Spanish “Tener” phrases (useful everyday phrases)
“Tener” is mainly used in Spanish to describe possession, however, it is also used in several idiomatic expressions which translate into English as “to be”, such as the following:
Tener (mucho) calor – To be (very) hot
Tengo calor. – I am hot.
Tener (mucho) frío – To be (very) cold
Juan tiene frío. Juan is cold. Continue reading
Spanish phrases for emergency situations
Having been in an emergency situation myself a couple of times when living in Spain, I know how important the following phrases can be. Read on to find out how to ask for help or to offer your help if you ever find yourself in danger or an emergency situation:
Emergency services:
ambulance: ambulancia
police: policía
fire brigade: bomberos
doctor: médico Continue reading
Spanish diminutives (-ito, -illo endings)
Especially in spoken Spanish, a diminutive suffix is added to words for several reasons, not just to say something is small. They are also used to show affection or to be more friendly. For example, by adding the suffix –ito or –cito it can change the meaning from “grandmother” to “granny” or from “dog” to “doggy”. In this article we will learn how to use diminutive suffixes in Spanish and when to use them. Continue reading
Expressing your likes and dislikes in Spanish: Me gusta(n) / (I like)
The verb “to like” in Spanish is “gustar” and it works differently to most verbs. You also need a pronoun at the beginning to say who likes it. It works backwards, so really you are saying ” X pleases me” – “Me gusta X“.
you like: te gusta
he/she likes: le gusta
we like: nos gusta
you (all) like: os gusta
they like: les gusta
* Add “n” to “gusta” if the thing that you like or dislike is plural.
Me gusta el queso: I like cheese.
Me gustan las aceitunas: I like olives.
* If you are using a verb, use the singular “gusta”.
Me gusta nadar.: I like to swim.
Read on for different ways to express what you like or dislike in Spanish: Continue reading
How to ask for someone’s opinion and give your opinion in Spanish
A useful part of knowing a language and interacting with Spanish people is being able to ask someone’s opinion and also to give your own views. Spanish people are very opinionated and love having a real discussion on any subject whatsoever; from politics and “la crisis” to food, the weather and the local supermarket prices. You may often think they are having a huge argument from their raised voices and the way they throw their arms around, however this is normally just a healthy discussion. If you want to get involved in discussions with locals, it would be a good idea to learn some of the question and answer phrases in this article. Continue reading
¿Cómo eres? – What are you like?
Here are some adjectives to describe personality in English and Spanish: (Aquí tienen algunos adjetivos para describir la personalidad en inglés y español):
[Use -o endings to describe men/boys and -a endings to describe women/girls. Those that end in -e stay the same:]
funny: gracioso/a
happy: feliz (generally) / contento/a (about something in particular – short term)
honest: honrado/a / honesto/a
friendly: simpático/a or: amable
sensible: sensato/a
sensitive: sensible Continue reading
Why is “red wine” in Spanish “vino tinto” and not “vino rojo”?
When learning Spanish words for foods and drinks people often ask why red wine in Spanish is called “vino tinto” and not “vino rojo” when the Spanish word for “red” is “rojo”. The answer relates to the Latin origin of the word “tinto” and also to the process of wine making. Continue reading
Making a phone call in Spain
Often on holiday you need to make a phone call; to book a table at a restaurant, book a taxi or hotel room or call a local tradesman. Maybe you deal with colleagues and clients in Spain and regularly make calls abroad. It is a good idea not to rely on all Spaniards speaking English and more importantly it is good to offer at least a few words in Spanish. Here are a few key words and phrases to learn before making a phone call in Spain:
Dígame / Diga: Hello. [Literally, “tell me”]
¿Está Juan?: Is Juan there?
Sí, soy yo.: Yes, speaking.
No, no está. No, he’s not here.
Soy Carmen.: It’s Carmen. Continue reading
Los Juegos Olímpicos, Londres 2012
Aquí tienen una lista de los deportes de los Juegos Olímpicos (en inglés y español):
Here you have a list of the Olympic Games sports:
[English and Spanish]:
Athletics – Atletismo
Badminton – Bádminton
Basketball – Baloncesto
Handball – Balonmano
Boxing – Boxeo
Cycling – Ciclismo
Fencing – Esgrima Continue reading
Tareas domésticas (Domestic jobs) [Ringing an electrician / plumber etc.]
A lot of people that I teach Spanish to are learning because they own properties in Spain and therefore sometimes need to communicate with local people. I am often asked to teach useful phrases when calling local tradesmen such as plumbers, electricians and builders. Here are some key words and phrases to start you off.
Necesito hablar con un electricista / un fontanero / un albañil. I need to speak to an electrician / plumber/ builder.
Busco a un electricista / un fontanero / un albañil. I’m looking for an electrician / a plumber / a builder. Continue reading
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