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"Quien tiene un amigo tiene un tesoro" (He who has a friend has a treasure) – this popular Spanish saying perfectly captures how friendship is valued across the Spanish-speaking world. While amigo is the most universally recognized word for "friend" in Spanish, the richness of this language offers a colorful variety of terms that reflect unique cultural identities and relationship dynamics.
In this lesson, we'll explore 16 different ways to say "friend" in Spanish, from standard terms used across countries to regional expressions that will help you sound like a local. Understanding these friendship terms won't just improve your vocabulary – it will give you insight into the cultural nuances of different Spanish-speaking communities.
Amigo (male friend) and amiga (female friend) are the most basic and widely recognized terms for "friend" in Spanish. These words are understood everywhere Spanish is spoken and appear in textbooks worldwide.
¡Basta, y no le hables así a mi amigo Sam!
Stop it, and don't talk like that to my friend Sam!
Caption 40, Extr@: Extra en español Ep. 4: Sam busca un trabajo - Part 6
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In plural form, you'd use amigos for a group of male friends or a mixed-gender group, while amigas refers exclusively to female friends. It's a completely neutral term that can describe any level of friendship, from an acquaintance you occasionally chat with to your closest confidant.
One important cultural note: In many Spanish-speaking countries, people may call you amigo or amiga even when they've just met you. Waiters, taxi drivers, or shop attendants might use these terms as a friendly gesture, not because they consider you an actual friend.
While hermano literally means "brother" and hermana means "sister," these terms are widely used across Spanish-speaking countries to refer to very close friends who aren't blood relatives. Using hermano or hermana to address a friend emphasizes the family-like bond you share with them. Many Spanish speakers will shorten these to mano or use the diminutive forms hermanito/hermanita to add affection.
Hermanito, ¿yo qué hago? Yo me considero su mejor amigo,
Brother, what can I do? I consider myself his best friend,
Caption 12, Confidencial: Broma pesada Capítulo 5 - Part 2
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Traditionally, compadre and comadre refer to a child's godparents or the relationship between parents and godparents. However, these terms have evolved to describe trusted friends, especially in Mexico and other Latin American countries. Calling someone your compadre implies a relationship built on mutual respect and trust. It's often used among men of similar age and social standing. The shortened form compa is also very common, particularly in Mexico.
¡Órale compadre, échese un trago!
Come on, pal, throw down a drink!
Caption 5, El Ausente Acto 1 - Part 7
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The word compañero/a literally means "companion" and is often used in contexts where people share activities, spaces, or goals. This term is particularly common in educational and professional settings. The affectionate shortened form compi is frequently used in Spain to refer to classmates or coworkers with whom you have a friendly relationship.
Mexico has several unique and colorful terms for friends. One of the most distinctive is cuate, which comes from the Nahuatl language, where coatl originally meant "twin" or "snake." In modern Mexican Spanish, calling someone your cuate implies a close friendship, often between men. You might hear expressions like Ese es mi cuate (That's my buddy) or Voy con mis cuates (I'm going with my friends).
Sí iba con mi cuate, con mi patineta.
I was with my buddy, with my skateboard.
Caption 29, Amigos D.F. El secuestrar
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Carnal (derived from carne, meaning "flesh") is another popular Mexican term that equates friendship with family bonds. It's similar to calling someone your "blood brother" in English. This term is predominantly used among men and suggests a deep, loyal friendship that goes beyond ordinary companionship. When someone says Es mi carnal, they're indicating a friend they consider as close as a sibling.
O sea normalmente a los hermanos se les dicen "carnales". Pero yo, pues ahora sí que a mis amigotes, yo les digo "carnales"... -Sí. -porque vienen siendo,
I mean, normally, we call siblings "carnales." But I, well, now, my friends, I do, I call them "carnales"... -Yes, because they are,
Captions 53-55, Pipo Mexicanismos - Part 1
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Güey (sometimes spelled wey) is incredibly versatile in Mexican Spanish. While it can be used as an insult in some contexts, among friends it's a casual way to address each other, similar to "dude" or "man" in English. This term has become such a fundamental part of Mexican Spanish that it's often used as a filler word in casual conversation, much like "like" or "you know" in English.
Esa es una forma también de decirle "¿qué onda, güey?" o algo así.
That's also a way of saying, "what's up, dude?" or something of the sort.
Caption 18, La Banda Chilanguense El habla de México - Part 2
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In Colombia, particularly in Medellín and surrounding regions, parcero (male) or parcera (female) are common terms for friends. These are often shortened to parce in casual conversation. This distinctly Colombian expression became internationally known through music, movies, and TV shows from the region. Saying ¿Qué más, parce? is a typical Colombian greeting between friends.
Parce, venga, yo le digo una cosa, hermano, vea
Friend, come, I'll tell you something, brother, look
Caption 1, Juanes La Plata
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Another uniquely Colombian expression is llave (literally "key"), implying that a friend has the key to your trust. This term is especially common in Bogotá and other regions of Colombia. When someone calls you their llave, they're indicating a high level of trust and confidence in your friendship.
Ay, llave, ese man nos va a dar en la jeta.
Oh, pal, that guy is going to punch us in the face.
Caption 1, Confidencial: Broma pesada Capítulo 5 - Part 2
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Peru has its own distinctive friendship vocabulary. Pata (literally "leg" or "paw") is a widely used colloquial term for a friend. You might hear expressions like Es mi pata del colegio (He's my friend from school) or Mis patas vienen a la fiesta (My friends are coming to the party).
Another uniquely Peruvian term is causa, which can be made more affectionate as causita with the diminutive. These terms are especially common among male friends. The origin of this slang term is debated, but it's one of the most distinctive features of Peruvian Spanish.
In Venezuela, pana is one of the most popular words for friend. It's used for both male and female friends without changing form. The term carries a sense of closeness and trust, and you'll hear it frequently in casual conversation throughout Venezuela and neighboring countries.
¡Muévete, pana, que mientras más rápido hagamos esto vamos a tener más tiempo con las nenas!
Move, friend, as the faster we do this we are going to have more time with the girls!
Captions 80-81, NPS No puede ser 1 - El concurso - Part 10
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Venezuelans also use chamo (male) or chama (female) to refer to friends, especially among younger people. These terms can also mean "kid" or "young person" but are often used between friends of any age. These expressions have become emblematic of Venezuelan Spanish and are immediately recognizable as part of the country's linguistic identity.
En Venezuela, se saluda: "¡Épale, chama!"
In Venezuela, people greet each other saying: "Hey, girl!"
Caption 13, Español en las calles Varias expresiones
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Spain has its own distinctive friendship vocabulary. Tío (uncle) and tía (aunt) are perhaps the most widely used casual terms among friends in Spain, equivalent to "dude" or "man" in English. Colega (colleague) has evolved in Spain from its formal meaning to become an everyday term for "buddy" or "mate." Tronco/tronca (literally "trunk") is another distinctly Spanish term, especially popular in Madrid and central Spain.
¡Eh, tío! ¡Qué divertido!
Hey, man! How fun!
Caption 22, Extr@: Extra en español Ep. 5: Ha nacido una estrella - Part 9
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In Chile, weón (sometimes spelled huevón or hueón) is an extremely common term used between friends. While it can be offensive in certain contexts, between friends it's a sign of closeness and trust. Be careful with this term, as it requires understanding the proper context and pronunciation. Used incorrectly, it could be perceived as an insult rather than a term of endearment.
In Cuba, asere or acere (with origins in African languages brought to the island) is a friendly and warm way to address a close friend. This distinctly Cuban expression is one of the first slang terms visitors to the island will hear, and it carries a sense of camaraderie and cultural identity.
Understanding the different words for "friend" in Spanish gives you insight into the rich cultural variations in how relationships are perceived and expressed across the Spanish-speaking world. While the basic concept of friendship is universal, the language used to describe it reflects unique cultural perspectives and values.
