A Man of Action: Spanish study pack

Show 7 more expressions

guajekid / youngster

colloquial

A term from Asturian dialect that has spread into colloquial use. Used affectionately or dismissively depending on context, often by an older person addressing a younger one.

Ese guaje lleva toda la tarde corriendo por el parque.That kid has been running around the park all afternoon.

la madre que lo pariófor f**k's sake / son of a b**ch (exclamation of frustration or anger)

vulgar

A very common vulgar exclamation used when something goes wrong or someone is exasperating. Can refer to a person or a situation. Literally 'the mother that bore him/it', used purely as a vent phrase.

¡La madre que lo parió, otra vez se ha cortado la conexión!For f**k's sake, the connection has dropped again!

nanomate / kid / pal (affectionate address, often from an older to a younger person)

colloquial

Catalan-origin term of address ('nano' means kid or small one) used affectionately or familiarly. Appears here consistently between characters with a close bond. Not widely used across all regions but recognisable.

Venga, nano, que se nos hace tarde y el partido ya ha empezado.Come on, mate, we're running late and the match has already started.

que se jodanscrew them / they can go to hell

vulgar

A blunt dismissal of a person or group. 'Joder' is one of the most versatile vulgar verbs; in this reflexive subjunctive form it functions as a curse or expression of contempt. Common in heated, informal speech.

Si no les gusta cómo trabajo, que se jodan.If they don't like the way I work, they can go to hell.

ser de fiarto be trustworthy / to be reliable

colloquial

A fixed expression assessing whether someone can be trusted. Appears frequently in everyday speech when evaluating people. The negative 'no ser de fiar' is equally common.

A ese fontanero le recomendaría sin dudarlo; es muy de fiar.I'd recommend that plumber without hesitation, he's very trustworthy.

tener madera (para algo)to have what it takes / to have the makings of something

colloquial

Literally 'to have wood', meaning natural aptitude or innate talent for something. Often used to say someone has the right qualities to become something ('tiene madera de líder').

Desde pequeña, todos decían que tenía madera de actriz.From a young age, everyone said she had the makings of an actress.

collonsballs / bloody hell (strong exclamation of surprise or frustration)

vulgar

Catalan vulgar exclamation equivalent to 'cojones'. Appears in the dialogue from a Catalan-speaking character and signals regional/linguistic identity as well as frustration. Recognised but not typically used by non-Catalan speakers.

Collons, tío, no me puedo creer que hayas tardado tanto.Bloody hell, mate, I can't believe it took you so long.

A Man of Action

Expressions to listen for

Key vocabulary