estar en berza (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation
Part of Speech
This expression in Spanish is a verb phrase.
Phonetic Transcription
/estar en ˈberθa/
Usage in Spanish Language
"Estar en berza" is a colloquial expression used in Spanish to indicate that something is in a bad condition, not working well, out of order, or in a state of disarray. It is more commonly used in oral speech rather than written context.
Example Sentences
Mi coche está en berza, no arranca.
My car is out of order, it won't start.
La computadora de la oficina está en berza, no puedo trabajar.
The office computer is in a bad condition, I can't work.
Idiomatic Expressions
Estar en las nubes: To be daydreaming or not paying attention.
Example: No puedes estar en las nubes si quieres aprobar el examen.
You can't daydream if you want to pass the exam.
Estar en babia: To be absent-minded or not focused.
Example: Se quedó en babia mientras hablábamos de la fiesta.
He was absent-minded while we were talking about the party.
Estar en las últimas: To be in a very bad condition, close to the end.
Example: La planta del jardín está en las últimas, no creo que puedas salvarla.
The garden plant is in a very bad condition, I don't think you can save it.
Etymology
The expression "estar en berza" comes from the colloquial use of the word "berza" which refers to a cabbage plant. In this context, "estar en berza" metaphorically means being in a state of deterioration or malfunction, similar to a wilted or spoiled cabbage.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms: Estar en mal estado, estar averiado, estar hecho un desastre.
Antonyms: Estar en buen estado, estar funcionando correctamente, estar en orden.