The next time you're speaking with Spanish-speaking friends, try incorporating some of these regional terms into your conversation. Not only will you impress them with your cultural knowledge, but you'll also create a more authentic connection through language. What about you? Do you know any other words to refer to friends in Spanish? Which one is your favorite? Let us know and don't forget to send us your comments and questions.
Welcome to our beginner-friendly guide to the parts of the house in Spanish! Whether you’re a new learner or brushing up on your vocabulary, this lesson will teach you the Spanish words for different rooms and areas in a house. Plus, you’ll learn how to pronounce each term clearly and naturally.
Knowing the names of the rooms and parts of the house in Spanish is essential for describing your daily life, discussing where things are located, or even giving a house tour. This vocabulary is practical, especially if you’re traveling, living abroad, or interacting with Spanish-speaking friends and family.
But before we dive into all the different parts of the house, let's start with the most important word - do you know how to say "house" in Spanish?
Todo el mundo tiene afán de llegar a la casa por lo del toque de queda.
Everyone is eager to get home because of the curfew thing.
Caption 3, La Sucursal del Cielo Capítulo 3 - Part 9
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Let’s start with the basics! Below is a list of key rooms and parts of the house in Spanish, along with video clips for each term. Listen carefully to each clip, then try saying the word out loud to get comfortable with the pronunciation.
Mire, joven, esta es la sala,
Look, young man, this is the living room,
Caption 18, Otavalo Departamento
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Ay, pues, mija, déjesela ahí en la cocina.
Oh, well, dear, leave them there for him in the kitchen.
Caption 27, Confidencial: Broma pesada Capítulo 1 - Part 6
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En este vehículo en concreto, el baño es muy característico
In this particular vehicle, the bathroom is very distinctive
Caption 46, Viajando con Fermín Caravaning - Part 3
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"Usa el dormitorio exclusivamente para dormir.
"Use the bedroom exclusively for sleeping.
Caption 27, Aprendiendo con Silvia Consejos para dormir mejor - Part 1
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Aquí tenemos el comedor;
Here we have the dining room;
Caption 55, Otavalo Proyecto Hayni - Part 2
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Below are additional important parts of the house in Spanish, each accompanied by a video clip to help you learn the correct pronunciation.
Yard/Garden | el jardín (el har-DEEN)
Hábleme de ese dinero que tiene usted enterrado en el jardín.
Talk to me about that money you have buried in the garden.
Caption 93, Los casos de Yabla El examen - Part 3
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Balcony | el balcón (el bal-KOHN)
Tomo unos mates en el balcón
I have some servings of mate on the balcony
Caption 10, GoSpanish La rutina diaria de Sol
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Garage | el garaje (el gah-RAH-heh)
se quedaba en el garaje de la casa de él.
was staying in the garage at his house.
Caption 27, Tu Voz Estéreo Embalsamado - Part 5
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Roof | el tejado (el teh-HAH-doh) or el techo (el TEH-cho)
Please, keep in mind that tejado refers to the exterior roof, especially in Spain, while techo generally means ceiling or roof, commonly used across Latin America.
Entonces, toda, eh... las ventanas, las escaleras, el tejado
So, all, um... the windows, the staircases, the roof
Caption 22, Sevilla, España Hotel Kivir - Part 1
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Ahorita, bueno, le faltó el techo...
Right now, well, the roof is missing...
Caption 75, Playa Adícora Francisco - Part 6
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Basement | el sótano (el SOH-tah-noh)
y ni siquiera sabía porqué estaba entrando en el sótano.
and I didn't even know why I was entering the basement.
Caption 11, Los Años Maravillosos Capítulo 7 - Part 1
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Wall | la pared (lah pah-RED)
solo por culpa de una humedad en la pared.
just because of a damp patch on the wall.
Caption 45, Tu Voz Estéreo Feliz Navidad - Part 6
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Floor | el suelo (el SWEH-lo) or el piso (el PEE-soh)
In Spain, "floor" (of a house) is typically referred to as suelo. In Latin America, while suelo is also used for floor surfaces, piso is often the preferred term to describe the floor of a house or a building.
"El que tiene muchas sillas para sentarse acaba sentándose en el suelo".
"He who has many chairs to sit on ends up sitting on the floor."
Captions 8-9, Soledad Refranes - Part 2
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Había una cantidad de fotos en el piso
There were a bunch pictures on the floor
Caption 5, Confidencial: Asesino al Volante Capítulo 2 - Part 8
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Window | la ventana (lah ven-TAH-nah)
Y mi hermana y yo corríamos a la ventana
And my sister and I would run to the window
Caption 27, Aprendiendo con Silvia Recuerdos de infancia - Part 1
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Door | la puerta (lah PWEHR-tah)
No. -Ni pa abrir la puerta. Hm!
No. -Not even to open the door. Hmm!
Caption 8, Confidencial: Broma pesada Capítulo 1 - Part 6
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Stairs | las escaleras (lahs eh-skah-LEH-rahs)
ya que las escaleras interiores son muy estrechas y empinadas.
since the interior stairs are very narrow and steep.
Caption 21, Viajando con Fermín Ámsterdam - Part 3
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Here are some common ways to talk about different parts of the house in Spanish. Practice these sentences for everyday conversation:
Mi cocina es grande.
My kitchen is big.
La sala tiene un sofá.
The living room has a sofa.
El jardín está detrás de la casa.
The garden is behind the house.
El balcón tiene una vista hermosa.
The balcony has a beautiful view.
El baño está al final del pasillo.
The bathroom is at the end of the hallway.
El comedor es perfecto para cenas familiares.
The dining room is perfect for family dinners.
Mi dormitorio tiene una cama cómoda.
My bedroom has a comfortable bed.
Congratulations! You now know the vocabulary for different parts of the house in Spanish and how to pronounce each word naturally. Practice using these terms in daily conversations to reinforce what you’ve learned. Remember, every time you use these words, you’ll sound more confident and fluent! And don't forget to write us with your questions and comments.
Knowing how to say thank you and you're welcome in Spanish is one of the first — and most important — steps in any Spanish learner's journey. While most people already know that gracias means "thank you" in Spanish and that de nada is the standard response, there are actually many more ways to express gratitude and acknowledgment in Spanish. In this lesson, we'll walk you through the most useful expressions for saying thank you in Spanish — from casual phrases to formal alternatives — so you can sound more natural and confident in real conversations.
Before going any further, let's hear the Spanish word gracias pronounced, paying particular attention to the way that Spanish speakers pronounce the vowels (it should not sound like "grassy a--"). Then, we suggest you practice it yourself!
Gracias.
Thank you.
Caption 39, Cristina Primeros auxilios
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Note that if you want to say what you are thanking someone "for" in Spanish, you should use the Spanish preposition por (rather than para) as we see here:
Así que gracias por su atención
So, thank you for your attention,
Caption 68, Carlos comenta La sucursal del cielo - Part 1
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This brings us to another common Spanish expression, which is equivalent to the English "Thanks for everything":
Gracias por todo.
Thank you for everything.
Caption 86, Tu Música El Ensamble Latino - Part 3
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Now, let's hear a common way to say "Thank you very much" in Spanish:
Muchas gracias.
Thank you very much.
Caption 96, Casabermeja Gastronomía - Part 2
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If you wish to say "Thank you very much" in Spanish even more emphatically, you might choose the following expression, which includes the augmentative form of muchas, muchísimas:
Muchísimas gracias
Thank you very much
Caption 63, Venezolanos por el mundo Karina en Barcelona - Part 3
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Yet another rough equivalent of "thank you very much" or "thanks so much" is the common Spanish expression mil gracias, which literally means "a thousand thanks":
Mm... no, no, mil gracias. No me gusta el café.
Um... No, no, thanks so much [literally "a thousand thanks"]. I don't like coffee.
Caption 3, Tu Voz Estéreo Embalsamado - Part 8
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In addition to the expressions we just learned, certain verbs or verb phrases can be used to convey gratitude. Below, you'll find several, with examples from our Yabla Spanish library.
