctor asks you questions or you must explain what is wrong with you:

• Señale dónde le duele (Point to where it hurts)
• Respire lentamente, cogiendo el aire por la nariz y expulsándolo por la boca (Breathe slowly, taking in air through your nose and expelling it through your mouth)
• Levante la cabeza (Lift your head)
• Abra la boca (Open your mouth)
• Le voy a mirar los oídos (I'm going to look in your ears)
• Voy a auscultarle el pecho (I'm going to listen to your chest)
• Acuéstese en la camilla (Lie down on the stretcher)
• Le voy a tomar la temperatura corporal (I'm going to take your body temperature)
• Dígame si siente algún dolor en esta zona (Tell me if you feel any pain in this area)
• Me duele la espalda/el brazo/la pierna… (My back/arm/leg hurts....)
• Tengo dolor de cabeza/espalda/garganta/oídos… (I have a headache/back/throat/earache....)
• No me encuentro bien (I do not feel well)
• Me pitan los oídos (My ears are ringing)
• ¿Toma alguna medicación? (Do you take any medication?)
• ¿Cada cuánto debo tomarme el medicamento? (How often should I take my medication?)
• He tenido un accidente (I have had an accident)
• Tengo una herida en el brazo (I have an arm injury)
• Tengo mareos (I have dizziness)
• Me siento débil (I feel weak)
• Tengo un poco de fiebre (I have a slight fever)

These are just some of the most used medical terms in Spanish, but there are many more, depending on the situation or state of health of each person. Even so, we hope this post will be helpful when you need to consult medical vocabulary in Spanish. Follow your adventure in the language and continue learning Spanish with donQuijote.

Summer is here and it comes with lots of heat, travel and new discoveries for Spanish travelers. This long-awaited season has arrived and, if you are going to visit a country where Spanish is the main language, this article is for you.

Learn and discover the Spanish travel vocabulary you need to get around Spain, Mexico or Argentina this summer. You will be able to communicate with the natives if you have any questions about transportation, food or where is the building or restaurant you are looking for. Don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have; the Spaniards will be happy to help you!

You can also read this article in Spanish.

Basic Spanish words for travel

Even if you don't have a very high level of Spanish, making the effort to speak Spanish when you are in Spain is a good decision. Not only will you learn new vocabulary, but the locals will appreciate it if you try to communicate with them in Spanish. So, here are some basic Spanish words for traveling to Spanish-speaking countries.

• Hola (Hello)
• Buenos días (Good morning)
• Buenas tardes (Good afternoon)
• Buenas noches (Good night)
• Por favor (Please)
• Disculpa (Excuse me)
• Quiero… (I want…)
• Necesito… (I need…)
• Me gustaría… (I would like…)
• Gracias (Thanks)
• Muchas gracias (Thank you so much)
• Perdón (Sorry)
• Adiós (Goodbye)

Basic Spanish phrases for travel

The most basic Spanish travel vocabulary is fundamental to communicate successfully, but as a Spanish traveler, you also need to know some key phrases if you need to ask for help on the subway or bus; if you want to ask for the ingredients of a dish or if you want to ask for directions to a specific place.

Below, you will find some basic Spanish phrases for traveling that will be useful in multiple scenarios:

• ¿Habla inglés? (Do you speak English?)
• No hablo español (I don’t speak Spanish)
• ¿Cómo se dice en español…? (How do you say in Spanish...?)
• No sé qué significa eso (I don't know what that means)
• No lo entiendo (I don't understand it)
• ¿Qué hora es? (What time is it?)
• Hable más lento, por favor (Speak slower, please)

But imagine you want to talk to the hotel receptionist or the owner of the place where you are staying. Here are some useful Spanish phrases for travel:

• Tengo una reserva a nombre de María Gómez (I have a reservation in the name of Maria Gomez)
• ¿A qué hora puedo entrar a la habitación? (What time can I enter the room?)
• ¿Cuándo hay que dejar la habitación el día que nos marchemos? (When do we have to leave the room the day we check out?)
• ¿Hay buffet libre en el desayuno? (Is there a free buffet at breakfast?)
• ¿Pueden guardarme las maletas hasta que salga mi avión? (Can you hold my bags for me until my plane leaves?)
• ¿Cuál es la contraseña del WiFi? (What is the WiFi password?)
• Me gustaría devolver la llave de la habitación (I would like to return the room key)
• No queda gel de ducha en el baño, ¿podrían proporcionármelo? (There is no shower gel left in the bathroom, can you provide it?)

