Read and Translate #1

Hello everyone and welcome to Your Daily Pinch of Spanish! Today I want to start this new Category in the Blog in which I will give you a short reading, and then its translation. I will also explain some of the words inside and give you the vocabulary list.

So let's get right to it! Today's short reading will be something I apply to my life, and I hope you can apply it to yours as well, as long as you agree : )

Here it is:

Tenemos que usar lo que tenemos y hacer con ello lo máximo que podemos en el momento. No podemos detenernos por creer que nos faltan recursos; si queremos hacer algo, usemos lo que en el momento tenemos disponible, y comencemos a hacerlo. 

Now I'll give you the English translation. If you're an advanced learner, try to translate it yourself before reading this part.

We have to use what we have and do with it the most we can do in the moment. We can't stop ourselves because of believing we lack resources; if we want to do something, let's use what we have available in the moment, and start doing it. 

Now I want to explain a couple of things that appear in the reading I gave you. The first is the verb Tenemos. It comes from the verb Tener which means 'to have'. It's the indicative form when it's you plus other people, nosotros tenemos - we have. To create this form of verbs when referring to yourself and others, use the stem of the verb, and add the ending 'emos'. Tener - Tenemos.

We see this used again in this short paragraph in the following verbs:

Podemos - We can

Queremos - We want

There is also something quite similar in the following words, but pay attention to the use:

Comencemos - Let's start

Usemos - Let's use

The -emos ending in these ones adds a different meaning: 'let us do', instead of 'we do'. To make them like the others, in these ones it would be: Comenzamos - we start; Usamos - we use. Using the ending -amos, instead of -emos.

Vocabulary list:

1) Tener - to have

2) Usar - to use

3) Hacer - to do

4) Poder - can; power

5) Máximo - Maximum; the most

6) Momento - moment

7) Detener - to stop

*Detenernos - to stop ourselves; to stop us

8) Creer - to believe

9) Faltar - to lack, to be missing

10) Recursos - resources

11) Querer - to want

12) Algo - something

13) Disponible - disponible

14) Comenzar - to start

*If you have doubt with pronunciation, I created a guide in a separate page; just follow the link above titled "Spanish pronunciation", or click here. (** Update: this page doesn't exist for now, while I rebuild my blog here. Sorry about that!)

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This is it for today! I hope you found this post interesting, and that you learned something with me. If you have any doubt, or want to know more, just contact he in my Twitter page or Facebook page. :)

Until next time!

10 Practical tips to make studying a new language fun

Welcome to Your daily pinch of Spanish! Today I bring you some tips to have some fun studying and practicing your new language.

If you start feeling that your method of study is becoming dull a while after you started learning your new language, you might feel a little discouraged to continue. But it doesn't have to ever get dull if you use your creativity. Learning a new language is fun! It's challenging in a very entertaining way.

Here I give you some tips from my experience to make your study time more fun:

1) You can make your own flash cards!

To do this, simply cut small squares of paper (any type of paper or cardboard you want, it's your choice!) all the same size. Then write a word of the language you're learning on one side, and its meaning in your own language on the other side (make sure if you use a pen that it doesn't run to or show on the other side of the paper).

What I do with the flash cards I prepare for myself if that I take note of some of the words that I don't understand when listening to songs or watching dramas and television programs (I do this for Japanese language, mostly; it's one of the languages I study) and I write the words and their translations on the flash cards as I mentioned above. Then I study with these flash cards until I'm sure I've learned the words, and repeat the process.

2) Use the new words you learn during the day in every possible situation

This is not only fun, but actually very useful. It helps you develop your skills and gain more confidence in your new language. Always repeat the words aloud when you first read them, and make sure to use them during the day even if you really don't need to. Make them part of your day, use the flashcards if you have some at hand for review. A good way to use the new words is by replacing their corresponding English word by the new word, like for example, if you just learned today the word 'verde', which means 'green' in Spanish, replace the word green with the word 'verde' every time you have to use it.

Eventually you won't even have to think when translating certain words from your own language to your new language; they'll just come naturally.

3) Involve your friends

You need to practice your new language, and not only by reading, you need to speak it too! And a nice way to do this is to get your friends involved in learning with you. You can take a class together, or you can get together to study and practice; you can challenge each other and test each other, and even come up with games for practice.

