It's never too late when it comes to learning a new language. No matter how old you are or what you are working on, in terms of learning, everything counts, and even more so if you want to learn Spanish as an adult.

Work, home or family responsibilities often leave you with no time to learn a language, so in this article you will find the best ways to learn Spanish for adults. Tips and recommendations to make learning Spanish as an adult easy, simple and fast.

Read the article in Spanish.

Set clear and achievable goals

The first tip is to define the goals you want to achieve when learning Spanish as an adult. Remember that these goals must be very specific and achievable, always in line with your daily life.

In addition, you should be clear about why you want to learn Spanish as an adult and, once you decide, get on with it! For example, you can set a goal of learning 10 or 15 Spanish words a day. Clear and concise goals will help you stay motivated and focused on learning Spanish.

Spanish courses for adults

If being self-taught is not your thing, the Spanish courses for adults are ideal for you. A language school or adults’ Spanish classes online can provide you with the foundation and guidance you need to learn effectively.

The teachers are qualified to teach you, correct your mistakes and give you clear explanations of grammar and vocabulary for your understanding. Because establishing a basic knowledge base during your Spanish classes as an adult will make it easier for you to continue learning the language.

Practice with native speakers

Practice in a language is essential to be able to think and communicate quickly with your interlocutors. That's why apps, exchange groups in your city or Spanish conversation groups will allow you to put into practice everything you've learned.

Find the perfect conversation partner to practice your Spanish. You may even reach an agreement: you teach them a language or play an instrument and they teach you to practice Spanish. In addition, it will allow you to meet many people who will become lifelong friends.

Travel to Spanish-speaking countries

If it is a possibility for you, traveling to a Spanish-speaking country is one of the most effective ways you can find to learn Spanish as an adult.

Full immersion, for 24 hours, will force you to use Spanish to always communicate, in real everyday situations such as going to the supermarket, riding public transportation or ordering food in a restaurant. Accelerate your learning and immerse yourself completely in the language by learning Spanish in Spain or in a Latin American country such as Mexico.

Immerse yourself in Spanish

If traveling to learn Spanish in Spain is not in your plans, immerse yourself in the language wherever you are. Listen to Spanish music, read books, articles or newspapers and watch Spanish TV series or movies to learn vocabulary from home.

The more exposure you have to Spanish, the faster you will learn. You can also use apps on your phone to improve your Spanish outside of class or switch your smartphone language to Spanish to internalize everyday terms.

Write to practice your writing with friends, keep a journal or make a grocery list in Spanish. Every little step can make a difference when learning a language. In addition, you can take advantage of free online resources to practice grammar and vocabulary, watch YouTube videos or listen to podcasts in Spanish on topics of interest to you.

Look for content that interests you and that fits your level of Spanish and don't stop practicing.

Be consistent with practice and study

Learning Spanish as an adult can be a long and challenging process. Therefore, it is important to be patient and not get discouraged with mistakes. Consistency is key, so practice every day, even if it's just a few minutes, to improve your comprehension.

Finally, as a last tip for learning Spanish as an adult is to practice a lot of communication, talk to people, either in person or in writing; and constantly listen to songs, podcasts or movies in Spanish. Even if you don't understand all the vocabulary or phrases, you will be able to understand the overall conversation from the context.

Don't be discouraged and start learning Spanish now. It is never too late to venture into learning a new language and these tips can give you the final push you need.

Spanish is one of the most studied languages, with thousands of speakers around the world and with very beautiful and curious words. So, if you are taking a Spanish course, want to deepen your vocabulary and learn beautiful words in Spanish, this is the article for you!

Discover a list of 50 beautiful words in Spanish that will surprise you. Some are used daily, and others are uncommon, but the richness of this language is present in every word.

Read this article in Spanish if you prefer.

50 beautiful words in Spanish

Below, you will find a list of 50 different Spanish words, some of them widely used and others not so popular daily.

• Acendrado: said of something as a quality or conduct; pure and without blemish or defect.
• Alma (soul): spiritual and immortal part of the human being.
• Añoranza (homesickness): feeling of sorrow for the absence of someone or something dear to one's heart.
• Apapachar: to give affectionate pats or hugs to someone.

• Arcano (arcane): mysterious, secret.
• Arrebol: red color, specifically the color of the clouds illuminated by the rays of the sun or the color of the face.
• Aurora: pinkish light that appears in the sky before sunrise.
• Azahar (orange blossom): white flower of the orange, lemon, and other citrus trees.
• Beldad: beauty or loveliness, especially in people and, particularly, in the woman.
• Bonhomía (bonhomie): affability, simplicity, kindness and honesty in character and behavior.
• Brisa (breeze): soft and fresh wind.
• Cálido (warm): that gives a sensation of heat.
• Cereza (cherry): small, round, red fruit of the cherry tree.
• Cielo (sky): atmosphere seen from the earth; firmament.
• Claridad (clarity): quality of light; luminosity.
• Constelación (constellation): a group of stars forming a recognizable pattern.

• Destello (sparkle): a brief, bright glow.
• Dulzura (sweetness): quality of sweetness; softness, gentleness.
• Eco (echo): repetition of a reflected sound.
• Efímero (ephemeral): short-lived.
• Elocuencia (eloquence): ability to express oneself persuasively and fluently.
• Esencia (essence): the most important and characteristic of something.
• Estrella (star): celestial body that shines with its own light in the sky.
• Éter (ether): celestial space or sky.
• Euforia (euphoria): feeling of intense joy and well-being.
• Flor (flower): part of a plant that contains the reproductive organs.
• Fragancia (fragrance): pleasant and soft smell.
• Girasol (sunflower): plant with a large yellow flower that turns toward the sun.
• Glosolalia (glossolalia): gift of tongues; said of the supernatural capacity to speak tongues.
• Horizonte (horizon): apparent line where the sky and the earth seem to be joined.
• Íntimo (intimate): very personal or private.
• Koala: marsupial mammal like a small bear, native of Australia.

