Finding new words that have a specific meaning is a great way to expand your vocabulary. Discover unique Spanish phrases to add to your personal dictionary!
Check out these easy Spanish words with English translations that you can learn whether you are interested in learning more Spanish or not.
Interesting Spanish Words About People
You might find yourself wanting to describe a particular aspect of a person or a type of interaction, but perhaps you don’t know the precise word you’re looking for. With these useful Spanish words, you just may be able to pinpoint what you’re meaning to say.
Achuchar: To hug someone to the point that they can’t breathe.
This word is onomatopoeic, meaning it originates from the sound you might make either when squeezing or being squeezed tightly.
Quedarse de piedra: Literally means ‘to stay like stone.’ When someone is so stunned that they are unable to move.
You might say “me quedé de piedra” if you witnessed something that made you stop in your tracks; for example, a car accident.
Friolero/a: someone who is overly sensitive to cold.
The literal meaning of this word is “chilly,” so when someone is cold-sensitive, they are called a chilly. You could use this as a term of endearment with your significant other.
Tutear: To treat someone informally by addressing them as "tú" instead of the more formal "usted." Literally, to “informalize” with someone. Even if you don't speak Spanish, you can use this idea. For example, if someone calls their boss "bro," you would say they were tutear with their employer.
Bajar un cambio: Literal translation is “lower a change.” It's used to tell someone to “take it down a notch” in terms of uptightness or calmness. You can also think of it to mean “take it easy” or “chill out.”
Pecueca: Stinky feet smell. Perhaps a niche term, you’ll still want to have this unique Spanish word on hand if the need ever arises! Then you can say "Put your shoes back on, you have unleashed the pecueca!"
Fun Spanish Words About Activities
There are quite a few unique Spanish words for activities based on the typical culture of Spanish-speaking countries. These words and ideas would be very useful in English!
Mearse de la risa: To laugh so hard that you feel you are going to pee in your pants.
Duende: The feeling when creating art that you are allowing something to speak through you. Literally meaning “elf,” this term refers to the Spirit or the Soul that people deep in creation can channel while making their art. It is also the feeling of awe or God that you might feel when taking in something beautiful, especially nature.
Ponerse las pilas: Literally meaning “put some batteries,” this phrase means to gather up energy rather than give in to rest and relaxation. It has a similar meaning as "getting hyped" or "get up and go." You could say "I'm going to get a coffee so I can ponerse las pilas."
Dominguear: This verb essentially means to do all of the relaxing Sunday activities like relaxing walks and preparation for the week ahead. You can think of it to mean, literally, “Sunday-ing.” As in, “I am looking forward to Sunday-ing tomorrow, it’s how I get prepared for the week.”
Trasnochar: To stay up all night. Note: A person who tends to stay up most nights is called a trasnochador. Literally, to traverse the night.
¡Nada del otro mundo!: Literally, “nothing from the other world.” This is typically a sarcastic statement that is similar to “what else is new?” Obvious news is in the realm of the expected, that is, not from another world.
Resolana: When the sun feels as though it’s shining bright on your skin even on a cloudy day. You can feel the warmth of the sun’s rays, even if you’re hiding in the shade; the light and heat is reflecting off of nearby surfaces onto you! "Resolana" literally means “glare.”
Ensimismado: Someone who is lost in thought. The verb form of this idea is ensimismarse, which literally means “to be in oneself.” Someone who frequently appears looks off into the distance and daydreams can be referred to as an ensimismado.
Interesting Spanish Words About Food
Food is a huge part of Spanish cultures. Not just types of food, but the activities based around it. Food is a family-centric activity, and as such there are many words relating to a feeling of togetherness and meals.
Sobremesa: After-dinner chat.
Literally meaning “above the table,” this refers to the unhurried after-meal chitchat that can go on for quite some time. Discussions might remain casual and simply be a good time to catch up and share schedules, or you might find yourself diving deep into something profound with your loved ones.
Mal de puerco: Being overfull after eating, implying that you’d like a nap to sleep off the discomfort of being too full.
