{"id":144617,"date":"2023-10-16T20:19:20","date_gmt":"2023-10-17T00:19:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/intermediate-spanish-phrases\/"},"modified":"2025-02-23T23:53:55","modified_gmt":"2025-02-24T04:53:55","slug":"intermediate-spanish-phrases","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/spanish\/intermediate-spanish-phrases\/","title":{"rendered":"60 Common Intermediate Spanish Phrases"},"content":{"rendered":"

So you know all the basics, but you still get confused when listening to native speakers.\u00a0Or maybe you’re doing well with comprehension but you want to sound a bit more natural when engaging in everyday conversation.<\/p>\n

These 60 colloquial Spanish phrases are perfect for intermediate-level learners looking for a boost in fluency.\u00a0\u00a0They’re commonly used expressions that will help you get one step ahead in your language learning.\u00a0<\/p>\n

[fluentu-toc]
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1. No hace falta<\/em> (It’s not necessary)<\/h2>\n

No hace falta <\/em>is a great way to say something is unnecessary without using the literal translation, no es necesario. <\/em><\/p>\n

You can also use the verb phrase hacer falta<\/em> to say that you miss someone: me haces falta<\/em> (I miss you), me hace falta<\/em>\u00a0(I miss him\/her\/it), etc.\u00a0<\/p>\n

No te preocupes, no hace falta<\/strong> hacer nada.<\/em> (Don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s not necessary to do anything.)<\/p>\n

2. Qu\u00e9 m\u00e1s da<\/em>\u00a0<\/em>(What does it matter<\/strong>)<\/h2>\n

Qu\u00e9 m\u00e1s da <\/em>is a colloquial way to say that something isn’t important. You could translate it as “What does it matter?” or “Who cares?”<\/p>\n

A similar colloquial expression the Spanish use to express this sentiment is no es para tanto<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/em>(it’s not a big deal).<\/p>\n

Qu\u00e9 m\u00e1s da<\/strong> si vamos al cine o a cenar, lo importante es pasar tiempo juntos.<\/em> (What does it matter if we go to the movies or out for dinner, the important thing is to spend time together.)<\/p>\n

3. A gusto<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0<\/em>(At ease\/comfortable)<\/h2>\n

Yes, you can say c\u00f3modo\/a<\/em> (comfortable). But using a gusto<\/em> will help you sound more like a native speaker.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Me siento muy a gusto<\/strong> aqu\u00ed.<\/em>\u00a0<\/em>(I feel really comfortable here.)<\/p>\n

4. Ventilarse<\/strong><\/em> + <\/em>[noun] (To finish off something)<\/h2>\n

Instead of the verbs terminar <\/em>or acabarse,<\/em> you can use the reflexive verb ventilarse<\/strong><\/em> (to ventilate) to say that you’ve finished a certain food, series, etc. For example:<\/p>\n

En el ultimo mes nos hemos ventilado<\/strong> unas 2 o 3 series de principio a fin. <\/em>(In the past month we’ve finished two or three series from start to finish.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

Me he ventilado<\/strong> las galletas. <\/em>(I’ve finished off all of the cookies.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

When you use ventilarse\u00a0<\/em>with beverages it means to \u201cdown\u201d or to \u201cchug\u201d:<\/p>\n

Se ha ventilado<\/strong> la cerveza de un trago. <\/em>(He downed the beer in one gulp.)<\/p>\n

5. No me sale<\/strong><\/em> (I can’t do it well\/It doesn’t work out for me)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

No me sale\u00a0<\/em>is a simple phrase<\/a> that’s similar to saying something \u201cjust doesn\u2019t work out for me.\u201d It can be used for a variety of things\u2014for example, when talking about your cooking skills:<\/p>\n

La tortilla espa\u00f1ola no me sale<\/strong>. <\/em>(I can\u2019t cook a Spanish omelette well.)<\/p>\n

No me sale<\/strong> el pino. <\/em>(I can\u2019t do a handstand\/My handstands don’t turn out right.)<\/p>\n

No me ha salido<\/strong> el trabajo ese del que te hablaba el otro d\u00eda. <\/em>(That job I was talking to you about the other day didn\u2019t work out for me.)<\/p>\n

6. \u00a1Estoy muy<\/em> ilusionado!<\/em>\/\u00a1Tengo mucha ilusi\u00f3n! <\/em><\/strong>(I\u2019m really excited!)<\/h2>\n

