How well do you know your movies — and your Spanish vocabulary? In this reading comprehension challenge, we've taken five popular films and rewritten their plots in Spanish, leaving out the title, of course! Your job is to read each summary, review the key vocabulary terms, and use the hint so you can try to guess the movie before checking the answer at the end. Ready to put your Spanish skills to the test?
Un hombre con un coeficiente intelectual por debajo del promedio vive una vida llena de momentos históricos casi por accidente. A pesar de las dificultades, su lealtad, su inocencia y su gran corazón lo llevan a convertirse en un atleta talentoso, un héroe de guerra y un exitoso hombre de negocios. Sin embargo, lo único que realmente le importa es volver a estar junto a la mujer que ama desde la infancia.
Key terms:
coeficiente intelectual (IQ)
momentos históricos (historical moments)
lealtad (loyalty)
convertirse (to become)
la mujer que ama (the woman he loves)
Este es el primer paso para convertirse en la persona feliz y superficial que me comentaba.
This is the first step to becoming the happy and superficial person you were telling me about.
Captions 33-34, Cortometraje Triunfadores - Part 3
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📌 Hint: It's a name — two words.
Un programador descubre que el mundo en el que vive no es real, sino una simulación creada por máquinas para mantener a los humanos bajo control. Guiado por un grupo de rebeldes, debe elegir entre seguir viviendo en la ignorancia o conocer la verdad y luchar para liberar a la humanidad.
Key terms:
simulación (simulation)
bajo control (under control)
rebeldes (rebels)
ignorancia (ignorance)
liberar (to free/liberate)
pero antes tengo que liberar a Willy, ¿cierto, jefecito?
but before I have to free Willy, right, dear boss?
Caption 46, Kikirikí Animales - Part 5
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📌 Hint: Sigue al conejo blanco 🐇
Un hombre adulto que vive con su madre sueña con ser comediante y se gana la vida como payaso haciendo publicidad. Un día se cansa de ser humillado y cambia radicalmente su vida, convirtiéndose en un asesino.
Key terms:
payaso (clown)
se cansa de ser humillado (gets tired of being humiliated)
asesino (murderer)
he hecho de payaso también.
I've been a clown as well.
Caption 12, Circo Berlín José Romero - Part 2
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📌 Hint: It's one word.
Una mujer se casa con un hombre por conveniencia, para ayudarlo a obtener la residencia legal y para que ella pueda alquilar un apartamento que solo acepta parejas casadas. Cuando las autoridades sospechan que el matrimonio es falso, ambos deben fingir que están realmente enamorados.
Key terms:
conveniencia (convenience)
parejas casadas (married couples)
sospechar (to suspect)
fingir (to pretend)
pero también debemos mencionar la conveniencia.
but we should also mention convenience.
Caption 20, Fermín y Manuel Los móviles - Part 1
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📌 Hint: Monticello
Un profesor y su alumna descubren que un evento catastrófico amenaza con destruir a toda la humanidad. Sin embargo, sus advertencias se encuentran con una sociedad más interesada en la política, la fama y las redes sociales que en enfrentar la inminente catástrofe.
Key terms:
evento catastrófico (catastrophic event)
advertencias (warnings)
inminente (imminent)
para evitar una catástrofe.
to avoid a catastrophe.
Caption 51, Vocabulario de noticias Política internacional - Part 3
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📌 Hint: Es una orden, en forma de título (It's a command, in the form of a title).
The answer is Forrest Gump (1994) — in Spanish, the title stays the same: Forrest Gump. Despite having a below-average IQ, Forrest experiences countless historical moments almost by accident. His unwavering loyalty and good heart help him become a war hero, a champion runner, and a successful businessman — though all he really wants is to be with the woman he loves, Jenny, the love of his life.
Vocabulary recap: coeficiente intelectual (IQ), momentos históricos (historical moments), lealtad (loyalty), convertirse (to become), la mujer que ama (the woman he loves)
The answer is The Matrix (1999) — known in Spanish-speaking countries simply as Matrix. A programmer discovers that the world he lives in is actually a simulation kept under control by machines. Guided by a group of rebels, he must choose between living in ignorance or learning the truth and fighting to free humanity. As for the hint, Sigue al conejo blanco (Follow the white rabbit) is the famous phrase that first leads Neo down the path to discovering the truth.
Vocabulary recap: simulación (simulation), bajo control (under control), rebeldes (rebels), ignorancia (ignorance), liberar (to free/liberate)
The answer is Joker (2019) — in Spanish, the title stays the same: Joker. A man who makes a living as a clown dreams of becoming a comedian, but one day gets tired of being humiliated and radically transforms his life, becoming a murderer.
Vocabulary recap: payaso (clown), se cansa de ser humillado (gets tired of being humiliated), asesino (murderer)
The answer is Green Card (1990) — in Spanish, often known as Matrimonio de conveniencia. A woman marries a man out of convenience so he can get legal residency and she can rent an apartment that only accepts married couples. When authorities suspect the marriage is fake, both must pretend to be truly in love. As for the hint, "Monticello" refers to the face cream brand the couple must memorize details about to convince immigration officials their marriage is real.
Vocabulary recap: conveniencia (convenience), parejas casadas (married couples), sospechar (to suspect), fingir (to pretend)
The answer is Don't Look Up (2021) — known in Spanish as No mires arriba. A professor and his student discover that a catastrophic event threatens to destroy all of humanity, but their warnings are met with a society more interested in politics, fame, and social media than in facing the imminent threat. As for the hint, Es una orden, en forma de título — the movie's title, No mires arriba / Don't Look Up, is literally a command.
Vocabulary recap: evento catastrófico (catastrophic event), advertencias (warnings), inminente (imminent)
Well, that's our movie lineup for today. Whether you nailed all five or only recognized one from its hint or key terms, we hope this challenge gave you a fun new way to practice Spanish vocabulary while flexing your movie trivia knowledge. Keep an eye out for future rounds with new films and new words to discover — and if you have a favorite movie you'd love to see turned into a quiz, we'd love to hear about it. Send us your guesses, your suggestions, and any questions along the way!
¡Hasta la próxima!
The FIFA World Cup is finally back in North America, and this time, it's bigger than ever! With 48 teams competing across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the 2026 tournament — or el Mundial 2026, as Spanish speakers call it — promises to be one for the history books. Whether you're watching with Spanish-speaking friends, planning to attend a game, or simply want to follow the action like a true fan, today we'll cover essential World Cup 2026 vocabulary in Spanish. Plus, we'll share a fun fact that might surprise you!
Before we dive into the vocabulary, here's something worth celebrating if you're learning Spanish: Spanish-speaking countries have won the FIFA World Cup more times than those of any other language! Let's do the math:
🇦🇷 Argentina: 3 titles (1978, 1986, 2022)
🇺🇾 Uruguay: 2 titles (1930, 1950)
🇪🇸 Spain: 1 title (2010)
That's 6 World Cup titles for the Spanish-speaking world — more than any other language group! Not bad for el español, right?
Now let's get to the good stuff. Here are the key Spanish terms you'll need to talk about el Mundial 2026 like a pro.
These are the two most common ways to refer to the World Cup in Spanish. El Mundial is by far the more informal and widely used term in everyday conversation.
en el Mundial de fútbol de España del año mil novecientos ochenta y dos
during the nineteen eighty-two World Cup in Spain,
Caption 12, Viajando con Fermín Arconada y Copa del Rey
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Every World Cup kicks off with a spectacular ceremonia de inauguración. The 2026 edition will take place on June 11 at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where host nation Mexico will face South Africa in el partido inaugural (the opening match) of Group A.
This is the same legendary stadium where Pelé lifted the trophy in 1970 and where Maradona sealed his place in football immortality in 1986 — a fitting stage for the biggest World Cup in history!
The first round of the competition is called la fase de grupos. In 2026, for the first time ever, 12 groups of 4 teams will compete in this stage.
This is a brand new stage unique to the 2026 format! The top two teams from each group, plus the eight best third-place teams, advance to this first knockout round — la ronda de 32.
The 16 surviving teams then face off in los octavos de final, where one loss means you're out!
Eight teams remain at this stage. Los cuartos de final are where things get truly intense!
En cuartos de final enfrentó a Holanda en un partido electrizante
In the quarterfinals, it faced Holland in an electrifying game
Caption 48, Víctor en España El Mundial de Catar 2022 - Part 3
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Only four teams left standing. Las semifinales are often the most dramatic matches of the whole tournament.
The big one! La final del Mundial 2026 will be played on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium.
The team that wins it all. Will a Spanish-speaking country add to those 6 titles and become el campeón del mundo?
This award goes to the player who scores the most goals throughout the competition. Who do you think will be el goleador del torneo in 2026?
This word refers to the host country or city. In 2026, there are three países anfitriones (host countries): the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
No World Cup would be complete without a few controversial calls from el árbitro!
"En nuestra opinión, el árbitro se equivocó en sus decisiones".
"In our opinion, the referee was wrong in his decisions."
Caption 45, Carlos explica Cómo expresar opiniones en español - Part 5
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When both teams score the same number of goals, the match ends in un empate. In the knockout rounds, a draw leads to extra time and potentially a penalty shootout.
When a knockout match ends in a tie after 90 minutes, teams play la prórroga — two additional 15-minute periods.
If the match is still tied after la prórroga, the winner is decided by los penaltis (Spain) or los penales (Latin America). Few moments in sports are as nerve-wracking as a World Cup penalty shootout!
If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out our lesson on Football/Soccer Vocabulary Words in Spanish for a deeper dive into the language of el fútbol. And if you followed el Mundial in Qatar, you might also enjoy our lesson Qatar 2022 in Spanish.
From la ceremonia de inauguración to los penaltis, you now have the essential Spanish vocabulary to enjoy the World Cup 2026 to the fullest. Whether your team wins or loses, one thing is certain — no one talks about el fútbol with more passion than Spanish speakers! Now it's your turn: which team are you rooting for in el Mundial 2026? We'd love to hear from you — send us your questions and comments.
¡Hasta la próxima!
Have you ever listened to a conversation between native Spanish speakers and felt like something was missing from what you learned in class? You probably caught words like o sea, pues, or bueno popping up every few sentences — words that don't quite fit the grammar rules and weren't in your textbook. Well, those are filler words in Spanish, and learning them might just be the key to taking your Spanish to the next level.
Filler words — known in Spanish as muletillas (literally "little crutches") — are words and short phrases that native speakers use constantly in everyday conversation. They help speakers pause and think, connect ideas, react to what they hear, clarify what they mean, and keep the listener engaged. In short, they're the glue that holds natural conversation together.
You won't find muletillas in most Spanish textbooks, and yet you'll hear them all the time in real speech. That's exactly why learning them is so valuable: they'll help you both understand native speakers better and sound more natural when you speak.
Let's start with the filler words you'll use when you need a second to think or when you're figuring out how to respond.
Pues is one of the most common filler words in Spanish. You can throw it at the beginning of a sentence when you're uncertain or just need a beat to think.
Pues… no sé, tengo que pensarlo. (Well… I don't know, I have to think about it.)
¿Te apetece un café? — Pues sí. (Do you fancy a coffee? — Well, yes.)
Yo, pues, la verdad ya no podría...
I, well, honestly, then I couldn't...
Caption 72, Otavalo Matrimonio
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Pues... pues no, Alguacil, usted dijo que todo el mundo tenía su precio y...
Well... well, no, Sheriff, you said that everyone had their price, and...
Caption 9, Pablo Escobar, el patrón del mal Capítulo 1 - Part 11
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Bueno works similarly to pues and is great for starting a thought, transitioning between topics, or wrapping something up. Drawn out — bueeno — it can even express doubt or mild frustration.
Bueno… lo tengo que pensar un poco más. (Well… I have to think about it a bit more.)
¿Te gustó la película? — Bueeno… la verdad es que no mucho. (Did you like the movie? — Well… honestly, not much.)
Eh... is probably the most natural and instinctive filler sound in Spanish — you'll hear it constantly in everyday speech across all Spanish-speaking countries. Just like the English "uh," it buys the speaker a split second to think without leaving an awkward silence.
Eh… no sé qué decirte. (Uh… I don't know what to tell you.)
