Para vs. Por Posted by Transparent Language on Jul 8, 2008
The prepositions por and para have very specific uses in Spanish. Here are some of them. PARA 1. Para is used to indicate destination or purpose. El barco salió para Francia. – The ship left for France. Este regalo es para María. – This gifit is for María. Estudia para abogado. – He studies (to…
Vegetables Posted by Transparent Language on Jul 5, 2008
OK, so your mom always told you: “Eat your vegetables, theyre good for you!”; and guess what? She was right! Heres a list of some common verduras in Spanish. artichoke — la alcachofa asparagus — el espárrago, los espárragos avocado — el aguacate, la palta bean — la judía, la haba, la habichuela, el frijol…
Idioms with Bread Posted by Transparent Language on Jul 2, 2008
The word bread (pan) is the source of several idioms and expressions. Contigo, pan y cebolla – We shall live on love alone. Para casarse se necesitan muchas cosas, no sólo decir que contigo pan y cebolla. Llamar al pan pan y al vino, vino. – to call a spade a spade. Voy a hablarte…
Body idioms II Posted by Transparent Language on Jun 30, 2008
We’re back with the second part of body idioms. This post will be totally dedicated to la cabeza (the head). Check it out! 1. ser la cabeza pensante – to be the brains. (Es la cabeza pensante de la banda. – He’s the brains of the band.) 2. tener la cabeza dura – to be…
Chilean Spanish Posted by Transparent Language on Jun 26, 2008
I went to high school with two Chilean kids and one year I spent Christmas Eve with their families. I ended up learning some Chilean Spanish expressions. Here are some interesting ones: ¿Cachai? – Do you understand? Get it? Agarrar p’al hueveo/leseo/chuleteo – make fun of someone Al tiro – right away, immediately Año de…
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…