This specific phrase literally means “a bad pig,” as in “I have pigged out in a bad way.” You’re most likely to use this phrase after a huge holiday feast. In Spanish-speaking countries, this is usually Christmas and Easter, and in the United States it can include Thanksgiving, too.
Empalagar: At first glance, this word is too similar to “mal de puerco” to merit its own definition. But, this word specifically means when you’ve had too much of something sweet. When the sweet taste or texture ends up being too much for you to handle. You can think of it to mean something “overly sweet-ed” you.
Merendar: Going out to have a snack, coffee, brunch or some other small meal in the afternoon. The etymology of the word suggests it literally means “a deserved luncheon.” We really need this word in English to give legitimacy to afternoon snack time!
Picotear: To peck, nibble on, snack on. Like how a bird takes the tiniest bites by pecking at something.
Enchilar: To put chili peppers in something. Chili peppers are such a common ingredient that they needed their own word for when they are put into food! You can think of it like how we say “I’ve salted the dish.” Or, if you prefer, you can think of it to mean “chili-fy,” as in “I chili-fied the sauce.”
It's fun to borrow words and phrases from other languages to sprinkle into your everyday speech. Knowing even a few words in other languages makes you feel smarter and more worldly, and can make even a boring statement a little more fun.
Fun Spanish Words To Laugh At
Cucaracha - Cockroach
Mocos - Snot, boogers
Pedo - Fart
Cagalera - Diarrhea
Chichis - Boobs
Zurullo - Poop
Culo - Butt, ass
Cabezón/a - Big-headed, stubborn
Tirar la casa por la ventana - To spare no expense, to go all out
Meando fuera del tiesto - Peeing outside the pot, doing or saying something inappropriate or irrelevant
What Makes Spanish Unique?
After learning about the funny, interesting and quirky Spanish words. One must understand what makes Spanish language among the most unique and fascinating.
Phonetic Language: Spanish is known for its relatively straightforward and phonetic pronunciation. Unlike English, which often has irregular pronunciations, Spanish words are typically pronounced as they are written, making it more accessible for learners.
Gendered Nouns and Verb Conjugations: Spanish assigns gender to nouns, which is less common in many other languages. Nouns are classified as masculine or feminine, affecting the articles and adjectives used with them. Spanish has an extensive system of verb conjugations. The verb endings change based on the subject and tense, allowing for precise and nuanced expression. This feature can be challenging for learners but is a key aspect of the language's richness.
Tú vs. Usted: Spanish has distinct forms for addressing people informally (tú) and formally (usted). The choice depends on the level of familiarity and respect you wish to convey.
Ser vs. Estar: Spanish uses two verbs, "ser" and "estar," for expressing different types of being or states. This duality offers subtlety in conveying nuances that might not be as distinct in English.
Subject Pronouns: While English often drops subject pronouns (e.g., "I am" vs. "am"), Spanish typically includes them. This gives clarity in communication but can be repetitive for learners of English.
Inverted Question and Exclamation Marks and Serendipity: Spanish uses inverted question marks (¿) and exclamation marks (¡) at the beginning and end of questions and exclamatory sentences. This provides clear cues for the reader.
Spanish has a word, "estrenar," which specifically means to use or wear something for the first time. This demonstrates the language's capacity for precision in vocabulary.
Different Spanish Accents: Spanish is spoken in various countries, each with its own unique accent and vocabulary. The diversity of accents and regional differences in Spanish-speaking countries make the language exceptionally rich and varied.
Influence of Indigenous Languages: In many Spanish-speaking countries, there's a significant influence from indigenous languages. Words from languages like Nahuatl, Quechua, and Guarani have become integrated into Spanish.
Spanish is among the world's most romantic languages. If you are looking to learn Spanish, it will be among the best decisions you will ever take for your personal and professional life.
"Hasta luego", will see you soon!
Now that you know these Spanish words meaning in English, try incorporating these words into your regular vocabulary!
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