One of the biggest misconceptions about translation is that every single word must be swapped for its equivalent in the target language. In reality, when dealing with spanglish translation some words are better left untouched — especially when they carry cultural meaning, emotional weight, or simply sound better in their original form.
Why Keep Certain Words in Spanish?
Spanglish thrives on cultural identity. Words like mami, abuela, or compadre are more than just vocabulary — they’re emotional signposts. Translating mami to “mom” might strip away the tenderness or playfulness intended by the speaker. Sometimes, the sound and familiarity of the Spanish word is exactly what makes the sentence resonate.
For example:
“Voy a casa de la abuela” → “I’m going to abuela’s house.”
This translation keeps abuela because “grandma” might not evoke the same image of a Spanish-speaking matriarch, her home, and the cultural warmth around her.
The Cultural Layer
Leaving certain words untranslated can act as a bridge for readers who understand some Spanish, while also maintaining authenticity. It also acknowledges that some experiences simply don’t have an exact English equivalent — like sobremesa (the time spent chatting at the table after a meal) or merienda (a light afternoon snack common in Spanish-speaking cultures).
When It Works Best
Food Terms: Tamal, empanada, pozole — translating them to “corn dough snack” or “stuffed pastry” loses flavor and specificity.
Family Terms: Tío, abuelo, mija — emotional and relational nuances make them worth keeping.
Cultural Practices: Words tied to customs, celebrations, or traditions are often better left as-is.
Example Translations
Spanglish: “I’m going to la tienda to buy tortillas.”
English: “I’m going to la tienda to buy tortillas.”
(Keeping “la tienda” makes it clear this isn’t just any store — it’s likely a small, local shop.)
Spanglish: “We’re going to celebrate with una piñata.”
English: “We’re going to celebrate with a piñata.”
(No reason to translate “piñata” — the word is universal enough.)
Spanglish: “Ese es mi compadre, we’ve known each other forever.”
English: “Ese es mi compadre, we’ve known each other forever.”
(Keeping “compadre” preserves its godparent connection and deep friendship meaning.)
The Balancing Act
Of course, leaving words in Spanish only works when your English-speaking audience can still follow the meaning from context. If not, a quick explanation in parentheses or a footnote can help without disrupting the flow.
Final Thought
Spanglish isn’t meant to be stripped of its cultural roots during translation. Sometimes, the most faithful translation isn’t about replacing — it’s about respecting. Knowing when to leave a word as-is keeps the soul of the original intact and makes the English version feel authentic, vibrant, and true to the speaker’s world.
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