Signification
To be very surprised, astonished, or amazed by something.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, people might use 'flipar' as a more colloquial alternative, but 'quedarse con la boca abierta' remains the standard for all ages. Mexicans often use '¡No manches!' or '¡Órale!' alongside this phrase to emphasize the shock. In the Río de la Plata region, you might hear 'quedarse de una pieza' as a sophisticated synonym for this idiom. Colombians are known for being very polite; they might use this phrase to compliment someone's hard work or talent.
Use it for reviews
If you are writing a review for a restaurant or a hotel in Spanish, using 'me dejó con la boca abierta' is a great way to sound like a native and show high praise.
Body Part Rule
Never say 'mi boca'. Spanish speakers will understand you, but it's the #1 sign of an English-speaking learner.
Signification
To be very surprised, astonished, or amazed by something.
Use it for reviews
If you are writing a review for a restaurant or a hotel in Spanish, using 'me dejó con la boca abierta' is a great way to sound like a native and show high praise.
Body Part Rule
Never say 'mi boca'. Spanish speakers will understand you, but it's the #1 sign of an English-speaking learner.
Facial Expression
When you say this phrase, don't be afraid to use your hands or widen your eyes. Spanish is a very gestural language!
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct reflexive pronoun and verb 'quedarse' in the preterite (past) tense.
Cuando vi el truco de magia, yo ___ ___ con la boca abierta.
For 'yo', the reflexive pronoun is 'me' and the preterite of 'quedarse' is 'quedé'.
Which of these sentences is naturally correct in Spanish?
Choose the best option:
Spanish uses the definite article 'la' for body parts and the past participle 'abierta' for the state.
Match the situation to the most likely use of the phrase.
Situation: You just found out your quiet neighbor is actually a famous rock star.
This is a situation of intense surprise, which is the perfect use for the idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
Juan: '¿Viste el gol de Messi?' Maria: 'Sí, fue increíble. ___ ___ con la boca abierta.'
Maria is talking about her own reaction to the goal.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Spanish vs English Body Parts
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesCuando vi el truco de magia, yo ___ ___ con la boca abierta.
For 'yo', the reflexive pronoun is 'me' and the preterite of 'quedarse' is 'quedé'.
Choose the best option:
Spanish uses the definite article 'la' for body parts and the past participle 'abierta' for the state.
Situation: You just found out your quiet neighbor is actually a famous rock star.
This is a situation of intense surprise, which is the perfect use for the idiom.
Juan: '¿Viste el gol de Messi?' Maria: 'Sí, fue increíble. ___ ___ con la boca abierta.'
Maria is talking about her own reaction to the goal.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all! It's a very common and polite way to express that you are impressed or surprised.
Yes, you can use it for shocking bad news, but for very tragic events, 'estoy en shock' is more common.
'Sorprendido' is the basic word for 'surprised'. This idiom is much stronger and more descriptive.
Yes, 'quedarse' is the verb that makes it an idiom. Using 'estar' sounds like you just happen to have your mouth open.
Yes, 'boquiabierto' is the adjective version. 'Estoy boquiabierto' = 'Me he quedado con la boca abierta'.
It might be a bit too informal. Better to say 'Me impresionó mucho' or 'Fue una sorpresa grata'.
Yes, it is universally understood and used from Spain to Argentina.
You can say 'Fue algo que me dejó con la boca abierta'.
Yes, 'Él me deja con la boca abierta' means 'He constantly amazes me'.
Nos quedamos con la boca abierta. (Note: 'boca' stays singular because each person has one mouth).
Expressions liées
Quedarse de piedra
similarTo be turned to stone (paralyzed with shock).
Quedarse helado
similarTo turn icy/frozen with shock.
No dar crédito
synonymTo not give credit (to not believe what one sees/hears).
Caerse la baba
contrastTo drool (with admiration).
Dejar frío
contrastTo leave someone cold.
