How to say how you feel… in Spanish!

Posted by Mauricio in Spanish | Spanish Words & Phrases - (0 Comments)

Hola Spanish enthusiasts,

And thanks to everyone who took my Super Speedy 2-Minute Survey! If you haven’t told me what you would like to see on the Rocket Spanish blog to help YOU learn Spanish, you can do for so HERE.

So what was the most popular request from Rocket Spanish blog readers?

More Spanish words and phrases with audio pleeeeease!

As they say, you ask, Mauricio delivers!

Once you’ve mastered the polite expressions in Spanish, you’ll want to be able to express how you REALLY feel! After all, you don’t always feel on top of the world right?! You’ll still want to use those polite expressions when someone you’ve just met asks you how you are, but what about your Spanish-speaking friends, family and colleagues? (more…)

, , , , , ,

Do you know these Spanish words?

Posted by Mauricio in Spanish | Spanish Words & Phrases - (0 Comments)

spanish_quiz
Do you know your carrots from your cauliflower? Your tomate from your patata?

Would you get by in a Spanish-speaking market?

Take this Rocket Spanish quiz and find out!

  1. Go to http://www.rocketlanguages.com/spanish/spanish-quiz/
  2. Take the Rocket Spanish vegetable quiz, choosing the word that matches the picture
  3. Watch the 1-100% bar increase or decrease depending on how well you know your stuff!

Show off to your friends!

After the last question, the quiz will generate a Rocket Spanish badge with your score. If you want, you can display this badge on your website or blog, by copying the html that will be provided.

Spanish vegetable quiz
Spanish quiz

You can take the quiz as many times as you like, to improve your score!

And here’s a tip… you can get in some practice by visiting my free learn Spanish video here: Vegetables in Spanish

Buena suerte – good luck!

Mauricio Evlampieff
Rocket Spanish Premium

, , , , , , ,

Essential Spanish words to know in an emergency

Posted by Mauricio in Spanish | Spanish Words & Phrases - (0 Comments)

Expressing yourself in Spanish can be challenging, especially in a stressful situation.

For instance, do you know the emergency phone number to dial in Mexico or Spain? How do you call for help in Spanish, or ask someone to call an ambulance?

Whatever your reasons for learning to speak Spanish, these are the kind of essential Spanish words and phrases EVERYONE should know.

Listen carefully to the audio and repeat each Spanish phrase after me. I hope you never need to use them, but just in case…

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Spain      112 or 061
Mexico     066, 060, or 080
Argentina     107
Bolivia     118
Chile     131
Colombia     132
Venezuela     171

ESSENTIAL SPANISH WORDS AND PHRASES

pharmacy/drugstore      la farmacia

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

medicine     la medicina

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

ambulance    la ambulancia

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

hospital     el hospital

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Help!    ¡Socorro!

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

I need help!    ¡Necesito ayuda!

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

I need a doctor!     ¡Necesito un médico!

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

It’s an emergency!     ¡Es una emergencia!

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Call an ambulance!    ¡Llame una ambulancia!

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Saludos,

Mauricio Evlampieff
Rocket Spanish

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

And What Do YOU Do? Talking About Your Occupation in Spanish

Posted by Mauricio in Spanish | Spanish Words & Phrases - (12 Comments)

bullfighting

One of the first questions that will come up in Spanish conversation when you meet new people on your travels, or in a Spanish-speaking environment closer to home, is what you do for a living.

Step 1: If you want to say “I am…” you say “Yo soy…”

Step 2:  By taking a few minutes to memorize the word for your profession in Spanish, you’ll help the conversation along without having to resort to charades!

Remember, with a few exceptions, if you’re male, your occupation should end in –o or –dor and if you’re female, your occupation will end in –a or –dora.

Here are a few Spanish words with audio to get you started. Remember – listen closely to my pronunciation and repeat the word aloud until you feel confident.