• Laberinto (labyrinth or maze): place formed by tangled paths of difficult exit.
• Lluvia (rain): precipitation of water from the clouds.
• Lucero (bright star): big and bright star.
• Magia (magic): set of knowledge and practices with which it is pretended to obtain extraordinary things.
• Melifluo (mellifluous): that has honey or is like it in its properties. Sweet, smooth, soft, tender, and delicate when speaking or when dealing with.
• Murmullo (murmur): soft and continuous sound, like that of a conversation in a low voice.
• Nostalgia: feeling of sorrow for the remoteness of something dear to him.
• Onírico (oniric): related to dreams.
• Origami: is a word of Japanese origin that means to shape a piece of paper.

• Parpadeo (blinking): action of rapidly closing and opening the eyes.
• Quimera (chimera): dream or illusion that is longed for and is very difficult to realize. In mythology, the chimera is an imaginary monster that spits flames and has the head of a lion, the belly of a goat and the tail of a dragon.
• Rocambolesco (rocambolesque): said of a circumstance or fact, generally in series with others. Extraordinary, exaggerated, or implausible.
• Soledad (solitude): state of being alone.
• Solsticio (solstice): moment of the year in which the sun reaches its maximum or minimum declination.
• Sombra (shadow): darkness where the light is obstructed.
• Susurro (whisper): soft sound that is produced when speaking in a low voice.
• Ukelele: stringed musical instrument, popularized from Hawaii, like the guitar, but of smaller size.
• Vorágine (vortex): impetuous whirlpool made by the waters of the sea, rivers, or lakes. It can also mean unbridled passion or a mixture of very intense feelings.

Which one was your favorite? Did you know about the existence of words like ‘melifluo’ or ‘arrebol’ in Spanish? This list of beautiful words in Spanish will help you learn new terms while learning Spanish in Spain. Discover your favorite Spanish word and tell us, does it belong to this list?

Colors are a fundamental part of any language as they allow you to express yourself, describe objects and places and everything around you. That is why, when you are starting to learn Spanish from scratch, colors are one of the first vocabulary lessons to be taught.

Everything is full of colors: clothes, art, decoration, books, objects... Practically any animate or inanimate being has color and in your Spanish course you can't miss this lesson. Describe anything you set your mind to once you have learned the Spanish colors.

Read this article in Spanish if you prefer.

Spanish colors list

Before differentiating colors according to their category on the color wheel, this complete list of colors in Spanish will help you learn them:

• Azul - Blue
• Amarillo - Yellow
• Rojo - Red
• Rosa - Pink
• Naranja - Orange
• Verde - Green
• Violeta - Violet
• Morado - Purple
• Turquesa - Turquoise
• Marrón - Brown
• Negro - Black
• Blanco - White
• Gris - Gray
• Plateado - Silver
• Dorado - Gold
• Fucsia - Fuchsia
• Lila - Lilac
• Beige
• Azul celeste - Light Blue
• Caqui - Khaki

Although there are many more colors and subtonalities of each color, below, you will be able to distinguish them in the chromatic circle and differentiate them by their category.

Spanish color wheel

The Spanish color wheel or chromatic circle is an ordered representation of colors according to their shades in a circular shape. It represents the primary colors and their derivatives.

It is a fundamental tool for composing and creating designs, but for you, as a student of Spanish, it will help you to learn the different shades of colors and names.

Primary colors are those that cannot be obtained from a mixture of colors. There are three: amarillo, magenta, and cian (yellow, red, and blue). While secondary colors are those that come from the mixture of the primary colors, they are violeta, naranja, and verde (violet, orange, and green).

Also, there are the complementary colors, those that are opposite to the primary colors in the chromatic circle. For each primary color there is a complementary one that is formed by a primary and a secondary one:

• Rojo and verde (red and green)
• Amarillo and violeta (yellow and violet)
• Azul and naranja (blue and orange)

In addition, in the Spanish color wheel there are the warm and cold colors. The warm colors are rojo, naranja, and amarillo (red, orange, and yellow); while the cool colors are verde, azul, and violeta (green, blue, and violet).

Are black and white not in the Spanish color wheel? Yes, these two colors are not part of the color wheel. These two colors are neutral, like gray, so they do not appear in the color wheel because they lack color.

Below, you will find examples of sentences with different Spanish colors that can help you learn how to use them, their order and their gender and number:

• El profesor lleva una chaqueta azul oscuro y un maletín marrón (The teacher is wearing a dark blue jacket and a brown briefcase)
• ¿Sabes dónde he dejado mi bufanda rosa? (Do you know where I left my pink scarf?)
• Mi taza preferida es de color rojo (My favorite mug is red)
• El amarillo es el color preferido de mi tía (Yellow is my aunt's favorite color)
• La mesa dorada está junto al sofá morado (The golden table is next to the purple sofa)
• La botella verde tiene un dibujo de una piña amarilla (The green bottle has a drawing of a yellow pineapple)
• El cielo azul está lleno de nubes grises (The blue sky is filled with gray clouds)
• El coche de mi primo es naranja, pero el techo y los retrovisores son negros (My cousin's car is orange, but the roof and the mirrors are black)
• El bolso blanco tiene un toque lila que me encanta (The white bag has a lilac touch that I love)
• La portada de ese libro es roja con las páginas pintadas de azul (The cover of that book is red with blue painted pages)

What colors would you add to this list? Which is your favorite? Ask your friends and family in Spanish what their favorite color is and practice the vocabulary you have learned. The colors allow you to describe objects, art, people, clothes, and much more. DonQuijote Spanish School encourages you to improve your level, increase your vocabulary and practice the language!

