Signification
Expresses disbelief or skepticism about someone's story.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, 'tener mucho cuento' is often used for children who pretend to be sick to avoid school. It's a common part of parenting vocabulary. While '¡Vaya cuento!' is understood, Mexicans often prefer '¡Puro cuento!' or '¡No me vengas con cuentos!' to express the same skepticism. In Argentina, you might hear '¡Qué verso!' (What a verse!) as a direct equivalent, referring to the 'poetry' or 'lyrics' of a lie. Colombians might use '¡Qué carreta!' to mean someone is talking a lot of nonsense or 'cuento'.
Master the Tone
The sarcasm is all in the intonation. A slightly elongated 'vaaaaaya' makes it sound even more skeptical.
Not for Bosses
Even if your boss is lying, saying '¡Vaya cuento!' is a quick way to get fired. Keep it for peers and friends.
Signification
Expresses disbelief or skepticism about someone's story.
Master the Tone
The sarcasm is all in the intonation. A slightly elongated 'vaaaaaya' makes it sound even more skeptical.
Not for Bosses
Even if your boss is lying, saying '¡Vaya cuento!' is a quick way to get fired. Keep it for peers and friends.
Teste-toi
Choose the best response to the following situation: Your friend says they can't help you move because they suddenly developed a 'gravity allergy'.
Amigo: 'No puedo ayudarte, tengo alergia a la gravedad.'
'¡Vaya cuento!' is the idiomatic way to express disbelief at a ridiculous excuse.
Complete the sentence with the correct word to express that someone is a dramatic liar.
No le hagas caso a Juan, siempre tiene mucho _______.
The phrase 'tener mucho cuento' means to be a person who makes up excuses or exaggerates.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate context.
Context: A politician promises that everyone will be a millionaire next month.
Skepticism is the natural reaction to an unbelievable political promise.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesAmigo: 'No puedo ayudarte, tengo alergia a la gravedad.'
'¡Vaya cuento!' is the idiomatic way to express disbelief at a ridiculous excuse.
No le hagas caso a Juan, siempre tiene mucho _______.
The phrase 'tener mucho cuento' means to be a person who makes up excuses or exaggerates.
Context: A politician promises that everyone will be a millionaire next month.
Skepticism is the natural reaction to an unbelievable political promise.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsTechnically yes, it's the subjunctive of 'ir', but in this phrase, it functions as an exclamation, similar to 'What a...' in English.
Usually no. If you say '¡Vaya cuento!' people will think you don't believe them. Use '¡Qué buena historia!' for a good story.
'Vaya cuento' is a reaction to any lie. 'Cuento chino' is a noun phrase for a very complex, elaborate lie.
Expressions liées
Cuento chino
specialized formAn elaborate, unbelievable lie.
Vivir del cuento
builds onTo live without working, usually by deceiving others.
Tener mucho cuento
similarTo be a drama queen or a frequent liar.
No me vengas con cuentos
synonymDon't give me excuses.
