Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| entrometido | /entɾomeˈtido/ |
| chismoso | /t͡ʃisˈmoso/ |
| metiche | /meˈtit͡ʃe/ |
| metido | /meˈtido/ |
| entremetido | /entɾemeˈtido/ |
| cotilla | /koˈtiʝa/ |
These words are used to describe someone who is meddlesome or curious in a way that intrudes upon the affairs of others.
What does it mean word for word?
The word entrometido is derived from the verb entrometer, which means to thrust or insert oneself into something.
Which one should you use?
While 'entrometido' refers to someone meddling in affairs, chismoso specifically describes someone who enjoys spreading gossip. While entrometido is a standard term for a meddler, metiche is a more colloquial way to call someone nosy. You can also use curioso/a informally to describe someone who is curious to the point of being nosy.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Metiche is an informal, colloquial term. In formal contexts, inoportuno/a can be used to express the idea of someone who is intrusive or untimely in their questioning.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Metiche is a very common term for 'nosy' in many Latin American countries, particularly Mexico.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, entrometido must agree in gender with the person being described, changing to entrometida for a female.
How do you pronounce it?
/entɾomeˈtido/
Did you know?
- In many Latin American countries, the phrase no te metas is the standard way to tell a nosy person to 'mind their own business', literally meaning 'do not put yourself in'.
- The Spanish suffix -oso in chismoso is used to turn a noun into an adjective meaning 'full of'. Literally, a chismoso is someone 'full of gossip'.
- The word cotilla is predominantly used in Spain. If you used it in Mexico or Argentina, people would understand you, but they would immediately know you learned your Spanish in Europe.
Examples in context
- No seas tan metiche.Don't be so nosy.This sentence is useful for telling someone not to be so meddlesome using the form metiche.Tatoeba #9500185 by hayastan, translation #2265821 by _undertoad
- Los vecinos son demasiado cotillas.The neighbors are too nosy.This sentence describes neighbors who are being too nosy using the form cotilla.Tatoeba #10106178 by manufrutos, translation #10100392 by CK
- No seas cotilla.Stop being nosy.This sentence is a way to tell someone to stop being nosy using the form cotilla.Tatoeba #5569022 by swyter, translation #4502365 by CK
- Juan es una persona muy entrometida.Juan is a very nosy person.
- No me gusta su actitud inoportuna de estar preguntando sobre mi vida personal.I don't like their nosy attitude of asking about my personal life.
- Deja de ser tan curiosa, no es asunto tuyo.Stop being so nosy, it's none of your business.
- ¡Ese vecino es muy entrometido! Siempre quiere saber todo lo que hacemos.That neighbor is very nosy! They always want to know everything we do.
- No seas tan curiosa, deja de leer mis mensajes.Don't be so nosy, stop reading my messages.
- Mi hermana siempre está preguntando sobre mis relaciones amorosas. Es muy metiche.My sister is always asking about my romantic relationships. She is very nosy.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are talking about a neighbor who asks too many questions.
- LucíaEl vecino siempre pregunta todo, es muy entrometido.The neighbor always asks everything, he is very nosy.
- DanielSí, siempre quiere saber nuestros secretos.Yes, he always wants to know our secrets.
- LucíaNo me gusta que sea tan entrometido.I don't like that he is so nosy.
- DanielMejor no le cuentes nada, Lucía.Better not tell him anything, Lucía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nosy” translations and entries entrometido, chismoso, metiche, metido, entremetido, cotilla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
