narices
/nah-REE-ses (or nah-REE-thes in Spain)/
the heck
When used as an intensifier in questions, narices can translate to 'the heck,' expressing strong surprise or confusion.
narices(noun)
the heck
?as an intensifier in questions
,the hell
?as an intensifier in questions
absolutely not
?in the fixed phrase 'ni de narices'
📝 In Action
¿Qué narices haces aquí a estas horas?
B2What the heck are you doing here at this hour?
No vamos a ir a esa fiesta. ¡Ni de narices!
C1We are not going to that party. Absolutely not!
¿Dónde narices has escondido mis llaves?
B2Where on earth have you hidden my keys?
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Narices' as an Intensifier
When used in questions starting with qué, dónde, quién, etc., 'narices' doesn't literally mean 'noses.' It simply adds strong feeling, frustration, or annoyance, similar to saying 'the heck' or 'the hell' in English.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Narices' in Formal Settings
Mistake: "Using '¿Qué narices quiere?' when speaking to your boss."
Correction: This usage is very informal and can be considered rude or vulgar in formal settings. Stick to '¿Qué quiere?' or '¿Qué es lo que quiere?'
⭐ Usage Tips
The Euphemism Factor
'Narices' is often used as a cleaner, less offensive way to say things that would otherwise require strong curse words (like cojones or mierda), making it common in everyday conversation.
The literal translation of narices is 'noses,' the plural of the body part.
📝 In Action
Los payasos tienen narices grandes y rojas.
A2Clowns have large, red noses.
El doctor examinó las narices de los niños para ver si tenían alergias.
B1The doctor examined the children's noses to see if they had allergies.
💡 Grammar Points
Singular vs. Plural
Remember that the singular form is 'nariz' (ending in 'z'). To make it plural, you change the 'z' to 'c' and add '-es': 'narices'. This is a standard Spanish spelling rule.
⭐ Usage Tips
Referring to Your Own Nose
In Spanish, we usually use the singular la nariz even when talking about the nose on your own face, unless you are specifically referring to both nostrils or multiple people's noses.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: narices
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'narices' in its strong, idiomatic sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'nariz' spelled with a 'z' but 'narices' with a 'c'?
This is a basic Spanish spelling rule! In Spanish, the letter 'z' is never followed by the vowels 'e' or 'i'. When you make a word ending in 'z' plural, you must change the 'z' to a 'c' before adding '-es'.
Is 'narices' a rude word?
It is not technically a curse word, but it is highly informal and adds a strong tone of annoyance, surprise, or anger. It is often used as a milder replacement for genuinely vulgar words, so use it carefully and only with people you know well.