Although the Spanish travel vocabulary you will use the most is probably the one you will find below. Learn how to ask for and order food in Spanish in a restaurant:

• Mesa para dos, por favor (Table for two, please)
• Tengo una reserva a nombre de Luis Pérez (I have a reservation in the name of Luis Perez)
• ¿Puede traerme la carta? (Can you bring me the menu?)
• ¿Qué me recomienda? (What do you recommend?)
• ¿Cuál es el menú de hoy? (What is today's menu?)
• Para beber, queremos dos refrescos, por favor (To drink, we would like two soft drinks, please)
• Soy vegetariano, ¿tienen algún plato sin carne? (I am a vegetarian; do you have a meatless dish?)
• ¿Qué ingredientes tiene el plato? Soy alérgico a los frutos secos (What are the ingredients in the dish? I am allergic to nuts)
• Mi hamburguesa sin tomate, por favor (My hamburger without tomato, please)
• ¡Todo estaba muy rico! (Everything was very tasty!)
• ¿Dónde está el baño? (Where is the bathroom?)
• La cuenta, por favor (The bill, please)
• Para pagar con tarjeta (To pay by card)
• Me gustaría pagar en efectivo (I would like to pay cash)

Also, if you want to go into a shop or supermarket and ask the workers, ask for directions in Spanish or have an emergency and need help, these Spanish phrases for travel will help you:

• ¿Cuánto cuesta esta chaqueta? (How much does this jacket cost?)
• ¿Dónde queda el Museo del Prado? (Where is the Prado Museum?)
• Está a la derecha (It is on the right)
• Todo recto y después gira a la izquierda (Straight ahead and then turn left)
• ¿Qué precio tiene la entrada? (How much is the entrance fee?)
• ¿Cómo llego al estadio de fútbol? (How do I get to the soccer stadium?)
• ¿Puede ayudarme? (Can you help me?)
• Necesito ayuda para sacar el billete del metro (I need help getting a metro ticket)
• Estoy perdido, ¿cómo llego a mi hotel en la Calle Pez? (I'm lost, how do I get to my hotel on Calle Pez?)
• ¿Cómo llego al aeropuerto desde aquí? (How do I get to the airport from here?)
• ¿Dónde está la parada de metro más cercana? (Where is the nearest metro stop?)

These are just some of the basic Spanish words and phrases for traveling that will allow you to communicate with the locals. Put your Spanish skills into practice while you travel to perfect the language. Because one of the best ways to practice a language is to travel to a country where it is spoken, learning Spanish in Spain will allow you to develop your listening and comprehension skills in a short time during your vacation.

It's never too late when it comes to learning a new language. No matter how old you are or what you are working on, in terms of learning, everything counts, and even more so if you want to learn Spanish as an adult.

Work, home or family responsibilities often leave you with no time to learn a language, so in this article you will find the best way to learn Spanish as an adult. Tips and recommendations to make learning Spanish as an adult easy, simple and fast; and the best Spanish language immersion program for adults. In addition, you must know what level you have, so here you can find out: Spanish level test.

Set clear and achievable goals

The first tip is to define the goals you want to achieve when learning Spanish as an adult. Remember that these goals must be very specific and achievable, always in line with your daily life.

In addition, you should be clear about why you want to learn Spanish as an adult and, once you decide, get on with it! For example, you can set a goal of learning 10 or 15 Spanish words a day. Clear and concise goals will help you stay motivated and focused on learning Spanish.

Best Spanish language immersion programs for adults

There are thousands of Spanish immersion programs for adults, but which one should you choose? Without a doubt, as we have emphasized before, you must first know what your objectives are. Once you have established your goals, you will be able to choose the best Spanish immersion programs for adults that best suits you.

If you have a basic knowledge of the language and know how to get by, expressing your ideas, thoughts or emotions in Spanish is great. But a Spanish language immersion program for adults can really get you fully immersed in the language, as you will learn how a native speaker talks, how they express themselves and colloquial phrases that do not appear in textbooks.

