Do you need to write a letter in Spanish and don't know where to start? Many times, you want to get information about your hotel reservation, your Spanish language school in Spain, about the services of a company or a reservation in a restaurant, the fastest way is through an email or a letter.

So you are in luck, at donQuijote we help you write a letter in Spanish for any situation. Find out how to start a letter in Spanish, what vocabulary you need and what structure you need to follow.

You can also read this same post in Spanish, Italian or French.

How to start a letter in Spanish?

Even if you think that writing letters is not fashionable in the 21st century, there are still romantics who carry out these practices. Besides, knowing how to write a letter in Spanish can also be useful for sending emails.

So, how do I start my letter or email in Spanish? Very simple: greeting the recipient. Moreover, depending on whether you are addressing a friend or a stranger, the greeting may vary. Here are some examples of how to do it:

• A quien pueda interesar or A quien corresponda (To whom it may concern)
• Estimado señor or Estimada señora (Dear Sir or Dear Madam)
• Hola (Hello)
• Querido/a (Dear)
• Buenos días (Good morning)

Remember that in Spanish, unlike in English, a colon is used to separate the salutation from the body of the letter or email, especially in formal letters. A formal greeting in a Spanish letter would be “Estimada señorita Gómez” (Dear Miss Gomez) or “A quien pueda interesar” (To whom it may concern). While an informal greeting might be “Hola Juan” (Hello Juan) or “Querida Maria” (Dear Maria).

After the initial greeting, comes the actual content of the Spanish letter. You can start by explaining the reason for the letter, asking the other person how they are or thanking them in advance for their attention.

Below, you will find useful vocabulary to start the body of your letter in Spanish, both for a formal and informal context:

• Te escribo porque… (I am writing to you because...) - informal
• ¿Cómo te va todo? or ¿Qué tal estás? (How are you doing?) - informal
• Espero que estés bien (Hope you are well) - informal
• Encantado de saludarte (Nice to say hello) - informal
• Me gustaría contarte sobre… (I would like to tell you about…) - informal
• Te escribo en relación con… (I am writing to you regarding…) - informal
• Le estoy contactando porque… (I am contacting you because...) - formal
• Adjunto encontrará… (Attached you will find...) formal
• Gracias por su tiempo, me gustaría comentarle en esta carta… (Thank you for your time, I would like to tell you in this letter...) - formal
• La presente carta tiene por motivo… (The purpose of this letter is…) - formal
• Les informo mediante la siguiente carta que… (I am informing you by means of the following letter that...) - formal
• Por favor, hazme saber si necesitas más información (Please, let me know if you need any further information) - formal
• Si tiene alguna pregunta, no dude en formularla (If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask) - formal
• Por favor, póngase en contacto conmigo lo antes posible (Please contact me as soon as possible) - formal

Once you have finished the body of the letter, where you explain the reason for it and you have formulated all your requests, you have to say goodbye. For this, there are several ways to say goodbye and close a letter or email in Spanish:

• Saludos (Best) - formal
• Un cordial saludo (Best regards) - formal
• Quedo a la espera de una respuesta (I look forward to hearing from you) - formal
• Atentamente or Cordialmente (Sincerely) - formal
• Muchas gracias por su tiempo (Thank you for your time) - formal
• Le agradezco su atención (Thank you for your attention) - formal
• Con cariño (Love) - informal
• Cuídate (Take care) - informal
• Espero saber pronto de ti (Hope to hear from you soon) - informal
• Seguimos en contacto (Keep in touch) - informal
• Hablamos pronto (Talk to you soon) - informal

Once you understand the basic structure of a Spanish letter, you're ready to send it! Practice and put into action everything you have learned to write your first letter in Spanish, or an informal email to your friends.

Here are some examples of letters in Spanish so that you have a reference when starting your own (you can also apply them to emails).

Informal letter in Spanish

Spanish:

Querida María:

¡Hola! Espero que estés muy bien. Te escribo porque hace mucho que no tengo noticias tuyas y quería saber cómo te va con tu nuevo trabajo y cómo está tu familia. Me encantaría que nos pusiéramos al día y recordar viejos tiempos.

Aquí en Madrid todo sigue igual. Estoy trabajando bastante, pero aprovecho los fines de semana para descansar y salir un poco. Últimamente he estado pensando en hacer un viaje. ¿Sabes qué sería genial? Que pudieras acompañarme, qué me dices, ¿te animas? Podemos organizar algo sencillo, visitar algún lugar cercano o simplemente vernos en el centro de la ciudad.

Cuéntame de ti cuando tengas tiempo. ¡Me encantaría saber más sobre tus planes y tus proyectos!

Te mando un abrazo fuerte y espero tu respuesta.

Con mucho cariño,

Laura
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

English

Dear Maria:

Hello, I hope you are very well. I'm writing because I haven't heard from you in a long time and wanted to know how your new job is going and how your family is doing. I would love to catch up and reminisce about old times.

Here in Madrid everything is the same. I'm working a lot, but I take advantage of the weekends to rest and go out a bit. Lately I've been thinking about taking a trip. You know what would be great? If you could join me, what do you say, are you up for it? We can organize something simple, visit some place nearby or just meet in the city center.

Tell me about you when you have time, I'd love to know more about your plans and projects!

I send you a big hug and look forward to your reply.

With much love,

Laura

Formal letter in Spanish

Spanish:

Asunto: Solicitud de entrevista de trabajo

Estimado Lic. Pérez:

Espero que se encuentre bien. Mi nombre es Anna Gómez y me dirijo a usted con el fin de expresar mi interés en el puesto de Analista Financiero publicado en su sitio web. Me gustaría tener la oportunidad de conversar sobre mi experiencia y habilidades, que pueden contribuir al desarrollo de su equipo.

Cuento con más de cinco años de experiencia en el análisis de datos financieros, la creación de presupuestos y la elaboración de reportes de rendimiento. En mi empleo actual, he desarrollado competencias clave en la toma de decisiones financieras estratégicas, las cuales creo que podrían ser de gran valor para su empresa. Además, poseo un sólido manejo de herramientas de software financiero, lo que me permite optimizar procesos y obtener resultados precisos.

Quedo a su disposición para una entrevista en la fecha y horario que usted considere convenientes. Agradezco de antemano la oportunidad y el tiempo que pueda dedicar a mi solicitud.

Quedo a la espera de su respuesta.

Un saludo cordial,

Anna Gómez
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

English

Subject: Job interview request

Dear Mr. Perez:

I hope you are well. My name is Anna Gomez, and I am writing to express my interest in the Financial Analyst position posted on your website. I would like to have the opportunity to discuss my experience and skills, which can contribute to the development of your team.

I have over five years of experience in financial data analysis, budgeting and performance reporting. In my current job, I have developed key competencies in strategic financial decision making, which I believe could be of great value to your company. In addition, I have a solid command of financial software tools, which allows me to optimize processes and obtain accurate results.

I remain at your disposal for an interview at the date and time you consider convenient. I thank you in advance for the opportunity and the time you can dedicate to my application.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Anna Gomez

You have probably heard the phrase: “Spanish is one of the most difficult languages in the world”. But do you really believe this? If you are a student of Spanish, you will know that this is incorrect. Although it is true that learning a new language is always a challenge, but Spanish is not the most difficult language in the world.

Like any other language, Spanish is either easy to learn or difficult, depending on several factors such as your native language, where and how you are learning it and what approach you are taking to it.

Spanish is a Romance language with a grammatical structure and vocabulary that, in many respects, is accessible to speakers of other Indo-European languages. It is true that it can present some difficulties, but it also has aspects that make it quite accessible, especially when compared to other languages of the world.

Continue reading this article in Spanish, if you think it is not difficult, or switch to Spanish or Dutch.

Is Spanish easy to learn?

Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world by number of native speakers, second only to Mandarin Chinese. With more than 580 million people speaking it worldwide, learning Spanish opens the door to communicate with a vast number of people in Europe, Latin America, the United States and even Africa.

Despite what some people think, there are several reasons why learning Spanish is easy, especially compared to other languages. Because if so many people in the world speak it and choose to study it, how can it be difficult to learn Spanish?

How difficult is learning Spanish?

Here are some reasons why learning Spanish is easy:

• Simple pronunciation. Unlike languages like English or French, Spanish has very consistent pronunciation rules. Each letter is generally pronounced the same way, which makes it easy to read and pronounce words even if you don't know them. This is because Spanish is a phonetic language, which means that, in most cases, words are spelled as they sound.
• Clear grammatical rules. Although Spanish grammar may seem intimidating at first (especially verb tenses in Spanish), the rules are clear and consistent. Once you become familiar with them, there are not many exceptions, for example, gender and number agreement of nouns and adjectives.
• Shared vocabulary. If you speak French or Italian, you will be surprised how many words you already know or are very similar. Many Spanish words have their roots in Latin, as do other European languages, which makes it easier to learn vocabulary.
• Access to different resources. Nowadays, there are countless ways to learn Spanish with mobile apps, videos, online Spanish courses, podcasts, etc. Although intensive Spanish courses will always have the incentive that teachers will be able to help you firsthand to improve your understanding of the language.

