20 Spanish idioms with “tener” and other common Spanish idioms

By learning Spanish idioms you can understand better the common terms that are part of everyday conversations. Spanish idioms are daily phrases or expressions with a figurative meaning. In the English language, you will find over 20.000 expressions. In this lesson, we’ll look at popular Spanish idioms and the best ways to make these phrases part of your regular conversations. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING COMMON SPANISH IDIOMS

• Spanish idiomatic expressions are difficult to understand if you do not speak the language fluently. 
• Many idioms are associated with the region or location that it comes from. 
• Phrases used in Spain will differ from expressions used in other Spanish speaking populations. 

The Spanish verb “Tener” is the verb, “to have” in English and is used in many Spanish idioms. We have created a list of 10 “tener” idioms you should know to speak fluently and to understand Spanish in a fun and interesting way:

1. Tener prisa (To be in a hurry)
2. Tener miedo (To feel scared)
3. No tener pelos en la lengua (to tell it like it is) 
4. Tener memoria de pez (to have a memory like a sieve or poor memory)
5. Tener sangre azul (to be born with a silver spoon/ to be born in a fortunate position)
6. Tener la negra (to have bad luck)
7. Tener vista de lince (to have an eagle eye/the best eyesight)
8. No tener razón (To be wrong)
9. Tener frío (To be cold)
10. Tener calor (to be hot) 

THE BEST WAY TO LEARN SPANISH EXPRESSIONS

The easiest way to improve your language and conversation skills is to learn Spanish idioms in English. This helps you to translate the different phrases easier and will help you to sound and speak like a native from Spain. 

While there are many Spanish idiomatic expressions, only a few are used in the country while others are only spoken in specific Spanish-speaking regions. 

Also, you need to keep in mind that the direct translation of common Spanish idioms is not the accurate meaning of the phrase. For this reason, by learning popular expressions in Spanish, you will improve your vocabulary. Check out these 10 Common Spanish Idioms!  

1. Tomar el pelo (To pull someone’s leg)
2. No ver tres en un burro (To be as blind as a bat) 
3. Ser un bombón (To be eye candy) 
4. Ponerse de mala leche (To get bent out of shape) 
5. Dormir a pierna suelta (To sleep like a log) 
6. Ponerse morado (To eat like a horse) 
7. Dar en el blanco (To hit the bullseye)
8. No haber color (like apples and oranges) 
9. Encontrar tu media naranja (to find your other half) 
10. Estar sin blanca (to be down and out) 

LEARNING SPANISH IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS CAN BE FUN

In conclusion, the meaning of Spanish idioms is lost when directly translated in English. A phrase such as “Buscarle tres patas al gato” would directly translate to: “looking for three feet on a cat,” however, it is an idiom which means “to take the scenic route.” Understanding common Spanish idioms will help you to master the language. 

Now that you know the most common Spanish idiomatic expressions, discover Common Spanish phrases for travel.

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