Bedeutung
To have a serious, unpleasant facial expression.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Spain, social life often happens in public spaces like bars and plazas. Having 'cara de pocos amigos' is a very clear signal to others to give you space, which is respected but often commented on by friends. Mexican culture places a high value on politeness and 'cortesía'. Someone with 'cara de pocos amigos' might be described as 'sangrón' (stuck-up/unfriendly) if the look is permanent. Argentines are known for being very expressive. 'Cara de pocos amigos' is frequently used, but you'll also hear the more colorful (and vulgar) 'cara de orto' in very informal settings. In countries like Peru or Ecuador, the phrase is used just as commonly, often to describe authority figures or people in bureaucratic offices.
Use 'poner' for reactions
Use 'poner' instead of 'tener' when you want to describe someone's face changing in response to something you said.
Don't use with 'ser'
Never say 'Es cara de pocos amigos'. It's always 'Tener' (to have) or 'Estar con' (to be with).
Bedeutung
To have a serious, unpleasant facial expression.
Use 'poner' for reactions
Use 'poner' instead of 'tener' when you want to describe someone's face changing in response to something you said.
Don't use with 'ser'
Never say 'Es cara de pocos amigos'. It's always 'Tener' (to have) or 'Estar con' (to be with).
The 'Resting' Face
You can use this to describe 'Resting Bitch Face' in a way that is much more polite and common in Spanish.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Mi hermana se despertó tarde y ahora __________ cara de pocos amigos.
We use the verb 'tener' to describe the state of having a certain facial expression.
Which situation best describes someone with 'cara de pocos amigos'?
Choose the correct scenario:
Glaring and looking frustrated/unfriendly is the definition of 'cara de pocos amigos'.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: ¿Quieres ir a hablar con el jefe? B: Ahora no, ____________________.
If someone has 'cara de pocos amigos,' it's a sign that it's not a good time to talk to them.
Match the phrase to the most likely person.
Who would most likely have 'cara de pocos amigos'?
Stress and frustration lead to this facial expression.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenMi hermana se despertó tarde y ahora __________ cara de pocos amigos.
We use the verb 'tener' to describe the state of having a certain facial expression.
Choose the correct scenario:
Glaring and looking frustrated/unfriendly is the definition of 'cara de pocos amigos'.
A: ¿Quieres ir a hablar con el jefe? B: Ahora no, ____________________.
If someone has 'cara de pocos amigos,' it's a sign that it's not a good time to talk to them.
Who would most likely have 'cara de pocos amigos'?
Stress and frustration lead to this facial expression.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, it's not offensive. It's a descriptive idiom. However, saying it directly to a stranger might be considered rude.
Yes! It's very common to say a dog or a cat has 'cara de pocos amigos' if they look grumpy.
The opposite is 'tener buena cara' or 'tener cara de buena gente'.
No, it's strictly about their facial expression in the moment.
Yes, it is universally understood and used in all Spanish-speaking countries.
People will understand you're joking, but it's not a standard idiom.
Yes, 'cara de vinagre' is a common synonym that implies a 'sour' look.
You would say: 'Me puso cara de pocos amigos'.
No, it's informal/neutral. In a formal speech, you'd use 'semblante adusto'.
Yes: 'Tenía cara de pocos amigos' (He looked grumpy).
Verwandte Redewendungen
Tener mala leche
similarTo be in a bad mood or to have bad intentions.
Estar de morros
similarTo be sulking or pouting.
Tener buena cara
contrastTo look healthy, happy, or approachable.
Ponerse serio
builds onTo become serious.
