uña y carne
/uɲa i kaɾne/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'ride or die' can be translated into Spanish as uña y carne.
This idiom is used to describe a person who is an inseparable companion or a fiercely loyal friend/partner.
How do you pronounce it?
/uɲa i kaɾne/
Did you know?
- The phrase uña y carne literally translates to 'nail and flesh'. It evokes the image of the fingernail being physically fused to the skin, making it impossible to separate them without causing pain.
- The word uña comes from the Latin 'ungula', which is the root for the English word 'ungulate', referring to hoofed animals.
- While English uses 'ride or die' for both friends and lovers, uña y carne is frequently used for siblings or childhood best friends who are seen as an inseparable unit.
Examples in context
- Eres mi amigo/a del alma. Puedes contar conmigo en las buenas y en las malas.You are my soul friend. You can count on me through thick and thin.
- Ellas son uña y carne.They are inseparable.
- Mi hermano y yo somos uña y carne.My brother and I are ride or die.
- Siempre han sido uña y carne desde niños.They have always been inseparable since they were kids.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a loyal couple they know.
- Elena¿Sabes que Lucas y Sofía son uña y carne?Do you know that Lucas and Sofia are ride or die?
- MateoSí, él siempre la apoya en todo.Yes, he always supports her in everything.
- ElenaEs una relación muy fuerte.It is a very strong relationship.
- MateoTotalmente, son inseparables.Totally, they are inseparable.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carne, uña, y, CC BY-SA 4.0.
