Spanish is one of the most spoken languages in the world and many people are encouraged to learn it. However, Spanish is a difficult language, so these tips will be very useful if you want to improve your knowledge.

If you are learning Spanish or just want to polish your Spanish skills, these practical tips will help you take your Spanish to the next level, so don't miss any of them!

You can read this article in Spanish here.

Practice Spanish every day

Practice makes perfection, and this is especially true in languages. If you are learning Spanish, spend time every day practicing it. Speak, write, or listen in Spanish so your language skills will improve a little bit every day.

You can practice Spanish in many ways, don't forget that you have at your fingertips multimedia content to practice at home. Songs, books, or films can help you, even taking private Spanish lessons will help you improve your language skills.

Do a language exchange

Another tip to improve your Spanish is a language exchange. Find a Spanish native speaker with whom you can practice the language. In addition, you can help him with your native language so that you both benefit from the exchange.

A language exchange is very beneficial because it will give you the opportunity to practice conversation, learn new vocabulary and local expressions in a fun and effective way.

Sign up for Spanish classes

Spanish courses will help you to expand, improve and continue learning the language. Native teachers will guide you through the language, give you tips to improve your grammar, pronunciation and understanding of Spanish. 

In addition, you will be able to join a Spanish course to practice and converse with other students and native speakers, one of the key points of any language. An excellent way to practice your Spanish skills in a structured environment and with the guidance of a specialized teacher as in the donQuijote schools.

Immerse yourself in the culture

The best way to improve your Spanish is to immerse yourself in the Spanish-speaking culture, either by traveling to Spain, watching movies, or reading books. This way, you will be able to better understand their way of life, culture, and traditions.

Listen to music, watch movies and series, or read books in Spanish. All these activities will improve your knowledge, vocabulary and understanding of the language. In addition, you will read or watch multimedia content for fun, so you will learn new vocabulary and phrases that will be useful in your fields of interest.

All those cultural activities that you do for fun and not for obligation will be very useful to improve your knowledge. It will help you become familiar with the language in a more natural and entertaining way.

Expand your vocabulary

Spend time learning new Spanish words and expressions. The more vocabulary you learn, the better you will be able to defend yourself in Spanish, not only in topics of interest to you, but also in all kinds of conversations.

You can use apps, write the new words you learn in a journal or on your cell phone, or mark the new words you learn in the book or magazine you are reading.

Don't be afraid of making mistakes

One key aspect that many people fear is mistakes. If you make a mistake when speaking or writing, don't be afraid, it's part of the process of learning Spanish. Don't be afraid to speak or ask questions about anything you don't know.

Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve. Besides, many people are in the same process as you, so you can help each other and correct each other's mistakes.

Practicing aloud

An excellent way to improve your pronunciation and fluency in Spanish is to read aloud. For example, you can read aloud a chapter or an article to improve your pronunciation.

Choose a text that interests you and read it aloud, paying attention to intonation and pronunciation. In addition, you can get help from native speakers or friends who have a higher level of Spanish than you to help you with some difficult words.

Write regularly in Spanish

Writing is a fundamental skill in any language. Therefore, another tip to improve your Spanish skills is to write regularly.

Write a journal, a story, or even social media posts in Spanish. You don't have to publish it anywhere; it can be something more personal and keep it to yourself. But what is certain is that this will help you improve your Spanish grammar, spelling, and vocabulary.

Listening to Spanish programs

Improving your listening comprehension in Spanish is also essential to broaden your knowledge of Spanish. Listen to podcasts, music, radio programs or stories in Spanish to adapt your ear to the language.

This will help you get used to different accents and speaking styles, as Spanish is a language spoken in several countries and in each place, it has a different tonality. The accent of southern Spain, Argentina or Mexico varies, as well as some words, so it is good to have diversity in the content you listen to.

Small gestures, big results

With small gestures that you make in your daily life you can gradually improve your Spanish skills. Increase the time you spend reading or listening to a program step by step, change the language of your phone, make your shopping list in Spanish, or paste notes at home with the new vocabulary you learn.

As you have seen, improving your Spanish requires dedication, practice, and constant exposure to the language. With these practical tips you can improve little by little, but, without a doubt, learn Spanish in Spain is one of the best options to master the language. Dare to visit Spain with donQuijote and live a unique experience while improving your level with our Spanish courses in Spain.

Christmas is approaching and as usual, the atmosphere is filled with joy, lights, and Christmas music. In this article, you can immersed yourself in the charm of Spanish Christmas through a very special musical tradition: Christmas carols.

These songs are an essential part of the Christmas celebration in Spanish-speaking countries and knowing them will allow you to immerse yourself even more in the cultural richness of the country. Let the Christmas spirit invade you with these popular Spanish Christmas carols.

If you prefer to read this article in Spanish, click here.

1. Noche de Paz

The first carol you are going to learn is "Noche de Paz", the Spanish Christmas translation for Silent Night. This Christmas song is a universal carol that has crossed borders and has been translated into several languages.

Its original Spanish lyrics are emotional and remind us of the true meaning of Christmas. Here are some verses:

“Noche de paz, noche de amor,

Todo duerme en derredor.

Entre sus astros que esparcen su luz.

Brilla anunciando al niñito Jesús.

Brilla la estrella de paz.

Brilla la estrella de amor.”

