Signification
To be very close and spend a lot of time together.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, this phrase is often used to describe the 'cuadrilla' (group of friends) culture where people stay very close to the same group for their entire lives. While 'uña y carne' is understood, you might also hear 'ser muy cuates' or 'ser el uno para el otro' in similar contexts. Argentines might use 'ser compinches' to emphasize the 'partner in crime' aspect of being uña y carne.
Keep it Singular
Remember: even if you are talking about 10 people, it is always 'uña y carne', never plural.
Verb Choice
Always use 'ser'. Using 'estar' makes it sound like a temporary physical condition, which makes no sense here.
Signification
To be very close and spend a lot of time together.
Keep it Singular
Remember: even if you are talking about 10 people, it is always 'uña y carne', never plural.
Verb Choice
Always use 'ser'. Using 'estar' makes it sound like a temporary physical condition, which makes no sense here.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct idiom.
Mi hermana y yo siempre estamos juntas, somos ______.
The standard idiom is 'uña y carne' in singular.
Which verb is used with this idiom?
Ellos ______ uña y carne.
The idiom uses the verb 'ser' to describe a permanent characteristic of the relationship.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Two best friends who have known each other since they were babies.
This idiom is perfect for lifelong, inseparable friends.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Viene Pedro a la fiesta? B: Sí, y vendrá con Juan, ya sabes que ellos ______.
We use 'son' because we are talking about 'ellos' (Pedro and Juan).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMi hermana y yo siempre estamos juntas, somos ______.
The standard idiom is 'uña y carne' in singular.
Ellos ______ uña y carne.
The idiom uses the verb 'ser' to describe a permanent characteristic of the relationship.
Two best friends who have known each other since they were babies.
This idiom is perfect for lifelong, inseparable friends.
A: ¿Viene Pedro a la fiesta? B: Sí, y vendrá con Juan, ya sabes que ellos ______.
We use 'son' because we are talking about 'ellos' (Pedro and Juan).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
6 questionsYes, it is very common for couples who are also best friends.
Both are understood, but 'uña y carne' is the standard order.
Yes, it is universally understood across all Spanish-speaking countries.
Absolutely! It's a cute way to describe pets that get along well.
It's a bit casual. Better to say 'Tenemos una excelente relación profesional'.
Idioms are fixed. 'Carne' refers to the muscle/tissue under the nail, which is a deeper connection than just skin.
Expressions liées
Ser el brazo derecho
similarTo be someone's right-hand man.
Hacer buenas migas
builds onTo get along well with someone.
Ser como el perro y el gato
contrastTo fight all the time.