¿Qué tienes para mí hoy? Eh... Pues,
What do you have for me today? Uh... Well,
Captions 40-41, Extr@: Extra en español Ep. 9: Trabajos para los chicos - Part 7
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Bueno, pues, eh... impresionante.
Well, then, uh... impressive.
Caption 51, El Club de los Cinéfilos Muertos Mel Gibson - Part 15
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Use a ver when you're checking something, thinking something through, or about to explain yourself.
A ver… ¿qué podemos hacer esta noche? (Let's see… what can we do tonight?)
A ver, no quiero decir que no sea una buena idea. (Look, I'm not saying it's not a good idea.)
La quiero. A ver... está fuera de sus posibilidades, pero...
I want it. Let's see... it's beyond your means, but...
Captions 3-5, Cortometraje Triunfadores - Part 3
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Este is another Spanish equivalent of "um" or "uh." The final vowel is often stretched out: esteee…
Este… creo que no era así. (Uh… I don't think that was it.)
Este... pues, estamos dispuestos a enseñar a todo mundo
Um... well, we're willing to teach everyone
Caption 49, Costa Azul Surf Shop Hablando con los Empleados Del Surf - Part 2
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These are the filler words you'll reach for when you want to explain yourself better, correct what you just said, or rephrase your point.
O sea is one of the most common filler words in Spanish. Use it to clarify or add nuance to what you just said.
O sea, no era una crítica, solo una observación. (I mean, it wasn't a criticism, just an observation.)
In real speech, filler words rarely appear alone, and native speakers often use several in the same sentence without even thinking about it. Check out this clip:
Bueno, y toda la... la... la... la... la gastronomía eh... gira en torno a lo que es pescado, marisco... o sea, que es un sitio, Barbate, que no os podéis perder.
Well, and all the... the... the... the... the cuisine, um... revolves around fish, seafood... I mean, it's a place, Barbate, that you can't miss.
Captions 47-49, Adriana y Laura Cádiz
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Digo comes from the verb decir (to say) and is used to correct yourself mid-sentence.
La fiesta empieza a las nueve — digo, a las diez. (The party starts at nine — I mean, at ten.)
Perdón, perdón... digo... no, mejor te vas,
Sorry, sorry... I mean... No, you'd better go.
Caption 43, Muñeca Brava 2 Venganza - Part 4
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A great filler word when you need to explain or justify something, especially when politely declining or disagreeing.
¿Por qué no quieres ir? — Es que estoy muy cansado. (Why don't you want to go? — It's just that I'm really tired.)
Especially common among younger speakers in Spain, en plan works similarly to the English "like."
Estábamos allí en plan descansando cuando llegó Miguel. (We were there, like, relaxing when Miguel arrived.)
Son las líneas, eh... en plan, son justo la once y la doce y la diez. O sea que hay doce líneas de metro, entonces, justo las tres... -Mm-hm. -más...
They are the lines, um... like, they're precisely the eleven and the twelve and the ten. I mean, there are twelve subway lines, so, just the three... -Mm-hmm. -[that are] most...
Captions 46-48, Isabel y Paula contigo Transporte público en Madrid - Part 1
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These are the filler words that help you move a conversation forward and link one idea to the next.
Entonces is both a formal connector and a handy everyday filler. You'll hear it constantly at the beginning of sentences.
Entonces, ¿qué hacemos ahora? (So, what do we do now?)
Similar to entonces, así que introduces a result or conclusion.
Así que al final lo dejamos para mañana. (So in the end we left it for tomorrow.)
Así que, ya sabéis eso que dice ese clásico refrán:
So, now you know what the classic saying says:
Caption 89, Luis Guitarra Somos transparentes
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Use total to cut to the chase or sum up a story.
Total, que no apareció nadie. (So, in the end nobody showed up.)
Total que las dos actrices empiezan a pelear arriba,
So, the two actresses start to fight up above,
Caption 55, El teatro. Conversación con un doble de acción.
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These filler words show you're listening, help you react, and keep the other person engaged.
Ya signals that you're following along and understanding what the other person is saying.
Ya, ahora lo entiendo mejor. (Right, now I understand it better.)
te dejo. -Ya. -Voy a seguir con mi rutina, ¿OK? -Ya.
I'll leave you. -Right. -I'm going to continue with my routine, OK? -Right.
Caption 55, Otavalo Ejercicios
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A very natural way to agree or validate what someone just said.
Claro, eso tiene mucho sentido. (Of course, that makes a lot of sense.)
¡Pues, claro!
Well, of course!
Caption 64, Confidencial: Broma pesada Capítulo 3 - Part 12
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Use mira to introduce an explanation or reaction, and oye to get someone's attention.
Mira, te lo explico en un segundo. (Look, I'll explain it in a second.)
Oye, una cosa, ¿puedes mañana? (Hey, one thing — can you make it tomorrow?)
¡Ah mira, qué maravilla!
Oh, look, how wonderful!
Caption 40, Víctor en España Mercado de la Boquería de Barcelona
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These little tags are used constantly to involve the listener and check that they're following.
Es complicado, ¿sabes? (It's complicated, you know?)
No es tan fácil, ¿me entiendes? (It's not that easy, you get me?)
Es raro, ¿no? (It's weird, right?)
Here's a handy summary of all the muletillas covered in this lesson.
• Pues — Well / So — to ease into an answer or buy time
• Bueno — Well / Okay — to start a thought or transition between topics
• Eh... — Uh... — to fill a pause while thinking
• A ver — Let's see / Look — to think something through or introduce an explanation
• Este... — Um... — to hesitate while searching for a word
• O sea — I mean / In other words — to clarify or rephrase what you just said
• Digo — I mean — to correct yourself mid-sentence
• Es que — It's just that — to explain or justify something
• En plan — Like / Kind of — to describe something in a casual, informal way
• Entonces — So / Then — to link ideas or move the conversation forward
• Así que — So / Therefore — to introduce a result or conclusion
• Total — So / Anyway — to cut to the chase or sum up
• Ya — Right / Got it — to show you're following along
• Claro — Of course / Sure — to agree or validate what someone said
• Mira — Look — to introduce an explanation or reaction
• Oye — Hey / Listen — to get someone's attention
• ¿Sabes? — You know? — to keep the listener engaged
• ¿Me entiendes? — You get me? — to check if the other person is following
• ¿No? — Right? — to invite the listener to agree
If you've ever felt like native speakers talk too fast or use too many words you can't find in a dictionary, muletillas are probably a big part of the reason. Learning the most common filler words in Spanish will help you:
• Follow real conversations more easily
• Understand unscripted content like podcasts, reality shows, and vlogs
• Sound more natural and fluent when you speak
• Buy yourself time when you need to think — without resorting to English fillers
Now that you know what to look for, you're going to start hearing muletillas everywhere. Pay attention next time you watch a Spanish show or listen to a podcast — you'll be surprised how often pues, o sea, and bueno come up. The more you hear them in context, the more naturally they'll start coming out when you speak.
We'd love to hear which filler words you've come across in your Spanish learning journey! Drop us your questions and comments. ¡Hasta la próxima!
Did you know that nearly 75% of the Spanish vocabulary you use every day has Latin origins? That means if you're learning Spanish, you're already speaking Latin... you just might not know it yet! Latin is often called a "dead" language, but it never really disappeared — it lives on in Spanish every single day.
Rome, the birthplace of Latin, even celebrates its legendary founding every April 21, a perfect reminder of how deeply Roman civilization shaped the language you're learning. Today we're exploring some of the most fascinating Latin words in Spanish with meaning that are still very much alive!
Spanish is a Romance language, meaning it evolved directly from Latin — the language spoken throughout the Roman Empire. Over centuries, spoken Latin transformed into what we now call Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, and Romanian.
So it's no surprise that latin root words in Spanish are everywhere. But beyond vocabulary, there are also Latin expressions that Spanish speakers use word for word, often without even realizing they're speaking the language of Julius Caesar!
This is where things get really interesting. Some of the most common Latin words used in Spanish have been around for so long, and stayed so close to their Latin origins, that they still carry the exact same meaning Romans used thousands of years ago. Let's take a look at some of the most surprising ones!
In Latin, harena simply meant sand. Spanish kept that meaning alive — arena in Spanish still means sand. Interestingly, Italian went a different direction: the modern Italian word for sand is sabbia, while arena in Italian and English came to refer to the fighting ground of Roman amphitheaters — which, of course, were covered in sand!
jugando con la arena, haciendo castillos de arena,
playing with the sand, making sand castles,
Captions 45-46, Clara y Cristina Saludar
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In Latin, piscina meant fish pond — from piscis, meaning fish. Romans used piscinae to store live fish. In Spanish, the word evolved into the most common word for swimming pool. So next time you take a dip in the piscina, think of the Romans and their fish! 🐟
Y en verano abrían la piscina pública
And in summer, they would open the public swimming pool,
Caption 57, Aprendiendo con Silvia Recuerdos de infancia - Part 3
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The word salario (salary) comes from the Latin salarium, which was directly connected to sal — salt. Roman soldiers were either paid in salt or given an allowance to buy it, since salt was an incredibly valuable commodity in ancient times. The next time someone asks about your salario, you'll know it's literally worth its salt!
de hecho, la palabra "salario", que hoy en día se usa para remunerar el puesto de trabajo, en aquél momento, se usaba porque se pagaba con sal.
in fact, the word "salary," which today is used for paying one's job, at that time, was used because one was paid with salt.
Captions 15-17, Rosa Laguna Fuente de Piedra
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Here's one that might surprise you! In Latin, candidatus meant someone dressed in white. Roman citizens who sought public office would wear a gleaming white toga — toga candida — to present themselves as pure and honest. The word candidato (candidate) in Spanish carries that 2,000-year-old tradition every election season.
Los partidos políticos se peleaban el nombre de Escobar para lanzarlo candidato al Congreso.
The political parties would compete for Escobar's name to launch him as a candidate for Congress.
Captions 38-39, Los Tiempos de Pablo Escobar Capítulo 1 - Part 5
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The Latin word calculus meant small pebble or stone. Romans used tiny pebbles as counting tokens — an ancient calculator of sorts! That's why the Spanish verb calcular (to calculate) and the word cálculo (calculation) have their roots in something as simple as a little rock.
con el sentido de calcular o enumerar.
with the sense of calculating or enumerating.
Caption 47, Silvia nos cuenta Contar, cuento y cuentas - Part 1
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In Latin, rostrum referred to the beak of a ship — specifically the bronze ram at the front of a Roman warship. Over time, the word shifted to refer to a person's face. In Spanish, rostro is a perfectly normal, everyday word for face, completely detached from its nautical origins.
Lleva puesto en su rostro un delicado velo.
She wears on her face a delicate veil.
Caption 9, Leyendas urbanas La Cegua
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The Latin word sinister simply meant left — as in the left hand. Romans considered the left side unlucky and associated it with bad omens. That negative connotation stuck, and in Spanish, siniestro evolved to mean sinister, dark, or ominous. It's also widely used in insurance and legal contexts to refer to an accident or disaster.
R dos a central, necesitamos otra ambulancia acá en el siniestro.
R two to central, we need another ambulance here at the accident.
Caption 31, Confidencial: Asesino al Volante Capítulo 1 - Part 6
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Let's continue with more Latin words used in Spanish that have been fully adopted into everyday conversation:
The word gratis comes directly from Latin and means "free of charge." Spanish speakers use it constantly — and you've probably heard it in English too!
Eh... ¿Serí'... era gratis... eh...? -No, no, no era gratis.
Um... -Wou'... it was free... um...? -No, no, it wasn't free.
Captions 44-45, Estampas argentinas El Ateneo Grand Splendid - Part 2
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This word came into Spanish unchanged from Latin, where habitare meant "to live" or "to dwell." Today, hábitat refers to the natural environment of an animal or plant.
Proteger y conservar el hábitat natural donde crecen los cipreses,
Protect and conserve the natural habitat where cypresses grow,
Caption 46, Fermín y las plantas El ciprés
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These two Latin words are staples of Spanish financial and economic language. Déficit refers to a shortfall, while superávit (from Latin superavit, "it exceeded") means a surplus. You'll hear them constantly in news broadcasts and political speeches.
El gobierno anunció un déficit presupuestario este año.
The government announced a budget deficit this year.
