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ñáñaras means creeps — a common term in Funny Words. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: December 26, 2025

😆 Funny Words

ñáñaras

noun • /[NYA-nya-ras]/

creeps

Example:

Esa peli me dio ñáñaras.

That movie gave me the creeps.

🧠 What does ñáñaras mean?

Ñáñaras is a colloquial and expressive noun, primarily used in Mexico, for the physical or emotional sensation of unease, fear, or revulsion. It translates to 'the creeps' or 'the heebie-jeebies'. This feeling is often accompanied by goosebumps (piel de gallina) or a slight shiver. The word is typically used with the verb 'dar' (to give), as in 'algo me da ñáñaras' (something gives me the creeps), or 'sentir' (to feel), as in 'sentí ñáñaras' (I felt the creeps).

📚 Extra examples

  • Ver arañas en la pared me da ñáñaras.
    Seeing spiders on the wall gives me the creeps.
  • Sentí ñáñaras al escuchar ese ruido extraño en la noche.
    I got the heebie-jeebies when I heard that strange noise at night.
  • La historia de fantasmas que contó el abuelo nos dio muchas ñáñaras.
    The ghost story grandpa told gave us all the creeps.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'ñáñaras' is considered onomatopoeic by some, suggesting the sound of chattering teeth or a shiver. It's a fun, evocative word that perfectly captures a specific physical and emotional response to something unsettling, making it a beloved part of Mexican colloquialisms.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "ñáñaras"

Synonyms: escalofríos, piel de gallina, repelús, grima, yuyu
Opposites: tranquilidad, calma, comodidad, placer

🔍 See more funny words words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'creeps' in Spanish?
A common and colloquial way, especially in Mexico, is 'ñáñaras'. More standard terms include 'escalofríos' (chills/shivers) or expressions like 'dar repelús' or 'dar grima'.
How do you pronounce 'ñáñaras' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is 'nyah-nyah-rahs'. The 'ñ' sounds like the 'ny' in 'canyon', and the stress falls on the first syllable.
How do you use 'ñáñaras' in a sentence?
It is most often used in the structure 'dar ñáñaras a alguien' (to give someone the creeps). For example, 'Esa película me dio ñáñaras' means 'That movie gave me the creeps'.
What is the English translation of 'ñáñaras'?
The closest English translations for 'ñáñaras' are 'the creeps', 'the heebie-jeebies', or 'the willies'.
Does 'ñáñaras' change for gender or number?
'Ñáñaras' is a feminine plural noun and is almost exclusively used in this form. It does not have a singular or masculine version.
Is 'ñáñaras' common in everyday Spanish?
It is very common in informal, everyday Mexican Spanish. However, it is a regionalism and may not be understood by speakers in Spain or some other parts of Latin America.
Does 'ñáñaras' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'ñáñaras' does not have other significant slang or double meanings. Its primary and only common meaning refers to the sensation of the creeps or goosebumps from fear or disgust.
Is 'ñáñaras' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
Yes, its use is heavily concentrated in Mexico. In Spain, speakers would more likely use 'dar yuyu', 'dar grima', or 'dar repelús' to express the same feeling.

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