Figurative language in Spanish includes metaphors, similes, idioms, and other expressions that convey meaning beyond the literal words. These figures of speech are used to add color, emotion, and emphasis to communication.
Metaphors
Metaphors directly compare one thing to another to suggest they are alike in some way, without using “like” or “as.” In Spanish, metaphors are often used in poetry, literature, and everyday speech.
| Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|
| “Eres un ángel.” | “You are an angel.” |
| “La vida es un viaje.” | “Life is a journey.” |
| “Tengo un corazón de piedra.” | “I have a heart of stone.” |
| “Sus palabras fueron balas.” | “Her words were bullets.” |
| “El tiempo es oro.” | “Time is gold.” |
| “La noche es un manto oscuro.” | “The night is a dark cloak.” |
| “Tus ojos son estrellas.” | “Your eyes are stars.” |
| “El mundo es un escenario.” | “The world is a stage.” |
| “Su sonrisa es un rayo de sol.” | “Her smile is a ray of sunshine.” |
Similes
Similes compare two things using “como” (like/as) to highlight a similarity. They are common in conversation, writing, and song lyrics.
| Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|
| “Corre como el viento.” | “He runs like the wind.” |
| “Fuerte como un toro.” | “Strong as a bull.” |
| “Está feliz como una lombriz.” | “He’s as happy as a worm.” |
| “Ojos como el mar.” | “Eyes like the sea.” |
| “Llueve como gatos y perros.” | “It’s raining cats and dogs.” |
| “Canta como un ruiseñor.” | “She sings like a nightingale.” |
| “Duérmete como un tronco.” | “Sleep like a log.” |
| “Frío como el hielo.” | “Cold as ice.” |
| “Tranquilo como una tortuga.” | “Calm as a turtle.” |
Fill in the blank: "Frío como ____." (Cold as ____)
el hielo
"Frío como el hielo" is a common simile meaning "cold as ice."
Common Idiomatic Expressions
Idioms are fixed expressions whose meanings cannot be deduced from the individual words. They are essential for sounding natural in Spanish.
| Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|
| “Estar en las nubes.” | “To be daydreaming.” |
| “Tirar la toalla.” | “To give up.” |
| “Meter la pata.” | “To put one’s foot in one’s mouth.” |
| “Ser pan comido.” | “To be a piece of cake.” |
| “No tener pelos en la lengua.” | “To be blunt.” |
| “Costar un ojo de la cara.” | “To cost an arm and a leg.” |
| “Buscarle tres pies al gato.” | “To look for trouble.” |
| “Quedarse de piedra.” | “To be stunned.” |
| “Salir como una bala.” | “To leave quickly.” |
Which idiom means "To be a piece of cake" (something very easy)?
Ser pan comido.
"Ser pan comido" literally means "to be eaten bread," signifying that something is very easy.
Personification and Other Figures
Personification gives human traits to animals or objects. Other figures include hyperbole (exaggeration) and onomatopoeia (sound words).
| Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|
| “El viento susurra.” | “The wind whispers.” |
| “La ciudad nunca duerme.” | “The city never sleeps.” |
| “Estoy muerto de cansancio.” | “I’m dead tired.” |
| “¡Tengo un millón de cosas que hacer!” | “I have a million things to do!” |
| “El reloj gritó la medianoche.” | “The clock screamed midnight.” |
| “Las hojas bailan con el viento.” | “The leaves dance with the wind.” |
| “El sol me sonrió.” | “The sun smiled at me.” |
| “Esta mochila pesa una tonelada.” | “This backpack weighs a ton.” |
| “El agua canta en el arroyo.” | “The water sings in the stream.” |
| “¡Guau! ¡Eso fue increíble!” | “Wow! That was incredible!” |
Study these examples to recognize and practice the main types of figurative language found in Spanish.
Flashcards (1 of 37)
- English Example: “You are an angel.”
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
