المعنى
To be in adolescence, characterized by awkwardness and mood swings.
خلفية ثقافية
In Spain, the phrase is often used with a sense of 'resignación' (resignation). Parents will roll their eyes and say it to each other as a way of bonding over the difficulties of raising teens. While 'edad del pavo' is understood, 'la edad de la punzada' is much more common. It carries a slightly more 'sharp' or 'painful' connotation regarding the growth process. Argentines might use 'estar hecho un pavo' to mean someone is acting like an idiot or being very naive, which stems from the same root as the idiom. In Colombia, the phrase is used exactly like in Spain, often accompanied by the word 'etapa' (stage).
Use it for empathy
Using this phrase shows you understand the struggle of growing up. It's a great way to build rapport with Spanish-speaking parents.
Don't use with 'ser'
Saying 'Soy la edad del pavo' is a major giveaway that you are translating literally from English. Always use 'estar en'.
المعنى
To be in adolescence, characterized by awkwardness and mood swings.
Use it for empathy
Using this phrase shows you understand the struggle of growing up. It's a great way to build rapport with Spanish-speaking parents.
Don't use with 'ser'
Saying 'Soy la edad del pavo' is a major giveaway that you are translating literally from English. Always use 'estar en'.
Regional variations
If you are in Mexico, try using 'la edad de la punzada' to sound like a local!
اختبر نفسك
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'estar'.
Mi hermana tiene 13 años y ______ en la edad del pavo.
We use 'está' because it matches the third person singular (mi hermana) and the idiom requires 'estar'.
Which animal is used in this Spanish idiom for adolescence?
Estar en la edad del...
The idiom specifically uses 'pavo' (turkey).
Match the situation to the most likely use of the phrase.
A 14-year-old boy starts laughing uncontrollably at a serious dinner.
Inexplicable laughter is a hallmark of 'la edad del pavo'.
Complete the dialogue.
—¿Por qué Juan está tan raro? —No te preocupes, es que...
This is the standard way to explain a teenager's 'weird' behavior.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينMi hermana tiene 13 años y ______ en la edad del pavo.
We use 'está' because it matches the third person singular (mi hermana) and the idiom requires 'estar'.
Estar en la edad del...
The idiom specifically uses 'pavo' (turkey).
A 14-year-old boy starts laughing uncontrollably at a serious dinner.
Inexplicable laughter is a hallmark of 'la edad del pavo'.
—¿Por qué Juan está tan raro? —No te preocupes, es que...
This is the standard way to explain a teenager's 'weird' behavior.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةIt can be. While adults use it affectionately, a teenager might find it patronizing or feel that you aren't taking their feelings seriously.
Only as a joke. It implies they are acting much younger than they are.
Turkeys are seen as more 'clumsy' and their skin changes color more dramatically than chickens.
Yes, absolutely. It is a gender-neutral stage of life.
Usually between 12 and 15, but it can start earlier or last longer depending on the person.
The formal version is simply 'la adolescencia' or 'la pubertad'.
It's rare. Stick to 'pavo' as it's the fixed form of the idiom.
Yes, it is widely understood across all Spanish-speaking countries, though some have their own local versions.
It means to act like a fool or show off in a silly way, like a turkey strutting around.
You can say 'Estoy en una etapa difícil' or, idiomatically, 'Estoy en la edad del pavo'.
عبارات ذات صلة
Hacer el pavo
similarTo act silly or show off.
Pavo real
specialized formPeacock.
Estar como una cabra
similarTo be crazy.
La edad de la punzada
synonymThe age of the sting.