In addition, one of the highlights of a Spanish language immersion program for adults is the opportunity to live with a host family and share meals and conversations with them. While you are staying with them, you will experience first-hand what it is like to live in a Spanish home.

All these factors will help you decide how you want your Spanish language immersion program for adults to be and how much time you want to dedicate to it. Without a doubt, an intensive Spanish course for the over-30s is a good way to start your Spanish immersion program. At donQuijote you will find this program, and many other courses adapted to your interests, with accommodation and extra activities so you can put your knowledge into practice and visit thousands of extraordinary places.

Spanish courses for adults

But if being self-taught is not your thing, the Spanish courses for adults are ideal for you. A language school or online Spanish immersion programs for adults can provide you with the foundation and guidance you need to learn effectively.

The teachers are qualified to teach you, correct your mistakes and give you clear explanations of grammar and vocabulary for your understanding. Because establishing a basic knowledge base during your Spanish speaking classes for adults will make it easier for you to continue learning the language.

Practice with native speakers

Practice in a language is essential to be able to think and communicate quickly with your interlocutors. That's why apps, exchange groups in your city or Spanish conversation groups will allow you to put into practice everything you've learned.

Find the perfect conversation partner to practice your Spanish. You may even reach an agreement: you teach them a language or play an instrument, and they teach you to practice Spanish. In addition, it will allow you to meet many people who will become lifelong friends.

Spanish speaking classes for adults are the key to improving your knowledge and fluency in the language. There is no better way to learn a language than by practicing it, and speaking is one of the most effective ways to learn Spanish fast for adults’ beginners.

Travel to Spanish-speaking countries

If it is a possibility for you, traveling to a Spanish-speaking country is one of the most effective ways you can find to learn Spanish fast for adult beginners.

Full immersion, for 24 hours, will force you to use Spanish to always communicate, in real everyday situations such as going to the supermarket, riding public transportation or ordering food in a restaurant. Accelerate your learning and immerse yourself completely in the language by learning Spanish in Spain or in a Latin American country such as Mexico.

Immerse yourself in Spanish

If traveling to learn Spanish in Spain is not in your plans, immerse yourself in the language wherever you are. Listen to Spanish music, read books, articles or newspapers and watch Spanish TV series or movies to learn vocabulary from home.

The more exposure you have to Spanish, the faster you will learn. You can also use apps on your phone to improve your Spanish outside of class or switch your smartphone language to Spanish to internalize everyday terms.

Write to practice your writing with friends, keep a journal or make a grocery list in Spanish. Every little step can make a difference when learning a language. In addition, you can take advantage of free online resources to practice grammar and vocabulary, watch YouTube videos or listen to podcasts in Spanish on topics of interest to you.

Look for content that interests you and that fits your level of Spanish and don't stop practicing.

Be consistent with practice and study

Learning Spanish as an adult can be a long and challenging process. Therefore, it is important to be patient and not get discouraged by mistakes. Consistency is key, so practice every day, even if it's just a few minutes, to improve your comprehension.

Finally, as a last tip for learning Spanish as an adult is to practice a lot of communication, talk to people, either in person or in writing; and constantly listen to songs, podcasts or movies in Spanish. Even if you don't understand all the vocabulary or phrases, you will be able to understand the overall conversation from the context.

Don't be discouraged and start learning Spanish now. It is never too late to venture into learning a new language and these tips can give you the final push you need. Come and experience a Spanish language immersion program for adults with don Quijote and master the language in a short space of time.

Spanish is one of the most studied languages, with thousands of speakers around the world and with very beautiful and curious words. So, if you are taking a Spanish course, want to deepen your vocabulary and learn beautiful words in Spanish, this is the article for you!

Discover a list of 50 beautiful words in Spanish that will surprise you. Some are used daily, and others are uncommon, but the richness of this language is present in every word.

Read this article in Spanish if you prefer.

50 beautiful words in Spanish

Below, you will find a list of 50 different Spanish words, some of them widely used and others not so popular daily.

• Acendrado: said of something as a quality or conduct; pure and without blemish or defect.
• Alma (soul): spiritual and immortal part of the human being.
• Añoranza (homesickness): feeling of sorrow for the absence of someone or something dear to one's heart.
• Apapachar: to give affectionate pats or hugs to someone.

