Significado
To be in the awkward and challenging teenage years.
Contexto cultural
The term 'la edad del pavo' is ubiquitous. It refers to the 'turkey' age because teenagers are seen as awkward and prone to making strange noises (like a turkey's gobble) as their voices change. The phrase 'la edad de la punzada' is a common regional variation. It captures the 'sharp' or 'stinging' emotional pains of growing up. The 'Quinceañera' is a massive cultural milestone that marks the transition into this stage. It is often the point where people start saying a girl 'está en la adolescencia'. In Argentina, the term 'adolescente' is often associated with 'rebeldía' and 'militancia' (political activism) in high schools, a very common sight in urban centers.
Use 'Plena'
Add 'plena' (estar en plena adolescencia) to sound like a native speaker when describing someone who is clearly a teenager.
Estar vs Ser
Never use 'ser' with 'en la adolescencia'. It's a stage you are 'in', not a thing you 'are'.
Significado
To be in the awkward and challenging teenage years.
Use 'Plena'
Add 'plena' (estar en plena adolescencia) to sound like a native speaker when describing someone who is clearly a teenager.
Estar vs Ser
Never use 'ser' with 'en la adolescencia'. It's a stage you are 'in', not a thing you 'are'.
The Turkey Metaphor
If you are in Spain, use 'la edad del pavo' for a more colorful, idiomatic feel.
Teste-se
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'estar' and the phrase.
Mi hija tiene 14 años y ella ________ en la ________.
We use 'está' for the state and 'adolescencia' for the noun of the stage.
Which sentence is more natural for a parent complaining about a moody teen?
Sentence A: Mi hijo es un adolescente. Sentence B: Mi hijo está en plena edad del pavo.
While both are correct, 'la edad del pavo' is the idiomatic way to describe the 'moody' aspect of being a teen.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A 40-year-old man is buying a sports car and acting like a rebel.
We use 'adolescencia' metaphorically to describe immature behavior in adults.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Por qué Juan está tan rebelde? B: No te preocupes, ________.
The phrase 'es que' followed by 'está en la adolescencia' is the standard way to explain behavior.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Ser vs Estar with Youth
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosMi hija tiene 14 años y ella ________ en la ________.
We use 'está' for the state and 'adolescencia' for the noun of the stage.
Sentence A: Mi hijo es un adolescente. Sentence B: Mi hijo está en plena edad del pavo.
While both are correct, 'la edad del pavo' is the idiomatic way to describe the 'moody' aspect of being a teen.
Situation: A 40-year-old man is buying a sports car and acting like a rebel.
We use 'adolescencia' metaphorically to describe immature behavior in adults.
A: ¿Por qué Juan está tan rebelde? B: No te preocupes, ________.
The phrase 'es que' followed by 'está en la adolescencia' is the standard way to explain behavior.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, it is neutral. However, saying it *to* a teenager might annoy them as they might feel categorized.
Only sarcastically. It implies they are acting immaturely.
'Adolescencia' is 12-18. 'Juventud' is broader and can include people in their 20s.
Spanish uses definite articles for abstract concepts more than English does.
Rarely, unless discussing marketing to that demographic.
You can say 'Está pasando por una etapa' or simply 'Está en la adolescencia'.
Both! 'Un chico adolescente' (adj) or 'El adolescente' (noun).
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'ser un adulto' or 'estar en la madurez' are the next stages.
Yes, but it sounds more like a medical or biological observation.
It is understood, but 'la edad de la punzada' or just 'la adolescencia' is more common there.
Frases relacionadas
La edad del pavo
synonymThe turkey age (teenage years).
Ser un adolescente
similarTo be a teenager.
Estar en la edad de la punzada
similarThe age of the sting.
Estar en la flor de la vida
contrastTo be in the prime of life.
