usa la cabeza
/usa la kabeθa/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'use your head' can be translated into Spanish as usa la cabeza.
This expression is used to tell someone to think carefully or act sensibly in a given situation. It is often used as an exclamation of frustration when someone has done something foolish or failed to consider the obvious.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of 'use the head'. The word usa is the imperative form of usar (to use) and la cabeza means 'the head'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, when addressing a group of people informally, you use usad la cabeza. In Latin America, the plural imperative usen la cabeza is used for both formal and informal groups.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form usa la cabeza uses the informal singular imperative (tú), which is appropriate for friends, family or peers. For plural address, use usad la cabeza in Spain and usen la cabeza in Latin America.
How do you pronounce it?
/usa la kabeθa/
Did you know?
- Rather than telling someone to use their head, a Spaniard might use the idiomatic phrase ponte las pilas, which literally means 'put in your batteries'.
- The word cabeza descends from the Vulgar Latin word capitia, which was actually a diminutive of the word for 'head'.
- Spanish speakers often use the phrase no tener cabeza to describe someone who is scatterbrained or distracted, rather than lacking intelligence.
Examples in context
- Usa la cabeza por una vez.Use your head for a change.This sentence shows how to use usa la cabeza to suggest someone change their behavior.Tatoeba #2105214 by Shishir, translation #40518 by Swift
- ¡Usa la cabeza!Use your head!This sentence shows usa la cabeza used as a direct command or exclamation.Tatoeba #4009439 by alexmarcelo, translation #1894373 by Spamster
- Señora, le recomendaría hacer uso de su inteligencia para resolver este problema.Madam, I would recommend you make use of your intelligence to solve this problem.
- ¡Amigo, usa la cabeza y no hagas algo tan arriesgado!Friend, use your head and don't do something so risky!
- Oye, hermano, piensa un poco antes de actuar tan impulsivamente.Hey, brother, think a little before acting so impulsively.
- Si quieres ganar el juego, usa la cabeza.If you want to win the game, use your head.
Example conversation
Javier and María are discussing a difficult puzzle.
- Javier¿Debería intentar este camino?Should I try this path?
- MaríaNo, usa la cabeza y piensa en la solución.No, use your head and think about the solution.
- JavierTienes razón, parece demasiado simple.You are right, it seems too simple.
- MaríaExacto, analiza bien el problema.Exactly, analyze the problem well.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cabeza, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
