Lost in Translation: 9 Truly Unique Spanish Words
‘La Sobremesa’
When the meal is finished, but the conversation is still flowing, stories are told, arguments resolved, rumors spread, friendships strengthened … la sobremesa is in full swing!
‘Friolero’
That person you know whose fingers are blue when yours are just fine, who always needs to wear an extra layer to keep warm … now you know that they are in fact a friolero.
‘Merendar‘
When it’s too late for lunch but too early for dinner, when you need a little sweet treat to get you through to the next meal, you need to merendar.
‘El Botellón‘
In a country where the sun always seems to shine, el botellón is a popular alternative to gathering in a bar. Instead, every park, square and beach doubles as a perfect place to gather with friends.
‘Pardo‘
Ever been undecided as to whether something was brown or grey? In Spanish you don’t have to decide; there is a word to describe exactly that which you couldn’t quite name: pardo.
‘Duende’
Quite possibly one of the hardest words of the Spanish language to translate, duende refers to a strong feeling of passion – a powerful emotion often associated with flamenco …
‘Enchilar’
The use of chili peppers is so common in Spanish and South American cuisine that the action of adding chili to a dish has actually got its own name: enchilar. To be used with caution …
‘Enmadrarse’
The construction of this Spanish word resembles that of the English verb ‘to enchant’ and describes the action of a child who has developed an extremely strong emotional bond with their mother.
‘Consuegro’
Perhaps a testimony to the importance of family relations, consuegro is a word which refers specifically to the relationship between the in-laws of a couple. As in any country or language, it can be good or bad.