Sound like a Catalan, at least try ahahah. Everyone would like to master Catalan and sound like a native, but it is not easy. Something that you should definitely learn are idiomatic expressions that will make your speaking more fluent and authentic. As always, helpBarcelona has decided to help you and provide you with some Catalan expressions.
As in any other post about Catalan and about languages, we have to suggest you how to practice efficiently them every single day of your stay in Barcelona. You have to live in shared flat (it sounds like a threat, but it isn’t). By living in a shared flat, you will have the chance to use the language of the country where you are living to communicate with the other flatmates. Moreover, you may have the chance to live with a Catalan speaker! Therefore, remember it: if you are looking for a housing solution, choose a shared flat.
Digressions, we love them ahahah. This time we will try to be brief and let you go practice Catalan as soon as possible. So, to sum up, which is the topic of our column about language and language learning? Today’s topic is Catalan expressions that you should learn in order to sound like a native.
FER-NE CINC CÈNTIMS
Literally, it means “Make it five cents”. The real mean is: “Give me a short version”.
DEMÀ M’AFAITARÀS
Literally, it means “You are going to shave me tomorrow”. The real mean is: “Yea whatever”.
HE BEGUT OLI
Literally, it means “I’ve drunk oil”. The real mean is: “I’ve failed”.
FER PASSAR BOU PER BÈSTIA GROSSA
Literally, it means “To pass old beef off as prime meat”. The real mean is: “To make something look better than it is”.
DÉU N’HI DO!
It means “Amazing” and can be used instead of “Wow”, too.
BUFAR I FER AMPOLLES
Literally, it means “Blow and make a bottle”. It is used when something is extremely easy to do.
AIXAFAR LA GUITARRA
Literally, it means “To crash the guitar”. The real mean is: “To ruin the plans of somebody”.
QUATRE GATS
Literally, it means “Four cats”. The real mean is: “Small group”.
FEM UN CAFÉ
Literally, it means “Make a coffee”. The real mean is: “Let’s have a coffee”.
Did you know some of these expressions? We did not (shame on us). Therefore, we have to learn them and show off our Catalan with our flatmates ahahah. Do you remember some of the learning techniques we have suggested you some months ago? Just to refresh dusty memories, here some tricks to learn efficiently our Catalan expressions:
# Practice regularly with exercises, apps (such as Duolingo) or with the flash card method. Should we remember you how does it work? Write the word on a side and the translation on the other one. You choose a random card in the deck and make an effort to translate it or to remember what it means. You learn by playing!
# Look for a tandem partner in order to practice with a native speaker and, why not, find a friend.
# Live in a shared flat, the most common housing solution for students and young workers who decide to move far from home or abroad. This is an unforgettable experience, a way to grow up, open your mind and learning a new language.
If you wish to discover our suggestions to learn a new language, check the post and take note!
Have you enjoyed our post? We have many other posts about Catalan, Spanish and idioms… Have a look at them! Moreover, stay tuned… another blog post is coming soon.
XOXO
helpBarcelona team