A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "This doesn't fit" in Spanish
Say 'Esto no me queda bien' when an item of clothing doesn't fit you properly.
Esto no me queda bien.
EH-stoh noh meh KEH-dah bee-ENneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this phrase when trying on clothes and they are too tight, too loose, or just the wrong shape for your body. It's a polite way to tell the salesperson you can't buy the item because of the fit.
Alternatives
- Esto no me sirve.More general, meaning 'this doesn't work for me'.
- Me queda grande.Specifically for when an item is too large.
- Me queda pequeño.Specifically for when an item is too small.
Ways to get it wrong
Using 'ajustar'
'Ajustar' means to adjust or tighten, not to fit in the sense of size.
Confusing 'quedar' with 'ser'
'Quedar' is used for how clothes fit, while 'ser' is for inherent qualities.
A small cultural note
In many Spanish-speaking countries, it's common to try on clothes before buying, and salespeople are accustomed to customers discussing fit.
Frequently asked
What's the difference between 'no me queda bien' and 'no me sirve'?
'No me queda bien' specifically refers to how an item of clothing fits your body. 'No me sirve' is broader and means it doesn't work for you for any reason.
How do I say something is too big or too small?
For too big, say 'Me queda grande.' For too small, say 'Me queda pequeño.'
Can I use 'esto no encaja'?
While 'encajar' means to fit, it's usually for objects fitting into spaces, not for clothing on a person.