Are you learning Spanish, but you have tried to speak to a native speaker and have not fully understood the words? You may have a high level of Spanish but what you need is to learn Spanish slang, which will help you understand common expressions and words that people use daily.

If you have ever felt that you didn't understand Spanish despite all your knowledge, don't worry, in this donQuijote article we will teach you some Spanish slang words and common phrases that Spaniards use daily.

Spanish slang is used a lot, and this vocabulary will help you understand it better. So, if you want to learn Spanish like a native, knowing Spanish slang is a must.

Read here the article in Spanish.

What is Spanish slang?

Spanish slang refers to the set of words, expressions and turns of phrase characteristic of a language, in this case, Spanish. These terms may be specific to a social group, a profession, or a specific region in Spain.

This jargon may include words or expressions that are not common in your academic books and that are not taught in schools, so it can be difficult to understand for those who are not familiar with the language or who are learning Spanish in Spain. Spanish slang can vary widely depending on the cultural, geographical, and social context. In addition, this type of slang can be used to establish identity and membership in certain groups or communities.

Spanish slang words

Although colloquial slang may belong to a specific group, in this article you will find Spanish slang words that will help you understand most native Spanish speakers.

• Colega: is widely used and means friend. This is an exclusive word in Spain, as ‘colega’ means buddy in other Spanish-speaking countries.
• Tío/Tía: in Spain it is used all the time to refer to a man or a woman; it is similar to saying ‘chico’ or ‘tipo’ when you are talking to someone. Not to be confused with the word ‘tío’ or ‘tía’, which refers to a relative, uncle or aunt.
• Molar: means that you like something or that it's cool.
• Guay: is a synonym for ‘molar’ and refers to something that is cool or you like.
• Flipar: this verb refers to when something blows you away or surprises you for good.
• Pasta: is a Spanish slang word meaning money, but you can also hear ‘guita’, ‘plata’ or ‘lana’, which refer to the same word.
• Puente: can be translated as a long weekend, that is, when there are days off in a city because it is a holiday and coincides with the weekend.

• Chulo: this word can have several meanings. The first can be translated as ‘pimp’, especially in Latin American countries. However, in Spain, this term is also used to describe something or someone who is attractive or beautiful.
• Chaval: is a Spanish slang word to refer to children or young people.
• Empollar: is a term that refers to studying intensely.
• Joder: undoubtedly, a word widely used in Spanish slang by everyone and that you have probably heard in many places. It is a vulgar word to express surprise, anger or to emphasize something.
• Currar: this Spanish slang word means to work.
• Cutre: this word is very common in Spanish slang when you want to refer to something that is not pleasing to the eye or when something is of poor quality.
• Tapeo/terraceo: in Spain going out for tapas is very popular, so in the same line you will find the word ‘terraceo’, which derives from ‘terraza’. This term is used when you want to go with friends to have a drink on a terrace.
• Liarse: refers to when you go out for a drink, or ‘terraceo’, and you end up going out partying, although the first intention was to go home early.
• Vaina: this word is used to refer to a specific thing you don't know the name of or when you don't remember how to say something.

Examples of sentences with the above-mentioned Spanish slang words:

• Me flipó la última película de Scorsese (I love Scorsese's last movie)
• Te ves muy bien, tío, te queda genial ese corte de pelo (You look great, man, you look great with that haircut)
• Aprovechamos el puente para ir a la playa (We took advantage of the long weekend to go to the beach)
• Cómo mola el coche de tu padre (How cool is your father's car)
• Me liaron ayer y acabé de fiesta en una discoteca del centro (I got caught yesterday and ended up partying in a nightclub downtown)
• Esa camiseta es muy cutre, está rota por el cuello (That T-shirt is crappy, it's torn at the neck)
• Qué chula tu nueva cazadora (How cool is your new jacket)
• Me toca currar el fin de semana (I must work on the weekend)

Spanish slang expressions

In addition to Spanish slang words, you can also find some Spanish slang expressions that are used daily and have a peculiar meaning:

• Dar palo: it means that you are lazy or don't feel like going somewhere or doing something specific; it also refers to when it bothers you to do something. Example: ‘Me da palo ir hasta el centro a ver a María, podría venir ella a casa’ (I don't want to go to the center to see Maria, she could come home').
• Estar como una cabra: refers to when someone is crazy or behaving strangely. For example: ‘Tu primo está como una cabra, el otro día se fue sin pagar’ (Your cousin is crazy, the other day he left without paying).
• Me sabe mal: is an expression of apology or regret for something that has been said or done. Example: ‘Me sabe mal haberte hecho esperar tanto tiempo’ (I'm sorry I kept you waiting so long).
• Por la cara: means to get something for free or without effort. For example: ‘Conseguí las entradas del concierto por la cara’ (I got the concert tickets for free).
• Ir a tu bola: means to do what you want without worrying about others. For example: ‘Siempre va a su bola, no le hace caso a su madre’ (He always goes his own way, he doesn't even pay attention to his mother).
• Mala pata: this expression in Spanish means to have bad luck or misfortune.
• Qué corte: it is used when something embarrasses you or when you are in an embarrassing situation.
• Dejar plantado: refers to when you don't keep an appointment or commitment with someone. Example: ‘Me dejó plantado en el restaurante en nuestra primera cita’ (He stood me up at the restaurant on our first date).

