Spanish expressions from Spain are a challenge not only for those who are learning the language, but also – in many cases – for native Spanish speakers from other countries.
This is without considering the difficulty that may exist in understanding the conjugations and the forms in which the verb tenses are presented. But the important thing is that, with practice, and the right method, the confusions disappear.
Since the end of the last century, Lingua Language Center has taught thousands of people to learn the language of their choice. We achieve spectacular results thanks to our advanced pedagogical techniques and the highly qualified professionals that accompany us.
We have everything so that our students can understand the different ways of speaking the languages we teach. And that includes, of course, Spanish.
The Spanish spoken in Spain has peculiarities that centuries ago made up the so-called “cultured norm”, but which today are typical of the Iberian Peninsula and are as valid as the Spanish spoken in Mexico, Venezuela, or Argentina.
In any case, today we will focus only on current expressions and will not go into details about structure, voseo, or verbs.
Spanish expressions from Spain
These Spanish expressions are so current, so used by young people that it would be difficult to understand someone from Madrid, for example, if they do not know each other. Fortunately, they are easy to learn for speakers of other languages, and fairly intuitive for Spanish speakers in other parts of the world.
Mogollon
It means “a lot”. You can say that you like something a lot to express that you like it a lot. You can also say that something costs a lot to make it clear that it is very expensive.
Bad milk
To be malicious is to act with malice or bad intentions. Example: “He was always mean to us, that’s why he denounced us”.
I don’t give a damn
This expression is quite vulgar, and means that you are indifferent to something.
Example:
- Who do you go to in the World Cup?
- I don’t give a damn who wins. I don’t care.
Bud
Very clumsy person. It is also used to refer to someone who has “mala leche”, that is: bad intentions.
Make out
It is used to say that you have kissed someone. Example: Have you hooked up with the girl? / They are about to make out.
Pasta
It is a popular word for money among the working class. Example: Have you earned a lot of money this week?
Come on!
It is an expression used mainly to show surprise or disbelief. You say “Come on!” when something shocks you or you can’t believe the person telling you something.
Good
This word is a catch-all that serves to say: “good morning”, “good evening”, “good afternoon”, or simply “hello” at any time of the day.
It also works to refer to a single person or to several people.
Uncle / Aunt
Although it literally refers to your father’s or mother’s brother or sister (uncle or aunt in English), when said by a Spaniard, it can simply mean dude, or friend, companion, subject, etc….
Man
This expression is another one to be careful with. Depending on how it is said, it may simply be an interjection:
- Do you like baseball?
- No way, man, of course not! In Spain we prefer soccer.
You don’t just say it to a male. When used as an interjection, you can also say it to a woman without any problem. Although that depends on speaking preferences.
Vale
Vale is another wildcard. It is used to refer to the value of something: “How much is that lamp worth?”.
But it also works for consulting agreements: See you in the morning, okay? / So, let’s stay like this, shall we?
Generally, Spaniards answer such questions with two vouchers: “Okay, okay. See you tomorrow.
As in every Spanish-speaking region of the world, there are many other expressions that can enrich your vocabulary. But these will be enough, for now, for you to understand the peculiarities of Spanish in Spain, or rather for you to adapt to them.
When you learn Spanish with Lingua Language Center, you will realize that there is no right or wrong way to speak the language, and that there are simply different points of view that are always valid for communication.
If you want to make progress in learning Spanish, contact our offices in Florida or send us an email. We are ready to offer you the right methodology and resources to learn this language.