Language tells us a lot about a particular culture, and there are some Spanish words that don’t have an English translation. For instance, in Spain, they use a number of sayings having to do with food. Spaniards love food. For instance, when trying to say that something takes a long time, they say that it’s longer than a day without bread.
Here are examples of six Spanish words with no equivalent in English.
Sobremesa
![People eating a meal around a table](http://en.localconcept.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/photo-1528605248644-14dd04022da1-1024x683.jpg)
Priscilla Du Preez via Unsplash
This word is a unique part to a Spanish meal. It relates to the time spent talking and drinking after the meal is over. The largest sobremesa I ever participated in was three hours.
Estrenar
Another word that is not a part of the English language is estrenar. In short, it means to wear something for the first time. There seems to be a certain pleasure one gets the first time something is worn. Separately, in English, there is a concept of ‘breaking something in’ when wearing it for the first time, but this is not the same as estrenar.
Tuerto
![One-eyed person](http://en.localconcept.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/photo-1543320777-d4102f7e1aa3-1024x683.jpg)
Scott Umstattd via Unsplash
Another word, tuerto, loosely translates as a one-eyed person. The word comes from the Latin word, tortus, crouket. In early times this word referred to injustice.
Desvelado
![desvelado](http://en.localconcept.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/photo-1541199249251-f713e6145474-1024x768.jpg)
Christian Erfurt via Unsplash
The word desvelado means a person who is not getting enough sleep.
Merienda
![merienda](http://en.localconcept.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/photo-1447879027584-9d17c2ca0333-1024x682.jpg)
Sarah Swinton via Unsplash
The closest translation is a “snack”, but not really. Many Spanish-speaking countries include a small meal between lunch and dinner where you sit and have coffee, hot chocolate, pastries or a small snack. If you’re an American visiting Spain where there’s an 8 hour lag between lunch and dinner, a merienda might be just what the doctor ordered.
Te Quiero
![man and woman hugging](http://en.localconcept.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/photo-1541089404510-5c9a779841fc-1024x683.jpg)
Candice Picard via Unsplash
It’s a word used to show you appreciate someone or care about them. It’s a midpoint between I like you and I love you.
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