¡Hola a todos los apasionados y adictos a Netflix!
Have you ever watched a popular show in Spanish, only to feel that the dialogue sounds a bit… off? You’re not alone! Sometimes, the translations from English to Spanish in series can miss the mark, leaving phrases that sound awkward or unnatural to native speakers. This is especially true in e-learning content and language learning apps where learning strategies can influence the quality of translations. At Thrive in Spanish this week, we’ll dive into some common translation mishaps and explore why they happen. We’ll also share study tips and effective studying strategies to help you spot and understand more authentic Spanish expressions, so you can start sounding more like a native yourself. Whether you're tackling higher education language courses or just enjoying interactive learning from your favourite shows, these insights will improve your language proficiency and reading comprehension. Get ready to see your favourite shows—and your Spanish skills—in a whole new light!
Netflix Spanish: Fact or Fiction?
When watching Netflix in Spanish, it’s easy to spot some awkward translations, especially if you're used to authentic Spanish expressions! Here are some popular examples from well-known series where the translation missed the mark—and how a native Spanish speaker might actually say these phrases.
El Juego del Calamar (Squid Game)
Damn it
Incorrect translation: “Maldita sea”
Mexican Spanish: “¡No mames!” or “¡No chingues!”
What the hell
Incorrect translation: “¿Qué diablos?”
Mexican Spanish: “¿Qué pedo?” or “¡No manches!”
Go first!
Incorrect translation: “Dejaré que vaya primero.”
Mexican Spanish: “Empieza tú” or “Ve primero.”
Friends
Chandler says: Honey, we’ve been over this.
Incorrect translation: “Cielo, ya hicimos todo.”
Mexican Spanish: “Cielo, ya hemos hablado de esto.”
Stranger Things
Run!
Incorrect translation: “¡Corre!”
Mexican Spanish: “¡Huye!” or “¡Sálvate!”
Are you okay?
Incorrect translation: “¿Estás bien?”
Mexican Spanish: “¿Todo bien?”
The Dark Side of Dubbed Spanish Series
Sure, watching dubbed Netflix series can be a fun way to pick up new Spanish phrases, but there's a catch! Dubbed translations often aim to be “neutral” Spanish, which means they’re simplified and lose a lot of the real, colourful language native speakers actually use. Sometimes, translators even change phrases entirely just to match the character’s lip movements on screen. This can lead to stiff or formal language that might sound unnatural if you tried using it in a real conversation. Plus, dubbed shows tend to avoid slang or regional expressions, which are key to understanding authentic Spanish.
Over time, sticking only to dubbed shows could leave you with a “textbook Spanish” that feels out of place in everyday situations. This highlights the importance of exploring a variety of learning resources and interactive learning tools that expose you to real-life language and different learning strategies. By engaging with educational podcasts, language learning apps, and online courses, you can diversify your exposure and better understand both formal and informal aspects of the language.
How to Learn Authentic Spanish: Tips for Netflix Lovers
Watch Spanish-Language Originals: Dive into the Spanish-speaking world by watching shows and movies created in Latin America or Spain. These series frequently reflect true local slang, expressions, and cultural references, giving you a window into how Spanish speakers really talk. Series like La Casa de Papel, Narcos, or Club de Cuervos are packed with conversational language and regional phrases.
Turn On Spanish Subtitles: Even if you're watching an English show dubbed in Spanish, turn on the Spanish subtitles! It’s a fun way to catch mismatches between what’s said and what’s subtitled, and it can help you learn more natural ways to phrase things. It also helps you see vocabulary and grammar in action.
Check Out Spanish Podcasts and YouTube Channels: As you already know, Thrive in Spanish has a variety of materials including the podcast and the YouTube channel that can offer a range of interesting topics for discussion that could enrich your knowledge of the language. Listening to these will help you get a feel for conversational tones, humour, and even local accents.
Practice with Native Speakers: Language exchanges are a fantastic way to test out your skills and pick up expressions that dubbed shows just don’t teach. You’ll start to pick up on which phrases sound natural—and which ones might get you strange looks!
Fast QUIZer
Choose the Authentic Translation
Which of these is a more natural translation for “Damn it!” in Mexican Spanish?
a) Maldita sea
b) ¡No mames!
c) ¡Qué diablos!
If you hear “What the hell” in a Mexican context, which of these is closer to an authentic reaction?
a) ¿Qué diablos?
b) ¡No chingues!
c) ¡Qué pedo!
In a tense situation, what would a native Mexican speaker say for “Run!”?
a) ¡Corre!
b) ¡Vámonos!
c) ¡Huye!
Fill in the Blank with the Most Natural Option
In the show Friends, Chandler says to Monica, “Honey, we've been over this.” Which of these would sound more natural in Spanish? Answer: Cielo, ya ______ de esto.
a) hemos hablado
b) hicimos todo
c) discutimos
If a character says, “Are you okay?” in Spanish, a more natural response in Mexican Spanish would be:
a) ¿Estás bien?
b) ¿Todo bien?
c) ¿Estás tú bien?
In Squid Game, if someone needs to go first, how would they say “Go first!” in a way that sounds more conversational?a) Dejaré que vaya primerob) Empieza túc) Vete primero
Practice Tips for Learning Authentic Spanish
True or False: Watching original Spanish-language series is a good way to learn slang and cultural expressions that you won’t find in dubbed series.
True
False
Which of these is NOT recommended for learning authentic Spanish?
a) Turning on Spanish subtitles when watching dubbed shows
b) Only watching dubbed series and ignoring Spanish originals
c) Practising with native speakers
True or False: Listening to Thrive in Spanish podcast episodes and its YouTube channel can help you pick up conversational tone and natural expressions in daily life.
True
False
Thus, next time you’re watching a show on Netflix, pay attention to the quirky translations and see if you can spot the difference between "Netflix Spanish" and the real deal! Learning Spanish is an exciting journey, and each bit of authentic language you pick up brings you closer to speaking like a native. Dive into Spanish-language originals, engage with native speakers, or tune into the Thrive in Spanish podcast and YouTube channel for valuable educational resources. With dedication and the right tools, you’ll build your skills faster than ever. Stay motivated, keep exploring, and before you know it, you’ll be spotting translation slip-ups like a pro! Keep going – fluency is just around the corner!
So, what are you waiting to levelling up your Spanish?
Finally, let’s introduce you to Diego, your personal Spanish-speaking AI assistant! Not sure where to kick off your language journey? Diego can quickly and accurately determine your Spanish level through an enjoyable, interactive conversation. Whether you’re just starting out or already fluent and looking to polish your skills, Diego will suggest the ideal course to meet your goals. It’s fast, simple, and enjoyable!
Good luck, Netflix lovers!
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