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Grammar tip: forma reduplicativa Posted by Transparent Language on Jun 23, 2008
Take a look at this pair of sentences: Puedes elegir la carrera universitaria que quieras y, hagas lo que hagas, siempre te vamos a apoyar. (You can choose whatever degree you want and, whatever you do, we’ll always support you.) Pase lo que pase, tienes que estar en la oficina a las ocho. (Whatever happens…
Expressions with TOMAR Posted by Transparent Language on Jun 20, 2008
Tomar is a very common verb in Spanish. Here are some uses and expressions with it. 1. to take Tomó el libro en las manos. – He took the book in his hands. El camarero no ha querido tomar la propina que le daba. – The waiter didn’t want to take the tip he was…
The Imperative Posted by Transparent Language on Jun 16, 2008
The imperative mode is used to give orders, instructions, suggestions, and commands. Formal commands (using the pronouns usted and ustedes) are formed with the subjunctive form of the verb. Note that the vowel of the subjunctive ending is the reverse of that usually associated with the particular conjugation: -ar verbs have the vowel –e and…
Word origins Posted by Transparent Language on Jun 13, 2008
We’re going to start a series today with word origins and history (etymology). 1. cirujano It was around 1340 that the word “cirujano” (surgeon) was registered in the Spanish language, even though cirujano had already appeared in Siete Partidas (1251-1265) by Alfonso X el Sabio: “Y esto que diximos delos orebzes se entiende tanbien delos…
Phone calls in Spanish Posted by Transparent Language on Jun 10, 2008
Today we’re going to have a look at some useful language to talk on the telephone. 1. Saying your telephone number Mi número de teléfono es el … – My phone number is … 2. Answering the phone ¿Sí? ¿Dígame? ¿Diga? ¡Aló! ¿Bueno? (Name of the company), buenos días. 3. Asking after someone – Buenos…
Sports vocabulary Posted by Transparent Language on Jun 6, 2008
Today we’re going to learn and review some sports vocabulary, take a look! el ala delta – hang-gliding el alpinismo – mountaineering las artes marciales – martial arts el atletismo – athletics/track and field el automovilismo – motor racing el bádminton – badminton el baloncesto – basketball el balonmano – handball el béisbol – baseball…
Negative Sentences Posted by Transparent Language on Jun 3, 2008
Let’s review some ways of making negative sentences in Spanish. 1. Place the adverb no before the verbal expression. María conoce a Carlos. (Maria knows Carlos) – María no conoce a Carlos. He terminado mis deberes. (I have finished my homework) – No he terminado mis deberes. 2. Here are some common negative words. Nadie…