If your friends don't want to, you don't have to stop there to get a study partner. You could try and get a family member involved, or your spouse or partner. Just don't force anyone to join you, though; make sure they want to get involved before you sit around them to practice or put flashcards and language tests on their hands.

4) Talk to your pet! He/she won't mind

You know who will never get irritated with you practicing your new language around them? Your pets! Talk to your dog when you take him or her out on a walk, tell your cat the new word you learned and its meaning, have a chat with your parakeet, etc; the possibilities are endless if you have a pet.

5) Start a diary in your new language

Don't have a pet? Friends and/or family are nor interested in your language learning endeavor? You can always prepare a diary for practice. Even if you have study partners, preparing a diary or written record in the new language is fun and a great way to keep the language fresh and make progress. You can practice this way the written language as well as the spoken language as long as you read aloud what you've written. The best part is that you can write about whatever you like, and when you've advanced, look back and see a record of how far you've come.

6) Read simple stories for children

Children's stories are usually written in simple language, especially the ones written for children who are just learning how to read. They are usually easy to understand, and short. Most of the time they're fun and adorable too. If you're an intermediate learner or have been learning for a while, chances are you will understand a lot; take note of the words you don't understand and look them up afterwards. This is a great way to learn (I've done it before myself.)

7) Label things around the house with the words on your new language

I've seen a couple of books suggest this. And it should work well, especially if you tend to be forgetful or have a lot on your mind. You can do this using colorful "sticky notes". Using labels, your own things remind you of the words you've been learning just by looking at them. I'm pretty sure that preparing the labels is pretty fun, too. (I haven't tried this method, but I'm sure it's helpful, especially if you're a busy person and don't have time to prepare flash cards or to sit and review constantly with books.)

8) Watch TV shows in your new language, even if at first you understand next to nothing

This is probably my favorite thing, next to making and using flash cards. Seriously, your learning is guaranteed. By watching shows in the language you're learning you don't only pick up new words, but also learn how these words are used in context, and you can hear how they are pronounced by native speakers. It's great for people like me who don't have the advantage of living in a place where the language is spoken. You start imitating the sounds you hear, and acquire fluidity, plus you get the reward of entertainment on the way.

Just make sure you don't rely too much on the subtitles, if you're an intermediate or advanced learner. If you're a beginner it's okay to look at the subtitles; I know by my own experience that you will gain the benefit of getting used to the native pronunciation regardless of your beginner level.

9) Listen to songs in your new language, and translate the words you don't understand

A song is what inspired me to start learning Japanese in the first place. Music is a great way to learn; it's entertaining and you get to practice and broaden vocabulary. It's the next best thing to watching shows in that language. Many songs use the same words, too, so you get to review words while learning new ones and build up your vocabulary.

10) Prepare tests for yourself

Prepare a test with the answers on the back. Leave it for a few days or a week, and then answer it to test how well you remember the words or concepts you've previously learned, which you included in your little test. It's rewarding to see in paper how much you've progressed. Just don't look at the answers before you're done! Don't cheat.

I've tried this one before and personally found it fun.

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These are just some ways you can make your study time more fun. I'm sure there are even more ways, and I'll probably write more about it, but for now, this is it. I hope you can find this helpful and that you've enjoyed this blog. I wish you buena suerte! (Good luck!)

Until next time!

How to say good luck in Spanish, and some other expressions of luck and to cheer

Hello! And Welcome to Your Daily Pinch of Spanish!

I'll show you today some expressions to cheer others (and yourself!), and some to express wishes of good luck and success.

First, some words that translate to 'cheer':

Animar - (Ah-nee-mahr) Cheer; Liven up; encourage

Alentar - (Ah-lehn-tahr) Encourage

Entusiasmar - (Ehn-too-see-ahs-mahr) To fill with excitement, to excite

Alegrar - (Ah-leh-grahr) - cheer up, to make happy

Dar ánimo - (dahr ah-nee-moh) to cheer up (literally, to give encouragement)

All of these words and the expression 'dar ánimo' are equivalent to 'cheer (up)'.

Now, I'll give you some expressions you can use to wish good luck and to cheer on:

¡Buena suerte! (boo-eh-nah soo-ehr-teh) - Good luck!