2. Campana sobre campana

This carol is one of the best known in Spain. “Campana sobre campana” is a carol in Spanish that will transport you to the most famous holiday celebration in the world. The meaning of the title is “Bell upon bell” and its verses are contagious and easy to remember:

“Campana sobre campana,

y sobre campana una,

asómate a esa ventana,

verás al Niño en la cuna.

Belén, campanas de Belén

Que los ángeles tocan

¿Qué nuevas me traéis?”

3. El burrito sabanero

Originally from Venezuela, but which has reached everywhere, the popular song called “El burrito sabanero”. This carol full of rhythm and colour makes everyone equally happy and has a very catchy rhythm. Here is an excerpt:

“Con mi burrito sabanero, voy camino de Belén.

Con mi burrito sabanero, voy camino de Belén.

Si me ven, si me ven

Voy camino de Belén.

Si me ven, si me ven

Voy camino de Belén.”

4. Ay del chiquirritín

Adding another Christmas carol to our list, “Ay del Chiquirritín” is a gem of Spanish Christmas music. This song, full of tenderness and devotion, immerses us in the magic of Christmas. Here is a part of the carol:

“Ay del chiquirritín, chiquirriquitín,

Metidito entre pajas.

Ay del chiquirritín, chiquirriquitín,

Queridín, queridito del alma.”

5. Los peces en el río

Another classic that can't be missing in your Christmas list of Spanish carols is "Los peces en el río". The title means the fishes in the river and the lyrics narrate the atmosphere around the virgin Mary and baby Jesus. Here is one verse:

“Pero mira cómo beben los peces en el río,

Pero mira cómo beben por ver al Dios nacido.

Beben y beben y vuelven a beber

Los peces en el río por ver a Dios nacer.”

6. Feliz Navidad

This song transcends borders and invites us to celebrate Christmas with joy and good wishes. This Christmas carols is called "Feliz Navidad", which means Merry Christmas.

 Here is a part of this song in Spanish:

“Feliz Navidad, Feliz Navidad,

Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad.

A todos quiero desearles siempre

Felicidad, es un gran presente

Es el momento de que gocemos

Mucha paz, vengan a cantar.”

7. A Belén, pastores

Finally, a song that encourages everyone who sings it and whose verses are a festive call that you cannot overlook. This carol "A Belén, pastores", which title means “To Bethlehem, shepherds”, has its origin in the 18th century.

This is one of its verses:

“A Belén pastores, a Belén chiquitos,

que ha nacido el Rey de los angelitos.

Los pastores de Belén, todos juntos van por leña,

para calentar al Niño que nació en la Nochebuena.”

These are just a few of the many Spanish Christmas carols that exist. With these songs and rhythms, you can fill your home with the Christmas spirit and learn a little more about Spain and its culture.

Although if you want to improve your level, the key is learning Spanish in Spain. Get into the culture and experience a different Christmas in Spain or in Latin American, in countries like Mexico with don Quijote. Our schools have intensive Spanish courses for all ages and levels. Enjoy the music, the parties and the lights while improving your Spanish.

Do you know what a false friend is? In this article you will learn everything about these words and some useful examples when studying Spanish. All the false friends you will see below are English words, but there are also some in French or Italian.

If you want to read this article in English, just click here.

What does false friends mean?

False friends are words from two different languages that are similar in form or spelling but have completely different meanings. In general, these words can lead to confusion when learning a language, as you may think you understand the meaning of a word in another language because of their similarity, when in fact the meanings are different.

This phenomenon is common between related languages or languages that share linguistic roots, such as Spanish and English or French and Spanish. In addition, false friends can cause misunderstandings if not carefully addressed during the learning of a language such as Spanish.

To assist vs Asistir

“Asistir” in Spanish means “to attend”, not “to assist”. In fact, the Spanish word for “to assist” is “ayudar”. In English, “to assist” translates to help, which is why this confusion is so common.

The word “asistir” has nothing to do with “to assist” in English. Instead, it means to go or to be present, for example, to go to a meeting or to go to a class. If you want to say “to assist” in Spanish, you can use the word “ayuda”.

For example:

• Asistir: Ayer asistí a una conferencia en Londres que me gustó mucho (Yesterday I attended a conference in London that I really enjoyed).
• To assist: After the storm, neighbors came together to assist each other in cleaning up the debris and restoring their community. (Tras la tormenta, los vecinos se unieron para ayudarse mutuamente a limpiar los escombros y restaurar su comunidad).

The word Pie

A word that is spelled the same in two languages but has nothing to do with each other is “pie”. In Spanish, “pie” is a part of the body, it means “foot”; while in English “pie” is a cake and is pronounced ˈpaɪ. Therefore, if you want to say “pie” in Spanish, you can use the word “pastel” or “tarta”.

Dessert vs Desierto

Another word similar to the previous one is “dessert” and “desierto”. In English, “dessert” refers to a sweet dish, the food consumed at the end of a meal, such as a cake or yogurt. Whereas, in Spanish, 'desierto' means a dry, arid area with little or no vegetation. For example, the Sahara Desert.

Constipation vs Constipado

Another word that can generate enormous confusion if you use it in the wrong context is “constipation” and “constipado”. Although, they may sound the same and their spelling is very similar, their meanings are far apart.

In English, the word “constipation” refers to the difficulty of evacuating the intestine. Whereas “constipado” in Spanish means to have a cold or to have symptoms of being sick.

