Estar más sano que un roble
/es-TAR mahs SAH-noh keh oon ROH-bleh/
To be in excellent health; to be very healthy, robust, and strong.
💡 Understanding the Idiom
🎨 Literal vs. Figurative
Literally, this means 'to be healthier than an oak tree'.
It's used to say someone is extremely healthy and strong, like being 'as fit as a fiddle'.
Key Words in This Idiom:
📝 In Action
Mi abuelo tiene 90 años pero está más sano que un roble.
B1My grandfather is 90 years old, but he's as fit as a fiddle.
No te preocupes por María, se recuperó del resfriado y ya está más sana que un roble.
B1Don't worry about Maria, she recovered from the cold and is now in the pink of health.
Hago ejercicio todos los días para mantenerme más sano que un roble.
B2I exercise every day to stay as strong as an ox.
📜 Origin Story
This expression comes from a simple, direct observation of nature. The oak tree ('roble' in Spanish) is famous for its strength, longevity, and resistance to disease and harsh weather. For centuries, it has been a symbol of sturdiness and endurance. Comparing a person's health to the robustness of an oak tree is a powerful and easily understood metaphor for excellent physical condition.
⭐ Usage Tips
Perfect for Positive Health News
Use this phrase to give a strong, positive update about your own health or someone else's. It's a great way to say someone is not just 'okay', but in fantastic shape, especially after an illness.
Works for All Ages
While often used for older people who are surprisingly healthy, you can use it for anyone of any age who is robust and rarely gets sick.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar'
Mistake: "A common mistake is using the verb 'ser', like 'Mi abuelo es más sano que un roble'."
Correction: Health is considered a state or condition, even if it's long-lasting. You should always use the verb 'estar' with this idiom: 'Estoy/estás/está más sano que un roble'.
🌎 Where It's Used
Spain
Extremely common and used by people of all ages. A staple of everyday language.
Latin America
Widely understood in most countries, but can be less common than in Spain. Some regions might prefer other local expressions for health, like 'estar como un cañón' (to be like a cannon).
🔗 Related Idioms
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: Estar más sano que un roble
Question 1 of 1
If someone says your grandmother 'está más sana que un roble', what do they mean?
🏷️ Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this idiom to talk about mental health?
No, this idiom is almost exclusively used for physical health. It refers to being physically strong, robust, and free from illness. For mental well-being, you would use different expressions.