Veronica: Spanish study pack

Show 7 more expressions

jopéwow, blimey, jeez

colloquial

A softened euphemism for a stronger exclamation. Used to express mild surprise, frustration, or irritation. Common among younger speakers and in family settings.

¡Jopé, se me ha olvidado el paraguas justo hoy que llueve a cántaros!Blimey, I forgot my umbrella on the one day it's pouring down!

cargárselato be in big trouble, to face the consequences

colloquial

Literally 'to carry it', but idiomatically means someone is going to get into serious trouble or face a punishment. Often used as a warning.

Como se entere tu madre de que suspendiste el examen, te la vas a cargar.If your mum finds out you failed the exam, you're going to be in big trouble.

pillárselato get caught, to cop it

colloquial

Used when someone is caught doing something wrong or narrowly avoids getting caught. Closely related in feel to 'cargársela' but focuses more on the moment of being caught.

Casi se la pillan copiando en el examen, pero el profesor no se dio cuenta.She almost got caught copying in the exam, but the teacher didn't notice.

ni pero ni perano ifs, ands, or buts

colloquial

A playful fixed phrase used by adults, especially parents, to shut down any attempt at negotiation. The rhyming of 'pero' (but) and 'pera' (pear) makes it catchy and dismissive.

Os vais a la cama ahora mismo, ni pero ni pera.You're going to bed right now, no ifs, ands, or buts.

irse pitandoto dash off, to rush off

colloquial

Means to leave somewhere very quickly, usually because of urgency or time pressure. The verb 'pitar' here is not about whistling but about moving fast.

Terminó la reunión y se fue pitando al aeropuerto para no perder el vuelo.The meeting ended and he dashed off to the airport so he wouldn't miss his flight.

se me escapóit slipped out, I let it slip

colloquial

Used when someone unintentionally reveals a secret or says something they didn't mean to say. The reflexive-dative construction shifts responsibility away from the speaker, it 'escaped from me'.

No era un secreto a voces, pero se me escapó sin querer durante la cena.It wasn't common knowledge, but it slipped out during dinner without meaning to.

a tomar por culogo to hell, sod off

vulgar

A strong dismissive expletive used to reject someone or something forcefully. Considered very rude and would not be used in polite or formal contexts.

Cuando le propuso trabajar gratis otra vez, le mandó a tomar por culo.When he suggested she work for free again, she told him to go to hell.

Veronica

Expressions to listen for

Key vocabulary