Spanish Emotion Idioms
Master 16 authentic Spanish expressions about emotions with meanings, examples, and pronunciation guidance
Understanding Spanish Emotions Idioms
Spanish emotion idioms provide nuanced ways to express feelings beyond basic vocabulary. From "estar en las nubes" (to be daydreaming) to "ponerse de los nervios" (to get very nervous), these expressions capture emotional complexity with vivid imagery. They're essential for authentic, empathetic communication in Spanish.
When to Use These Expressions
Emotion idioms are crucial for expressing how you feel, discussing mental states, and showing empathy in conversations. They appear in everything from casual chats to therapeutic contexts, helping speakers articulate subtle emotional states.
Learning Tips for Emotions Idioms
- Practice idioms for both positive and negative emotions
- Note cultural differences in emotional expression—Spanish cultures often express openly
- Learn the difference between "estar" and "ser" with emotion idioms
- Use these to deepen personal conversations and build stronger connections
Most Common Emotions Idioms
Start with these high-frequency expressions used daily by native speakers
Ahogarse en un vaso de agua
★★★★★Literal: "To drown in a glass of water"
Meaning: To get overwhelmed by a small, insignificant problem; to treat a minor issue as a major crisis.
Comerse el coco
★★★★★Literal: "To eat one's coconut"
Meaning: To overthink, worry excessively, or rack one's brain about something.
Dar la lata
★★★★★Literal: "To give the can"
Meaning: To annoy, bother, or pester someone; to be a pain in the neck.
Complete List of Emotions Idioms
Ahogarse en un vaso de agua
"To drown in a glass of water"
To get overwhelmed by a small, insignificant problem; to treat a minor issue as a major crisis.
Bajar la guardia
"To lower the guard"
To let one's guard down; to become less careful, vigilant, or defensive.
Comerse el coco
"To eat one's coconut"
To overthink, worry excessively, or rack one's brain about something.
Dar la lata
"To give the can"
To annoy, bother, or pester someone; to be a pain in the neck.
Dormir a pierna suelta
"To sleep with a loose leg"
To sleep very deeply and peacefully, without any worries.
Estar como pez en el agua
"To be like a fish in the water"
To feel very comfortable or at ease in a particular situation; to be in one's element.
Estar como una cabra
"To be like a goat"
To be crazy, eccentric, or act in a wild and unpredictable way.
Estar de mala leche
"To be of bad milk"
To be in a bad mood, irritable, or grumpy.
Estar en Babia
"To be in Babia."
To be daydreaming, absent-minded, or not paying attention to your surroundings.
Estar en las nubes
"To be in the clouds"
To be daydreaming, distracted, absent-minded, or not paying attention to what is happening around you.
Estar hasta las narices
"To be up to the noses"
To be completely fed up with something or someone; to be sick and tired of a situation.
Estar piripi
"To be piripi"
To be tipsy or slightly drunk in a cheerful way.
Flipar en colores
"To flip out in colors"
To be completely amazed, mind-blown, or extremely surprised by something.
Ponerse como una fiera
"To become like a wild beast"
To get extremely angry; to fly into a rage or become furious.
Quedarse en blanco
"To remain in white"
For your mind to go completely blank; to forget something you know.
Tener mala leche
"To have bad milk"
To be in a bad mood, to be ill-tempered, or to do something with bad intentions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spanish Emotions Idioms
What are common Spanish idioms for expressing happiness?
Common Spanish idioms for happiness include "estar en las nubes" (to be on cloud nine), "estar como unas pascuas" (to be very happy), "saltar de alegría" (to jump for joy), and "estar radiante" (to be radiant with happiness). These expressions add color to emotional expression beyond simple words like "feliz."
How do you express complex emotions in Spanish using idioms?
Spanish has rich idioms for complex emotions: "tener un nudo en la garganta" (lump in throat/emotional), "estar hecho un mar de lágrimas" (to cry a lot), "estar con el alma en un hilo" (to be very worried), and "estar entre la espada y la pared" (to be between a rock and a hard place). These capture nuanced emotional states.
Have more questions about learning Spanish idioms? Browse our complete idiom guide or explore our learning resources.
Browse All Spanish Idiom Categories
Ready to Master More Spanish Idioms?
Explore our complete collection of 16+ Spanish idioms organized by category, difficulty level, and regional usage. Perfect for intermediate to advanced learners.
View All Spanish Idioms →