Instead of always using the adjective emocionado\/a <\/em>(excited), you can use one of these two phrases to express your excitement.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Estoy muy ilusionado<\/strong> por mi pr\u00f3ximo viaje a Espa\u00f1a.<\/em> (I am very excited about my upcoming trip to Spain.)<\/p>\n

7. \u00a1Me estoy meando!<\/em>\u00a0<\/em>(<\/strong>I really have to pee!)<\/h2>\n

This colloquial Spanish phrase literally means \u201cI\u2019m peeing myself,” but it’s used in Spain to say that you really need to go, not that you’re actually going. \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Tenemos que encontrar un ba\u00f1o. \u00a1Me estoy meando!<\/strong><\/em> (We need to find a bathroom. I really have to pee!)\u00a0<\/p>\n

8. Me siento fatal<\/em>\u00a0<\/em>(<\/strong>I feel terrible)<\/h2>\n

Me siento fatal<\/em> can be used to mean feeling bad physically or feeling guilty for something.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Me siento fatal<\/strong> porque no pude asistir a la boda de mi mejor amiga.<\/em> (I feel terrible because I couldn’t attend my best friend’s wedding.)<\/p>\n

Me siento fatal<\/strong>. Beb\u00ed demasiado y ahora tengo resaca.<\/em> (I feel awful. I drank too much, and now I have a hangover.)<\/p>\n

9. Estoy mal<\/em>\/Me encuentro mal <\/em><\/strong>(<\/strong>I\u2019m sick)<\/h2>\n

Like the previous one, these phrases can be used instead of Estoy enfermo\/a <\/em>(I’m sick). Me encuentro mal <\/em>is more formal and literally translates to \u201cI find myself unwell.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

If you want to be more specific you can say “Estoy mal\/Me encuentro mal de(l)_____” <\/em>(est\u00f3mago\u2014<\/em>stomach, la garganta\u2014<\/em>the throat, etc.).\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Estoy mal del est\u00f3mago<\/strong>. Com\u00ed algo que no me cay\u00f3 bien.<\/em> (I have a stomachache. I ate something that didn’t agree with me.)<\/p>\n

No voy al trabajo hoy porque me encuentro mal<\/strong>.<\/em> (I’m not going to work today because I’m feeling unwell.)<\/p>\n

10. Echar un vistazo<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>(To take a look)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you try to translate “to take a look” literally into Spanish, you’d get something like “t<\/em>omar una mirada,” <\/em>which doesn’t exist. Instead, we use the phrase echar un vistazo.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00bfPuedo echar un vistazo <\/strong>a las fotos de la boda?<\/em> (Can I take a look at the photos from the wedding?)<\/p>\n

11. No se me ocurre nada<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong>(I can\u2019t think of anything)<\/h2>\n

This colloquial phrase uses another reflexive verb (ocurrirse)<\/em> so it\u00a0<\/em>literally means \u201cnothing occurs to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another phrase you might say to express this same idea is Tengo la mente en blanco.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(I\u2019m drawing a blank).<\/p>\n

No se me ocurre nada<\/strong> interesante que hacer este fin de semana, \u00bftienes alguna sugerencia?<\/em> (I can’t think of anything interesting to do this weekend, do you have any suggestions?)<\/p>\n

12. No me he enterado de nada<\/em> (I didn\u2019t understand a thing)<\/h2>\n

You can use the verb entender <\/em>(to understand),\u00a0but using the reflexive verb enterarse<\/em><\/strong> (to find out) is more colloquial.<\/p>\n

Lo siento pero no me he enterado de nada<\/strong>. \u00bfPodr\u00edas hablar m\u00e1s despacio?<\/em> (Sorry but I didn’t understand anything you just said. Could you speak more slowly?)<\/p>\n

13. Llevo + <\/em>[time period] + aqu\u00ed<\/em> (I’ve been here for [time period])<\/h2>\n

The literal translation, which is also correct, would use haber estado<\/em>. For example, He estado en Espana por un mes<\/em> (I’ve been in Spain for a month).<\/p>\n

But using the verb llevar<\/em> is much simpler and more common among native speakers. It means “to carry,” but can be used to say how much time you’ve been somewhere. You can also use it to talk about a certain state of being or condition.<\/p>\n

