1. Sobremesa<\/h2>\n
Made from the prefix 'over' (sobre) and the noun 'table', \"sobremesa\" refers to the lingering conversation and bonding that happens after a meal. It's the time spent chatting, sharing stories, and connecting with loved ones around the table long after the plates have been cleared. This word embodies the importance of cherishing meaningful moments with friends and family.<\/p>\n
No levantes los platos todav\u00eda, hagamos un poco de sobremesa.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cDon't pick up the dishes yet, let's have a little after-dinner conversation.\u201d<\/p>\n When was the last time you wore a great outfit for the fisrt time?<\/p>\n The anticipation and joy of using or wearing something for the first time are captured by the word \"estrenar.\" It encapsulates that feeling of excitement and novelty that accompanies trying out a new possession, whether it's clothing, a gadget, or even a skill.<\/p>\n \u00bfVas a estrenar el vestido rojo esta noche?<\/em><\/p>\n \u201c<\/em>Are you going to wear (for the first time) the red dress tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n \"Antojo\" is the irresistible craving or desire for a specific type of food, often something indulgent or comfortingly nostalgic. It's that sudden yearning for a certain dish that cannot easily be satisfied by any other substitute. The great thing about Spanish-speaking cultures is that, even though the word is often associated with pregnant women, everyone is allowed to have those sudden cravings sometimes!<\/p>\n Tengo un terrible antojo de pasas de uva cubiertas con chocolate.<\/em><\/p>\n I have a strong craving for chocolate-covered raisins!<\/p>\n \"Desvelarse\" literally translates to \"to stay up until daybreak,\" and it is often used in the figurative sense to mean staying up late at night or worrying about something. It conveys exhaustion that's both mental and physical because of a particular situation.<\/p>\n -\u00bfDescansaste bien anoche?<\/em><\/p>\n -No, me desvel\u00e9 pensando en el examen.<\/em><\/p>\n \"Did you rest well last night?\"<\/p>\n \"No, I stayed awake thinking about the exam.\"<\/p>\n When you meet someone who shares your first name, you might refer to them as your \"namesake\" in English. However, Spanish elevates this concept with \"tocayo\" for males and \"tocaya\" for females, highlighting the connection and shared identity that comes from sharing a name.<\/p>\n This word, which comes from the N\u00e1huatl term t\u014dc\u0101yoh (\u201che\/she who has your name\u201d), is much more popular in Spanish than in English, as people use it all the time to call those with whom they share the first name.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat's up, namesake? It's been a while.\u201d<\/p>\n Ever indulged in too much of a delicious treat and ended up feeling sickly full? That's when \"empalagar\" comes into play. This word captures the sensation of having consumed something (especially something that's too sugary) to the point of overwhelming your senses and stomach.<\/p>\n The term can also be used as an adjective (empalagoso\/a) to describe something that produces this feeling, and you can also use the past participle (empalagad\/a) to explain how you feel. Yes, from one base word, now we have 3 Spanish words that don't exist in English!<\/p>\n La torta estaba riqu\u00edsima, pero un poco empalagosa...<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThe cake was delicious, but a bit too rich\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n If you've ever taught English to a group of Spanish speakers, you've surely been asked how to say this in English. In Spanish-speaking cultures, 'la merienda' is one of the most important meals of the day.<\/p>\n It's not breakfast, it's not lunch, and it's certainly not dinner; it is a snack typically taken between meals to keep you energized. But \"merendar\" goes beyond the simple act of snacking. It specifically refers to the afternoon ritual of having a light meal or snack, often involving pastries, sandwiches, or fruits, and lots of conversation!<\/p>\n \u00bfQuieres venir a merendar a mi casa ma\u00f1ana?<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWould you like to come over for an afternoon snack at my place tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n These Spanish words that don't exist in English describe someone who is particularly sensitive to cold temperatures. We all know someone who's always bundling up even when others seem perfectly comfortable \u2013 that person is a \"friolero\/a\" or \"friolento\/a\" depending on which part of the Spanish-speaking world they come from.<\/p>\n Prend\u00ed la estufa antes de que vinieras porque s\u00e9 que sos muy friolento.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI turned on the heater before you came because I know you get cold easily.\u201d<\/p>\n Romantic relationships are complicated. Sometimes, you can have romantic feelings for a person but don't feel ready to commit. In Spanish, they have a word for that: \"amigovio\/a\" (amigo + novio) It's someone who is not a friend and not quite a traditional partner.<\/p>\n Depending on the context, it can be used as either an affectionate or mocking term. In Argentina and other Latin American countries, this word gained popularity thanks to the TV show \"Amigovios\", in the early 1990s.<\/p>\n (Picture)<\/p>\n -\u00bfC\u00f3mo est\u00e1 tu novio? \u201cHow's your boyfriend?\u201d While not completely absent in English, the Spanish word \"estadounidense\" (US American) offers a more precise way to refer to someone from that country. Unlike \"American,\" which can encompass the entire continent, \"estadounidense\" specifically denotes someone from the United States.<\/p>\n The exchange below is a very common example of why many Spanish-speaking people, particularly from Latin American countries, prefer this term over \"americano\":<\/p>\n -Tengo una t\u00eda americana. \"I have an American aunt.\" In a world where cultures continue to merge and blend, these Spanish words that don't exist in English serve as reminders of the distinct experiences and perspectives that different languages can offer.<\/p>\n As you explore these linguistic gems, you'll find yourself gaining a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of Spanish-speaking cultures and the unique ways they capture the essence of life.<\/p>\n So, the next time you savour a prolonged \"sobremesa\" or feel the urge to \"estrenar\" something new, you'll be reminded of the beauty of language and its ability to enrich our understanding of the world.<\/p>\n Would you like to go beyond curious Spanish words that don\u2019t exist in English and start working on your fluency? At Listen & Learn, we offer customised Spanish courses taught by native speakers that focus on both the language and culture of Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries.<\/p>\n \u2192Sign Up Now: Free Trial Spanish Lesson With a Native Teacher!\u2190<\/a><\/p>\n Whether you are a beginner or an advancer learner, our experienced instructors will guide you as you discover all the wonders of the Spanish world, from Castillian literature to Mexican slang<\/a>.<\/p>\n2. Estrenar<\/h2>\n
3. Antojo<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.listenandlearn.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/pexels-tim-samuel-6697262.jpg\")
<\/p>\n4. Desvelarse<\/h2>\n
5. Tocayo\/Tocaya<\/h2>\n
6. Empalagar<\/h2>\n
7. Merendar<\/h2>\n
8. Friolero\/a (Spain) \/ Friolento\/a (Latin America)<\/h2>\n
![\"Picture](\"https:\/\/www.listenandlearn.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/pexels-pixabay-266679.jpg\")
<\/p>\n9. Amigovio\/a<\/h2>\n
\n-Te dije que no es mi novio. <\/em>Es mi amigovio.<\/em><\/p>\n
\n\u201cI told you he's not my boyfriend. He's just a special friend.\u201d<\/p>\n10. Estadounidense<\/h2>\n
\n-\u00bfAmericana? \u00bfDe qu\u00e9 pa\u00eds, precisamente?-
\n-Bueno, quise decir que tengo una t\u00eda estadounidense.<\/em><\/p>\n
\n\"American? From which country specifically?\"
\n\"Well, I meant to say she's from the US\".<\/p>\n