How to say jeans in Spanish

How to say jeans in Spanish or 14 proofs that Spaniards don’t like the English language

Nowadays English is a must as it is widely spoken, not only in Europe but also across the globe. This resulted in many English words becoming an integral part of many languages. Even those who don’t speak Shakespeare’s mother tongue know the meaning of words like ok, weekend, clown or hot dog. Certain English words have become so popular that people don’t even bother translating them. After all everyone knows what a laptop means, right?

Well...if you travel to Spain, you will be surprised. Unlike many other countries, Spaniards have created their own versions of theoretically universal English words. Could this be because they adore their own language or because they want to avoid speaking English at all costs? Difficult to judge, independently of their reasons however, if you are planning to spend some time with Spaniards you should remember some new words! And here they are!

14 proofs that Spaniards don’t accept English supremacy

Jeans – Vaqueros

You could think that jeans are like laptops, everyone knows what they are, even those who can’t say a word in English. Well… of course jeans are a well known product in Spain, it’s just that they are called vaqueros.

Business – Negocio

Another word that has conquered almost the whole non English speaking world. Keep in mind the “almost” part – in Spain things are different. Business is “negocio” and businessman – empresario, emprendedor or hombre de negocios.

Chewing gum – Chicle

Can’t stand a minute without a succulent chewing gum in your mouth? Better learn the word “chicle”, otherwise you won’t be able to buy your favorite product.

OK – Vale

Although they perfectly know the meaning of the English “ok”, it’s impossible that Spanish people get rid of their famous “vale”, which is one of the most often used words in Miguel de Cervantes’ language.

Weekend – Fin de semana (Finde)

Do Spaniards know the word “weekend”? Without a doubt. They prefer their own literal translation though. By the way, weekend is a very curious concept in Spain, mainly because they don’t wait until Friday night to have a party. If they want to have a party, they will have it any day of the week. After all, fiesta is fiesta!

Hot dog – Perrito caliente

If you crave a hot dog while travelling in Spain, “perrito caliente” is the key word. When it comes to hamburgers it’s easier, an English (or rather American) hamburger is “hamburguesa” in Spanish.

Science fiction – Ciencia ficción

Do you like science fiction films? Spaniards too, although they prefer calling them “películas de ciencia ficción”.

Popcorn – Palomitas

Here’s the weird one. paloma means dove (and by the way is a feminine name too), however palomitas means popcorn. The rule about diminutives just don’t apply in this case.

Laptop – Portátil

When it comes to IT vocabulary nothing is sure. In Spain computer is not computer but ordenador, and laptop is not laptop but portátil.

T-shirt – Camiseta

If you want a Spanish friend to buy you a t-shirt, he or she will probably understand, but if you ask their mothers or grand-mothers the same favor, the results mightl be different.

Gap year – Año sabático

In Spain you can have not only an “año sabático”, but even un “mes sabático” (gap month).

Milkshake – Batido de leche

If you’re a big fan of this beverage, better write down the exact Spanish word in your notebook.

Blender – Batidora

When many Spaniards hear the word “blender” they may think about Bender from Futurama. Let’s make things clear: Bender is Bender, blender is batidora.

Gentleman – Caballero

How to say “ladies and gentleman” in Spanish? It’s easy “damas y caballeros”!

Clown – Payaso

Searching for a clown to cheer up your child’s birthday party in Spain? “Payasos a domicilio” would be the exact term!

Blog post – Entrada de blog

If you switch your blogspot blog into Spanish, you will surely have to manage with many new entradas.

Words with Spanish and English versions

Besides these rebel vocabulary, there are some words which are used both ways, either in English or Spanish. Ready to take a look at them?

SMS – Mensaje

Choosing the international version just remember to spell it in a Spanish way: ese-eme-ese.

Hobby – Pasatiempo – Afición

Given that “hobby” is a foreign word, as an exception, you should pronounce the H in this case.

Link – Enlace

Do you want to share an interesting link with your Spanish mate? Good, just don’t forget about his sibling – enlace.

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