Llevo un mes<\/strong> en Espa\u00f1a<\/em>. (I\u2019ve been in Spain for a month.)<\/p>\n

Lleva cinco d\u00edas<\/strong> con tos.<\/em> (He’s had a cough for five days.)<\/p>\n

14. Ser un rollo<\/em>\u00a0(<\/strong>To be boring)<\/h2>\n

Un rollo<\/em> is a slang term often used in Spain<\/a>. It can replace aburrido\/a <\/i>and make you sound more like a local.\u00a0<\/p>\n

La reuni\u00f3n fue un rollo<\/strong>.<\/em> (The meeting was so boring.)<\/p>\n

15. Hacer caso<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>(To listen\/obey\/pay attention)<\/h2>\n

Hacer caso <\/em>is used to indicate that someone is listening to or following someone else’s advice or instructions. It can be used alone or with an indirect pronoun, and is often used in the command form<\/a>:\u00a0<\/p>\n

No le hagas caso<\/strong> a esos rumores, no son ciertos.<\/em> (Don’t pay attention to those rumors; they aren’t true.)<\/p>\n

Hazme caso<\/strong> y estudia para el examen.<\/em> (Listen to me and study for the exam.)<\/p>\n

Hacer caso<\/strong> a los consejos de los expertos es importante.<\/em> (Paying attention to the advice of experts is important.)<\/p>\n

16. Estoy hecho polvo<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>(I<\/strong>\u2019m exhausted)<\/h2>\n

Rather than just saying Estoy muy cansado\/a <\/em>(I’m really tired), you can use Estoy hecho polvo<\/em> or another colloquial expression, Estoy derrotado<\/em><\/strong> (I’m destroyed).\u00a0<\/p>\n

Remember that hecho<\/em> is the participle of the verb hacer,<\/em> not an adjective, so it doesn’t take gender. If you’re female, you’d still use hecho polvo.<\/em><\/p>\n

Despu\u00e9s de correr esa marat\u00f3n, estoy hecho polvo<\/strong>.<\/em> (After running that marathon, I’m completely exhausted.)<\/p>\n

17. Tener buena pinta<\/em> (To look good\/delicious)<\/h2>\n

Tener buena pinta <\/em>is an idiomatic expression that means “to have a good appearance” or “to look good.” It’s commonly used to describe something that seems appealing, attractive or promising based on its outward appearance.<\/p>\n

El proyecto parece tener buena pinta<\/strong>.<\/em> (The project seems to look promising.)<\/p>\n

\u00bfQuieres probar este plato? Tiene muy buena pinta<\/strong>.<\/em> (Do you want to try this dish? It looks very good.)<\/p>\n

18. \u00a1Qu\u00e9 va!<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>(No way!\/Yeah right!)<\/h2>\n

This is an expression used in Spain. \u00a1Qu\u00e9 bobada!<\/strong><\/em>, \u00a1Qu\u00e9 disparate!<\/strong><\/em> and \u00a1Qu\u00e9 tonter\u00eda!<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0<\/em>are very similar phrases that can also be used to respond to something you think it ridiculous or unbelievable.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00bfCrees que Ana se haya olvidado de nuestra cita?<\/em> (Do you think Ana forgot about our date?)<\/p>\n

\u00a1Qu\u00e9 va!<\/strong> Ella siempre es muy puntual.<\/em> (No way! She’s always very punctual.)<\/p>\n

19. Ser de caj\u00f3n<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>(To be <\/strong>obvious)<\/h2>\n

This idiomatic expression is used to convey that something is absolutely certain or obvious. It’s similar in meaning to the English phrase “it’s a no-brainer.”\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00bfVas a ir a la boda de Juan y Ana?<\/em> (Are you going to Juan and Ana’s wedding?)<\/p>\n

Claro, \u00a1es de caj\u00f3n!<\/strong> Son mis mejores amigos.<\/em> (Of course, it’s a no-brainer! They’re my best friends.)<\/p>\n

20. Pasarse de alto<\/em> (To overlook\/go over one’s head)<\/h2>\n

You can use pasarse de alto<\/em> when you forget or overlook something. It’s usually used with se <\/em>to indicate that it was accidental.\u00a0<\/p>\n