Therefore, you must know the meaning of this word when you want to say you are sick in English or want to use this word in Spanish.

Arena vs Arena

The word 'arena' is spelled the same in both languages and is the only thing they are similar in, as their meanings are completely different. In English, “arena” can refer to a venue for sporting events or shows. Whereas, in Spanish, “arena” refers to beach sand or the small particles that make up the ground.

Lecture vs Lectura

This word can generate confusion very easily because they only differ in one letter. “Lecture” in English refers to an informative speech, even a class or lesson in college.

While “lectura” in Spanish refers to the act of reading or the material that is read. Therefore, although their spelling is very similar, they do not mean the same thing and you must be careful with them depending on the context.

Soap vs Sopa

The last word can also lead to confusion since in English there are “soap” and “soup” and in Spanish “sopa”. The false friend here is between “sopa” and “soap”, since they are the same letters, but in different order.

“Sopa” in Spanish is a dish that is consumed hot, the English translation of which would be “soup”. On the contrary, “soap” means substance for washing in English and has nothing to do with food. So, when you want to talk about a bowl of soup in Spanish, remember that it is “soup”, don't confuse it with “soap”.

Learning a new language is an exciting journey, but it can also have its challenges. False friends are only a small part of the experience but understanding them can make the difference between a successful conversation or a funny misunderstanding.

The key to avoiding these linguistic tricks is constant practice and exposure to the language. The more you listen, speak, and read in Spanish, the more familiar you will become with it, which is why don Quijote helps you with its intensive Spanish courses. Also, learn Spanish in Spain may be one of the keys you need to improve your vocabulary, live a unique experience and immerse yourself in the Spanish language.

Improving your Spanish reading comprehension can be a challenge, especially when it comes to a second language. But with patience and practice, you can achieve it without problems. In this article, you will find some practical tips and examples to strengthen your reading skills in Spanish.

You can also read this article in Spanish to practice your skills: click here.

1. Read every day

One of the most important tips is practice. Reading every day, even two or three pages, is essential to improve your reading comprehension in Spanish. Constant practice is key to improving any skill, and reading is no exception.

Dedicate time every day to reading in Spanish, half an hour or an hour is enough. You can start with simple texts and, as you become more comfortable, you can move on to more complex reading. Remember, the key is consistency.

For example, you can start by reading short stories, blog articles or news in Spanish that interest you. Children's stories tend to have clear, easy-to-understand language, so they are the best way to start reading in Spanish.

2. Use multimedia resources

Combining reading with other multimedia resources is another way to improve your skills. Audiobooks or podcasts in Spanish will help you complete your reading skills, especially pronunciation. You can also get used to different accents and speeds of speech by combining these two modalities.

Listen to an audiobook in Spanish on topics of interest to you while reading the text. This will allow you to associate pronunciation with writing and improve your listening comprehension at the same time.

3. Contextualize new words

When you encounter unfamiliar words, don't limit yourself to looking up their meaning in the dictionary. Although its translation may help you understand the word, try to understand its meaning from the context of the sentence or paragraph. This way, you will be able to remember them better and understand the text more fluently, without having to stop every two words because you don't understand what they mean.

For example, if you find the word “efervescente” (effervescent) in a text, observe how it is used and try to understand its meaning from the context. In this case, “efervescente” could refer to something bubbly or energetic.

4. Underline or take notes

Making notes while reading, such as highlighting key information or words you find curious, will also help you expand your vocabulary. In addition, marking certain words or Spanish expressions will help you remember and better understand the content of the text.

You can underline important phrases, write summaries at the end of each paragraph, or ask questions about the material. If you are reading an article about the history of a country, you can underline relevant facts such as dates, names, and events.

5. Participate in a Spanish book club

Joining a book club about the book you are reading will also allow you to share ideas, get different perspectives and strengthen your reading comprehension. Interacting with other students will allow you to improve your vocabulary, find another perspective on the text, and solve your doubts about words or expressions that you don't quite understand.

Communities or book clubs where Spanish books are discussed are your best weapon to advance your Spanish comprehension. Share your opinions and questions about reading, take advantage of the opportunity to learn from others, expand your vocabulary, knowledge and reading comprehension in Spanish.

6. Expand your thematic vocabulary

Focus on specific areas of vocabulary related to your interests or field of study. By reading specialized texts or texts focused on topics you are passionate about, you will learn key words that are relevant to those areas. This will not only improve your reading comprehension but will also help you express yourself more accurately in conversations and academic writing.

For example, if you are interested in technology, look for articles or blogs in Spanish that deal with the latest technology news. You will find specific terms that will expand your vocabulary in that area.

7. Practice active reading

Don't just read passively. Practice active reading by asking questions as you move through the text. Question information, make predictions about what comes next, and reflect on how the content relates to your personal experiences. Active reading not only improves comprehension, but also makes you more aware of the structures and strategies used in the language.

If you are reading an opinion article, ask yourself what arguments the author presents and whether you agree or disagree with them. This approach will allow you to engage more deeply with the text and improve your ability to analyse information.

Combine these tips to create a comprehensive routine that will strengthen your ability to comprehend Spanish texts. Remember that each person has a level and gradually advance in the difficulty of the texts.

