In learning a new language, understanding euphemisms and polite expressions is essential to communicate respectfully and effectively. Spanish, like English, has a plethora of such expressions that can enrich your conversational skills. Here, we will explore some common Spanish euphemisms and polite expressions, which can help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid misunderstandings.
Mayor is a euphemism used in Spanish to refer to someone who is old or elderly. It is a more respectful and gentle way of addressing or referring to someone’s age.
Mi abuelo ya es mayor pero sigue siendo muy activo.
Fallecer is a commonly used verb that means “to pass away.” This euphemism is used instead of the more direct “morir” (to die), especially in formal contexts or when trying to be more sensitive.
Lamentamos informar que el señor García falleció ayer en la noche.
Despedir can be used as a euphemism for firing someone from their job. It literally means “to say goodbye,” which softens the blow of the action.
La empresa tuvo que despedir a algunos empleados debido a recortes presupuestarios.
Económicamente desfavorecido is a polite way of describing someone who is poor or lacks financial resources. It avoids the harshness that the direct word “pobre” might convey.
Existen programas de ayuda para personas económicamente desfavorecidas.
Dar a luz is a euphemistic expression used to describe the act of childbirth. It translates to “give light,” which is a softer expression compared to the more clinical terms.
Mi hermana dio a luz en un hospital local.
Persona de talla grande is a respectful way to refer to someone who is overweight. This phrase is considered more polite than saying “gordo” (fat).
Las tiendas ahora ofrecen más opciones para personas de talla grande.
Adulto mayor is another polite term for an elderly person, similar to “senior citizen” in English. It’s a respectful alternative to saying “viejo” (old).
Los adultos mayores reciben descuentos en el transporte público.
Intimidad is a euphemism used for referring to the bathroom or restroom. It literally means “intimacy,” which is a polite way of excusing oneself without being too explicit.
¿Me disculpas un momento? Necesito ir a la intimidad.
Entretenimiento para adultos is a euphemism for content or establishments that are designed for adults only, typically with sexual connotations, such as strip clubs or erotic films.
Esa película está clasificada como entretenimiento para adultos.
Irse a mejor vida is a euphemism for dying, similar to “passing away.” It translates to “going to a better life,” which provides a comforting or hopeful notion about death.
Creemos que nuestro abuelo se ha ido a mejor vida.
Pasar la noche en vela is a polite expression meaning to stay up all night, often due to worry or work, rather than directly stating one couldn’t sleep or had insomnia.
Pase la noche en vela terminando el proyecto.
Está con su médico is a polite expression used when someone is visiting the doctor. It’s a discreet way of indicating a medical appointment without going into specifics.
No puede atender la llamada, está con su médico.
Tomar unas vacaciones extendidas can sometimes be a euphemism for being unemployed, particularly when the person has been laid off, and it is unclear when they will return to work.
Luis no está trabajando actualmente, está tomando unas vacaciones extendidas.
Understanding these euphemisms and polite expressions in Spanish not only helps in avoiding faux pas but also enriches your understanding of the culture and the nuances of the language. Whether it’s in a business meeting or casual conversation, knowing how to phrase things delicately can make all the difference in communication. Spanish, with its emphasis on formality and respect, particularly values the use of such softened language, making it an essential aspect of mastering the language.
