Signification
To be anxious or in suspense, eagerly awaiting something.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, the phrase is often used with a lot of vocal emphasis on the word 'ascuas' to show genuine frustration or excitement. While 'en ascuas' is understood, Mexicans might also use 'estar con el pendiente', which is a very common local way to say you are worried or waiting for news. In the Rioplatense region, you might hear 'estar en ascuas' in literature or news, but in daily life, people might say 'estar re manija' (slang for being very excited/anxious). The concept of 'ascuas' is deeply tied to the traditional 'brasero' (a heater placed under a table), which was a central part of Spanish social life for centuries.
The 'Tener' Trick
If you want to sound more native, use 'tener' more than 'estar'. Telling someone 'Me tienes en ascuas' is a very common way to nudge them to give you information.
Plural Only
Never say 'en ascua'. It's a dead giveaway that you're a learner. Always keep it plural!
Signification
To be anxious or in suspense, eagerly awaiting something.
The 'Tener' Trick
If you want to sound more native, use 'tener' more than 'estar'. Telling someone 'Me tienes en ascuas' is a very common way to nudge them to give you information.
Plural Only
Never say 'en ascua'. It's a dead giveaway that you're a learner. Always keep it plural!
Drama is Good
Don't be afraid to use this phrase for small things, like waiting for a pizza. Spanish speakers love a bit of hyperbole.
Teste-toi
Completa la frase con la forma correcta de 'estar' o 'tener'.
No me __________ más en ascuas, ¡dime si aprobé el examen!
When you are asking someone else to stop making you wait, you use the verb 'tener' (to have/keep someone in a state).
¿Cuál de estas frases es gramaticalmente correcta?
Selecciona la opción correcta:
The idiom is 'estar en ascuas'—no article, plural noun, and the verb 'estar'.
Match the situation to the correct use of the phrase.
Situación: Estás esperando a que tu pareja te diga qué quiere cenar.
You can describe your own state ('Estoy en ascuas') or blame the other person for it ('Me tienes en ascuas').
Completa el diálogo de forma natural.
Ana: '¿Sabes quién ganó el Oscar?' Luis: 'No, todavía no lo han anunciado. __________.'
'Estar en ascuas' and 'estar en vilo' are both perfect for this context of waiting for a public announcement.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Estar vs. Tener
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNo me __________ más en ascuas, ¡dime si aprobé el examen!
When you are asking someone else to stop making you wait, you use the verb 'tener' (to have/keep someone in a state).
Selecciona la opción correcta:
The idiom is 'estar en ascuas'—no article, plural noun, and the verb 'estar'.
Situación: Estás esperando a que tu pareja te diga qué quiere cenar.
You can describe your own state ('Estoy en ascuas') or blame the other person for it ('Me tienes en ascuas').
Ana: '¿Sabes quién ganó el Oscar?' Luis: 'No, todavía no lo han anunciado. __________.'
'Estar en ascuas' and 'estar en vilo' are both perfect for this context of waiting for a public announcement.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's neutral. You can use it in a business meeting or with friends. It's not slang, but it's not overly stiff either.
Yes, you can be 'en ascuas' for any news, good or bad, as long as there is suspense involved.
'Nervioso' is general. 'En ascuas' specifically means your nervousness is caused by waiting for a specific answer.
Yes, it is universally understood across all Spanish-speaking countries, though some regions have local alternatives.
Yes! 'Quedarse en ascuas' means you were left in a state of suspense, often because someone stopped talking suddenly.
Not exactly. 'Cenizas' are ashes. 'Ascuas' are the glowing, hot pieces of wood or coal.
No, 'ascuas' is only a noun. You cannot 'ascuar' someone.
If they haven't texted you back and you're waiting, yes! 'Me tiene en ascuas'.
There isn't a direct idiomatic opposite, but 'quedarse tranquilo' or 'salir de dudas' (to get out of doubt) are common resolutions.
It's a standard Spanish 's'. In some parts of southern Spain or the Caribbean, it might be aspirated (sounding like a soft 'h'), but 'as-kwas' is the standard.
Expressions liées
Estar en vilo
synonymTo be in suspense or hanging in the air.
Comerse las uñas
similarTo bite one's nails.
Estar en un sinvivir
builds onTo be in a state of constant anguish.
No llegarle la camisa al cuerpo
similarTo be extremely nervous or scared.
