Are you looking to expand your Spanish vocabulary and express the concept of “getting away with something” in different situations? Knowing how to convey this idea in both formal and informal contexts can greatly enhance your conversational skills. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various ways to say “get away with that” in Spanish, provide tips for usage, and share examples to help you grasp the nuances of this expression.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Get Away With That” in Spanish
In formal settings, it’s important to use appropriate language that reflects respect and professionalism. Here are a few phrases you can use to convey the sense of “getting away with something” in a formal context:
- “Salirse con la suya”: This expression literally translates to “to get away with it” or “to get away with one’s own.” For example: “No puedo creer que haya salido con la suya una vez más” (I can’t believe he got away with it once again).
- “Evadir el castigo”: This phrase means “to evade punishment.” For instance: “Espero que no intentes evadir el castigo por tus acciones” (I hope you don’t try to get away with punishment for your actions).
- “Eludir las consecuencias”: This expression conveys the idea of “evading the consequences.” For instance: “Los responsables deben ser juzgados y no pueden eludir las consecuencias” (The responsible ones must be judged and should not be able to get away with the consequences).
2. Informal Ways to Say “Get Away With That” in Spanish
In informal situations, Spanish speakers often use different expressions that capture the essence of “getting away with something,” while maintaining a conversational tone. Here are a few phrases you can use in informal contexts:
- “Salirse con la suya”: This expression, previously mentioned in the formal section, is also commonly used in informal contexts. For example: “No puedo creer que se haya salido con la suya de nuevo” (I can’t believe he got away with it again).
- “Zafarse de eso”: This phrase conveys the idea of “getting away with it” or “getting out of it.” For instance: “Nunca logra zafarse de las consecuencias de sus actos” (He never manages to get away with the consequences of his actions).
- “Quedarse impune”: This expression means “to go unpunished.” For example: “Esos delincuentes quedaron impunes y la comunidad está indignada” (Those criminals went unpunished, and the community is outraged).
3. Tips for Usage:
When using these phrases, it’s important to consider the context and choose the most appropriate one. Here are a few tips to help you use them effectively:
- Consider the level of formality: Assess whether the situation requires a formal or informal expression and choose accordingly.
- Use appropriate verb tenses: Adjust the verb tense according to the time frame of the action you’re referring to. For example, present tense for ongoing situations and past tense for completed actions.
- Use the correct pronouns: Depending on the subject you’re referring to, select the appropriate pronouns to match the sentence structure.
4. Examples:
Formal example:
El político corrupto salió una vez más con la suya y evadió el castigo que merecía.
Translation: The corrupt politician got away with it once again and evaded the punishment he deserved.
Informal example:
No puedo creer que hayas zafado de esa situación sin ninguna consecuencia.
Translation: I can’t believe you’ve gotten away with that situation without any consequences.
5. Regional Variations:
While Spanish is spoken in various regions worldwide, the phrases mentioned above are widely understood and used across Spanish-speaking countries. However, it’s worth noting that certain regions may have their own unique colloquial expressions or localized variations. For a comprehensive understanding of regional variations, it’s recommended to consult resources specific to those regions.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, knowing how to express the concept of “getting away with something” in Spanish is essential for effective communication. By familiarizing yourself with formal and informal ways to convey this idea, as well as considering tips for usage, you’ll be able to engage in conversations with confidence while maintaining appropriate language and tone. Remember, practice is key to mastering these expressions, so don’t hesitate to incorporate them into your daily conversations. ¡Buena suerte!