Use it in any occasion in which you want to wish another person good luck, just like in English.

¡Éxito! (ehc-see-toh) - Success

Equivalent to Buena Suerte; people use it more than 'Buena Suerte' when wishing good luck on a school or college test. It's saying 'I hope you're successful!'

¡Adelante! (ah-deh-lahn-teh) forward, onward

In any occasion, just like the others. It's perfect when someone is going to try something that they might be scared of, or that might be difficult, you tell them 'Adelante' to cheer them, and make them feel more at ease. It's like saying 'Go ahead!'

¡Tú puedes! (Too poo-eh-dehs) - You can!

It's like saying 'You can do it!' Use it to cheer and give encouragement to people.

Que te vaya bien (keh teh vah-yah bee-ehn) - I hope it goes well (literally: that it goes well)

To make the other person feel more at ease when they're going to do or try something. A variation could be 'Que te salga bien' and it translates to 'I hope it turns out good'.

Espero que todo salga bien (ehs-peh-roh keh toh-doh sahl-gah bee-ehn) - I hope everything turns out good

This one can also be a version of the above example. 'Espero' translates to 'I hope'.

¡Anímate! (ah-nee-mah-teh) - Cheer up!

Used when a person is sad, down, or unmotivated.

¡Alégrate! (ah-leh-grah-teh) - Get happy!

When a person is sad about something, even when something good has happened to them, you tell them to feel happy. It's equivalent to 'cheer up!'. Use it when you want to cheer someone who is sad or down.

A couple other expressions you might hear:

In Puerto Rico, we have the expression '¡Dale duro!' which translates to 'Hit it hard!' to cheer. When someone's going to try something, like try for a team or take a tough exam, for example, you go '¡Dale duro!' It's equivalent to 'Do your best!'

There's also the expression '¡Que te vaya súper!' to wish good luck, and it translates to 'I hope it goes great!'.

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This is it for today! I hope you have enjoyed this lesson, and that you can find use in it.

I always try to keep it simple. If you have any doubt, or would like to learn more, you can contact me. I have a Twitter page, and a Facebook page.

Until next time!
Nos vemos! (See you!)

How to say thank you in Spanish – Expressing gratitude

Hola! And welcome to Your Daily Pinch of Spanish.

You have another pinch of Spanish for today! And it's all about expressing gratitude. Many of you probably already know how to say thank you in Spanish (gracias), after all, this expression is one of the most important ones you can learn in any language, and one of the first things you'll come across when starting to research the language and learn.

In this blog I'm all about keeping it simple for you, and give you knowledge that you can use. I will teach you four ways to express your gratitude, and explain in which settings to use each one.

Let's begin! Four ways to express your gratitude:

1- Gracias (grah-see-ahs)

2- Muchas gracias (moo-chas grah-see-ahs)

3- Te lo agradezco (teh loh ah-grah-des-coh)

4- Estoy en deuda contigo (Ehs-toy ehn-deh-oo-dah con tee-goh)

Let's start with the simple gracias. It translates to 'thanks' or 'thank you', and can be used in any setting.

Next, muchas gracias. It translates to 'many thanks', which is basically like saying 'thank you very much' in English. It can also be used in any setting, but by adding the word 'muchas' (many), you are adding emphasis, so this is better used when you need to express gratitude for a favor, or have received a gift, or something like that. Difference between simple 'gracias' and 'muchas gracias' is just this, the stress the word 'muchas' is adding, the emphasis. To make this even more marked, instead of adding the word 'muchas', you can add the word 'muchísimas', which would make it muchísimas gracias. (You have probably heard singers or actors say it after a performance or accepting an award.)

The expression Te lo agradezco is another way to express your gratitude in Spanish, less common than simply saying gracias or muchas gracias. It translates to 'I thank you'. This one is more intimate than the other two, and you should use it when something meaningful has been done for you. To make it formal, instead of using 'te', use 'se', which makes it Se lo agradezco. You can also add 'mucho' (many, much) at the end to stress it more, becoming Te/Se lo agradezco mucho. And to add even more weight to the expression you can add 'muchísimo' instead of 'mucho', this emphasizes your gratitude even more. It becomes 'Te/Se lo agradezco muchísimo', and really isn't too common.

Lastly, the expression Estoy en deuda contigo. This translates to 'I'm in debt with you', which is like also like saying 'I owe you one'. So you would use this expression when a favor has been done for you or someone has gotten you out of a tight situation. To make it formal, instead of saying Estoy en deuda contigo say Estoy en deuda con usted. A similar expression to this would be 'Te debo una', which literally translates to 'I owe you one'. It's more casual, but has the same effect.

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So here you have them, four ways you can express your gratitude in Spanish. Gracias for reading this blog! I hope you have enjoyed this little lesson, and as always, I hope you can find it useful. Here I'm all about keeping things simple for you and to the point, giving you Spanish that you can use. If you have any doubt, don't be shy and ask me in the comments! You can also ask me on my Twitter page, or my Facebook page.

Continue to look forward to more lessons! Until next time!

Learn to count in Spanish, lesson 1

Hello! And Welcome to Your Daily Pinch of Spanish. Since I'm still inaugurating this blog, I thought I'd do a series of beginner lessons, starting today with the numbers.

This will be the first of a short series, showing you the numbers from zero to ten. A simple little lesson of great value to you.

First of all, in Spanish, the word for 'number' is número, that is pronounced: noo-meh-roh. The accent over the letter 'u' just means that the strength in the word goes right there, in that first syllable. To say it in plural, just add an 's' at the end, números. 

Since the word ends in 'o', the appropriate article to use with it is 'el': el número. In plural, 'el' turns into 'los': los números.

Now, let's get started! The pronunciation for each number will be written in a parenthesis; the translation follows.

0 - (seh-roh) Cero

1 - (oo-noh) Uno

2 - (dohs) Dos

3 - (trehs) Tres

4 - (coo-ah-troh) Cuatro

5 - (sin-coh) Cinco

6 - (seh-ees) Seis

7 - (see-eh-teh) Siete

8 - (oh-cho) Ocho

9 - (noo-eh-ve) Nueve

10 - (dee-ehs) Diez

Here you have them, the números from zero to ten. I hope you have enjoyed this little lesson!

Read and repeat los números aloud, and today, whenever you need to use numbers, try replacing them with their Spanish pronunciation. Play with them, count, say your phone number in Spanish, etc.

Remember to have fun! :)

Up next, the numbers from eleven to nineteen.

Until Next time!

#5 Learn to count in Spanish lesson 2

Hello! And welcome to Your Daily Pinch of Spanish. Are you ready for another simple lesson?

I hope so! Here is the second little lesson on numbers. Today I bring you the numbers from 11 to 19.

To refresh your memory, the numbers from zero to ten go like this: cero, uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco, seis, siete, ocho, nueve, diez.

If you want to refresh on the pronunciation, just click here to see the previous lesson. I hope you've been using these números! Remember that the key to learn a new language is to be consistent in your practice, even if at first you really don't sound like the native speakers at all.

Now, the numbers from eleven to nineteen.

This set of numbers have something in common; from eleven to fifteen, and from sixteen to nineteen. I'll show you how easy it is.

First let's see the numbers from eleven to fifteen. As always, the pronunciation is presented in parenthesis:

11 - (ohn-seh) once

12 - (doh-seh) doce

13 - (treh-seh) trece

14 - (cah-tohr-seh) catorce

15 - (keen-seh) quince

Did you notice? From eleven to fifteen, all numbers end in 'ce'. It's really simple.

The numbers from sixteen to nineteen also have something in common with each other:

16 - (dee-eh-see-seh-ees) dieciséis

17 - (dee-eh-see-see-eh-teh) diecisiete

18 - (dee-eh-see-oh-cho) dieciocho

19 - (dee-eh-see-noo-eh-veh) diecinueve

As you can see, all you have to do is add the word 'dieci' to the numbers from sixteen to nineteen, and you have added a value of ten to that number. Super easy. In the case of sixteen, you also add an accent to the word seis.

Now you can count up to nineteen!

This is it for today, I hope you can find this little lesson useful.

We have now three more lessons on numbers to come, all simple, short, and fun. 

Until next time!

*This was originally posted on my old website (yourdailypinchofspanish), which no longer exists. If it is still running, it is a person or bot using my content without my permission.