Improving reading comprehension in Spanish requires constant practice, so don't get discouraged if you find it difficult at first. With time and dedication, you will see significant improvements. And if you want a totally academic approach, don Quijote's Spanish courses will help you improve your level, reading comprehension and vocabulary in Spanish.

Are you taking your first steps in learning Spanish? Then you should start with the greetings, responses, and customs of the Spanish people. That's why in this article you will learn the Spanish greetings and farewells that Spanish speakers use every day.

In addition, it is important that you pay attention to the forms, whether informal or formal, and the gender of the expressions. Because in Spanish, phrases tend to vary in gender, depending on who you are talking to, or depending on the situation you are in.

In this article you will learn when it is appropriate to use greetings and farewells in Spanish and in which situations to use each one. If you prefer to read this article in Spanish, click here. Don't miss anything!

The most used greeting: ¡Hola!

“Hola” (hello) is a classic greeting that you can use in any situation. For example, when you enter a classroom, meet your friends, or just want to say hello when you walk into a shop. It is the perfect Spanish joker.

Imagine that you have just arrived in Spain, and you meet your classmates before entering. You can introduce yourself and say something like: “¡Hola, a todos! Soy María y estamos en la misma clase” (“Hello, everyone! I'm Maria and we are in the same class").

Buenos días, Buenas tardes and Buenas noches

Another very common form of greeting in Spanish is using the time of day. So, don't forget to say “Buenos días” (good morning), “Buenas tardes” (good afternoon) or “Buenas noches” (good night), depending on the time and moment of the day.

 Here are some examples:

• ¡Buenos días! ¿Cómo estás hoy? (Good morning, how are you today?)
• Buenas tardes. ¿Cómo ha ido tu día? (Good afternoon. How was your day?)
• Buenas noches, que descanses. (Good night, have a good rest.)

The art of asking: ¿Cómo estás?

After the initial greeting, it is natural in Spanish to ask how the other person is. For this, the key expression is “¿Cómo estás?” (How are you?). This is a friendly way of showing interest in the other person's well-being.

Here are some ways to answer this question:

• Hola, Juan ¿Cómo estás? (Hello, Juan. How are you?)
• Hola, María. Estoy cansado, pero bien. Y tú, ¿qué tal estás? (Hello, María. I'm tired, but I'm fine. And you, how are you?)
• Estoy genial, aunque deseando que llegue el fin de semana (I'm great, but I'm looking forward to the weekend.)

Adiós and other ways of saying goodbye in Spanish

Now it's time to say goodbye in Spanish. Saying goodbye in Spanish is as simple as saying “adiós” or as easy as using expressions like “hasta luego”, “hasta mañana” or “hasta pronto”.

Here are some examples of how to say goodbye in Spanish:

• Adiós, nos vemos mañana. (Goodbye, see you tomorrow.)
• ¡Hasta mañana, chicos! (See you tomorrow, guys!)
• Me voy, luego nos vemos. (I'm leaving, see you later.)
• ¡Hasta la próxima! (See you next time!)
• Hasta luego. (See you later.)

Chau and other local expressions

Depending on the Spanish-speaking country, farewells may vary. For example, in Argentina it is very common to say “chau” instead of “adiós”. In Mexico, you might hear “hasta luego” (see you later) more often.

Don't be afraid to adopt local expressions. They will make you feel more connected to the culture, and you will be able to integrate more easily.

Usted and formal greetings

In some contexts, such as at work, in official bodies or when talking to older people, it is appropriate to use the pronoun “usted”, rather than “tú”. This is also reflected in more Spanish formal greetings. For example: “Buenas tardes, ¿cómo está usted” (Good evening, how are you?).

In general, it is normal in Spanish to greet and say goodbye in an informal tone, except for some situations, such as those described above.

If you are not sure, you can always ask the other person if you can “tutearle” or not. In English, there is no translation of the verb 'tutear', which means to speak in a close or informal way with a person, using second person pronouns, such as “tú” and “vosotros”.

Instead, if you are going to use the pronoun “usted”, use it in formal situations with teachers, principals, or people you don't know. Unless that person asks you to talk to them in an informal way.

This has been a quick, but complete, overview of greetings and responses in Spanish. The key to learning any language is constant practice. So don't be afraid to use everything you've learned. But if you want to perfect all your Spanish skills, the best way is to travel to a Spanish-speaking country such as Spain.

At don Quijote, you will find Spanish courses for all ages and levels in 11 wonderful destinations thanks to our 13 Spanish language schools. Learn Spanish in Spain with don Quijote and improve your Spanish to the maximum.

Are you thinking of learning Spanish from scratch? If so, you've come to the right place. Learning Spanish will not only allow you to communicate with millions of people around the world, but it will also open the doors to the vibrant and diverse culture that Spanish-speaking countries enjoy.

That's why you'll need some basic tips for learning Spanish for beginners and don Quijote teaches you everything you need to know.

If you prefer to read this article in Spanish, click here.

Start with the alphabet and pronunciation

Before diving into advanced Spanish classes with grammar and vocabulary, it is crucial to master the alphabet and its pronunciation. Fortunately, the Spanish alphabet is quite similar to the English alphabet, with a few exceptions.

Make sure you know the basic letters and sounds, such as the vowels (a, e, i, o, u) and special letters like “ñ” and “ll”. Another advantage of Spanish over other languages is that it is read as it is written, so it will be easy to learn to pronounce the alphabet for beginners.

