PrettyFluent
This is just a lesson preview. Get the interactive lesson free on PrettyFluent
🔧💢

How to Say ‘It's screwed up.’ in Mexican Spanish

Está de la chingada.

ehs-TAH deh lah cheen-GAH-dah

[ehs-TAH deh lah cheen-GAH-dah]

💬 Usage Tip: de la chingada works like a describing word meaning "terrible": el tráfico está de la chingada "traffic is awful".

Phrase Breakdown

Está

[ehs-TAH]

it is

A form of estar used to describe a temporary state or reaction, like saying something is good.

Example

Está perfecto ese horario para nosotros.

That time works perfectly for us.

de la chingada.

deh lah cheen-GAH-dah

terrible / awful as hell

A strong Mexican vulgarity meaning something is really bad. 'Chingada' is pronounced chin-GA-da. Mexicans often soften the 'd', so it sounds like chin-GA-a.

Example

El tráfico está de la chingada.

The traffic is awful as hell.

Words in this phrase

de

[deh]

of

A preposition that links nouns, often meaning “of” or “about.”

Example

En «cultura de trabajo», «de» conecta las dos ideas.

In “work culture,” “de” connects the two ideas.

la

[lah]

the

Feminine singular definite article used before a feminine noun.

Example

La frase «La cultura de trabajo» empieza con «La».

The phrase “The work culture” begins with “La.”

chingada

[cheen-GAH-dah]

awful (f***ed up)

Used in 'de la chingada' to describe something terrible.

Example

El tráfico está de la chingada.

The traffic is f***ing awful.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Download PrettyFluent on the App StoreGet Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Moved to Mexico City for work and needed to get conversational fast. Two weeks of daily practice and I was ordering tacos and negotiating with my landlord in Spanish.”

David K., 35, Startup Founder

“I spent a month backpacking through Colombia and this app was a lifesaver. The lessons meant I could handle real situations from day one.”

Rachel T., 26, Travel Blogger

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer