Na'atik Language & Culture Institute

View Original

10 Spanish expressions that you already know in English!

Idiomatic Expressions

The beauty of idiomatic expression is that they can unite languages by painting relatable images. At first blush, images in an expression are specific to that language and culture. Delving deeper into the meaning reveals that we already have these expressions in our language. Here are some idiomatic expressions that are popular in Mexico and you may be surprised to already know in English. 

Cuando las ranas críen pelo (when pigs fly)

See this content in the original post

via GIPHY

Literal translated meaning:  When frogs (las ranas) grow hair.

Es pan comida (easy as pie)

See this content in the original post

via GIPHY

Literal translated meaning: It's like eating bread.

La misma gata, pero revolcada (same song different tune)

See this content in the original post

via GIPHY

Literal translated meaning:  The same cat, but thrashed about.

No hay mal que por bien no venga (every cloud has a silver lining)

See this content in the original post

via GIPHY

Literal translated meaning:  There is no evil that which good doesn't come from

Ya nos cayo el chahuistle (get caught red-handed)

See this content in the original post

via GIPHY

Literal translated meaning:  The chahuistle* has gotten us*

Origin: This expression is distinctly Mexican because the word 'chahuistle' is a word with roots in Nahuatl, the Aztec language. A chahuistle is a fungus that attacks the corn plant.

Y hablando del Rey de Roma (speak of the devil)

See this content in the original post

via GIPHY

Literal translated meaning:  And speaking of the King of Rome...

Árbol que nace torcido, jamás su rama endereza (a leopard never changes its spots)

See this content in the original post

via GIPHY

Literal translated meaning:  A tree that is born crooked will never straighten its branches

Cuando el río suena, agua lleva (where there’s smoke there’s fire)

See this content in the original post

via GIPHY

Translated meaning: If the river makes a noise its because water is running

Echarle crema a tus tacos (to blow your own trumpet)

See this content in the original post

via GIPHY

Literal translated meaning:  Put cream on your tacos

La gota que derramó el vaso (the straw that broke the camel’s back)

See this content in the original post

via GIPHY

Literal translated meaning:  the drop that overflowed the glass.

Bonus: el mundo es un pañuelo (it’s a small word)

See this content in the original post

via GIPHY

Literal translated meaning:   The world is a handkerchief 

If you would like to read more about Mexican culture, history, cuisine and language, check out our blog page for our latest monthly articles. You can also sign up to our newsletter to receive these straight to your inbox along with the latest news about our non-profit school for local and Indigenous students in Felipe Carrillo Puerto. 

The best way to experience the Mexican lifestyle is in person, with a Na’atik Immersion experience. Not only do you live with a local Mexican-Maya family, sharing home-cooked meals and free time, but also receive expert instruction in your chosen language at our school. Best of all, every immersion experience helps fund our subsidized and free local education program, helping local students to access opportunities and make their own futures.