What does estar in Spanish mean?

What is the meaning of the word estar in Spanish? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use estar in Spanish.

The word estar in Spanish means be, be, be [+ gerund], be, work as, lie in, cost, support, stay, remain, be, be about to do , be on the verge of doing, be in love with, be yet to, have half a mind to do, be about to do, be at each other's throats, be lacking in, be light years away, be light years away from, be up to, be commonplace, be at loggerheads, be at daggers drawn with, be at bay, be around the corner, be with it, be on the ball, have another think coming, be in trouble, be in a jam, be in good, be well off, serve right, feel well, have a fever, run a fever, be crazy, be completely mad, be off your head, be crazy, be mad, be insane, be crazy, be mad, be insane, be crazy, be over it, chat, be joking, be jesting, be in the family way, be in the mood for jokes, have a hangover, be kidding, be joking, be in a bad mood, be in a bad mood, be down on your luck, be in luck, to die for, laze around, have your head in the clouds, be an idiot, be informed, be in on, be in the spotlight, be in the spotlight, be within 's rights, be in exams, be in the thick of it, be in seventh heaven, be on cloud nine, be daydreaming, be in the dark, be distracted, be far away, be miles away, have your head in the clouds, be on the same page, be on the same wavelength, be up-to-date, be current with, be daydreaming, have your head in the clouds, have your head in the clouds, be on your last legs, be on its last legs, not have two pennies to rub together, be certain, be right, be correct, be right, stand by what's been said, stand by your word, be in diapers, be wet behind the ears, be distracted, be at peace with yourself, be in your element, be on 's back, be in the cards, be worn out, be all messed up, be tired, be worn out, be tuckered out, be lovey dovey, be lukewarm, be as thin as a pencil, be all wrinkly, be all crumpled up, be beaten and bruised, be in tatters, be in shreds, be a bundle of nerves, doubled up, be super busy, be very busy, be pooped, be wiped out, be as wrinkled as a prune, be on cloud nine, have a bad [+ body part], be low on, be nutty, be loopy, be mad, be crazy, be as old as the hills, be as old as the hills, be rolling in money, be too old for, have had it, be invisible, be sky-high, be through the roof, remain to be seen, remain to be seen. To learn more, please see the details below.

Listen to pronunciation

Meaning of the word estar

be

verbo copulativo (expresa estado) (feelings)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

El profesor está enfadado con nosotros.

The teacher is angry with us.

be

verbo intransitivo (posición, lugar)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

El director está en su despacho.

The director is in his office.

be [+ gerund]

verbo intransitivo (expresa progresión)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

Carlos está trabajando en su tesis de grado. El gobierno ha estado preparando varias reformas.

Carlos is working on his degree thesis.

be

(indica la fecha) (date)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

Estamos a 15 de marzo.

It is March 15th.

work as

(realizar temporalmente)

Ahora estoy de mesera en un restaurante de comida italiana.

Now I'm working as a waitress in an Italian restaurant.

lie in

(consistir en)

El secreto de una vida feliz está en disfrutar de cada día como si fuera el último.

The key to a happy life lies in enjoying every day as if it were the last.

cost

(tener un precio)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

El kilo de manzanas está en diez pesos.

A kilo of apples costs ten pesos.

support

(apoyar, estar a favor)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

En esta casa todos estamos por el partido de izquierda.

In this house we all support the left party.

stay, remain, be

verbo pronominal (quedarse en un lugar)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

El abuelo se estuvo en el parque toda la tarde alimentando a las palomas.

Grandpa stayed in the park the whole evening feeding the birds.

be about to do , be on the verge of doing

(estar a punto de)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Estaba por salir a comer con mi novio cuando sonó el teléfono. La función está por empezar.

I was about to go out to eat with my boyfriend when the phone rang. The function is about to begin.

be in love with

(ES: coloquial (estar enamorado)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Pablo está por tu hermana, pero no sabe cómo decírselo.

Pablo is in love with your sister but doesn't know how to tell her.

be yet to

(no haberse hecho aún)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

El futuro de la humanidad está por escribirse.

The future of humankind is yet to be written.

have half a mind to do

(informal (tener ganas de hacer algo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Ya no soporto a mi jefe: ¡estoy por renunciar en cualquier momento!

I can't stand my boss: I've half a mind to quit my job any moment!

be about to do

(estar a punto de)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Estábamos para salir cuando oímos una explosión.

