A1 Idiom 중립

Estar como un reloj

To be like clockwork

To be very punctual, regular, or precise in actions.

🌍

문화적 배경

In Spain, despite the fame of 'siesta' and a relaxed schedule, punctuality is strictly expected in business and for the AVE (high-speed train). Saying 'el AVE está como un reloj' is a point of national pride. In social contexts, 'ahorita' can mean anything from 'now' to 'never'. However, using 'estar como un reloj' for someone's health or a car's engine is very common and highly understood. Argentines might use 'ser un relojito' (using the diminutive) to add a touch of affection or to describe a small, efficient system or person. In Colombia, being 'como un reloj' is often associated with being 'cumplido' (reliable/punctual), a trait that is highly valued in the workplace.

🎯

Use with 'Suizo'

If you want to sound like a native, add 'suizo' (Swiss) to emphasize that someone is NEVER late.

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Estar vs Ser

Remember: 'Estar' is for the state, 'Ser' is for the personality. Both are okay, but 'Estar' is more common for specific situations.

To be very punctual, regular, or precise in actions.

🎯

Use with 'Suizo'

If you want to sound like a native, add 'suizo' (Swiss) to emphasize that someone is NEVER late.

⚠️

Estar vs Ser

Remember: 'Estar' is for the state, 'Ser' is for the personality. Both are okay, but 'Estar' is more common for specific situations.

셀프 테스트

Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'estar' and the idiom.

Mi abuelo tiene 90 años, pero su salud ________ ________ ________ ________.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: está como un reloj

We use 'está' for the state of health and the singular 'un reloj'.

Which sentence correctly describes a punctual person?

A: Pedro siempre llega tarde. B: Pedro está como un reloj. C: Pedro tiene un reloj.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: B

Option B uses the idiom correctly to mean punctuality.

Match the situation with the meaning of the idiom.

1. El motor del coche... / 2. María llega a las 8:00... / 3. Mi corazón...

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: 1-B, 2-C, 3-A

The idiom adapts its meaning based on the subject (machine, person, or organ).

What would a boss say to a punctual employee?

Jefe: 'Gracias por llegar a tiempo otra vez. Usted realmente ________.'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: está como un reloj

The idiom is a common way to praise punctuality in a professional setting.

🎉 점수: /4

시각 학습 자료

연습 문제 은행

4 연습 문제
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'estar' and the idiom. Fill Blank A1

Mi abuelo tiene 90 años, pero su salud ________ ________ ________ ________.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: está como un reloj

We use 'está' for the state of health and the singular 'un reloj'.

Which sentence correctly describes a punctual person? Choose A1

A: Pedro siempre llega tarde. B: Pedro está como un reloj. C: Pedro tiene un reloj.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: B

Option B uses the idiom correctly to mean punctuality.

Match the situation with the meaning of the idiom. Match A2

왼쪽의 각 항목을 오른쪽의 짝과 연결하세요:

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: 1-B, 2-C, 3-A

The idiom adapts its meaning based on the subject (machine, person, or organ).

What would a boss say to a punctual employee? dialogue_completion B1

Jefe: 'Gracias por llegar a tiempo otra vez. Usted realmente ________.'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: está como un reloj

The idiom is a common way to praise punctuality in a professional setting.

🎉 점수: /4

자주 묻는 질문

3 질문

Yes! It's very common to say 'Mi corazón está como un reloj' to mean your heart is healthy and regular.

It's neutral. You can use it with friends or with your boss.

Usually no. 'Ellos están como un reloj' is the standard idiomatic form.

관련 표현

🔗

En punto

similar

On the dot

🔗

Como una seda

similar

Like silk / smoothly

🔗

A pedir de boca

similar

Exactly as planned

🔗

Llegar tarde

contrast

To arrive late

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