Idioms and Phrases
Sometimes a single word won't do. These lessons provide information and examples on using phrases, idioms and other word combinations to express your thoughts in Spanish.
Making Polite Requests
Sometimes we get a better reception if we ask people to do things rather than telling them. This lesson explains how to do that in Spanish.
Sometimes we get a better reception if we ask people to do things rather than telling them. This lesson explains how to do that in Spanish.
That's About Right!
Lesson on the use of approximations in Spanish. Most of the ways we give approximations in English have direct Spanish equivalents.
Lesson on the use of approximations in Spanish. Most of the ways we give approximations in English have direct Spanish equivalents.
Translating 'Feel' to Spanish
The English verb 'feel' can be a tricky one to translate to Spanish, since it has several means that aren't closely related (at least in the mind of a Spanish speaker).
The English verb 'feel' can be a tricky one to translate to Spanish, since it has several means that aren't closely related (at least in the mind of a Spanish speaker).
Expressions Using 'Ir'
Like its English counterpart "to go," the Spanish verb ir can be used with an incredible variety of meanings. The meanings of phrases using ir can't always be determined logically merely by knowing the meanings of the individual words,
Like its English counterpart "to go," the Spanish verb ir can be used with an incredible variety of meanings. The meanings of phrases using ir can't always be determined logically merely by knowing the meanings of the individual words,
More Idioms Using 'Tener'
Tener is used in a variety of idioms.
Tener is used in a variety of idioms.
Adding Emphasis to Sentences
Here are some words and phrases you can use to give your Spanish sentences added emphasis.
Here are some words and phrases you can use to give your Spanish sentences added emphasis.
Ages
This Spanish lesson explains how to refer to the ages of people and provides a brief vocabulary of age-related terms.
This Spanish lesson explains how to refer to the ages of people and provides a brief vocabulary of age-related terms.
Translating "Ago" in Spanish
In English, we talk about something happening a certain time ago. Learn how to express the same thought in Spanish.
In English, we talk about something happening a certain time ago. Learn how to express the same thought in Spanish.
Using 'Echar'
The Spanish verb 'echar' can be translated in literrally dozens of ways, so learning to understand context is important.
The Spanish verb 'echar' can be translated in literrally dozens of ways, so learning to understand context is important.
Saying 'In Other Words'
Here are five ways of expressing the idea of 'in other words' in Spanish.
Here are five ways of expressing the idea of 'in other words' in Spanish.
Saying Thanks
If you want to say thanks, you aren't limited to gracias.
If you want to say thanks, you aren't limited to gracias.
On the Contrary - Expressing Disagreement
Using phrases such as the equivalent of "on the contrary," you can express disagreement with what has been previously said or implied.
Using phrases such as the equivalent of "on the contrary," you can express disagreement with what has been previously said or implied.
Phrases and Idioms Using 'Ojo'
The Spanish word ojo, which means "eye," is used in a wide variety of phrases and idioms. Here are numerous examples of their use.
The Spanish word ojo, which means "eye," is used in a wide variety of phrases and idioms. Here are numerous examples of their use.
Spanish Idioms of the Form 'Tener' + Noun
Tener, the verb meaning "to have" in the sense of "to possess," is frequently used in idioms to refer to a wide range of emotions and other states of being.
Tener, the verb meaning "to have" in the sense of "to possess," is frequently used in idioms to refer to a wide range of emotions and other states of being.
Saying 'Again'
Although Spanish has no single word that means "again," it does have at least three common ways of expressing the concept.
Although Spanish has no single word that means "again," it does have at least three common ways of expressing the concept.
Adverbial Phrases
Spanish speakers often use phrases with an adverbial meaning in preference to adverbs standing alone.
Spanish speakers often use phrases with an adverbial meaning in preference to adverbs standing alone.
Say 'I Love You' in Spanish
It has been said that most important three-word sentence in the English language is "I love you." If that's the case, Spanish's most important sentence is easier, since it's only two words.
It has been said that most important three-word sentence in the English language is "I love you." If that's the case, Spanish's most important sentence is easier, since it's only two words.
'Haber De'
The verbal phrase haber de is sometimes used to express a mild sense of obligation.
The verbal phrase haber de is sometimes used to express a mild sense of obligation.