Is it difficult to learn Spanish for English speakers?

If your native language is English, learning Spanish can be a moderate challenge, but not impossible. Spanish and English are Indo-European languages, which means they have some commonalities.

However, there are differences that can be challenging between the two languages. For example, Spanish grammar, especially verb tenses or the use of the subjunctive, can be somewhat complex at first for English speakers, as they have no direct equivalent in their language.

Although, English speakers often find Spanish vocabulary relatively accessible. Many English words have Latin roots that closely resemble Spanish words. For example, the word “hospital” is spelled the same in both languages but pronounced differently. While the word “famoso” in Spanish is very similar to “famous” in English.

Even so, pronunciation can be a hurdle for English speakers, especially when it comes to the vibrant “r” or the difference between the “b” and “v” sounds. However, with practice and exposure to the language, these aspects can be mastered.

Is it difficult to learn Spanish for French or Italian speakers?

On the other hand, if you are a native French or Italian speaker, you will find it much easier to learn Spanish. All three languages are Romance languages and have a significant advantage over English speakers.

All three languages share many similarities in vocabulary, grammar and structure. French speakers may encounter some difficulties with pronunciation as Spanish has a more direct and less nasal intonation. However, lexical and grammatical similarities often make learning easy.

On the other hand, Italian speakers will find even more similarities with Spanish. The conjugation of verbs, the gender of nouns and the structure of sentences are very similar, allowing them to learn Spanish quickly. Difficulties may arise in grammatical nuances or differences in vocabulary, but Spanish is an accessible language.

Is it difficult to learn Spanish for Dutch speakers?

For Dutch speakers, Spanish can be a bit more complicated than for speakers of other Romance languages, as Dutch belongs to the Germanic language family.

One of the advantages for native Dutch speakers is that Dutch has some Latin influence in its vocabulary, so many Spanish words may be familiar. Although the main difficulties can be found in the grammar, especially in the conjugation of verbs and the use of the subjunctive, which does not exist in their language, as it does in English.

Spanish pronunciation, however, is usually easier for Dutch speakers than for English speakers, as they share some sounds.

Language immersion is one of the most effective ways to learn Spanish in Spain. Try to create an immersive environment around you during your stay in the country and practice the language 24 hours a day. It may be a challenge for you, but with the right tools it will be an achievable goal. It is up to you whether learning Spanish is easy or difficult.

If you have traveled to Spain or are taking Spanish classes, you will have noticed that the same word can be used in several contexts and its meaning changes. These are polysemous words and in Spanish there are many of them, some even have more than two meanings.

Find out all about polysemic words in Spanish in this article and improve your level with don Quijote Spanish school. You can read this same text in other languages: Spanish, French or Italian.

What are polysemic words?

Polysemic words in Spanish are words that have more than one meaning. That is, the same word can be used in different contexts to refer to different things but keeping the same form.

Polysemy is a common feature in many languages, including Spanish. However, it should not be confused with homonymy.

Homonyms are words that have the same form in Spanish, but different etymological origins. While polysemic words come from a common root and have developed different meanings over time.

Examples of Spanish polysemous words

Below is a list of the most common polysemous words in Spanish. Although there are thousands of polysemous words in Spanish as it is a phenomenon that depends on the social context and culture and is constantly developing.

Banco:

• Financial institution. Example: “Voy al banco a hacer una transferencia” (I'm going to the bank to make a transfer).
• Seat of urban furniture. E.g. “Quedamos en el banco del parque” (Let's meet at the park bench).
• Set of fish. E.g. “Vimos un banco de peces en el mar” (We saw a schoal of fish in the sea).

Batería:

• A musical instrument. E.g. “Toca la batería en una banda” (He plays drums in a band).
• Energy accumulator. E.g. “La batería de mi teléfono está descargada” (The battery in my phone is flat).
• Set of things lined up. g. “Se enfrenta a una batería de preguntas” (He faces a set of questions).

Bolsa:

• Sack for carrying things. E.g. “Usa una bolsa de tela para hacer la compra” (He uses a tote bag to do the shopping).
• Stock market. E.g. “Invertí en la bolsa de valores” (I invested in the stock market).

Bomba:

• Explosive device. E.g. “Desactivaron la bomba a tiempo” (They defused the bomb in time).
• Device for extracting liquids. E.g. “Necesitamos una bomba para extraer agua del pozo” (We need a pump to extract water from the well).
• Expression of surprise or amusement. E.g. “Me ha caído genial tu primo ¡es la bomba!” (I really like your cousin, he is amazing!).

Cabeza:

• Upper body part in Spanish. E.g. “Me duele la cabeza” (My head hurts).
• Person in charge. E.g. “Es la cabeza de la empresa ya que tiene todo bajo control” (She is the head of the company because she has everything under control).
• First place in a competition. “Está a la cabeza de la carrera” (He is at the head of the race).

Carta:

• A letter sent to someone. E.g. “Te mandé una carta por correo” (I sent you a letter in the post).
• Menu in a restaurant. E.g. “Voy a pedir algo de la carta” (I'm going to order something from the menu).
• Playing cards. E.g. “Me tocaron buenas cartas en la partida” (I got good cards in the game).

Caña:

• A long-stemmed plant. E.g. “La caña de azúcar es muy común en algunos países” (Sugar cane is very common in some countries).
• Fishing utensil. E.g. “Llevé la caña de pescar al lago” (I took the fishing rod to the lake).
• Small glass of beer in Spain. g. “Pidamos una caña de cerveza” (Let's order a caña de cerveza).

Capital:

• Money or resources. E.g. “Invertí todo mi capital en el negocio” (I invested all my capital in the business).
• Main city of a country. g. “Madrid es la capital de España” (Madrid is the capital of Spain).

Chuleta:

• A piece of meat. g. “Me comí una chuleta de cerdo” (I ate a pork chop).

• Hidden note to copy on an exam. E.g. “Llevé una chuleta para copiar en el examen” (I took a cheat sheet to copy on the exam).

Cola:

• The back part of an animal. E.g. “El perro mueve la cola” (The dog wags its tail).
• Line of people. E.g. “Hicimos cola para entrar al cine” (We queued up to get into the cinema).
• Glue. E.g. “Usé cola para pegar el papel” (I used glue to glue the paper).

Cometa:

• A flying toy. E.g. “Los niños volaban una cometa en el parque” (The children were flying a kite in the park).
• Celestial body. E.g. “El cometa Halley pasa cada 75 años” (Halley's comet passes by every 75 years).

Copa:

• A glass made of crystal. E.g. “Tomamos una copa de vino” (We had a glass of wine)
• Trophy in some sporting competitions. E.g. “Ganó la Copa del Mundo” (He won the World Cup).
• Top of a tree. Eg. “La copa del árbol da sombra” (The top of the tree gives shade).

Corona:

• Royal headdress placed on the head. g. “El rey llevaba una corona de oro” (The king wore a golden crown).
• Dental structure. E.g. “El dentista me puso una corona en el diente” (The dentist put a crown on my tooth).

Cura:

• Priest. E.g. “El cura ofició la misa” (The priest officiated at mass).
• Medical treatment. g. “Encontraron una cura para la enfermedad” (They found a cure for the disease).

Destino:

• Place to which you are going. g. “Nuestro destino es París” (Our destination is Paris).
• Future or fate. E.g. “El destino quiso que nos encontráramos” (Fate wanted us to meet).

Diente:

• Part of the mouth. E.g. “Me duele el diente de abajo” (My bottom tooth hurts).
• Each of the protrusions of an object. E.g. “La sierra tiene dientes afilados” (The saw has sharp teeth).

Flamenco:

• A pink bird. g. “El flamenco es un ave de patas largas” (Flamingo is a long-legged bird).
• Popular dance and music in Spain. g. “El flamenco es originario de Andalucía” (Flamenco originated in Andalusia).

Gato:

• Domestic animal. E.g. “Tengo un gato negro como mascota” (I have a black cat as a pet).
• Tool for lifting cars. E.g. “Usé el gato para cambiar la rueda” (I used the jack to change the wheel).

Gemelos:

• Siblings born at the same birth. E.g. “Mis primos son gemelos” (My cousins are twins).
• Accessory for shirt cuffs. E.g. “Llevaba los gemelos que me regaló mi abuelo” (I wore the cufflinks my grandfather gave me).

