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Archive for the 'Spanish Lessons' Category

The Ultimate Guide to Spanish Tenses

https://youtu.be/ATpudJqYSzg?si=iVMW6FDoDrf7J1og One of the most daunting things when learning a new language, especially if that language is Spanish, is trying to master the verb tenses and conjugations. Spanish conjugation rules are quite different from those of English, and it might seem to you that there are too many Spanish tenses and endless exceptions. It might feel like a very long journey to embark on. But don’t fear!  Spanish is a complex language, and yes, there are numerous tenses to master. Nevertheless, there are numerous tricks and rules to make it all a lot easier. It’s all about learning patterns and practice, practice, practice. We want to help you out on your mission to become an expert in Spanish verb... Show more

How Long Does it Take to Learn Spanish?

At some point, every Spanish learner has asked the question: How long does it take to learn Spanish? And there’s no easy answer! It depends on many factors, such as your commitment and available resources. The total amount of time it takes you to reach a certain level of fluency may vary significantly from that of another learner.  But don’t get discouraged! Beginning your Spanish language learning journey now will be well worth it. Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world (second only to Mandarin), and is growing in use every day. In addition to reaping the benefits of knowing such a widely spoken language, this journey will help you get closer to the wonderful Spanish culture and give you the confidence needed to travel... Show more

The Top 30 Essential Spanish Proverbs

Proverbs are an essential part of popular and oral culture. Often transmitted to children by the elder generations, they are language’s time capsules that carry a lot of history—and unique cultural perspective—with them. Because proverbs from around the world have very different origins and have evolved from their original meanings over time, they can be difficult to understand without context or a good guide in hand. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered! SpanishPod101 brings you the top thirty Spanish proverbs and sayings that will help you speak like a local (or at least understand why Spaniards say that the world is a handkerchief).  Ready? Then let’s get started. From that stick, that chip or like mother, like daughter! ... Show more

Barcelona Travel Guide: Explore This Unique Spanish City

While Europe is home to a rich collection of heavily touristed cities, Barcelona is one of its most popular thanks to its beauty, unique sights, vibrant nightlife and cultural life, budget-friendly options, nice weather...and don’t forget the beach! Millions of people from all over the world visit—and subsequently fall in love with—this lively Spanish city each year. If you’re planning to visit Barcelona, it’s important that you prepare for your trip. Although many sights are within walking distance of each other, there are so many places to visit in Barcelona that you need to plan ahead in order to make the most of your time there. Preparing well in advance also gives you time to adjust your plan to meet your budget and take the needed... Show more

English Words Used in Spanish: Do You Speak Spanglish?

All over the world, the use of words borrowed from the English language is rapidly growing. The internet, social media, and the internationalization of American cultural products are among the biggest "English word exporters." However, several factors have created a special bond between the Spanish and English languages. For starters, the proximity between the U.S. and Latin America (which is home to the largest number of Spanish speakers in the world) has allowed a great cultural exchange—and with it, an important language exchange. As such, there are several English words used in Spanish and Spanish words used in English.  There is a huge Latin American community living in the United States, and this community has brought elements... Show more

Variety in Spanish: Understanding the Differences

If you’re reading this, it’s because you already know how important and useful it is to learn the Spanish language. There are about 405-million native speakers, and there are even more people who speak Spanish as a second language for business, education, or love. Why?  Well, Spanish is the official language in twenty countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Spain, Uruguay, and Venezuela.  Because the language is spoken in so many countries, there are quite a few Spanish dialects and varieties out there! Table of Contents Can Spanish People and Latin Americans Understand... Show more

Popular Spanish Quotes: Little Nuggets of Spanish Wisdom

How many proverbs and quotes do you think you encounter on a given day? These words of wit and wisdom can appear almost anywhere, whether you’re scrolling through your Instagram and Pinterest feeds, watching a movie, or talking with friends and family. In Spanish, we use refranes ("sayings"), which are ready-made phrases that come from our mothers and grandmothers, passed down from one generation to another. These sayings have become very popular over the years, and Spaniards frequently use them in their daily lives. Learning these Spanish quotes and sayings will help you connect with the Spanish language on a deep level and immerse you in the culture. In this article, we’re going to review the most popular refranes that Spanish... Show more

The Top Phrases for Doing Business in Spanish

A lot of people who decide to learn Spanish do so because they're thinking of moving to Spain or another Spanish-speaking country.  Even if this isn't the case for you, you never know when knowing just a few basic Spanish business phrases will come in handy. For example, you might be the only person, or one of only a few people, in your company who speaks at least a little Spanish. If your boss ever required you to travel to Spain for a business trip, knowing some phrases for doing business in Spanish could be crucial for you!  At SpanishPod101.com, we think it's better to be safe than sorry. Why not be ready for that moment? Table of Contents Nail a Job Interview Interact with Coworkers Sound Smart in a Meeting ... Show more

All About the Subjunctive Spanish Mood

Do you know the names of all the verbal moods and tenses in English (or in your native language)? You might know a few, you might know all of them, or you might not even be familiar with any of them. Knowing the names isn’t so important, unless you’re a huge fan of grammar or you study something related to linguistics. But, even if you don’t know all these names, you know how to use them, don’t you? Otherwise you wouldn’t make much sense in your native language. We’re going to teach you everything you need to know about the subjunctive Spanish mood and all its tenses, which is going to be incredibly helpful for your Spanish.  This is what’s important: not what we call them—even though it’s still helpful when learning them—but knowing... Show more

Learn How to Say Goodbye in Spanish!

https://youtu.be/zjHBsFOD7z8?si=Nwg7FEvIw4RDQb1V You’ve already learned how to say hello in Spanish, so now it’s time to start saying goodbye. Like in any language, there are many different ways you can say goodbye in Spanish depending on the context. In this article, we’ll teach you common Spanish goodbye phrases for any situation, from formal encounters to leaving a group of friends or ending a phone call. By the end, you’ll be able to recognize many different Spanish goodbyes when you hear them, and understand how to use them yourself to sound more like a native speaker! → In addition to this guide, we have a series of activities on SpanishPod101.com for you, so you can put all of this new knowledge into practice. Table... Show more