When learning a new language, the best way to communicate quickly and understand the intricacies of a dialect is to learn everyday idioms or phrases. Not only will you learn grammar, but also how the locals think and how language is actually used on a casual basis. Idioms also allow you to memorise whole phrases that you’ll begin to use unconsciously.
Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages on the planet. 19 countries outside of Spain consider it their official language. 450 million people speak Spanish every day. Here is a list of some of the more interesting idioms you can use in every one of these countries.
Impress your native friends with these 10 Spanish idioms
1: DEL DICHO AL HECHO HAY MUCHO TRECHO
- Literal translation: “From spoken to done, there is much to stretch”
- Meaning: It’s easier said than done
2: MÁS SABE DIABLO POR VIEJO QUE POR DIABLO
- Literal translation: “The devil knows more because he is old, not because he is the devil”
- Meaning: Trust me, I know from experience, or I learned the hard way
3: A QUIEN MADRUGA DIOS LE AYUDA
- Literal translation: “God helps the one who wakes up early”
- Meaning: The early bird gets the worm
4: A BUEN ENTENDEDOR, POCAS PALABRAS BASTAN
- Literal translation: “To a good understander, a few words are enough”
- Meaning: A nod is as good as a wink (subtle affirmation is enough)
5: EL MUNDO ES UN PAÑUELO
- Literal translation: “The world is a handkerchief”
- Meaning: It’s a small world (used when you bump into someone you didn’t expect)
6: TODOS LOS CAMINOS LLEVAN A ROMA
- Literal translation: “All roads lead to Rome”
- Meaning: There is more than one way to accomplish your goals
7: OJOS QUE NO VEN, CORAZÓN QUE NO SIENTE
- Literal translation: “Eyes that do not see, heart that does not feel”
- Meaning: There are two meanings for this phrase. The first is, “what you do not know will not hurt you”. The other is, “out of sight, out of mind”.
8: EL HÁBITO NO HACE AL MONJE
- Literal translation: “The habit does not make the monk”
- Meaning: Appearances are not all that count
9: CADA MAESTRILLO TIENE SU LIBRILLO
- Literal translation: “Every master has his own book(let)”
- Meaning: There is more than one way to achieve something
10: QUIEN MUCHO ABARCA POCO APRIETA
- Literal translation: “He who embraces much, presses little”
- Meaning: Don’t spread yourself too thin or you will accomplish nothing
The Spanish language is one that encompasses many cultures around the world. Familiarise yourself with some of these idioms to prove your proficiency, no matter where you are!