Así que, te agradezco, Fredy,
So, I thank you, Fredy,
Caption 49, Viajando con Carlos El año viejo en Colombia - Part 2
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The direct object pronoun lo is often included in the fixed expression te lo agradezco (I appreciate it, I thank you for it, I'm grateful to you for it) when referring to a specific thing or situation:
Y te lo agradezco, pero la verdad,
And I thank you for it, but honestly,
Caption 17, Los Años Maravillosos Capítulo 8 - Part 8
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Te vengo a dar las gracias.
I'm coming to thank you.
Caption 7, Club 10 Capítulo 2 - Part 7
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Bueno... pues le aprecio mucho gobernador que me haya contestado.
Well... I really appreciate you, Governor, for answering me.
Caption 17, ¡Tierra, Sí! Atenco - Part 1
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estoy contenta, estoy agradecida,
I'm happy, I'm grateful,
Caption 64, Amaya Recordando - Part 1
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If you wish to say thank you in a more formal setting, you could choose to address the person you are thanking with usted instead of tú or vos, the more formal of the different Spanish ways to say "you." The expression te lo agradezco would hence change as follows:
Bueno, se lo agradezco.
Well, I thank you for it.
Caption 84, Muñeca Brava 48 - Soluciones - Part 3
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The abbreviated Muy agradecido can also function as an alternative to "Thank you very much" in more formal settings:
Muy agradecido, Don Kevin.
Very grateful, Mister Kevin.
Caption 34, Los Años Maravillosos Capítulo 3 - Part 7
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Finally, the expression Muy amable (literally "very kind") is often used in place of or along with another way of saying "thank you," as we see in the following two captions:
Eh... Sí, señorita, ya voy para allá. Muy amable.
Um... Yes, miss, I'm going there now. [You're] very kind.
Captions 44-45, Tu Voz Estéreo Laura - Part 15
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Bueno, muchas gracias. Muy amable.
Well, thank you very much. [You're] very kind.
Caption 19, Confidencial: Broma pesada Capítulo 4 - Part 10
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As we mentioned in the introduction, de nada (literally "of nothing") is the standard equivalent of "you're welcome" in Spanish. Let's hear it in a caption that includes both thank you and you're welcome in Spanish:
¡Ay, muchísimas gracias por tu amabilidad! ¡De nada!
Oh, thank you so much for your kindness! You're welcome!
Captions 37-38, Cleer y Carolina En la estación de buses
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Note that an alternative, albeit less common way to say de nada is por nada.
Let's explore a few different ways to say something similar to "you're welcome" in Spanish, starting with one that literally means something along the lines of "There's no reason (to thank me)."
Yo también. Muchas gracias por admitirme. No hay de qué. Es un placer tenerla con nosotros.
Me too. Thank you very much for accepting me. You're welcome. It's a pleasure to have you with us.
Captions 10-11, Negocios Empezar en un nuevo trabajo - Part 2
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Con mucho gusto is another popular way to say "you're welcome" in Spanish, particularly across Latin America. It literally translates as "with much pleasure":
De verdad, muchas gracias, que Dios los bendiga. No, Laura, fue con mucho gusto.
Truly, thank you very much, may God bless you. No, Laura, it was our great pleasure.
Captions 16-17, Tu Voz Estéreo Laura - Part 18
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Like in English, "My pleasure" is also a suitable response to someone thanking you, as is simply (it's) "a pleasure":
El placer es mío, Adolfo.
The pleasure is mine, Adolfo.
Caption 39, Yago 6 Mentiras - Part 4
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Gracias por venir, Luis. Un placer, Mónica,
Thank you for coming, Luis. A pleasure, Monica,
Captions 2-3, Escribiendo un libro Algunos consejos sobre cómo comenzar - Part 1
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And, finally, as in English, we could thank the person right back!
Muchas gracias. Gracias a ti.
Thank you very much. Thank you.
Captions 50-51, El Aula Azul Los profesores de la escuela - Part 1
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We hope this lesson has given you plenty of new tools for saying thank you and you're welcome in Spanish — well beyond the everyday gracias and de nada. Whether you're in a casual chat or a more formal situation, you now have a solid set of expressions to draw from.
Keep practicing, and remember that the best way to internalize these phrases is to hear them used naturally by real Spanish speakers. ¡Muchísimas gracias por su atención! We'd love to hear how it's going — feel free to reach out with your questions and comments. ¡Hasta la próxima!
Did you know there are two ways to say "here" in Spanish? The words aquí and acá both translate as "here" in English, but are they really the same? Let's take a look!
The Royal Spanish Academy's initial definitions for the word aquí in Spanish are "at" or "to this place." Let's hear a couple of examples from Mexico and Spain:
No, gracias. Tengo unas galletas aquí.
No, thank you. I have some cookies here.
Caption 13, Conversaciones en el parque Cap. 2: Cafe y bocadillos
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Hoy estamos aquí en la costa de Málaga.
Today we're here on the coast of Malaga.
Caption 2, Amaya Cata de vinos
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The Dictionary of the Spanish Language defines acá as "at" or "to this place or nearby." Here are two examples, from Mexico and Argentina:
y eso es lo que trato de hacer mayormente acá en Alemania,
and that's what I try to do mostly here in Germany
Caption 9, Hispanoamericanos en Berlín Karla y el pozole - Part 1
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Acá es donde trabaja el alcalde de Buenos Aires.
Here is where the mayor of Buenos Aires works.
Caption 10, Yabla en Buenos Aires Plaza Mayo - Part 2
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As you may have noticed, the official definition of acá suggests a slightly broader or less precise sense of location. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Some places, like Mexico, observe a subtle distinction between aquí and acá, while others treat the two words as completely interchangeable.
2. Even where a difference exists, the exact scope of each word is hard to pin down, and individual usage varies widely.
3. Some regions favor one word almost exclusively. In Spain, aquí is the go-to word for "here," while in Argentina, acá is far more common.
Whether you say aquí or acá, you'll be understood across the Spanish-speaking world! The choice often comes down to where you are — or where the person you're talking to is from. We hope this clears things up. Feel free to reach out with your questions and comments — we'd love to hear from you!
Have you ever struggled to translate the word "ever" into Spanish? You're not alone! Unlike English, where "ever" has a fairly consistent meaning, Spanish uses several different words and expressions depending on the context. In a previous lesson, we explored the many ways to say "never" in Spanish. Today, we're taking a closer look at "ever" — from everyday questions like ¿Alguna vez has estado en España? ("Have you ever been to Spain?") to popular expressions like más que nunca ("more than ever"). Let's dive in!
To start, note that two of the very same formulas that were used to say "never" in Spanish can also be used to say "ever." This is due to the fact that sometimes an idea in English can be expressed with either of these two words. Let's take a look at these formulas to understand better.
Let's look at this formula where nunca has been translated as "never":
Oh... ¡Nunca voy a tener un novio!
Oh... I'm never going to have a boyfriend!
Caption 28, Extr@: Extra en español - Ep. 3 - Sam aprende a ligar
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However, this very same formula can also mean "ever" because an alternative translation of the sentence above into English would be:
Oh... ¡Nunca voy a tener un novio!
Oh... I'm not ever going to have a boyfriend!
The same can be said for the formula no + sentence + nunca, as in the following example:
No te has equivocado nunca.
You've never made a mistake.
Once again, this very same construction can also be used to convey the idea of "ever" since an alternative English translation for this sentence would be: "You haven't ever made a mistake." Let's view this same sentence in question form:
¿No te has equivocado nunca?
Haven't you ever made a mistake?
Caption 73, 75 minutos - Del campo a la mesa
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In addition, negative commands with the word nunca can be used to say the equivalent of "ever" in Spanish:
Y por favor, no me lo dejes solo nunca.
And please, for me, don't ever leave him alone.