Hoja:

• Part of a plant. E.g. “El viento arrastraba las hojas del árbol” (The wind was blowing the leaves off the tree).
• Sheet of paper. E.g. “Escribí en una hoja en blanco” (I wrote on a blank sheet of paper).
• Blade. E.g. “La hoja del cuchillo está afilada” (The blade of the knife is sharp).

Lengua:

• Part of the mouth. E.g. “La lengua nos permite saborear los alimentos” (The tongue allows us to taste food).
• Language. E.g. “Estoy aprendiendo español como segunda lengua” (I am learning Spanish as a second language).

Listo:

• An intelligent person. E.g “Es muy listo para los negocios” (He is very smart in business).
• To be ready. E.g. “Ya estoy listo para salir” (I'm ready to go).

Mariposa:

• Insect. E.g. “Vimos una mariposa de colores en el jardín” (We saw a colorful butterfly in the garden).
• Swimming style. E.g. “Nadó estilo mariposa en la competición” (He swam butterfly style in the competition).

Mono:

• Animal. E.g. “En el zoológico vimos un mono” (At the zoo we saw a monkey).
• Garment. E.g. “Se puso un mono de trabajo” (She wore overalls).

Muñeca:

• A joint in the arm. E.g. “Me lastimé la muñeca jugando al tenis” (I hurt my wrist playing tennis).
• Human-shaped toy. E.g. “Compré una muñeca para su cumpleaños” (I bought a doll for her birthday).

Nuez:

• Dried fruit. E.g. “Me gusta comer nueces” (I like to eat nuts).
• Part of the body, specifically in the throat, also called Adam's apple. E.g. “Se le nota la nuez cuando traga” (You can feel the Adam's apple when he swallows).

Pendiente:

• An object of jewelry for the ears. g. “Lleva unos pendientes de oro” (He wears gold earrings).
• Slope of the terrain. E.g. “La pendiente de la montaña es pronunciada” (The slope of the mountain is steep).
• Task to be done. E.g “Tengo un trabajo pendiente” (I have a job to do).

Pilar:

• Supporting column. E.g. “El pilar sostiene el techo” (The pillar supports the roof).
• Foundation or base of something. g. “La educación es un pilar de la sociedad” (Education is a pillar of society).
• Feminine proper noun. E.g. “Mi prima Pilar tiene tres hijos” (My cousin Pilar has three children).

Piso:

• Floor surface. E.g. “El piso de la casa está limpio” (The floor of the house is clean).
• Floor of a building. E.g. “Vivo en el tercer piso” (I live on the third floor).
• Conjugation of the verb ‘pisar’. E.g. “Piso con fuerza cuando salgo a correr” (I step hard when I go for a run).

Planta:

• A living plant. E.g. “Regué la planta del salón” (I watered the plant in the living room).
• Floor of a building. E.g. “Mi oficina está en la planta baja” (My office is on the first floor).
• Industrial facility. g. “La planta de producción es enorme” (The production plant is huge).

Polo:

• Geographic extreme. E.g. “El polo norte es muy frío” (The North Pole is very cold).
• Type of shirt. E.g. “Llevaba un polo blanco” (He was wearing a white polo shirt).
• Sport. E.g. “Jugaban al polo en caballos” (They played polo on horses).

Regla:

• An instrument for measuring. E.g. “Dibuja la línea recta con la regla” (Draw the straight line with the ruler).
• Standard or guideline. g. “La regla de la empresa es puntualidad” (The company rule is punctuality).
• E.g. “Me vino la regla por primera vez con 15 años” (I got my period for the first time when I was 15 years old).

Sal:

• A substance for seasoning. E.g. “Añadí un poco de sal a la comida” (I added a little salt to the food).
• Movement when leaving a place. E.g. “Sal por la puerta de la derecha” (Go out the door on the right).

Temporal:

• Meteorological phenomenon or strong storm. E.g. “Hubo un temporal muy fuerte en la costa” (There was a very strong storm on the coast).
• Something that is not permanent. E.g. “Este trabajo es temporal” (This job is temporary).

Tierra:

• Planet where we live. E.g. “La Tierra es nuestro hogar” (Earth is our home).
• Land dedicated to cultivation. E.g. “Las plantas crecen en la tierra” (Plants grow in the earth).

Yema:

• Part of the egg. E.g. “La yema de huevo es amarilla” (The yolk of the egg is yellow).
• The soft part at the tip of the finger. g. “Me quemé la yema del dedo” (I burned my fingertip).

These are just some of the polysemous words in Spanish that can be useful for you to advance in the language. Although if you want to become a fluent speaker and sound like a native speaker, don Quijote's intensive Spanish courses will help you do just that. Start your adventure now!

Knowing how to ask for forgiveness is essential for your day-to-day life, since everyone makes mistakes or go wrong, but do you know how to say sorry in Spanish? It is one of the first lessons, along with the Spanish colors or numbers, that you should learn in Spanish. Therefore, in this article you will learn 5 ways to say sorry in Spanish.

You can also read this article in Spanish, French or Italian.

How to say sorry in Spanish?

If you want to have an effective communication with those around you, knowing how to apologize is essential. How to express yourself, say sorry or apologize in Spanish can lead you to a more positive communication with those around you.

Therefore, knowing in which situation how to apologize in Spanish is essential for you to continue developing your Spanish language skills. Whether you've bumped into someone on the street or made a mistake in class, knowing how to spot the mistake is a sign of empathy and respect for the other person.

In Spanish there are several ways to say sorry or apologize, depending on the situation, the person you are addressing or the degree of the error. For this reason, here are the 5 ways to say sorry in Spanish:

Lo siento (I’m sorry): is the most common expression for apologizing. For example, if you have bumped into someone or forgotten the name of your interlocutor. It is a phrase that is used in everyday life, in many situations and very easy to hear anywhere.

Examples:

• Lo siento mucho (I am sorry for what I said yesterday)
• Siento lo que te dije ayer (I'm sorry for what I said yesterday)
• Siento no haber llegado a tiempo (I'm sorry I didn't arrive on time)

Perdón (Excuse me or Sorry): is used in situations very similar to lo siento, but mostly when you don't understand something or want clarification. For example, when you haven't heard something and want it repeated.

Examples:

• Perdona, no te he visto (Excuse me, I didn't see you)
• Perdone, ¿me puede repetir lo que ha dicho? (Excuse me, could you repeat what you said?)
• Perdón, ¿me deja pasar? (Excuse me, may I come in?)
• Te pido perdón (I beg your pardon)

Disculpa (Excuse me): it is related to the expression “pedir disculpas” (to apologize), it is used in many contexts or when small accidents happen. It is a word closely related to perdón, so you can interchange them, and the meaning will be the same.

You can use this word in formal contexts, disculpe, or more informal, disculpa.

Examples:

• Disculpe, ¿sabe cómo llegar al metro? (Excuse me, do you know how to get to the subway?)
• Discúlpame (Excuse me)
• Te pido disculpas, no era mi intención ofenderte (I apologize, I didn't mean to offend you)

Lo lamento (I'm sorry or I regret): this expression is used in the same situations as lo siento. You can use it in multiple contexts and, if you substitute lo siento for lo lamento, the sentence will have the same meaning. Although it is true that lo lamento is a deeper expression than lo siento, it is mostly used to express condolences.

Examples:

• Lamento oír eso (I'm sorry to hear that)
• Lametno tu pérdida (I'm sorry for your loss)
• Lo lamento (I'm sorry)
• Lamento lo que pasó ayer (I'm sorry for what happened to you yesterday)

Con permiso (With permission/Excuse me): this phrase does not mean to apologize or say sorry in a literal way, but you can use it to ask for permission when you want to make your way through a crowd. With this expression you are not apologizing for something you have done wrong, but you are asking permission for something that is going to happen. In English it could be translated as “excuse me”.

Examples:

• Con permiso, ¿me deja pasar? (Excuse me, may I get through?)
• Permiso por favor, tengo que llegar a esa mesa (Excuse me please, I have to get to that table)

Other expressions to apologize in Spanish

Although these are the most common 5 ways to say sorry in Spanish, there are other expressions or phrases you can use that are very useful in Spanish. For example: me arrepiento or es mi culpa.

In addition, these verbs in Spanish are used to ask for forgiveness or apologies: disculparse, pedir perdón, perdonar, arrepentirse, reconciliarse or lamentarse.

