13 Words in Spanish That Don't Have an English Equivalent — So Frustrating!
If you're a Spanish speaker, you probably find yourself at a literal loss for words often. There are just so many times when you know a Spanish term (just a few letters put together) can perfectly describe what you're feeling, but no matter how much you rack your brain to find the English version, you come out with nothing — or a very long and complicated sentence that simply doesn't feel right. It's not your fault! We've come up with just 13 commonly used Spanish terms that don't quite translate into English, making for frustration and the need for Spanglish. Scroll ahead to find our list.
Empalagar
That feeling you get in the back of your mouth when you've had too much sugar and you immediately regret it.
Sobremesa
The time spent chatting (chair dancing?) post-dinner while still at the table.
Anteayer
The day before yesterday.
Desvelado
What you are the day after you didn't get any sleep.
Friolento
A person that is cold all the time.
Te Quiero
When you more than like someone, but not quite love them — it's complicated, and doesn't literally translate to "I desire you."
Merendar
An afternoon snack — not a mid-morning one.
Tutear
To refer to someone, usually an older person, by informal tu instead of formal usted.
Concuñado
Your brother's brother-in-law. Seriously.
Enmadrar
To be extremely attached to one's mother.
Entrecejo
The space between your eyebrows.
Madrugar
To wake up super early.
Comadre/Compadre
Informally, your ride-or-die most gossip-filled friend. Formally, your child's godmother or godfather.