We were about to leave when we heard an explosion.

be at each other's throats

locución verbal (coloquial (reñir) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Mi perro Vobo siempre anda a la greña con el de los vecinos: se llevan fatal. No sé como esos dos siguen juntos si siempre están a la greña.

ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. I heard raised voices from my neighbors: they were at each other's throats all evening.

be lacking in

(tener poco)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Este guiso está escaso de sal.

This stew is lacking in salt.

be light years away

locución verbal (coloquial, figurado (distar, estar muy lejos)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

El fin de la crisis parece estar a años luz.

The end of the crisis seems like it is light years away.

be light years away from

(coloquial, figurado (estar lejos de hacerse) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Ese problema está a años luz de resolverse.

This problem is light years away from being sorted out.

be up to

(dar la talla)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Con su actitud, Esteban demostró que no está a la altura y que acertamos al despedirlo.

ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. The new equipment isn't up to scratch and the company is getting behind on work.

be commonplace

(ser muy habitual)

En aquella época, los secuestros estaban a la orden del día en el país.

At the time, kidnappings were commonplace in the country.

be at loggerheads

locución verbal (coloquial (estar enemistados)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Luis y Diana eran muy buenos amigos, pero desde aquel incidente están a matar.

be at daggers drawn with

(coloquial (estar enemistado con alguien)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Estoy a matar con mi prima; si ella va a la fiesta yo no voy.

I'm at daggers drawn with my cousin; I won't go to the party if she does.

be at bay

locución verbal (estar contenido)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Cuando los lobos están a raya, se puede dejar libres a las ovejas.

be around the corner

locución verbal (estar a punto de llegar)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Hay que recoger todo que tus padres están al caer.

ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. Sonia should be there any minute, sorry for the delay.

be with it

locución verbal (coloquial (atento, al corriente)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Si quieres estar al loro de lo que se lleva esta temporada tienes que ver esta revista de moda.

It you want to be with it in what is trending this season, you have to look at this fashion magazine.

be on the ball

locución verbal (estar atento)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Vino un niño a pegarle al suyo en el parque, pero la madre estuvo al quite y lo apartó a tiempo.

A child tried to punch her son in the park, but she was on the ball and pulled him out of the way in time.

have another think coming

locución verbal (ES: coloquial (estar equivocado)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

¡Si cree que después de lo que ha hecho voy a ir con él al baile, está apañado!

If he thinks that after what he's done I'm going to go to the ball with him, he's got another think coming!

be in trouble

locución verbal (ES: coloquial (estar en apuros)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Si no me ayudas, estoy apañado.

If you don't help me, I'm in trouble.

be in a jam

locución verbal (ES: coloquial (estar en un lío)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Siempre que te veo estás aviado. Deja de meterte en problemas.

be in good

(tener algo en buen estado) (e.g. health, shape)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

A sus 85 años, mi suegra está bien de salud. A pesar de que ya casi no camina, el abuelo está bien de la cabeza.

Although he barely walks any more, my grandfather is still lucid.

be well off

(informal (tener algo en abundancia) (money)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Los vecinos están bien de dinero: acaban de comprarle otro auto a su hijo. La empresa está bien de recursos.

serve right

(ES: coloquial (merecer un castigo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Se lo merece, le está bien empleado después de lo que le hizo a su esposa.

It serves him right after what he did to his wife.

feel well

locución verbal (tener buena salud)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Si no estás bueno pide una cita con el médico.

If you don't feel well, make a doctor's appointment.

have a fever, run a fever

locución verbal (informal (tener fiebre)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Ramón estaba caliente cuando despertó y por eso no fue hoy a la oficina.

Ramón had a fever when he woke up and that's why he didn't go to work today.

be crazy

locución verbal (coloquial (estar loco)

Juan está como un cencerro. Ya tiene edad de sentar la cabeza.

Juan is crazy. He's already at the age where he should settle down.

be completely mad, be off your head

locución verbal (estar muy loco) (UK)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Estás como una cabra, deja de bailar encima de la mesa.

You're completely mad, stop dancing on the table.

be crazy, be mad, be insane

locución verbal (coloquial (loco, excéntrico)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

No le hagas caso a Daniel que está como una chiva.

be crazy, be mad, be insane

locución verbal (coloquial (loco, excéntrico)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

¿Qué te pasa? Estás como una chota últimamente.

be crazy

locución verbal (coloquial (estar loco)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Estás como una regadera, deja de hacer tonterías.

