Meaning
To meddle or interfere in other people's affairs or business.
Cultural Background
In Spain, it is very common to pluralize the phrase to 'meter las narices'. It sounds slightly more forceful and is often used when someone is genuinely annoyed. The noun 'metiche' is the most popular way to describe someone who 'metes la nariz'. It is used so frequently that it has almost become a standard personality trait in comedic characters. While 'meter la nariz' is understood, Argentines might also use 'meterse' or 'ser un metido'. The tone is often direct and can be quite confrontational. In Colombia, 'meter la nariz' is often associated with 'chismosear' (gossiping). It's common in neighborhood contexts where everyone knows everyone's business.
Use the plural for emphasis
If you are really annoyed, say 'No metas las narices'. The plural makes it sound more serious.
Be careful with authority
Never tell your boss or a police officer 'no meta la nariz'. It is very rude and will cause trouble.
Meaning
To meddle or interfere in other people's affairs or business.
Use the plural for emphasis
If you are really annoyed, say 'No metas las narices'. The plural makes it sound more serious.
Be careful with authority
Never tell your boss or a police officer 'no meta la nariz'. It is very rude and will cause trouble.
The 'Metiche' noun
If you want to describe a person who does this, use the word 'metiche' (common in Mexico) or 'entrometido' (general).
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma correcta del verbo 'meter'.
A mi vecina le encanta ______ la nariz en la vida de los demás.
After 'le encanta', we use the infinitive form of the verb.
¿Cuál es el significado de 'meter la nariz'?
Si alguien 'mete la nariz' en tus asuntos, esa persona está...
The idiom refers to unwanted curiosity and interference.
Elige la respuesta más natural para el diálogo.
Persona A: '¿Sabes cuánto dinero gana Juan?' Persona B: 'No lo sé, y no deberías ______.'
Asking about someone's salary is a classic example of 'meter la nariz'.
Empareja la situación con la frase correcta.
Situación: Tu hermana está leyendo tus mensajes de WhatsApp sin permiso.
Reading private messages is an intrusion of privacy, which fits 'meter la nariz'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA mi vecina le encanta ______ la nariz en la vida de los demás.
After 'le encanta', we use the infinitive form of the verb.
Si alguien 'mete la nariz' en tus asuntos, esa persona está...
The idiom refers to unwanted curiosity and interference.
Persona A: '¿Sabes cuánto dinero gana Juan?' Persona B: 'No lo sé, y no deberías ______.'
Asking about someone's salary is a classic example of 'meter la nariz'.
Situación: Tu hermana está leyendo tus mensajes de WhatsApp sin permiso.
Reading private messages is an intrusion of privacy, which fits 'meter la nariz'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt can be. It's not a swear word, but it is a direct accusation of being nosy. Use it when you are genuinely annoyed.
Yes, but usually in a negative way: 'No quiero meter la nariz, pero...' (I don't want to meddle, but...).
'Husmear' is a verb that means to pry or sniff around. 'Meter la nariz' is the idiomatic way to say the same thing in casual speech.
It is 'meter la nariz'. Adding 'se' (meterse) changes the meaning to 'getting oneself into' something, which is a different structure.
Related Phrases
Meter la pata
confusing phraseTo make a mistake or say something inappropriate.
Meter la cuchara
similarTo interrupt a conversation or give an unwanted opinion.
No es asunto tuyo
builds onIt's none of your business.
Husmear
synonymTo pry or sniff around.
