5 Spanish Words That Are a Nightmare to Translate

As an English teacher with Spanish-speaking students, you've probably been asked, "How do you say ___ in English?" more times than you can count. But every now and then, a word comes up that leaves you scratching your head, trying to find the right way to explain it. Some words just don’t exist in English, or the only direct equivalent you can think of on the spot sounds very strange. To help you out, we’ve compiled five of the trickiest ones, along with the closest possible translations—though they still don’t quite capture the full meaning!

#1

Estrenar

Imagine the joy of putting on a brand-new pair of shoes or taking a bike on its first ride. In Spanish, there's a specific word for that first-time experience: estrenar. It’s all about that “new” feeling—whether it’s wearing a new outfit or trying out a new gadget. When your students ask how to say it in English, you might struggle to find a single word that captures it.
Closest possible English translation: "To use/wear for the first time."

#2

Merienda

Imagine that mid-afternoon slump when lunch is a distant memory and dinner is still hours away. In many Spanish-speaking countries, this is the perfect time for a merienda—a light snack to keep you going. It’s more than just grabbing a quick bite, but it’s less than the full on ceremony of an English afternoon tea. Whether it’s a sweet pastry, some fruit, or a small sandwich, merienda is a cherished tradition that doesn’t quite have an English equivalent.
Closest possible English translation: "Afternoon snack."

#3

Agujetas

Here’s a word that’ll make you wince: agujetas. Your students know the feeling all too well—it’s that achy soreness that sets in a day or two after a tough workout. While we have “muscle soreness” in English, it just doesn’t capture the specific post-exercise pain that agujetas does. So, when your students tell you they’re suffering from agujetas after gym class, just give them a sympathetic nod.
Closest possible English translation: "Muscle soreness."

#4

Sobremesa

One of the most charming Spanish traditions is the sobremesa—the time spent chatting at the table after a meal, long after the plates have been cleared. It’s a blend of good conversation, laughter, and lingering, and it’s something your students might find missing in English-speaking cultures. While we might say “let’s stay and chat,” it doesn’t quite capture the relaxed, unhurried vibe of a proper sobremesa.
Closest possible English translation: "Lingering at the table after a meal."

#5

Convivencia

Convivencia is a word that captures the essence of living together with mutual respect and understanding. It’s more than just sharing a space; it’s about fostering a community where everyone feels included. You might see it on signs around schools, like in the phrase “normas de convivencia,” or even from an irritated neighbor reminding others to respect it. Whether in a classroom or a neighborhood, convivencia is about creating a positive, cooperative environment that your students might find hard to describe in English.
Closest possible English translation: "Living together in harmony."

We might not have the perfect translations for these five tricky words, but we’ve got you covered for everything else! Our free "Let's Talk" speaking resources focus on all the most common words and phrases that Spanish-speaking students often get wrong, helping them build confidence and fluency.

Got more words that stump your students? Share them in the comments—we’d love to hear your ideas and add them to our next resource!