Anyone who has ever learned a second language will tell you that it is more than just putting words together in the correct order and fashion. Phrases or sayings (dichos) are at the heart of much communication. Even in English, think about how many sayings we use in everyday speech - "up the creek without a paddle" (one of my favourites), "hit the sack" or "veg out".
Sayings in Spanish very from country to country and regions to region (as they do in English). Here are a few (common and not so common) for you. If you know any that you don't see here send me and email using the link on the bar at the top of the page.
¿Como se llama usted? ("llama is pronounced [ya-ma]")
What's your name? (literally "what do you call yourself")
Me gusta...
I like.... (literally "to me it likes" - weird, no!)
No me gusta...
I don't like.... (literally "to me it does not like")
Pura vida
it's all good (literally "pure life")
me cae bien [meh kai bee-en]
I like him ( he's a good guy - literally "he falls good on me)
sea lo que sea
...be whatever it may be... (literally it may be whatever it may be)
cada un a lo suyo
each to his own (literally "each one to that which is his")
Que manera
what style! (literally "what a way")
no pinta bien
it doesn't look good (refering to a situation - literaly it isn't painted good)
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