Here are some examples:

1. Me arrepiento de lo que pasó ayer (I regret what happened yesterday)
2. No debí haber hecho eso, espero que puedas perdonarme (I shouldn't have done that, I hope you can forgive me)
3. Es mi culpa que se cayeran los libros (It's my fault the books fell down)
4. No sabes cuanto lo siento. ¿Me perdonas? (You don't know how sorry I am. Can you forgive me?)
5. Te perdono, no pasa nada (I forgive you, it's okay)
6. No hay problema, fue un error, queda olvidado (No problem, it was a mistake, it's forgotten)
7. Nos reconciliamos después de nuestra pelea (We made up after our fight)
8. Me pidió perdón por haberse quedado mi chaqueta (He asked me to forgive him for keeping my jacket)
9. Se disculpó por no haber recogido el paquete de la tienda (He apologized for not picking up the package from the store)
10. Disculpa, ¿puedes traerme un vaso de agua? (Excuse me, can you get me a glass of water?)
11. Con permiso, tengo que coger este tren (Excuse me, I have to catch this train)
12. Perdona, no te he visto (Excuse me, I didn't see you)

Do you have any more questions? You can ask one of our teachers in our Spanish courses in Spain. Get into the language now, improve your level and live a unique experience in a native Spanish country to master it completely. At donQuijote we help you improve your level, learn in a short time and get a certificate that certifies your level.

During your Spanish learning adventure, it is essential that you know how to communicate and express yourself to those around you, and to do this you will need to describe the world around you. The vocabulary you need to do this can be found in the five senses in Spanish.

Interacting with your environment is fundamental to expressing, learning and exploring wherever you go, and all of this is achieved through the 5 senses.

Explore each of the 5 senses in Spanish, how they are expressed, practical examples and useful vocabulary that will help you improve your communication and describe the world around you.

You can read this post also in Spanish.

What are the five senses in Spanish?

First, you need to know what the five senses are in Spanish: la vista (sight), el oído (hearing), el olfato (smell), el tacto (touch) and el gusto (taste). Each one plays a vital role in the life of human beings and, therefore, here you will find a brief explanation of each one of them.

1. La vista (sight)

The first sense you will learn in Spanish is la vista. Sight is the sense that allows us to perceive the world through our eyes. Thanks to it we can watch the sunrise, observe the birds in the sky or contemplate a work of art.

This sense is essential for most daily activities. In addition, sight also helps us identify colors, shapes and movements, making it essential for orientation and nonverbal communication.

Some common verbs used with the sense of sight are: mirar (to look), ver (to see), observar (to observe), parpadear (to blink) or contemplar (to contemplate). Here are some examples where this vocabulary related to the sense of sight is used:

• Me gusta mirar el atardecer desde la playa (I like to watch the sunset from the beach)
• Puedo ver la montaña desde mi apartamento (I can see the mountain from my apartment)
• Nos sentamos en el parque a observar a la gente (We sit in the park watching people)
• Pasé horas contemplando el cuadro de Goya en el museo (I spent hours contemplating Goya's painting in the museum)
• Cuando parpadeé no me podía creer lo que estaba viendo (When I blinked, I couldn't believe my eyes).

2. El oído (hearing)

The second sense is el oído, which allows us to perceive the sounds around us thanks to our ears. Through hearing, we can listen to music, hear people's voices, or distinguish different noises in our environment.

Hearing is crucial for communication, as it allows us to understand spoken language and enjoy music and other pleasurable sounds. Vocabulary related to this sense is: oír (to hear), escuchar (to listen), hablar (to talk or speak), gritar (to scream), exclamar (to cry out), pronunciar (to utter), recitar (to recite), articular (to articulate), ruidos (noises), sonidos (sounds), percibir (to perceive), or cantar (to sing).

Some examples:

• Me encanta escuchar música mientras trabajo (I love to listen to music while I work).
• Puedo oír las olas del mar desde mi ventana (I can hear the ocean waves from my window).
• Hablaba tan alto que le escucharon todos los vecinos gritar (He spoke so loudly that all the neighbors heard him shouting).
• Por la noche es más fácil percibir los sonidos de la naturaleza (At night it is easier to perceive the sounds of nature).
• Oigo cantar a los pájaros desde la ventana de mi habitación (I hear birds singing from my bedroom window).

3. El olfato (smell)

El olfato (smell) is the sense that allows us to identify odors and aromas through the nose. This sense is essential for enjoying food, recognizing places and evoking memories through smells.

Smell is closely related to emotions and memory, as certain aromas can transport us to specific times and places in our past. Verbs and words of this sense are: oler (smell), apestar (to stink), olfatear (sniff), olor (odor), aroma (aroma), perfume (perfume) or estornudar (to sneeze).

Here are some examples:

• Puedo oler el aroma del café recién hecho desde la cocina (I can smell the aroma of freshly brewed coffee from the kitchen).
• Al entrar en la panadería, pude oler el pan recién horneado (As I entered the bakery, I could smell the freshly baked bread).
• La bolsa de basura apestaba a pescado después de la cena de ayer (The garbage bag reeked of fish after yesterday's dinner).
• El olfato de un perro puede detectar olores a mucha distancia (A dog's sense of smell can detect odors from a great distance).
• Con la alergia en primavera, no paro de estornudar cada minuto (With allergies in spring, I sneeze every minute).

4. El gusto (taste)

On the other hand, el gusto (taste) allows us to enjoy flavors through the tongue. This sense, like smell, is essential for appreciating food and drink, as it is one of life's simplest and most universal pleasures.

In addition, the sense of taste also alerts us to spoiled or dangerous food, which is essential for our survival. Some useful words for this sense are: saborear (to savor), probar (to try or taste), degustar (to taste), comer (to eat), beber (to drink), lamer (to lick) or sabor (flavor).

Practical examples with the sense of taste:

• Me encanta saborear el chocolate amargo (I love to taste bitter chocolate).
• Voy a probar las zamburiñas por primera vez (I'm going to try scallops for the first time).
• El sabor de la tarta de zanahoria es uno de mis favoritos (The taste of carrot cake is one of my favorites).
• Me gusta beber agua cuando estoy comiendo en casa (I like to drink water when I'm eating at home).
• En la cata de vinos, aprendimos a degustar diferentes tipos de vino tinto y blanco (At the wine tasting, we learned how to taste different types of red and white wine).

5. El tacto (touch)

Finally, el tacto. Touch is the sense that allows us to experience texture or temperature through the skin. Thanks to touch, we can feel hot, cold, we can touch a soft object or experience the coolness of water.

The sense of touch is essential for interacting with our environment and for experiencing physical contact. These words are perfect for the latter sense: tocar (to touch), sentir or palpar (to feel), rozar (to brush or stroke), acariciar (to caress), piel (skin) or escalofrío (shiver).

Some examples with the sense of touch:

• Me gusta acariciar la seda porque es muy suave (I like to caress silk because it is very soft).
• No debes tocar la estufa caliente porque tiene una temperatura abrasadora (You shouldn't touch the hot stove because it has a scorching temperature).
• Puedo sentir el frío del hielo en mis manos cada vez que hago una bola de nieve (I can feel the coldness of ice on my hands every time I make a snowball).
• El médico palpó el abdomen del paciente para saber dónde le dolía (The doctor felt the patient's abdomen to find out where it hurt).

The 5 senses in Spanish allow us to interact with the world, enrich our language and are essential for communication with any other being. Learning Spanish in Spain to expand your vocabulary will help you describe your experiences more vividly and accurately when speaking with native speakers, your Spanish teachers or your classmates.

You have probably heard Spanish idiomatic expressions during your language stay to learn Spanish in Spain. Are you familiar with the phrase: “Tener la sartén por el mango”? Or “Esto es pan comido”? Many times, you will understand what each word in a sentence means, but you don't know its meaning and context. These phrases are Spanish idiomatic expressions that are recurrently used in everyday Spanish.

Do you want to know some of the most used idiomatic expressions in the language? Don't miss this donQuijote article then. You can also read this same article in Spanish, French or Italian.

What are Spanish idiomatic expressions?

Spanish idiomatic expressions are phrases or sets of words that have a meaning different from that of the words that compose them. That is, the individual words have a meaning that, when joined together as a phrase or Spanish expression, changes completely.

Moreover, these Spanish idiomatic expressions should not be interpreted literally because their meaning is figurative or culturally specific. These expressions are common in all languages and usually reflect cultural, historical or social aspects of Spain, in this case.

Therefore, Spanish idiomatic expressions are a fundamental part of the language, as they add a touch of depth and distinct nuances to the speakers' communication. Although some of these expressions can be difficult to learn at first if you are not familiar with the culture or language.

Below you can find Spanish idiomatic expressions and examples, divided into several classes according to the topic they deal with. Did you already know any of them?