• Arcano (arcane): mysterious, secret.
• Arrebol: red color, specifically the color of the clouds illuminated by the rays of the sun or the color of the face.
• Aurora: pinkish light that appears in the sky before sunrise.
• Azahar (orange blossom): white flower of the orange, lemon, and other citrus trees.
• Beldad: beauty or loveliness, especially in people and, particularly, in the woman.
• Bonhomía (bonhomie): affability, simplicity, kindness and honesty in character and behavior.
• Brisa (breeze): soft and fresh wind.
• Cálido (warm): that gives a sensation of heat.
• Cereza (cherry): small, round, red fruit of the cherry tree.
• Cielo (sky): atmosphere seen from the earth; firmament.
• Claridad (clarity): quality of light; luminosity.
• Constelación (constellation): a group of stars forming a recognizable pattern.

• Destello (sparkle): a brief, bright glow.
• Dulzura (sweetness): quality of sweetness; softness, gentleness.
• Eco (echo): repetition of a reflected sound.
• Efímero (ephemeral): short-lived.
• Elocuencia (eloquence): ability to express oneself persuasively and fluently.
• Esencia (essence): the most important and characteristic of something.
• Estrella (star): celestial body that shines with its own light in the sky.
• Éter (ether): celestial space or sky.
• Euforia (euphoria): feeling of intense joy and well-being.
• Flor (flower): part of a plant that contains the reproductive organs.
• Fragancia (fragrance): pleasant and soft smell.
• Girasol (sunflower): plant with a large yellow flower that turns toward the sun.
• Glosolalia (glossolalia): gift of tongues; said of the supernatural capacity to speak tongues.
• Horizonte (horizon): apparent line where the sky and the earth seem to be joined.
• Íntimo (intimate): very personal or private.
• Koala: marsupial mammal like a small bear, native of Australia.

• Laberinto (labyrinth or maze): place formed by tangled paths of difficult exit.
• Lluvia (rain): precipitation of water from the clouds.
• Lucero (bright star): big and bright star.
• Magia (magic): set of knowledge and practices with which it is pretended to obtain extraordinary things.
• Melifluo (mellifluous): that has honey or is like it in its properties. Sweet, smooth, soft, tender, and delicate when speaking or when dealing with.
• Murmullo (murmur): soft and continuous sound, like that of a conversation in a low voice.
• Nostalgia: feeling of sorrow for the remoteness of something dear to him.
• Onírico (oniric): related to dreams.
• Origami: is a word of Japanese origin that means to shape a piece of paper.

• Parpadeo (blinking): action of rapidly closing and opening the eyes.
• Quimera (chimera): dream or illusion that is longed for and is very difficult to realize. In mythology, the chimera is an imaginary monster that spits flames and has the head of a lion, the belly of a goat and the tail of a dragon.
• Rocambolesco (rocambolesque): said of a circumstance or fact, generally in series with others. Extraordinary, exaggerated, or implausible.
• Soledad (solitude): state of being alone.
• Solsticio (solstice): moment of the year in which the sun reaches its maximum or minimum declination.
• Sombra (shadow): darkness where the light is obstructed.
• Susurro (whisper): soft sound that is produced when speaking in a low voice.
• Ukelele: stringed musical instrument, popularized from Hawaii, like the guitar, but of smaller size.
• Vorágine (vortex): impetuous whirlpool made by the waters of the sea, rivers, or lakes. It can also mean unbridled passion or a mixture of very intense feelings.

Which one was your favorite? Did you know about the existence of words like ‘melifluo’ or ‘arrebol’ in Spanish? This list of beautiful words in Spanish will help you learn new terms while learning Spanish in Spain. Discover your favorite Spanish word and tell us, does it belong to this list?

Colors are a fundamental part of any language as they allow you to express yourself, describe objects and places and everything around you. That is why, when you are starting to learn Spanish from scratch, colors are one of the first vocabulary lessons to be taught.

Everything is full of colors: clothes, art, decoration, books, objects... Practically any animate or inanimate being has color and in your Spanish course you can't miss this lesson. Describe anything you set your mind to once you have learned the Spanish colors.

Read this article in Spanish if you prefer.

