quedarse tieso (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

The phrase "quedarse tieso" functions as a verbal expression and is composed of a verb ("quedarse") and an adjective ("tieso").

Phonetic Transcription

/keðarse ˈtjeso/

Translation Options into English

• "to become stiff"
• "to get frozen"
• "to remain stiff"

Meaning and Usage

"Quedarse tieso" literally translates to "to become stiff." It is often used in both literal and figurative contexts. Literally, it can refer to something that has lost flexibility or mobility, such as a body after death. Figuratively, it can signify a person who is paralyzed by fear or surprise.

The phrase is commonly used in both oral and written speech, though more often found in informal contexts. Its frequency of use can vary by region and situation, though it is recognizable in various Spanish-speaking countries.

Example Sentences

1. "Cuando vio la serpiente, se quedó tieso del miedo."

2. "When he saw the snake, he froze in fear."

3. "Al escuchar la noticia, me quedé tieso en mi asiento."

4. "Upon hearing the news, I stayed frozen in my seat."

5. "El cuerpo se quedó tieso después del accidente."

6. "The body became stiff after the accident."

Idiomatic Expressions

"Quedarse tieso" is often used in idiomatic contexts, emphasizing sudden reactions to fear, shock, or surprise. It can also indicate a prolonged state of inactivity or immobility.

Example Sentences with Idiomatic Expressions

1. "Después del grito, todos se quedaron tiesos en la sala."

2. "After the scream, everyone froze in the room."

3. "El susto me hizo quedarme tieso como una estatua."

4. "The scare made me freeze like a statue."

5. "Cuando vi que se caía, me quedé tieso, sin saber qué hacer."

6. "When I saw he was falling, I froze, not knowing what to do."

7. "Al oír el trueno, los niños se quedaron tiesos, mirando al cielo."

8. "When they heard the thunder, the children froze, looking at the sky."

9. "En medio de la conversación, su comentario inesperado me dejó tieso."

10. "In the middle of the conversation, his unexpected comment left me stunned."

Etymology

• Quedarse: The verb "quedarse" comes from the Spanish verb "quedar," which means "to remain" or "to stay."
• Tieso: The adjective "tieso" has roots in the Latin word "rigidus," which means "stiff" or "rigid."

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms: “paralizado” (paralyzed), “inmóvil” (motionless), “fijo” (fixed/still).
• Antonyms: “móvil” (mobile), “flexible” (flexible), “vivo” (alive).

This expression connotes different meanings based on context, ranging from physical stiffness to involuntary emotional reactions, making it a common phrase in everyday language across Spanish-speaking regions.