Caption 58, Vocabulario de noticias Economía - Part 1
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Beyond individual words, there are full Latin expressions in Spanish that speakers use naturally in conversation. Here are some of the most common ones:
Mea culpa literally means "my fault" in Latin. It's used in Spanish — and English! — to acknowledge one's own mistake, and has deep roots in Catholic tradition.
From the Latin in flagranti delicto, meaning "while the crime is blazing," in fraganti is used in Spanish to mean "caught in the act." You may also see it written as in flagranti or en flagrante.
Sí. Parece que la señora lo pescó in fragranti.
Yes. It seems like the lady caught him in the act.
Caption 76, Yago 12 Fianza - Part 7
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Used in Spanish to indicate that something happens as a direct and immediate consequence of something else.
y el próximo que me llegue a alzar la voz se va de ipso facto.
and the next person who dares to raise their voice to me leaves ipso facto.
Captions 58-59, Confidencial: Broma pesada Capítulo 2 - Part 6
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Literally "the voice of the people" in Latin, vox populi is used in Spanish journalism, politics, and everyday speech to refer to widely held public opinion.
From the Latin for "by head," per cápita is used across Spanish-speaking countries in statistics, economics, and health contexts.
Here are a few more Latin root words in Spanish so deeply embedded that most speakers never stop to think about their ancient origins:
• Versus (vs.) — used in comparisons and competitions
• Currículum — short for curriculum vitae, "course of life"
• Campus — the Latin word for "field," now used for university grounds
• Ultimátum — from Latin ultimatum, the final demand
• Plus — used in Spanish to mean "extra" or "bonus"
Latin may be considered a "dead" language, but as you can see, it never really left. The Latin words in Spanish we covered today are not just a linguistic curiosity — they're a living bridge between ancient Rome and the modern world. And the best part? You're already using many of them without even thinking about it! If you have any questions or comments, please let us know.
¡Hasta la próxima! 🏛️
Bad Bunny made history at Super Bowl LX as the first artist to perform an entire halftime show primarily in Spanish. His 13-minute performance reached over 135 million viewers and wasn't just entertainment—it was a cultural statement. If you watched and wondered what he was saying, here are the 10 most powerful moments explained.
📌 "How wonderful it is to be Latino"
The show opened with these words from a performer dressed as a traditional Puerto Rican sugar cane worker. "Qué rico" literally means "how delicious" but expresses deep joy and satisfaction. There's no perfect English translation—it captures pride, contentment, and celebration all at once. This set the tone immediately: an unapologetic celebration of Latino identity.
📌 My Auntie Asked Me
Bad Bunny opened with his 2022 hit "Tití Me Preguntó." In Puerto Rican Spanish, tití means "auntie." The song is about nosy family members asking uncomfortable questions at gatherings about your love life. Millions of Latinos instantly recognized this universal experience.
Bad Bunny's hit "Yo Perreo Sola" (I Dance Alone) was a performance highlight. Perreo is reggaeton's signature dance style—the characteristic grinding moves associated with the genre. It comes from perro (dog). The song became an anthem about independence and doing what you want on your own terms.
Both words mean "to hang out" and show how Puerto Rican Spanish adapts English. Janguear (or even janguiar) is traditional Puerto Rican slang, while hangear is direct Spanglish. Both are conjugated like regular -ar verbs: vamos a janguear (let's hang out). This linguistic blending reflects Puerto Rico's bicultural reality.
Por su parte, "hanguear" es un término que significa pasar un buen rato o divertirse. Este término deriva del inglés, "to hang out". Se puede escribir con H inicial: "hanguear" ―Spanglish directo― o con J inicial: "janguear" o "janguiar".
For its part, 'hanguear' is a term that means to have a good time or have fun. This term derives from English, 'to hang out'. It can be written with initial H: 'hanguear' ―direct Spanglish― or with initial J: 'janguear' or 'janguiar'.
Captions 24-28, Desde el escritorio Bad Bunny Super Bowl 2026
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📌 "My name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio"
This simple introduction was powerful. By stating his full birth name on the world's biggest stage, Bad Bunny reminded everyone of his authentic identity. This wasn't just the artist—this was Benito, a Puerto Rican man proud of his heritage.
"Y si hoy estoy aquí en el Super Bowl 60, es porque nunca, nunca dejé de creer en mí y tú también deberías de creer en ti, vales más de lo que piensas"
📌 "And if I'm here today at Super Bowl 60, it's because I never, never stopped believing in myself and you should also believe in yourself, you're worth more than you think"
Notice the repetition of "nunca, nunca" (never, never) for emphasis—a common rhetorical device in Spanish. "Deberías de creer" uses the conditional tense to give advice. The phrase "vales más de lo que piensas" (you're worth more than you think) became an instant message of empowerment.
📌 "While one is alive, one should love as much as possible"
This beautiful line comes from his hit "BAILE INoLVIDABLE," one of the standout songs from his Grammy-winning album "Debí Tirar Más Fotos." The statement uses uno (one) instead of tú (you), giving it universal appeal—it's a life principle for everyone, not just the audience. Lo más que pueda means "as much as possible." Beyond the party and politics, Bad Bunny's core message was about love and living fully.
📌 "I can't forget you, I can't erase you. You taught me to love, you taught me to dance"
From the same song, this demonstrates beautiful parallel structure. No te puedo (I can't) repeats with olvidar (forget) and borrar (erase). Then me enseñaste (you taught me) repeats with querer (to love) and bailar (to dance). This repetition creates a rhythmic, memorable quality common in Spanish poetry and lyrics.
"No, no suelte' la bandera ni olvide' el lelolai. Que no quiero que hagan contigo lo que le pasó a Hawái"
📌 "No, don't let go of the flag nor forget the lelolai. Because I don't want them to do to you what happened to Hawaii"
From the song "LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii," performed with Ricky Martin. The apostrophes in suelte' and olvide' show dropped final consonants—characteristic of Puerto Rican pronunciation. "LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii," (what happened to Hawaii) refers to colonization, gentrification, and displacement. Bad Bunny draws a parallel to what's happening in Puerto Rico, warning against losing cultural identity and land.
Dos cosas importantes en este momento: Primero, el lelolai se refiere al canto típico de los campesinos puertorriqueños. Segundo, Ricky Martin mantuvo la pronunciación puertorriqueña eliminando la letra S final de los verbos "sueltes" y "olvides".
Two important things at this moment: First, the lelolai refers to the typical song of Puerto Rican peasants. Second, Ricky Martin maintained the Puerto Rican pronunciation eliminating the final letter S from the verbs 'sueltes' and 'olvides'.
Captions 41-46, Desde el escritorio Bad Bunny Super Bowl 2026
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In his only English moment, Bad Bunny said "God bless America" while staring at the camera.
Then he listed nearly every country in the Americas—from Chile to Canada—while performers carried flags from across the continent. He was reclaiming "America" for the entire hemisphere, not just the United States.
His closing words: "Seguimos aquí" (We're still here). As he held up a football inscribed with "Together we are America," these two simple words became a powerful declaration of presence, persistence, and resilience. Despite everything, we're still here, we're not going anywhere, and we belong.
Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance proved that Spanish belongs on the world's biggest stages. These 10 moments used Spanish as a tool of cultural pride, political statement, and artistic expression—reaching over 135 million viewers and making it the most-watched halftime show in history.
For Spanish learners, you witnessed everything from street slang to poetic structures, from casual pronunciation to philosophical declarations. Bad Bunny showed that authentic Spanish, in all its forms, deserves the spotlight. Which moment resonated most with you? Share your thoughts with us!
Have you ever wondered whether you should say el mar or la mar (the sea) in Spanish? If you're confused about whether mar is masculine or feminine, you're not alone. The truth is, this word can be both! Let's clear up the confusion.
In modern Spanish, mar is masculine in most situations. You'll use el mar in everyday conversation and writing:
En el mar de la bahía desemboca un río.
A river flows into Bahía's sea.
Caption 23, Maoli Bahía de Cata
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However, this wasn't always the case. The word mar comes from Latin, where it was neuter (neither masculine nor feminine). As Spanish developed, the word took on both genders.
While el mar is standard, la mar is still used in specific contexts:
People who work at sea traditionally use the feminine form, especially when describing the sea's condition:
• la mar calma (calm sea)
• la mar picada (choppy sea)
• la mar gruesa (rough sea)
Certain seafaring phrases always use the feminine:
• altamar (high seas)
• hacerse a la mar (to set sail)
📌 Altamar (high seas) can be written as one word or two (alta mar). Both spellings are correct, though the single-word version is increasingly preferred.
Y un cubano Muere en altamar
And a Cuban Dies on the high seas
Captions 18-19, Hecho en México Documentary - Part 14
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Writers, poets, and songwriters often choose la mar for artistic or rhythmic reasons.
Caminante, no hay camino sino estelas en la mar.
Ambler, there's no road only wakes in the sea.
Captions 29-30, Chus recita poemas Antonio Machado
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ya no tiene regreso a la mar encontrará
it has no return, it will find the sea
Captions 31-32, Hecho en México Documentary - Part 18
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When mar comes before a geographic name, it's always masculine and lowercase:
• el mar Mediterráneo (Mediterranean Sea)
• el mar Caribe (Caribbean Sea)
• el mar Rojo (Red Sea)
definitivamente tienen que ir y desplazarse a las playas del mar Caribe.
you definitely have to go and travel to the beaches of the Caribbean Sea.
Caption 29, Ciudad de Panamá Denisse introduce la ciudad
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📌 The only exception is when it's part of a place name that isn't actually a sea, like Mar del Plata (a city in Argentina).
For everyday Spanish, use el mar (masculine). You'll be correct 90% of the time. Save la mar for maritime contexts, traditional expressions, poetry, or songs.
That wraps up our lesson on el mar vs. la mar! Now you know when to use each form. We'd love to hear from you—send us your questions and feedback!
The letter ñ is one of the most recognizable symbols of the Spanish language. But here's an interesting fact: while ñ appears in hundreds of common Spanish words, very few words actually start with this letter!
So how many Spanish words that start with ñ do you know? In this lesson, we'll explore the pronunciation of the letter ñ, present a list of the most common words that begin with it, and show you the everyday Spanish words where ñ appears most frequently.
Before diving into our list, let's learn a few key facts about this distinctive letter. The letter ñ (called eñe in Spanish) is the 15th letter of the Spanish alphabet and represents a sound that doesn't exist in English. This letter is so important to Spanish identity that Spain even fought to keep it on keyboards when the European Union proposed standardizing computer keyboards in the 1990s!
The ñ represents a palatal nasal sound, similar to the "ny" sound in the English word "canyon" or the "ni" in "onion." The tilde (the wavy line) above the N changes its pronunciation completely. Without the tilde, the letter N sounds like the English "n," but with the tilde, it becomes the distinctive "ñ" sound that Spanish speakers use every day.
La letra eñe, la que tiene una tilde, es típica del lenguaje español.
The letter "ñ," the one that has a tilde, is typical of the Spanish language.
Captions 30-31, Fundamentos del Español 1 - El Alfabeto
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While words beginning with ñ are relatively rare in Spanish, there are still some important ones you should know. Here are the most common and practical words that start with this iconic letter:
This is probably the most frequently used word that starts with ñ, especially among younger Spanish speakers. It can describe someone who is nerdy, boring, or overly prudish. It can also refer to something that's corny or cheesy.
The ñandú is a South American bird similar to an ostrich, found primarily in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. This word is particularly well-known because it's often the go-to example when teaching children the letter ñ—similar to how English speakers might use "xylophone" for the letter X.
In many Latin American countries, ñapa (or yapa) refers to a little something extra that a vendor gives you for free when you make a purchase. It's like receiving a bonus or a "baker's dozen."
This starchy root vegetable is common in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine, similar to a sweet potato but with a different texture and flavor.
This African animal is known in Spanish as ñu, maintaining a similar sound to its English name. While not a Spanish-native animal, it's a commonly recognized word.
This word describes someone with a flat or snub nose. It's commonly used in Argentina and other parts of South America, sometimes as a term of endearment.
y el ñato pa' sancochar.
and "ñato" (a snub-nosed fish) to parboil.
Caption 4, Mary Grueso Romero Platonera en la plaza del mercado
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This noun is derived from ñoño and refers to overly prudish, boring, or corny behavior.