Spanish colors list

Before differentiating colors according to their category on the color wheel, this complete list of colors in Spanish will help you learn them:

• Azul - Blue
• Amarillo - Yellow
• Rojo - Red
• Rosa - Pink
• Naranja - Orange
• Verde - Green
• Violeta - Violet
• Morado - Purple
• Turquesa - Turquoise
• Marrón - Brown
• Negro - Black
• Blanco - White
• Gris - Gray
• Plateado - Silver
• Dorado - Gold
• Fucsia - Fuchsia
• Lila - Lilac
• Beige
• Azul celeste - Light Blue
• Caqui - Khaki

Although there are many more colors and subtonalities of each color, below, you will be able to distinguish them in the chromatic circle and differentiate them by their category.

Spanish color wheel

The Spanish color wheel or chromatic circle is an ordered representation of colors according to their shades in a circular shape. It represents the primary colors and their derivatives.

It is a fundamental tool for composing and creating designs, but for you, as a student of Spanish, it will help you to learn the different shades of colors and names.

Primary colors are those that cannot be obtained from a mixture of colors. There are three: amarillo, magenta, and cian (yellow, red, and blue). While secondary colors are those that come from the mixture of the primary colors, they are violeta, naranja, and verde (violet, orange, and green).

Also, there are the complementary colors, those that are opposite to the primary colors in the chromatic circle. For each primary color there is a complementary one that is formed by a primary and a secondary one:

• Rojo and verde (red and green)
• Amarillo and violeta (yellow and violet)
• Azul and naranja (blue and orange)

In addition, in the Spanish color wheel there are the warm and cold colors. The warm colors are rojo, naranja, and amarillo (red, orange, and yellow); while the cool colors are verde, azul, and violeta (green, blue, and violet).

Are black and white not in the Spanish color wheel? Yes, these two colors are not part of the color wheel. These two colors are neutral, like gray, so they do not appear in the color wheel because they lack color.

Below, you will find examples of sentences with different Spanish colors that can help you learn how to use them, their order and their gender and number:

• El profesor lleva una chaqueta azul oscuro y un maletín marrón (The teacher is wearing a dark blue jacket and a brown briefcase)
• ¿Sabes dónde he dejado mi bufanda rosa? (Do you know where I left my pink scarf?)
• Mi taza preferida es de color rojo (My favorite mug is red)
• El amarillo es el color preferido de mi tía (Yellow is my aunt's favorite color)
• La mesa dorada está junto al sofá morado (The golden table is next to the purple sofa)
• La botella verde tiene un dibujo de una piña amarilla (The green bottle has a drawing of a yellow pineapple)
• El cielo azul está lleno de nubes grises (The blue sky is filled with gray clouds)
• El coche de mi primo es naranja, pero el techo y los retrovisores son negros (My cousin's car is orange, but the roof and the mirrors are black)
• El bolso blanco tiene un toque lila que me encanta (The white bag has a lilac touch that I love)
• La portada de ese libro es roja con las páginas pintadas de azul (The cover of that book is red with blue painted pages)

What colors would you add to this list? Which is your favorite? Ask your friends and family in Spanish what their favorite color is and practice the vocabulary you have learned. The colors allow you to describe objects, art, people, clothes, and much more. DonQuijote Spanish School encourages you to improve your level, increase your vocabulary and practice the language!

Are you learning Spanish, but you have tried to speak to a native speaker and have not fully understood the words? You may have a high level of Spanish but what you need is to learn Spanish slang, which will help you understand common expressions and words that people use daily.

If you have ever felt that you didn't understand Spanish despite all your knowledge, don't worry, in this donQuijote article we will teach you some Spanish slang words and common phrases that Spaniards use daily.

Spanish slang is used a lot, and this vocabulary will help you understand it better. So, if you want to learn Spanish like a native, knowing Spanish slang is a must.

Read here the article in Spanish.

What is Spanish slang?

Spanish slang refers to the set of words, expressions and turns of phrase characteristic of a language, in this case, Spanish. These terms may be specific to a social group, a profession, or a specific region in Spain.

This jargon may include words or expressions that are not common in your academic books and that are not taught in schools, so it can be difficult to understand for those who are not familiar with the language or who are learning Spanish in Spain. Spanish slang can vary widely depending on the cultural, geographical, and social context. In addition, this type of slang can be used to establish identity and membership in certain groups or communities.