Spanish idiomatic expressions with animals

• Aburrise como una ostra (bored out of my mind) is synonymous with being in a very boring situation. Example: Me aburrí como una ostra durante la conferencia del sábado.
• Dar gato por liebre (pull the wool over [sb]'s eyes) mean to deceive someone when, for example, you offer something of lesser quality or value than what was promised. E.g.: Me dieron gato por liebre cuando compré este bolso en la playa.
• Estar en la edad del pavo (to go through teenage angst) refers to a stage in which immature behavior is common, such as in adolescence. E.g.: Mi hijo está en la edad del pavo, se pasa el día haciendo tonterías.
• Estar como una cabra (to be crazy as a bat) means to be crazy or to behave eccentrically. E.g.: ¡Estás como una cabra si crees que voy a saltar desde ese puente!
• Estar como pez en el agua (to be in one’s element): to feel very comfortable in a situation or place. E.g.: Estaba como pez en el agua cuando se ponía a cocinar.
• No ver tres en un burro (to be blind as a bat) is used when someone has very bad vision. E.g.: Laura no ve ni tres en un burro sin sus gafas.

• Pagar el pato (to take the rap) refers to suffering the consequences of something for which you are not to blame or responsible. E.g.: Aunque no fue su culpa, Juan tuvo que pagar el pato por un error informático.
• Ser un gallina (to be a chicken) is to be a coward. E.g.: No seas un gallina, ven con nosotros a la casa del terror.
• Ser un rata (to be a tightwad) means to be very stingy or unwilling to spend money. E.g.: Mi vecino es un rata, nunca quiere pagar las reformas del edificio.
• Ser la oveja negra (to go off the rails) means to be the different member of a group or family, usually used in a negative way. E.g.: En mi familia, siempre me han considerado la oveja negra.
• Tener memoria de pez (fish's memory) means to have a bad memory or to forget things quickly. g: ¿No recuerdas lo que pasó ayer? ¡Menuda memoria de pez tienes!
• Tener vista de lince (to have an eagle eye) is the opposite of No ver ni tres en un burro, it refers to when a person has very good and sharp eyesight. E.g.: Luis tiene vista de lince; siempre encuentra las cosas que los demás no ven.

Spanish idiomatic expressions with food

• Comerse el coco (to worry one’s head): to think too much about something, to worry excessively. E.g.: No te comas el coco con eso, seguro que todo saldrá bien.
• Dar calabazas a alguien (to give somebody the brush off): to reject someone, usually in a love context. E.g.: María le dio calabazas a su compañero de clase.
• Darle la vuelta a la tortilla (to turn the tables): to change a situation completely. E.g.: Estábamos perdiendo el partido, pero le dimos la vuelta a la tortilla y ganamos.
• Es pan comido (it's a piece of cake): when something is very easy to do. E.g.: El examen de matemáticas fue pan comido.
• Es el pan de cada día (daily occurrence): refers to something that happens very frequently. E.g.: Las quejas de los clientes son el pan de cada día en nuestro trabajo.
• Estar de mala leche or tener mala leche (to get bent out of shape): to be in a bad mood. E.g.: Hoy no hables con Carlos, está de mala leche por la discusión de ayer.
• Ir a toda leche (to go like the clappers): when something or someone goes very fast. E.g.: Iba a toda leche en su moto cuando tuvo que frenar de golpe.
• Irse a freir espárragos (get lost): to send someone away in a rude or contemptuous manner. E.g.: Si sigues molestándome, te vas a freír espárragos.
• Ir pisando huevos (to walk on eggshells): is when someone goes cautiously or very slowly. E.g.: Mi vecino va pisando huevos cuando coge el coche.

• No importar un pepino/rábano/pimiento (do not care): you can use any of the three vegetables for this phrase; it means not caring at all or when you have no interest in something. E.g.: Me importa un pimiento lo que digan los demás.
• No hacer ni el huevo (to do nothing): means to do absolutely nothing. E.g.: Pedro no hizo ni el huevo en el proyecto final.
• Parecerse como un huevo a una castaña (to be like chalk and cheese): not to resemble each other at all or to be physically different. E.g.: Aunque son hermanos, se parecen como un huevo a una castaña.
• Ponerse como un tomate (to turn red as a beetroot): synonymous with blushing or being embarrassed. E.g.: Cuando recibe un cumplido, se pone como un tomate.
• Pedirle peras al olmo (to reach for the moon/to make a silk purse out of a pig’s ear): to ask for something impossible or very difficult to get. E.g.: Esperar que cambie de actitud es como pedirle peras al olmo.
• Ponerle la guinda al pastel (putting the icing on the cake): adding the finishing touch to something. E.g.: El gol en el último minuto le puso la guinda al pastel tras un fin de semana genial.
• Ser un chorizo: to be a thief. E.g.: Despidieron al contable porque resultó ser un chorizo.
• Ser un bombón (to be eye candy): is to be a very attractive person. E.g.: Es un bombón de niño, se parece a su madre.
• Ser un pez gordo (To be a big shot): to be an important or influential person in a particular field. E.g.: El nuevo jefe es un pez gordo de la industria.
• Ser carne de cañón (To be cannon fodder): to be always exposed to danger. E.g.: Si sigues tomando malas decisiones, acabarás siendo carne de cañón.
• Ser un melón (to be a blockhead): to be dumb or not very smart, used in an affectionate or negative way, depending on the context. E.g.: No seas melón y revisa los datos antes de enviar el informe.
• Ser del año de la pera (to be from another era): when something is very old. E.g.: Este televisor es del año de la pera, ¡no tiene mando a distancia!
• Temblar como un flan (to tremble like a flan): is to be very nervous or scared in a specific situation. E.g.: Antes de la entrevista temblaba como un flan.

Spanish idiomatic expressions with body parts

• Andar con pies de plomo (to walk on the safe side): is to act very cautiously. E.g.: Lo mejor es andar con pies de plomo cuando hables con tu superior.
• Buscarle tres pies al gato (to take the scenic route): when something gets unnecessarily complicated, or you look for problems where there are none. This expression could also be categorized in idiomatic expressions with animals. E.g.: No le busques tres pies al gato, la solución es más sencilla de lo que parece.

• Costar un ojo de la cara (to cost a fortune/to cost an arm and a leg): when something is very expensive. E.g.: Ese coche deportivo cuesta un ojo de la cara. 
• Dar la cara (face up): when someone takes responsibility for something. E.g.: Cuando hubo problemas, fue el único que dio la cara por mí.
• Echar un ojo (to keep an eye on sth/sb): when you keep an eye on or take care of something briefly. E.g.: ¿Puedes echarle un ojo a la comida mientras no estoy?
• Echar una mano (to lend a hand): when you help someone. E.g.: Necesito que me eches una mano con estos documentos.
• Empinar el codo (to have a few): when drinking alcohol in excess. E.g.: Después del trabajo, nos fuimos al bar a empinar el codo todo el equipo.
• Estar mal de la cabeza (to be out of your mind): used when someone is crazy. E.g.: No puedo creer que haya hecho eso; está mal de la cabeza.
• Estar hasta las narices (to be sick to death): when you are really fed up or tired of something or someone. E.g.: Estoy hasta las narices de tus mentiras; no te creo más.
• Hacer oídos sordos (to turn a deaf ear): when you ignore something on purpose. E.g.: Aunque se lo dijeron varias veces, hizo oídos sordos y siguió adelante.
• Hacer algo al pie de la letra (to do something to the T): when you do something exactly as instructed. E.g.: Siguió las instrucciones al pie de la letra y todo salió perfecto.
• Hablar por los codos (to talk nineteen to the dozen): when someone talks a lot or incessantly. E.g.: Rocío habla por los codos; a veces es difícil seguirle el ritmo.
• Hincar los codos (to swot): when you study hard and put a lot of effort into something, generally used for studies. E.g.: Si quieres aprobar, tendrás que hincar los codos las últimas semanas.
• Lavarse las manos (to pass the bucket): to wash one's hands of a problem or responsibility. E.g.: Se lavó las manos cuando le preguntaron qué había pasado.
• Levantarse con el pie izquierdo (to get out of bed on the wrong side): to start the day in a bad mood. E.g.: Diego se ha levantado con el pie izquierdo, tiene un humor horrible.
• Meter la pata (to screw up): to make a mistake, especially when saying something inappropriate. E.g.: Metí la pata al mencionar el tema.
• Morderse la lengua (to hold one's tongue/ bite one’s lip): to restrain oneself from saying something one thinks. E.g.: Quería decirle lo que pensaba, pero me mordí la lengua para no empeorar las cosas.

