oxidarse
/oɡsidaɾse/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase "get rusty" is expressed as oxidarse.
Oxidarse is used metaphorically to describe losing proficiency or becoming rusty in a particular skill or ability. If you want to express this idea in a more formal manner, you can use the phrase Perder habilidades (to lose skills).
What does it mean word for word?
The verb is a combination of oxidar (to rust) and the reflexive pronoun se, which makes the literal meaning "to rust oneself".
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to express that you personally have become rusty in a skill, it is common to use the "accidental se" construction. This involves using se followed by an indirect object pronoun and the verb, such as in the phrase se me ha oxidado (I have gotten rusty). This construction implies that the loss of skill was an unintentional consequence of neglect.
How do you pronounce it?
/oɡsidaɾse/
Did you know?
- Using the phrase se me ha oxidado shifts the blame away from you, making it sound as if the rust is an external force that happened to your skill against your will.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, oxidado can be used as a slang term for someone who is out of touch with current trends or social norms, not just a specific technical skill.
- The verb oxidar shares a root with the English word 'oxide'. Both derive from the Greek oxys, meaning 'sharp' or 'acid'.
Examples in context
- Mi nivel de español ha desmejorado por falta de prácticaMy Spanish level has deteriorated due to lack of practice
- Como dejé de practicar, he perdido práctica en el españolSince I stopped practicing, I've lost practice in Spanish
- Se me ha oxidado el español.My Spanish has gotten rusty.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
