Categories
Spanish as a language The language today

Regional expressions and idioms: a voyage through the sayings of the Spanish-speaking world

Spanish is a language as diverse as the countries that speak it. Whether in Madrid, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, or Medellín, in every corner of the Spanish-speaking world, you’ll discover unique expressions that can make you laugh, confuse you, or even get you in trouble if you don’t understand them. These phrases and sayings reflect each community’s culture, humour, and history.

Some of these expressions are so amusing that, if taken literally, they seem absurd, while others showcase pure popular creativity. Join us on this journey through some of the most curious and entertaining idioms from Spanish-speaking countries. We’re sure that at least one will surprise you!

Spain: Between “flipar” and “estar en las nubes”

In Spain, colloquial expressions are an art form. When someone says they are “flipando,” it doesn’t mean they are doing somersaults; rather, it indicates they are astonished or surprised. It is also common to hear “Estar en las nubes” to describe someone distracted or absent-minded.

For instance, people from Madrid might exclaim “¡Vaya tela!” when something seems unbelievable to them, whereas in the south of the country, one often hears “¡Ojú!” as a sign of astonishment or weariness. And if a Spaniard tells you that “estás en la parra,” you’d best pay attention, as it means you are not listening to what they say.

Mexico: “Aguas,” “chido,” and “se me hace gacho”

In Mexico, Spanish is steeped in colourful expressions. One of the most well-known is “¡Aguas!”, which has nothing to do with the liquid but is instead a warning to be alert. If something is good or cool, it’s “Chido,” if someone says “se me hace gaucho,” it means that they find something ugly or unpleasant.

If a Mexican tells you “no manches,” they may be surprised or disagree with you, while “estar hasta las chanclas” indicates that someone has had too much to drink. And if you hear “me vale,” it means that the person doesn’t care at all what’s going on.

Argentina: “Un quilombo,” “posta,” and “che”

Rioplatense Spanish also has its repertoire of idioms. In Argentina, “quilombo” refers not to a dance, but to a severe chaos or problem. “Posta” is a way of stating that something is true, similar to “de verdad.” And if someone calls you “che,” they are simply getting your attention.

An Argentinean may say “me la banco” to indicate they can handle a difficult situation. If something “pinta bien,” it is because it has a good prognosis. And if you hear “un pibe,” they talk about a boy or young person.

Colombia: “Estar amañado,” “berraco,” and “vaina”

In Colombia, Spanish has a rhythm that is full of charming expressions. “Estar amañado” means to feel comfortable in a place, while “berraco” can refer to someone brave or, depending on the context, an angry person.

“Vaina” is a catch-all word for anything, whether positive or negative. People who say “me da mamera” express laziness or disinterest. And if you hear “parce,” it’s the Colombian version of “amigo” or “compadre.”

Chile: “Andar o estar pato”, “fome” and “cachar”

Chilean Spanish also has a unique flavour. “Andar pato” means to be broke, while “fome” describes something dull. If a Chilean says “¡cachai?”, they ask if you understand.

“Carrete” is the code word for party, and “hacer una vaca” (do a cow) does not imply animals, but instead gathering money between several people for an ordinary expense. “Andar arriba de la pelota” (to be on top of a ball) is to be drunk, because literally if you get on a ball you lose your balance 🤣. If someone “tira la talla” (throw the size) is joking, and if they tell you “chicotea los caracoles,” (whips the snails) they are hurrying you up since chicota is a type of whip. Suppose someone tells you that “Claudio me está pintando el mono” (Claudio is painting me the monkey) means he called him out or corrected him for something. On the other hand, “pintamono” can also mean to clown around, to make a fool of oneself to get attention, for example, by saying “Claudio is a pintamonos” or what is the same, “Claudio is giving juice”.

To leave someone like a “chaleco de mono” (monkey vest) means that someone spoke badly of him behind his back. And one last thing with animals: “echarse una manito de gato” (to give oneself a kitty hand) means to carefully groom oneself before going out💅.

One language, a thousand ways to express it.

Spanish, like all languages, is shaped by the culture and identity of each country. This is why regional idioms and expressions enrich communication and reflect the history and creativity of their speakers.

If you travel around the Spanish-speaking world, be prepared to discover that what means one thing in your country may be entirely different in another. Best of all, learning these idioms is one of the most enjoyable ways to immerse yourself in a new culture. So, gather your thoughts and continue exploring the fascinating world of words!

