Language/Catalan/Vocabulary/Idioms,-colloquial-expressions-and-slang

Catalan → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Intermediate vocabulary in Catalan → Idioms, colloquial expressions and slang

Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the world of idioms, colloquial expressions, and slang in the Catalan language. Learning these unique and colorful phrases will not only enhance your vocabulary, but also help you understand and connect with native Catalan speakers on a deeper level. Idioms and colloquial expressions are an important part of everyday conversations, adding a touch of authenticity and cultural richness to the language. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to use these expressions confidently and effectively in your own conversations.

Idioms and Colloquial Expressions

1. Animals

Animals are often used in idiomatic expressions to convey certain meanings or emotions. Let's explore some common animal idioms in Catalan:

Catalan	Pronunciation	English
Estar com una cabra	[esˈtaɾ kɔm ˈu.nə ˈka.bɾə]	To be like a goat (to behave strangely)
Tenir més gana que un llop	[təˈniɾ ˈmɛz ˈɣanə kəŋ ˈʎɔp]	To be as hungry as a wolf
Fer el gos	[fəɾ əl ɡɔs]	To play the dog (to pretend)
Ser més llest que un conill	[səɾ ˈmɛz ˈʎɛst kəŋ uŋ kɔˈniʎ]	To be smarter than a rabbit

2. Body Parts

Expressions involving body parts are frequently used in Catalan. Let's look at a few examples:

Catalan	Pronunciation	English
Estar amb el cor a la mà	[esˈtaɾ ˈamb əl ˈkɔɾ ə lə ˈma]	To have your heart in your hand (to be very nervous)
Fer l'ullet	[fəɾ ˈʎuˈʎɛt]	To wink
No tenir cara per a algo	[nɔ təˈniɾ ˈka.ɾə pəɾ a ˈal.ɡu]	To have no face for something (to feel ashamed)
Ser u i fet	[səɾ u i ˈfɛt]	To be bone and made (to be a done deal)

3. Food and Drinks

Food and drinks play a significant role in Catalan culture, and it's no surprise that they are also featured in idiomatic expressions:

Catalan	Pronunciation	English
Anar a pastar fang	[əˈnaɾ ə pəsˈtaɾ ˈfaŋ]	To go eat mud (to leave someone alone)
Fer un cafè amb llet	[fəɾ uŋ kəˈfɛ am ˈʎɛt]	To have a coffee with milk (to negotiate or discuss)
Tenir oli a la capsa	[təˈniɾ ˈɔ.ɫi ə lə ˈka.psə]	To have oil in the can (to be smart)
Ser com un ou	[səɾ kɔm uˈnu]	To be like an egg (to be lazy)

4. Time and Weather

Time and weather-related idioms are commonly used in everyday conversations. Here are a few examples:

Catalan	Pronunciation	English
Com plou a la teulada	[kɔm ˈpɫɔw ə lə təwˈɫaðə]	How it rains on the roof (to be very busy)
Fer un fred que pela	[fəɾ uŋ fɾɛt kə ˈpe.ɫa]	To be freezing cold
Tenir el cap a la lluna	[təˈniɾ əɫ ˈkap ə lə ˈʎu.nə]	To have your head in the moon (to be absent-minded)
Ser pa i mel	[səɾ pə i mɛɫ]	To be bread and honey (to be very sweet)

5. Miscellaneous

There are countless idiomatic expressions in Catalan that don't fit into a specific category. Here are a few miscellaneous examples:

Catalan	Pronunciation	English
Anar amb peus de plom	[əˈnaɾ ˈamb pəws ðə ˈpɫɔm]	To walk with lead feet (to be cautious)
Fer-se l'orella	[fəɾ.sə ɫuˈɾɛʎə]	To make your ear (to eavesdrop)
No pintar res	[nɔ pimˈtaɾ ˈɾɛs]	To not paint anything (to be useless)
Ser una mica cort	[səɾ ˈu.nə ˈmi.kə ˈkɔɾt]	To be a bit short (to be shy)

Colloquial Expressions and Slang

Aside from idiomatic expressions, Catalan also has a rich collection of colloquial expressions and slang that are commonly used in informal conversations. Let's take a look at some of them:

1. Colloquial Expressions

Colloquial expressions are informal phrases that may not have a literal translation. They add flavor and informality to conversations. Here are a few examples:

• Donar el cante: To show off
• Fer-se el xulo: To act tough
• Fer-se el suec: To pretend not to hear or understand
• Estar a la que salta: To be on the lookout for trouble
• Anar de punyetes: To go wrong

2. Slang

Slang is informal language used by specific groups of people. Here are some common slang words and phrases in Catalan:

• Tio/tia: Dude/girl
• Mola més: It's cooler
• Collons: Balls (used as an interjection)
• Flipar: To be amazed
• Fer pinya: To stick together

Cultural Insights

The use of idioms, colloquial expressions, and slang reflects the vibrant and expressive nature of the Catalan culture. These linguistic tools not only serve as a way to communicate more effectively, but also provide insights into the values, customs, and humor of the Catalan people. Understanding these expressions will give you a deeper appreciation for the language and its cultural context.

For example, the idiomatic expression "Estar com una cabra" (To be like a goat) showcases the Catalan people's love for animals and nature. Similarly, the colloquial expression "Donar el cante" (To show off) highlights the importance of humility and modesty in Catalan society.

Furthermore, the use of slang words like "Tio/tia" (Dude/girl) and "Flipar" (To be amazed) reflects the youth culture and their unique way of expressing themselves. Learning these expressions will not only help you communicate more naturally, but also enable you to connect with the people and culture of Catalonia on a deeper level.

Exercises

Now it's time to practice using idiomatic expressions, colloquial expressions, and slang in context. Complete the following exercises and check your answers below:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct idiom or expression:

1. Aquesta persona ________________, no és normal. 2. Tinc ________________, vull menjar alguna cosa. 3. No entenc res, m'estàs ________________? 4. Aquesta situació ________________, cal tenir molta paciència.

Exercise 2: Match the slang word or phrase with its meaning:

1. Tio/tia 2. Mola més 3. Collons 4. Flipar 5. Fer pinya

A. Dude/girl B. It's cooler C. Balls (used as an interjection) D. To be amazed E. To stick together

Solutions

Exercise 1:

1. Aquesta persona està com una cabra, no és normal. 2. Tinc més gana que un llop, vull menjar alguna cosa. 3. No entenc res, m'estàs fent l'ullet? 4. Aquesta situació és com ploure a la teulada, cal tenir molta paciència.

Exercise 2:

1. Tio/tia - A. Dude/girl 2. Mola més - B. It's cooler 3. Collons - C. Balls (used as an interjection) 4. Flipar - D. To be amazed 5. Fer pinya - E. To stick together

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've learned a wide range of idioms, colloquial expressions, and slang in Catalan. These linguistic tools will allow you to communicate more effectively and connect with native speakers on a deeper level. Remember to practice using these expressions in your conversations to become more fluent and natural in Catalan. Keep exploring the rich cultural context of the language, and continue your journey to becoming a proficient Catalan speaker.

Table of Contents - Catalan Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Introduction to Catalan

• Alphabet and Pronunciation
• Basic Sentence Structure

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Greetings and Introductions

• Common Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

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Articles and Nouns

• Definite and Indefinite Articles
• Noun Gender and Plurals

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Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-100
• Telling Time

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Adjectives and Pronouns

• Adjective Agreement
• Personal Pronouns

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Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Describing Relationships

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Verbs and Tenses

• Regular Verbs
• Irregular Verbs

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Food and Dining

• Food Vocabulary
• At the Restaurant

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Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Common Prepositions
• Coordinating Conjunctions

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Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Travel Phrases

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Catalan Culture

• History and Geography
• Traditions and Celebrations

Sources

• Catalan Idiomatic Expressions 〜 Speak Like a Local - Barcelona ...

Other Lessons

• Scientific and technical vocabulary
• Medical terms
• House
• Beverages
• Prepositions in Catalan
• Common nouns and verbs for daily life
• How to Say Hello and Greetings
• Body Parts
• Animals
• Food