Meaning
To be popular or current in style or trend.
Cultural Background
Spain is home to Inditex (Zara), which revolutionized 'fast fashion'. This makes the concept of 'estar de moda' very fast-paced in Spanish cities. Telenovelas often dictate what 'está de moda' in terms of fashion and hairstyles across the continent. The phrase is used universally across all 21 Spanish-speaking countries with no major regional meaning shifts.
The 'Ser' Trap
Never say 'ser de moda'. Even if a trend lasts a year, it's still 'estar'.
Add Emphasis
Use 'súper de moda' or 'muy de moda' to sound more like a native speaker.
Meaning
To be popular or current in style or trend.
The 'Ser' Trap
Never say 'ser de moda'. Even if a trend lasts a year, it's still 'estar'.
Add Emphasis
Use 'súper de moda' or 'muy de moda' to sound more like a native speaker.
Spain vs LatAm
In Spain, 'se lleva' is a very common synonym for clothes. In LatAm, 'está de moda' is more universal.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'estar'.
Los pantalones cortos ____ de moda este verano.
Pantalones is plural, so we use 'están'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'That song is trendy'?
We use 'estar' and the preposition 'de'.
Match the Spanish to the English.
Match the following:
These are the standard translations for these variations.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Te gustan mis zapatos? B: Sí, ____ de moda.
Zapatos is plural.
In which situation would you use 'estar de moda'?
Select the best context:
Trends are temporary and social, like a viral dance.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Estar vs Ser with Moda
Synonyms by Region
Spain
- • Se lleva
- • Estar a la última
General
- • Ser tendencia
- • Estar de moda
Practice Bank
5 exercisesLos pantalones cortos ____ de moda este verano.
Pantalones is plural, so we use 'están'.
How do you say 'That song is trendy'?
We use 'estar' and the preposition 'de'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the standard translations for these variations.
A: ¿Te gustan mis zapatos? B: Sí, ____ de moda.
Zapatos is plural.
Select the best context:
Trends are temporary and social, like a viral dance.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
7 questionsYes, but it means they are currently 'trending' or very popular in the media, not that they are a 'fashionable' person.
The most common opposite is 'pasado de moda' (out of style).
It is always 'de moda'. 'En moda' is an anglicism and sounds incorrect.
Yes, it's a neutral phrase. You can use it to discuss market trends.
Yes, '{la|f} moda' is always feminine.
No, it applies to music, apps, food, travel destinations, and even ways of thinking.
Use 'se está poniendo de moda'.
Related Phrases
pasado de moda
contrastout of style
ser tendencia
similarto be a trend
llevarse
similarto be worn/carried
ponerse de moda
builds onto become trendy