You must be crazy! Stop being so foolish.

be over it

locución verbal (coloquial (estar curtido en todo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Si me hubieras contado eso hace unos diez años, tal vez me habría preocupado un poco, pero a estas alturas ya estoy curado de espanto.

If you had told me that ten years ago, maybe it would have worried me a little, but at this point in life, I'm already over it.

chat

locución verbal (coloquial (conversar lo superfluo)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

Mi padre está siempre de cháchara al teléfono.

My dad is always chatting on the phone.

be joking, be jesting

locución verbal (bromear)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

No te enfades, están de chanza.

be in the family way

(AR, UY: coloquial (estar en embarazo) (informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be in the mood for jokes

locución verbal (informal (tener ganas de bromear)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Hoy Carlos estaba de fiesta y nos pegó un buen susto cuando entramos a la casa.

have a hangover

locución verbal (CR, SV, GT, HN, NI, coloq (tener resaca)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Bebí mucho anoche y hoy estoy de goma.

be kidding, be joking

locución verbal (coloquial (bromear)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

No te pongas bravo que estoy de guasa.

be in a bad mood

locución verbal (coloquial (estar de mal genio) (temporary)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Hoy tuve un día difícil y estoy de malas pulgas: mejor ni me hables.

I had a tough day today and I'm in a bad mood, so you'd better not speak to me.

be in a bad mood

locución verbal (ES: coloquial (estar enfadado)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

No sé qué te pasa últimamente, siempre estás de morros. Nuestra hija está de morros porque la castigamos.

I don't know what's up with you lately, you are always in a bad mood.

be down on your luck

locución verbal (coloquial (tener mala suerte)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Javier está de pega, de nuevo le han robado la bicicleta.

Javier is down on his luck: his bike has been stolen again.

be in luck

(tener la suerte de cara)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Ese día los ladrones estaban de suerte y se salvaron de que los atraparan.

That day, the thieves were in luck and avoided capture.

to die for

locución verbal (coloquial (estar muy sabroso) (figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Esta lasaña está de vicio.

This lasagna is to die for.

laze around

locución verbal (coloquial (estar muy a gusto)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Se está de vicio en esta hamaca.

He's lazing around in this hammock.

have your head in the clouds

locución verbal (coloquial, figurado (estar distraído)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Ayer Pedro estaba en Babia y no puso atención en clase.

be an idiot

locución verbal (coloquial, figurado (ser un bobo)

Mauricio está en Babia: le puso azúcar a la sopa en vez de sal.

be informed

locución verbal (CU: coloquial (participar activamente)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be in on

locución verbal (ES: coloquial (estar al tanto)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Mi hermana se hace que no sabe, pero yo sé que está en el ajo.

My sister makes out that she doesn't know, but I know she's in on it.

be in the spotlight

locución verbal (tener fama, éxito)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

La reina de belleza está en el candelero.

The beauty queen is in the spotlight.

be in the spotlight

locución verbal (tener mucha publicidad)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Las noticias de las celebridades siempre están en el candelero.

News concerning celebrities are always in the spotlight.

be within 's rights

(tener derecho a ello)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Los clientes están en su derecho a quejarse si algo no les gusta. Ya sabes que estás en tu derecho a pedirles respeto a tus jefes.

You know you have every right to demand your managers' respect.

be in exams

locución verbal (estar en fase de examinarse)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be in the thick of it

locución verbal (luchar, defender algo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be in seventh heaven, be on cloud nine

locución verbal (informal (estar muy a gusto) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Mis padres están en la gloria desde que se jubilaron y se fueron a vivir al campo.

My parents have been in seventh heaven since they retired an went to live in the countryside.

be daydreaming

locución verbal (coloquial (distraído)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Concéntrate, no vas a entender nada si estás en la higuera.

be in the dark

locución verbal (coloquial (ignorar algo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Será una fiesta sorpresa; el homenajeado está en la inopia.

It will be a surprise party; the guest of honour is in the dark.

be distracted, be far away, be miles away

locución verbal (coloquial (estar distraído)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

¿Te pasa algo? Desde esta mañana estás en la inopia.

Is something wrong with you? You've been miles away since this morning.

have your head in the clouds

locución verbal (coloquial (despistado)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

¿Perdiste la billetera otra vez? Siempre estás en la luna.