9 tips for learning a new language

Learning a new language it's like an adventure, and it can be intimidating, but also - and most importantly - it can be fun and rewarding. You get to see the world through a new perspective, understand better another culture or multiple others, and open new horizons and possibilities to yourself. For me, learning a new language, even if we're talking about the very basics, it really is like opening the door to a new world.

Here I give you some pieces of advice from my own experience studying languages:

1 - Don't be afraid!

Learning a new language can present a challenge, and it can be hard for a lot of people, but the fact that something has some difficulties doesn't automatically rule it out as frustrating or boring. It can be intimidating at first, but don't let it get to you; learning a new language isn't really too hard, crossing the threshold to start may be the hard part. You'll soon become familiarized with the sounds and basic words of your new language and you'll be able to recognize it wherever you hear it or see it.

Don't be afraid to make mistakes, and don't be afraid to use what you've learned; don't be afraid to practice, and if you're just considering starting a new language now, don't be afraid to start!

2 - Don't expect to know too much when you're just starting 

Expecting to be really good really quickly is what brings frustration to most people and eventually brings them to quit. Many people get frustrated because they can't sound like the native speakers, or because they can't be fluent when reading, etc, and they make the mistake of thinking they're just no good or that the language is too hard for them, and eventually they quit. Truth is, not everyone can start learning a new language and be really fluent from the get go. Of course some people can do it, but most people will start without much fluency and make progress from there.

We have to start at the basics and progress in our skill and understanding; we can't expect to be perfect right from the start, because this is where frustration happens. When you're just beginning, don't expect to be perfect; strive to be a perfect beginner.

3 - Don't pressure yourself 

Go at the pace that's comfortable for you. Learning a new language is not a race or a competition. Some people will advance very quickly, and in reality they're not really learning; just consuming too much information at once that they will soon forget. It's best to take your time and learn and understand well. Stay calm and positive and you will make real progress.

4 - Try to practice every day if you can 

Once you start, try to set a time to practice everyday, even if it's just for a few minutes. You don't have to learn something new everyday, some days you'll just want to review previous lessons or concepts. A pinch a day you can make mountains of progress. Practicing every day helps you stay familiarized with the language and to gain fluency.

5 - Don't cram too much new information in one study session

I should know, this can result in a headache. Study as much new stuff as you feel comfortable with in one sitting, if you're studying on your own. If you're in a class, you can take the new information and divide into different smaller sessions until your next lesson day if you find that the information was too much.

6 - That said, don't study new concepts when you're tired; instead, take the time to review what you've learned

Use your time to its fullest benefit, especially if you're busy and only have a few minutes to practice a day. If you get home too tired, perhaps studying something new is not a good idea, unless you feel it relaxes you. In my experience, sometimes studying something new when I'm tired just results in a waste of time, since the next day I don't remember much of it, but other times, sitting down to study helps me relax.

It all depends on how you feel.

7 - Review often

Reviewing it's important to keep things fresh in your mind and eventually make them second nature when practicing your new language. Reading old lessons if you're studying with a book is all you need to do for a quick review; watching old videos and reading old blogs you've studied with before, if this is your method. I find it fun. Whatever your method of out of classroom studies, if you're taking a class, (surely you don't only study in the classroom!) reviewing will help you make progress as much as practicing and studying new things.

8 - Set a time and a place that's free of distractions 

You've probably heard this one before a lot. Having a time of day and a place where you can sit down to study calmly will keep you organized and give you a better feeling of commitment to your language study. It will help you absorb the knowledge better if you're not distracted, too.

9 - Have fun! Keep it interesting

Last but not least, keep it fun! Making your studies fun and interesting is the key to make progress, in my experience. If you see it as work or as a daunting task chances are you won't want to keep studying at all. Learning a new language can be really fun, and when you're having fun, you don't even notice you're learning and things just come naturally! Look for ways to keep things interesting, to keep you motivated. There are many activities you can do to keep it fun, like watching movies in that language, listening to songs and reading news articles online; the possibilities are pretty much endless on what you can do.

Be creative!

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I hope this little page of advice can be of help to you, and I wish you much success and joy with your new language. To sum things up, the most important advice here is to make sure your studies bring you joy, comfort, and fun; not any stress or pressure.

Until next time! 

*This was originally posted on my old website (yourdailypinchofspanish), which no longer exists. If it is still running, it is a person or bot using my content without my permission.

I will upload the rest of the posts I had on my other website this week - stay tuned

Hello everyone, how have you been? :)

In light of what has been happening, with my website being rebuilt by some bot or some person called "Susan" stealing my content after I had deleted the website, I am going to upload the rest of my content here.

I'm so sorry now that I didn't dedicate to this earlier, because I was busy with college, and always tired and frankly... I didn't feel like sitting down to transfer all of my posts. It was a mistake out of my laziness the days I actually had free time while at college this last semester.

I'm going to post here today some of the old posts I saved from my old website.

Thanks, if you're reading this, for supporting me. Please, do NOT support the person/bot who bought and continued www.yourdailypinchofspanish.com website, since that person/bot is only posting the material I had written as if it was theirs, without my permission.

5 reasons why learning Spanish is a good idea

5 reasons why learning Spanish is a good idea:

If you need more reasons to start learning the Spanish language, other than how interesting it sounds, just because you want to, or if you're thinking of learning a new language and are considering Spanish, I hope the following reasons can help you make your choice and inspire you to take on the challenge of learning this beautiful language.

1 - Millions of people around the world speak Spanish as their native language

Spanish is the official language of 25 countries around the world; you can find Spanish speaking countries in Europe (where it originated in Spain), the Americas, the Caribbean, and even Africa! There are around 400 million people speaking Spanish. You can travel around the world and put your Spanish knowledge to good use.

2 - Spanish has different varieties or dialects from place to place, but with learning just one you can communicate efficetively anywhere and everywhere Spanish is spoken

That's right. Just by learning a general Spanish, the simplest to pronounce, you can go anywhere the Spanish language is spoken and understand and be understood in return. It really is all the same, with differences in how some letters and words are pronounced (and the local slang). You don't need to learn the more difficult pronunciation from Spain's Spanish, just by learning a general Spanish you can travel to many countries around the world and communicate effectively.

3 - Broadens your business opportunities 

Being at the top of the world's most spoken languages, and an official language in four continents in 25 countries, for entrepreneurs and business people it could come in handy, especially if considering expansion. And you don't even have to be a business owner or entrepreneur to benefit from Spanish, knowing such a versatile and convenient language as Spanish can give you an advantage and open some doors. It certainly will look good on your resume.

4 - Basic Spanish syntax has similarities with English

Although there are some differences, at the beginning of your studies you will see that the order of sentences is quite similar to English. English is a SVO type of language, meaning that to construct basic sentences a subject comes first, followed by a verb, and ending with an object. Spanish is also a SVO type, so when you take on Spanish you will have this as and advantage if your native language is English. You won't have to start thinking 'upside down' or 'right to left' to understand what you're reading or learning.

5 - Learning and practicing a new language will keep your mind sharp, and learning one that you will actually use is even better

Many languages are very attractive because of their origin, or sound, or the cultures surrounding them, but sometimes these languages are only spoken in that particular country, or perhaps are not even used anymore. Learning a language that's widely used, like Spanish, is more useful and will be of greater benefit to you than learning one of these 'ornamental' languages as I will call them, since you can learn them and they are beautiful, but you will rarely, if ever, use them. According to researchers* who compared people that only speak their native language to people who speak a second language, speaking another language can improve your brain function and prevent brain diseases that come with age, such as Alzheimer's and dementia. And people who speak another language are also better at multitasking (which I have to say is a good skill to have lately.)

Learning a language that you can actually use is better because it is the practice of switching between languages regularly what stimulates your brain. Spanish is a language that you can use even without leaning the country if you live in a place with many Hispanic visitors, like the US, for example; it's a language that you can actually put to use.

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 I'd also like to add that learning Spanish is fun! It will allow you to travel with confidence to different continents, how great is that? You can go to South America, Caribbean Islands, Europe, and even Africa and find people who speak Spanish.

I hope these reasons can convince you to start learning today, and I wish you much fun in your learning! Good luck :)

*The researchers I mentioned are Ellen Bialystok from York University in Toronto, and Judith Kroll from Penn State University.