Keep learning curiosities about the language and the Spanish language, visiting and reading the articles we publish weekly on the iScribo blog. If you want to improve your Spanish writing and correct a specific variant of this language, subscribe to our superb grammar checker. We are waiting for you!

Categories
Spanish as a language The language today

The Language of Gastronomy: Unique Spanish Terms for Describing Flavours, Textures, and Traditional Dishes

You sit down at the table, pick up your fork, and with the first bite, a smile spreads across your face. “This is absolutely delicious!” you exclaim, as the aroma of the food envelops you. It’s not just the taste, but the texture, the scent, and the memory each dish brings to mind. Gastronomy possesses its own language, and in Spanish, we have many words and expressions that describe the culinary experience with a precision and passion that few languages can match.

Words That Awaken the Palate

Spanish is a language as tasty as its food. It is not enough to say that something is good; we need nuances, details that express precisely what we feel on the palate. A stew can be “contundente” (strong), dense and full of substance, ideal for replenishing energy. A “meloso” dish has a soft and unctuous texture, like a good risotto or a rice soup. And if a dessert is “empalagoso” (cloying), its sweetness is excessive, almost impossible to finish.

As for flavours, Spanish has specific words to describe sensations that go beyond the basics. The “bitter” of a good coffee is not the same as the “astringent” of a young red wine. Something “spicy” produces a warmth in the mouth, but if it is “especiado” (spicy), it implies a complex mixture of aromas and flavours that do not necessarily burn.

Texture Matters

It’s not solely about flavour in food; texture also plays a crucial role. In Spanish, we describe a food as “crujiente” (crispy) when it makes a sound when you bite into it, like a good crust of bread or a well-cooked fry. If it’s “jugoso” (juicy), it retains its juices and feels fresh and flavoursome, like medium-rare meat or ripe fruit. A “esponjoso” (spongy) cake is light and airy, while a “mazacote” cake is dense, heavy, and sometimes excessively.

Dishes with Unmistakable Names

Beyond the words that describe sensations, gastronomic Spanish also includes the names of dishes that evoke tradition and flavour.

  • Imagine an edible hug! A Mexican taco is like a small corn quilt that lovingly envelops a juicy and flavourful filling. It can be made of suadero, pastor, cochinita or even nopalitos. Still, it always comes with its inseparable entourage: onion, cilantro and a sauce that can make you cry from happiness… or spiciness. It is a festive bite.
  • Spanish tapas are like those friends that never fail: small, varied and always welcome. Each tapa is a short but tasty story from a crunchy croquette that hides a creamy heart to some patatas bravas that challenge you with their spicy sauce.
  • Chancho en piedra is the rockstar of Chilean sauces: simple, rustic, and full of character. It is made with ripe tomatoes, chilli, garlic, and cilantro, all crushed in a stone mortar until the flavours merge intensely. The result is a fresh, vibrant mix with a playful spiciness that awakens the senses. Its name may mislead the unprepared (it doesn’t contain pork, just its tasty spirit), but its fame is well-deserved. It is the ideal accompaniment to warm, kneaded bread and a perfect excuse to share in good company. One spoonful and you’re in Chile!
  • Spanish torrijas are proof that simple ingredients can create authentic delicacies. They are slices of bread that, after being dipped in milk flavoured with cinnamon and lemon, are coated in egg and fried until golden and crispy on the outside but tender and juicy on the inside. Then, they are sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon or dipped in honey, becoming a sweet and comforting snack. Traditional for Easter but welcome all year round, torrijas are the caloric hug that no one refuses.

Gastronomic Expressions

Food is so vital in Spanish-speaking culture that it has given rise to countless expressions. Saying that someone is “como un fideo” means they are skinny, while if they are “hecho un tonel” it implies the opposite. If a dish is “para chuparse los dedos”, it is because it is delicious, and if someone “no da ni un huevo”, it means they are stingy.

Of course, we cannot forget many people’s favorite expression: “pan comido,” which refers to something easy to make. However, not everything in the kitchen is as simple as it seems.

Food is so vital in Spanish-speaking culture that it has given rise to countless expressions. Saying that someone is “like a noodle” means they are skinny, while if they are “made into a barrel” it implies the opposite. If a dish is “to lick your fingers”, it is because it is delicious, and if someone “doesn’t give even an egg”, it means they are stingy.

Of course, we cannot forget many people’s favorite expression: “pan comido,” which refers to something easy to make. However, to tell the truth, not everything in the kitchen is as simple as it seems.