• No dar tu brazo a torcer (not budge an inch): when you don't give in to an argument or opinion. E.g.: Aunque todos estaban de acuerdo, él no dio su brazo a torcer.
• No tener pelos en la lengua (not mincing words): to say what you think straight out, in a direct way. E.g.: No tiene pelos en la lengua; siempre dice lo que piensa.
• No pegar ojo (not sleeping a wink): when you can't get to sleep. E.g.: Anoche no pegué ojo por el ruido en la calle.
• No tener un pelo de tonto (not a fool): to be very clever or cunning. E.g.: No intentes engañarlo, no tiene un pelo de tonto.
• No tener ni pies ni cabeza (without rhyme or reason): when something does not make sense or is illogical. E.g.: La historia que me contó no tiene ni pies ni cabeza.
• Poner la oreja (to put your ear): to listen attentively to or eavesdrop on another person's conversation. E.g.: Siempre está poniendo la oreja cuando hay alguna disputa.
• Salvarse por un pelo (a narrow escape): to escape a danger or situation by a hair's breadth. E.g.: Casi perdemos el tren, pero nos salvamos por un pelo.
• Ser el brazo derecho de alguien (to be sb’s right-hand man/woman): to be someone's most trusted person. E.g.: Rubén es el brazo derecho del director.
• Ser como uña y carne (to be like flesh and blood): to be very close to someone or to be inseparable. E.g.: Pedro y Juan han sido como uña y carne desde pequeños.
• Tener la cabeza llena de pájaros (to have a head full of birds): to be dreamy or not have one's feet on the ground. E.g.: Tiene la cabeza llena de pájaros, siempre soñando despierta.
• Tomarle el pelo a alguien (to pull someone’s leg): to pull someone's leg, usually as a joke. E.g.: No le hagas caso, solo te está tomando el pelo con esa historia.
• Tener cara dura (to be a cheeky person): to be shameless or shameless. E.g.: Tiene mucha cara dura para pedir más dinero tras su comportamiento.
• Tener los pies en el suelo (to put your feet on the ground): be realistic, don't get carried away by fantasies. E.g.: Aunque tiene grandes sueños, siempre mantiene los pies en el suelo.

Spanish idiomatic expressions with colors

• Buscar al príncipe azul (to look for Prince Charming): looking for the ideal or perfect partner. E.g.: Aún sueña con encontrar a su príncipe azul.
• Dar en el blanco (to hit the bullseye): to be right about something when you assume or statement. E.g.: Con su propuesta, dio en el blanco; todos estuvieron de acuerdo.
• Dar luz verde (to give the green light): to give permission for something to begin. E.g.: Dio luz verde al proyecto tras su presentación.
• Estar verde (to be very early stage): when you are unprepared or inexperienced in something. E.g.: Aún está verde en esta área; necesita más experiencia.
• Estar como una rosa (to feel as fresh as a daisy): to be in great health or look great. E.g.: Después de unas vacaciones, volvió al trabajo como una rosa.
• Estar sin blanca (to be broke): when you have no money. E.g.: Me quedé sin blanca tras las vacaciones en Nueva York.

• No hay color (to be like apples and oranges): when there is no comparison between two things or situations. E.g.: No hay color entre los dos equipos; el primero es mucho mejor.
• Ponerse morado (to eat like a horse): when you eat or drink too much. E.g.: Se puso morado en la boda del sábado.
• Poner verde a alguien (to call someone every name in the book): to criticize someone or speak ill of that person. E.g.: Tras la cena, pusieron verde al camarero por su mala gestión.
• Ponerse rojo (to turn red as a beetroot): to blush, usually out of embarrassment, is synonymous with the expression 'ponerse como un tomate'. E.g.: Se puso rojo cuando le preguntaron sobre su vida personal.
• Quedarse en blanco (to go blank): to suddenly forget something during an important moment. E.g.: Durante la presentación, se quedó en blanco y no supo qué decir.
• Verlo todo de color de rosas (to see all peaches and cream): being very optimistic, seeing everything in a positive way. E.g.: Aunque tiene problemas, siempre lo ve todo de color de rosa.

In addition to all these idiomatic expressions in Spanish, there are many more that have nothing to do with Spanish colors, food in Spanish or parts of the body. For example: 'Dar en el clavo', when you get an argument right or 'Hablar del rey de Roma', when you are talking about a person, and he appears at that moment.

All these idiomatic expressions will help you to improve your knowledge of the language and to communicate like a native speaker with the locals in Spain. Most of these expressions are used in Spain, in other countries where Spanish is also spoken, they have their own expressions, although some of them do coincide.

Saying or asking for the time in Spanish is one of the first basic lessons when you are learning the language. Whether it is because you are late for an interview or a movie; you are stopped on the street and asked the time or even you have an appointment and you are late!

Learning the time in Spanish, both digital and analog, is essential to further develop your knowledge of the language. Because mastering Spanish is not only about learning grammar and vocabulary, but also small details such as the time in Spanish or Spanish slang.
You can read this article in Spanish, French, Italian or Dutch.

How to tell the time in Spanish?

The most common question you will hear if you learn Spanish in Spain or Latin America is: “¿Qué hora es?” (What time is it?) This is the most direct way to ask for the time in Spanish, regardless of whether you know your interlocutor.
Also, depending on the context, you may hear several ways of asking for the time in Spanish. Here are some examples:

• Perdona, ¿qué hora es? (Excuse me, what time is it?)
• Oye, ¿qué hora tenemos? (Hey, what time do we have?)
• ¿Tienes hora? (Do you know what time it is?)
• ¿Me puedes decir qué hora es?
• Disculpa, ¿me puedes decir la hora?

Once you have understood the bulk of the question, you need to know how to answer. In Spanish, you can distinguish the time in digital or analog, as in all other languages. So, let's see how to differentiate and tell the different times in Spanish.

The hours in Spanish

The simplest way to tell the time in Spanish is when you want to tell an exact time. It's as simple as saying the time followed by “en punto”, or you can simplify it and just say the time. For example:

• 05:00 h: Las cinco en punto (Five o'clock)
• 09:00h: Las nueve ()
• 13:00 h: La una en punto (One o'clock)
• 18:00 h: Las seis (Six o'clock)

Hours with minutes

When you need to tell an hour with minutes, simply mention the hour and then the minutes. But keep in mind that, if the minutes are less than 30, you simply add the conjunction “y” (and) followed by the minutes. Whereas, if the minutes are more than 30, you can say “menos” and the time remaining until the next hour.
Here are some examples:

• 08:15h: Las ocho y cuarto (Quarter past eight)
• 11:25h: Las once y veinticinco (Twenty-five minutes past eleven)
• 14:30h: Las dos y media (Half past two)
• 15:50h: Son las cuatro menos diez (Ten to four o'clock)
• 20:45h: Las nueve menos cuarto (Quarter to nine)
• 22:10h: Las diez y diez (Ten past ten)

Difference between digital and analog format

The digital format is the most used nowadays to see the time since everyone has a mobile phone or a watch with a screen. This time format in Spanish is read as it is written:

• 07:12h: Las siete y doce (Seven twelve o’clock)
• 12:47h: Las doce cuarenta y siete (Twelve fourty-seven)
• 13:30h: Las trece treinta or La una y media de la tarde (Thirteen thirty o'clock)
• 16:45h: Las dieciséis cuarenta y cinco (Sixteen forty-five o'clock)

On the other hand, the analog format is the traditional clock with hands, and, in this case, the time is told in the manner explained above. Examples:

• 04:30h: Las cuatro y media ()
• 06:15h: Las seis y cuarto (Quarter past six)
• 10:55h: Las once menos cinco ()
• 19:35h: Las ocho menos veinticinco ()

It should be noted that, in Spanish, the AM and PM format is not used as in English. So, to differentiate the hours in Spanish, we say “de la mañana”, “de la tarde” or “de la noche”. Also, for 12:00h, you can say “es mediodía” or “es medianoche”. Here are some examples:

• 09:00h: Son las nueve de la mañana (It is nine o'clock in the morning)
• 20:00h: Son las ocho de la tarde (It is eight o'clock in the evening)
• 12:00h: Son las doce del mediodía ()
• 00:00h: Son las doce de la noche ()
• 18:00h: Las seis de la tarde ()
• 05:00h: Las cinco de la mañana ()
• 14:00h: Las dos de la tarde (Two o'clock in the afternoon)

Below, you will find some phrases where the hours are used in Spanish so that you can see various contexts:

1. La reunión empieza a las diez en punto (10:00 am) - The meeting starts at ten o'clock.
2. Llegué al aeropuerto a las cinco y media de la mañana (5:30 am) - I arrived at the airport at half past five in the morning.
3. El tren sale a las cuatro menos diez de la tarde (3:50 pm) - The train leaves at ten to four o'clock in the afternoon.
4. Nos vemos a las siete de la tarde en las taquillas del cine (7:00 pm) - Meet me at 7:00 p.m. at the cinema box office.
5. La obra de teatro empieza a las ocho y cuarto (8:15 pm) - The play starts at a quarter to eight.
6. Tengo una reserva para comer a las dos y media de la tarde (2:30pm) - I have a lunch reservation at 2:30 pm.
7. Mi vecino se despierta a las seis de la mañana para pasear a su perro (6:00 am) - My neighbor wakes up at six o'clock in the morning to walk his dog.

