The Spanish phrase you need to know that will have you sounding like a local

A useful Spanish phrase, easy to memorize, that will get you through any story

If you’ve spent some time in Spain, or plan on spending time in Spain, one phrase you’re sure to hear is “no sé qué no sé cuánto”

This ubiquitous phrase is part and parcel of daily Spain life, any good story is sure to include it.

Exhibit A:

We were at the movies and in the middle of the movie theater, my cousin was like “no sé qué no sé cuánto” and I was like can you just shut up already, now is not the time.

Exhibit B:

I was with la Mari yesterday and she was saying “no sé qué no sé cuánto” and then suddenly the waiter spilled a beer on her.

It basically refers to a part of the story that’s not critical to the story or worth mentioning, similar to the English equivalent of “bla bla” in that it can be used as a filler but much more commonly used in colloquial speak. You’re sure to hear people of all ages telling stories and inserting “no sé qué no sé cuánto” throughout, whether it be young Spanish teenagers hanging out at the park, or the abuelas from the neighborhood having their morning café con leche at the coffee shop.

Photo by Coni Wang on Unsplash