Basic Idiomatic Expressions

Learning a new language involves not just mastering the grammar and vocabulary, but also understanding the idiomatic expressions that native speakers use. Idioms are phrases whose meanings aren’t immediately obvious from the individual words. For Spanish learners at the A2 level, getting familiar with some common idiomatic expressions can significantly enhance your comprehension and speaking skills. In this article, we will explore various basic Spanish idiomatic expressions, provide explanations, and offer examples to help you incorporate these phrases into your everyday conversations.

Why Learn Idiomatic Expressions?

Idiomatic expressions add color and authenticity to a language. They can make your speech sound more natural and help you understand native speakers better. Additionally, idioms often carry cultural nuances, giving you a deeper insight into the Spanish-speaking world’s mindset and traditions.

Essential Spanish Idiomatic Expressions for A2 Learners

1. Estar en las nubes

Translation: To be in the clouds
Meaning: To be daydreaming or not paying attention
Example:

• María siempre está en las nubes durante la clase de matemáticas.
  (María is always daydreaming during math class.)

2. Tener hambre de lobo

Translation: To be as hungry as a wolf
Meaning: To be very hungry
Example:

• Después de correr cinco kilómetros, tengo hambre de lobo.
  (After running five kilometers, I’m as hungry as a wolf.)

3. Estar como una cabra

Translation: To be like a goat
Meaning: To be a bit crazy or eccentric
Example:

• Mi tío está como una cabra, siempre hace cosas muy locas.
  (My uncle is a bit crazy, he always does very crazy things.)

4. Tener los pies en la tierra

Translation: To have feet on the ground
Meaning: To be realistic or down-to-earth
Example:

• Aunque sueña con ser actor, tiene los pies en la tierra y sabe que es difícil.
  (Although he dreams of being an actor, he is realistic and knows it’s difficult.)

5. Meter la pata

Translation: To put the paw
Meaning: To make a mistake or blunder
Example:

• Lo siento, metí la pata al decir tu edad en la fiesta.
  (I’m sorry, I made a blunder by mentioning your age at the party.)

6. Ser pan comido

Translation: To be eaten bread
Meaning: To be very easy
Example:

• El examen de español fue pan comido.
  (The Spanish exam was a piece of cake.)

7. Estar de mala leche

Translation: To be of bad milk
Meaning: To be in a bad mood
Example:

• Hoy no hables con él, está de mala leche.
  (Don’t talk to him today, he’s in a bad mood.)

8. Tomar el pelo

Translation: To take the hair
Meaning: To tease or trick someone
Example:

• ¡No me tomes el pelo! Sé que no es verdad.
  (Don’t tease me! I know it’s not true.)

9. Quedarse de piedra

Translation: To stay like a stone
Meaning: To be stunned or shocked
Example:

• Me quedé de piedra cuando me dijeron la noticia.
  (I was stunned when they told me the news.)

10. Estar hecho polvo

Translation: To be made dust
Meaning: To be exhausted or very tired
Example:

• Después de trabajar todo el día, estoy hecho polvo.
  (After working all day, I am exhausted.)

Tips for Learning and Using Idiomatic Expressions

1. Context is Key: Understand the context in which an idiom is used. Idioms can have different meanings depending on the situation.
2. Practice Regularly: Incorporate idiomatic expressions into your daily conversations. The more you use them, the more natural they will become.
3. Learn from Native Speakers: Watch Spanish movies, listen to Spanish music, or read Spanish books to see how native speakers use idioms.
4. Keep a Journal: Write down new idiomatic expressions you learn along with their meanings and example sentences. Reviewing this journal regularly will help reinforce your memory.

Additional Examples of Idiomatic Expressions

11. Buscarle tres pies al gato

Translation: To look for three legs on the cat
Meaning: To make something more complicated than it is
Example:

• No busques tres pies al gato, la respuesta es simple.
  (Don’t make it more complicated than it is, the answer is simple.)

12. Estar en las últimas

Translation: To be in the last ones
Meaning: To be at the end of one’s strength
Example:

• Después de correr el maratón, estaba en las últimas.
  (After running the marathon, I was at the end of my strength.)

13. A lo mejor

Translation: To the best
Meaning: Maybe or perhaps
Example:

• A lo mejor vamos a la playa este fin de semana.
  (Maybe we’ll go to the beach this weekend.)

14. Llevarse bien/mal

Translation: To get along well/badly
Meaning: To have a good/bad relationship
Example:

• Ellos se llevan bien, son muy buenos amigos.
  (They get along well, they are very good friends.)

15. No tener pelos en la lengua

Translation: To not have hairs on the tongue
Meaning: To be very direct or outspoken
Example:

• Siempre dice lo que piensa, no tiene pelos en la lengua.
  (He always says what he thinks, he is very outspoken.)

16. Dar en el clavo

Translation: To hit the nail
Meaning: To be right on the mark
Example:

• Su respuesta dio en el clavo, era exactamente lo que necesitábamos.
  (His answer hit the nail on the head, it was exactly what we needed.)

17. Estar hasta las narices

Translation: To be up to the noses
Meaning: To be fed up
Example:

• Estoy hasta las narices de tus mentiras.
  (I’m fed up with your lies.)

18. Echar una mano

Translation: To throw a hand
Meaning: To lend a hand or help
Example:

• ¿Puedes echarme una mano con este trabajo?
  (Can you lend me a hand with this job?)

19. Tener un humor de perros

Translation: To have a dog’s mood
Meaning: To be in a very bad mood
Example:

• Hoy no te acerques a ella, tiene un humor de perros.
  (Don’t approach her today, she’s in a very bad mood.)

20. Ponerse las pilas

Translation: To put on the batteries
Meaning: To get going or start working hard
Example:

• Si quieres aprobar el examen, tienes que ponerte las pilas.
  (If you want to pass the exam, you need to get going.)

Conclusion

Understanding and using idiomatic expressions is a significant step towards mastering a new language. For A2 level Spanish learners, incorporating these idioms into your vocabulary can make your conversations more natural and engaging. Remember, practice is essential, so try to use these expressions in your daily interactions.
For more articles on Spanish grammar, vocabulary, and cultural insights, be sure to explore our website. Happy learning!

Links:
Spanish Grammar
Spanish Vocabulary
Spanish Listening
Spanish Stories