Below are some idiomatic expressions using the Spanish words for feet. Some of them are very funny.
Note that “pata” which is an animal’s foot is often used in jest for “pie,” the correct word.
Meter la pata – to put your foot in your mouth
Estar con una pata en la tumba – to have one foot in the grave
Tener un pie acá
If you have traveled in Latin America, you will probably have noticed words in stores’ windows or on signs that end in ería (pronounced air – EE-ah).
This suffix or ending is used in Spanish to name most stores and shops.
The following are the names of some stores in Spanish.
la tortillería – a tortilla factory
la
Here are some idiomatic uses of tocar which I didn’t really explain in my last article so as to not confuse people.
(1) tocarle a uno – Example … Le tocó un dólar a cada uno….Each one got a dollar as his share.
(2) esto no te toca a tí – this doesn’t concern you
(3) por lo que a mí me toca – as far as I am
In Costa Rica it is difficult to “keep your bearings” since street signs are few and far between and most houses don’t have numbered addresses. Memorize the Spanish survival phrases below and you should be able to find your way around, located addresses and hopefully not get lost.
¿A qué distancia queda…? – How far
The following expressions are used to express the idea of being tired of or fed up with something or someone.
Estar cansado/a de – to be tired of (very common phrase)
Estar harto/a – to be fed up with (very common phrase)
Estar hasta el copete – to be fed up with
Estar hasta el gollete –
