Word similarities
In other words, English speakers have a head start in learning Spanish vocabulary. A linguist would say the two language have an abundance of cognates, words that are similar and have a common origin. But that head start comes with a price: Meanings of words change over time, and English and Spanish haven't always changed in the same way.So some words, known as false friends, look they might mean the same thing in the corresponding word of the other language. For example, something that is actual in Spanish is something that's current or happening now rather than something that isn't imaginary. And some words, ones I (but hardly anybody else) call fickle friends, correspond frequently but not so often enough that their meanings need to be learned. Arena in Spanish can refer to a sports arena, for example, but it more often refers to sand.
Expanding on what you know
How many words do you need to be proficient in Spanish? That's an open question because the depends what you want to do with the language, but there are thousands.That task may sound daunting. But there are ways you can make the task easier. One way is to take advantage of the many prefixes and suffixes, word beginnings and endings you can use. Many of the prefixes will seem familiar, because the mostly come from Latin. That's not as common with the suffixes. Two of the main kinds are augmentative suffixes, which can add a negative connotation to a word or refer to something that's particularly large, and diminutive suffixes, which can refer to things that are small or that are especially desirable.
A new word each day
One of the best ways, and perhaps the most effective in the long run, to expand your vocabulary is to learn words as you use them. That's one of the principles behind our Word of the Day feature. Check on our site each day, and you'll get a new word to learn as well as a sample sentence that includes the word in context. Most of our sample sentences are taken from Spanish-language publications and Web sites, so you can see the words as they are used by native speakers. And if you already know the featured word, you can learn the other words in the sample sentence. We have Word of the Day vocabulary words for beginning Spanish students as well as Spanish words for intermediate or advanced students.If you'd prefer not to check the site daily, you can also get vocabulary lessons via e-mail.
Memorization
Memorization is seldom the most fun way to learn words, but many students benefit from it. Here are some of the word lists we provide as an aid:- Spanish for air travelers
- Arabic words in Spanish
- Spanish arithmetic terms
- Spanish at the beach
- Body parts in Spanish
- Compound words in Spanish
- Confusing Spanish verb pairs: ser and estar, saber and conocer, others
- Spanish dining terms
- English words borrowed from Spanish
- Geography in Spanish: City names, definite articles with country names, nationalities
- Spanish lodging vocabulary
- Spanish love words
- Alternatives for muy
- Spanish names for occupations
- Spanish names of pets
- Spanish political terms
- Spanish names for relatives
- Spanish for Thanksgiving
- Shopping in Spanish and Spanish names for stores
- Spanish units of time
- Spanish weather terms
- Spanish war and military terms
- Spanish words for "what"
- Spanish words for snow
- Winter sports in Spanish
- Alfabeto
- Barba
- Cent
- Claro
- Cocaína
- Derecho and derecha
- Gracia
- Gringo
- Huracán
- Mejor and peor
- No
- Pretender
- Rodeo
- Santo
For fun
Although they may not be the most efficient way to learn words, some students enjoy using puzzles and games to help themselves learn. Here are a few:- Christmas vocabulary quiz for Spanish students
- Crossword puzzles in Spanish
- Hangman for Spanish students
- Spanish palindromes
- Thanksgiving vocabulary quiz