For example, the pronunciation of the vowels:

• The letter A sounds like “ah” as in “apple”. Example: casa (house).
• The letter E is pronounced like “eh” as in “pet”. Example: esperanza (hope).
• The vowel I sounds like “ee” as in “seen”, but shorter. Example: invierno (winter).
• The letter O is pronounced like “oh” as in “orange”. Example: orangután (orangutan).
• The vowel U is pronounced like “oo” as in “food”, but shorter. Example: universo (universe).

Continue with basic phrases and expressions

One of the best ways to learn Spanish is to start with everyday phrases and expressions. These will help you communicate in common, everyday situations, for example, if you go shopping in a supermarket or need to ask where the toilet is.

Here are some examples:

• ¡Hola! (Hello!)
• Buenos días (Good morning)
• ¿Cómo estás? (How are you?)
• Encantado/a de conocerte (Nice to meet you)
• ¿Qué hora es? (What time is it?)
• ¿Dónde está el baño? (Where is the bathroom?)
• ¿Cuánto cuesta? (How much does it cost?)

Immerse yourself in the culture

Without a doubt, an excellent way to learn Spanish is through culture. Music, for example, is a great tool for learning Spanish for beginners. You can listen to different accents and enjoy learning Spanish while learning new vocabulary.

Spain is known for its rich cultural heritage, from flamenco to Gaudi's architecture. Watch Spanish films and series, listen to Spanish music and immerse yourself in the culture. You will learn not only the language, but also the history and passion of a country like Spain.

You can listen to a popular Spanish song and read the lyrics. This way, you can see how the words are said, how they are pronounced and understand the meaning of the song. Singing is fun and will help you improve your pronunciation!

Take Spanish classes

Another more academic and common approach is face-to-face Spanish classes. A native teacher or tutor will help you internalise the main keys to learning Spanish from scratch and establish a foundation for speaking the language.

You can also look for language exchange groups in your area to practice your conversational skills with native speakers. Or even take online classes to lay the groundwork and practice your Spanish language skills.

Total immersion: travel to Spain

If you have the opportunity, there is nothing better than a total Spanish immersion in a country like Spain. The perfect destination to learn Spanish is Spain without a doubt. Imagine walking through the narrow streets of Barcelona, enjoying tapas in Madrid or relaxing on the beaches of Valencia, while practising your Spanish in real-life situations.

In addition, Spain offers a wide variety of accents and dialects, which will further enrich your experience. Sign up for an intensive Spanish course in Spain with don Quijote to improve your language skills.

Keep a positive attitude

Learning a new language can be challenging, but the key is to keep a positive attitude and persevere. A necessary factor in learning Spanish is to practice and not be afraid of making mistakes.

Don't be discouraged by the mistakes you may make; they are part of the learning process. Celebrate your achievements too and keep practising to improve your Spanish.

Live an enriching experience that will open many doors and allow you to connect with an exciting culture such as the Spanish one. Also consider the possibility of learning Spanish in Spain, where you can enjoy the culture, history and beauty of this wonderful country.

At don Quijote we offer you the possibility of learning Spanish for beginners in 11 different destinations in Spain. In our schools you can take courses adapted to your level and age to achieve an admirable level of Spanish.

The seasons change every year, so let's take a look at a very appropriate topic: the seasons of the year in Spanish. The seasons of the year not only influence the weather, but also have a significant impact on our daily lives, because depending on the month, the season changes.

So why not to learn a bit more about it all in Spanish? After learning the vocabulary for weekend in Spanish, it is now the turn of the seasons and the months in Spanish. Each season has its own characteristics, and, depending on the month, it will change.

In this post you will learn the four seasons of the year in Spanish, as well as the 12 months of the year. You will be able to manage much better when talking about the seasons in Spanish and your vocabulary will increase.

You can find this article in Spanish if you want to practice the language, just click here.

Months of the year in Spanish

The months of the year are divided into twelve and, unlike in other languages, in Spanish they are not written in capital letters. Let's start by naming each of them:

• Enero (January)
• Febrero (February)
• Marzo (March)
• Abril (April)
• Mayo (May)
• Junio (June)
• Julio (July)
• Agosto (August)
• Septiembre (September)
• Octubre (October)
• Noviembre (November)
• Diciembre (December)

Depending on the month of the year, the season will change. And not only that, depending on the country, the seasons also vary. For example, when in Spain it is summer, in countries like Argentina, Chile or Peru it is winter.

Primavera (spring)

Spring is one of the most eagerly awaited seasons in many parts of the world, as it marks the beginning of good weather. This season in Spanish is called “primavera” and runs from March to June in the northern hemisphere, in countries such as Spain. In the southern hemisphere, however, it runs from September to December, in countries such as Argentina.

Here are some useful phrases to talk about this Spanish season:

• “Me encanta ver las flores en primavera” (“I love to see the flowers in spring”).
• “Me relaja escuchar a los pájaros cantar en primavera” (“It relaxes me to listen to the birds sing in spring”).
• “Me gusta el clima templado de la primavera” (“I like the mild weather in spring”).

Verano (summer)

Summer is almost everyone's favourite season. It is eagerly awaited during the rest of the year because it means enjoying the sun, the beach and holidays. It is called “verano” in Spanish; and this season of the year lasts from June to September. In contrast, in some Latin American countries, summer starts in December and ends in March.

