Meaning
To talk excessively or chatter, often about trivial matters.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'darle a la lengua' is often associated with the 'tertulia' culture and the 'sobremesa', where people stay at the table long after eating just to talk. While used in Mexico, you might also hear 'echar el chisme' (to throw the gossip) for similar situations, but 'darle a la lengua' is perfectly understood as general chattering. In Argentina, 'darle a la lengua' is common, but you'll also hear 'charlar' or 'chamuyar' (though 'chamuyar' has more of a 'persuading/flirting' nuance). In countries like Cuba or the Dominican Republic, the pace of speech is often faster, making 'darle a la lengua' a very literal-sounding description of the rapid speech patterns.
Use it to sound natural
Instead of saying 'hablamos mucho', say 'le dimos a la lengua'. It immediately makes you sound more like a native speaker.
Watch the 'le'
Don't forget the 'le'. 'Dar a la lengua' sounds like you are physically hitting a tongue.
Meaning
To talk excessively or chatter, often about trivial matters.
Use it to sound natural
Instead of saying 'hablamos mucho', say 'le dimos a la lengua'. It immediately makes you sound more like a native speaker.
Watch the 'le'
Don't forget the 'le'. 'Dar a la lengua' sounds like you are physically hitting a tongue.
The 'Sobremesa' connection
This is the perfect phrase to describe what happens during a Spanish 'sobremesa' (the time spent talking after a meal).
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma correcta del verbo 'dar'.
Ayer mis tías se pasaron tres horas ______ a la lengua.
We need the gerund form with the attached pronoun 'le' because the action was ongoing.
¿Cuál es el significado de 'darle a la lengua'?
Si alguien te dice: '¡Cómo le das a la lengua!', quiere decir que...
The phrase is a colloquial way to say someone is very talkative.
Elige la respuesta más natural para el diálogo.
—¿Por qué tardaste tanto en el supermercado? —Es que me encontré con Carmen y...
'Nos pusimos a darle a la lengua' is the correct idiomatic way to say 'we started chattering'.
Relaciona la situación con la frase más adecuada.
Situación: Dos amigos están cotilleando sobre un famoso en un bar.
Talking about gossip is a perfect context for 'darle a la lengua'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Talkativeness Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAyer mis tías se pasaron tres horas ______ a la lengua.
We need the gerund form with the attached pronoun 'le' because the action was ongoing.
Si alguien te dice: '¡Cómo le das a la lengua!', quiere decir que...
The phrase is a colloquial way to say someone is very talkative.
—¿Por qué tardaste tanto en el supermercado? —Es que me encontré con Carmen y...
'Nos pusimos a darle a la lengua' is the correct idiomatic way to say 'we started chattering'.
Situación: Dos amigos están cotilleando sobre un famoso en un bar.
Talking about gossip is a perfect context for 'darle a la lengua'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot necessarily. It's informal. It can be used affectionately between friends, but if you say it about a stranger, it might sound like you're calling them a chatterbox.
Yes! 'Le dimos a la lengua' (We chatted) or 'Le dábamos a la lengua' (We used to chat).
'Chismear' is specifically for gossip. 'Darle a la lengua' can be gossip, but it can also just be a long, friendly chat about nothing.
Yes, it is widely understood across Spain and Latin America, though regional preferences for synonyms exist.
No, the idiom is fixed as 'darle a la lengua' (singular).
It is very common in Spain due to the 'tertulia' tradition, but it's frequently used in Mexico and the rest of Latin America as well.
It can. If a boss says it to employees, it means they are wasting time. Between friends, it's neutral or positive.
Only if the email is to a very close friend. For business emails, avoid it.
It's a slang term for the tongue (the 'boneless' one). 'Darle a la sin hueso' is a more colorful version of the same idiom.
Almost. 'Hablar por los codos' is usually used for one person who talks too much, while 'darle a la lengua' often implies a conversation between people.
Related Phrases
hablar por los codos
similarTo talk excessively.
irse de la lengua
confusingTo reveal a secret.
darle a la sin hueso
synonymTo chatter away.
tener la lengua larga
similarTo be a gossip or to say things one shouldn't.
no tener pelos en la lengua
relatedTo be blunt or direct.