As in any language, learning to tell time in Spanish is a matter of practice. Remember that it is important to learn the basic ways to tell the hours in minutes or to differentiate between digital and analog format, since both are still used to tell the time in Spanish. With a little practice, you will master it quickly. Good luck!

Learning the parts of the body in Spanish is one of the first vocabulary lessons when you are learning the language, just like the colors in Spanish. Studying all the words about the human body will help you explain to the doctor if something hurts or how to give a compliment to a friend.

Do you have a headache and need a pill, have you had a fever and stomachache for several days, or do you want to ask the doctor how to relieve a specific pain? Spanish body parts vocabulary is more useful than you might think.

You can read this article in multiples languages: Spanish, French or Italian.

Parts of the body in Spanish

First, you are going to learn how to say human body in Spanish, it is translated as ‘cuerpo’ or ‘cuerpo humano’; and the parts of the body or the skeleton are translated as 'las partes del cuerpo' and 'esqueleto'. Depending on which area you want to refer to, you will have to use one term or another.

Next, it is essential to learn the most basic parts of the body in Spanish and the ones you are most likely to use in your day-to-day life.

The most common parts of the body in Spanish are:

• Cabeza (Head)
• Pelo (Hair)
• Cara (Face)
• Oreja (Ear)
• Ceja (Eyebrow)
• Ojo (Eye)
• Nariz (Nose)
• Boca (Mouth)
• Cuello (Neck)
• Pecho (Chest)
• Hombro (Shoulder)
• Espalda (Back)
• Estómago (Stomach)
• Brazo (Arm)
• Codo (Elbow)
• Mano (Hand)
• Dedos de la mano (Fingers)
• Pierna (Leg)
• Rodilla (Knee)
• Pie (Foot)
• Dedo del pie (Toe)
• Talón (Heel)

More body parts vocabulary in Spanish

Once you have learned the most basic Spanish words for body parts, it is time to delve into other parts or organs that will also be helpful. This vocabulary about the parts of the body in Spanish is less common, but if you must go to the doctor, are studying medicine or want to explain an ailment correctly, knowing these words is essential to communicate successfully.

Parts of the head in Spanish

• Frente (Forehead)
• Mejilla (Cheek)
• Pómulos (Cheekbones)
• Párpado (Eyelid)
• Pestañas (Eyelashes)
• Labios (Lips)
• Lengua (Tongue)
• Dientes (Teeth)
• Garganta (Throat)
• Mandíbula (Jaw)
• Barbilla (Chin)

Other parts of the human body in Spanish

• Axila (Axilla)
• Muñeca (Wrist)
• Antebrazo (Forearm)
• Palma (Palm)
• Pulgar (Thumb)
• Dedo índice (Index Finger)
• Dedo corazón (Middle Finger)
• Dedo anular (Ring Finger)
• Meñique (Little finger)
• Uña (Nail)
• Barriga (Belly)
• Cintura (Waist)
• Senos (Breast)
• Pezón (Nipple)
• Ombligo (Navel)
• Caderas (Hips)
• Trasero (Buttocks)
• Genitales (Genitalia)
• Muslo (Thigh)
• Tobillo (Ankle)

Organs and bones in Spanish

• Cerebro (Brain)
• Pulmones (Lungs)
• Corazón (Heart)
• Sangre (Blood)
• Riñón (Kidney)
• Intestino grueso (Large Intestine)
• Intestino delgado (Small intestine)
• Hígado (Liver)
• Musculo (Muscle)
• Esófago (Esophagus)
• Piel (Skin)

• Cráneo (Skull)
• Clavícula (Clavicle)
• Fémur (Femur)
• Humero (Humerus)
• Rótula (Patella)
• Radio (Radius)
• Cúbito (Ulna)
• Costillas (Ribs)
• Omoplato (Scapula)
• Columna vertebral or espina dorsal (Vertebral column or spine)
• Esternón (Sternum)
• Tibia (Tibia)
• Peroné (Fibula)
• Vértebra (Vertebra)

Phrases using Spanish body parts

Below, you will find some phrases that use words from the parts of the body in Spanish that you have seen throughout this article. Practice and use all the vocabulary in this article about Spanish body parts:

1. Me duele la cabeza después de pasar todo el día frente al ordenador (I have a headache after spending the whole day in front of the computer)
2. Siento tensión en los hombros después del entrenamiento (I feel tension in my shoulders after training)
3. Cuando como demasiado y en exceso, me duele el estómago (When I eat too much and in excess, my stomach hurts)
4. Los riñones filtran la sangre y eliminan las toxinas del cuerpo (The kidneys filter the blood and remove toxins from the body)
5. El cráneo protege el cerebro de posibles golpes (The skull protects the brain from possible blows)
6. La pelvis conecta la columna vertebral con las piernas (The pelvis connects the spine to the legs)
7. El fémur es el hueso más largo y fuerte del cuerpo humano (The femur is the longest and strongest bone in the human body)
8. La mandíbula se mueve cuando hablamos y masticamos (The jaw moves when we talk and chew)
9. Me fracturé la clavícula en un accidente de bicicleta (I fractured my collarbone in a bicycle accident)
10. Las costillas protegen los pulmones y el corazón (The ribs protect the lungs and heart)
11. En total tenemos 20 dedos, los 10 que componen las manos y otros 10 en los pies (We have a total of 20 fingers, the 10 that make up our hands and another 10 on our feet)
12. El esófago transporta los alimentos desde la boca hasta el estómago (The esophagus transports food from the mouth to the stomach)
13. Me hice daño en las rodillas al caer mientras hacía ejercicio (I hurt my knees when I fell while I was exercising)
14. El cúbito y el radio son los dos huesos del antebrazo (The ulna and radius are the two bones of the forearm)
15. Me torcí los tobillos jugando al fútbol el fin de semana pasado (I sprained my ankles playing soccer last weekend)

Are you missing a word from the Spanish body parts that is not in this article? Although this list is very complete, we are sure that there is some term that we have missed.

However, if you learn all these Spanish words for body parts little by little, you will become a subject matter expert. Or you can complete your knowledge of Spanish by studying Spanish courses in Spain and put all your knowledge of the language into practice with native speakers.

If you are traveling to a Spanish-speaking country, it is essential to know the medical Spanish vocabulary in case of an emergency or incident. You may get sick, must visit the doctor or need to go to the emergency room, you must know how to explain to the professionals what has happened or where it hurts.

That's why in this donQuijote post you will learn the essential medical Spanish vocabulary you need for your next trip, to expand your knowledge of the language or out of pure curiosity if you are learning Spanish. Keep reading and don't miss anything!

You can read this same post in Spanish or French.

Medical Spanish words

First, you should know medical Spanish terms that are used to call or appeal to professionals in the field:

• Doctor/a (Doctor/ Physician)
• Enfermera/o (Nurse)
• Hospital (Hospital)
• Ambulancia (Ambulance)
• Sala de espera (Waiting room)
• Urgencias (Emergency Room)
• Síntomas (Symptoms)
• Enfermedad (Illness)

These are just some of the most common words that are commonly used when it comes to medical personnel and their workplace. But, if you want to dig deeper into the symptoms, these medical Spanish words will be of great use to you:

• Accidente (Accident)
• Alergia (Allergy)
• Ampolla (Blister)
• Análisis de sangre (Blood test)
• Análisis de orina (Urinalysis)
• Depresión (Depression)
• Deshidratación (Dehydration)
• Diarrea (Diarrhea)
• Dolor (Pain)
• Dolor de cabeza (Headache)
• Dolor de garganta (Sore throat)
• Dolor de estómago (Stomach pain)
• Dolor lumbar (Lumbar pain)
• Estreñimiento (Constipation)
• Fatiga (Fatigue)
• Fiebre (Fever)
• Fractura (Fracture)
• Gripe (Flu/Influenza)
• Hemorragia (Hemorrhage)
• Infección (Infection)
• Intoxicación (Intoxication)
• Mareo (Dizziness)
• Medicina (Medicine)
• Moratón (Bruise)
• Nauseas (Nausea)
• Pastillas (Pills)
• Picadura (Stinging)
• Picazón (Itching)
• Quemadura (Burn)
• Sangre (Blood)
• Sarpullido (Rash)
• Tensión alta/baja (High/low blood pressure)
• Termómetro (Thermometer)
• Tirita (Band-aid)
• Tos (Cough)
• Vacuna (Vaccine)
• Virus (Virus)
• Vómitos (Vomiting)

On the other hand, you may need to know some specific medical Spanish terms, especially if you suffer from a specific disease and need to explain it to a professional. Here are some of those medical Spanish words:

