معنی
To be a gossip or someone who talks too much about others.
زمینه فرهنگی
In Spain, the term 'cotilla' is often used alongside 'tener la lengua larga'. There is a famous TV culture of 'prensa rosa' (pink press) where 'lenguas largas' make a living by talking about celebrities. In Mexico, 'el chisme' is a national pastime. A person with a 'lengua larga' might also be called a 'chismoso' or 'mitotero'. It's common to hear this in family settings. Argentines use the phrase 'sacar el cuero' (to take the leather off) to describe the act of gossiping. 'Tener la lengua larga' is understood but might sound slightly more formal than local slang like 'ser un conventillero'. In Colombia, 'lengualarga' is frequently used as a single word/noun. It's often used in a playful but warning tone among friends.
Careful with 'Ser'
Remember to use 'tener' (to have) the tongue, not 'ser' (to be) the tongue. If you want to use 'ser', use the noun 'lengualarga'.
Add 'Muy' for Effect
Native speakers almost always add 'muy' (very) or 'un poco' (a bit) to soften or strengthen the idiom.
معنی
To be a gossip or someone who talks too much about others.
Careful with 'Ser'
Remember to use 'tener' (to have) the tongue, not 'ser' (to be) the tongue. If you want to use 'ser', use the noun 'lengualarga'.
Add 'Muy' for Effect
Native speakers almost always add 'muy' (very) or 'un poco' (a bit) to soften or strengthen the idiom.
The 'Chisme' Context
This phrase is the bread and butter of 'chisme' (gossip) culture. Use it when discussing rumors.
خودت رو بسنج
Conjugate the verb 'tener' to complete the sentence.
Yo no le cuento nada a mi hermana porque ella _______ la lengua muy larga.
The subject is 'mi hermana' (she), so the correct conjugation of 'tener' is 'tiene'.
Which of these people has 'la lengua larga'?
A person who...
'Tener la lengua larga' specifically refers to gossiping and indiscretion.
Match the idiom to the correct situation.
Your friend just told the whole school who you have a crush on.
Spilling a secret about a crush is a classic example of having a 'long tongue'.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: ¿Sabes por qué Juan está enfadado conmigo? B: Porque le contaste a su jefe lo de su otro trabajo. ¡Es que _______!
The context of telling a boss a secret requires the idiom for gossiping.
Match the Spanish idiom to its English equivalent.
Idiom Matching
These are the most accurate idiomatic equivalents.
🎉 امتیاز: /5
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
بانک تمرین
5 تمرینهاYo no le cuento nada a mi hermana porque ella _______ la lengua muy larga.
The subject is 'mi hermana' (she), so the correct conjugation of 'tener' is 'tiene'.
A person who...
'Tener la lengua larga' specifically refers to gossiping and indiscretion.
Your friend just told the whole school who you have a crush on.
Spilling a secret about a crush is a classic example of having a 'long tongue'.
A: ¿Sabes por qué Juan está enfadado conmigo? B: Porque le contaste a su jefe lo de su otro trabajo. ¡Es que _______!
The context of telling a boss a secret requires the idiom for gossiping.
هر مورد سمت چپ را با جفتش در سمت راست مطابقت دهید:
These are the most accurate idiomatic equivalents.
🎉 امتیاز: /5
سوالات متداول
10 سوالYes, it is generally negative. It accuses someone of being untrustworthy or indiscreet.
Yes, but usually in a self-deprecating or joking way: 'A veces tengo la lengua larga'.
'Chismoso' is a direct noun (gossip). 'Tener la lengua larga' is a more colorful, idiomatic way to describe the same thing.
Yes, the core meaning is universal, though some regions might prefer 'irse de la lengua' or 'bocazas'.
No, it is too informal. Use 'falta de discreción' instead.
Not really. Discretion is highly valued, so having a 'long tongue' is almost always a flaw.
You can say 'No tengas la lengua tan larga' or 'No seas chismoso'.
Yes, parents often say it to children who repeat adult conversations to others.
Being 'discreto' (discreet) or 'una tumba' (a tomb - someone who keeps secrets perfectly).
Somewhat. 'Lengua de doble filo' (double-edged tongue) means someone whose words can hurt both others and themselves.
عبارات مرتبط
No tener pelos en la lengua
similarTo speak one's mind directly.
Irse de la lengua
similarTo accidentally reveal a secret.
Morderse la lengua
contrastTo refrain from speaking.
Ser un bocazas
synonymTo be a big mouth.