S\u00ed, eso se me hab\u00eda pasado por alto<\/strong>.<\/em> (Yes, I didn\u2019t think of that.)<\/p>\n

Lo siento mucho, se me pas\u00f3 por alto<\/strong> la fecha de tu cumplea\u00f1os.<\/em> (I’m so sorry, I missed your birthday.)<\/p>\n

21. No tener nada que ver con<\/em> (To have nothing to do with)<\/h2>\n

Instead of using the verb hacer<\/em> (to do\/to make), in Spanish we use the verb ver<\/em> (to see) for this phrase.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Eso no tiene nada que ver<\/strong> con<\/strong> lo que estoy diciendo.<\/em> (That has nothing to do with what I\u2019m talking about.)<\/p>\n

22. Darse cuenta<\/em> (To realize\/become aware)<\/h2>\n

In Spanish, realizar <\/em>is a false friend<\/a> that actually means “to carry out,” not “to realize.” To say “to realize” in Spanish, we use darse cuenta. <\/em><\/p>\n

Note that darse<\/em> is a reflexive verb and that we follow the phrase with de que.<\/em><\/p>\n

Tienes que darte cuenta<\/strong> de que \u00e9l nunca va a cambiar.<\/em> (You have to realize that he’s never going to change.)<\/p>\n

No me di cuenta<\/strong> de que me hab\u00eda dejado la cartera en casa hasta que tuve que pagar en el supermercado.<\/em> (I didn’t realize I had left my wallet at home until I had to pay at the supermarket.)<\/p>\n

23. Dar en el blanco<\/em>\/Dar en el clavo<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0(To hit the nail on the head)<\/h2>\n

These are two phrases you can use to say that someone has “hit the nail on the head” or “hit the mark.” El clavo <\/em>means “the nail” and el blanco<\/em> means “the target.”<\/p>\n

Eso es exactamente lo que esperaba. Has dado en el blanco.<\/strong><\/em> (That’s exactly what I was hoping for. You\u2019ve hit the nail on the head.)<\/p>\n

24. Hacerse un l\u00edo<\/strong><\/em> (To get oneself into a mess\/To be confused)<\/h2>\n

This phrase is used when someone is in a confusing or messy situation, or when they’re feeling perplexed.<\/p>\n

Me parece que te has hecho un l\u00edo.<\/strong><\/em> (I think you\u2019re very confused.)<\/p>\n

25. Tener toda la raz\u00f3n<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>(To be correct)<\/h2>\n

In Spanish, we use the verb tener raz\u00f3n<\/em> when speaking of people being right or correct, not estar correcto\/a. Tener toda la raz\u00f3n <\/em>is used to express your complete agreement with someone.<\/p>\n

Tienes toda la raz\u00f3n <\/strong>del mundo.<\/em> (You are absolutely correct.)<\/p>\n

26. A medida que<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(As)<\/h2>\n

This phrase is used to indicate that something happened as a result of or at the same time as something else.<\/p>\n

A medida que<\/strong> avanz\u00e1bamos, el paisaje iba cambiando.<\/em> (As we advanced, the landscape changed.)<\/p>\n

27. Al principio<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(At first)<\/h2>\n

This phrase is used to refer to the initial stage of something. It’s different from a principios <\/em>below, which is used to talk about a certain time period.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Al principio<\/strong>, no entend\u00eda nada de lo que dec\u00eda.<\/em> (At first, I didn’t understand anything he was saying.)<\/p>\n

28. A principios<\/em> (At the beginning)<\/h2>\n

This phrase is used when talking about the early part of a certain time period. For example, the start of a week, month or year.<\/p>\n

Notice that we don’t use the article before the time period (just mes<\/em> rather than\u00a0el mes, semana <\/em>rather than la semana, <\/em>etc.).<\/p>\n

Tenemos que pagar el alquiler a principios<\/strong> de mes.<\/em> (We have to pay rent at the beginning of the month.)<\/p>\n

29. A mediados<\/em> (In the middle)<\/h2>\n

This phrase is similar to the previous one but indicates a point in the middle of a time period.<\/p>\n

Llegar\u00e1n a mediados<\/strong> de semana.<\/em> (They’re arriving in the middle of the week.)<\/p>\n

30. A finales<\/em> (At the end)<\/h2>\n

Again, this phrase is similar to the previous two but refers to the concluding part of a time period, typically at the end of a week or month.<\/p>\n