Here are some useful phrases with the word “verano” in it:

• “Voy a la playa cada verano” (“I go to the beach every summer”).
• “Este verano viajaré a una playa paradisiaca” (“This summer I will travel to a paradisiacal beach”).
• “Necesito protector solar porque el sol brilla fuerte en verano” (“'I need sunscreen because the sun shines brightly in summer”).
• “Hace tanto calor en verano que a veces no puedo dormir” (“'It's so hot in summer that sometimes I can't sleep”).

Otoño (autumn or fall)

Autumn or fall is a season full of warm colours and fallen leaves. This season in Spanish is called “otoño” and lasts from September to December in Spain. And, as in the previous cases, in countries like Argentina, it runs from March to June.

Here are some useful phrases to talk about this Spanish season:

• “Me encanta el sonido de las hojas al caer en otoño” (“I love the sound of the leaves falling in autumn”).
• “Es bonito ver cómo los árboles cambian de color en otoño” (“It's nice to see the trees change colour in autumn”).
• “Necesito un suéter porque hace fresco en otoño” (“I need a jumper because it's cool in autumn”).

Invierno (winter)

Winter brings with it cold, snow and Christmas festivities. The name of this season in Spanish is “invierno”. In Spain, winter starts in December and ends in March. In Bolivia or Paraguay, on the other hand, winter lasts from June to September.

These examples to talk about winter in Spanish will be useful:

• “Me encanta hacer muñecos de nieve en invierno” (“I love making snowmen in winter”).
• “El invierno es mi época favorita del año porque es Navidad” (“Winter is my favourite time of the year because it’s Christmas”).
• “Necesito mi abrigo y bufanda para salir en invierno” (“I need my coat and scarf to go out in winter”).

These phrases will help you understand and talk about the seasons and months of the year in Spanish. Remember that constant practice is key to improving your Spanish vocabulary and fluency.

But if you want to learn surrounded by culture, good atmosphere and with native teachers, don't hesitate to come and learn Spanish in Spain. Don Quijote offers intensive Spanish courses for any level and for all ages. Improve your level of Spanish with don Quijote's courses and live a unique experience in a Spanish-speaking country.

Expressing your emotions in Spanish is one of the first challenges you face when you start learning the language. Asking how someone is feeling or answering that you are having a very boring day are common expressions and phrases. In this post we are going to talk about how to express emotions in Spanish.

If you have already immersed yourself in learning Spanish and have done a bit of research into its culture and common expressions, you may have noticed that native Spanish speakers tend to be very expressive when it comes to their emotions. So, if you want to learn how to express effectively in this language, mastering emotions in Spanish is essential.

If you prefer to read this article in Spanish, click here.

Difference between emotions and feelings

Before we start with emotions in Spanish, let's differentiate them from feelings. It is a topic that generates a lot of confusion, since both concepts are related.

Emotions are automatic and universal responses of the organism to stimuli. While feelings are conscious and subjective experiences that derive in emotions.

For example, an emotion would be surprised, fear or joy, which you feel at a given moment because of an external stimulus. On the other hand, a feeling is sadness, nostalgia, love, or envy, which are influenced by past events and can last in time.

Therefore, feelings tend to be longer lasting and are influenced by cultural and personal factors. Although both are important aspects of human emotional experience and play a crucial role in everyday life and interpersonal relationships.

Emotions in Spanish

Let's start by learning the vocabulary of the most basic emotions in Spanish. Here are some very common emotions with their examples:

• Alegre (Happy). "Estoy muy feliz hoy”. (“I'm very happy today”)
• Triste (Sad). “Me siento triste porque no pude ir al concierto”. (“I feel sad because I couldn't go to the concert”)
• Enfado (Angry). “¡Estoy enfadado contigo!” (“I’m angry with you!”)
• Miedo (Fear). “Me dan miedo las arañas”. (“I’m afraid of spiders”)
• Sorprendido (Surprised). “Luis estaba sorprendido de ver a su equipo en directo” (“Luis was surprised to see his team live”)
• Emocionado (Excited). “Estoy emocionado por mi próximo viaje”. (“I'm excited about my upcoming trip”)
• Nervioso (Nervious). “Estoy nervioso porque tengo una entrevista de trabajo mañana”. (“I'm nervous because I have a job interview tomorrow.”)
• Aburrido (Bored). “Me he aburrido durante la conferencia”. (“I got bored during the conference”)
• Encantado (Delighted). “Estoy encantado de conocerte”. (“I'm delighted to meet you”)
• Enamorado (In love). “Estoy completamente enamorado de mi pareja”. (“I'm completely in love with my partner”)
• Orgulloso (Proud). “Me siento muy orgulloso de mi último proyecto”. (“I'm very proud of my last project”)
• Relajado (Relaxed). “Después de las vacaciones, me siento relajado y renovado”. (“After holydays, I feel relaxed and refreshed”)
• Aliviado (Relieved). “Estoy aliviado después de aprobar el examen”. (“I’m relieved after passing the exam")
• Satisfecho (Satisfied). “Estoy satisfecho con mi rendimiento en el proyecto”. (“I'm satisfied with my performance on the project”)
• Asustado (Frightened or Scared). “Me asusté cuando vi una sombra en la oscuridad”. (“I got scared when I saw a shadow in the dark”)
• Celoso (Jealous). “Estoy celoso de su éxito en el trabajo”. (“I am jealous of her success at work”)
• Envidioso (Envious). “Me siento envidioso de su talento musical”. (“I feel envious of his musical talent”)
• Estresado (Stressed). “Estoy muy estresado por la carga de trabajo”. (“I'm very stressed due to my workload”)
• Preocupado (Worried). “Me siento preocupado por la salud de mi abuela”. (“I feel worried about my grandmother's health”)

What should you know about emotions in Spanish?