Used primarily in Caribbean and Central American Spanish, ñeque refers to energy, strength, or courage. Someone with ñeque has determination and guts.
This small, round dried pepper is commonly used in Spanish cuisine, particularly in the Valencia region for dishes like paella.
This colloquial term, used primarily in Spain, refers to a knock or bump on the head. It's similar to the word coscorrón.
Here's the truth: while it's interesting to know words that start with ñ, you'll encounter this letter far more often in the middle or at the end of Spanish words. In fact, some of the most essential words in Spanish contain ñ in other positions. Let's look at these common words that every Spanish learner needs to know:
• año (year)
• mañana (tomorrow/morning)
Sale a pasear en la mañana
Goes out for a walk in the morning
Caption 12, Hecho en México Documentary - Part 8
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• español/española (Spanish)
• señor/señora (mister/sir, Mrs./madam)
Sí, señora, efectivamente el señor Urrutia está hospedado en el hotel.
Yes, ma'am, indeed Mister Urrutia is staying at the hotel.
Caption 11, Confidencial: El rey de la estafa Capítulo 3 - Part 3
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• niño/niña (boy/girl)
• pequeño/pequeña (small)
• baño (bathroom)
• España (Spain)
Madrid es la capital de España.
Madrid is the capital of Spain.
Caption 21, Con Marta por Madrid Presentación
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• sueño (dream, sleepiness)
• compañero/compañera (companion, classmate, partner)
• cumpleaños (birthday)
y los niños estuvieron celebrando el cumpleaños,
and the kids were celebrating the birthday,
Caption 42, Soledad Los prejuicios
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These words with ñ in the middle are the ones you'll use constantly in everyday Spanish conversation!
That's all for today's lesson on Spanish words with the letter ñ! While words that start with ñ may be rare, this distinctive letter is an essential part of what makes Spanish unique among world languages. Can you think of any other common words with ñ that we should add? Feel free to share your thoughts and questions with us!
The Spanish language continues to evolve, and the Real Academia Española (RAE) has just unveiled 330 new Spanish words in the digital version 23.8.1 of the Diccionario de la lengua española (DLE). This update, presented in December 2025, offers a preview of the upcoming 24th printed edition scheduled for 2026. Let's explore some of the most interesting additions that reflect how Spanish adapts to modern life, technology, and cultural shifts.
The digital world has left a strong mark on this update. According to Elena Zamora, head of the Instituto de Lexicografía, technology has sparked "a small revolution of words" that significantly impacts the Spanish language.
The word loguearse (to log in) now officially joins the dictionary with a spelling fully adapted to Spanish orthography. This is a perfect example of how the RAE embraces foreign concepts while maintaining Spanish linguistic rules.
Not all tech terms get the Spanish treatment. Words like gif, hashtag, mailing, and streaming have been incorporated as extranjerismos crudos (raw foreign words), keeping their original spelling.
Additionally, the dictionary has expanded definitions for existing words to accommodate new digital realities. The word etiqueta (tag) now includes its social media meaning (hashtag), and directo (live) has been updated to reflect live streaming on platforms. From journalism comes fotonoticia (photo news story).
la etiqueta "dudaRAE"
the "dudaRAE" [questionRAE] hashtag
Caption 39, Carlos explica Recursos para consultas del español - Part 4
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The performing arts contribute microteatro (micro-theater), a theatrical format that has gained popularity in Spanish-speaking countries. The entertainment world also adds alfombra roja (red carpet), acknowledging its importance in celebrity culture.
desfilar por la alfombra roja.
parading along the red carpet.
Caption 82, Viajando con Fermín Festival de Cine SSIFF - Part 1
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From the world of video games, comecocos (Pac-Man) makes its official appearance. And martial arts fans will be happy to see nunchaco (nunchucks) finally recognized in the dictionary.
Colloquial expressions have also found their place. Hacer un simpa (to dine and dash) is now officially recognized, along with its Argentine equivalent: hacer un pagadiós.
Reflecting growing ecological consciousness, the dictionary welcomes turismofobia (tourism phobia), a term for the growing resistance to mass tourism in certain areas. Related to environmental concerns, crudivorismo (raw food diet) appears alongside its derivatives: crudismo (raw foodism) and crudívoro (raw foodist).
The term milenial (millennial) also joins the dictionary, acknowledging the generation that has shaped much of contemporary culture and language.
Science and medicine represent one of the largest semantic fields in this update. Medical terms like rosácea (rosacea), autovacuna (autovaccine), and gravitón (graviton) from physics have been added.
Even science fiction contributes with teletransportación cuántica (quantum teleportation).
Santiago Muñoz Machado, director of the RAE and president of the Asociación de Academias de la Lengua Española (ASALE), emphasized that these additions are not arbitrary decisions. "None of these novelties is a whim of the academics," he stated, explaining the complex evaluation process.
Proposals come from institutions, individuals, and academics. The Instituto de Lexicografía evaluates each request, considering input from Spanish academies across the Americas before making final decisions.
This digital version serves as a preview of what Spanish speakers can expect in the comprehensive 24th edition coming in 2026. With over 330 updates including new words, revisions, and adjustments, the DLE continues to be the authoritative reference for millions of Spanish speakers and professionals worldwide.
The RAE's latest update reminds us that Spanish is a living, breathing language that adapts to technological advances, social changes, and cultural phenomena while maintaining its rich linguistic heritage. We'd love to hear your thoughts on these new additions—send us your comments and questions!
From escalating political tensions to unprecedented global divisions, 2025 has been defined by extremes. Throughout the year, we've witnessed a world increasingly split between opposing viewpoints, where moderation seems to have taken a back seat. This reality has led us to select a word that perfectly captures the spirit of our times. Let's reveal Yabla's Spanish Word of the Year 2025.
The word radical is our Spanish Word of the Year 2025. Political polarization, extreme positions, and a growing divide in public discourse have made this term constantly appear in news headlines and everyday conversations across the Spanish-speaking world.
In Spanish, just like in English, radical functions as both an adjective and a noun. The word carries multiple meanings depending on context:
• Extreme or drastic (cambio radical - radical change)
• Fundamental (reforma radical - fundamental reform)
• In politics, describing extreme ideological positions
A person who holds extreme political or lifestyle views
El amigo neohippie radical salsapunk:
The radical salsapunk neohippie:
Caption 49, Juan Sánchez Personajes
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The word radical in Spanish is pronounced rah-dee-KAHL, with the stress on the final syllable.
One of the most common expressions with radical is cambio radical (radical change), which refers to a profound or permanent transformation:
encontraron un cambio radical para su vida.
found a radical change for their lives.
Caption 7, Instinto de conservación Parque Tayrona - Part 5
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The word radical belongs to a family of related terms that have also been prominent this year:
• Radicalización (radicalization) - The process of adopting extreme positions
• Radicalizar (to radicalize) - To make or become radical
• Radicalismo (radicalism) - The ideology or practice of radical politics
While radical captured the essence of 2025, several other words defined key moments throughout the year:
From military operations in conflict zones to airport disruptions and expanding delivery services, drones have been everywhere in 2025. The Spanish word dron comes from the English "drone."
cámaras, trípodes, palo selfie, drones, etcétera,
cameras, tripods, selfie sticks, drones, etc.,
Caption 30, Viajando con Fermín El Caminito del Rey - Part 1
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Immigration policies and enforcement dominated headlines throughout 2025, making deportación a frequently discussed topic across the Spanish-speaking world.
This word describes the growing divide in societies worldwide, where finding common ground has become increasingly challenging.
Trade tensions and tariff policies shaped economic discussions in 2025, making aranceles a term frequently heard in business news and political debates.
So there you have it - our Spanish Word of the Year 2025. What are your thoughts on choosing radical? Can you think of other words that deserved this title? Share your ideas with us, and feel free to tell us what words defined your 2025!
Whether you're browsing a local market in Mexico City, shopping at a mall in Madrid, or purchasing groceries in Buenos Aires, knowing shopping vocabulary in Spanish is essential for travelers and learners alike. Today, we'll explore the words and phrases you need to navigate any shopping experience with confidence.
Let's start by learning the names of different types of stores you might visit while shopping in Spanish-speaking countries.
The word tienda is the general term for "store" or "shop" in Spanish. You'll hear this everywhere!
Me encuentro en la increíble tienda de Lego aquí en Barcelona,
I'm at the amazing Lego store here in Barcelona,
Caption 5, Víctor en España La tienda Lego de Barcelona
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When you need to buy groceries and household items, head to el supermercado.
¿sabe si hay algún supermercado cercano abierto todavía?"
Do you know if there's any supermarket nearby still open?"
Caption 26, Aprendiendo con Silvia Horas, fechas y períodos de tiempo - Part 4
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In Latin America, you'll often hear centro comercial for shopping mall/center. In Spain, many people also use el centro comercial or simply las tiendas.
y la segunda en el centro comercial Larios en el centro de Málaga.
and the second one in the Larios shopping center in downtown Málaga.
Caption 59, Adriana Mi historia con el café
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Traditional markets remain popular throughout Latin America and Spain for fresh produce, meats, and local goods.
Y muy atentos, porque hoy os he traído hasta El Rastro, el mercado callejero más grande de todo Madrid.
And [be] very attentive because today, I've brought you to El Rastro, the biggest street market in all of Madrid.
Captions 3-4, Con Marta por Madrid El Rastro
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For high-end fashion and specialty items, you might visit una boutique.
Morgan, vamos a la boutique de mi amiga Mousy.
Morgan, we're going to my friend, Mousy' boutique.
Caption 1, Muñeca Brava 7 El poema - Part 4
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Now that you know where to shop, let's learn the key verbs you'll need during your shopping experience.
This is the most essential shopping verb. Comprar means "to buy" or "to purchase."
y voy a comprar al mercado,
and I'm going to buy at the market,
Caption 42, Cataluña y su gente Cristina de Reus
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The opposite of comprar is vender, which means "to sell."
y luego tú puedes vender, eh...
and then you can sell, um...
Caption 47, Isabel y Paula contigo Vida cultural en Madrid - Part 2
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When you're searching for a specific item, use the verb buscar.
Buscar, significa tratar de encontrar algo o a alguien.
"Buscar" [to look for] means to try to find something or someone.
Caption 29, Lecciones con Carolina Mirar, ver, y buscar
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Shopping for clothes? You'll want to probarse (try on) items before buying them.
Si gusta, puede probarse cualquier modelito, ¿ah?
If you want, you can try on any design, huh?
Caption 37, Otavalo Zapatos andinos
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When you're ready to complete your purchase, you'll need to pagar.
Vas a tener que pagar más dinero.
You're going to have to pay more money.
Caption 10, Fermín Frases y expresiones - Part 2
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To ask how much something costs, you'll use the verb costar.
pues, te va a costar más o menos.
well, it's going to cost you more or less.
Caption 14, Isabel y Paula contigo Transporte público en Madrid - Part 3
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When you decide to purchase something, you can say Me lo llevo (I'll take it).
Si viene un... extravagante a quererse llevar este, ¿en cuánto también estaría? Este es veinticinco.
If an... extravagant person comes and wants to take this one, how much would it cost too? This one is twenty-five.
Captions 27-29, Otavalo Totora - Part 2
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Being able to ask questions and communicate with shop assistants makes shopping much easier. Here are some essential phrases:
📌 This is probably the most important question you'll ask while shopping!
¿Cuánto cuesta esta cartera?"
How much does this purse cost?"
Caption 33, Ana Carolina Salir de compras
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Use this phrase to ask if a store has a particular item.
¿Tiene esta camisa en azul?
Do you have this shirt in blue?
When a salesperson approaches and you're just browsing, this phrase is useful:
Estoy mirando, gracias
I'm just looking, thank you
Need help finding something in the store? Ask ¿Dónde está...?
"¿Podría usted indicarme dónde está la plaza?"
"Could you [formal] tell me where the plaza is?"
Caption 45, Raquel Las direcciones
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A polite way to get assistance from store staff.
Disculpe, ¿me puede ayudar a encontrar una chaqueta?
Exceuse me, can you help me find a jacket?
When shopping for clothes, staff might ask you ¿Qué talla usa? The most common sizes are pequeña/chica (small), mediana (medium), grande (large), and extra grande (extra large).
