7 Spanish Words That Should Exist in English

Languages are fascinating because they reflect the cultures and ways of thinking of the people who speak them. One of the most interesting things about Spanish is that it has words that simply don’t have a direct English translation. These words capture emotions, situations, or experiences so perfectly that you’ll wish they existed in English too!

1. Sobremesa

Imagine finishing a delicious meal with friends or family, but instead of rushing off, you linger at the table, enjoying good conversation and laughter. That’s sobremesa—the Spanish tradition of staying at the table long after the food is gone, simply enjoying each other's company.

2. Estrenar

Ever worn a brand-new outfit and felt a special kind of excitement? In Spanish, there's a word for that: estrenar. It means using or wearing something for the first time, whether it’s new shoes, a car, or even a haircut!

3. Merienda

In English, we have breakfast, lunch, and dinner—but what about that snack in between? In Spain and many Latin American countries, the merienda is a light afternoon meal, often consisting of coffee and a pastry, or a small sandwich, perfect for holding you over until dinner.

4. Desvelado

There’s tired, and then there’s desvelado. This word describes that specific kind of exhaustion you feel after a sleepless night. Whether you stayed up late studying, partying, or just couldn’t fall asleep, being desvelado means you’re feeling the consequences the next day!

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5. Madrugar

On the flip side, if you wake up really early—whether for work, a trip, or just to be productive—Spanish has a verb for that: madrugar. And if you’re someone who does this often, you can call yourself a madrugador!

6. Vergüenza Ajena

Ever watched someone embarrass themselves so badly that you felt embarrassed for them? That’s vergüenza ajena, the secondhand embarrassment you experience when witnessing someone else’s cringeworthy moment.

7. Friolero/Friolenta

Some people seem to feel cold no matter the temperature. In Spanish, there’s a word for that! If you’re constantly bundled up, you might be a friolero (if you’re a man) or friolenta (if you’re a woman).

These are just a few of the wonderful Spanish words that have no direct English equivalent. Learning them not only expands your vocabulary but also gives you a deeper understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures. Want to learn more fun Spanish words? Check out our interactive lessons on Lingobi and take your language skills to the next level!