Did you lose your wallet again? You always have your head in the clouds.

be on the same page

locución verbal (coloquial (asunto: pensar igual)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Todos están en la misma onda con el director excepto yo.

be on the same wavelength

locución verbal (coloquial (gustos: ser afines)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Paola y yo estamos en la misma onda; vamos a vivir juntas.

be up-to-date

locución verbal (coloquial (tendencia: estar al día)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Tengo un papá moderno que está en la onda con la tecnología.

be current with

locución verbal (coloquial (asunto: estar al tanto)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Yo no sé. Pregúntale a Lina que ella está en la onda.

be daydreaming

locución verbal (coloquial (estar distraído)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

El profesor nota si los estudiantes están en las nubes.

The professor notices if the students are daydreaming.

have your head in the clouds

locución verbal (coloquial (estar muy feliz)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Lucía está en las nubes desde que se casó y tuvo a su primer hijo.

Lucy has had her head in the clouds ever since she got married and gave birth to her first son.

have your head in the clouds

locución verbal (coloquial (soñar despierto)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Es bonito estar en las nubes, pero no todo el día.

It is nice to have your head in the clouds, but not all day long.

be on your last legs

locución verbal (coloquial (estar moribundo) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Voy a visitar a mi abuela al hospital todos los días porque está en las últimas.

I'm visit my grandfather in hospital every day because he's on his last legs.

be on its last legs

locución verbal (coloquial (estar muy deteriorado)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Voy a comprarme una computadora nueva porque esta ya está en las últimas.

I'm going to buy a new PC because this one is on its last legs.

not have two pennies to rub together

locución verbal (coloquial (quedarse sin dinero) (UK: colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Después de ese mal negocio, el joven empresario está en las últimas.

After that failed business venture, the young entrepreneur doesn't have two pennies to rub together.

be certain, be right

(informal (acertar)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Estaba en lo cierto cuando dije que esta inversión no era buena.

I was right when I said that this investment wasn't worthwhile.

be correct, be right

locución verbal (estar acertado)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

stand by what's been said, stand by your word

locución verbal (reafirmarse en algo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Estoy en lo dicho: ese joven no me agrada y no pienso cambiar de opinión.

I stand by my word: I don't like that young man and I won't change my opinion.

be in diapers

locución verbal (coloquial (estar en el inicio) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

El proyecto está en mantillas, pero pronto veremos resultados.

The project is still in diapers but we'll soon see the results.

be wet behind the ears

locución verbal (coloquial (saber poco de un asunto)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Estoy en mantillas: todavía no sé de qué se trata el trabajo ni cuánto van a pagarme.

I'm wet behind the ears: I still don't know what my job is about nor when I'm going to get paid.

be distracted

locución verbal (ES: coloquial (estar despistado)

Hoy ese estudiante está en orsay y no se entera de nada.

The student is distracted today and isn't taking anything in.

be at peace with yourself

expresión (aceptarse uno mismo)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

be in your element

locución verbal (figurado (estar en su medio usual)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

La biología no es lo mío, pero, si hablamos de computadoras, ahí sí estoy en mi elemento.

Biology is not my thing, but, if we talk about computers, I'm really in my element.

be on 's back

locución verbal (xx)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be in the cards

locución verbal (figurado (estar predestinado) (US: colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Estaba escrito que se cruzarían nuestros caminos: era inevitable. La historia ya estaba escrita: el dictador llegó al poder aquel año.

It was in the cards that our paths would cross; it was inevitable.

be worn out

locución verbal (ES: coloquial (estar fatigado)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be all messed up

locución verbal (ES: coloquial (estar dañado)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

No puedes seguir usando ese coche: ¡está hecho fosfatina!

be tired, be worn out, be tuckered out

locución verbal (ES: coloquial (estar muy cansado)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Después de diez horas de trabajo duro, Susana estaba hecha fosfatina.

be lovey dovey

locución verbal (coloquial (mostrar mucha amabilidad)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Aunque Andrés tuvo un disgusto muy fuerte ayer con su novia, hoy otra vez está hecho un almíbar.

Even though Andrés had a tiff with his girlfriend yesterday, today he's all lovey dovey again.

be lukewarm

(estar desagradablemente tibio)

Esta cerveza está hecha un caldo: ponla en la nevera.

be as thin as a pencil

locución verbal (coloquial, figurado (estar muy delgado) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Martín se puso a dieta y ahora está hecho un espárrago.