These are just some of the most popular Spanish slang words and expressions in Spain, but there are certainly many more. If you want to learn to speak with a native speaker and get to know all these colloquial slang terms, sign up for a Spanish course in Spain and learn firsthand the Spanish slang of cities like Madrid or Barcelona.

Spanish may be considered one of the easiest languages to learn, especially if your mother tongue is French or Italian, which is why it is one of the most spoken languages in the world. But the truth is that this language has its difficulties and, from donQuijote Spanish schools as experts in teaching Spanish, we bring you 7 tips to learn Spanish fast.

Improve your knowledge and discover how to learn Spanish fast with these simple but effective tips. Read this article also in Spanish.

1. Practice every day

Consistency is the key to improving your level of Spanish and daily practice makes your knowledge expand rapidly. Although you may think it sounds obvious, practicing a language every day is a challenge that not everyone is willing to take on.

Practice Spanish a few minutes a day for a week, either by reading, writing, or listening Spanish songs to learn Spanish, even a language app on your mobile phone can be very useful for this purpose. After that, increase the time you spend practicing and studying the language. You will see that, over time, your knowledge will continue to grow.

Be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress, however small it may be, this will motivate you to continue learning Spanish.

2. Sign up for Spanish classes

This may seem like an obvious tip, but not all students put it into practice. Taking Spanish classes will allow you to strengthen your foundation and continue to improve under the guidance of professionals. Spanish teachers can guide you on your way to becoming a fluent Spanish speaker so that your pronunciation, vocabulary, and fluency improve quickly.

A teacher can provide personalized guidance and correct your mistakes. In addition, you will be able to meet more people with the same level of Spanish as you and practice with them so that your communication becomes fluent. Whether it's native teachers or your classmates, speaking Spanish will build your confidence and allow you to let go more and more.

3. Travel to Spanish-speaking countries

Try to immerse yourself in Spanish by traveling to Spanish-speaking countries. If you have the opportunity to learn Spanish in Spain or any other country such as Mexico, Argentina or Peru, don't miss the opportunity.

Being surrounded 24 hours a day by the language you are learning will make your senses expand and pick up all the information that surrounds them. You will be able to practice your knowledge of Spanish in everyday situations and learn new words all the time.

There is no doubt that one of the most effective and fastest ways to learn Spanish is to travel to a place where it is the official language.

4. Language immersion

If you don't have the opportunity to travel to a Spanish-speaking country like Spain to put your knowledge into practice, try language immersion at home. Listen to Spanish music or podcasts, watch Spanish tv series or movies, and read as much as possible in Spanish.

You can do the same with podcasts and songs, start with short and easy to understand audios, and then move on to longer and more complex podcasts. Also, you can try to repeat what you are listening to so that your pronunciation and fluency improve at the same time.

5. Don't be afraid to make mistakes

Mistakes are part of the learning process, so don't beat yourself up when you make them. In addition, you will be able to take the good out of mistakes: learn how to say or write a word correctly and practice it until the mistake becomes an anecdote.

Everyone learns at their own pace, and everyone is better at some aspects than others. If grammar is more difficult for you, review it daily; and if your weak point is reading, read in Spanish a little every day.

6. Learn Spanish with vocabulary useful to your interests

Another useful tip is to start learning vocabulary on topics that interest you or are related to your field of study. For example, if you are going on vacation, prioritize words that can be useful for your trip.

Make a list of new words about your field of study, for example, medicine, and review them regularly. Try to introduce them into your daily Spanish study and practice them in your conversations in class or with friends - anything goes to learn Spanish quickly!

7. Immerse yourself in the culture

Learn as much as you can about the Spanish culture to better understand the context behind your readings or the Spanish songs you listen to. This will motivate you to keep learning and discovering things about the language.

All this will also help you to enjoy even more your trips to countries like Spain or Mexico, where you will discover firsthand everything you have learned. The culture and traditions of Spanish-speaking countries will help you want to immerse yourself in the Spanish language and learn to speak Spanish quickly.

Do you want to expand your Spanish vocabulary with words that are funny to pronounce or have a peculiar meaning? In this donQuijote article you will find some of the most used funny Spanish words and expressions, others very curious or with a characteristic origin. Because learning Spanish is an adventure in which you can discover unique words that will become your favorites.

Read this article in Spanish.

Funny words in Spanish

Find here the 50 funny words in Spanish that will help you expand your vocabulary, learn new terms and discover some words that have no literal translation in English. But don't worry if you have never heard them before because we also leave you the definitions in Spanish:

• Achuchar: to squeeze or hug someone tightly.
• Adefesio: ridiculous or extravagant looking person or thing.
• Alcachofa (Artichoke): edible plant in the shape of a flower.
• Algarabía (Hubbub): confusion or noise produced by a group of people talking at the same time.
• Babosear (To slober): to drool on something or someone, generally used with dogs.
• Bobalicón (Simpleton): silly or simple person.
• Bocazas (Blabbermouth): person who talks too much or too much; also used for people who do not know how to keep their mouths shut and tell things they should not.
• Cachivache (Junk): useless or poor-quality object.
• Cantamañanas (Fantasizer): unreliable or serious person.
• Cháchara (Chitchat): trivial or unimportant conversation.
• Chanchullo (Scam): deception or trap to obtain a benefit.
• Chimichurri: herb sauce used as a condiment in Argentine and Uruguayan cuisine.
• Chirimoya (Custard apple): tropical fruit with white and sweet pulp.
• Chismoso (Gossip): person who talks a lot about other people's lives.
• Churro: fried flour dough in the shape of a spiral.
• Chollo (Bargain): bargain or bargain, especially when it comes to shopping.
• Ciempiés (Centipede): insect with many legs.
• Cucurucho (Cone): cone made of paper, cardboard or other material used to contain food. It also refers to the wafer cone in ice cream.
• Descuajeringar: to break or undo something violently.
• Espantapájaros (Scarecrow): figure used to scare birds away from crops, generally made of straw.