Caption 5, Confidencial: Asesino al Volante - Capítulo 1 - Part 14
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Of course, "never leave him alone" would be another way to express the meaning of this Spanish sentence.
Let's examine some more ways to say the English word "ever" in Spanish in different contexts.
One of the most common and straightforward ways to say "ever" in Spanish in the sense of "at some point in time" is alguna vez, typically within a question with either the present perfect or preterite tense. Let's see some examples:
¿Se han preguntado alguna vez por qué es importante reír?
Have you ever wondered why it's important to laugh?
Caption 8, Mónica - La risa
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¿Alguna vez te pasó?
Has it ever happened to you?
Caption 32, Verano Eterno - Fiesta Grande
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Another very common way to say "ever" in Spanish is jamás. While it often appears in the expression nunca jamás ("never ever"), jamás can also be used on its own. In questions, it works just like alguna vez to mean "ever." In negative statements, it means "never" — and is actually stronger and more emphatic than nunca alone:
¿Has visto jamás algo tan hermoso?
Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?
No he visto jamás algo tan hermoso.
I have never seen anything so beautiful.
Jamás can also combine with nunca for extra emphasis, as you'll see in the expressions section below.
De todos los tiempos is yet another way to say "ever" in Spanish when the meaning is "of all time," which is, in fact, the literal translation of this phrase and could replace "ever" in the following example:
Hoy tenemos la fortuna de tenerlo entre nosotros,
Today we have the fortune to have him amongst us,
al más grande exponente de todos los tiempos, ¡al Señor Gardel!
the greatest example ever, Mister Gardel!
Captions 44-45, Yago - 1 La llegada
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Finally, let's check out how many common English expressions with "ever" such as "more than ever," "never ever," etc. are said in Spanish.
Y yo te amé, como nunca jamás lo imaginé
And I loved you, as I never ever imagined it
Caption 8, Muñeca Brava - 9 Engaños
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Ahora más que nunca, vas a hacer lo que yo te diga.
Now more than ever, you are going to do whatever I tell you.
Caption 10, Muñeca Brava - 7 El poema
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El tiempo ha estado mejor/peor que nunca.
The weather has been better/worse than ever.
In fact, any adjective or adverb can be used between más (more) and que nunca (than ever) to convey the equivalent of English phrases with "than ever." Let's see a few examples:
Hoy he corrido más rápido que nunca.
Today, I've run faster than ever.
En cambio vos no cambiaste nada;
On the other hand you haven't changed a bit;
estás más hermosa que nunca.
you're more beautiful than ever.
Caption 56, Yago - 11 Prisión
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¿No me quieres volver a ver nunca más?
You don't ever want to see me again?
Caption 2, Confidencial: Asesino al Volante - Capítulo 1 - Part 2
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Another translation for this sentence could be "You never want to see me again?"
Para siempre literally means "for always" and is the standard way to express "forever" or "for ever" in Spanish. You'll hear it constantly in songs, movies, and everyday speech:
pero luego esa tarjeta te sirve para siempre, a no ser que la pierdas. -Mm-hm.
but then that card works for you forever, unless you lose it. -Mm-hmm.
Captions 10-11, Isabel y Paula contigo Transporte público en Madrid - Part 3
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It also appears in the classic storybook ending Vivieron felices para siempre — the Spanish equivalent of "They lived happily ever after." Interestingly, another popular version of this fairy tale ending in Spanish is Vivieron felices y comieron perdices ("They lived happily and ate partridges"). A fun expression worth remembering!
y desde entonces se nos quedó adentro.
and it has remained within us ever since.
Caption 8, Región mundo - Paso a paso
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Here's a quick recap of the main ways to say "ever" in Spanish covered in this lesson:
• Alguna vez — Have you ever...? / at some point
• Jamás — ever (in questions) / never (in negative statements)
• De todos los tiempos — of all time / ever
• Nunca jamás — never ever
• Más que nunca — more than ever
• Nunca más — ever again
• Para siempre — forever / for ever
• Desde entonces — ever since
We hope this lesson has helped you get a clearer picture of how to translate "ever" into Spanish! Got a question about one of these expressions, or come across a use of "ever" in Spanish that puzzled you? We'd love to hear from you — feel free to send us your questions and comments. ¡Hasta la próxima!
How do you say "never" in Spanish? In this lesson, you'll discover the main Spanish words for "never" and learn simple formulas to use them correctly in your conversations. Are you ready?
The most common way to say "never" in Spanish is with the word nunca. Let's hear it in action:
¿Pero pantaloncitos calientes? ¡No, nunca!
But hot pants? No, never!
Caption 16, La Sucursal del Cielo - Capítulo 1
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Now that we know that nunca is the most common word for "never" in Spanish, let's learn a couple of formulas for using it.
This is the most straightforward way: simply place nunca before the verb.
Nunca he estado en China.
I have never been in China.
Caption 27, Carlos explica - El pretérito Cap 3: Perfecto compuesto II
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Juan nunca pone atención en clase.
Juan never pays attention in class.
Caption 20, Carlos explica - Los cinco sentidos
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Note that if there is an explicitly stated subject like Juan in the second example, it must be placed before the word nunca.
Spanish allows double negatives, which is grammatically correct (unlike in English). You can place no before the verb and nunca anywhere after it to mean the same thing. Let's convert our previous examples:
Nunca he estado en China.
No he estado en China nunca.
Both mean: "I have never been to China."
Juan nunca pone atención en clase.
Juan no pone atención en clase nunca.
Both mean: "Juan never pays attention in class."
Now, let's look at a couple of additional examples of this double negative formula, noting that within this construction, the word nunca can go pretty much anywhere as long as it comes after the verb.
Creo que este momento no lo voy a olvidar nunca.
I think I'll never forget this moment.
Caption 10, Tu Voz Estéreo - Laura
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Él todavía no ha salido nunca afuera.
He has still never gone outside [of it].
Caption 39, Animales en familia - Un día en Bioparc: Cachorro de leopardo
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Just like nunca, the Spanish word jamás also means "never" in Spanish but is generally considered more emphatic. To remember how to use this word correctly, we can simply substitute the word jamás for nunca in our aforementioned formulas, utilizing the same parameters. Let's see some examples:
Yo jamás te mentiría.
I would never lie to you.
Caption 28, Los Años Maravillosos - Capítulo 7
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No se me hubiera ocurrido jamás.
It never would have occurred to me.
Caption 21, Los Años Maravillosos - Capítulo 12
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If you want to be even more emphatic, you can combine nunca and jamás to get nunca jamás, which means something like "never ever" and is commonly seen in songs, telenovelas (Spanish soap operas), and other dramatic scenarios. Let's take a look:
Nunca jamás sentí tanto dolor. -No, no, no, no
I have never ever felt so much pain. -No, no, no, no
Es un puñal clavado aquí en mi corazón
It's a dagger stabbed here in my heart
Captions 15-16, Victor Manuelle - Nunca Habia Llorado Así
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Que quedaste embarazada y nunca jamás lo volviste a ver.
That you ended up pregnant and you never ever saw him again.
Caption 50, Yago - 10 Enfrentamientos
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With these melodramatic examples, we hope that this lesson has helped you feel more confident expressing the idea of "never" in Spanish. We'd love to hear from you—share your questions or thoughts with us!
As the year draws to a close, it's time to learn the Spanish vocabulary you'll need to celebrate like a native speaker! Whether you're planning to ring in the new year with Spanish-speaking friends or simply want to send heartfelt greetings, these five tips will help you master the most commonly used Spanish words and phrases for this festive season.
While the most standard way to say "Happy New Year" in Spanish is simply Feliz Año Nuevo, you may also hear the following alternatives:
• Feliz Año (short for Happy New Year)
• Próspero Año Nuevo (Prosperous New Year)
• Feliz [year] (Happy [year])
These New Year greetings in Spanish are perfect for toasts, cards, and social media posts during the holiday season!
If you're writing to someone, there's a difference between writing Feliz Año Nuevo (with all three words capitalized) and Feliz año nuevo (with the second two words in lowercase).
