búsquense un hotel
/buskense un otel/from spelling rules
The English phrase "get a room" can be translated into Spanish as búsquense un hotel.
This phrase is used to tell a couple to stop being physically affectionate in public.
Meaning: used to instruct a couple to stop displaying physical affection in public (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "look for yourselves a hotel".
Which one should you use?
While búsquense un hotel is the most common way to express this idiom, you can also use cuarto (room) to say búsquense un cuarto.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase is informal and its impact depends on your tone. It can be perceived as rude or mocking.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, using the word motel instead of hotel in this phrase implies the couple is looking for a place specifically for a quick sexual encounter rather than an overnight stay.
- The Spanish word hotel is a linguistic 'cousin' to the word 'hospital' because both share roots in the Latin word 'hospes', meaning 'guest' or 'host'.
- The phrase can be used as a playful joke between friends, which contrasts with its literal use as a way to shame strangers.
Examples in context
- ¡Búsquense un hotel si van a estar así!Get a room if you are going to be like that!
- Búsquense un hotel, por favor, que es de mala educación.Get a room, please, it is bad manners.
- Ya, búsquense un hotel, que nos dan vergüenza ajena.Come on, get a room, you're making us cringe.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are at a crowded party where a couple is kissing too much.
- MateoSofía, mira a esa pareja, son demasiado intensos.Sofía, look at that couple, they are too intense.
- SofíaEs verdad, es un poco incómodo verlos.It's true, it's a bit uncomfortable watching them.
- Mateo¡Búsquense un hotel de una vez!Get a room already!
- SofíaNo creo que nos escuchen, Mateo.I don't think they will hear us, Mateo.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hotel, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