One important thing to keep in mind is that, in Spanish, emotions are often expressed more effusively than in English. For example, when someone is happy, it is common to hear expressions like “¡Estoy super feliz!” (“I am super happy”) or “¡Estoy contentísimo!” (“I am very pleased”). This shows that emotions in Spanish can be very intense.

Another interesting aspect of emotions in Spanish is that sometimes they must agree with gender and number. For example: “Ella está contenta por haber aprobado el examen” (“She is happy that she passed the exam”); “Estoy orgullosa de tu trabajo” (“I am proud of your work”) or “Nos asustamos mucho cuando vimos aquella araña” (“We were so scared when we saw that spider”). 

On the other hand, the use of reflexive pronouns when talking about emotions in Spanish is very frequent. For example, instead of simply saying “Carlos está cansado” (“He is tired”), you can say “Carlos se cansa de estudiar tanto” (“Carlos gets tired of studing so much”) to express a more intense emotion.

We hope this guide has helped you understand how to express your emotions in Spanish. And if you really want to learn the language, we recommend that you listen to Spanish music and watch Spanish-language movies or series. But if you want to improve your level in a relaxed, comfortable environment with native Spanish speakers, sign up for the intensive Spanish courses we have at don Quijote.

Do you want to improve your Spanish vocabulary? In this post we tell you everything you need to learn to talk about the days of the week and the weekend in Spanish.

Learn the vocabulary related to the days of the week and the weekends to be able to manage in Spanish and ask your friends. So, get ready to learn some very useful words for your day-to-day life and be able to immerse yourself in Spanish customs.

Click here if you want to read this article in Spanish.

Days of the week in Spanish

Let's start with the simplest, the days of the week from Monday to Friday. Do you know any of them already?

Lunes (Monday). We start with the first day of the week: “lunes”. It's like that first sip of coffee in the morning: sometimes it can be hard to swallow, but then you wake up!

Martes (Tuesday). After Monday, comes “martes”. It's like Monday's little brother, but it's a bit easier to handle.

Miércoles (Wednesday). It's Wednesday - the middle of the week! Also known as "hump day" in some places. It means the halfway point of the week and, its literal translation refers to going up a hill, which once you pass it, it's downhill!

Jueves (Thursday). It's almost the end of the week! It's like a preview of what's to come.

Viernes (Friday): Finally, we get to Friday! This word sounds like music to the ears. It is the day everyone looks forward to because it means the beginning of the weekend (fin de semana).

Weekend in Spanish

Finally, we come to the “fin de semana” (the weekend). Two days that are eagerly awaited by almost the entire population: Saturday and Sunday.

Sábado (Saturday). It is the first day of the weekend! It's a perfect day to sleep in, have brunch and enjoy the social or nightlife.

Domingo (Sunday). And then comes Sunday, the last day of the weekend. It is a day to relax or, perhaps, to do a bit of preparation for the week ahead. In short, a day to relax and enjoy.

Remember that in Spanish, both the days of the weeks and the months of the year are written in lower case.

In addition, here are some additional words related to the weekend that you may find useful. With them you will be able to express your weekend plans more concretely in Spanish.

Descansar (to rest). A weekend is a perfect time to relax and take a well-deserved rest. This word is perfect to indicate that you are going to spend the weekend relaxing and without any set plans.

For example: “Voy a descansar, llevo toda la semana trabajando sin parar” ("I'm going to rest, I've been working non-stop all week").

Entretenerse (entertain). During the weekend, you can enjoy various forms of entertainment, such as watching films, going to concerts or visiting museums.

You can say: “Este fin de semana tengo un concierto y voy a ver un partido de baloncesto.Voy a estar entretenido todos los días” ("This weekend I have a concert and I'm going to watch a basketball game. I'm going to be entertained every day").

Salir (go out). You can go out on the weekend to explore the city, dinner at a new restaurant or enjoy the nightlife.

Example: “Este viernes voy a salir con mis amigos por el centro de la ciudad” (“This Friday I'm going out with my friends in the city centre”).

Relajarse (relax). The weekend is a time for relaxation, where you can forget the worries of work and enjoy yourself.

For example: “Este sábado voy a relajarme a un spa con mi pareja” ("This sábado I am going to relax at a spa with my partner").

This vocabulary will help you to be ready to talk about the days of the week and your plans for the weekend in Spanish. Have fun exploring and enjoying your days off!

Examples of how to use this vocabulary

Here are some useful phrases to use with the above weekend vocabulary that can help you understand these concepts in Spanish:

• “¿Qué día es hoy?” (“What day is today?”). Ask what day of the week it is.
• “¡Que pases un buen fin de semana!” (“Have a good weekend!”) Wish someone a good weekend.
• “¡Es viernes!” (“It's Friday!”). Express your excitement for the weekend.
• “¿Qué haces el domingo?” (“What are you doing on Sunday?”). Ask about Sunday plans.
• “Voy a salir el sábado” (“I'm going out on Saturday”) or “Este domingo voy a visitar un museo” (“This Sunday I’m going to visit a museum”). Indicate your weekend plans.
• “¿Cómo ha ido tu fin de semana?” (“How was your weekend?”) Ask about the weekend.

There you have it: basic vocabulary for the days of the week and the weekend in Spanish. Now you can start planning your weekend getaways or just chat about your plans for the week with your friends and with a little more style.

Are you ready to take your Spanish vocabulary to the next level? Learn Spanish in Spain with don Quijote. We are a leading language school with a wide range of immersion programmes, whether you are a beginner or advanced learner, at don Quijote we offer courses tailored to your needs.

Have you ever heard a Spanish expression that sounded strange? "Esto es pan comido" or "He metido la pata hasta el fondo". Well, these are colloquial Spanish expressions that will help you master the language.

The importance of understanding and using colloquial language is effective in gaining a deeper understanding of Spanish culture. We will show you some of the most common expressions, their meaning and some examples that will clear up any doubts of their context. And if you want to read this article in Spanish and practice your reading skills, just click here.

What is colloquial language?

Colloquial language is a form of verbal communication used in informal and everyday situations. It is a more relaxed, familiar language that reflects the way people speak in their daily lives. Therefore, it is based on a more natural vocabulary, gestures and intonation gain more importance and, of course, expressions and idioms specific to each place or region are used.

The use of colloquial language is a natural way of communicating and it is important for interacting in informal situations. It is also very useful for understanding a language such as Spanish, as you can integrate yourself more into its culture. So, if you are learning Spanish, these colloquial expressions may help you to understand the language better.

Colloquial expressions in Spanish and their meanings

These are some of the most used colloquial expressions in the Spanish language. Have you heard any of them before?

1.Estar en las nubes or Estar en la luna (To be in the clouds or To be over the moon)

It means to be distracted or thinking about something other than what is happening at the moment. For example: "Hoy estuve en las nubes en clase y no entendí nada" ("Today I was in the clouds in class, and I didn't understand anything").

2. Meter la pata (Screwed up)

It is used when someone inadvertently makes a mistake or says something inappropriate in a peculiar or sensitive situation. Example: "Ayer metí la pata al decirle a mi compañero que su idea no me gustaba" ("Yesterday I screwed up when I told my classmate that I didn't like his idea").

3. Echar una mano (Give a hand)

It means to help someone or have a person help you with a specific task. Example: "¿Puedes echarme una mano con este ensayo de ciencia?" ("Can you give me a hand with this science essay?").

4. Costar un ojo de la cara (Cost an arm and a leg)

It is often used when something is extremely expensive. For example: "Este nuevo smartphone cuesta un ojo de la cara" ("This new smartphone costs an arm and a leg").

5. Estar hecho polvo (To be knackered or To be exhausted)

This expression is very useful to say that you are tired. For example: “Nos estamos mudando, así que estamos hechos polvo” (“We are moving house, so we are kanckered”).

6. Ponerse las pilas (Pull your socks up)

This expression in Spanish means to get into action or to put more effort into something. For example: "Si quieres aprobar el siguiente examen, debes ponerte las pilas y estudiar más" ("If you want to pass the next exam, you have to pull your socks up and study harder").

7. Tener mala leche (Have a bad temper)

This is an expression used when someone is angry. It can also mean to be malicious or to have bad intentions. Example: "No discutas hoy con Juan, tiene mala leche" ("Don't argue with Juan today, he's got a bad temper").

8. Hablar por los codos (Talk too much)

It is used when a person talks a lot and non-stop. For example: "Mi prima habla por los codos, no puedo entender cómo tiene tanto que decir" ("My cousin talks too much, I don’t understand how she has so much to say").

9. Tener buena o mala pinta (To look good or bad)

This is a very common phrase and is used to say that something looks good or bad. For example, when you are in a restaurant, and you say: "La comida tiene muy buena pinta" ("The food looks very good").

10. Es pan comido (It is a piece of cake)

Means that something is very easy to do, for example: "El examen fue pan comido, no tuve problemas para responder las preguntas" ("The exam was a piece of cake, I had no trouble answering the questions").

11. Dar la lata (Bother or Badger/Hassle)

Another very common expression used to say that a person is annoying us is "dar la lata". For example: "María no ha parado de dar la lata todo el día con el mismo tema" ("Maria has been bothering us all day with the same subject").

12. Estar hasta las narices (Tired as hell)

It means to be tired or fed up with something or someone, for example: "Estoy hasta las narices del ruido que hace el vecino con el piano" ("I'm tired as hell of the noise the neighbour makes with the piano").

Have you heard any of these expressions? Have you heard a different one that is not in this article? What colloquial expressions does your language have? Tell us in the comments!

It is important to note that colloquial language can vary according to region and culture; what is colloquial in one place may not be colloquial in another. In addition, colloquial language is appropriate in informal contexts, such as conversations between friends. However, it may not be appropriate in more formal situations, such as job interviews or academic presentations.

If you want to learn Spanish in Spain or in a Spanish-speaking country such as Mexico, don Quijote schools are waiting for you. Our immersive courses and native teachers will help you learn Spanish and understand all these colloquial expressions.