Body language of a fan in Spain. And I thought I just had to learn 'words' in Spanish...

Question

Here's a fun link for all those who think you speak Spanish well... can you read Spanish 'fans'?

Lenguaje de los albanicos.

If anyone wants the extra practice of translation, feel free to pick a number and translate for the rest of us.

Si alguien quiere la práctica extra en traducción, no dude en elegir un número y traducir para lo demás.

Thanks. - gringojrf, Sep 13, 2013

Fan tastic idea Katya, pity they went out of fashion , it is now all guesswork and conjection . - ray76, Sep 14, 2013

There are many beautiful fans out there. I still use them where there is no air con. It was a staple in Suriname. I had no idea I was sending messages. ha. - katydew, Sep 14, 2013

Answer 1

38 -Si el abanico es cerrada sino que está apuntando hacia usted ,

entonces necesita un abogado.

38- If the fan is closed but pointed directly at you , then you are in need of a lawyer.

And probably a good prenuptial agreement

Hahha. Uh oh. - katydew, Sep 14, 2013

Answer 2

Que buen ejercicio (aunque no espero voy a recordarme los significados ni las traducciones. Ya cuesta bastante entender todo lo que hacen las chicas de aquí. (Sí que no quisiera quejar me - que investigación divertida)

1. Cerrar despacio. Este cierre significa un "Sí". Si se abre y cierra rápidamente significa, "Cuidado, estoy comprometida".

2. Close Slowly. This closing of the fan means a ¨Yes¨ If it is opened and closed quickly, it means ¨I am engaged¨

Maybe if you just remember this one rule, you'll be on your way. ha. - katydew, Sep 13, 2013

One has to start somewhere. I´ve delayed it about 50 years, so maybe I should start already. - rogspax, Sep 13, 2013

Answer 3

Remind me to run next time I see a woman with a fan because I am sure to mess it up and get into trouble.

• Abanicarse lentamente. Abanicarse de forma pausada, significa soy una señora casada y me eres indiferente. También si se abre y cierra muy despacio significa esto.

• Fan herself slowly. To fan herself with pauses, signifies that I am a married woman and I am not interested in you. Also if she opens and closes (the fan) very slowly it means the same thing.

Boy, you could get into a heap of trouble. hahaha - katydew, Sep 13, 2013

Hmmm, seems there is some ambiguity in this system as to whether a lady is hot, or hot and bothered. Upon reflection, this is no different than all the other systems. (though Ray may have it all sussed) - rogspax, Sep 13, 2013

Hehehe. Back to that "gigantic book" of how to understand a woman. Who needs the book when you've got a fan. - katydew, Sep 13, 2013

Answer 4

12. Sujetar con las dos manos. Si sujeta el abanico abierto con las dos manos, significa "es mejor que me olvides".

12. Held with both hands. If the fan is held open with two hands it means "it's better that you forget me."

(No me voy a quejar. Pienso que es mejor tener un señal que evita confusión y que claramente significa sí o no. No me gusta adivinar lo que una chica piensa o quiere.)

Guessing is highly overrated! ha. - katydew, Sep 14, 2013

Answer 5

I also like this information from the Guardian on Spanish gestures:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

My internet is a little slow at this location but I can't wait to load these and learn more. Thanks for the links. - katydew, Sep 15, 2013

De nada. - Helind, Sep 18, 2013

Answer 6

8. Cubrirse del sol. Significa que eres feo, que no la gustas.

*Holding it as a cover for the sun (overhead). This means that you are ugly, that she doesn't like you... "she's just not that into you".