Inklingo
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líos

/LEE-ohs/

trouble

A cartoon figure tangled entirely in a large mass of colorful yarn, looking frustrated and struggling to get free, symbolizing a difficult situation or trouble.

When someone is facing a difficult situation or problem, they have líos (trouble).

líos(noun)

mA2

trouble

?

A difficult situation or problem

,

mess

?

A state of disorder or confusion

Also:

problems

?

General difficulties

,

complications

?

Unexpected difficulties

📝 In Action

Estamos en un lío enorme porque perdimos las llaves.

A2

We are in huge trouble because we lost the keys.

No te metas en mis líos, por favor. Solucionaré esto.

B1

Don't get involved in my problems, please. I will sort this out.

¡Qué lío de papeles hay en tu escritorio!

A2

What a mess of papers there is on your desk!

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • solución (solution)
  • orden (order)

Common Collocations

  • meterse en líos – to get into trouble
  • salir de un lío – to get out of a mess

Idioms & Expressions

  • armar un lío – to cause a scene or create a huge mess

💡 Grammar Points

Plural Form

This word is the plural form of the masculine noun 'lío'. Since it ends in a vowel ('o'), you add '-s' to make it plural.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'Líos' for Physical Dirt

Mistake: "Using 'líos' to mean literal dirt or grime (e.g., *Hay muchos líos en el suelo*)."

Correction: Use 'suciedad' or 'mugre' for physical dirt. 'Líos' is usually for abstract trouble or disorder.

⭐ Usage Tips

Expressing Frustration

A common way to express frustration about a complicated situation is: '¡Esto es un lío!' (This is a mess!)

Two simple figures, a man and a woman, standing close and secretly holding hands, partially concealed behind a large, dark green hedge.

Líos can also refer to secret romantic relationships or affairs.

líos(noun)

mB1

affairs

?

Secret romantic relationships

,

entanglements

?

Complicated romantic situations

Also:

flings

?

Short, casual relationships

📝 In Action

Dicen que el jefe tiene líos con su secretaria.

B1

They say the boss is having an affair with his secretary.

Ella siempre se mete en líos amorosos.

B2

She always gets into romantic entanglements.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • líos de faldas – romantic troubles/womanizing (dated expression)

💡 Grammar Points

Context is Key

When 'líos' refers to romance, it usually suggests secrecy, complication, or something that should be avoided, similar to 'trouble' in English.

⭐ Usage Tips

Using the Singular

You can use the singular 'un lío' to refer to one specific romantic relationship that is complicated or secret.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: líos

Question 1 of 2

Which translation best fits the sentence: 'Mi hermano siempre se mete en líos por culpa del dinero.'

📚 More Resources

Word Family

lío(mess, trouble (singular)) - noun
liar(to tie up, to roll (a cigarette)) - verb
liarse(to get confused or mixed up) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'problemas' and 'líos'?

'Problemas' is more general and formal. 'Líos' is often more informal and emphasizes the sense of complication, confusion, or a tangled mess. 'Líos' can also imply self-inflicted trouble.

Can 'líos' be used to talk about literal bundles or packages?

Yes, 'lío' (singular) can still mean a bundle or package, especially of clothes or items tied together, but this usage is much less common than its meaning of 'trouble' or 'mess'.