nada de tonterías
/nada de tonteɾias/from spelling rules
The English phrase "no funny business" can be translated into Spanish as nada de tonterías.
Nada de tonterías is used to warn someone against behaving inappropriately, acting dishonestly or engaging in foolish behavior.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "nothing of nonsense" or "none of the silliness".
Which one should you use?
While nada de tonterías is a common way to express this, you can also use the formal phrase No hay lugar para travesuras to say "There is no place for funny business," or the informal Nada de chanchullos to mean "No funny business."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Nada de tonterías is an informal phrase. It is typically used in colloquial speech or when someone is being assertive or authoritative. For a more formal context, you should use No hay lugar para travesuras.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, tonterías is the plural form of tontería, which is the standard way to express "nonsense" or "foolishness" in this context.
How do you pronounce it?
/nada de tonteɾias/
Did you know?
- The word chanchullos comes from chanchullo, which refers to a shady deal or a scam. It is closely related to chancho, the word for 'pig' in many Latin American countries.
- In Spanish, travesuras refers specifically to the kind of 'funny business' children do, such as pranks or mischief. Using No hay lugar para travesuras can sound like a teacher or parent speaking to a child.
- The word nada is a cognate of the French word néant, which also describes 'nothingness' or the void, sharing the same Latin root relating to birth.
Examples in context
- Al trabajar en esta empresa, es importante recordar que no hay lugar para travesuras.When working in this company, it is important to remember that there is no place for funny business.
- Oye, amigo, aquí no queremos nada de chanchullos, ¿entendido?Hey, buddy, we don't want any funny business here, understood?
- Nada de tonterías en la clase.No funny business in class.
- Quiero el informe ahora, nada de tonterías.I want the report now, no funny business.
- Escucha, nada de tonterías conmigo.Listen, no funny business with me.
Example conversation
A mother is giving instructions to her son before he leaves.
- SofíaJavier, pórtate bien y nada de tonterías.Javier, behave yourself and no funny business.
- JavierEstá bien, mamá, no haré nada malo.Okay, mom, I won't do anything bad.
- SofíaLo digo en serio, nada de tonterías.I'm serious, no funny business.
- JavierNo te preocupes, lo entiendo.Don't worry, I understand.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