A Language to Savour

Those who speak Spanish have a unique way of discussing food, rich in nuances, textures, and evocations. Perhaps it is because gastronomy is more than simply eating: it is history, it is culture, and, above all, it is pleasure. The next time you savour a good dish, attempt to describe it with some of these words. Food is not only tasted but also narrated, which is why we know how to relish la sobremesa.

Keep learning curiosities about the language and the Spanish language, visiting and reading the articles we publish weekly on the iScribo blog. If you want to improve your Spanish writing and correct a specific variant of this language, subscribe to our superb grammar checker. We are waiting for you!

Categories
Improving language Spanish as a language

Common mistakes in Spanish writing (and how to avoid them without losing your mind)

Spanish is a wonderful language, but it is also full of pitfalls even native speakers fall into. Sometimes, we make mistakes out of habit or carelessness without realising it. Here we tell you about some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them without suffering.

1. Confusion between “de que” and “que”

One of the most common mistakes is the incorrect use of “de que”. For example, saying “Me di cuenta que…” instead of “Me di cuenta de que…”. A simple trick is to replace the phrase with “eso”: if “Me di cuenta eso” doesn’t make sense, then the correct word is “de que”. This mistake is so common that it deserves special attention.

2. Incorrect use of commas

Commas can completely change the meaning of a sentence. For example:

✅ Correct: “Let’s eat, grandma.” (We talk to grandma about the food.)

❌ Incorrect: “Let’s eat grandma.” (It sounds like grandma is the main dish 😱).

3. Forgotten accent marks on past tense verbs

Past tense verbs often have an accent mark on the last syllable, such as “comió”, “habló” or “decidió”. Forgetting these accent marks is a common mistake that can change the tense or even the word’s meaning. Paying attention to the rules of accentuation is key to avoiding misunderstandings.

4. “Hay”, “ahí” and “ay”

These three words sound the same, but they have very different meanings:

  • Hay: from the verb “haber”. Example: “Hay muchas estrellas esta noche” (There are many stars tonight).
  • Ahí: indicates a place. Example: “El libro está ahí, sobre la mesa” (The book is there, on the table).
  • Ay: expression of complaint or pain. Example: “¡Ay, me he golpeado el pie!” (Oops, I hit my foot!).

Confusing them can lead to meaningless sentences or misinterpretations.

5. Confusion between “because,” “why,” “porqué,” and “por que”

It’s easy to get tangled up with these four forms, but each has a specific use:

  • Porque: Explains a cause. Example: “No vine porque estaba enfermo”. (I didn’t come because I was sick.)
  • Por qué: Used in questions. Example: “¿Por qué llegaste tarde?” (“Why were you late?”)
  • Porqué: It’s a noun that means “reason.” Example:  “No entiendo el porqué de su enojo.” (“I don’t understand why he’s angry.”)
  • Por que: Used when the preposition “por” precedes “que.” Example: “Luchamos por que se haga justicia.” (“We fight for justice to be done.”)

6. “Haiga” instead of “haya”

This error is widespread in colloquial speech and is caused by confusion with the conjugation of the verb “haber” in the subjunctive. “Haiga” is not an accepted form in standard Spanish.

✅ Correct: Ojalá haya más oportunidades.
❌ Incorrect: Ojalá haiga más oportunidades.

These errors are common in various regions and can affect the accuracy of the message.

7. Incorrect use of “sino” and “si no”

Although they sound the same, they have different uses:

  • Sino: equivalent to “but”. Example:  “No es rojo, sino azul”à”It’s not red, but blue”.
  • Si no: conditional. Example:  “Si no estudias, no aprobarás”. à”If you don’t study, you won’t pass”.

Confusing them can alter the meaning of the sentence.

8. “Vinistes”, “fuistes” and other incorrect conjugations

It is common to add an unnecessary “s” at the end of some verbs in the second person singular of the preterite tense.

✅ Correcto: Tú viniste temprano. (You came early.)
❌ Incorrecto: Tú vinistes temprano.

✅ Correcto: Tú fuiste al cine. (You went to the cinema.)
❌ Incorrecto: Tú fuistes al cine.

9. Using “a” and “ha”

“A” is a preposition, while “ha” is the form of the verb “haber”. Example:

•     A:  “Voy a la tienda” à “I’m going to the store”.

  • Ha:  “Ella ha terminado su tarea” à “She has finished her homework”.

