Here are 5 local Spanish expressions you never knew you needed when traveling to Spain.
Table of Contents:
- No Ní Ná
- Ponme una caña, por favor
- Miarma
- Estoy flipando en colores
- tío, tía
Expressions in context:
- Ni no ná– It is a triple negative expression, ná is short for nada and it’s the best affirmation that there is! When used correctly it can function the same as “yeah right” or “of course” in English.
- Ponme una caña, por favor– Get around town like a local! First stop, the bar! Here’s a little explanation about this very typical phrase, asking for a beer has never been more simple.
In Spain, a caña refers to a normal size 6 oz Espresso beer served in every bar or restaurant. Make sure to use this next time you are out! - Miarma– Can you guess which part of Andalucia this expression comes from? It´s heard in Seville, the capital of Andalucia, and you can hear it in the streets quite often. Even when asked a simple question like “Que pasa, miarma?” What’s up, love?
- Estoy flipando en colores– Want to be able to express some extreme excitement? Well, this phrase is for you. The literal translation of “I am flipping in colors,” it’s typically heard in Sevilla but nonetheless it has a great ring to it.
- Tío/Tía– In school we are taught that these two words reffer to family but don’t get confused! In Spain it’s also a slang word used to express a guy or a girl. It can be used before or after a statement/question.
