9 Spanish words that will make you sound like a native speaker.
Learning Spanish is much more than memorising verbs and grammar.At our Spanish school in Valencia, El Rincón del Tándem, we love teaching unique words that don’t always appear in books but are commonly used in Spain.
These expressions speak of our way of living, laughing and enjoying life. So, if you come to our Spanish classes (or our online classes if you’re far away!), get ready to discover a vocabulary full of humour, emotion and spark.
Here are 9 words that will make you sound more Spanish than a siesta after paella:
1. Sobremesa
No, it’s not “sobre la mesa” (on the table). La sobremesa is that magical moment after eating, when no one gets up and everyone continues talking, laughing and drinking coffee.
Example:
- ¿Nos vamos ya?
- ¿Cómo que nos vamos? ¡Si estamos en plena sobremesa!
In Spain, the after-meal conversation can last longer than the meal itself. It is a sacred tradition and a perfect opportunity to practise your Spanish with friends or classmates.
2. Bocachancla
A bocachancla is that person who talks too much… and without thinking!
Example:
- No le cuentes nada a Juan, que es un bocachancla.
In our Spanish classes, there are certainly no bocachanclas, but we will help you learn how to use this word with humour.
3. Cotilleo
Cotilleo is the (very Spanish) art of talking about what is happening in other people’s lives. It is not always done with bad intentions; sometimes it is just out of curiosity or for fun.
Example:
- ¿Has oído el cotilleo del barrio?
- ¡No! Cuéntamelo ya.
If you like talking, laughing and sharing stories, cotilleo is part of Spanish culture. What’s more, it’s the perfect excuse to practise conversation in class!
4. Morriña
This word is very Galician, but it is understood throughout Spain. Morriña is that sadness you feel when you miss your homeland, your people or your roots.
Example:
- Desde que me mudé a Valencia tengo un poco de morriña de mi pueblo.
At our Spanish school in Valencia, we know what it’s like to be far from home, so we’ll make you feel supported while you learn Spanish with us.
5. Tiquismiquis
A tiquismiquis is someone who is overly demanding or who complains about minor issues.
Example:
- No seas tiquismiquis, el gazpacho está buenísimo.
In Spain, we use this word all the time, especially when someone finds fault with everything.
6. Pringado / Pringada
Pringado is a person who always ends up doing the hard work... or who falls into all the traps.
Example:
- Siempre me toca limpiar a mí, ¡soy el pringado del grupo!
Who hasn’t felt like a pringado at some point in their life?
7. Cachondeo
Cachondeo is synonymous with amusement, jokes and good humour. Where there’s cachondeo, there is laughter
Example:
- Siempre hay cachondeo en clase.
Because Spanish classes can be fun and full of positive energy.
8. Trapicheo
Trapicheo can have several meanings: from negotiating something “informally” to making small exchanges or favours.
Example:
- En el mercado hay mucho trapicheo de precios.
It does not always have a negative connotation; it depends on the context. In Spain, we love to negotiate… and that is something that can be learned!
9. Chapuza
A chapuza is a poorly done job or a makeshift solution.
Example:
- Intenté arreglar el grifo yo mismo, pero resultó ser una chapuza.
We all make chapuzas from time to time, but in our classes, nothing is left half done. Learn properly from the start!
Learn Spanish with real expressions
These words are just a sample of the vocabulary you will learn at our Spanish school.
Our classes are designed to help you speak like a native Spanish speaker, understand jokes, and enjoy the culture as much as the language.
Furthermore, if you can’t come to Valencia, don’t worry! We offer online Spanish classes so you can continue learning from anywhere in the world.
Because Spanish is not only to be studied, it’s also to be lived! And there’s no better way to do that than with a little fun, good conversation, and a lot of passion for words.
See you soon!
