ojos de vaca
/oxos de baka/from spelling rules
The English phrase "cow eyes" is translated into Spanish as ojos de vaca.
The term refers to a secretive, pining look or a humble, doting glance. In an informal setting, you might instead use the phrase mirada de ternero to describe someone with big, expressive eyes similar to those of a young calf.
Meaning: a secretive, pining look, or humble doting glance (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ojos de vaca is the literal translation, the informal expression mirada de ternero is specifically used to highlight big and expressive eyes.
Did you know?
- Spanish has a variety of animal-based idioms for eyes, such as ojos de gato for someone perceptive or ojos de lince for someone with extraordinary vision.
- The word vaca has changed almost nothing since the time of the Roman Empire, as it passed directly from the Latin 'vacca' into Spanish.
Examples in context
- Marta me regaló una mirada de ternerita cuando le entregué las flores.Marta gave me a charming calf-like gaze when I gave her the flowers.
Example conversation
Javier is trying to convince Lucía to give him a piece of cake.
- Javier¿Me das un trozo de pastel, Lucía?Will you give me a piece of cake, Lucía?
- LucíaNo, ya has comido suficiente hoy.No, you have already eaten enough today.
- JavierMira mis ojos de vaca, por favor.Look at my cow eyes, please.
- LucíaEstá bien, Javier, toma un trozo.Alright, Javier, take a piece.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, vaca, CC BY-SA 4.0.