Spanish slang words

Although colloquial slang may belong to a specific group, in this article you will find Spanish slang words that will help you understand most native Spanish speakers.

• Colega: is widely used and means friend. This is an exclusive word in Spain, as ‘colega’ means buddy in other Spanish-speaking countries.
• Tío/Tía: in Spain it is used all the time to refer to a man or a woman; it is similar to saying ‘chico’ or ‘tipo’ when you are talking to someone. Not to be confused with the word ‘tío’ or ‘tía’, which refers to a relative, uncle or aunt.
• Molar: means that you like something or that it's cool.
• Guay: is a synonym for ‘molar’ and refers to something that is cool or you like.
• Flipar: this verb refers to when something blows you away or surprises you for good.
• Pasta: is a Spanish slang word meaning money, but you can also hear ‘guita’, ‘plata’ or ‘lana’, which refer to the same word.
• Puente: can be translated as a long weekend, that is, when there are days off in a city because it is a holiday and coincides with the weekend.

• Chulo: this word can have several meanings. The first can be translated as ‘pimp’, especially in Latin American countries. However, in Spain, this term is also used to describe something or someone who is attractive or beautiful.
• Chaval: is a Spanish slang word to refer to children or young people.
• Empollar: is a term that refers to studying intensely.
• Joder: undoubtedly, a word widely used in Spanish slang by everyone and that you have probably heard in many places. It is a vulgar word to express surprise, anger or to emphasize something.
• Currar: this Spanish slang word means to work.
• Cutre: this word is very common in Spanish slang when you want to refer to something that is not pleasing to the eye or when something is of poor quality.
• Tapeo/terraceo: in Spain going out for tapas is very popular, so in the same line you will find the word ‘terraceo’, which derives from ‘terraza’. This term is used when you want to go with friends to have a drink on a terrace.
• Liarse: refers to when you go out for a drink, or ‘terraceo’, and you end up going out partying, although the first intention was to go home early.
• Vaina: this word is used to refer to a specific thing you don't know the name of or when you don't remember how to say something.

Examples of sentences with the above-mentioned Spanish slang words:

• Me flipó la última película de Scorsese (I love Scorsese's last movie)
• Te ves muy bien, tío, te queda genial ese corte de pelo (You look great, man, you look great with that haircut)
• Aprovechamos el puente para ir a la playa (We took advantage of the long weekend to go to the beach)
• Cómo mola el coche de tu padre (How cool is your father's car)
• Me liaron ayer y acabé de fiesta en una discoteca del centro (I got caught yesterday and ended up partying in a nightclub downtown)
• Esa camiseta es muy cutre, está rota por el cuello (That T-shirt is crappy, it's torn at the neck)
• Qué chula tu nueva cazadora (How cool is your new jacket)
• Me toca currar el fin de semana (I must work on the weekend)

Spanish slang expressions

In addition to Spanish slang words, you can also find some Spanish slang expressions that are used daily and have a peculiar meaning:

• Dar palo: it means that you are lazy or don't feel like going somewhere or doing something specific; it also refers to when it bothers you to do something. Example: ‘Me da palo ir hasta el centro a ver a María, podría venir ella a casa’ (I don't want to go to the center to see Maria, she could come home').
• Estar como una cabra: refers to when someone is crazy or behaving strangely. For example: ‘Tu primo está como una cabra, el otro día se fue sin pagar’ (Your cousin is crazy, the other day he left without paying).
• Me sabe mal: is an expression of apology or regret for something that has been said or done. Example: ‘Me sabe mal haberte hecho esperar tanto tiempo’ (I'm sorry I kept you waiting so long).
• Por la cara: means to get something for free or without effort. For example: ‘Conseguí las entradas del concierto por la cara’ (I got the concert tickets for free).
• Ir a tu bola: means to do what you want without worrying about others. For example: ‘Siempre va a su bola, no le hace caso a su madre’ (He always goes his own way, he doesn't even pay attention to his mother).
• Mala pata: this expression in Spanish means to have bad luck or misfortune.
• Qué corte: it is used when something embarrasses you or when you are in an embarrassing situation.
• Dejar plantado: refers to when you don't keep an appointment or commitment with someone. Example: ‘Me dejó plantado en el restaurante en nuestra primera cita’ (He stood me up at the restaurant on our first date).