• Artritis (Arthritis)
• Arritmia (Arrhythmia)
• Asma (Asthma)
• Cáncer (Cancer)
• Diabetes (Diabetes)
• Dificultad respiratoria (Respiratory distress)
• Hipertensión o hipotensión arterial (Hypertension or arterial hypotension)
• Inflamación (Inflammation)
• Irritación (Irritation)
• Infección bacteriana (Bacterial infection)
• Ictus (Stroke)
• Migraña (Migraine)
• Neumonía (Pneumonia)
• Osteoartritis (Osteoarthritis)
• Parálisis (Paralysis)
• Resfriado (Cold)
• Septicemia (Sepsis)
• Trombosis (Thrombosis)

In case you have an accident and need to explain to the doctor what has happened, these words will help you communicate your situation:

• Golpearse la cabeza (Hitting your head)
• Sangrar (Bleeding)
• Romperse un hueso (Breaking a bone)
• Accidente de coche (Car accident)
• Cortarse (Cutting)
• Desmayarse (Fainting)
• Caerse (Falling)
• Lesión/lesionarse (Injury)
• Torcerse un tobillo (Twisting an ankle)
• Herida (Wound)
• Vendaje (Bandage)

Once you have explained the situation, and the doctors and nurses know how to treat you, these words about medicines will also clarify the diagnosis:

• Antibiótico (Antibiotic)
• Analgésico (Analgesic)
• Anestesia (Anesthesia)
• Aspirina (Aspirin)
• Enalapril (Enalapril)
• Insulina (Insulin)
• Ibuprofeno (Ibuprofen)
• Laxante (Laxative)
• Omeprazol (Omeprazole)
• Paracetamol (Paracetamol)
• Penicilina (Penicillin)

Medical Spanish Phrases

Once you have assimilated the medical Spanish vocabulary, you must know how to formulate the necessary phrases so that the doctor or any health professional understands you. For that reason, here are some of the medical Spanish phrases that can help you if the doctor asks you questions or you must explain what is wrong with you:

• Señale dónde le duele (Point to where it hurts)
• Respire lentamente, cogiendo el aire por la nariz y expulsándolo por la boca (Breathe slowly, taking in air through your nose and expelling it through your mouth)
• Levante la cabeza (Lift your head)
• Abra la boca (Open your mouth)
• Le voy a mirar los oídos (I'm going to look in your ears)
• Voy a auscultarle el pecho (I'm going to listen to your chest)
• Acuéstese en la camilla (Lie down on the stretcher)
• Le voy a tomar la temperatura corporal (I'm going to take your body temperature)
• Dígame si siente algún dolor en esta zona (Tell me if you feel any pain in this area)
• Me duele la espalda/el brazo/la pierna… (My back/arm/leg hurts....)
• Tengo dolor de cabeza/espalda/garganta/oídos… (I have a headache/back/throat/earache....)
• No me encuentro bien (I do not feel well)
• Me pitan los oídos (My ears are ringing)
• ¿Toma alguna medicación? (Do you take any medication?)
• ¿Cada cuánto debo tomarme el medicamento? (How often should I take my medication?)
• He tenido un accidente (I have had an accident)
• Tengo una herida en el brazo (I have an arm injury)
• Tengo mareos (I have dizziness)
• Me siento débil (I feel weak)
• Tengo un poco de fiebre (I have a slight fever)

These are just some of the most used medical terms in Spanish, but there are many more, depending on the situation or state of health of each person. Even so, we hope this post will be helpful when you need to consult medical vocabulary in Spanish. Follow your adventure in the language and continue learning Spanish with donQuijote.

Summer is here and it comes with lots of heat, travel and new discoveries for Spanish travelers. This long-awaited season has arrived and, if you are going to visit a country where Spanish is the main language, this article is for you.

Learn and discover the Spanish travel vocabulary you need to get around Spain, Mexico or Argentina this summer. You will be able to communicate with the natives if you have any questions about transportation, food or where is the building or restaurant you are looking for. Don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have; the Spaniards will be happy to help you!

You can also read this article in Spanish.

Basic Spanish words for travel

Even if you don't have a very high level of Spanish, making the effort to speak Spanish when you are in Spain is a good decision. Not only will you learn new vocabulary, but the locals will appreciate it if you try to communicate with them in Spanish. So, here are some basic Spanish words for traveling to Spanish-speaking countries.

• Hola (Hello)
• Buenos días (Good morning)
• Buenas tardes (Good afternoon)
• Buenas noches (Good night)
• Por favor (Please)
• Disculpa (Excuse me)
• Quiero… (I want…)
• Necesito… (I need…)
• Me gustaría… (I would like…)
• Gracias (Thanks)
• Muchas gracias (Thank you so much)
• Perdón (Sorry)
• Adiós (Goodbye)

Basic Spanish phrases for travel

The most basic Spanish travel vocabulary is fundamental to communicate successfully, but as a Spanish traveler, you also need to know some key phrases if you need to ask for help on the subway or bus; if you want to ask for the ingredients of a dish or if you want to ask for directions to a specific place.

Below, you will find some basic Spanish phrases for traveling that will be useful in multiple scenarios:

• ¿Habla inglés? (Do you speak English?)
• No hablo español (I don’t speak Spanish)
• ¿Cómo se dice en español…? (How do you say in Spanish...?)
• No sé qué significa eso (I don't know what that means)
• No lo entiendo (I don't understand it)
• ¿Qué hora es? (What time is it?)
• Hable más lento, por favor (Speak slower, please)

But imagine you want to talk to the hotel receptionist or the owner of the place where you are staying. Here are some useful Spanish phrases for travel:

• Tengo una reserva a nombre de María Gómez (I have a reservation in the name of Maria Gomez)
• ¿A qué hora puedo entrar a la habitación? (What time can I enter the room?)
• ¿Cuándo hay que dejar la habitación el día que nos marchemos? (When do we have to leave the room the day we check out?)
• ¿Hay buffet libre en el desayuno? (Is there a free buffet at breakfast?)
• ¿Pueden guardarme las maletas hasta que salga mi avión? (Can you hold my bags for me until my plane leaves?)
• ¿Cuál es la contraseña del WiFi? (What is the WiFi password?)
• Me gustaría devolver la llave de la habitación (I would like to return the room key)
• No queda gel de ducha en el baño, ¿podrían proporcionármelo? (There is no shower gel left in the bathroom, can you provide it?)

Although the Spanish travel vocabulary you will use the most is probably the one you will find below. Learn how to ask for and order food in Spanish in a restaurant:

• Mesa para dos, por favor (Table for two, please)
• Tengo una reserva a nombre de Luis Pérez (I have a reservation in the name of Luis Perez)
• ¿Puede traerme la carta? (Can you bring me the menu?)
• ¿Qué me recomienda? (What do you recommend?)
• ¿Cuál es el menú de hoy? (What is today's menu?)
• Para beber, queremos dos refrescos, por favor (To drink, we would like two soft drinks, please)
• Soy vegetariano, ¿tienen algún plato sin carne? (I am a vegetarian; do you have a meatless dish?)
• ¿Qué ingredientes tiene el plato? Soy alérgico a los frutos secos (What are the ingredients in the dish? I am allergic to nuts)
• Mi hamburguesa sin tomate, por favor (My hamburger without tomato, please)
• ¡Todo estaba muy rico! (Everything was very tasty!)
• ¿Dónde está el baño? (Where is the bathroom?)
• La cuenta, por favor (The bill, please)
• Para pagar con tarjeta (To pay by card)
• Me gustaría pagar en efectivo (I would like to pay cash)

Also, if you want to go into a shop or supermarket and ask the workers, ask for directions in Spanish or have an emergency and need help, these Spanish phrases for travel will help you:

• ¿Cuánto cuesta esta chaqueta? (How much does this jacket cost?)
• ¿Dónde queda el Museo del Prado? (Where is the Prado Museum?)
• Está a la derecha (It is on the right)
• Todo recto y después gira a la izquierda (Straight ahead and then turn left)
• ¿Qué precio tiene la entrada? (How much is the entrance fee?)
• ¿Cómo llego al estadio de fútbol? (How do I get to the soccer stadium?)
• ¿Puede ayudarme? (Can you help me?)
• Necesito ayuda para sacar el billete del metro (I need help getting a metro ticket)
• Estoy perdido, ¿cómo llego a mi hotel en la Calle Pez? (I'm lost, how do I get to my hotel on Calle Pez?)
• ¿Cómo llego al aeropuerto desde aquí? (How do I get to the airport from here?)
• ¿Dónde está la parada de metro más cercana? (Where is the nearest metro stop?)

These are just some of the basic Spanish words and phrases for traveling that will allow you to communicate with the locals. Put your Spanish skills into practice while you travel to perfect the language. Because one of the best ways to practice a language is to travel to a country where it is spoken, learning Spanish in Spain will allow you to develop your listening and comprehension skills in a short time during your vacation.