QuickTips Index

Splitting Verbs Not Usual in Spanish
Although it is common to separate 'have' from past participles in English, the same shouldn't be done in Spanish.

Expressing the 'Impersonal You'
Spanish equivalents of the 'impersonal you' of English.

Units of Time
This is a list of the most common units of time in Spanish along with their English equivalents.

Months of the Year
Here is a list of the months of the year in Spanish and an explanation of how they are used in sentences.

The Four Seasons
Here are the names of the four seasons in Spanish and an explanation of how they are used.

Reciprocal and Reflexive Sentences
Reciprocal and reflexive sentences can be ambiguous in Spanish. Here's an explanation of how to indicate the difference.

Pronunciation-Based Changes in 'Y' and 'O'
Two of the most common conjunctions in Spanish, 'y' (meaning 'and') and 'o' (meaning 'or'), can change spelling and pronunciation based on the word that follows.

Using the Preterite Tense in Spanish for Repeated Events and Emotional States
It is almost a rule of thumb that the imperfect tense, rather than the preterite tense, is used to discuss repeated or habitual events in the past, or emotional states. However, there are exceptions.

'Atrás' or 'Detrás'?
The Spanish adverbs 'detrás' and 'atras' are often confused because they have similar meanings and sometimes (but not always!) are used interchangeably.

Using 'Ganar'
'Ganar' is a cousin of the English verb 'gain' and has similar meanings. It is often used to mean 'to win' or 'to earn.'

Verbs Meaning 'To Introduce'
This brief lesson focuses on the differences between two Spanish verbs that can be used for 'to introduce.'

On the Contrary
Using phrases such as the equivalent of 'on the contrary,' you can express disagreement in Spanish.

'Reír' and 'Reírse'
Here is how to use the Spanish verbs for 'to laugh.'

'Entre' Takes Subject Pronouns as Objects
The Spanish pronoun 'entre' doesn't use the prepopsitional pronouns you might expect.

The '@' Symbol in Spanish
Learn how the @ symbol used in e-mail is referred to in Spanish.

'Haber' vs. 'Estar'
Both the Spanish verbs 'estar' and 'haber' can be used to indicate that somnething exists or is. However, there are differences, sometimes subtle, in meaning.

The Preposition 'Contra'
The Spanish preposition 'contra' is usually the rough equivalent of the English preposition 'against.'

Using 'Si' Clauses
In Spanish, which verb tense to use following 'si' (the word for 'if') depends on the likelihood of the condition happening.

Distinguishing Meanings of 'There Is' and 'There Are'
Translating a phrase such as 'there is' or 'there are' is sometimes confusing to Spanish students, because they can be translated different ways depending on the meaning.

Prepositions After 'Hablar'
Learn which prepositions most commonly are used after 'hablar,' the Spanish verb that means 'to speak.'

Expressing Fear
The two most common ways of expressing fear in Spanish are 'temer' and 'tener miedo.'

Using 'Al' Followed by an Infinitive
In Spanish, using the contraction 'al' followed by an infinitive is a very common way of indicating when something happens.

Describing Size and Dimensions
Spanish has three very common ways of indicating the length, width, height and similar dimensions of people or things.

Using 'Pensar'
This brief lesson explains the various uses of 'pensar,' the Spanish verb that typically means 'to think.'

Translating 'Half'
The concept of the English word 'half' can be conveyed several ways in Spanish.