What does it mean word for word?
Literally, no mola means "it does not thrill/move," derived from the verb molar, which means to thrill, to be pleasing or to excite someone.
Which one should you use?
While no mola is a common way to express this in Spain, other variations exist depending on the region and desired tone. In some Latin American countries, particularly in Mexico, you might use the colloquial expression No está chido. In Spain, you may also hear No está guay.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
no mola is an informal expression and should be avoided in formal writing or professional settings. Similarly, No está chido is a colloquial expression.
Is it said differently in some regions?
no mola is a colloquial expression used primarily in Spain. No está chido is used in some Latin American countries, particularly in Mexico.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "they are not cool" when referring to plural objects or people, change the form to no molan.
How do you pronounce it?
/no mola/
Did you know?
- While a learner might use no mola to mean something is uncool, in certain contexts, the verb molar can also be used to describe the physical sensation of teeth grinding, known as bruxism.
- The word guay from no está guay is so mysterious that linguists cannot agree if it comes from the English 'gay' or an old seafaring term.
- In Mexico, the word chido used in no está chido can describe a person's personality or a general situation, not just a physical object.
Examples in context
- Esos pantalones no molan, son tan feos como incómodos.Those pants are not cool, they are as ugly as they are uncomfortable.This sentence shows how to use no mola to describe why certain pants are not cool.Tatoeba #5630452 by arh, translation #8056751 by jameslin011
- Me parece que tu comportamiento no está bien.I think your behavior is not okay.
- No mola que hayan cancelado la fiesta.It's not cool that they canceled the party.
- No está chido que llegues tarde todos los días.It's not cool that you arrive late every day.
- Esa broma no mola nada.That joke is not cool at all.
- No mola que siempre llegues tarde.It is not cool that you are always late.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are talking about a friend's behavior.
- Elena¿Viste lo que hizo Lucas?Did you see what Lucas did?
- DanielSí, de verdad que no mola.Yes, it really is not cool.
- ElenaFue muy grosero con la camarera.He was very rude to the waitress.
- DanielTienes razón, no estuvo bien.You are right, it wasn't okay.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