Confusing them is a common mistake that can change the sentence’s meaning.

10. “Tubo” and “tuvo”

Although they sound the same, “tubo” refers to a cylindrical object, while “tuvo” is the past tense of the verb “tener.” Example:

  • Tubo:  “El fontanero cambió el tubo dañado”. à“The plumber replaced the damaged pipe.”
  • Tuvo:  “Ella tuvo una idea brillante”. à “She had a brilliant idea.”

Paying attention to these differences is crucial for accurate writing.

Spanish is a rich and nuanced, yet we can sidestep these errors and enhance our communication with some practice. Have you ever made any of these blunders? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Keep learning curiosities about the language and the Spanish language, visiting and reading the articles we publish weekly on the iScribo blog. If you want to improve your Spanish writing and correct a specific variant of this language, subscribe to our superb grammar checker. We are waiting for you!

Categories
The language today

Spanish in science: Terminology and Presence of the Language in Research

For decades, science and technology have been dominated by English, but Spanish is not far behind. Although many papers and conferences are written in English, our language plays a key role in various areas of knowledge, from botany to artificial intelligence. Yes, there is also room for Spanish in the world of algorithms and neural networks.

Spanish in botany: A green legacy

If there is a field where Spanish has taken root, it is in botany. It is no coincidence that many plants have names in Spanish or Latin with a Hispanic influence. From quina (cinchona), whose active ingredient (quinine) was used as a treatment for malaria, to the ceibo (Erythrina crista-galli), the emblematic tree of Argentina and Uruguay, the jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia) or the quebracho (Schinopsis), Spanish terms have nourished the science of the classification and description of flora.

Spanish-speaking botanists have significantly contributed to the classification of species in Latin America. Terms such as “epífita” “epiphyte” (a plant that grows on another without parasitising it) or “xerófila” “xerophilous” (adapted to dry climates) are used in Spanish in scientific literature. Even many species of orchids and cacti are named after Spanish-speaking explorers and naturalists.

Artificial Intelligence in Spanish: Neural Networks and Beyond

Spanish is also present in the world of technology. Concepts such as “deep learning”, “natural language processing” (NLP) and “convolutional neural networks” (CNN) have their equivalents in Spanish and are increasingly used in research. Artificial intelligence models trained specifically for Spanish, such as BETO (a Spanish version of BERT, the Google model), have emerged in recent years.

In voice recognition, optical character recognition (OCR) and speech-to-text technologies have progressed in interpreting Spanish, allowing virtual assistants like Siri and Google Assistant to understand regional accents and idioms better. We cannot forget vector databases and RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) architectures, which are helping language models generate more accurate responses in our language.

Medicine and biochemistry: Terms that cross borders

Medicine is also strongly influenced by Spanish. Many terms in pharmacology and biochemistry come from our language or have been adapted to English. An example is “dopamine,” derived from “dopa,” a substance discovered in the 1950s whose name comes from the amino acid L-Dopa. Another example is “placebo,” a word of Latin origin used equally in Spanish and English.

In Latin America, research into tropical diseases such as dengue or Chagas has produced its terminology, reinforcing Spanish’s role in global scientific communication.

Science in Spanish: More than an option, a necessity

Although English continues to dominate scientific publication, Spanish is present in generating knowledge in multiple disciplines. Its use is not only a question of identity, but also of access. Publishing in Spanish allows more Spanish-speaking researchers to access information without language barriers.

For this reason, promoting scientific dissemination in Spanish through blogs, podcasts, and videos on platforms such as YouTube helps make science accessible in our language.

Also promoting the teaching of scientific terminology in Spanish: in many Spanish-speaking countries, science students learn concepts in English, which sometimes makes scientific communication in their native language difficult.

Our language continues to leave its mark in botany, artificial intelligence, and medicine. So, the next time you use a chatbot in Spanish or read about a new species of orchid, remember that science in our language is still alive and evolving.

Keep learning curiosities about the language and the Spanish language, visiting and reading the articles we publish weekly on the iScribo blog. If you want to improve your Spanish writing and correct a specific variant of this language, subscribe to our superb grammar checker. We are waiting for you!

Want more Spanish tips?

Get them direct to your inbox

Sign up for tips and tricks to perfect your Spanish writing skills. You’ll be writing like a native in no time.

Free Trial until 30 September 2021: Our subscription programme does not start until 1 October 2021. So, as long as you provide us with a feedback you can use our site for free until noon 30 September 2021 (GMT)