These are just some of the most popular Spanish slang words and expressions in Spain, but there are certainly many more. If you want to learn to speak with a native speaker and get to know all these colloquial slang terms, sign up for a Spanish course in Spain and learn firsthand the Spanish slang of cities like Madrid or Barcelona.

Spanish may be considered one of the easiest languages to learn, especially if your mother tongue is French or Italian, which is why it is one of the most spoken languages in the world. But the truth is that this language has its difficulties and, from donQuijote Spanish schools as experts in teaching Spanish, we bring you 7 tips to learn Spanish fast.

Improve your knowledge and discover how to learn Spanish fast with these simple but effective tips. Also, you can try our Spanish test and discover your level, then, you can join one of our Spanish courses in Spain or ty to read this article in Spanish to practice your reading skills.

1. Practice every day

Consistency is the key to improving your level of Spanish fast and daily practice makes your knowledge expand rapidly. Although you may think it sounds obvious, practicing a language every day is a challenge that not everyone is willing to take on.

Practice Spanish a few minutes a day for a week, either by reading, writing, or listening Spanish songs to learn Spanish, even a language app on your mobile phone can be very useful for this purpose. After that, increase the time you spend practicing and studying the language. You will see that, over time, your knowledge will continue to grow.

Be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress, however small it may be, this will motivate you to continue studying Spanish.

2. Sign up for Spanish classes

This may seem like an obvious tip, but not all students put it into practice. Taking Spanish classes will allow you to strengthen your foundation and continue to improve under the guidance of professionals. Spanish teachers can guide you on your way to becoming a fluent Spanish speaker so that your pronunciation, vocabulary, and fluency improve quickly.

A teacher can provide personalized guidance and correct your mistakes. In addition, you will be able to meet more people with the same level of Spanish as you and practice with them so that your communication becomes fluent. Whether it's native teachers or your classmates, speaking Spanish will build your confidence and allow you to let go more and more.

3. Travel to Spanish-speaking countries

Try to immerse yourself in Spanish by traveling to Spanish-speaking countries. If you have the opportunity to learn Spanish in Spain or any other country such as Mexico, Argentina or Peru, don't miss the opportunity.

Being surrounded 24 hours a day by the language you are learning will make your senses expand and pick up all the information that surrounds them. You will be able to practice your knowledge of Spanish in everyday situations and learn new words all the time.

There is no doubt that one of the most effective and fastest ways to learn Spanish fast is to travel to a place where it is the official language.

4. Language immersion

If you don't have the opportunity to travel to a Spanish-speaking country like Spain to put your knowledge into practice, try language immersion at home. Listen to Spanish music or podcasts, watch Spanish tv series or movies, and read as much as possible in Spanish.

You can do the same with podcasts and songs, start with short and easy to understand audios, and then move on to longer and more complex podcasts. Also, you can try to repeat what you are listening to so that your pronunciation and fluency improve at the same time.

5. Don't be afraid to make mistakes

Mistakes are part of the learning process, so don't beat yourself up when you make them. In addition, you will be able to take the good out of mistakes: learn how to say or write a word correctly and practice it until the mistake becomes an anecdote.

Everyone learns at their own pace, and everyone is better at some aspects than others. If grammar is more difficult for you, review it daily; and if your weak point is reading, read in Spanish a little every day.

6. Learn Spanish fast with interesting vocabulary 

Another useful tip is to start learning vocabulary on topics that interest you or are related to your field of study. For example, if you are going on vacation, prioritize words that can be useful for your trip.

Make a list of new words about your field of study, for example, medicine, and review them regularly. Try to introduce them into your daily Spanish study and practice them in your conversations in class or with friends - anything goes to learn Spanish quickly!

7. Immerse yourself in the culture

Learn as much as you can about the Spanish culture to better understand the context behind your readings or the Spanish songs you listen to. This will motivate you to keep learning and discovering things about the language.

All this will also help you to enjoy even more your trips to countries like Spain or Mexico, where you will discover firsthand everything you have learned. The culture and traditions of Spanish-speaking countries will help you want to immerse yourself in the Spanish language and learn to speak Spanish quickly.