Translations: English-Spanish Expressions 🧠

¡Hola estudiantes de Español!

Bienvenidos a nuestra newsletter semanal, donde compartimos frases interesantes, lecciones útiles y más para ayudarte a mejorar tu español.

Today, we will learn about English expressions that do not have an exact translation in Spanish.

Cita o Refrán de la Semana

"A mal tiempo, buena cara."

Translation: "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." This saying encourages a positive attitude in difficult situations.

Clase de la Semana

Expressions That Do Not Have an Exact Translation in Spanish

Languages are full of unique expressions that capture cultural nuances and everyday situations. This week, we're focusing on English expressions that don't have a direct translation in Spanish but have equivalent phrases that convey the same meaning.

1. It's not worth it!

   • ¡No vale la pena! This expression is used when something is not worth the effort, time, or trouble. In both languages, it emphasizes the futility of an action.

2. Break a leg!

   • ¡Mucha suerte! Used to wish someone good luck. The Spanish phrase literally means "lots of luck."

3. Piece of cake!

   • ¡Pan comido! This phrase is used to describe something very easy to do. Both expressions use food metaphors to imply simplicity.

4. Actions speak louder than words.

   • Las acciones hablan más que las palabras. This expression highlights the importance of actions over mere words. Both languages use this phrase to stress that what people do is more significant than what they say.

5. The ball is in your court.

   • Te toca a ti. This expression means it’s someone else's turn to make a decision or take action. The Spanish equivalent translates to "it's your turn," conveying the same responsibility shift.

Here are a few more to deepen your understanding:

6. Bite the bullet.

   • Bancársela. Literally "to put up with it," this Spanish expression is used similarly to "bite the bullet," meaning to face a difficult situation with courage.

7. Costs an arm and a leg.

   • Cuesta un ojo de la cara. Both expressions indicate something is very expensive. The Spanish phrase translates to "it costs an eye from the face."

8. Hit the nail on the head.

   • Dar en el clavo. Used when someone is exactly right or does something perfectly. Both expressions use the metaphor of hitting a nail correctly.

9. Under the weather.

   • Estar indispuesto/a. This means feeling ill. While the Spanish expression translates to "to be indisposed," it conveys the same sense of not feeling well.

By learning these expressions, you can add more color and cultural accuracy to your Spanish conversations. Practice using them in different contexts to become more comfortable and natural in your speech.

Quiz de la Semana

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¡Mucha suerte!

Titulares en Español

Catch up on the latest headlines from different news outlets en Español.

Salud:

• Adoptar una dieta flexitariana puede ayudar al planeta - source El País.

Tecnología:

• China pisa el acelerador en el desarrollo de los vehículos eléctricos. - source - The New York Times en Español

Deportes:

• Toni Kroos anuncia su retiro del fútbol de forma inesperada. - source: Telemundo.

We hope you enjoyed this week’s newsletter and found the information about common expressions enlightening. Remember, language learning is a journey, and every bit of practice helps you get closer to fluency.

Feel free to reply to this email with any questions or comments.

Muchas gracias por tu interés en aprender Español.

Un abrazo,

Alejandro Nuñez | Founder and Director.