I'm Not Afraid S01E01: Spanish study pack

Show 7 more expressions

híjolewow, oh man, geez (exclamation of surprise, dismay, or impressed reaction)

colloquial

A softened exclamation in Mexican Spanish, expressing anything from mild surprise to genuine shock. Safe for all ages and settings.

Híjole, no sabía que el examen era hoy.Oh man, I didn't know the exam was today.

a toda madreawesome, excellent, absolutely great

Track

colloquial

Positive intensifier in Mexican Spanish. Despite containing 'madre', it is used positively here, unlike expressions such as 'vale madre'. Context and intonation are key.

La fiesta estuvo a toda madre, bailamos toda la noche.The party was absolutely great, we danced all night.

nos carga la chingadawe're totally screwed, we're finished

Track

vulgar

'Cargar la chingada' is a strong Mexican idiom meaning to face total ruin or disaster. Highly vulgar; used here by an adult in a serious, despairing context about an agricultural crisis.

Si el río se desborda otra vez, nos carga la chingada.If the river floods again, we're totally screwed.

patas para arribaturned upside down, in complete disorder

Track

colloquial

Literally 'legs in the air'; used to describe a place left in complete disarray, as if ransacked or tossed about.

Después de que los niños jugaron adentro, la sala quedó patas para arriba.After the kids played inside, the living room was turned completely upside down.

echar para atrásto back out, to go back on an agreement

Track

colloquial

Used when someone withdraws from a plan or commitment they had already agreed to. Implies a breach of trust.

Ya habíamos acordado salir juntos, no puedes echarte para atrás.We had already agreed to go out together, you can't back out now.

rajarseto chicken out, to back down, to quit when things get hard

Track

colloquial

In Mexican Spanish, 'rajarse' means to give up or lose one's nerve under pressure. It carries a strong connotation of cowardice or disloyalty. Widely used across age groups.

Dijo que iba a subir al techo pero se rajó en el último momento.He said he was going to climb up to the roof but he chickened out at the last second.

mañososneaky, crafty, dirty-playing

Track

colloquial

Describes someone who uses tricks or underhanded tactics. In a sports context it refers to dirty or cunning play. In other contexts it can mean fussy or having bad habits.

Ese jugador es bien mañoso, siempre encuentra la manera de hacer falta sin que lo vea el árbitro.That player is really sneaky, he always finds a way to foul without the referee seeing.

The Witch

Expressions to listen for

Key vocabulary