Spanish Phrase: Esa cosa

Pronunciation: Ay-sah co-sah

Translation: That thing

What’s a foreigner to do when the Spanish name of something is unknown but -nevertheless- it is part of the conversation? Well, just say “esa cosa”, as locals do when they are talking so fast they don´t want to slow down and remember the exact name of “that thing”

This phrase is used more frequently in Spanish than in English, so you won’t be taken for someone lazy if you use it, just don’t forget to point it out if you can see “that stuff”.

Example: ¿Cuánto vale eso?… esa cosa que cuelga del techo.

Translation: How much is that?… that thing hanging from the ceiling.