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ñáñara means heebie-jeebies — a common term in Funny Words. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 28, 2026

😆 Funny Words

ñáñara

noun • /[NYA-nah-ra]/

heebie-jeebies

Example:

Ese lugar me da ñáñaras.

That place gives me the creeps.

🧠 What does ñáñara mean?

Ñáñara is a colloquial, feminine noun, primarily used in Mexico, that describes a feeling of revulsion, unease, or mild fear that can cause goosebumps. It is the direct equivalent of getting 'the heebie-jeebies', 'the creeps', or 'the willies' in English. This sensation is typically triggered by something unsettling, creepy, or disgusting, such as an insect, a strange noise, or a scary story. It is most commonly used in its plural form, 'ñáñaras'.

📚 Extra examples

  • Ver arañas en mi cuarto me da ñáñaras.
    Seeing spiders in my room gives me the heebie-jeebies.
  • Esa película de terror me provocó ñáñaras toda la noche.
    That horror movie gave me the creeps all night.
  • Sentí ñáñaras al escuchar ese chirrido en la casa vacía.
    I got the willies when I heard that creak in the empty house.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'ñáñara' is a great example of expressive, almost onomatopoeic language in Spanish. Its unique sound, featuring the distinctive 'ñ', vividly captures the strange, shivery sensation it describes, making it a particularly memorable term.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "ñáñara"

Synonyms: escalofrío, repelús, grima, piel de gallina
Opposites: calma, tranquilidad, sosiego, placer

🔍 See more funny words words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'heebie-jeebies' in Spanish?
A common and colorful way to say 'heebie-jeebies' in Spanish, particularly in Mexico, is 'ñáñaras'. Other options include 'escalofríos' (shivers), 'grima', or 'la piel de gallina' (goosebumps).
How do you pronounce 'ñáñara' in Spanish?
The word 'ñáñara' is pronounced 'nya-NYA-ra'. The 'ñ' sounds like the 'ny' in the English word 'canyon', and the stress falls on the second syllable.
How do you use 'ñáñara' in a sentence?
It is most often used with the verbs 'dar' (to give) or 'sentir' (to feel). For example, 'Esa historia me dio ñáñaras' (That story gave me the heebie-jeebies) or 'Sentí ñáñaras al entrar en la casa abandonada' (I felt the creeps upon entering the abandoned house).
What is the English translation of 'ñáñara'?
The best English translation for 'ñáñara' (or more commonly, 'ñáñaras') is 'the heebie-jeebies', 'the creeps', or 'the willies'. It conveys a sense of unease, disgust, or mild fear.
Does 'ñáñara' change for gender or number?
'Ñáñara' is a feminine noun. While it exists in the singular ('una ñáñara'), it is far more common to use its plural form, 'ñáñaras', to describe the general feeling.
Is 'ñáñara' common in everyday Spanish?
In Mexico, 'ñáñaras' is very common in informal, everyday conversation. However, its use is much less frequent or even unknown in Spain and many other Spanish-speaking countries.
Does 'ñáñara' have slang or double meanings?
Primarily, 'ñáñaras' refers to the feeling of the heebie-jeebies. It does not have other widely recognized secondary or slang meanings, but its use is inherently colloquial and informal.
Is 'ñáñara' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
Yes, there is a significant regional difference. 'Ñáñara' is a very characteristic word of Mexican Spanish. In Spain, speakers would more typically use 'escalofrío', 'grima', or 'repelús' to express a similar feeling.

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