Language shapes the way we see the world. What is second nature in one culture may not even exist in another. Spanish is full of words that describe emotions, moments, and thoughts that English speakers generally can’t quite pinpoint. Here are some Spanish words that have no direct English translation—but really should.
Sobremesa
Literally “over the table,” sobremesa is the time you spend sitting around the table after a meal, talking, laughing, and simply enjoying each other’s company. There’s no rush. No one’s grabbing their coat. It’s not about the food anymore—it’s about connection.
Estrenar
You use this verb when you wear or use something for the very first time. New jacket? When you put it on for the first time, you’re estrenando it. It’s a charming way to celebrate new experiences or possessions.
Merienda
Midway between a snack and a light meal, a merienda is usually eaten in the late afternoon or early evening. It’s more formal than grabbing a granola bar—think coffee and toast or pastry with friends. It’s also a social event, especially common among families and children.
Madrugar
To wake up really early—before the sun rises. Not just waking up early, but the act of dragging yourself out of bed when it still feels like night. English has “wake up early,” naturally, but madrugar carries a stronger sense of struggle and commitment.
Tutear
Spanish has both informal and formal ways of saying “you.” Tutear is the act of addressing someone informally, using tú instead of usted. It’s a subtle but important shift in how people communicate—and there isn’t one English word for it.
Empalagar
That feeling of something being too rich or too sweet? When another bite of cake would ruin your day? That’s empalagar. It’s not just about taste—it can also describe feeling overwhelmed by too much affection, flattery, or cheesiness.
Friolero/a
A person who is especially intolerant of cold. We all know someone who puts on a sweater when it’s 70°F. That’s a friolero. It’s not an insult—it’s practically a personality type.
Desvelado/a
To be desvelado is to be deprived of sleep, not necessarily because you’re lazy or were out partying all night, but because something—anxiety, noise, life—kept you awake. It’s a slightly different sensation from just being “tired.”
Why These Words Are Important
These untranslatable words illustrate how culture and language influence each other. They’re shortcuts to complex ideas, feelings, or social norms that aren’t always expressed in the same way in English-speaking cultures.
More than anything, they’re reminders that language isn’t just communication—it’s identity, values, and how we move through the world. Sometimes you need a whole sentence to say what one Spanish word can convey instantly.
