a la desesperada (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Phrase (idiomatic expression)

Phonetic Transcription

/a la desespeˈɾaða/

Translation Options into English

1. Desperately
2. In desperation

Meaning and Usage

The expression "a la desesperada" translates to "desperately" or "in desperation" in English. It implies a sense of urgency or hopelessness where one might resort to extreme measures to achieve a goal or to escape a situation. The phrase is commonly used in both spoken and written Spanish, especially in contexts where someone feels that their options are limited or where they need to act quickly due to a pressing situation.

Example Sentences

1. Ella decidió a la desesperada llamar a su exnovio para pedirle ayuda.

2. She decided in desperation to call her ex-boyfriend to ask for help.

3. A la desesperada, los estudiantes organizaron una protesta por la falta de recursos.

4. Desperately, the students organized a protest due to the lack of resources.

5. El equipo, a la desesperada, busca nuevos talentos para mejorar su rendimiento.

6. The team, in desperation, is looking for new talents to improve their performance.

Idiomatic Expressions

The phrase "a la desesperada" is often involved in idiomatic expressions that convey the ideas of urgency, desperation, or taking extreme measures. Here are some instances:

1. Hacer algo a la desesperada.
2. To do something in desperation.
3. Ejemplo: Decidí hacer el examen a la desesperadas sin estudiar nada.

4. I decided to take the exam desperately without studying anything.

5. Actuar a la desesperada.

6. To act desperately.
7. Ejemplo: Ella actuó a la desesperada cuando se enteró de que tenía que mudarse pronto.

8. She acted desperately when she found out she had to move soon.

9. Buscar soluciones a la desesperada.

10. To look for solutions desperately.
11. Ejemplo: Estábamos buscando soluciones a la desesperada para salvar la fiesta de cumpleaños.

12. We were looking for solutions desperately to save the birthday party.

13. Salir a la desesperada.

14. To go out desperately.
15. Ejemplo: Decidí salir a la desesperada para buscar un trabajo, aunque no había planeado hacerlo.
16. I decided to go out desperately to look for a job, even though I hadn't planned to do it.

Etymology

The phrase "a la desesperada" comes from the Spanish word "desesperada," which is derived from "desesperar," meaning "to despair." The prefix "des-" signifies negation, while "esperar" means "to hope." Thus, "desesperar" conveys a lack of hope, leading to the use of the phrase in contexts where hope has run out.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Desesperadamente (desperately) - Sin esperanza (hopelessly)

Antonyms: - Con calma (calmly) - Con paciencia (patiently) - Esperanzado (hopeful)