2025-05-29

10 Quirky Spanish Expressions That Will Make You Sound Like a Native

Learning Spanish goes far beyond memorizing verb conjugations and vocabulary lists. To truly sound like a native speaker, you need to pepper your conversations with those colorful expressions that make Spanish such a vibrant language. Let's dive into some phrases that will have native speakers doing a double-take when they hear how natural you sound!

1. "Estar como una cabra" (To be like a goat)

No, this doesn't mean you're growing horns! When someone says "estás como una cabra," they're telling you that you're acting crazy or silly. Next time your friend suggests bungee jumping, you can respond with "¡Estás como una cabra!" (You're crazy!)

2. "Tener mala leche" (To have bad milk)

This has nothing to do with spoiled dairy products. Someone with "mala leche" has a bad attitude or malicious intentions. "Ese conductor tiene mala leche" means "That driver has a nasty attitude."

3. "Ser pan comido" (To be eaten bread)

When something is "pan comido," it's a piece of cake! Use this expression when you want to say something is super easy: "El examen fue pan comido" (The exam was a breeze).

4. "Ponerse las pilas" (To put in your batteries)

Need to motivate yourself or someone else? This expression means to get energized or to put effort into something. "¡Ponte las pilas si quieres aprobar!" (Get your act together if you want to pass!)

5. "A otro perro con ese hueso" (To another dog with that bone)

When someone's trying to fool you with an unbelievable story, hit them with this expression. It's the equivalent of saying "Tell that to someone who'll believe it!"

6. "Estar en Babia" (To be in Babia)

Babia is a region in Spain, but this phrase has nothing to do with geography. If someone is "en Babia," they're daydreaming or not paying attention. "¡Despierta! Estás en Babia" (Wake up! You're zoning out).

7. "Dar calabazas" (To give pumpkins)

Rejected by your crush? In Spanish, you've been given pumpkins! "Me dio calabazas cuando le pedí salir" (She rejected me when I asked her out).

8. "Tomar el pelo" (To take the hair)

If someone is "tomándote el pelo," they're pulling your leg or teasing you. "¿Es verdad o me estás tomando el pelo?" (Is that true or are you kidding me?)

9. "Meter la pata" (To put in the paw)

We all make mistakes, and in Spanish, you're putting your paw in it! "Metí la pata cuando mencioné su ex" (I put my foot in my mouth when I mentioned his ex).

10. "Costar un ojo de la cara" (To cost an eye from the face)

When something is extremely expensive, it costs an eye from your face! "Ese coche nuevo cuesta un ojo de la cara" (That new car costs an arm and a leg).

Why These Expressions Matter

Using these colorful phrases does more than just make your Spanish sound authentic—it shows you understand the culture behind the language. Native speakers use these expressions effortlessly, and when you incorporate them into your conversations, you create an immediate connection that goes beyond basic communication.

Remember that many of these phrases vary by region. An expression that's common in Spain might draw blank stares in Mexico or Argentina. Part of the fun of learning Spanish is discovering these regional differences and expanding your linguistic toolkit with each new country you explore or speaker you meet.

Ready to build a solid foundation for your Spanish so you can use these expressions confidently? Head over to Spanish-Quiz.com to practice your verb conjugations and take your Spanish to the next level. After all, mastering the basics is "pan comido" when you have the right tools!

¡Buena suerte con tu español!