• Esperpento: grotesque or absurd situation.
• Fantoche (Braggart): conceited or conceited person.
• Granuja (Rogue or Crook): cunning or malicious person.
• Grogui (Groggy): state of daze or confusion, especially after a blow to the head.
• Hipotálamo (Hypothalamus): region of the brain that controls functions such as body temperature, hunger, or thirst.
• Hipopótamo (Hippopotamus): large semi-aquatic herbivorous mammalian animal, native to Africa.
• Hortera (Tacky): person with bad taste in clothing.
• Intríngulis (Intricacies): complicated or entangled matter or situation.
• Latifundio (Latifundium): large extension of agricultural land dedicated to a single crop.
• Macarra (Thug): person who engages in criminal activities or shows aggressive behavior.
• Mequetrefe (Bum or Loafer): insignificant or unimportant person.
• Meticuloso (Meticulous): person who pays great attention to detail and is very careful with his work.
• Mondongo (Guts): intestines and belly of the nets, especially pork. It is also a traditional stew made with animal viscera.
• Ñoño (Dull): said of a bland thing or of little substance; or said of a person of short wit and little spirit.
• Osobuco (Ossobuco): Italian dish consisting of slowly cooked veal slices.
• Palangana (Basin): large shallow container used for washing.
• Pantufla (Slipper): light and comfortable slipper worn inside the house.
• Patatús: sudden fainting or nervous breakdown.
• Purpurina (Glitter): shiny powder used to decorate or give shine.
• Reñir (To admonish): to argue or admonish with someone.

• Ringorrango (Flourish): exaggerated feather feature; or superfluous and extravagant adornment.
• Tiquismiquis (Finicky): demanding or meticulous person, especially with food.
• Tocayo: a person who has the same name as someone else.
• Tostón (Bore): boring or annoying situation.
• Tubérculo (Tuber): part of a subway reserve stem of some plants such as the potato.
• Yuyu: feeling of fear or shivering.
• Zamacuco: not very serious or untrustworthy person.
• Zampabollos (Glutton): a person who eats in excess.
• Zigzaguear (To zigzag): to move in a zigzag or irregular trajectory.
• Zopenco (Numskull): clumsy or unintelligent person.

Funny Spanish expressions

These are just some funny Spanish words that you can learn to use in your daily life. But Spanish is a very interesting and unique language, so you can also find here some funny Spanish expressions to improve your level.

• Ser un gallina: means to be afraid or to be a coward when facing a situation.
• Estar en la edad del pavo: refers to adolescence, so it is used with people who are at that age.
• Estar como una cabra: means to be crazy or to act irrationally.
• Tener memoria de pez: used with people who easily forget things or have a short memory.
• No tener ni pies ni cabeza (Make head or tail): means to have no sense, to be incoherent or illogical.
• Darle la vuelta a la tortilla: refers to when a situation is changed for or against, thus altering the course of events.
• Tirar la casa por la ventana (Spared no expense): means to spend or invest a large amount of money or resources on something.
• Hablando del rey de Roma (Speaking of the Devil): used when you are talking about a person, and they appear on the scene.

• Irse por las ramas (Beat around the bush): means to stray from the main topic of a conversation or to talk about irrelevant matters.
• Feliz como una perdiz: means to be extremely happy or content.
• No tener pelos en la lengua (Not mince words): refers to speaking out, saying what you think without beating around the bush or censorship.
• Ponerse las pilas: means to start working or putting more effort into something, to act with energy and determination.
• Importarte un pimiento: refers to when a situation or person does not matter to you at all, has no value or importance.
• Ir directo al grano (To cut to the chase): means to go to the main point or topic without detours or distractions.
• Ser más chulo que un ocho (To think to be God’s gift to the world): means to be arrogant or conceited.
• Como el que oye llover (Like watter off a duck’s back): means not paying attention to something, ignoring what someone is saying or what is happening.

Thinking about the best way to study Spanish? Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages with more than 490 native speakers worldwide, so it is not surprising that more and more people are encouraged to study it.

Thus, donQuijote Spanish school can show you the best way to study Spanish. Although there is no single key to learning a language and it depends on each person, but improving your level of Spanish is very easy nowadays. We encourage you to study the language of Cervantes and improve your knowledge of the language by the hand of professionals and with unlimited resources at donQuijote.

Read this article in Spanish here.

Sign up for a Spanish course

Start with the basics: a Spanish course in Spain. No matter your level of Spanish, if you are interested in advancing and improving your study of Spanish, a course is ideal for you. The teachers will help you to build your base if you are a beginner or to improve your vocabulary and way of communicating if you already know the basics.

The Spanish courses in Spain will prepare you to face real conversations and situations, while increasing your vocabulary, grammar, listening, and improving your speaking in Spanish.

Travel to a Spanish-speaking country

If you have the opportunity, choose a Spanish course in Spain to make the most of the learning experience. However, if you cannot have this opportunity, travel to a Spanish-speaking country such as Spain or Mexico.

Linguistic immersion in Spanish will help you internalize the language, and you will improve by leaps and bounds. Surrounding yourself 24 hours a day with the language you want to study will make your evolution fast and efficient, so traveling to Spain during your vacation to improve your knowledge is the second most efficient way to study Spanish.

