Learning animal names is a basic step in mastering everyday vocabulary in any language. From pets (our dearest companions) to wild animals (which may represent some danger), it's important to know the names of animals in Spanish. If you need some encouragement to face this task, here’s some:  Many farm animals in Spanish are common words in the cooking niche, so if you’ve ever ordered a pollo dish, you already know how to say “chicken.” Also, the names of wild animals in Spanish are pretty easy to learn, as many of their names are similar to their English translations (for instance, elefante and hipopótamo). You already have one foot in the door! In this guide, you’ll find a list of animals in Spanish with their English... Show more

Spanish can be used to express love with a lot of passion, probably because Spaniards are very affectionate themselves. But, sometimes, all this enthusiasm can be confusing.  Do they love me? Do they just like me as a friend? If you were wondering how to say "I love you," in Spanish or understand if someone actually loves you back, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide from SpanishPod101, you’ll learn the top phrases and expressions you’ll need to pursue your love interest. We’ll cover everything from asking your crush out on a date to actually proposing to him/her. Of course, if you're getting to know a native Spanish speaker, there’s no better way to woo them than by using romantic phrases in their mother tongue. And if... Show more

Learning a foreign language can be an amazing adventure to embark on. There are many benefits to learning a language, including personal and professional growth. It’s definitely an exciting and rewarding challenge. Today, it’s easier than ever to start learning a foreign language as there are so many resources available. At SpanishPod101, for example, you can find everything you need to start learning Spanish: short audio and video lessons, all kinds of study tools, and our Premium PLUS members even get personalized guidance from a private tutor. Enough about us, though.  The real question is: Why learn Spanish at all?  In this article, we’ll give you 10 compelling reasons to learn Spanish and outline a good number of benefits... Show more

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

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

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

Are you planning on visiting Spain? This European country has many peculiarities you might not have heard about before, but no fear! Here you’ll find all you need to know to immerse yourself in the Spanish culture. The culture of Spain is very unique, colored by its people’s outlook on life. Studying the Spanish language and culture opens a window to the country’s rich history, tradition, and lifestyle, beyond the clichés of paella, flamenco, and siesta. In this guide, you’ll find the key Spanish culture facts you need to get a closer look at life in this sunny and lively Mediterranean country. Table of Contents Values and Beliefs Family and Work Religions Traditional Holidays Food Art Final Thoughts ... Show more

Food and culture are typically linked to each other, and this is very true in Spain. In fact, Spaniards are proud of their cuisine. If you ever visit Spain, there are some dishes that you definitely need to try, some of which vary by region. In this article, we're going to tell you about some of the most famous Spanish recipes, as well as some lesser-known dishes that are still worth mentioning. We're even going to include a simple Spanish food recipe for you to try at home so you can have a taste of real Spanish cuisine without leaving your house. Table of Contents Must-Try Spanish Dishes Authentic Spanish Food vs. Overseas Spanish Food Unique Spanish Food Food-Related Vocabulary Simple Recipe to Make Authentic... Show more

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

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