In fact, while the former is specifically a good wish for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day holidays, the latter is a more general good wish for the new year ahead. This subtle distinction can help you sound more natural when writing Spanish New Year messages!
o "Feliz Año Nuevo".
or "Happy New Year."
Caption 10, Aprendiendo con Silvia Felicitar y expresar buenos deseos - Part 2
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Nochevieja (literally "old night") is the Spanish word for the last night of the year, or New Year's Eve. Just keep in mind that it is preferable to write the name of this special day as one single word (Nochevieja), rather than as two words (Noche Vieja).
nada más y nada menos que la noche de Nochevieja.
nothing more and nothing less than the night of New Year's Eve.
Caption 8, Con Marta por Madrid La Plaza del Sol - Part 2
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This is one of the most important celebrations in Spanish-speaking countries, filled with unique traditions!
In some parts of Latin America, people burn human-size dolls called años viejos (literally "old years") stuffed with old clothes, newspaper, and firecrackers. This symbolic act represents "out with the old, in with the new," casting off the past year and welcoming fresh beginnings. In some regions, these dolls even "leave a will" (testamento) as part of the tradition, as we can hear in the following clip:
Eh... hay una... hay un rito o... un poco más de Nariño, que es que el... el año viejo deja un testamento.
Um... there's a... there's a rite or... a bit more from Nariño, which is that the... the "año viejo" [doll] [literally "old year"] leaves a will.
Captions 24-25, Viajando con Carlos El año viejo en Colombia - Part 2
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It is difficult to imagine the end of the year in many Spanish-speaking countries without fireworks lighting up the sky at midnight. But do you know how to say "fireworks" in Spanish? The following are the two acceptable terms:
Fuegos artificiales
Juegos pirotécnicos
Regarding the second term, be careful not to mix it with the first and say "fuegos pirotécnicos" instead of "juegos pirotécnicos." This mistake is quite common, even among native Spanish speakers! Let's hear how to pronounce the first term:
Sí, fuegos artificiales con un fondo de violines, me encanta, ¿eh?
Yes, fireworks with a background of violin [music]; I love it, huh?
Caption 39, Yago 6 Mentiras - Part 2
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Now you're ready to celebrate Nochevieja and welcome the new year with confidence! From saying Feliz Año Nuevo to understanding unique Latin American traditions like años viejos, you have all the essential Spanish vocabulary for this festive season.
We'd love to hear how you plan to celebrate! Share your favorite New Year traditions and feel free to reach out with any questions about Spanish holiday vocabulary.
¡Feliz Año Nuevo!
If you are wondering how to say "How are you?" in Spanish, the standard, casual way of doing so is: ¿Cómo estás? However, there are many more ways to say "How are you?" in Spanish, and this lesson will cover many of the most common.
As we just mentioned, ¿Cómo estás? is the best-known, informal way of saying "How are you?" in Spanish. But, how do you say "How are you?" in formal Spanish? In that case, you will need to address the other person using the formal form of "you," usted:
¿Cómo está usted?
How are you?
Caption 25, Cleer y Lida Saludar en español
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That said, as there are many ways to say "you" in Spanish, let's take a look at how to say "How are you?" in Spanish with the forms of estar (to be) that correspond to each of the additional subject pronouns that mean "you": vos (singular, informal "you" in certain regions), vosotros/as (informal plural "you" in Spain), and ustedes (the prevalent plural "you" in most countries).
Bien. ¿Cómo estás vos?
Fine. How are you?
Caption 30, Muñeca Brava 18 - La Apuesta - Part 6
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Note that while the verb conjugations for vos and tú typically differ, in the case of estar, they are exactly the same.
¿Cómo estáis?
How are you?
Caption 3, Isabel Lavesa Dibujo en acuarela
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Hola, amigos de Yabla. ¿Cómo están?
Hello, friends of Yabla. How are you?
Captions 1-2, María Fernanda Mascarilla de aguacate
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You may have noticed that the subject pronoun (vos) is only explicitly stated in the first of the three examples since doing so is optional in Spanish, where specific verb conjugations usually let us know who is being addressed or spoken about.
Just like in English you can use alternatives such as "How's it going?" "What's up?" "What's going on?" etc., there are a plethora of more slangy ways to say "How are you?" in Spanish. Let's look at several.
The English translations for ¿Qué tal? range from "How are you?" to "How's it going?" and "What's up?" Let's hear it in action:
Por ejemplo, si yo digo: ¿Qué tal?
For example, if I say: How's it going?
Caption 2, Curso de español ¿Qué tal? Ni bien ni mal...
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As a side note, although bien (well) and mal (poorly) are typical answers to this question, the video ¿Qué tal? Ni bien ni mal will give you several ways to say you're somewhere in between.
While ¿Qué hay? could be used to literally ask "What is there?" or "What's available?" it can also be used to ask someone "What's up?" or "What's going on?"
¿Qué hay, amigo?
What's up, friend
You might also hear the following variation:
¿Qué hay de nuevo, compadre?
What's new, buddy?
And, if you want to sound like a true Colombian, you can try this alternative version of ¿Qué hay? with the verb haber in the preterite tense instead of the present tense (literally meaning "What was there?"). Notice the slangy spelling/pronunciation variation in the second example.
"Ey, ¿qué hubo pues, paisa? ¿Todo bien o qué, hombre?"
"Hey, what's up, buddy? [Is] everything good or what, man?"
Caption 16, Español en las calles Varias expresiones
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¿Quiubo, quiubo, linda? ¿Cómo vas?
What's up, what's up, beautiful? How are you?
Caption 3, Confidencial: El rey de la estafa Capítulo 4 - Part 8
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As you might have noticed, the last example above contained yet another way to say "How are you?" in Spanish: ¿Cómo vas?
Another option for saying "How are you?" in Spanish, "¿Cómo te va?" might also be translated as "How's it going for you?" Of course, you should use the appropriate indirect object pronoun (te, le, les, or os) to correspond to the form of "you" you're intending, or just omit it entirely and just say ¿Cómo va? (How's it going?). Let's hear a couple of examples:
¿Y cómo te va?
And how are you?
Caption 38, Los Años Maravillosos Capítulo 8 - Part 1
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¿Cómo les va?
How is it going for you?
Caption 4, Misión Chef 1 La selección - Part 3
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Now, let's hear a straightforward Spanish translation of the English phrase "How's everything going?"
¿Cómo va todo?
How's everything going?
Caption 18, Festivaliando Mono Núñez - Part 13
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"¿Cómo van las cosas?" is a similar expression that literally means "How are things going?"
The verb andar, which literally means "to walk," appears in the common expression "¿Cómo andas?" which can be heard in many countries but is particularly common in Argentina (with vos, of course!).
En Argentina, saludamos así: "Hola, che. ¿Cómo andás? ¿Todo bien?"
In Argentina, we greet [people] like this: "Hello, hey. How's it going? [Is] everything good?"
Caption 10, Español en las calles Varias expresiones
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As you can see in the last example, "todo bien?" is an additional manner of asking someone how they are and is the equivalent of such English expressions as "All good?" "Is everything OK?" or even "How's it going?"
One of the best-known ways to say "What's going on?" in Spanish is, of course, "¿Qué pasa?" This phrase can be employed to ask "what's going on" with someone in a general sense, or to inquire about a particular situation.
¿Qué pasa?
What's going on?
Caption 1, Extr@: Extra en español Ep. 3 - Sam aprende a ligar - Part 2
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Our final "How are you?" in Spanish equivalent for today is "¿Qué (me) cuentas?" which literally means, "What do you tell (me)?" but serves as another manner of asking someone "What's new?" You may hear it either with or without the me.
And these are just a handful of the many, less formal ways to say "How are you?" in Spanish, which vary widely between regions and individuals. Are you familiar with any others? How do you say "How are you?" in Spanish? Let us know with your suggestions and comments!