A finales<\/strong> de mes, planeamos un viaje a la playa.<\/em> (At the end of the month, we’re planning a trip to the beach.)<\/p>\n

31. Me apunto<\/em> (I’m in\/I’m signing up for)<\/h2>\n

This is a casual way to express your willingness to participate or join in a particular activity, plan or event.\u00a0It’s similar to saying, “Count me in” or “I’m on board” in English.<\/p>\n

You can respond to an invitation with just “\u00a1Me apunto!”<\/em> or follow the phrase with a <\/em>and then the event or activity.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Me apunto a<\/strong> la clase de yoga que comienza la pr\u00f3xima semana.<\/em> (I’m signing up for the yoga class that starts next week.)<\/p>\n

32. De hecho<\/em><\/strong> (In fact\/actually)<\/h2>\n

This phrase is used to emphasize that something is a fact or reality, often implying that the reality is surprising or unexpected.\u00a0<\/p>\n

No llegu\u00e9 tarde. De hecho<\/strong>, llegu\u00e9 temprano.<\/em> (I didn’t arrive late. In fact, I arrived early.)<\/p>\n

33. Por supuesto<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(Of course)<\/h2>\n

This phrase is used to affirm something positively and indicate strong agreement.<\/p>\n

Por supuesto<\/strong> que puedes unirte a nosotros.<\/em> (Of course you can join us.)<\/p>\n

34. Sin embargo<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(However)<\/h2>\n

This phrase is used to introduce a contrasting idea or statement. It’s somewhat formal and often seen in Spanish writing<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

No me gust\u00f3 la pel\u00edcula. Sin embargo<\/strong>, la actuaci\u00f3n fue buena.<\/em> (I didn’t like the movie. However, the acting was good.)<\/p>\n

35. A pesar de (que)<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(Despite)<\/h2>\n

This phrase is used to indicate something happening despite a particular circumstance or obstacle.<\/p>\n

When followed with a noun, we just say a pesar de<\/em>. But if using it with a verb, you must add que<\/em> before the verb.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A pesar de<\/strong> la lluvia, salimos a caminar.<\/em> (Despite the rain, we went for a walk.)<\/p>\n

A pesar de que<\/strong> llovi\u00f3 toda la semana, disfrutamos de nuestras vacaciones en la playa.<\/em> (Despite it raining all week, we enjoyed our beach vacation.)<\/p>\n

36. Por lo tanto<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(Therefore)<\/h2>\n

Por lo tanto<\/em> is used to express a logical consequence or conclusion based on the preceding information.<\/p>\n

No estudi\u00e9 para el examen; por lo tanto<\/strong>, saqu\u00e9 una mala nota.<\/em> (I didn’t study for the test; therefore, I got a bad grade.)<\/p>\n

37. Al mismo tiempo<\/em><\/strong> (At the same time)<\/h2>\n

Al mismo tiempo<\/em> is used when referring to two or more actions or events occurring concurrently.<\/p>\n

Estudiar y trabajar al mismo tiempo<\/strong> puede ser un desaf\u00edo.<\/em> (Studying and working at the same time can be challenging.)<\/p>\n

38. De todos modos<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(Anyway)<\/h2>\n

De todos modos<\/em> is used to convey the idea of proceeding with something regardless of the circumstances or other factors.<\/p>\n

No me importa si vas o no. Ir\u00e9 de todos modos<\/strong>.<\/em> (I don’t care if you go or not. I’ll go anyway.)<\/p>\n

39. En otras palabras<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(In other words)<\/h2>\n

Just like the English equivalent, en otras palabras<\/em> is used when providing a rephrased or clarified version of a statement.<\/p>\n

En otras palabras<\/strong>, necesitas estudiar m\u00e1s.<\/em> (In other words, you need to study more.)<\/p>\n

40. Valer la pena<\/em><\/strong> (To be worth it)<\/h2>\n

Valer la pena<\/em> is used to express that something is worth the effort or investment. You can conjugate it in any tense.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Visitar ese museo vale la pena<\/strong>.<\/em> (Visiting that museum is worth it.)<\/p>\n

Vali\u00f3 la pena<\/strong> esperar dos a\u00f1os por la nueva temporada.<\/em> (The new season was worth waiting two years for.)<\/p>\n

