How do you say “Butter someone up” in Spanish?
The closest natural Spanish equivalent is hacerle la pelota a alguien, which literally means “to do the ball to someone”. English speakers use butter someone up to mean to praise someone because you want them to do something for you. Especially familiar in Spain. “Adular” is a useful option for a wider audience. Register: informal. Usage frequency: common.
Closest natural Spanish
hacerle la pelota a alguien
/aˈseɾle la peˈlota a ˈalɣjen/
- Literal meaning
- “to do the ball to someone”
- Register
- informal
- How often it's used
- common
- Equivalence
Close equivalent
88 out of 100
What a native Spanish speaker would actually say
“Hacer la pelota” can include compliments or other attempts to please someone for a favour. In Spain, it works as a teasing or critical accusation.
“Adular” is a more widely understandable option. “Halagar” can describe sincere praise, so include the request if you need to show the hidden motive.
How close is the meaning?
- Meaning5 out of 5
- Tone5 out of 5
- Context4 out of 5
- Literal similarity1 out of 5
These ratings are editorial approximations, not measurements.
What are other ways to say it in Spanish?
adular a alguien
Literally: “to flatter someone excessively”
A broadly understandable verb, somewhat more formal.
halagar a alguien para conseguir un favor
Literally: “to praise someone to obtain a favour”
Clearly explains the reason for the praise.
In context
English
You're buttering me up because you want a favour.
Spanish
Me estás haciendo la pelota porque quieres un favor.
English
He buttered up his manager before asking for time off.
Spanish
Aduló a su jefe antes de pedirle unos días libres.
Related expressions
- What “Butter someone up” means in English
- Pull the wool over someone's eyes, Deceive someone or conceal the truth.
- Pull someone's leg, To tease someone playfully.
Last updated 2026-09-16