Don’t worry if you can’t remember them all – you’ll find it helpful to be able to recognize these common Spanish words at least:

Actor / Actress Actor / Actriz

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Accountant Contador / Contadora

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Administrator Administrador / Administradora

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Architect Arquitecto / Arquitecta

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Archaeologist Arqueólogo / Arqueóloga

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Baker Panadero / Panadera

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Barber Barbero / Barbera

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Bartender Mesero / Mesera

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Butcher Carnicero / Carnicera

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Carpenter Carpintero / Carpintera

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Chief Executive Officer Director general / Directora general

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Clerk Oficinista

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Computer programmer Programador / Programadora

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Doctor, Physician Doctor / Doctora

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Driver Conductor / Conductora

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Electrician Electricista

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Engineer Ingeniero / Ingeniera

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Journalist Periodista

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Lawyer Abogado / Abogada

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Mechanic Mecánico

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Minister (church) Pastor

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Optometrist Optómetra

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Pilot Piloto

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Psychologist Sicológico / Sicológica

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Secretary Secretario / Secretaria

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Social worker Asistente social

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Surgeon Cirujano / Cirujana

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Teacher Maestro / Maestra – Profesor / Profesora

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Writer Escritor / Escritora

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Did You Know?

You can have fun learning tons of Spanish words with the Spanish word games in my Rocket Spanish Premium course!

MegaSpanish is three Spanish word games in one: one for learning Spanish words, one for improving your understanding of spoken Spanish, and one for practicing Spanish verbs. All the games are self-paced and can be repeated, giving you a chance to improve your score each time!

Saludos,

Mauricio Evlampieff,
Rocket Spanish

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What to Say Under the Mistletoe… in Spanish!

Posted by Mauricio in Spanish | Spanish Words & Phrases - (1 Comments)

Hola friends,

There’s something about this time of year that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. Getting together with family and loved ones, and thinking fondly of those who might be far away but who are close to your heart.

For many, New Year celebrations are a perfect time for toasting to the future with someone special, or finding new romance…

With this in mind, I thought I’d teach you a few romantic Spanish phrases so you know just what to say under the mistletoe or before a kiss at midnight!

I have to admit, I got a little carried away, so instead of posting the world’s longest blog post, I’ve created a separate lesson at the link below.

Want to learn how to say “I love you” in Spanish and other Spanish words of love? Here are some quick tips and a free Rocket Spanish audio lesson on love and romance that will have you whispering sweet Spanish nothings in no time!


Free Rocket Spanish Lesson: Spanish Love Words

Saludos,
Mauricio

, , ,

Simple Spanish Phrases for the Weather

Posted by Mauricio in Spanish | Spanish Words & Phrases - (4 Comments)

When you’re traveling in Spain, Mexico or any other Spanish-speaking country, you might like to know what the weather is doing before making any plans. Learning some simple Spanish phrases will make this easier…

After this free audio lesson you will know how to ask about the weather in Spanish and understand the answers. Is it going to rain, snow or hail? Will the sun shine all day? Will it be a great day for going to the beach or shall we go to the museum instead?

For your free Rocket Spanish lesson go here:  Simple Spanish Phrases for the Weather

Don’t forget your hat and umbrella!

Mauricio E.
Rocket Spanish

, , , , ,

Getting Cosy With Your Spanish Color Words

Posted by Mauricio in Spanish | Spanish Words & Phrases - (9 Comments)

Some really useful Spanish words to know are los colores – colors. Imagine desperately casting your eyes around to find an object you can use to show the color you want – you’ll wish you’d learned this vocabulary sooner!

In today’s post I’ll give you a short and sweet Spanish word list of the most common colors to learn, so that you don’t have to buy that souvenir t-shirt in fluorescent green just because you don’t know how to ask the shop assistant if it comes in blue…

amarillo yellow
anaranjado,   color tomate/naranja orange
azul blue
blanco white
gris gray
marrón, color café brown
morado purple
negro black
rojo red
rosado pink
verde green

Also helpful to know are:

claro light
oscuro dark

And if you’re looking for more helpful Spanish word lists you can find them here: Spanish Word Lists

Happy shopping!

