المعنى
To express a strong dislike or lack of interest in something or someone.
خلفية ثقافية
In Spain, this phrase is used very frequently in political talk shows. It allows commentators to criticize a politician's character without necessarily attacking their specific policies. While used in Mexico, it competes with more colorful local expressions like 'no me cae el veinte' (though that means something else) or 'no me late'. However, 'santo de mi devoción' is considered more 'culto' (educated). In Argentina, a country with a strong secular tradition but Catholic roots, the phrase is used ironically or to show a certain level of intellectual distance. In Colombia, where politeness and indirectness are highly valued in social speech, this phrase is a perfect way to avoid saying 'no me gusta' directly, which can be seen as too blunt.
Use it for 'Polite Rejection'
If someone offers you a job or a plan you don't want, this phrase is the perfect 'soft no'.
Don't forget the 'No'
While you can use it affirmatively, it's almost always negative. Saying 'Es santo de mi devoción' sounds very old-fashioned.
المعنى
To express a strong dislike or lack of interest in something or someone.
Use it for 'Polite Rejection'
If someone offers you a job or a plan you don't want, this phrase is the perfect 'soft no'.
Don't forget the 'No'
While you can use it affirmatively, it's almost always negative. Saying 'Es santo de mi devoción' sounds very old-fashioned.
Regional Pronunciation
Remember the 'c' in devoción changes between Spain and Latin America. Both are correct!
اختبر نفسك
Fill in the blank with the correct possessive adjective.
A mi hermana no le gusta ese cantante; él no es santo de ___ devoción.
Since we are talking about 'mi hermana' (she), we must use the possessive 'su'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct when talking about multiple things?
Choose the correct plural form:
The verb 'son' and the noun 'santos' must both be plural to match 'libros'.
Match the response to the situation.
Someone asks: '¿Quieres probar este queso azul muy fuerte?'
This is the most natural way to politely decline a food you don't like.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Viste la última película de Almodóvar? B: Sí, pero la verdad es que su estilo...
The standard idiom is 'santo de mi devoción'.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينA mi hermana no le gusta ese cantante; él no es santo de ___ devoción.
Since we are talking about 'mi hermana' (she), we must use the possessive 'su'.
Choose the correct plural form:
The verb 'son' and the noun 'santos' must both be plural to match 'libros'.
Someone asks: '¿Quieres probar este queso azul muy fuerte?'
This is the most natural way to politely decline a food you don't like.
A: ¿Viste la última película de Almodóvar? B: Sí, pero la verdad es que su estilo...
The standard idiom is 'santo de mi devoción'.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةYes! You can use it for movies, books, food, or even architectural styles.
No, it's actually more polite than saying 'I don't like it' because it sounds more educated and less personal.
Not at all. It is a completely secular idiom now.
You can, and people will understand you, but 'santo' (masculine) is the traditional fixed form of the idiom.
The closest is 'Not my cup of tea'.
Yes, it is understood and used from Spain to Argentina.
Yes, it's very appropriate for professional settings to express disagreement politely.
Yes, it's a perfect phrase for intermediate learners to start sounding more like a native speaker.
Yes, if you are talking about multiple things or people, you must make it plural.
'No me gusta' is direct and simple. 'No es santo de mi devoción' is more nuanced and implies a lack of personal connection or affinity.
عبارات ذات صلة
No ser plato de buen gusto
similarTo be an unpleasant situation.
Caer bien/mal
similarTo like/dislike someone.
No entrar por el ojo
similarTo not like something at first sight.
Ser de mi agrado
synonymTo be to my liking.
