Language/Catalan/Vocabulary/Idiomatic-Expressions
Hi Catalan learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will delve into idiomatic expressions in Catalan. These expressions, often used in everyday speech, add color to the language and can enhance your communication with native speakers.
After mastering this lesson, consider exploring these related pages: How to Say Hello and Greetings & Language/Catalan/Vocabulary/Idioms,-colloquial-expressions-and-slang.
Idiomatic Expressions in Catalan
Idiomatic expressions are phrases whose meanings cannot be inferred from the literal meanings of the words. They are frequently used in everyday Catalan and are key to sounding like a native speaker.
Here are some common Catalan idiomatic expressions:
Catalan | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
fer el pèsol | fəɾ ɛɫ pəzoɫ | to waste time |
estar al galliner | əsˈtaɾ əɫ ɡəʎiˈne | to be in trouble |
fer tuf | fəɾ tuf | to stink |
fer figa | fəɾ ˈfiɣə | to make a rude gesture |
Quan porto la masquereta, les meves ulleres s'entelen | mist up, steam up | |
El cel començava a entelar-se | cloud over | |
Encara em cou! | I'm still seething! / I'm still smarting from it! | |
Improvisar/inventar sobre la marxa | off the cuff / on the spot | |
Aquell/a vell/a xaruc/a | that doddering old fool | |
Vaig sentir una fiblada de dolor | I felt a twinge (of pain) | |
Matusser | cack-handed (person); botched (job) | |
Recorrien prop de 7 quilòmetres | getting on for 7 km | |
Reien pels descosits | They were laughing fit to burst | |
Parla pels descosits | S/he never stops talking; talks nineteen to the dozen | |
No pots ficar-hi cullerada | you can't get a word in edgeways | |
Per acabar-ho d'adobar | to crown it all, to make matters worse | |
Fer una muntanya d'un gra de sorra | make a mountain out of a molehill | |
Molta fressa i poca endreça | all mouth and no trousers | |
Anar a palpentes | grope one's way | |
S'ho mirés com s'ho mirés... | Whichever way you look at it... | |
Sigui com sigui, estàs equivocat! | Anyway, you're wrong! | |
No se'n sortirà com si res! | Don't think you're going to get away with it! | |
Això és bufar i fer ampolles | it's as easy as pie / ABC / falling off a log | |
... menjar que s'havia fet malbé | food that had gone off | |
La vaig espifiar | I messed it up / I made a mess of it | |
Encara ara estic fent marrada | I'm still taking the long way round | |
No diguis rucades | Don't be a smartass; That's a lot of crap |
Using Idiomatic Expressions in Conversation
One effective way to learn idiomatic expressions is through their usage in conversations. Here's an example:
- Person 1: Hola, com estàs? (Hi, how are you?)
- Person 2: Bé, gràcies. I tu? (Good, thank you. And you?)
- Person 1: Estic fart de tant estudiar. (I'm tired of studying so much.)
- Person 2: No facis el pèsol, és important que aprenguis. (Don't waste time, it's important that you learn.)
- Person 1: Tens raó. Però avui m'han acomiadat del treball. (You're right. But today I got fired from work.)
- Person 2: Oh, no! Estàs al galliner ara. (Oh, no! You are in trouble now.)
- Person 1: Sí, però no passarà res. (Yes, but nothing will happen.)
- Person 2: Espero que tinguis raó. A més, et recordo que avui fa molt de calor. No vull fer tuf. (I hope you're right. Also, I remind you that it is very hot today. I don't want to stink.)
- Person 1: Gràcies per recordar-me. No vull fer figa davant dels meus companys de classe. (Thanks for reminding me. I don't want to make a rude gesture in front of my classmates.)
Conclusion
Idiomatic expressions are an integral part of everyday speech in Catalan. Familiarizing yourself with these expressions will not only help you communicate more effectively with native speakers but also deepen your understanding of the Catalan culture. Don't forget to use resources like the Polyglot Club to connect with native speakers and clarify any doubts. Also, explore the Vocabulary section to further enhance your Catalan vocabulary. Molta sort! (Good luck!)
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Great job on completing this lesson! You may find these related pages interesting: Directions & Drinks.
Other Lessons
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Education
- Holidays and wishes
- Drinks
- Computers and Internet
- Useful Expression in Catalan
- How to Say Hello and Greetings
- Numbers
- Quantity in Catalan