Spanish Words Without English Translation

Ever get that annoying feeling that you can’t find the exact word to describe something? You may not be thinking in the right language. Here are 10 very specific Spanish words that don’t have English translation.

1.SOBREMESA

Doing “sobremesa” after having lunch at Machu Picchu.

That moment after eating a meal when the food is gone but the conversation is still flowing at the table.

Llegué tarde al tour porque la sobremesa del almuerzo se alargó. Rough translation: I was late for the tour because the time spent talking after eating went long.

2. Estrenar

Tourist ready to “estrenar” her new clothes in Cusco

To wear or use something for the first time.

¿Te gusta mi nuevo poncho? Lo compré en Perú y lo estoy estrenando.Rough translation: Do you like my new poncho? I bought it in Peru and I’m wearing it for the first time.

3. Pena Ajena / Vergüenza Ajena

Feeling ashamed.

To be ashamed or embarrassed on behalf of someone else, even if they don’t share the feeling.

Me dio pena ajena cuando le botó todo el vino encima a su suegra. Rough translation: I was really embarrassed for her when she spilled wine on her mother-in-law.

4. Anteayer

Reviwing “anteayer” plans

A one-word way of saying the day before yesterday. A shorter version of “antes de ayer.”

Ella llegó de su viaje a Perú anteayer. Rough translation: She got back from her trip to Peru the day before yesterday.

5. Desvelado

Tourist with a heached after a bad night.

Unable to sleep or to be sleep deprived.

Estuve desvelado porque el mal de altura no me dejó dormir. Rough translation: I didn’t get any sleep last night because the high altitude sickness wouldn’t let me rest.

6. Tuerto

Pirat!

A man with only one eye.

El pirata es tuerto. Rough translation: The pirate only has one eye.

7. Friolento

Feeling cold in Peru

Someone who is very sensitive to cold.

Ella es muy friolenta y no soportó la temperaturas durante en trek en los Andes. Rough translation: The cold affected her more than the others during the trek at the Andes.

8. Te quiero

Couple walking in Cusco.

A way to tell someone you care about them. Particularly when romance is involved, more meaningful than an “I like you” but less meaningful than an “I love you.” May be used as “I love you” in non-romantic relationships like between friends or family.

Te quiero!. Rough translation: I really care for you!

9.Merendar

Tourist having a snack in Cusco.

To have a snack or to go out for an afternoon snack.

Antes de salir al tour, decidimos merendar en el hotel. Rough translation:Before going to the tour, we decided to have an afternoon snack at the hotel.