Yo también; voy a preguntar si hay otra talla,
Me too; I'm going to ask if there is another size,
Caption 68, Cleer y Carolina De compras
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📌 It's also very common to refer to sizes by their letters: S (ese), M (eme), L (ele), and XL (equis ele).
Essential when shopping for clothes or shoes and the first size doesn't fit!
Before trying on clothes, you'll need to find el probador (the fitting room).
El siguiente paso es probarte el vestido en el probador.
The next step is to try on the dress in the fitting room.
Caption 31, Raquel Haciendo compras
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Always polite to ask permission before heading to the fitting room.
When it's time to pay, you'll need to know these terms:
The amount something costs is el precio.
He comprado dos por el precio de uno. -Mm...
I've bought two for the price of one. -Mm...
Caption 11, Extr@: Extra en español Ep. 7: La gemela - Part 3
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Head to la caja when you're ready to pay.
Desde que José administra la tienda, siempre falta dinero en la caja
Since Jose has been managing the store, money is always missing in the cash register,
Captions 42-43, Carlos explica Los cinco sentidos - Part 4
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The person who processes your payment is el cajero (male) or la cajera (female). Interestingly, cajero is also the term used for an ATM machine, which is called el cajero automático:
¡Oh! ¿Dónde está el cajero automático?
Oh! Where's the ATM?
Caption 36, Natalia de Ecuador Palabras de uso básico
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If you're paying with cash, you're paying en efectivo.
Una pregunta: ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta de crédito o sólo en efectivo?
One question: Can I pay with a credit card or just in cash?
Caption 41, Cleer y Lida Conversación telefónica - Part 2
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Most stores accept credit and debit cards, which are collectively called tarjetas.
La tarjeta de crédito en sí misma no es mala;
The credit card in itself is not bad;
Caption 8, Cuentas claras Sobreviviendo enero - Part 3
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Always keep your receipt, or el recibo, in case you need to return something.
Pasa un chiflón y se me lleva la, la lotería, se me lleva el recibo.
A gust of wind passes by and takes the, the lottery ticket from me, it takes the receipt from me.
Captions 30-31, Confidencial: Broma pesada Capítulo 2 - Part 14
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Everyone loves a discount! Look for signs that say descuento or rebaja.
Es muy importante que consigamos el descuento.
It's very important that we get the discount.
Caption 50, Negocios Problemas laborales - Part 1
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Especially popular in Spain, las rebajas are seasonal sales events.
no hay aglomeraciones de gente en las tiendas, en las rebajas.
there are no crowds of people in the stores, at the sales.
Captions 40-41, Soledad Vacaciones de verano
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Here are some common phrases you'll hear or use while shopping:
When something is discounted, it's en oferta.
Ese atún me va a costar uno veinticinco porque está en oferta.
That tuna is going to cost me one twenty-five because it's on sale.
Caption 37, María Fernanda Economía durante el COVID-19
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Use this when trying on clothes to indicate if something fits properly.
¿Me queda bien? Sí, ¿no? -Guapo, guapo, muy bien se ve.
Does it look good on me? It does, right? -Handsome, handsome, it looks very good.
Caption 52, 75 minutos Gangas para ricos - Part 6
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If the price is too high, you can say Es muy caro.
¡Es muy caro!
It's very expensive!
Caption 87, Extr@: Extra en español Ep. 2: Sam va de compras - Part 6
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When you find a great deal, it's una ganga!
Una ganga es un objeto que lo venden regalado. Bueno, regalado no, pero que es muy barato.
A bargain is an object that's sold as a giveaway. Well, maybe not a giveaway, but it's very cheap.
Captions 59-60, Con Marta por Madrid El Rastro
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Always good to confirm before you start shopping!
¿Aceptan tarjeta?
Do you accept cards?
Caption 62, Natalia de Ecuador Ordenar en un restaurante
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Let's put this vocabulary into context with some practical examples you might encounter:
¿Tiene esta camisa en talla mediana?
Do you have this shirt in size medium?
¿Cuánto cuestan estos zapatos?
How much do these shoes cost?
¿Dónde están las frutas y verduras?
Where are the fruits and vegetables?
¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?
Can I pay with a card?
Necesito devolver esto, por favor.
I need to return this, please.
Congratulations! You now have the essential vocabulary and phrases to navigate shopping in Spanish with confidence. From asking for prices to finding the right size, these words and expressions will help you shop like a local in any Spanish-speaking country. Practice using these terms during your next shopping trip, and remember that every purchase is an opportunity to improve your Spanish!
What shopping experiences have you had in Spanish-speaking countries? Share your stories with us, and don't forget to send us your questions and suggestions!
Planning to travel to a Spanish-speaking country? Navigating an airport can be challenging even in your native language, but knowing essential airport vocabulary in Spanish will make your journey much smoother. Today, we'll walk through the typical airport experience step by step, learning key Spanish terms you'll encounter from the moment you arrive until you board your plane.
When you first arrive at el aeropuerto (the airport), you'll need to orient yourself quickly. Most airports have clear signage, but knowing these basic terms will help you navigate with confidence.
The first thing you'll notice are the departure and arrival boards. Look for pantallas de información (information screens) that display current flight information. These digital displays are your first resource for finding your gate and checking your vuelo (flight) status.
En este aeropuerto no se informan de los vuelos. Consulte las pantallas de información.
In this airport flights are not announced. Check the information screens.
Captions 15-16, Raquel Avisos de Megafonía
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Once inside, you'll want to locate the departure and arrival information. The arrivals section is called llegadas, while departures are salidas. If you're picking someone up, head to the llegadas area. If you're traveling, you'll need the salidas section.
Flight information displays typically show:
• Número de vuelo (flight number)
• Destino (destination)
• Hora de salida (departure time)
• Puerta de embarque (gate)
• Estado del vuelo (flight status)
Mi vuelo sale desde la puerta de embarque B siete.
My flight leaves from the boarding gate B seven.
Caption 17, Raquel Avisos de Megafonía
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After confirming your flight details, it's time for el check-in (check-in). You have several options: you can use a máquina de check-in automático (self-service kiosk) or go to the mostrador de check-in (check-in counter).
At check-in, you'll need to present your documento de identidad (ID) and boleto or pasaje (ticket). For international flights, you'll need your pasaporte (passport). The agent will ask about your equipaje (baggage). You might have equipaje de mano (carry-on luggage) and equipaje facturado (checked baggage).
En París, ese... ese boleto de... lo que él vendió sob'... de ese boleto de avión
In Paris, that... that ticket from... what he sold was le'... [what was left] from that airline ticket
Captions 34-35, Víctor en España Gabriel García Márquez - Part 3
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¿Me permite su pasaporte?
May I have your passport?
Caption 18, Confidencial: El rey de la estafa Capítulo 1 - Part 2
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Common phrases you'll hear:
• ¿Puede mostrarme su pasaporte, por favor? (Can you show me your passport, please?)
• ¿Cuántas maletas lleva? (How many bags are you carrying?)
• ¿Cuántas maletas va a facturar? (How many bags are you checking?)
• ¿Cuántas personas viajan? (How many people are traveling?)
• ¿Prefiere asiento de ventana o de pasillo? (Do you prefer a window or aisle seat?)
After check-in, you'll proceed to control de seguridad (security checkpoint). This is where you'll need to show your tarjeta de embarque (boarding pass) and identification again.
At security, you'll need to:
• Remove your cinturón (belt) and zapatos (shoes)
• Place líquidos (liquids) in separate containers
• Put electronic devices in separate bins
• Walk through the detector de metales (metal detector)
Security personnel might ask you to abrir la maleta (open your bag) or explain certain items in your carry-on.
Once through security, you'll be in the área de embarque (boarding area). Use the señalización (signage) to find your puerta de embarque (boarding gate). Most airports have clear directional signs pointing to different gate numbers.
Along the way, you'll pass various servicios (services):
• Tiendas libres de impuestos (duty-free shops)
• Restaurantes y cafeterías (restaurants and cafeterias)
• Baños or servicios (restrooms)
• Salas de espera (waiting areas)
At your gate, listen for announcements about el embarque (boarding). Airlines typically board by grupos (groups) or filas (rows). When your group is called, present your tarjeta de embarque to the auxiliar de vuelo (flight attendant) at the gate.
You'll walk through the pasarela (jetway) to board the avión (airplane). Once on board, find your asiento (seat) and store your equipaje de mano in the compartimento superior (overhead compartment).
• Aeropuerto - Airport
• Terminal - Terminal
• Llegadas - Arrivals
• Salidas - Departures
• Vuelo - Flight
• Puerta de embarque - Gate
• Sala de embarque - Boarding area or departure lounge
la sala de embarque,
the departure lounge,
Caption 66, Carlos explica Los artículos en español - Part 1
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• Check-in - Check-in
• Mostrador - Counter
• Equipaje - Baggage
• Maleta - Suitcase
• Boleto/Pasaje - Ticket
• Tarjeta de embarque - Boarding pass
• Asiento - Seat
• Control de seguridad - Security checkpoint
• Pasaporte - Passport
• Documento de identidad - ID
• Detector de metales - Metal detector
• Rayos X - X-ray
• Baños/Servicios - Restrooms
• Tienda libre de impuestos - Duty-free shop
• Avión - Airplane
• Piloto - Pilot
• Auxiliar de vuelo - Flight attendant
• Pasarela - Jetway
• Embarque - Boarding
• Despegue - Takeoff
• Aterrizaje - Landing
Mastering this airport vocabulary in Spanish will help you travel more confidently in Spanish-speaking countries. Practice these terms before your next trip, and you'll find navigating airports much easier. Remember that airport staff are usually helpful if you need assistance - don't hesitate to ask "Disculpe, ¿puede ayudarme?" (Excuse me, can you help me?).
Ready to practice your airport vocabulary in Spanish? Send us a message with your comments or questions about your travel experiences and any other vocabulary you'd like us to cover!
Have you ever noticed Latin American Spanish speakers saying "este..." when they're thinking about what to say next? If you've wondered what this little word means and how to use it, you're in for a treat! Today we're exploring a common but often overlooked feature of Latin American Spanish: using este as a colloquial hesitation marker or interjection.
While most Spanish learners know este as the demonstrative adjective meaning "this" (este libro = this book), it has another completely different use in spoken Spanish. When used as an interjection, este functions exactly like the English "um," "uh," or "well" - it's a filler word that speakers use when they're hesitating, thinking, or pausing before continuing their thought.
This usage of este is particularly common in Latin American Spanish. When someone says Este... quería contarles algo grave (Um... I wanted to tell you something serious), they're using este to buy themselves a moment to gather their thoughts, just like English speakers do with "um" or "well." Here are some typical contexts where you'll hear this:
Este... necesito hablar contigo (Um... I need to talk to you)
¿Qué tal? Este... Mi nombre es David del Valle. Este... tengo veintiún años. Soy estudiante.
What's up? Um... My name is David del Valle. Um... I'm twenty-one years old. I'm a student.
Captions 1-2, Amigos D.F. El secuestrar
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Este... ¿cómo te explico? (Um... how do I explain this to you?)
Es algo muy divertido y, pues, este... pues, sí.
It's a really fun thing, and well, um... well, yes.
Captions 14-15, Rueda de la muerte Parte 1
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Este... dame un momento (Um... give me a moment)
Este... ¿Qué más? ¿Qué más? ¡Se me olvida cuando nos preguntan!
Um... What else? What else? I forget when we're asked!
Captions 30-31, La Gusana Ciega Entrevista - Part 1
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This use of este is especially prevalent in Latin American countries, where it's a natural part of everyday conversation. You might also hear esto used in the same way, with the same hesitation function. It's important to recognize that when este is used this way, it has nothing to do with pointing to something nearby. Instead, it's purely a conversational tool that helps speakers navigate the natural pauses and hesitations that occur in spontaneous speech.
Este... me voy a fijar si hay.
Well... I'm going to check to see if there's any.
Caption 34, Yago 5 La ciudad - Part 6
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Understanding este as a hesitation marker will help you sound more natural in Spanish conversations and better comprehend native speakers who use these common filler words. While you don't need to actively use it as a beginner, recognizing it when you hear it will make your listening comprehension much smoother.
