QuickTips Index

Using the Spanish Verbs 'Ver' and 'Mirar'
The Spanish verbs 'mirar' and 'ver' have similar meanings, but they aren't typically interchangeable. Here's a quick guide to their use.

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.

Writing Dates in Spanish
Dates written in Spanish typically follow the day-month-year pattern.

Translating 'To Be' When Referring to Location
Usually, the Spanish verb 'estar' is used to translate 'to be' when referring to location. But when we're talking about an event, we use 'ser.'

Using 'Gustar' With More than One Subject
Question-and-answer lesson on the use of the Spanish verb 'guster' with multiple subjects.

Use of 'Nada'
Use of the Spanish pronoun 'nada,' usually defined as 'nothing.'

Introducing Afterthoughts and Offhand Remarks
Learn the Spanish equivalents for 'by the way' and 'incidentally,' ways that are used to introduct afterhoughts or offhand remarks.

Using 'Cuando' as a Preposition
The Spanish word 'cuando' is usually the equivalent of the English 'when.' But unlike 'when,' 'cuando' can be used as a preposition.

Verbs Derived from 'Decir'
Several Spanish verbs are derived from the very common verb 'decir.'

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.

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.'