Language apps

Another way to find the best way to study Spanish is with language apps. Nowadays, everyone has a smartphone in their pocket, so keeping up is easy and just a click away.

Download a language learning app on your phone and log in every day for a short Spanish lesson will help you improve faster. Without realizing it, you will expand your knowledge of Spanish, listening, and reading without effort. As time goes by, you will see that your Spanish knowledge is more extensive, and you will be able to understand a Spanish speaker or a conversation without any problems.

Listen to podcasts in Spanish

If your level is more advanced, listening to a podcast in Spanish can improve your understanding of the language little by little. Even if you are a beginner, you will find this option interesting to make your ear to the new language.

Spanish people tend to speak very fast, so listening to the language a little every day will help your ear get used to the sounds. Choose a topic that motivates you, whether it's culture, politics, or the environment, find the Spanish podcast that best suits your level and interests and get into the language.

Reading in Spanish

Another way to study Spanish is by reading. Reading is a fundamental part of learning any language because it allows you to learn vocabulary and expressions used in everyday life.

As with podcasts, choose a reading that interests you, according to your level, and read as much as you can in Spanish. News, opinion articles, fantasy books or articles from your field of study, whatever you read. All these options will help you learn vocabulary and Spanish expressions that are used daily.

Write in Spanish

Complementing the previous point is writing in Spanish. Just like reading, writing will help you practice your way of expressing yourself and use all your knowledge of Spanish to see how you evolve.

Write a diary that follows your language learning, describe your day-to-day life, or make a shopping list. It doesn't matter which method you choose because writing in Spanish can only bring you benefits. Reflect on your knowledge or talk about the last movie you saw but write in Spanish to improve your grammar and spelling.

Speak with native Spanish speakers

Although not strictly a form of studying, talking to native Spanish speakers or fellow students in Spanish will allow you to practice and improve. Try out everything you have learned in your Spanish course or listened to a podcast, speaking in the language you are studying is essential.

Join a language exchange group, travel to countries like Spain or practice with your classmates. It all adds up in your adventure of studying in Spanish, especially because practicing speaking will allow you to improve your way of expressing yourself and you will learn new words you didn't know you needed.

Still have doubts? With all these tricks you will be able to find the best way to study Spanish in a short time and in an effective way. Don't hesitate any longer and start learning Spanish in Spain with donQuijote.

Are you learning Spanish and want to give a different touch to your learning? The best way to do it is through music. The Spanish songs will give you the opportunity to learn new vocabulary, listen to very different genres and get into unique stories.

Music has become an essential part of language learning to gain fluency, new vocabulary, and greater listening comprehension. The thousands of artists from Spain and Latin America who make music will allow you to navigate through different genres, easy and complex lyrics, or fascinating stories through the lyrics of their songs.

Below, you will find songs to learn Spanish for all levels and for different styles of music. As in donQuijote's Spanish schools in Spain, the music can be adapted to the levels and knowledge of the students.

Read this article in Spanish by clicking on this link.

1. Cuando me vaya - Melocos and Natalia

Let’s start with a pop/rock ballad by the Spanish group Melocos featuring Mexican singer Natalia Jiménez. “Cuando me vaya” is a song about saying goodbye and leaving the past behind.

A slow but catchy rhythm with which you can learn vocabulary and make your ear to Spanish. Also, with this song you will learn about emotions, goodbye and nostalgia. A mix of voices that will leave you wanting to keep listening to songs to learn Spanish.

2. Eres - Café Tacuba

A genre between alternative and rock in Spanish you can find “Eres”. This romantic song by the artist Café Tacuba expresses admiration and love towards the loved one. If you want to learn vocabulary about love, devotion, or admiration towards another person, this is the song for you.

3. Me voy - Julieta Venegas

From the singer Julieta Venegas we find the song “Me voy”, Latin pop and alternative that will make you fall in love with her sweet voice. A lyric that talks about walking away from a love relationship even when you don't want to. Also, from the same singer you can listen to “Limón y sal”, another song that will be easy to understand and in which you can learn a variety of vocabulary and the use of the present tense in Spanish.

4. Vivir mi vida - Marc Anthony

Although if you are looking for music with rhythm that makes you dance in Spanish, Marc Anthony has the key. “Vivir mi vida” is a song that celebrates life and talks about overcoming adversity. A musical genre made for dancing with which you can learn vocabulary about positivity and overcoming adversity, as well as colloquialisms such as “pa qué”, a short way of saying “para qué” (so what).

5. Bailando - Alaska

Alaska is one of the best-known artists of the movida madrileña, a cultural movement that manifested itself, above all, through music. An electronic pop genre, this song will make you enjoy and learn Spanish thanks to the use of the gerund. As it is a song to learn the language, you will be able to distinguish all the lyrics as it is sung slowly.

6. La camisa negra - Juanes

A romantic ballad with a touch of Latin rock, that's “La camisa negra” by Colombian singer Juanes. The lyrics are about a man regretting the loss of his lover, with which you will learn vocabulary and the past tense of Spanish. A song to improve your Spanish that conquered all Latin America and Europe at the time of its release.

7. Despacito - Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee

Undoubtedly, the most known, listened and played Spanish song par excellence in the music scene: “Despacito”. This song broke records on YouTube and reached the top 1 in more than 40 countries.

This hit is for a more advanced level of Spanish, especially for Yankee's rap part, but you can try listening to it by following the lyrics and trying to understand what it says. “Despacito” will go down in history for sure.

8. Bonito - Jarabe de Palo

A song that celebrates the beauty in everyday life and in the little things, “Bonito” by Jarabe de Palo has a rhythm that engages and a catchy chorus that is repeated several times. You'll learn the lyrics to this song with your eyes closed and be able to sing in Spanish easily.

9. Bailando - Enrique Iglesias ft. Descemer Bueno, Gente de Zona

Perfect for beginner and intermediate levels, “Bailando” by Enrique Iglesias is a song that mixes flamenco and pop to create a perfect urban Latin genre. With lyrics that are easy to learn and understand, “Bailando” is sure to have you singing and dancing to the beat.

10. Rosas - La Oreja de Van Gogh

Unrequited love and broken hopes, with a slow rhythm so you can understand each word it says, “Rosas” is perfect for a beginner student of Spanish. This song by the Spanish group La Oreja de Van Gogh is one of the most famous and with a pop rock genre that will make you fall in love.

11. Todos me miran - Gloria Trevi

From Mexican singer Gloria Trevi you can find “Todos me miran”. A hymn to empowerment that celebrates individuality and authenticity. This song will help you learn Spanish thanks to the fact that the singer pronounces all the words and will let you understand everything without any problem.

12. Mi gran noche - Raphael

One of Raphael's most iconic and well-known songs: “Mi gran noche”. The use of the future imperfect used in this song will help you improve your knowledge and teach you how to use this verb tense in Spanish. “Mi gran noche” celebrates a special night full of excitement and happiness, it talks about the anticipation and excitement of living a great night.

13. Rayando el sol - Maná

Nostalgia and the melancholy of missing someone are the main themes of this song by the group Maná. “Rayando el sol” is easy to understand thanks to the fact that the singer pronounces all the words to the rhythm of the music and there are none with a complicated meaning.

14. Corazón partío - Alejandro Sanz

Another ballad that cannot be missing in this list is “Corazón partío” by Alejandro Sanz. A song that deals with the pain of a broken heart and the feelings that accompany a love breakup. Undoubtedly, one of the singer's best-known songs and that will help you understand the colloquialisms and abbreviation of words, as the title of the song has one. “Corazón partío” is, in fact, corazón partido (heartbroken), which refers to when someone breaks your heart.

15. Con altura - Rosalía

Finally, one of the most listened Spanish singers of the moment: Rosalía. The Catalan singer has carved a niche for herself in Spanish music and in the charts around the world with songs like “Con altura”.

This song is an anthem to live life in a fun way, to celebrate success and self-confidence. A flamenco genre fusion with reggaeton that will get into your head and help you improve your Spanish if you have a high level.

One of the best ways to advance and learn new Spanish vocabulary is by watching Spanish content. Spanish series and movies, music, podcasts, or the radio are dynamic and effective ways to learn expressions and words used in everyday life.

As a student of Spanish, you could choose which form of learning works best for you to acquire new vocabulary and expand your knowledge. Therefore, learning Spanish with movies is one of the most common and fun ways to improve pronunciation, vocabulary, and listening in this language.

Here you have a list of the most watched Spanish movies of the last years to improve your knowledge in a fun and effective way. In addition, you can learn Spanish with Spanish-language movies and get into stories of all kinds: from Spanish comedy movies, to thrillers, dramas or Spanish movies based on real events.

If you want to read this article in Spanish, you can do it here.

Movies to learn Spanish

Below is a complete list of the Spanish films that have taken the world by storm in recent years.

La sociedad de la nieve (Society of the Snow) (2023)

This feature film by J.A. Bayona has swept the Goya 2023 awards and is nominated for Best International Film at the Oscars. A Spanish film based on true events that tells the story of a group of young Uruguayans who were trapped in the Andes when their plane crashed in 1972.

A story that has touched all viewers and continues to sweep theaters months after its release. In addition to learning vocabulary and getting into a story of survival, you will be able to listen to the Uruguayan accent and the way the protagonists speak Spanish.

Ocho apellidos marroquíes (Eight Moroccan Surnames) (2023)

After the success of Ocho apellidos vascos, comes a hilarious sequel to give your Spanish a 180-degree turn: Ocho apellidos marroquíes. This Spanish comedy film tells the story of Carmen, a woman who wants to recover the first ship of her late husband's fleet, which is anchored in a Moroccan port. In this adventure she will be accompanied by her daughter and her daughter's ex.

Cultural clashes that will lead this family to discover a great secret of the father of the family. A Spanish comedy that has swept theaters and that everyone recommends. You will be able to improve your listening skills in Spanish while watching a funny story.

Los renglones torcidos de Dios (God’s Crooked Lines) (2022)

Alice, a private investigator, enters a psychiatric hospital simulating paranoia. Her goal is to gather evidence for a case she is working on the death of an inmate under strange circumstances.

If your Spanish level is high, this Spanish film is perfect to get you into a thriller that will leave you with more questions than answers. Based on the book of the same name, this plot will hook you and teach you thousands of new Spanish terms.

En los márgenes (On the Fringe) (2022)

This Spanish dramatic thriller is directed by and stars Juan Diego Botto, alongside Luis Tosar and Penélope Cruz. The protagonist is Rafa, a labor lawyer, who helps an immigrant who is about to lose custody of his daughter and a woman who is about to be evicted. These two stories are intertwined with that of Germán, a bankrupt businessman. Nominated for the Goya Awards, you can't miss this social critique that will help you gain new vocabulary and expressions used in everyday life.

Pinocho (Pinocchio) (2022)

This dark and fantastic adaptation of the classic fairy tale is directed by Guillermo del Toro. A unique and captivating vision, characterized by the Mexican director's visual and narrative elements, this animated version of Pinocchio has a unique style that will hook you from the very first moment.

Madres paralelas (Parallel Mothers) (2021)

Directed by acclaimed director Pedro Almodóvar, this Spanish film is a drama that tells the story of two pregnant women who meet in the hospital after giving birth and develop an unexpected friendship. Starring Penélope Cruz and Milena Smit, you can't miss this melodrama to improve your Spanish with recognized actresses.

Klaus (2019)

Another Spanish animated film set at Christmas that is perfect for the little ones, and not so little ones, is Klaus. It tells the story of a young letter carrier who is sent to a remote island as punishment for his lack of motivation. There he meets Klaus, a lonely carpenter who lives in a hut full of handmade toys.

A story to discover the true meaning of friendship and generosity during Christmas and with everyone. This Spanish animated film is ideal to improve your Christmas vocabulary, and you don't need a very high level to understand it.

Campeones (2018)

Finally, this Spanish comedy movie will help you improve your knowledge and vocabulary: Campeones. Inspired by a true story, Campeones stars Marco, who is going through a complicated moment in his life and gets into a car accident while drunk.

The judge gives him a choice between 18 months in jail or 90 days of community service coaching a basketball team made up of people with different disabilities. A Spanish movie that swept theaters and conquered all viewers for the way of dealing with the subject and all the comedy that surrounds the plot.

With these eight Spanish movies you have entertainment for a while and a good dose of Spanish from the sofa of your home. Learn Spanish while enjoying unique and funny stories and Spanish thrillers or movies based on real events. Have you already seen any of them? You choose how to learn Spanish!

As a student of Spanish, you may have doubted whether to use the pronoun “tú” or “usted” to address someone. In English, for example, these two forms are simplified, and 'you' is used to talk to someone in a formal or informal conversation.

In this article, you are going to learn a little rule that will help you 90% of the time to know if you must use “tú” or “usted” in a conversation. In addition, you will find here some tips and exercises to know when and how to use “usted” in Spanish.

You can also read here in Spanish the difference between “tú” and “usted”. Don't miss anything and keep reading!

Tú vs usted

The rule that will help you know when to use one pronoun or the other and finally differentiate their use is simple: it depends on the level of formality of the conversation. In Spanish, the choice of “tú” or “usted” depends on the level of formality and, sometimes, on the number of people you are referring to.

Therefore, the easiest way to remember is to use “tú” in informal situations and “usted” in formal situations. However, depending on the country or region of a Spanish-speaking country you are in, the use of “tú” or “usted” varies.

The pronoun “tú” is usually used to address people in a more informal context. It is commonly used among friends, classmates, or people of equal or lower hierarchical rank in the workplace, for example.

Some examples are:

• Tú comes muy lento (You eat very slowly)
• ¿Tú vienes a la fiesta esta noche? (Are you coming to the party tonight?)

Although in Spanish, in the examples above, you can omit the subject tú and the sentence still has the same meaning.

For example:

• Usted es muy amable, gracias (You are very kind, thank you)
• ¿Saben ustedes cómo llegar al restaurante más cercano? (Do you know how to get to the nearest restaurant?)

When to use usted or ustedes?

Generally, you will not have to worry about using “tú” or “usted" in conversation, as both are accepted and, as a student, locals will understand that learning Spanish is complicated and that you are not speaking your native language.

As mentioned above, depending on the country and Spanish-speaking region you are in, the use of “tú” and “usted” may vary. In general, “tú” is used more in informal contexts and in countries like Spain or Mexico. While “usted” is used in more formal situations and, in Colombia, Chile and many other Latin American countries, also in informal situations. Furthermore, in countries such as Argentina, instead of using the pronoun “tú”, they use “vos”, especially in informal situations, and “ustedes” in formal contexts.

So, it is important to consider cultural and regional differences when using these forms of address in Spanish. Don't worry though, if you address someone with kindness and respect in Spanish, you are not misusing “tú” or “usted”.

How to use usted in Spanish?

“Usted” is a third person singular pronoun, as is “él” or “ella”; while “tú” is a second person singular pronoun. You can also use “ustedes”, which is third person plural. Therefore, the conjugation of these two particles is different.

Here are some examples with the pronoun “tú”:

• Tú eres mi mejor amigo (You are my best friend)
• ¿Quieres ir al cine esta noche? (Do you want to go to the movies tonight?)
• ¿Estudias en la universidad? (Do you study at the university?)
• Tú tienes un perro muy inteligente (You have a very intelligent dog)
• Tú cocinas muy bien (You cook very well)

And these are examples with “usted” and “ustedes”:

• Usted es muy amable (You are very kind)
• ¿Quiere algo de beber? (Would you like something to drink?)
• ¿Necesita ayuda con eso? (Do you need help with that?)
• Ustedes pueden sentarse aquí (You can sit here)
• ¿Tienen alguna pregunta? (Do you have any questions?)
• Ustedes son un equipo excelente (You are an excellent team)

Summarizing, when you are talking to a person you know, with whom you have a friendly, loving or family relationship, you can use the pronoun “tú”. Whereas, if it is a person, you don't know or who has a higher rank than you, use “usted” or “ustedes”.

For example, if you must ask a policeman for an address, use the pronoun “usted”: ¿Puede indicarme la dirección del banco? (Can you give me the address of the bank?). But if you want to ask your friend what time to meet, use the pronoun “tú”: ¿A qué hora quieres tú quedar en el cine? (What time do you want to meet at the cinema?).

We hope this article has helped you solve your doubts and you have been able to clearly see the differences between “tú” and “usted”. However, if you need to reinforce your knowledge and learn with professional teachers who will solve all your doubts, donQuijote's Spanish courses in Spain are perfect for you. Visit our website and choose one of our 13 schools spread all over Spain, our teachers are qualified to teach Spanish as a second language, sign up now and become a Spanish speaker in no time!