Are you good with big numbers? How many zeros do you need to write one billion? What about one trillion? In this lesson, we will talk about big numbers in Spanish. Do you know how to say one billion in Spanish? Un billón, right? Well... not so fast! Let's learn how to say and write big numbers in Spanish.
Before we talk about big numbers in Spanish, let's review some of the most common big numbers in English. Let's take a look:
One million (1,000,000)- Six zeros
One billion (1,000,000,000)- Nine zeros
One trillion (1,000,000,000,000)- Twelve zeros
One quadrillion (1,000,000,000,000,000)- Fifteen zeros
One quintillion (1,000,000,000,000,000,000)- Eighteen zeros
Now that we have reviewed big numbers in English, it is time to talk about big numbers in Spanish. One important thing to keep in mind: According to the Real Academia Española (RAE), like in English, numbers with more than four digits must be written out in groups of three starting from the right. However, if you want to write 2,450 in Spanish, the appropriate manner to do so would be 2 450 since spaces are used in lieu of commas in big numbers in Spanish. Keep in mind, however, that there are some exceptions to this rule, such as years, page numbers, zip codes, laws/decrees, etc. With that said, let's see the Spanish equivalents of the numbers we previously covered:
Un millón (1 000 000)- Six zeros
Un millardo (1 000 000 000)- Nine zeros
Un billón (1 000 000 000 000)- Twelve zeros
Mil billones (1 000 000 000 000 000)- Fifteen zeros
Un trillón (1 000 000 000 000 000 000)- Eighteen zeros
Note that for some of these numbers, there is one more than one acceptable Spanish term you might opt for:
Un millardo = mil millones
Un billón = un millón de millones
Un trillón = un milllón de billones = un millón de millón de millones
Did you notice anything unusual when comparing the Spanish and English lists? You may have realized that "one billion" in English is not un billón en Spanish, but rather un millardo, while the English "one trillion" is actually un billón in Spanish rather than un trillón. This is because the Spanish words billión and trillón come from the French words billion and trillion, which correspond to the numbers we indicated above (with 12 and 18 zeros, respectively).
To further clarify this somewhat confusing point, let's take a look at the following list featuring big numbers in English and their Spanish equivalents:
One million in English is un millón in Spanish.
One billion in English is un millardo or mil millones in Spanish.
One trillion in English is un billón or un millón de millones in Spanish.
One quadrillion in English is mil billones in Spanish.
One quintillion in English is un trillón or un millón de billones or un millón de millón de millones in Spanish.
No necesito un millón de euros.
I don't need a million euros.
Caption 38, Extr@: Extra en español Ep. 5: Ha nacido una estrella - Part 6
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un millón de preguntas, ¡un billón!
a million questions, a trillion!
Caption 19, Los Años Maravillosos Capítulo 10 - Part 3
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If you've been paying attention, you've realized that the second translation, which you may have previously thought was a mistake, is actually the correct way to say one billion in Spanish! On that note, we hope that this lesson has helped you to say and write big numbers in Spanish, and don't forget to leave us your suggestions and comments.
Have you ever needed to wish someone good luck in Spanish? Whether you're congratulating a friend on a new job, wishing a student success on an exam, or just saying goodbye to someone about to embark on a journey, knowing how to express good wishes in Spanish is essential for everyday conversations.
According to J.D. Salinger's character Holden Caulfield in "The Catcher in the Rye," shouting "Good luck!" might sound terrible, but most Spanish speakers would disagree! In fact, expressing good wishes is deeply embedded in Spanish-speaking cultures, and these phrases are used daily across the Spanish-speaking world.
Let's explore the most common ways to say "good luck" in Spanish, complete with authentic examples you can start using right away.
The most direct translation of "good luck" in Spanish is buena suerte. This versatile phrase works in virtually any situation where you'd wish someone luck in English.
"Adiós, mamá. Buena suerte en tu viaje.
"Bye, Mom. Good luck on your trip.
Captions 58-59, Aprendiendo con Silvia Traer vs. Llevar - Part 2
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There are many variations of (buena) suerte, including mucha suerte (lots of luck), which are often used with the subjunctive form of the verb tener (to have) in expressions like Que tengas mucha suerte (I hope you have a lot of luck) or the verb desear (to wish) as in Te deseo mucha/buena suerte (I wish you a lot of/good luck).
For a more casual, everyday expression, many Spanish speakers simply say suerte (luck). This shortened version is extremely common, especially in Latin America, where even store clerks, taxi drivers, and people you've just met might say this to you as you depart.
Suerte con eso. -Muchas gracias otra vez, ¿oyó? Gracias. [-Bueno]
Good luck with that. -Thank you very much again, you hear? Thanks. [-Good.]
Caption 70, Confidencial: Broma pesada Capítulo 3 - Part 14
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When you want to wish someone "the best of luck" for an important event or challenge, you can use the expression la mejor de las suertes. This can be said alone or paired with the verb desear (to wish):
te deseamos la mejor de las suertes, ¿oís?
we wish you the best of luck, you hear?
Caption 47, La Sucursal del Cielo Capítulo 1 - Part 5
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Another popular way to wish good luck in Spanish is to say ¡Éxito! (Success!) or ¡Éxitos! (Successes!). This expression focuses on the positive outcome rather than luck itself and is commonly used in professional or academic contexts:
Les deseamos muchos éxitos, ehm...
We wish you a lot of success, um...
Caption 68, Doctor Krápula Entrevista
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Les deseo mucho éxito con el aprendizaje del español
I wish you a lot of success with learning Spanish,
Caption 54, Hispanoamericanos en Berlín Evelyn y las empanadas
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Así que les deseo lo mejor, éxito en todo
So I wish you the best, [I wish you] success with everything
Caption 66, Outward Bound Danny
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Note that this third example contains yet another way of wishing someone well in Spanish: desear(le a alguien) lo mejor, or "wishing (someone) the best." Another alternative to this manner of wishing someone good luck and best wishes in Spanish is to say simply Mis mejores deseos (My best wishes).
One of the most frequently used expressions to wish someone well is que te vaya bien, which literally means "(I hope) everything goes well for you," but it might sometimes be translated with the similarly well-wishing English phrase "Take care." This phrase is often exchanged between friends and strangers alike when parting ways:
¡Qué te vaya bien! -¡Qué te vaya bien! ¡Qué tengas suerte! -¡Chao! -¡Chao! ¡Suerte! ¡Chao!
Take care! -Take care! Good luck! -Bye! -Bye! Good luck! Bye!
Captions 67-69, Salvando el planeta Palabra Llegada - Part 5
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Just like English-speakers, Spanish speakers sometimes use the phrase cruzar los dedos (to cross one's fingers) to describe a superstitious action thought to promote good luck.
Bueno pues, crucemos los dedos para que todo salga bien
Well then, let's cross our fingers for everything to go well
Caption 17, Confidencial: El rey de la estafa Capítulo 4 - Part 12
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Here's a surprising one! Although it literally means "crap" or "shit," telling someone ¡Mierda! or ¡Mucha mierda! (A lot of crap) is the Spanish equivalent of saying "Break a leg!" in English theaters. This expression is primarily used in performing arts contexts and shouldn't be used in formal situations or with people you don't know well.
Now that you know various ways to say "good luck" in Spanish, try incorporating these expressions into your conversations. Whether you're comforting a friend before a job interview, encouraging a family member facing a challenge, or simply saying goodbye to someone, these phrases will help you sound more natural and culturally aware.
Remember that in Spanish-speaking cultures, expressing good wishes is not just polite—it's an important part of daily social interaction that helps build and maintain relationships.
OK, buena suerte al aprender español.
Okay, good luck learning Spanish.
Caption 29, Cabarete Escuela de trapecio
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What's your favorite way to wish someone good luck in Spanish? Have you heard other expressions we didn't cover? Don't forget to leave us your suggestions and comments!
