Inklingo
← Dictionary

líos

LEE-ohs/ˈli.os/

“líos” means “trouble” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

trouble, mess

Also: problems, complications
NounmA2
Mexico
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.

📝 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

affairs, entanglements

Also: flings
NounmB1informal
Two simple figures, a man and a woman, standing close and secretly holding hands, partially concealed behind a large, dark green hedge.

📝 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)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "líos" in Spanish:

entanglements→flings→

✏️ 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
🎵 Rhymes▼
fríosríos
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the verb *liar*, meaning 'to tie up' or 'to bundle.' The noun 'lío' originally meant 'a package or bundle.' Over time, this concept of 'things bundled together' evolved figuratively to mean 'a confused bundle of problems' or 'a tangled situation.'

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

Catalan: lligamPortuguese: liação

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

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'.