41. Tener en cuenta<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(To take into account)<\/h2>\n

Tener en cuenta<\/em> is used when considering or including something in one’s plans or decisions.<\/p>\n

No debes tener en cuenta<\/strong> las opiniones de los dem\u00e1s.<\/em> (You shouldn’t take other people’s opinions into account.)<\/p>\n

42. A fin de cuentas<\/em><\/strong> (In the end)<\/h2>\n

This phrase is used to emphasize the ultimate or most important aspect of a situation.<\/p>\n

Hicimos todo lo que pudimos. A\u00a0fin de cuentas<\/strong>, eso es lo importante.<\/em> (We did everything we could. In the end, that’s what matters.)<\/p>\n

43. Cada vez m\u00e1s<\/em><\/strong> (More and more\/Increasingly)<\/h2>\n

Cada vez m\u00e1s <\/em>literally translates to “each time more” and is used to indicate a growing or increasing trend.<\/p>\n

Cada vez m\u00e1s <\/strong>personas est\u00e1n aprendiendo espa\u00f1ol.<\/em> (More and more people are learning Spanish.)<\/p>\n

44. Por otro lado<\/em><\/strong> (On the other hand)<\/h2>\n

This phrase is used to introduce a contrasting viewpoint or perspective.<\/p>\n

Me gustar\u00eda viajar, pero, por otro lado<\/strong>, necesito ahorrar dinero.<\/em> (I’d like to travel, but, on the other hand, I need to save money.)<\/p>\n

45. Llevarse a cabo<\/em> (To be carried out\/To take place)<\/h2>\n

Llevarse a cabo<\/em> is used to describe an event, action or project taking place or being executed.<\/p>\n

La conferencia se llevar\u00e1 a cabo<\/strong> en el sal\u00f3n principal del hotel.<\/em> (The conference will take place in the main hall of the hotel.)<\/p>\n

46. En cuanto a<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(Regarding)<\/h2>\n

This phrase is used to introduce a topic or discuss something related to a particular subject.<\/p>\n

En cuanto a<\/strong> la reuni\u00f3n, se llevar\u00e1 a cabo ma\u00f1ana.<\/em> (Regarding the meeting, it will take place tomorrow.)<\/p>\n

47. Hasta cierto punto<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(To some extent)<\/h2>\n

Hasta cierto punto<\/em> indicates that something is true or valid only up to a certain limit or extent.<\/p>\n

Es una buena idea, hasta cierto punto<\/strong>.<\/em> (It’s a good idea, to some extent.)<\/p>\n

48. M\u00e1s vale tarde que nunca<\/em><\/strong> (Better late than never)<\/h2>\n

This expression is equivalent to the classic English idiom and suggests that it’s preferable for something to happen late rather than not at all.<\/p>\n

Se demor\u00f3 tres meses para recibir las fotos, pero m\u00e1s vale tarde que nunca<\/strong>.<\/em> (It took three months to receive the photos, but better late than never.)<\/p>\n

49. Poco a poco<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(Little by little)<\/h2>\n

This phrase refers to doing something gradually or step by step, rather than all at once.<\/p>\n

Aprender un nuevo idioma lleva tiempo; es mejor hacerlo poco a poco<\/strong>.<\/em> (Learning a new language takes time; it’s better to do it little by little.)<\/p>\n

50. En resumen<\/em><\/strong> (In summary)<\/h2>\n

This phrase is used to provide a concise summary or conclusion of something.<\/p>\n

En resumen<\/strong>, el proyecto fue un \u00e9xito.<\/em> (In summary, the project was a success.)<\/p>\n

51. A falta de<\/em><\/strong> (In the absence of)<\/h2>\n

A falta de<\/em> indicates that something is done or occurs (or doesn’t occur) when there’s a lack or absence of something else.<\/p>\n

A falta de<\/strong> dinero, no pudimos ir de vacaciones.<\/em> (In the absence of money, we couldn’t go on vacation.)<\/p>\n

52. Al final del d\u00eda<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(At the end of the day)<\/h2>\n

This expression is used to emphasize what’s most important or true when everything is considered.<\/p>\n

Al final del d\u00eda<\/strong>, lo que importa es la felicidad.<\/em> (At the end of the day, what matters is happiness.)<\/p>\n

