12 Epic Words In Spanish That English Should Use
Start writing a post
Entertainment

12 Epic Words In Spanish That English Should Use

And they're useful, too!

157
12 Epic Words In Spanish That English Should Use
patrian.com.ar

When you're studying a language, you begin to learn that there are words that just can't be translated correctly. You also begin to learn that these words really say a lot about the culture in which the language is in. This is incredibly true with Spanish. So, here are just of couple of weird untranslatable words in Spanish you can use when you just cannot think of a word in English!

1. Chacharear- to go out shopping for trinkets (Cha-cha-ray-are)

It's not thrift shopping or going to the mall. You know when your on vacation and you go into that gift shop and buy that little stuffed dolphin with a Daytona Beach shirt on it? And you know there is no significance of buying it? That's chachreando! Plus, it is way more entertaining to say. You feel like you're in the beginning of singing some type of Salsa song.


2. Empalagarse - to eat too many sweets (Ehm-pahl-eh-gahr-say)

The translation does not do it justice. It is that feeling when you drank to much pop or you ate a lot of that store bought cake and your stomach feels queasy and gross. It can come in all sorts and sizes, I feel empalagante just by watching Augustus Gloop from Charlie in the Chocolate Factory. C'mon Gloop, carbs?

3. Dedos de los pies- fingers of the feet (Day-dohs-day-lohs-pee-ays)

Oh Spanish! Sometimes you're so creative with words that you look kinda lazy! This one is vice versa, there is no word for toes in Spanish. Instead of saying simply toes, like in English, you call them fingers of the feet? Why?! I don't have the time to say all of that! And it makes me receive a weird visual...

4. Estadounidense- A person or thing that is from the United States of America (Ehs-ta-doo-oon-ee-dehn-say)

Most people of Latin America are taught that South America and North America are one continent, America, making all of us Americans in their eye, geographically speaking. Because of this, they actually created a word for people and things that are from the good ol' USA. I guess this means we should say we are United States-ian? Eh, Close enough.

5.Friolento- a person who is cold all of the time (free-oh-lehn-toh)

Do you have that annoying friend who has to take five jackets with them everywhere they go? They are soooo friolento!

6. Entrecejo-the space you have between your eyebrows (ehn-treh-say-hoh)

Because you know, the space between your eyebrows comes into conversation so much! Poor Frida Kahlo and Anthony Davis though, they never experienced having an entrecejo. :'(

7. Enchilar- to be burning from eating a chili pepper (ehn-chee-lahr)

We've all been there. Spicy is at a whole new level when you're talking about chili peppers. I wished I new about this word when I was in Mexico though, my taste buds would have thanked me.


8. Madrugar-to wake up really early (mahd-roo-gahr)

You can't spell madrugar without mad! It's basically an Olympic sport, so why not give it the language equivalent? Make up a new word!

9. Te quiero and Te Amo- I love you (Teh-key-eh-roh) (Teh-ah-mo)

CAUTION! These are not interchangeable! There are two ways to say I love you in the español. Te quiero is more of a casual way to say I love you, you say it to friends and familiy. But , Te Amo (Literally, I am in the love with you) is when it gets into the real deal, lovey dovey stuff. DO NOT say it to your Grandma. That's gross man.

10. Pena Ajena- feeling embarrassed because of another persons actions, even if the person does not feel ashamed (Pehn-ah-Ah-heh-nah)

You can feel pena ajena whether your dad is trying to dance or you if overhear a person stating that Martin Luther King Jr. was indeed the President. True story.

11. Trasnochar- to stay up all night (Trahs-no-chahr)

I guess the English equivalent is an all nighter but that's not a real word. The more I write this list, the more I realize college students need these words.

12. Botellón- a group of young people who go out to drink in public (Boh-teh-YOHN)

Yep, this list was accidently made for college students!


Are there any that I forgot in Spanish? Do you know any in any other languages? Leave a comment!

Now if you excuse me, I can't transnochar with my botellón, I need to madrugar so I can chacharear for some chilies, I want to enchilar because usually I'm friolento. If I die because they're too spicy, tell my mother I said Te Quiero. But not Te Amo. Qué pena ajena, that's gross.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

37784
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

113496
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments