Language/Catalan/Vocabulary/Idioms,-colloquial-expressions-and-slang
As a long-time Catalan language teacher, I often emphasize the importance of not only learning the basics of grammar and vocabulary but also familiarizing oneself with the colloquial expressions, idioms, and slang frequently used in everyday conversation. In this lesson on intermediate vocabulary in Catalan, I have compiled a list of common phrases that will help you understand and communicate with native speakers more effectively.
Consider exploring these related pages after completing this lesson: Medical terms & Count from 1 to 10.
Catalan Idioms
Idioms are phrases that are not meant to be taken literally, but rather convey a figurative meaning. Here are some of the most commonly used Catalan idioms:
- Fer el salt -- To take the leap (to take a chance)
- Fer punyetes -- To fiddle or waste time (to do something unimportant or impractical)
- No estar ni fred ni calent -- To be neither hot nor cold (to be indifferent)
- Anar a la seva -- To go about one's business (to mind one's own business)
- Conèixer per fora -- To know outside (to have superficial knowledge of something)
- Estar a la lluna -- To be on the moon (to be absent-minded)
Here is an example table with some of the idioms:
| Catalan | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Fer el salt | [fɛɾ əɫ səɫt] | To take the leap (to take a chance) |
| Fer punyetes | [fɛɾ puˈɲɛtəs] | To fiddle or waste time (to do something unimportant or impractical) |
| No estar ni fred ni calent | [nu əsˈta ni fɾɛd ni kəˈɫɛnt] | To be neither hot nor cold (to be indifferent) |
| Anar a la seva | [əˈnaɾ ə ˈsɛvə] | To go about one's business (to mind one's own business) |
| Conèixer per fora | [kunəɫksiˈpe peɾ ˈfoɾə] | To know outside (to have superficial knowledge of something) |
| Estar a la lluna | [əsˈtaɾ ə ɫə ˈʎunə] | To be on the moon (to be absent-minded) |
Colloquial Expressions
Colloquial expressions are informal phrases or words that are common in spoken language, and may differ from the standard grammatical form. Here are some of the most commonly used Catalan colloquial expressions:
- Anar de cap -- To go of head (to go crazy)
- Fer-se enrere -- To make oneself backward (to back down)
- Parlar clar i català -- To speak clearly and plainly (to express oneself honestly)
- Fer traça -- To make mold (to do something poorly)
- Da-li que da-li -- Give it that give it (to do something quickly and without stopping)
Here is an example table with some of the colloquial expressions:
| Catalan | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Anar de cap | [əˈnaɾ ðə ˈkap] | To go of head (to go crazy) |
| Fer-se enrere | [fəɾ sə ənˈɾeɾə] | To make oneself backward (to back down) |
| Parlar clar i català | [paɾˈɫaɾ ˈkɫaɾ i kətəˈɫa] | To speak clearly and plainly (to express oneself honestly) |
| Fer traça | [fər ˈtɾasə] | To make mold (to do something poorly) |
| Da-li que da-li | [dəˈli kə dəˈli] | Give it that give it (to do something quickly and without stopping) |
Slang
Slang is informal language that is often used in casual conversations. Here are some of the most common Catalan slang words:
- Tio/tia -- Uncle/aunt (dude/girl)
- Merda -- Shit (crap)
- Flipe/flipeu -- Flip out (to be surprised/amazed)
- Mona -- Monkey (cute/beautiful girl)
- Collon -- Testicle (cool/awesome)
Here is an example table with some of the slang words:
| Catalan | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Tio/tia | [ˈtjo/ˈtja] | Uncle/aunt (dude/girl) |
| Merda | [ˈmɛrðə] | Shit (crap) |
| Flipe/flipeu | [ˈfɫipə]/[fɫiˈpəw] | Flip out (to be surprised/amazed) |
| Mona | [ˈmonə] | Monkey (cute/beautiful girl) |
| Collon | [kuˈʎon] | Testicle (cool/awesome) |
Learning these idioms, colloquial expressions, and slang words will not only help you understand and communicate better in everyday situations but will also give you a deeper insight into Catalan culture and society. So go out there and use them with confidence!
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