How do you say "no" in Spanish? Today's lesson will teach you a multitude of ways! Whether you're politely declining or firmly standing your ground, you'll discover the perfect expressions for every situation.
If you are wondering how to say "no" in Spanish, like in English, there are many different ways. For starters, we could just say "no" like we do in English (with a slightly different pronunciation, of course)!
Elena, por favor, ¿te sentís bien? No.
Elena, please, do you feel alright? No.
Captions 1-2, Yago 13 La verdad - Part 5
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For a more polite choice, use the Spanish equivalent of "No, thank you":
¿Quieres? No, gracias. Tengo unas galletas aquí.
Do you want [some]? No, thank you. I have some cookies here.
Captions 12-13, Conversaciones en el parque Cap. 2: Cafe y bocadillos
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To answer with a more emphatic "no," try one of the many expressions that mean "No way" in Spanish. The first one can be translated quite literally:
No, de ninguna manera.
No, no way.
Caption 45, Muñeca Brava 18 - La Apuesta - Part 6
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¿No muerde, no, Suso? -No, qué va.
He doesn't bite, right, Suso? -Right, no way.
Caption 22, Animales en familia Un día en Bioparc: Coatís
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Eh... Entonces de hablar, ni hablar.
Um... Then about talking, no way.
Caption 85, Muñeca Brava 47 Esperanzas - Part 10
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¿Quieres salir conmigo? -¡Ni de broma!
Do you want to go out with me? -No way!
¡No te escapas ni de broma! -¡El arma secreta del grupo! -¡Hombre!
There's no way you'll get out of this! -The secret weapon of the band! -Man!
Caption 56, Orishas Entrevista Canal Plus
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To remember how to say "Of course not" in Spanish, let's first recall two ways to say "Of course," claro and por supuesto, then look at their negative versions:
¡Por supuesto que no! ¡No! ¿Mm?
Of course not! No! Hmm?
Caption 44, Extr@: Extra en español Ep. 4: Sam busca un trabajo - Part 3
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No, no, no, claro que no. Además...
No, no, no, of course not. Besides...
Caption 37, NPS No puede ser 1 - El concurso - Part 11
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While the first, most literal way to say "Don't even think about it" in Spanish is Ni lo pienses, there are several others, such as Ni se te ocurra, which literally means "Don't even let it occur to you":
Si yo dejé mi departamento... -Ni se te ocurra.
If I left my apartment... -Don't even think about it.
Caption 14, Muñeca Brava 45 El secreto - Part 6
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Let's see one more:
¡Ni lo sueñes!
Don't even think about it [literally "Don't even dream about it"]!
Caption 19, Extr@: Extra en español Ep. 7: La gemela - Part 5
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An alternative variation would be: ¡Ni en tus sueños! In English, of course, we would merely say "In your dreams" (as opposed to the literal translation "Not in your dreams").
In Spanish, a common way to say you're just not in the mood (to do something) is no tener ganas de + infinitive, as follows
Dale. -Sí. -Sí. -Te toca. Gracias, Merycita, pero no tengo ganas de jugar.
Go ahead. -Yes. -Yes. -It's your turn. Thank you, Merycita, but I don't feel like playing.
Captions 57-58, Club 10 Capítulo 1 - Part 3
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To say simply "I don't feel like it," you might choose No tengo ganas or the alternative expression No me da la gana.
Let's look at a few more common Spanish expressions that make abundantly clear that one's answer is negative:
No, no, no, para nada, no, ¿cómo se te ocurre?
No, no, no, not at all, no, how can you think that?
Caption 12, Confidencial: El rey de la estafa Capítulo 4 - Part 8
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De eso nada. ¡Es mía, sólo mía!
None of that. It's mine, just mine!
Caption 21, Los casos de Yabla Problemas de convivencia - Part 1
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No, en absoluto.
No, absolutely not.
Caption 76, Muñeca Brava 7 El poema - Part 8
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And, let's conclude with the most dramatic option of all:
¡¿Estás loco o qué?!
Are you crazy or what?!
Caption 34, Extr@: Extra en español Ep. 4: Sam busca un trabajo - Part 1
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We hope you've enjoyed this lesson on how to say "no" in Spanish. Can you think of any additional Spanish ways to say "no"? Don't forget to let us know!
In Spanish, there are multiple ways to express the concepts of "meeting" someone and having "meetings." This comprehensive guide explores all the nuanced ways Spanish speakers talk about different types of meetings, from first introductions to business gatherings.
The most common way to express meeting someone for the first time in Spanish is with the verb conocer. This versatile verb can mean both "to meet" and "to know" depending on context and tense.
In the present tense, conocer typically means "to know" or "to be familiar with":
Por ejemplo: Conozco a María.
For example: I know María.
Caption 11, Lecciones con Carolina Saber y conocer
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In the preterite (simple past) tense, conocer changes meaning to indicate the action of meeting someone for the first time:
Conocí a mi marido, Carlos, hace unos dieciocho años.
I met my husband, Carlos, about eighteen years ago.
Caption 9, Burgos María de los Ángeles
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To find out more similarly-evolving verbs, check out this lesson on verbs that change meaning in the preterite tense.
In other tenses, conocer can mean "to know," "to meet," or even to "have been" somewhere, and context will typically tell you which meaning is meant. But, since "meeting" is the topic at hand, let's take a look at a couple more examples where the verb conocer means just that:
Le gusta mucho conocer personas nuevas.
She likes very much to meet new people.
Caption 21, El Aula Azul Mis Primos
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Encantadísima de conocerte.
Very nice to meet you.
Caption 39, Yago 4 El secreto - Part 11
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For more things to say upon meeting someone for the first time, check out this lesson on introducing yourself in Spanish.
There are several verbs that mean "to meet" as in "get together" with someone in terms of some outing, for coffee, or even a more formal "meeting" in Spanish. Let's take a look at some of them in action:
y ahí nos reunimos varias personas
and several of us get together there
Caption 41, Cleer Entrevista con Jacky
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Espero que esta situación pase rápido para poder reunirme con mis amigos, familiares
I hope this situation gets over soon so I can meet with my friends, relatives,
Captions 34-35, El coronavirus La cuarentena en Coro, Venezuela - Part 2
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Nos vamos a encontrar a las cuatro. -Ajá.
We're going to meet at four. -Uh-huh.
Caption 53, Yago 12 Fianza - Part 6
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Sí, me voy a encontrar con una amiga.
Yes, I'm going to meet a friend.
Caption 4, Muñeca Brava 46 Recuperación - Part 4
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To see more uses of the verb encontrar(se), be sure to look at this lesson on The Many Facets of the Verb Encontrar.
Especially common in Spain, this verb refers to making arrangements to meet:
y quedamos en la escuela por la mañana.
and we met at the school in the morning.
Caption 25, El Aula Azul Dos historias
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In Spain, where they often use the present perfect more than in Latin America, the verb quedar is often heard in that tense to talk about "meeting" or "having made plans with" someone, as follows:
Hemos quedado a las ocho.
We've made plans for eight o'clock/We're meeting at eight o'clock.
He quedado con Juan para ir al cine.
I've made plans with Juan to go to the movies.
¿Usted cree que pueda verse con usted y con Amalia?
Do you think that he can meet with you and with Amalia?
Caption 43, Confidencial: El rey de la estafa Capítulo 1 - Part 5
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A ver si nos juntamos,
Let's see if we can get together,
Caption 31, Festivaliando Mono Núñez - Part 13
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If you want to ask a new (or old) friend, "Do you want to meet/hang out/get together"? you could use any of these verbs. Here are some examples of people asking other people to "meet" or get together:
¿Nos podemos encontrar ahora?
Can we meet now?
Caption 51, Cuatro Amigas Piloto - Part 5
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Pero ¿en dónde nos podemos ver?
But where can we meet?
Caption 41, Confidencial: El rey de la estafa Capítulo 3 - Part 13
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You can also use the verb salir to ask someone "to go out" with you, which, like in English, might often (but not always) have a romantic connotation:
¿Te gustaría salir conmigo alguna vez?
