4 Spanish Idioms for the Classroom

 Can you say, "six one half dozen of the other" quickly? I’ve been a speaker of English since Kindergarten, and this idiom is a tongue twister for me. When I married Gene, the world of idioms was opened for me. He uses them on the fly and often doesn’t even realize it. Very often the idioms he chooses express emotion or humor which catches my attention every time. I've attempted to use more of them in my communication, but too often they come out reversed or missing words.

It fascinates me that every language in the world uses idioms. This is how the human brain adds personality and feeling to our communication. Without idioms, we would sound rote and impersonal. 

Where do idioms come from? 

Throughout history, people used real-life situations and transferred their meaning to another context. For example, ‘The grass is greener on the other side'  As a shepherdess, I can attest to sheep having their eye on the grass hasn’t been touched. Sticking their head through the fence to reach the grass on the other side is common practice with my small herd. My guess is that this idiom was started by a someone managing some kind of grazing animal. 

The use of idioms - 

Figurative language usage is often incorporated at a higher level of language learning. However, I would challenge the thinking behind that to say that if a language learner understands the difference between the literal and the hypothetical meaning of a phrase, it is essential to incorporate idioms into our daily language learning practice. The use of idioms enhances our ability to communicate. Not only does it entertain a more engaging conversation, but it also speaks of our ability to understand culture and social cues.

Are you ready to add some Spanish idioms to your language study? Here are four idioms for you to implement into your routine. Try practicing them with your students or with their parents. You will put a smile on their face.

1. Estar como el pez en el agua - ('to be right at home' or 'in your element') 

Example of usage - When you notice that your student is adjusting well to your classroom, you might tell the parents: Participa en clase como pez en el agua.

2.  ¿Me echas una mano? (Can you 'give me a hand'?)

Example of usage - In the same way as using the idiom ‘Can you give me a hand,’ you can engage the Spanish-speaking student in your classroom by asking them, ¿Me echas una mano?

3.  Tomarle el pelo - (to “pull a leg” in English)

Example of usage - your student says something with a smirk on their face, and you think they are joking. You can clarify by asking, “¿Me estas tomando el pelo?” (Are you pulling my leg?)

Or say to a person not clueing into a joke, ‘Te está tomando el pelo.' (They are pulling your leg.)

4. Llevarse bien con - (to get along well with)

Example of usage - Spanish parents have a common question about their students in school: How is their child's behavior in class? A response using this idiom would be, “Se lleva bien con sus compañeros.” (They get along well with their classmates.)