“Dar la Lata” Meaning: How Spaniards Say “Stop Bugging Me”

Spanish kids are experts in dar la lata. So are Spanish mothers, neighbours and anyone who wants something from you. Here’s the expression, plus the colourful versions you’ll hear in Spain.

How to use “dar la lata”

Spanish	English
Los niños llevan toda la tarde dando la lata.	The kids have been pestering me all afternoon.
Mi madre me da la lata para que vaya a verla.	My mum keeps nagging me to visit her.
Perdona que te dé la lata otra vez, pero…	Sorry to bother you again, but…
¡Deja de dar la lata!	Stop bugging me!

Notice the third example: perdona que te dé la lata is also a polite way to apologise for bothering someone. Very useful in emails.

Why a tin can?

Nobody agrees. The most popular story is about the noise: a tin can being kicked or banged is annoying, like someone who won’t stop asking for something. Whatever the origin, every Spaniard knows exactly what it means.

Ser un pesado

The person who da la lata is un pesado or una pesada (literally “heavy”): ¡Qué pesado eres! = You’re so annoying! It’s one of the most used words in Spain.

Similar expressions (from polite to rude)

Expression	Meaning
Molestar	To bother (neutral)
Dar la tabarra	To pester (Spain)
Dar la brasa	To go on and on (Spain, informal)
Ser un pesado / una pesada	To be annoying
Dar la murga	To pester (Spain, a bit old-fashioned)
Dar el coñazo	To be a pain (Spain, vulgar)

FAQ

Is “dar la lata” rude?

No. It’s informal but polite enough for everyday use, even at work.

What does “pesado” mean in Spain?

Annoying, boring or tiresome, when it’s about a person. No seas pesado = don’t be annoying.

Is it used in Latin America?

Yes, especially in Mexico, where dar lata (without la) is common.

More Spanish expressions from Spain

Part of my series on real Spanish expressions, the ones Spaniards use every day and textbooks never teach:

• Estar como una cabra
• Ponerse las pilas
• Costar un ojo de la cara
• No pasa nada
• ¡Qué fuerte!
• Estar hecho polvo
• Me importa un pepino
• Ser pan comido
• Estar en las nubes
• Tomar el pelo
• Meter la pata
• Echar una mano
• En el quinto pino
• Ojalá
• Venga
• Eres la leche
• Toma tomate, tómalo

👉 See all Spanish expressions from Spain

I promise I won’t dar la lata

Real Spanish is full of little expressions like this one. Download my free guide with 100 real Spanish phrases above, and if you want to know exactly what’s stopping you from speaking, book your Spanish Speaking Roadmap call below.

— Monica Bernabe Perez

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