Pitufina, Robotina, Mandibulín, Pablo Mármol and Tío Rico McPato… do you recognize any of those names? They were some of the cartoon characters I grew up with. Before VHS recorders, computers, 24-hour television programming and the Cartoon Network, I grew up watching animated programs after school and on Saturday mornings. What we call in Puerto […]
5 Reasons the Spanish Language is Easier than English
Why the Spanish language is easier than English When I was teaching Spanish and dealing with expats in Argentina trying to learn Spanish, I constantly heard about how difficult the Spanish language is to learn. I actually wholeheartedly disagree. I learned through textbooks, the hard way, and I still stand by my stance that Spanish […]
8 Examples of Spanish Language Words With One Letter Difference
When learning a new language, it can be frustrating when you believe you are saying things correctly yet for some reason cannot make yourself understood. Living in Argentina, I have heard foreign friends say “oh they are just pretending not to understand me because they know I am foreign” or something along those lines more […]
What is TUNA in Spanish (and TUNAS)
You might be surprised to learn that la tuna or las tunas in Spanish has at least 3 different meanings in English: the fish, more commonly known in Spanish as atún, a type of fruit and a specific type of musical group (video link below). There’s a difference between tuna and tunas in Spanish and […]
Interesting Articles About Language Learning in Children
Language Learning in Children Websites and blog posts from around the world that you need to check out. 1. An in-depth discussion of how and why babies learn languages. 2. Bilingualism Will Supercharge Your Baby’s Brain. 3. The Top 10 Things Parents of Bilingual Children Should Avoid 4. At Speaking Latino we have covered Puerto […]
Language Learning: Spanish Phrases and Usages of the Word PAPA
Yes, SEVEN meanings with just the four letters P-A-P-A. And if you mix in a couple other words with PAPA then there are even more. In a recent article Ignore These 5 Fundamentals to Become Fluent Faster I stated that beginning Spanish learners should ignore the El/La articles on nouns, as well as the accents […]
Spanish NFL Infographic: English Names in Spanish of The NFL Teams
Last weekend I was trapped in a Sunday Football get-together. All the Americans were hypnotized watching the game and between commercial breaks, I was able to chat with a friend from Mexico. She asked me if I have ever heard the names of the NFL teams in Spanish. I was completely puzzled, because for me […]
LOS COLORES DE MI TIERRA: Video and Song to Learn Colors in Spanish Plus 7 Other Words
Before YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, a famous house paint commercial from Puerto Rico became viral locally during the 1990’s. To promote their company, Harris Paints created a song with Caribbean rhythms and a patriotic lyric coupled with images of colorful splashes of paints. Frequency and a captive audience ensured this song stuck in the minds […]
Spanish Language Word GORDO: Insult, Compliment or None of the Above?
The word “gordo” is translated as “fat” so you would think there wouldn’t be much room for discussion about this word. But hey, this is Spanish and simple words are often a lot more versatile then they seem. Gordo in Spanish doesn’t always have to refer to weight. In some Latin American countries, people will […]
3 Learning Aids That Helps Kids Speak Spanish… And Adults Too!
I have taught Spanish to children as young as 3 and to adults well past retirement. I certainly use different materials and approaches based on their ages, but when it comes to beginners, there are a few things I believe work for all age groups. So, adults too should use materials for children to learn […]
How to Speak Spanish: When Accent Stresses and Spanish Pronunciation Do Matter
In Jared’s article Become Fluent Faster By Ignoring These 5 Spanish Fundamentals, he recommends that you forget about perfecting your Spanish pronunciation and ignore written accents altogether when you are trying to learn Spanish quickly. While in some ways I agree with this, I can also argue quite the opposite in some cases. When it […]
15 Spanish Words and Phrases to Understand Three Kings Day
For Latin America, Christmas Holidays does not end on December 25th with the celebration of the birth of Baby Jesus and Santa Claus bringing gifts to children. In fact, this is just the beginning because twelve days after Christmas, we celebrate El Día de Reyes on January 6th. This day is also known as the […]
A Basic Spanish Lesson on Conjugating Verbs Like GUSTAR
The verb GUSTAR and other verbs like GUSTAR confuse many Spanish students because these sort of verbs do not really exist in English. The literal translation of GUSTAR is “to please” which is unfortunate for anyone who has to teach high school Spanish as you will have to tell them the way to say “I […]
Quick Mnemonics to Nail the Top 10 Spanish Verbs Instantly
Here are creative mnemonics to help you remember 10 of the most important Spanish verbs from the author of Always Spanish.
Gritty Spanish Listening and Reading Comprehension Audio Program Review
This is the review of the Gritty Spanish audio program to improve listening and reading comprehension. Download a free eBook.
italki Review and Tutorial: Learn Spanish Online With italki
Honest Product Review: italki I truly believe that italki is one of the best tools to learn Spanish (or any language) available on the internet. Not only does it offer you lots of free functions, it makes hiring a professional teacher simple and effective. Not into spending money to learn Spanish? Here’s why that is a […]
10 Things to Keep in Mind When Selecting an italki Teacher
These are tips to select an italki teacher I learned from taking one-on-one, online italki classes to improve my language skills.
9 Non-Boring Spanish Summer Reading Books for Spanish Teachers
A list of Spanish summer reading books for Spanish teachers and language lovers. Entertaining books about Spanish language curiosities and Spanish words.
31 Awesome Spanish Alphabet Books
An organized list of Spanish alphabet books for kids. Check out the essential selection, the books about Spanish speaking countries and historical characters.
Advanced Spanish-English Phrases: Spanish Idioms and Advanced Vocabulary Chart
A Spanish-English phrases reference chart for intermediate to advanced Spanish students. The chart is divided into 7 useful sections.
Search the Reverse Spanish Dictionary Online and Spanish Dialects Map
Search the reverse Spanish dictionary online with DIRAE. Plus a Spanish dialect map with a list of words from each country.
Spanish Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day: Infographic
An infographic that features 14 Spanish love phrases with English translations. Express your love on Valentine’s Day!
Free Spanish Sayings About Love: 14 Expressions, Proverbs, and Idioms with the Word AMOR
Love is one topic that triggers a lot of inspiration for poems, songs and, of course, sayings. Here are some examples of Spanish sayings about love. These examples below are not that romantic, they are more like expressions of wisdom about the profoundly tender and passionate affection for another person that we call love. Spanish […]
GLOSARIO DE LA MODA: Glossary of Fashion Terms in Spanish [PDF]
The language of the fashion world is full of foreign words that are frequently used in the media. That is why Fundéu (Fundación de Español Urgente) has created this document that collects and explains fashion terms. It also includes linguistic recommendations and Spanish alternatives to avoid the excessive use of foreign terms. The document includes […]
SMART Goals to Learn Spanish
Learn how to set your goals using the SMART system. Apply it to set your goal to learn Spanish.
32 Games in Spanish: Language Learning or Entertainment
Four lists of games in Spanish. From games to learn Spanish to classic board games in Spanish. Watch some videos of how they are played.
Parallel Text Reading: 16 Side by Side Books in Spanish and English
Parallel text ia a resource for learning another language in the form of “a book or text in which the target language and native language are presented side by side on the same page or screen.”
Printable List of Cognate Examples in English and Spanish
A PDF document with a list of cognates examples in English and Spanish. Includes two additional cognates reference resources.
The Most Popular Spanish-English Flash Cards
A list of 18 Spanish flashcards that are commonly used by language learners. Options for adults and kids. Bilingual and with pictures.
Football Phrases in Spanish: What is Your Favorite?
The World Cup is about to end. This past month I had a great time watching many of the matches here in Miami and also in Spain, where we spent half of the World Cup. Listening to the commentators in Spanish was so much fun; the phrases they used, the energy they had, and how […]