piel de gallina
/pjel de ɡaʝina/from spelling rules
The English phrase "goosebumps" is translated into Spanish as piel de gallina.
To say that you "have goosebumps," you use the verb tener (to have) followed by the phrase, such as tengo la piel de gallina.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase piel de gallina literally translates to "skin of hen".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may also encounter the word horripilación or the phrase ponérsele la carne de gallina to describe the sensation of goosebumps.
Did you know?
- The word gallina is also used in Spanish as a slang term for someone who is a coward.
- The formal term horripilación shares a root with the English word 'horrid', reflecting the historical link between goosebumps and fear.
- In Spain, you might hear the phrase ponérsele la carne de gallina, which replaces 'skin' (piel) with 'meat' (carne).
Examples in context
- Esa canción me da piel de gallina.That song gives me goosebumps.
- Tengo la piel de gallina por el frío.I have goosebumps from the cold.
- El final de la película me puso la piel de gallina.The end of the movie gave me goosebumps.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are listening to a powerful piece of music in a living room.
- Daniel¿No sientes la piel de gallina con esta melodía?Don't you feel goosebumps with this melody?
- ElenaSí, Daniel, es realmente impresionante.Yes, Daniel, it is truly impressive.
- DanielA mí me da la piel de gallina cada vez.It gives me goosebumps every time.
- ElenaEs una pieza musical muy emocionante.It is a very moving piece of music.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
