parecer un disco rayado
/paɾeθeɾ un disko ɾaʝado/from spelling rules
To sound like a broken record in Spanish is parecer un disco rayado.
This phrase is used to describe someone who repeats the same words, ideas or complaints many times in an annoying way. An informal way to express the concept of not stopping the repetition of the same thing is No parar de repetir lo mismo.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally translated as to seem like a scratched record.
Which one should you use?
While English speakers use the word 'broken' to describe the faulty object, Spanish speakers use rayado, which means 'scratched', to describe the faulty record.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to express the idea personally, such as saying 'I sound like a broken record', you must conjugate the verb parecer to the first person singular: parezco un disco rayado.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- El político insistió sin cesar en sus promesas, como un disco rayado.The politician insisted incessantly on his promises, like a scratched record.
- Mi jefe parece un disco rayado, siempre repite las mismas órdenes.My boss seems like a scratched record, always repeating the same orders.
- No quiero parecer un disco rayado, pero tienes que limpiar tu cuarto.I don't want to sound like a broken record, but you have to clean your room.
- Siento parecer un disco rayado con este tema.I feel like a broken record with this topic.
- No quiero parecer un disco rayado, pero lávate las manos.I don't want to sound like a broken record, but wash your hands.
Example conversation
Daniel is reminding Lucía about an appointment for the third time.
- DanielLucía, no olvides la cita de mañana.Lucía, don't forget tomorrow's appointment.
- LucíaYa lo sé, Daniel, no me lo digas más.I already know, Daniel, don't tell me anymore.
- DanielPerdona, no quiero parecer un disco rayado.Sorry, I don't want to sound like a broken record.
- LucíaEstá bien, gracias por recordármelo.It's okay, thanks for reminding me.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries disco, parecer, rayado, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
