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How to Say "expression" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “expression” is “expresión” — use 'expresión' when referring to the act or ability of communicating thoughts, feelings, or ideas, or a particular way of conveying them..

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expresión

nounA1
Use 'expresión' when referring to the act or ability of communicating thoughts, feelings, or ideas, or a particular way of conveying them.

Examples

La libertad de expresión es fundamental en una democracia.

Freedom of expression is fundamental in a democracy.

cara

/kah-rah//ˈka.ɾa/

nounA1
Use 'cara' specifically when referring to the physical appearance of a person's face, including their facial expressions.
Close-up, front view illustration of a neutral human face, showing the eyes, nose, and mouth structure.

Examples

Me lavo la cara todas las mañanas.

I wash my face every morning.

La moneda tiene dos caras: cara y cruz.

The coin has two sides: heads and tails.

Puso mala cara cuando le conté el problema.

He put on a sour face when I told him the problem.

'Cara' is a Feminine Word

Even though it doesn't end in '-o', 'cara' is a feminine word. So, you always use 'la' or 'una' with it. For example, 'la cara bonita' (the pretty face).

Describing Your Own Face

Mistake: “Incorrect: 'Tengo cara cansada.'”

Correction: Correct: 'Tengo la cara cansada.' When you're describing the state of your own body part, like your face, you usually need to include 'la' (the).

frase

FRAH-seh/ˈfɾase/

nounA1
Use 'frase' when referring to a common saying, a set phrase, or a simple sentence.
A small, friendly blue bird sitting on a branch. Three distinct, colorful, geometric shapes (a circle, a square, and a triangle) are floating together in a connected chain, emanating from the bird's beak, representing a short phrase.

Examples

Escribe una frase sencilla en el cuaderno.

Write a simple sentence in the notebook.

Esta frase tiene un error de puntuación.

This phrase has a punctuation error.

Necesito aprender algunas frases básicas para el viaje.

I need to learn some basic phrases for the trip.

Gender Check

Remember that 'frase' is feminine, so you must use 'la frase' or 'una frase'.

Frase vs. Oración

Mistake: “Using 'frase' when referring specifically to a complete thought with a subject and verb, especially in grammar class.”

Correction: While 'frase' is fine in everyday talk, technically, 'oración' is the word for a complete grammatical sentence. Think of 'frase' as the general term for 'a group of words.'

dicho

/DEE-choh//ˈdi.t͡ʃo/

nounB1
Use 'dicho' for a proverb, adage, or a well-known saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice.
A kind grandmother leaning down and whispering a piece of traditional wisdom into the ear of her curious grandchild in a sunny garden, symbolizing the transmission of a saying or proverb.

Examples

Como dice el dicho, 'más vale tarde que nunca'.

As the saying goes, 'better late than never'.

Mi abuela siempre tiene un dicho para cada situación.

My grandmother always has a saying for every situation.

Del dicho al hecho hay mucho trecho.

There's a big gap between what is said and what is done. (An idiom itself!)

Always Masculine

When used as a noun meaning 'saying', 'dicho' is always masculine. You'll always say 'el dicho' or 'un dicho'.

nounB1
Use 'término' when referring to a specific word or phrase used in a particular subject or context, often a more formal or technical one.

Examples

Ese es un término científico que solo conocen los expertos.

That is a scientific term that only experts know.

Confusing Sayings: 'Frase' vs. 'Dicho'

Learners often confuse 'frase' and 'dicho'. While both can refer to sayings, 'dicho' specifically means a proverb or adage, a common saying with wisdom. 'Frase' is broader and can mean any set phrase, common saying, or even just a sentence.

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