Next time you're listening to Spanish conversations, keep an ear out for this little word - you'll be surprised how often you notice it once you know what to listen for! What other Spanish filler words or conversational markers would you like to learn about? Share your thoughts with us and don't forget to send us your questions and comments!
Have you ever wondered what cariño means in English? You're not alone! This is one of the most searched Spanish words by English speakers, and for good reason. The truth is, cariño is one of those beautiful Spanish words that simply doesn't have a direct English translation. It occupies a unique emotional space that English just can't capture with a single word.
If you've been struggling to understand what cariño means or how to use it properly, you've come to the right place. Today, we're diving deep into this wonderful word that reveals something beautiful about the Spanish language and culture.
So, what does cariño mean exactly? The word cariño refers to a warm, tender feeling of affection that flows between love and care. It's more than simple fondness but not as intense as passionate love. Think of it as that sweet spot of human connection - intimate yet gentle, caring yet not overwhelming.
When Spanish speakers use cariño, there's an understanding of exactly what kind of emotion they mean. It's applicable to family members, close friends, romantic partners, and even beloved pets, but it carries a particular warmth that's neither casual nor overpowering.
English tends to compartmentalize emotions when it comes to love and affection. We have "love" (which often feels too strong), "like" (too weak), "fondness" (too formal), "affection" (clinical), and "care" (not quite right either). But cariño flows seamlessly between all these categories.
This is similar to how other languages have untranslatable emotional concepts - like Portuguese saudade or Danish hygge. These words capture entire emotional experiences that other cultures recognize but don't have compact ways to express.
Let's look at how cariño is actually used in everyday Spanish conversations:
One of the most common uses of cariño is as a term of endearment, similar to "honey," "dear," or "sweetheart" in English. As we can see in these two clips from our popular series Extr@: Extra en español:
Hola, Pablo, cariño. -Hola.
Hello, Pablo, honey. -Hello.
Caption 9, Extr@: Extra en español Ep. 8: La prima de la dueña - Part 5
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Notice how natural it sounds when used between people who care about each other. You can also use the diminutive form cariñito to make it even more affectionate:
¿A que sí, cariñito?
Right, honey?
Caption 15, Extr@: Extra en español Ep. 8: La prima de la dueña - Part 5
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You can also use cariño to express your feelings of fondness toward someone or something. For example, when talking about a beloved tree:
Es un árbol al que le tenemos muchísimo cariño.
It's a tree that we're very fond of.
Caption 51, Estepona Orquidario - Part 1
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The word also appears when talking about doing something with love and care, like in this example about handmade crafts:
que es hecho con mucho cariño, hecho a mano.
which is done with lots of love, handmade.
Caption 57, Otavalo Bisutería Kinty
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Cariño is commonly used when sending emotional support to someone:
Te mando mi cariño y muchos ánimos
I send you my love and a lot of encouragement
Caption 19, Aprendiendo con Silvia Pésame y condolencias - Part 2
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You'll also hear cariño used to express warm hospitality:
a la ciudad de Pasto y que los recibimos con todo cariño
in the city of Pasto, and we welcome you with all our affection,
Caption 11, Pipo Carnavales de Pasto - Part 2
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There are several related words and expressions that complement cariño in Spanish:
Cariñoso/a - This adjective means "affectionate" or "loving"
Con cariño - This phrase means "with love" or "with affection" and is commonly used when signing cards or letters
Tener cariño - This expression means "to have affection for" someone
Understanding cariño reveals how Spanish-speaking cultures have remarkably nuanced emotional vocabulary. While there are English words that can come close to its meaning - like "affection," "fondness," or "love" - none quite captures the complete essence of cariño.
These approximations can serve as helpful guidance for understanding the concept, but they miss the specific warmth and tenderness that makes cariño unique. This is one of the most compelling reasons to learn Spanish: accessing emotional territories that English doesn't map precisely. So when someone asks "what does cariño mean in English," you can explain that while we can approximate it with several English words, it's a beautiful Spanish concept that's best understood in its original form.
What other untranslatable Spanish words would you like to explore? We'd love to hear from you with your questions and comments!
Time is one of the most fundamental concepts we discuss every day. Whether you're talking about what you did yesterday, what you're doing today, or what you plan to do tomorrow, these three time expressions are absolutely essential in Spanish conversation. Today, we'll explore how to say and use the time adverbs for yesterday, today, and tomorrow in Spanish (ayer, hoy, and mañana) with clear examples and practical usage.
Let's start with the basics. Here are the three key time expressions for yesterday, today, and tomorrow in Spanish:
Ayer = Yesterday
Hoy = Today
Mañana = Tomorrow
These three words are the foundation of talking about time in Spanish, and you'll use them constantly in everyday conversation.
The word ayer is pronounced "ah-YAIR." Notice that the stress falls on the second syllable. It's a simple two-syllable word that's easy to remember and pronounce.
ayer,
yesterday,
Caption 71, Fermín y Manuel El pasado - Part 2
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Hoy is perhaps the simplest of the three words. It's pronounced exactly like the English word "oy" but with a slight "h" sound at the beginning: "oy." It's just one syllable, making it very straightforward.
hoy,
today,
Caption 81, Fermín y Manuel El pasado - Part 2
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Mañana is pronounced "mah-NYAH-nah." The stress falls on the second syllable, and don't forget that "ñ" makes the "ny" sound. Interestingly, mañana can also mean "morning," but context will always make it clear which meaning is intended.
Mañana.
Mañana [tomorrow].
Caption 26, Graciela Alfabeto y formación de sílabas
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Vuelvan mañana por la mañana y les atenderemos de ocho a una y media".
Come back tomorrow morning, and we'll attend to you from eight to one-thirty."
Captions 49-50, Aprendiendo con Silvia Horas, fechas y períodos de tiempo - Part 4
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Notice how in this example, the word mañana functions as both "tomorrow" and "morning" in the very common Spanish expression mañana por la mañana (tomorrow moning).
Now let's see how to use these time expressions in real sentences. The great news is that they typically go at the beginning or end of a sentence, just like in English.
You can use ayer with past tense verbs to talk about what happened yesterday:
Mañana es sábado
Tomorrow is Saturday,
Caption 21, Aprendiendo con Zulbany Piensa rápido - Part 3
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"La reunión es mañana"
"The meeting is tomorrow"
Caption 58, Carlos explica El verbo "ser" - Part 2
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Hoy is used with present tense verbs to talk about what's happening today:
Hoy os traigo un recorrido muy especial
Today, I'm bringing you a very special tour
Caption 2, Fuengirola El Paseo de los Murales de El Boquetillo - Part 1
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y también hoy tenemos la novedad del queso canárico.
and today we also have the novelty of Canarian cheese.
Caption 17, Kowy Queso
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Mañana is typically used with future tense or "ir a + infinitive" constructions:
¿Vamos mañana a la piscina?
Are we going tomorrow to the pool?
Caption 7, Fundamentos del Español 4 - Las Preguntas
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No, mañana vamos a llegar a la casa
No, tomorrow we're going to get home,
Caption 33, Los Años Maravillosos Capítulo 12 - Part 7
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Once you master ayer, hoy, and mañana, you can expand your time vocabulary with related expressions:
Anteayer = The day before yesterday
Anoche: Last night
Pasado mañana = The day after tomorrow
Esta mañana = This morning
Esta tarde = This afternoon/evening
Esta noche = Tonight
Keep in mind that anteayer is the preferred and standard form across the Spanish-speaking world, though you might also see antes de ayer (which means the same thing). Additionally, you might hear antier in some Latin American countries, particularly in Mexico and Central America. However, anteayer is the recommended form to use in formal speech and writing.
Y "anteayer" me encontré con unas amigas,
And "the day before yesterday," I met up with some friends,
Caption 12, Aprendiendo con Silvia Horas, fechas y períodos de tiempo - Part 3
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Learning to say yesterday, today, and tomorrow in Spanish—ayer, hoy, and mañana—is crucial for basic communication. These fundamental time expressions will help you talk about your daily activities, make plans, and share experiences with Spanish speakers. With proper pronunciation and regular practice, you'll be confidently using ayer, hoy, and mañana in no time.
We hope this simple guide has helped you understand these essential Spanish time expressions. Please share your thoughts and questions with us—we'd love to hear from you!
Have you ever wondered about the Spanish word ojalá and where it comes from? This beautiful expression is one of the most commonly used words in Spanish to express hopes and wishes, but its fascinating origins might surprise you. Today, we'll explore what ojalá means, how to use it correctly, and discover its amazing journey from Arabic to modern Spanish.
According to the Diccionario de la lengua española, ojalá is an interjection that expresses a strong desire for something to happen. Simply put, it means "I hope," "I wish" or "hopefully" in English, and it's used to express wishes, hopes, and desires.
¡Ojalá! ¿No?
I wish! Right?
Caption 15, Escuela BCNLIP Clase con Javi: el futuro - Part 21
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But here's what makes this word truly special: every time you say ojalá, you're actually using a word that has traveled through centuries and cultures to reach modern Spanish.
The word ojalá has an incredible history that takes us back to medieval Spain. It originated from the Arabic Hispanic expression "wa šá lláh," meaning "and God has willed it." Through centuries of linguistic evolution, this Arabic phrase gradually transformed into the Spanish ojalá we use today.
Originally, this expression carried strong religious significance, directly invoking divine will. However, as Spanish developed and the word became fully integrated into the language, most speakers today use ojalá without any awareness of its religious roots. In modern Spanish, it simply serves as a way to express hopes and wishes, regardless of the speaker's religious beliefs or background.
Interestingly, Spanish also has the expression si Dios quiere (God willing), which maintains its obvious religious meaning, making ojalá unique as a hope-expressing word whose divine origins have become invisible to most speakers.
Understanding how to use ojalá correctly is essential for expressing hopes and wishes in Spanish. Let's look at the different ways you can use this versatile word.
You can use ojalá by itself as a complete response to express hope or agreement:
¡Ojalá! ¡Dios te oiga!
I hope so! May God hear you!
Caption 79, Confidencial: Asesino al Volante Capítulo 4 - Part 2
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The most common way to use ojalá is followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood. This construction allows you to express specific hopes and wishes:
y ojalá disfruten del aprendizaje de nuestro idioma.
and I hope you enjoy learning our language.
Caption 56, Hispanoamericanos en Berlín Manuel y El barrilito
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You can optionally add que between ojalá and the subjunctive verb. Both forms are correct and widely used:
Ay, ojalá que sea un buen muchacho, ¿no?
Oh, I hope that he's a good guy, right?
Caption 12, Muñeca Brava 39 Verdades - Part 1
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In Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, you'll often hear ojalá y followed by the subjunctive:
Ojalá y pudiéramos llevarlos a un tribunal
I wish we could take them to court
Caption 12, Los casos de Yabla Errores gramaticales - Part 1
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When learning how to use ojalá in Spanish, it's important to avoid this common error: never use ojalá with an infinitive verb. This is grammatically incorrect in Spanish.
❌ Incorrect: Ojalá encontrar trabajo pronto (This is grammatically wrong - don't use infinitives with ojalá)
✅ Correct: Ojalá encuentre trabajo pronto (I hope I find a job soon)
✅ Correct: Ojalá pueda encontrar trabajo pronto (I hope I can find a job soon)
Now that you understand the origins and grammar rules, you can confidently use ojalá to express your hopes and wishes in Spanish. Remember that this word connects you to centuries of linguistic history, from its Arabic roots to its modern Spanish usage.
Whether you're hoping for good weather, wishing someone luck, or expressing a deep desire, ojalá is an essential word that will make your Spanish sound more natural and expressive.
We hope this lesson has helped you understand the fascinating origins and proper usage of ojalá in Spanish. Feel free to share your thoughts and let us know if you have any questions about this beautiful expression!
If you're looking to conduct business in Spanish-speaking countries or with Spanish-speaking clients, learning key business transaction vocabulary is crucial. Whether you're buying, selling, negotiating, or closing deals, these essential Spanish terms will help you navigate the world of business transactions with confidence. Let's dive into some of the most important business vocabulary you'll need!
One of the first things you'll need to know when conducting business in Spanish are the basic words for buying and selling.
Tenemos que ir a comprar algo de comer.
We have to go buy something to eat.
Caption 40, Extr@: Extra en español Ep. 1 - La llegada de Sam - Part 4
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vamos a vender productos
we're going to sell products
Caption 12, Santuario para burros Tienda solidaria
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Vas a tener que pagar más dinero.
