Catalan, a Romance language spoken primarily in Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands, is rich in idiomatic expressions that add color and depth to its communication. Understanding these idioms not only aids in language proficiency but also offers insight into the culture and mindset of Catalan speakers. This article delves into some of the most intriguing Catalan idioms, their meanings, and their usage in everyday conversation.
Introduction to Catalan Idioms
Idioms are phrases where the meanings cannot be inferred from the literal interpretation of the words. They often reflect the history, culture, and values of the people who use them. In Catalan, idioms are a vital part of everyday speech, and mastering them can significantly enhance your language skills. Let’s explore some common Catalan idioms and their meanings.
1. Fer-ne cinc cèntims
This idiom translates to “to make five cents of it,” but it means to give a brief summary or explanation. When someone asks you to “fer-ne cinc cèntims,” they want a quick rundown of the situation.
Example:
– “Em pots fer cinc cèntims del que va passar a la reunió?”
– “Can you give me a quick summary of what happened at the meeting?”
2. Anar-se’n en orris
Literally meaning “to go to pieces,” this idiom is used to describe something that has failed or fallen apart.
Example:
– “El projecte se’n va anar en orris.”
– “The project fell apart.”
3. Fer el cor fort
This idiom translates to “make the heart strong” and means to brace oneself or gather courage in the face of adversity.
Example:
– “Has de fer el cor fort i afrontar el problema.”
– “You have to brace yourself and face the problem.”
4. Estar a la lluna de València
Literally translating to “to be on the moon of Valencia,” this idiom means to be daydreaming or not paying attention.
Example:
– “Sempre estàs a la lluna de València durant les classes.”
– “You’re always daydreaming during classes.”
5. Ser un bon tros de pa
This idiom translates to “to be a good piece of bread,” which means to be a good-hearted or kind person.
Example:
– “El teu germà és un bon tros de pa.”
– “Your brother is a really kind person.”
6. Tenir la paella pel mànec
Literally meaning “to have the pan by the handle,” this idiom means to be in control of a situation.
Example:
– “Ara tenim la paella pel mànec i podem decidir.”
– “Now we have control and can decide.”
7. Fer-ne setze
This phrase translates to “to make sixteen” and is used to say that someone is causing trouble or making a fuss.
Example:
– “No facis setze per una cosa tan petita.”
– “Don’t make a fuss over such a small thing.”
8. Anar com una moto
Literally translating to “to go like a motorcycle,” this idiom means to be very fast or hyperactive.
Example:
– “Avui vas com una moto, no pares quiet.”
– “Today you’re hyperactive, you don’t stop moving.”
9. Ser figues d’un altre paner
This idiom translates to “to be figs from another basket,” meaning that something is a completely different matter or unrelated.
Example:
– “Això són figues d’un altre paner, no té res a veure amb el tema.”
– “That’s a completely different matter; it has nothing to do with the topic.”
10. Fer l’orni
This phrase translates to “to play the fool” and means to pretend not to know or understand something.
Example:
– “No facis l’orni, sé que ho saps.”
– “Don’t play the fool; I know you know it.”
11. Tenir el cap ple de pardals
Literally translating to “to have the head full of birds,” this idiom means to be scatterbrained or have unrealistic ideas.
Example:
– “Sempre tens el cap ple de pardals amb els teus projectes.”
– “You always have unrealistic ideas with your projects.”
12. Fer la guitza
This idiom translates to “to make the mischief,” meaning to annoy or bother someone.
Example:
– “Deixa de fer-me la guitza, si us plau.”
– “Please stop bothering me.”
13. A la quinta forca
Literally meaning “to the fifth gallows,” this idiom is used to describe a place that is very far away or remote.
Example:
– “Viuen a la quinta forca, no els veiem gaire.”
– “They live very far away; we don’t see them much.”
14. Perdre els estreps
Translating to “to lose the stirrups,” this idiom means to lose one’s temper or self-control.
Example:
– “No perdis els estreps, tranquil.”
– “Don’t lose your temper, stay calm.”
15. Ser un fava
This idiom translates to “to be a broad bean,” meaning to be a fool or naive person.
Example:
– “Ets un fava si creus que t’ho donarà gratis.”
– “You’re a fool if you think he’ll give it to you for free.”
16. Tenir fums
Literally meaning “to have fumes,” this idiom means to be arrogant or conceited.
Example:
– “No tinguis tants fums, no ets millor que ningú.”
– “Don’t be so arrogant; you’re not better than anyone else.”
17. Ser de l’any de la picor
This idiom translates to “to be from the year of the itch,” meaning to be very old or outdated.
Example:
– “Aquest ordinador és de l’any de la picor.”
– “This computer is very outdated.”
18. Estar com un llum
Literally translating to “to be like a light,” this idiom means to be crazy or eccentric.
Example:
– “Aquest noi està com un llum, fa coses molt rares.”
– “That guy is crazy; he does very strange things.”
19. Tenir la mà trencada
This idiom translates to “to have a broken hand,” meaning to be very skilled or experienced at something.
Example:
– “Ella té la mà trencada en cuinar plats deliciosos.”
– “She is very skilled at cooking delicious dishes.”
20. Ser un cagadubtes
Literally meaning “to be a shit-doubter,” this crude idiom is used to describe someone who is very indecisive.
Example:
– “Ets un cagadubtes, mai saps què vols fer.”
– “You’re very indecisive; you never know what you want to do.”
Using Idioms in Conversation
Incorporating idioms into your Catalan conversations can make your speech sound more natural and fluent. Here are a few tips on how to use them effectively:
1. **Context is Key**: Ensure that the idiom fits the context of the conversation. Using an idiom inappropriately can lead to confusion or misunderstanding.
2. **Practice**: Like any other aspect of language learning, practice is crucial. Try to use new idioms in your daily conversations to become more comfortable with them.
3. **Cultural Understanding**: Understanding the cultural background of idioms can help you use them more effectively. Idioms often reflect local customs, history, and values.
4. **Listen and Learn**: Pay attention to how native speakers use idioms. Watching Catalan movies, listening to music, or having conversations with native speakers can provide valuable insights.
Conclusion
Catalan idioms offer a fascinating glimpse into the language and culture of Catalonia. They add richness and expressiveness to the language, making conversations more engaging and colorful. By learning and using these idioms, language learners can enhance their proficiency and connect more deeply with Catalan speakers. So, the next time you find yourself in a Catalan conversation, don’t hesitate to sprinkle in a few idioms to showcase your linguistic flair!
