13 Words in Spanish That Don't Have an English Equivalent — So Frustrating!

Updated on 4/17/2018 at 3:41 PM

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.