What is an idiom?
An idiom is a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words (e.g over the moon to indicate a state of intense happiness).Each language has its idioms which enrich and make languages so unique and special. Idioms also make the language- learning process both highly entertaining and downright confusing at times. Here at your Spanish classes academy, we ensure that the acknowledgment of idioms in Spanish forms part of the general curriculum at higher levels, to equip you with a high level of fluency which is only possible through a good cultural understanding. Here at Academia Contacto, we will enable to you to start living la vida española like a native Spaniard, poco a poco! Vamos!
In Spanish, the word for idiom is refrán.
It's true that there are many crossovers between English and Spanish, you will surely be pleased to here! This makes the learning process a little easier. Both languages share similar idioms that you will already be very familiar with.
Estar como pez en el agua- Like a duck to water, to be in one’s element.
There are also many idioms in Spanish and English that are not directly translatable but which share the same overall meaning…
Hijo de la gata, ratones mata (The literal translation here is Son of the cat kills rats, and we would interpret this refran in English as like father, like son).
Llover a cántaros- raining pitchers. In English we have more or less the same idiom, raining buckets and of course, raining cats and dogs.
Es pan comido- eaten bread! This idiom has more or less the meaning of the English idiom A Piece of Cake!
Moreover, there are a whole host of idioms that are original to the Spanish language…
It seems Spain has a slight obsession with crumbs! Probably best to not try and understand it…
Hacer buena migas…literal translation is to make good crumbs! In English we would most likely align this to the idea of hitting off with someone.
Reparar en migajas- This refrán literally means to notice crumbs. In English, it roughly translates as paying attention to unimportant things instead of bigger issues.
There are many, many more idioms that make the Spanish language blossom.
La flor y nata- the flower and cream! In English, this idiom is more or less suggesting something or someone is the upper crust, the creme de la creme…
Idioms are very important! With even a very basic knowledge and recognition of a small group of them, you will steadily and surely be on the right path towards proficiency and fluency. Locals will use them frequently in oral conversation, so get learning! Without learning these strange but intriguing forms, it can be near-on impossible at times to deduce the context and meaning behind these curious expressions.
Idioms are a perfect way to perfect your Spanish and some are highly entertaining!
