Category: Conversación

When to Use the “Personal A” in Spanish

One of the most challenging parts of learning a new language is navigating the aspects that don’t exactly translate. Do you remember learning false friends and learning that different languages don’t always follow the same patterns? Just like other grammatical rules that don’t literally translate, it’s important to learn when to use the “personal a” […]

What Do I Do If I Don’t Understand?

It’s happened to all of us. You were so excited to practice Spanish with a native speaker, and you were so confident in yourself! Then, the other person started talking, and you had no idea what words came out of their mouth. You feel frustrated, and a little embarrassed. In this article, we’ll help you […]

5 Easy Ways to Enforce Your Spanish Practice on the Go

Let’s face it. Sometimes it can be difficult to take time out of a busy schedule to practice a language.  The good news is that there are lots of fun and creative ways to sneak a little Spanish learning into your daily commute, lunch break or even drive to work.  Here are some easy suggestions […]

Ways to Overcome the Anxiety of Speaking to a Native Speaker

When it comes to learning a second language, a lot of people really enjoy the solitary learning component, but when it comes to testing out those skills on a real person, they suddenly get cold feet.   So, if you feel nervous about engaging real people in real conversations in Spanish, you are not alone. Foreign […]

Reasons Why You Should Start Learning Spanish

Reasons Why You Should Start Learning Spanish More and more people are starting to recognize the personal and professional benefits of learning a second language. If you’re looking to learn and master a new language, Spanish should be on your radar.  Keep reading to discover why it’s one of the best languages to learn today: […]

Getting a Grip on Para and Por

There are some things in Spanish that can feel especially cumbersome for English speakers, and one of those is understanding the difference between para and por.  The thing is that both of these words translate to the “for” in English, and a result, it can sometimes feel tricky to conceptualize the subtle differences in usage […]

5 Tips for Using Your Spanish Skills in a Bar

If you’ve gained some confidence in your Spanish-speaking skills, you’re probably eager to start speaking the language out in public. A great way to do this is by going to a bar and striking up some conversation. Particularly at a bar with native Spanish speakers, you’ll find people who’re eager to help you progress with […]

Quick Guide To Speaking Spanish On Your Beach Vacation

Headed to the sunny south before summer ends? Planning to bury your toes in the sand on a beach in a Spanish-speaking country? Although it’s likely that some of the staff at the resort will know at least some English, you’ll find it beneficial to familiarize yourself with some key phrases you can use while […]

5 Surprising Places Where You Can Use Spanish

Did you know there are 21 countries in the world where Spanish is spoken? While Spanish may not be the official language in these countries, some of the places where you would be able to use your Spanish speaking skills may surprise you. While you may not be traveling to Equatorial Guinea in Africa anytime […]

To be or to be called? Now, that is the question!

In earlier entries, we have talked about how to introduce yourself in Spanish and several phrases you can use to start a successful introduction. Today, however, we are going to go a bit deeper and get acquainted with the grammar behind introductions. Let’s review the Spanish verbs “ser” and “llamarse”. Much like in English, the […]