You're going to have to pay more money.
Caption 9, Fermín Frases y expresiones - Part 2
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These three verbs form the foundation of any business transaction. You might hear them in various contexts, from small retail purchases to large corporate deals.
When discussing business transactions, you'll need vocabulary to describe what you're buying or selling.
¿Ustedes vienen a hacer un negocio y no tienen plata para la mercancía?
You guys come to do business, and you don't have money for the merchandise?
Caption 44, Pablo Escobar, el patrón del mal Capítulo 1 - Part 6
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estamos ofreciendo productos de calidad,
are offering quality products,
Caption 10, Otavalo Taller Milmarte
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El comercio internacional se refiere a la compra y venta de bienes y servicios entre países.
International trade refers to the buying and selling of goods and services between countries.
Captions 7-8, Vocabulario de noticias Economía - Part 2
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La producción interna de suministros ha disminuido
The internal production of supplies has decreased
Caption 45, Zulbany y Micheel La situación en Venezuela
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Once you've established what you're buying or selling, you'll likely need to negotiate the terms.
que era trabajar con vino y hacer un negocio.
which was to work with wine and create a business.
Caption 15, Montserrat Cata de vinos - Part 1
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nosotros vamos a cotizar más bajo,
we are going to quote lower
Caption 64, Muñeca Brava 2 Venganza - Part 4
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yo voy a hablar con el señor Martínez, a hacerle una oferta también.
I'm going to talk to Mister Martínez, to make him an offer too.
Caption 17, Confidencial: Asesino al Volante Capítulo 4 - Part 5
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Además, me han regalado un veinticinco por ciento de descuento
In addition, they gave me a twenty-five percent discount
Caption 19, Fermín y Manuel El pasado - Part 2
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Por cierto, el precio se puede negociar; a eso lo llamamos en español "regatear".
By the way, the price can be negotiated; in Spanish we call that "regatear" [to bargain].
Caption 35, Fuengirola Mercado
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These terms are essential when discussing prices and trying to reach an agreement that benefits both parties.
After negotiations, it's time to finalize the deal using these important terms.
que realizan transacciones de productos financieros.
that carry out financial product transactions.
Caption 10, Vocabulario de noticias Finanzas - Part 3
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La última noticia es que habíamos conseguido un contrato de larga duración.
The latest news is that we had gotten a long-term contract.
Caption 14, Negocios Problemas laborales - Part 3
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Cuando llegamos a enero y tenemos estas facturas y estas cuentas,
When we get to January and we have these invoices and these bills,
Caption 14, Cuentas claras Sobreviviendo enero - Part 1
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se me lleva el recibo.
it takes the receipt from me.
Caption 31, Confidencial: Broma pesada Capítulo 2 - Part 14
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Building strong relationships is crucial in the business world, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries where personal connections often matter greatly.
Ah, y más que nada, que nos gusta mucho atender al cliente,
Oh, and more than anything, we really like to take care of the customer,
Caption 23, Yabla en Yucatán Jorge
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y el proveedor no ha retirado.
and the supplier has not removed.
Caption 23, Los Reporteros Sembrar, comer, tirar - Part 3
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Él es Rafael, es mi socio.
He's Rafael, he's my partner.
Caption 85, 75 minutos Gangas para ricos - Part 18
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These terms define the various relationships you'll establish while conducting business in Spanish.
Finally, here are some useful phrases that will help you sound more natural in business conversations:
Fue un placer hacer negocios con usted, ¿eh?
It was a pleasure doing business with you, huh?
Caption 43, Confidencial: El rey de la estafa Capítulo 5 - Part 7
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queremos montar un negocio
we want to start a business,
Caption 50, Confidencial: Broma pesada Capítulo 5 - Part 14
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y tiene el sentido de llegar a un acuerdo,
and has the sense of reaching an agreement,
Caption 29, Aprendiendo con Silvia Significados, usos y expresiones con "quedar" - Part 1
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Y, no, lo que pasa es que aparte le hice firmar un contrato.
And, no, the thing is that on top of that I made her sign a contract.
Caption 7, Muñeca Brava 18 - La Apuesta - Part 10
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Let's practice what we've just learned with the following brief conversation between a supplier and a business owner:
Ana: Buenos días, señor García. Soy Ana Rodríguez, representante de Suministros Globales. | Good morning, Mr. García. I'm Ana Rodríguez, representative of Global Supplies.
Sr. García: Estoy interesado en comprar nueva mercancía para mi tienda. | I'm interested in buying new merchandise for my store.
Ana: Podemos cotizarle precios competitivos si busca hacer un negocio a largo plazo. | We can quote you competitive prices if you're looking to make a long-term business deal.
Sr. García: Actualmente trabajo con otro proveedor, pero ¿ofrecen algún descuento? | I currently work with another supplier, but do you offer any discounts?
Ana: Para clientes nuevos, ofrecemos 15% en su primera transacción. | For new clients, we offer 15% off on their first transaction.
Sr. García: Suena bien, aunque tendré que regatear. ¿Podríamos llegar a un acuerdo de 20%? | Sounds good, though I'll have to bargain. Could we reach an agreement of 20%?
Ana: Podemos ofrecer 18%. Si le parece bien, podemos firmar un contrato hoy. | We can offer 18%. If that works for you, we can sign a contract today.
Sr. García: Me parece justo. Estoy pensando en montar un negocio adicional el próximo año. | That seems fair. I'm thinking about setting up a business next year.
Ana: Excelente. Prepararé la factura y le entregaremos su recibo cuando pague. | Excellent. I'll prepare the invoice and we'll give you your receipt when you pay.
If you're enjoying learning business vocabulary in Spanish, don't miss our "Vocabulario de noticias" series! This collection of 10 videos is perfect for beginners and intermediate learners who want to understand Spanish news related to finances, the economy, international politics, and the environment.
Carlos guides you through essential vocabulary that will help you follow business and economic news in Spanish-speaking media. Take your business Spanish to the next level by learning how these terms are used in real-world contexts!
Having these essential business transaction terms in your Spanish vocabulary is a great starting point for conducting business in Spanish-speaking environments. The more you practice using these terms in real-life situations, the more comfortable you'll become navigating business transactions in Spanish.
Remember that business practices may vary between different Spanish-speaking countries, so it's always good to research specific cultural business norms for the region you're working with.
Don't forget to send us your questions and comments about business vocabulary in Spanish. ¡Buena suerte con tus negocios!
"Quien tiene un amigo tiene un tesoro" (He who has a friend has a treasure) – this popular Spanish saying perfectly captures how friendship is valued across the Spanish-speaking world. While amigo is the most universally recognized word for "friend" in Spanish, the richness of this language offers a colorful variety of terms that reflect unique cultural identities and relationship dynamics.
In this lesson, we'll explore 16 different ways to say "friend" in Spanish, from standard terms used across countries to regional expressions that will help you sound like a local. Understanding these friendship terms won't just improve your vocabulary – it will give you insight into the cultural nuances of different Spanish-speaking communities.
Amigo (male friend) and amiga (female friend) are the most basic and widely recognized terms for "friend" in Spanish. These words are understood everywhere Spanish is spoken and appear in textbooks worldwide.
¡Basta, y no le hables así a mi amigo Sam!
Stop it, and don't talk like that to my friend Sam!
Caption 40, Extr@: Extra en español Ep. 4: Sam busca un trabajo - Part 6
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In plural form, you'd use amigos for a group of male friends or a mixed-gender group, while amigas refers exclusively to female friends. It's a completely neutral term that can describe any level of friendship, from an acquaintance you occasionally chat with to your closest confidant.
One important cultural note: In many Spanish-speaking countries, people may call you amigo or amiga even when they've just met you. Waiters, taxi drivers, or shop attendants might use these terms as a friendly gesture, not because they consider you an actual friend.
While hermano literally means "brother" and hermana means "sister," these terms are widely used across Spanish-speaking countries to refer to very close friends who aren't blood relatives. Using hermano or hermana to address a friend emphasizes the family-like bond you share with them. Many Spanish speakers will shorten these to mano or use the diminutive forms hermanito/hermanita to add affection.
Hermanito, ¿yo qué hago? Yo me considero su mejor amigo,
Brother, what can I do? I consider myself his best friend,
Caption 12, Confidencial: Broma pesada Capítulo 5 - Part 2
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Traditionally, compadre and comadre refer to a child's godparents or the relationship between parents and godparents. However, these terms have evolved to describe trusted friends, especially in Mexico and other Latin American countries. Calling someone your compadre implies a relationship built on mutual respect and trust. It's often used among men of similar age and social standing. The shortened form compa is also very common, particularly in Mexico.
¡Órale compadre, échese un trago!
Come on, pal, throw down a drink!
Caption 5, El Ausente Acto 1 - Part 7
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The word compañero/a literally means "companion" and is often used in contexts where people share activities, spaces, or goals. This term is particularly common in educational and professional settings. The affectionate shortened form compi is frequently used in Spain to refer to classmates or coworkers with whom you have a friendly relationship.
Mexico has several unique and colorful terms for friends. One of the most distinctive is cuate, which comes from the Nahuatl language, where coatl originally meant "twin" or "snake." In modern Mexican Spanish, calling someone your cuate implies a close friendship, often between men. You might hear expressions like Ese es mi cuate (That's my buddy) or Voy con mis cuates (I'm going with my friends).
Sí iba con mi cuate, con mi patineta.
I was with my buddy, with my skateboard.
Caption 29, Amigos D.F. El secuestrar
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Carnal (derived from carne, meaning "flesh") is another popular Mexican term that equates friendship with family bonds. It's similar to calling someone your "blood brother" in English. This term is predominantly used among men and suggests a deep, loyal friendship that goes beyond ordinary companionship. When someone says Es mi carnal, they're indicating a friend they consider as close as a sibling.
O sea normalmente a los hermanos se les dicen "carnales". Pero yo, pues ahora sí que a mis amigotes, yo les digo "carnales"... -Sí. -porque vienen siendo,
I mean, normally, we call siblings "carnales." But I, well, now, my friends, I do, I call them "carnales"... -Yes, because they are,
Captions 53-55, Pipo Mexicanismos - Part 1
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Güey (sometimes spelled wey) is incredibly versatile in Mexican Spanish. While it can be used as an insult in some contexts, among friends it's a casual way to address each other, similar to "dude" or "man" in English. This term has become such a fundamental part of Mexican Spanish that it's often used as a filler word in casual conversation, much like "like" or "you know" in English.
Esa es una forma también de decirle "¿qué onda, güey?" o algo así.
That's also a way of saying, "what's up, dude?" or something of the sort.
Caption 18, La Banda Chilanguense El habla de México - Part 2
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In Colombia, particularly in Medellín and surrounding regions, parcero (male) or parcera (female) are common terms for friends. These are often shortened to parce in casual conversation. This distinctly Colombian expression became internationally known through music, movies, and TV shows from the region. Saying ¿Qué más, parce? is a typical Colombian greeting between friends.
Parce, venga, yo le digo una cosa, hermano, vea
Friend, come, I'll tell you something, brother, look
Caption 1, Juanes La Plata
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Another uniquely Colombian expression is llave (literally "key"), implying that a friend has the key to your trust. This term is especially common in Bogotá and other regions of Colombia. When someone calls you their llave, they're indicating a high level of trust and confidence in your friendship.
Ay, llave, ese man nos va a dar en la jeta.
Oh, pal, that guy is going to punch us in the face.
Caption 1, Confidencial: Broma pesada Capítulo 5 - Part 2
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Peru has its own distinctive friendship vocabulary. Pata (literally "leg" or "paw") is a widely used colloquial term for a friend. You might hear expressions like Es mi pata del colegio (He's my friend from school) or Mis patas vienen a la fiesta (My friends are coming to the party).
Another uniquely Peruvian term is causa, which can be made more affectionate as causita with the diminutive. These terms are especially common among male friends. The origin of this slang term is debated, but it's one of the most distinctive features of Peruvian Spanish.
In Venezuela, pana is one of the most popular words for friend. It's used for both male and female friends without changing form. The term carries a sense of closeness and trust, and you'll hear it frequently in casual conversation throughout Venezuela and neighboring countries.