Mauricio E.

, , , , , , ,

"Is that a Spanish dictionary in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?"

Posted by Mauricio in Spanish | Spanish Words & Phrases - (16 Comments)

Dictionaries are COOL.

Really.

If you’re trying to learn Spanish without one, not only are you completely loco, it’s going to take you longer to learn Spanish. If I were you, I would have three (and no, I haven’t become a dictionary salesman overnight). Let me tell you why.

Ever seen those picture dictionaries for kids? If you’re a beginner, Spanish picture dictionaries are a great way to learn Spanish nouns. If you feel silly buying or borrowing one of these, don’t – there’s nothing like seeing a Spanish word in context to help you remember it.

This idea of connecting a picture of something with the Spanish word for it in your mind is actually the basis of my popular MegaSpanish software games (more about these in this article: Spanish Word Games)

More importantly, if you haven’t got a teeny tiny pocket-sized Spanish dictionary – go get one. Seriously. One of the best ways to learn and remember new Spanish words is by learning them as you need them.

Imagine you’re in a train station and you need to buy tickets – you know the word for ‘one’ (uno) and ‘ticket’ (el boleto), but how do you say ‘one-way’? I can just about guarantee that if you look this up in your travel Spanish dictionary right then and there, you will never forget the Spanish word for ticket again.

While Spanish word lists are certainly handy, there’s nothing like boosting your Spanish on the spot with a decent travel dictionary.

As for your THIRD Spanish dictionary, if you’re serious about learning Spanish – especially reading and writing the Spanish language - you’ll need to invest in a quality Spanish translation dictionary with definitions in your native language. I’m talking a decent doorstop size here – one that will serve you well as you progress  from Spanish beginner to fluent Spanish speaker.

But if Spanish dictionaries will never be cool as far as you’re concerned, perhaps MegaSpanish is more your style – if you want to know more about these software games that build your Spanish vocabulary, and test your memorization of Spanish words, you can get the full story here:  Spanish word games

Mauricio E.

, , , , , , , ,

5 Handy Questions to Know in Spanish

Posted by Mauricio in Spanish | Spanish Words & Phrases - (18 Comments)

Today’s post is going to give you a super-fast double-whammy crash course in asking questions in Spanish.

If you’ve only got 2 minutes before you head off on vacation – just get these 5 handy questions into your head and you’re done.

If you’re not rushing off to Mexico just yet, you might like to read to the end of the post, because I’ve included some handy tips at the bottom, to help you understand how to actually ask questions in Spanish without causing confusing anyone along the way.

#1. Where is the bathroom? ¿Dónde está el baño?     

#2. How much is it? ¿Cuánto cuesta?

#3. What would you like to drink? ¿Qué te gusta tomar?

#4. How are you? / How’s it going? ¿Cómo estas? /  ¿Cómo te va?

#5. The museum is on the left, no? El museo está a la izquierda, ¿no?

Bonus Q. The car has gas, right? El carro tiene gasolina, ¿verdad?


Spanish Pronunciation Tip: Unlike English, you don’t raise the pitch of your voice at the end of a question in Spanish. Rather, you ask the question (interrogative) word in a higher-pitched voice and drop your pitch for the rest of the question.  But don’t get caught out by #5 -  you should raise the pitch of your voice when you say ¿no? or ¿verdad?

Spanish Grammar Tip: Punctuation marks in Spanish are almost exactly the same as English—except for two. If you wish to add a question mark (?) at the end of a sentence, you must also add an upside-down question (¿) mark at the beginning (the other exception is an exclamation point, which I’ll talk about another day)

Good to Know: As in English, you may use a statement to ask a question as long as you raise the pitch of your voice at the end of the question.

So no need to be shy – get out there and ask some questions, and let me know how you get on!

Mauricio E.

, , , , , , , ,