53. A su vez<\/em><\/strong> (In turn)<\/h2>\n

A su vez<\/em> indicates a sequence or order of actions, with each person or thing following the other.<\/p>\n

Ella tom\u00f3 una decisi\u00f3n y, a su vez<\/strong>, nosotros debemos hacer lo mismo.<\/em> (She made a decision, and, in turn, we should do the same.)<\/p>\n

54. A su manera<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(In one’s own way)<\/h2>\n

This phrase means that each person has their unique approach or perspective on something.<\/p>\n

Cada persona ve el mundo a su manera<\/strong>.<\/em> (Everyone sees the world in their own way.)<\/p>\n

55. Estar al tanto<\/em> (To be up to date)<\/h2>\n

Estar al tanto<\/em> means to be informed or knowledgeable about the latest information or developments.<\/p>\n

Siempre estoy al tanto<\/strong> de las noticias locales.<\/em> (I’m always up to date with local news.)<\/p>\n

56. Ponerse al d\u00eda<\/em> (To catch up)<\/h2>\n

This phrase refers to the action of updating oneself on recent events, information or knowledge. It can be used in various contexts, such as catching up on news, work, studies, or events in someone’s life.<\/p>\n

Despu\u00e9s de mis vacaciones, necesito ponerme al d\u00eda<\/strong> en el trabajo.<\/em> (After my vacation, I need to catch up on work.)<\/p>\n

\u00bfQuieres ir por un caf\u00e9?\u00a0\u00a1<\/em>Necesitamos ponernos al d\u00eda<\/strong>!<\/span><\/span><\/em> (Do you want to get a coffee? We need to catch up!)\u00a0<\/p>\n

57. Darle vueltas a…<\/em> <\/strong>\u00a0(To mull over)<\/h2>\n

This phrase means to think deeply or repeatedly about something.<\/p>\n

Llevo d\u00edas d\u00e1ndole vueltas a<\/strong> la decisi\u00f3n que debo tomar.<\/em> (I’ve been mulling over the decision I need to make for days.)<\/p>\n

58. Dejar de lado<\/em> <\/strong>(To set aside)<\/h2>\n

This phrase is used when you put something aside or stop paying attention to it.<\/p>\n

Deja de lado<\/strong> tus preocupaciones y disfruta del moment.<\/em> (Set aside your worries and enjoy the moment.)<\/p>\n

59. Hacer la vista gorda<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(To turn a blind eye)<\/h2>\n

This phrase means to intentionally ignore or pretend not to notice something.<\/p>\n

El profesor hizo la vista gorda<\/strong> cuando vio a los estudiantes usando sus tel\u00e9fonos en clase.<\/em> (The teacher turned a blind eye when he saw the students using their phones in class.)<\/p>\n

60. Dejar plantado<\/em><\/strong>\/plantada <\/em><\/strong>(To stand someone up)<\/h2>\n

This phrase is used when someone fails to meet a commitment, especially in the context of not showing up for a date or appointment.<\/p>\n

The ending depends on the gender of the person who’s been stood up. Remember that you must use the personal\u00a0a <\/em>if followed by a person:<\/p>\n

Ese chico dej\u00f3 plantada<\/strong> a Luc\u00eda la semana pasada.<\/em> (That guy stood Luc\u00eda up last week.)<\/p>\n

Ella me dej\u00f3 plantado<\/strong> en el restaurante anoche.<\/em> (She stood me up at the restaurant last night.)<\/p>\n

How to Learn More Intermediate Spanish Phrases<\/h2>\n

A good way to learn intermediate Spanish phrases that might not have literal translations is to expose yourself to some real Spanish media.<\/strong> That way, you\u2019ll be thinking more like a Spanish speaker, rather than an English speaker.<\/p>\n

You can find authentic content on platforms like Netflix<\/a> or YouTube<\/a>. Focus on the material that shows realistic usage of Spanish. Jot down the specific instances in which you hear new phrases. Based on the context, you can try to make a guess as to what the colloquialisms actually mean.<\/p>\n

Another option is the language learning program FluentU<\/a>, which uses a library of Spanish videos that include intermediate-level content<\/strong>.

FluentU<\/strong> takes authentic videos\u2014like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks\u2014and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.<\/p>\r\n

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app<\/a> or Android app.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month)<\/a><\/i>\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n \"FluentU\r\n

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