Inklingo

How to Say "fling" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “fling” is “rollo” — use 'rollo' for a casual romantic relationship or a 'thing' that happened, often implying it was temporary and perhaps not very serious..

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rollo

ROH-yoh/ˈro.ʎo/

nounB1informal
Use 'rollo' for a casual romantic relationship or a 'thing' that happened, often implying it was temporary and perhaps not very serious.
A man and a woman smile brightly at each other as they quickly pass by on a winding path, symbolizing a brief encounter.

Examples

Ellos tuvieron un rollo durante el verano, pero ya terminó.

They had a fling/thing during the summer, but it's over now.

¿Sabes si María tiene un rollo con el nuevo camarero?

Do you know if Maria is seeing (has a thing with) the new waiter?

Using 'Tener'

To talk about having this kind of relationship, you always use the verb 'tener' (to have): 'Tener un rollo con alguien' (to have a fling with someone).

aventura

ah-ben-TOO-rah/a.βenˈtu.ɾa/

nounB1informal
Choose 'aventura' for a brief, casual romantic relationship, often implying a bit more excitement or a sense of escape.
Two figures in silhouette hold hands in a dimly lit, secluded garden under the light of a full moon.

Examples

Tuvo una breve aventura con un compañero de trabajo.

She had a brief affair with a co-worker.

Esa aventura terminó tan rápido como empezó.

That fling ended as quickly as it began.

asunto

/ah-SOON-toh//aˈsunto/

nounB2
Use 'asunto' when referring to a clandestine or secret relationship, often implying a more serious or scandalous affair.
Two figures secretly holding hands behind a red curtain, symbolizing a hidden romantic affair.

Examples

Se rumorea que el director tiene un asunto con su secretaria.

It's rumored that the director is having an affair with his secretary.

Tuvieron un asunto durante el verano, pero no fue nada serio.

They had a fling during the summer, but it was nothing serious.

lío

nounB2informal
Opt for 'lío' to describe a complicated or messy casual relationship or affair, often one that has been discovered or is causing trouble.

Examples

Se descubrió el lío que tenía con su secretaria.

The affair he was having with his secretary was discovered.

roll

/rrohl//rol/

nounB2informal
While 'roll' can mean a casual relationship, it's more commonly used to describe the 'vibe' or atmosphere of a place, so use it cautiously for relationships.
A storybook illustration of a cozy cafe interior bathed in warm yellow light. Gentle, visible purple and pink energy waves float in the air, representing a pleasant atmosphere or feeling.

Examples

Me encanta el roll de este café; es muy relajante.

I love the vibe of this café; it's very relaxing.

¿Sabes si Marta y Pedro tienen un roll?

Do you know if Marta and Pedro have a thing going on?

No te preocupes por ese roll, ya se arreglará.

Don't worry about that situation, it will sort itself out.

Always Masculine

Even though this word is borrowed from English, treat it like a Spanish masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un' before it.

Using it outside of Spain

Mistake: “Using 'roll' to mean 'vibe' in most of Latin America.”

Correction: This slang is highly regional (Spain). Use 'ambiente' or 'atmósfera' instead for broader communication.

Distinguishing 'Rollo'/'Aventura' from 'Asunto'/'Lío'

Learners often confuse the more casual 'rollo' and 'aventura' with the more serious or scandalous 'asunto' and 'lío'. Remember that 'asunto' and 'lío' usually imply a more complicated or secret situation, while 'rollo' and 'aventura' are for lighter, temporary connections.

Related Translations

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