When trying to express the idea of being “in the know” in Spanish, you can use different phrases and expressions depending on the level of formality and the region you are in. In this guide, we will explore various ways to convey this concept, including both formal and informal options. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways
If you want to express being “in the know” formally in Spanish, these phrases might come in handy:
1. Estar al tanto
One common way to convey the idea of being “in the know” formally is by using the expression “estar al tanto.” This phrase translates directly as “to be up to date” or “to be informed.” Let’s see a couple of examples:
Carlos siempre está al tanto de las últimas noticias en el mundo de los negocios.
(Carlos is always in the know about the latest news in the business world.)
Marta se mantiene al tanto de los cambios legislativos en su país.
(Marta stays informed about legislative changes in her country.)
2. Estar informado
Another formal way to express being “in the know” is by using the phrase “estar informado,” which means “to be informed.” This phrase is straightforward and widely understood:
Como abogado, es crucial estar informado sobre los cambios en las leyes.
(As a lawyer, it’s crucial to be informed about law changes.)
La organización se esfuerza por mantener a sus miembros informados sobre las decisiones importantes.
(The organization strives to keep its members informed about important decisions.)
2. Informal Ways
When speaking more casually or among friends, you might prefer these expressions to convey being “in the know” in Spanish:
1. Estar al tanto de todo
A more informal way to express being “in the know” is by adding the “todo” (everything) to the phrase “estar al tanto.” This emphasizes being aware of absolutely everything:
Andrea siempre está al tanto de todo lo que sucede en la empresa.
(Andrea is always in the know about everything happening in the company.)
Mi amigo Juan está al tanto de todo lo relacionado con los videojuegos.
(My friend Juan is in the know about everything related to video games.)
2. Estar en la jugada
An informal expression widely used in many Spanish-speaking countries is “estar en la jugada.” This phrase derives from sports, meaning to be involved in the game and, by extension, being well-informed:
¿Quién se encarga de las nuevas tendencias? ¡Ah, claro, José siempre está en la jugada!
(Who keeps up with new trends? Ah, of course, José is always in the know!)
Mis amigos están en la jugada de los mejores bares de la ciudad.
(My friends are in the know about the best bars in town.)
3. Regional Variations
While the previous expressions are widely understood across Spanish-speaking regions, it’s worth mentioning a few regional variations:
1. Estar empapado (Spain)
In Spain, an alternative expression is “estar empapado,” which translates to “to be soaked” but is used informally to mean “to be up to date” or “to know the latest information”:
Estoy empapado de todo lo que pasa en el mundo de la moda.
(I’m in the know about everything happening in the fashion world.)
María está empapada de los chismes del barrio.
(María is in the know about the neighborhood gossip.)
2. Estar pilas (Latin America)
In certain Latin American countries, such as Colombia or Argentina, an alternative expression is “estar pilas,” which means “to be on the ball” and conveys the idea of being attentive and informed:
La secretaria siempre está pilas con las últimas noticias de la oficina.
(The secretary is always in the know about the latest office news.)
Mi hermano está pilas con la música urbana.
(My brother is in the know about urban music.)
Conclusion
Now that you have learned various ways to express being “in the know” in Spanish, both formally and informally, you can choose the most appropriate phrase based on the context and the region you are in. Remember that language is dynamic, and these expressions might have slight variations across different Spanish-speaking countries. ¡Recuerda mantenernos al tanto! (Remember to keep us informed!)
