You've Got This: Spanish study pack

Show 7 more expressions

qué osohow embarrassing; what a cringe moment

colloquial

Literally 'what a bear'. Used to express embarrassment about something awkward, either one's own situation or someone else's. Common among younger and middle-aged speakers.

Qué oso, se me olvidó el nombre del cliente justo cuando lo iba a presentar.How embarrassing. I forgot the client's name right when I was about to introduce him.

ni modooh well; no way around it; nothing to be done

colloquial

Signals resigned acceptance that a situation cannot be changed. Tone ranges from casual shrug to genuine disappointment depending on delivery.

Se canceló el vuelo, ni modo, tendremos que salir mañana.The flight got cancelled, oh well, we'll have to leave tomorrow.

me vale madresI don't give a damn; I couldn't care less

vulgar

Strong vulgar dismissal. 'Me vale' alone is softer; adding 'madres' intensifies it significantly. Used in moments of anger or defiance between people who are comfortable with crude language.

Le dije que sus opiniones sobre mi trabajo me valían madres.I told him I didn't give a damn about his opinions on my work.

qué poca madrewhat a low-down thing to do; that's messed up

vulgar

Expresses strong moral disapproval of someone's behavior. 'Poca madre' implies the person has no decency. Common vulgar expression of indignation.

Qué poca madre dejarte plantado así sin avisar.What a terrible thing to do, standing you up like that without a word.

bomberazolast-minute urgent situation; fire to put out; sudden emergency

colloquial

From 'bombero' (firefighter). Refers to an unexpected urgent work problem that demands immediate attention, pulling someone away from plans.

No pude llegar a la cena porque me salió un bomberazo en la oficina.I couldn't make it to dinner because a sudden crisis came up at the office.

hacerse guajeto play dumb; to pretend not to know; to feign ignorance

colloquial

Very Mexican expression. 'Guaje' is a gourd used in folk culture, and the idiom suggests someone is acting hollow or empty-headed on purpose. Used when someone knows something and is deliberately pretending otherwise.

No te hagas guaje, tú sabías perfectamente que hoy era la reunión.Don't play dumb, you knew perfectly well that the meeting was today.

al paloright on; perfect; let's go; exactly right

colloquial

Used in this dialogue by the Argentine character (Rafa). In Mexican Spanish it is understood but more associated with Río de la Plata speech. Signals enthusiastic agreement or that something is exactly what was needed.

Esa idea está al palo, justo lo que necesitábamos para la presentación.That idea is perfect, exactly what we needed for the presentation.

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