Martin went on a diet and is now as thin as a pencil.

be all wrinkly, be all crumpled up

locución verbal (coloquial (estar muy arrugado)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

La cara de la anciana estaba hecha un higo.

The old lady's face was all wrinkly.

be beaten and bruised

locución verbal (coloquial (tener muchas heridas)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Mi hijo está hecho un lázaro porque estaba jugando rugby.

My son is beaten and bruised because he was playing rugby.

be in tatters, be in shreds

locución verbal (coloquial (estar andrajoso)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Cámbiate de ropa que no puedes estar hecho un lázaro cuando venga la visita.

Change your clothes because you can't be seen to be in tatters when the guest arrives.

be a bundle of nerves

locución verbal (coloquial (estar muy nervioso) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Cuando llegó al hospital por el parto de su mujer, el joven estaba hecho un manojo de nervios.

When he arrived at the hospital for the birth of his child, he was a bundle of nerves.

doubled up

expresión (estar doblado, incómodo)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Durmió en el sofá hecho un ocho y, cuando se despertó, le dolía todo.

He slept doubled up on the sofa and when he woke up his whole body ached.

be super busy, be very busy

(CO: coloquial (muy ocupado)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Esta semana estoy hecha un ocho con todo el trabajo que me puso mi jefe.

be pooped, be wiped out

locución verbal (ES: coloquial (estar exhausto)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

No quiero hacer nada hoy; estoy hecho un pingajo.

I don't fancy doing anything today: I'm pooped.

be as wrinkled as a prune

locución verbal (coloquial (persona: estar arrugada) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Mi hermano está hecho una pasa; parece un anciano.

My brother is as wrinkled as a prune; he looks like an old man.

be on cloud nine

locución verbal (estar muy alegre y feliz)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Desde que sabe que lo han admitido en la Facultad de Medicina está hecho unas pascuas.

Since he found out he's been admitted into the Faculty of Medicine, he is on cloud nine.

have a bad [+ body part]

(tener algo en mal estado)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Estoy mal del hígado; tengo hepatitis. La paciente está mal de los riñones.

ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. My father can't go running in cold weather because he's got bad ankles.

be low on

(informal (sufrir escasez)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

En estos momentos no podemos comprar otro auto porque estamos mal de plata.

At the moment we can't buy a new car because we're low on funds.

be nutty, be loopy

(coloquial (estar loco) (informal)

Creo que mi vecina está mal de la cabeza: siempre que me ve, me dice su nombre como si no me conociera.

I think my neighbor is loopy: every time she sees me she tells me her name, as if we had never met.

be mad, be crazy

locución verbal (coloquial (estar loco)

be as old as the hills

locución verbal (ES: coloquial (carecer de originalidad)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Ese espectáculo está más visto que el tebeo.

This show is as old as the hills.

be as old as the hills

locución verbal (ES: coloquial (estar pasado de moda)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Tom Hanks está más visto que el tebeo.

Tom Hanks is as old as the hills.

be rolling in money

locución verbal (ES, coloquial (tener mucho dinero)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Se fue de viaje otra vez; debe estar montado en el dólar.

be too old for

locución verbal (AmL: informal (bastarse a sí mismo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Estás muy grande para que te diga lo que debes hacer. Mi hermano está muy grande como para que mi papá todavía lo defienda.

My brother is too old for my dad to be standing up for him still.

have had it

locución verbal (CR, coloquial (estropeado, en mal estado) (colloquial)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Ese carro está para el tigre. En lugar de arreglarlo, mejor véndelo para repuestos.

That car has had it. Instead of fixing it, it's better to sell it for spare parts.

be invisible

locución verbal (AR, coloquial, figurado (estar de más)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be sky-high, be through the roof

locución verbal (figurado, informal (costar mucho dinero)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

No puedo ir a visitarte este año porque los boletos de avión están por las nubes.

I can't come to see you this year because ticket prices are sky-high.

remain to be seen

locución verbal (dudar de que algo pase)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Con los últimos escándalos de corrupción, los proyectos del alcalde están por verse.

The Mayor's projects remain to be seen in light of the latest corruption scandals.

remain to be seen

locución verbal (no haber pasado aún)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Los resultados de la inversión están por verse.

The results of the investment remain to be seen.

Let's learn Spanish

So now that you know more about the meaning of estar in Spanish, you can learn how to use them through selected examples and how to read them. And remember to learn the related words that we suggest. Our website is constantly updating with new words and new examples so you can look up the meanings of other words you don't know in Spanish.

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