It’s back to school time! During my school years, I remember that the list of school supplies and books was long. My mom’s favorite place to get everything at the best prices was in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico. Today the dynamic has changed a little and we have mega stores in Puerto Rico that open […]
COMO SAPO DE LETRINA: Puerto Rican Spanish Slang Expression
If you happen to visit Puerto Rico, you surely will try some of the local food. And at some point, I guarantee that you will overeat mofongo, rice and beans or one of the many fried foods. At that point you will need a local phrase to express how you feel, and that phrase is: […]
ME CAGO EN NA: Puerto Rican Spanish Slang Expression
The Puerto Rican Spanish slang expression me cago en ná (pronounced me ca we ná) is one of the most common swear phrases you will hear from the mouths of locals. Me cago en ná is the colloquial pronunciation of me cago en nada and it’s a mild expression that means “dam!” or “shit!” Puerto […]
Puerto Rican Spanish: RIVERSA or REVERSA?
Take a look at the photo of this sign I took recently in Puerto Rico that reads NO ESTACIONE EN RIVERSA. Instead of riversa the correct Spanish word should be reversa. The use of the word riversa is a good example that shows two characteristics of the Puerto Rican Spanish: 1. The use of words […]
Cool Puerto Rican Spanish Lesson: Audios and Videos of 18 Common Words
For my fellow brothers and sisters from Puerto Rico that want to learn more about our unique vocabulary, and the others who are wondering what are those goofy words we use sometimes, here is a cool sample of some of our common Spanish words. The following Puerto Rican Spanish audio clips are from a radio […]
Nombres de Bebés de Puerto Rico: Nombres modernos, creativos y únicos de la Isla del Encanto
Esta es la introducción del libro Nombres de bebés de Puerto Rico: Nombres modernos, creativos y únicos de la Isla del Encanto. Nombres de Bebés de Puerto Rico Si visitas o vives en la Isla del Encanto, puede que te hayas dado cuenta de que los nombres de muchos jóvenes no los has escuchado antes. […]
LA MONGA: Puerto Rican Spanish Slang Word for Cold
I spent this past weekend really sick with la monga. Whether you are a Spanish-speaker or not, you might be wondering, What the hell is la monga? Is it contagious? YES. Is it life threatening? NO. La monga or simply monga is the Puerto Rican Spanish slang for a strong cold. According to the Tesoro Lexicográfico […]
Las palabras, como las plumas, se las lleva el viento
Words are easily forgotten, both by the person speaking them, and by the person listening.
Las estrellas inclinan, pero no obligan
You make your own destiny. Each person con influence their future, it is not up to factors completely out of their control.
Las doce, la que tenga a mi novio que no lo goce
This expresses jealousy for a boyfriend that is not home by midnight, wishing that the person with the boyfriend has a bad time.
Las desgracias no vienen solas
Phrase that highlights that bad luck will often be followed by more bad luck. Also that a misfortune brings other, often unexpected, consequences.
Las cosas se toman según de quien vengan
Take with a grain of salt. Besides listening to what is being said, one must take a look at who is talking, to decide the importance and truth of the statement.
Las cosas se caen por su propio peso
Problems go away with the passage of time.
Las apariencias engañan
You can’t judge a book by its cover. A person’s outward appearances are not necessarily proof of how that person behaves and who he his.
Las aguas siempre vuelven a su nivel
Although relationships sometimes have bumpy or uncertain moments, once these pass, then the relationship will return to its original course. Phrase used to give hope to people that are passing through a rough moment.
Ladrón que roba a ladrón, merece el perdón
Give him a taste of his own medicine, what comes around goes around. Since a thief causes problems for other people, the person that steals from the thief deserves not to be blamed. The blame falls on the original thief.
La venganza nunca es buena, mata el alma y la envenena
Revenge is an emotion that never has a positive outcome
La última la paga el diablo
After being worn out paying all your bills, this is the phrase you would say. It basically means that the last bill can go to hell.
La tercera es la vencida
Three’s a charm. Don’t give up because often the first couple attempts may fail but then the third attempt will be a success.
La suerte de la fea la bonita la desea
This phrase highlights that each person sees advantages in others and wants them, without realizing that they themselves hold advantages over those same people, wanted by them. For example, in this phrase the ugly girl wants to be pretty, but the pretty girl wants to be lucky.
La soga rompe por lo más delgado
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. In any type of team work, the weakest member of the group (whether it be physical strength, patience, intelligence) is the one that defines the level of ability of the group.
Los trapos sucios se lavan en casa
Any family problems should be handled in private and not shared with neighbors, friends, etc.
La práctica hace el maestro
Practice makes perfect. By practicing a person can achieve a high level of expertise that would not otherwise be possible.
La mujer es como el espejo, si se toca mucho se empaña
Wisdom given to make sure that a woman protects her image.
La luz de alante es la que alumbra
The grass is greener on the other side. No matter where you are, things always look better somewhere else. For example, you may have a wonderful family and home, but you may wish to be in your neighbor’s situation, simply because it is different than yours.
La luna no es de queso ni se come con melao
Not as easy as it looks. Something may look simple, but it is actually complicated or involved.
La ley entra por la casa
Lead by example, Actions speak louder than words. It is better to be an example for people, showing them how to act, than for you to tell them how they should act and living your life differently.
La ley de Dios no tiene trampa
You get what you deserve. Since God never makes mistakes, whatever happens to you is something that you deserved.
La lengua es arma de doble filo
It is possible to influence people positively through one’s words, but at the same time it is just as easy to cause problems by speaking negatively.
La ignorancia es atrevida
Being ignorant of the dangers involved in an action, people sometimes move forward with their plans. If they were more aware of the dangers, they would not have pushed forward.