¡Muévete, pana, que mientras más rápido hagamos esto vamos a tener más tiempo con las nenas!
Move, friend, as the faster we do this we are going to have more time with the girls!
Captions 80-81, NPS No puede ser 1 - El concurso - Part 10
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Venezuelans also use chamo (male) or chama (female) to refer to friends, especially among younger people. These terms can also mean "kid" or "young person" but are often used between friends of any age. These expressions have become emblematic of Venezuelan Spanish and are immediately recognizable as part of the country's linguistic identity.
En Venezuela, se saluda: "¡Épale, chama!"
In Venezuela, people greet each other saying: "Hey, girl!"
Caption 13, Español en las calles Varias expresiones
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Spain has its own distinctive friendship vocabulary. Tío (uncle) and tía (aunt) are perhaps the most widely used casual terms among friends in Spain, equivalent to "dude" or "man" in English. Colega (colleague) has evolved in Spain from its formal meaning to become an everyday term for "buddy" or "mate." Tronco/tronca (literally "trunk") is another distinctly Spanish term, especially popular in Madrid and central Spain.
¡Eh, tío! ¡Qué divertido!
Hey, man! How fun!
Caption 22, Extr@: Extra en español Ep. 5: Ha nacido una estrella - Part 9
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In Chile, weón (sometimes spelled huevón or hueón) is an extremely common term used between friends. While it can be offensive in certain contexts, between friends it's a sign of closeness and trust. Be careful with this term, as it requires understanding the proper context and pronunciation. Used incorrectly, it could be perceived as an insult rather than a term of endearment.
In Cuba, asere or acere (with origins in African languages brought to the island) is a friendly and warm way to address a close friend. This distinctly Cuban expression is one of the first slang terms visitors to the island will hear, and it carries a sense of camaraderie and cultural identity.
Understanding the different words for "friend" in Spanish gives you insight into the rich cultural variations in how relationships are perceived and expressed across the Spanish-speaking world. While the basic concept of friendship is universal, the language used to describe it reflects unique cultural perspectives and values.
The next time you're speaking with Spanish-speaking friends, try incorporating some of these regional terms into your conversation. Not only will you impress them with your cultural knowledge, but you'll also create a more authentic connection through language. What about you? Do you know any other words to refer to friends in Spanish? Which one is your favorite? Let us know and don't forget to send us your comments and questions.
Are you struggling with Spanish despite studying diligently? You're not alone. Common Spanish mistakes plague learners at all levels, from beginners to nearly-fluent speakers. In this comprehensive guide, we'll examine 13 of the most frequent errors English speakers make when learning Spanish, with clear examples of incorrect and correct usage. By understanding these common Spanish mistakes, you'll avoid embarrassing situations and sound more like a native speaker.
One of the most frequent Spanish grammar mistakes is directly translating "I am 30 years old" to Spanish. While in English we use the verb "to be" to express age, in Spanish we use the verb tener (to have).
❌ Incorrect: Yo soy 30 años. ["I am 30 years old." (literally: "I am 30 years.")]
✅ Correct: Yo tengo 30 años. ["I am 30 years old." (literally: "I have 30 years.")]
This mistake happens because in English we say "I am [age]," but in Spanish, you literally say "I have [age] years."
Hola, yo me llamo Miguel. Tengo veinte años y estudio composición.
Hi, my name is Miguel. I'm twenty years old and I study composition.
Captions 5-6, Amigos D.F. Consejos para la calle
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✏️ Related lesson: "Todo sobre los cumpleaños (All About Birthdays) in Spanish"
English speakers often use the present continuous tense to describe ongoing situations that started in the past. This is one of the common Spanish mistakes with tenses.
❌ Incorrect: Estoy viviendo aquí por 3 años. ["I am living here for 3 years."]
✅ Correct: He vivido aquí por 3 años. / Vivo aquí desde hace 3 años. ["I have lived here for 3 years." / "I have been living here for 3 years."]
When referring to an action that began in the past and continues into the present, Spanish prefers the present perfect ("he vivido") or a present tense construction with "desde hace."
Soy mariachi, soy papá, soy músico y vivo aquí desde hace veinte años en Alemania,
I'm a mariachi musician, I'm a dad, I'm a musician, and I've lived here in Germany for twenty years,
Captions 3-4, Hispanoamericanos en Berlín Fernando y el mariachi
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✏️ Related lesson: "The Present Perfect In Spanish"
Collective nouns like gente (people) are singular in Spanish, even though they refer to multiple individuals.
❌ Incorrect: La gente son amables. ["The people are nice." (incorrectly using plural verb with singular collective noun)]
✅ Correct: La gente es amable. ["The people are nice." (literally: "The people is nice.")]
Remember that agreement must be maintained both with the verb and any adjectives that follow.
la gente es superhospitalaria,
the people are super hospitable,
Caption 72, Adriana y Laura Mijas
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✏️ Related lesson: "Grammatical Agreement in Spanish"
This is a frequent error made by English speakers because of the way we think about remembering in English.
❌ Incorrect: Me recuerdo de mi infancia. ["I remember myself of my childhood." (incorrect reflexive usage)]
✅ Correct: Me acuerdo de mi infancia. / Recuerdo mi infancia. ["I remember my childhood." (two correct ways to express remembering)]
The confusion stems from the fact that in English, we say "I remember," which might lead learners to translate it directly as me recuerdo. However, in Spanish, there are two distinct verbs: acordarse (reflexive, requiring "me acuerdo de") and recordar (non-reflexive, simply recuerdo). The incorrect form "me recuerdo" combines elements of both verbs incorrectly.
Pero ya no recuerdo cuándo fue la última vez que estuvimos juntos viendo un partido.
But now I don't remember when the last time was that we were together watching a game.
Captions 6-7, Fermín y Manuel El pasado - Part 1
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✏️ Related lesson: "35 Spanish Phrasal Verbs"
Many Spanish learners struggle with irregular past participles, often applying regular verb patterns to irregular verbs.
❌ Incorrect: He ponido mis llaves en la mesa. ["I have putted my keys on the table." (incorrect participle)]
✅ Correct: He puesto mis llaves en la mesa. ["I have put my keys on the table." (correct participle)]
Spanish has many irregular past participles that don't follow the standard -ado/-ido pattern. Common mistakes include saying ponido instead of puesto (to put), hacido instead of hecho (to do/make), abrido instead of abierto (to open), and escribido instead of escrito (to write).
Entonces, a las chicas les hemos puesto una flor,
So, we've put a flower on the girls,
Caption 98, Amaya Evento
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✏️ Related lesson: "The Different Uses of the Word Hecho in Spanish"
Prepositions rarely translate directly between languages, creating common Spanish mistakes for English speakers.
❌ Incorrect: Voy en España. ["I'm going in Spain." (incorrect preposition)]
✅ Correct: Voy a España. ["I'm going to Spain."]
In Spanish, en indicates location (being in a place), while a indicates movement or direction (going to a place).
Pues, me voy a Barcelona.
Well, I'm going to Barcelona.
Caption 7, El Aula Azul Conversación: Planes de fin de semana
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✏️ Related lesson: "The Preposition a in Spanish"
This is perhaps one of the most notorious common Spanish mistakes that English speakers make. Both por and para can be translated as "for" in English, but they have different uses in Spanish.
❌ Incorrect: Gracias para la cena. (When thanking someone) ["Thanks by the dinner." (incorrect preposition)]
✅ Correct: Gracias por la cena. ["Thanks for the dinner."]
The correct preposition to use when expressing gratitude in Spanish is por, not para. This is because por is used to indicate reason or cause - you're thanking someone because of the dinner they provided. Por expresses the reason behind your gratitude, while para would incorrectly suggest purpose or destination. In Spanish, we always say "gracias por..." when expressing thanks for something someone has done or given.
Gracias por la toalla.
Thank you for the towel.
Caption 12, Mónica El baño
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✏️ Related lesson: "Por vs. Para: How and When to Use These Spanish Prepositions"
Another common preposition mistake involves thinking "about" something.
❌ Incorrect: Estoy pensando sobre mi futuro. ["I am thinking on/about my future." (incorrect preposition)]
✅ Correct: Estoy pensando en mi futuro. ["I am thinking about my future."]
While sobre does mean about in some contexts, with verbs like pensar, the correct preposition is en.
Yo "estaba en las nubes", pensando en la tortilla que me iba a comer después.
I "was in the clouds" thinking about the tortilla that I was going to eat later.
Captions 48-49, Beatriz Expresiones relacionadas con el clima
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✏️ Related lesson: "The Preposition en in Spanish"
False friends (or falsos amigos) are words that look similar in both languages but have different meanings, causing frequent Spanish language errors.
❌ Incorrect: Estoy embarazada por tu pregunta. ["I am pregnant because of your question." (false friend mix-up)]
✅ Correct: Estoy avergonzada por tu pregunta. ["I am embarrassed by your question."]
Embarazada means "pregnant," not "embarrassed"! The correct word for feeling embarrassed is avergonzado/a.
✏️ Related lesson: "Top 10 False Cognates in Spanish"
This is a classic false cognate trap that English speakers often fall into when speaking Spanish.
❌ Incorrect: Realizé mi error. ["I carried out/fulfilled my error." (false cognate mistake)]
✅ Correct: Me di cuenta de mi error. ["I realized my error." (correct expression for becoming aware)]
The Spanish verb realizar means "to carry out," "to fulfill," or "to make real," not "to realize" in the sense of becoming aware of something. When you want to express that you've realized or become aware of something, use "darse cuenta de" instead.
Mire, yo me di cuenta de algo muy importante,
Look, I realized something very important,
Caption 13, Confidencial: Broma pesada Capítulo 5 - Part 11
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✏️ Related lesson: "Darse Cuenta: The Real "Realize""
English speakers often mix up these two words for expressing "very" and "much" in Spanish, creating common Spanish grammar mistakes.
❌ Incorrect: Tengo muy calor. / Estoy mucho cansado. ["I have very heat." (incorrect intensifier) / "I am much tired." (incorrect intensifier)]
✅ Correct: Tengo mucho calor. / Estoy muy cansado. ["I'm very hot" / "I am very tired"]
Remember that muy modifies adjectives and adverbs (muy cansado), while mucho can be an adjective itself (mucho calor) or can modify verbs (estudia mucho).
"Llevo un mes durmiendo fatal y estoy muy cansado".
"I've been sleeping horribly for a month, and I'm very tired."
Caption 47, Fermín y Manuel El verbo "llevar" - Part 2
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✏️ Related lesson: "Muy vs. Mucho in Spanish"
Some basic expressions in Spanish are constructed completely differently than in English.
❌ Incorrect: Estoy caliente. ["I am hot." (but with sexual connotations)]
✅ Correct: Tengo calor. ["I have heat." (meaning "I am hot" temperature-wise)]
In Spanish, you "have" sensations rather than "being" them. "Estoy caliente" would be understood as "I'm aroused," not "I'm hot temperature-wise."
Tenemos mucho calor.
We are very hot.
Caption 26, El Aula Azul Estados de ánimo
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✏️ Related lesson: "Idiomatic Expressions with The Verb Tener"
The distinction between ser and estar remains one of the most challenging aspects of Spanish, even for advanced learners.
❌ Incorrect: Soy aburrido. ["I am boring." (permanent characteristic)]
✅ Correct: Estoy aburrido. ["I am bored." (temporary state)]
Ser refers to permanent characteristics, while estar refers to temporary states or conditions.
Yo estoy aburrido y usted es... como tener una carga encima.
I'm tired of you, and you are... like having a weight on my shoulders.
Captions 66-67, Confidencial: Broma pesada Capítulo 2 - Part 7
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✏️ Related lesson: "Ser vs. Estar: An Easy Trick for Using These Verbs"
Being aware of these common Spanish mistakes will help you sound more natural and fluent in Spanish. Remember that making errors is a natural part of the language learning process – even native speakers sometimes make these mistakes! The key is to recognize them and gradually incorporate the correct forms into your speech and writing.
Practice identifying these errors in your own Spanish, and don't be afraid to ask native speakers for feedback. With time and attention, you'll avoid these common Spanish mistakes and develop more authentic, confident Spanish communication skills.
Which common mistake are you making when speaking in Spanish? Please, send us your comments and suggestions!
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