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mole means mess / confusion — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 28, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

mole

noun • /[MOH-leh]/

mess / confusion

Example:

Qué mole de instrucciones.

What a confusing set of instructions.

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🧠 What does mole mean?

In Mexican slang, "mole" refers to a mess, a muddle, or a confusing situation. Think of it as a chaotic or disorganized state of affairs. It can describe a physical mess, like a cluttered room, or a more abstract mess, like a complicated problem or a disorganized schedule.

📚 Extra examples

  • ¡Qué mole tienes en tu cuarto!
    What a mess you have in your room!
  • Este proyecto se volvió un mole.
    This project became a real mess.
  • Hizo un mole con las cuentas de la empresa.
    He made a mess of the company's accounts.
  • No quiero meterme en ese mole.
    I don't want to get involved in that mess.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'mess / confusion' in Spanish?
There are several ways to say 'mess' or 'confusion' in Spanish, depending on the context. Some common translations include 'desorden,' 'lío,' 'confusión,' and in Mexico, 'mole.'
How do you pronounce 'mole' in Spanish?
It's pronounced 'MOH-leh,' with the emphasis on the first syllable. It rhymes with 'olé.'
How do you use 'mole' in a sentence?
You can use 'mole' to describe a messy situation. For example, '¡Qué mole hay en la cocina!' (What a mess there is in the kitchen!) or 'El papeleo es un mole' (The paperwork is a mess).
What is the English translation of 'mole'?
In the context of Mexican slang, 'mole' translates to 'mess' or 'confusion'.
Does 'mole' change for gender or number?
No, 'mole' remains the same regardless of gender or number.
Is 'mole' common in everyday Spanish?
While understood in other Spanish-speaking countries, 'mole' as slang for 'mess' is primarily used in Mexico. It's common in everyday conversations there.
Does 'mole' have slang or double meanings?
Yes, while also being the name of a delicious Mexican sauce, in Mexican Spanish 'mole' is slang for a mess. Be mindful of the context.
Is 'mole' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
Yes, the slang usage of 'mole' to mean 'mess' is primarily Mexican. In Spain, and other parts of Latin America, you would use different words like 'desorden' (disorder), 'lío' (mess), or 'confusión' (confusion).

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "mole"

Synonyms: lío, desorden, enredo
Opposites: orden, organización

💡 Did You Know?

While "mole" means "mess" in Mexican slang, it's also a famous and delicious traditional Mexican sauce. Don't get them confused!

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