Would you like to go out with me sometime?
So, how do you say "meeting" in Spanish, for example, a business or some other type of meeting? Spanish has specific nouns to refer to more formal or business meetings.
si acaso tengo alguna junta,
if perhaps I have some meeting,
Caption 12, Yo estudio en el Tec de Monterrey
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Yo sé pero entiéndame, tengo una reunión con mi jefe.
I know, but understand me, I have a meeting with my boss.
Caption 25, Tu Voz Estéreo Embalsamado - Part 6
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Note that when the noun la reunión means "the meeting" in Spanish, it can be thought of as a "false cognate," or word that sounds like an English word but actually means something different. However, along with el reencuentro and even el encuentro in some contexts, la reunión can also mean "reunion" as in "una reunión familiar" (a family reunion) or, alternatively, a social "meeting" or "gathering":
Usted me acaba de confirmar que ese tipo sí está aquí en esta reunión
You just confirmed to me that that guy really is here at this gathering,
Caption 30, Confidencial: El rey de la estafa Capítulo 5 - Part 10
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This can refer to planned gatherings:
se crea un ambiente propicio para el encuentro familiar.
a favorable environment is created for family gatherings.
Caption 30, Coro, Venezuela La Zona Colonial
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Or, it might describe something on a larger scale, which might additionally be translated as something like a "conference":
vinimos a este encuentro nacional y...
we came to this national meeting and...
Caption 25, Encuentro Volkswagen en Adícora Escarabajos en la playa - Part 2
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Note that you can also use el encuentro to describe an incident of "running into" someone, as in a chance "meeting" or "encounter," or even an "encounter" in terms of a "meetup" or "hookup" with a friend or more than a friend:
Era Pablo Echarri, y luego de ese encuentro ya nada sería igual en la vida de ambos
It was Pablo Echarri, and after that encounter, nothing would be the same in their lives.
Captions 64-65, Biografía Natalia Oreiro - Part 6
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Bueno, yo creo que necesitaba un encuentro más personal.
Well, I think that I needed a more personal encounter.
Caption 3, Muñeca Brava 18 - La Apuesta - Part 12
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Note that the word "meeting" could be substituted for "encounter" in either one of these sentences.
Although there are many more ways in which the verb and noun forms of "meet" can be used in English with different Spanish equivalents, let's conclude with a few additional examples:
For athletic competitions, Spanish uses different terminology:
Una competencia - A competition/meet (e.g., una competencia de atletismo - a track meet)
Un campeonato - A championship (e.g., un campeonato de natación - a swim meet)
El encuentro - In sports context, often translated as "match" or "game"
el encuentro dura noventa minutos en total,
the game lasts for a total of ninety minutes,
Caption 17, Sergio El fútbol en España
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And, when two sports teams "meet" one another, the verb that is used is enfrentarse (literally "to face"), as in: Los dos equipos se enfrentaron (The two teams "met" or "faced off").
The verb used to talk about "meeting" or "fulfilling" a requirement or obligation is cumplir con:
El primer paso importante para ello es cumplir con todos los requisitos.
The first important step for it is to meet all of the requirements.
Caption 4, Raquel Abrir una cuenta bancaria
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Hence the noun for not fulfilling or "meeting" such duties, etc. is incumplimiento (nonfulfillment).
For our final example, the verbs that mean "to meet" in the sense of things "converging" or "coming together" include confluir and unirse. Let's look at an example with the latter (although the former could be substituted with the same meaning):
mucho movimiento, mucho tráfico porque se unen muchas calles importantes de la ciudad.
a lot of movement, a lot of traffic because many important streets of the city meet.
Captions 38-39, El Trip Madrid
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We hope that this lesson has taught you how to talk about the many forms of "meeting(s)" in Spanish. Remember that mastering these different ways to express "meeting" in Spanish will help you navigate both social and professional situations with confidence.
The context will usually make it clear which type of "meeting" is being discussed. There are, of course, a lot more Spanish nouns and verbs that could be translated as "meet" or "meeting" in English in different contexts. Can you think of any more? Let us know with your suggestions and comments.
Do you know how to say years in Spanish? Whether you're discussing historical events or talking about recent years, knowing how to express years correctly in Spanish is essential. In English, we know that 1985 is written "nineteen eighty-five." What about saying years in Spanish? Let's explore the rules you need to know for writing and pronouncing years in Spanish correctly. Make sure you listen carefully to the clips in this lesson so you master how to say years in Spanish with proper pronunciation.
If you want to learn how to say years in Spanish, you must first master cardinal numbers in Spanish from 1 to 1,000. There's simply no way around this fundamental requirement for expressing years in Spanish.
Do you want to refresh your knowledge of Spanish numbers from 1 to 100? If you do, please check out the following lesson:
Now, let's recall the hundreds in Spanish. For numbers from 101 to 199, you will need to use the word "ciento." Let's check out some examples of how to say these numbers in Spanish:
Madrid AB ciento treinta y cinco con destino Nueva York, John F. Kennedy.
Madrid AB one hundred thirty-five to New York, John F. Kennedy."
Captions 32-33, Raquel Avisos de Megafonía
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Cuenta con una vista privilegiada de toda la ciudad de alrededor de ciento ochenta grados.
It has an extraordinary one-hundred-eighty-degree view of the whole city.
Caption 65, Quito El Panecillo
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For expressing years in Spanish from 200 to 999, you will need to use the multiples of 100 in Spanish. Let's review them:
doscientos (two hundred)
trescientos (three hundred)
cuatrocientos (four hundred)
quinientos (five hundred)
seiscientos (six hundred)
setecientos (seven hundred)
ochocientos (eight hundred)
novecientos (nine hundred)
And, of course, let's not forget about mil (one thousand)!
Now that we have reviewed these numbers, let's see how to write and pronounce some historical years in Spanish.
Learning to say historical years in Spanish is crucial for discussing important events. Here are some examples of how to express historical years in Spanish:
Cristóbal Colón descubrió América en mil cuatrocientos noventa y dos.
Christopher Columbus discovered America in fourteen ninety-two.
Caption 34, Carlos explica El pretérito Cap. 1: Perfecto simple o Indefinido
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Mil seiscientos noventa y siete, invasión francesa a Cartagena,
Sixteen ninety-seven, French invasion of Cartagena,
Caption 12, Cartagena de Indias Fuerte de San Felipe de Barajas
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El ingenio más antiguo de Europa, que data del año mil setecientos veintiocho,
The oldest factory in Europe, which dates back to the year seventeen hundred twenty-eight,
Captions 36-37, Viajando con Fermín Frigiliana, Málaga
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The twentieth century was one of the most defining centuries in human history. For this reason, we often need to express years from that century in Spanish. If you want to write and pronounce those years in Spanish correctly, you will need to use the following formula for saying years in Spanish:
mil + novecientos + the number
Let's examine some examples of how to say twentieth-century years in Spanish:
y fue construida en el año mil novecientos.
and was built in nineteen hundred.
Caption 77, Viajando con Fermín Mijas Pueblo
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Fue realizado en mil novecientos veintidós
It was made in nineteen twenty-two
Caption 37, Marisa en Madrid Parque de El Retiro
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En mil novecientos ochenta y cinco, sucedieron muchas cosas buenas.
In nineteen eighty-five, many good things happened.
Caption 2, Los Años Maravillosos Capítulo 1 - Part 2
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If you want to know how to say years in Spanish after the year 2000, you need to use this simple formula for modern years in Spanish:
dos + mil + the number
Let's look at some examples to see just how easy it is to express these contemporary years in Spanish:
y murió hace algunos años en el dos mil dos.
and died some years ago in two thousand two.
Caption 9, San Sebastián Peine del viento
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En dos mil trece, recibió más de cuatro millones de visitantes,
In two thousand thirteen, it received more than four million visitors,
Captions 6-7, Marisa en Madrid Parque de El Retiro
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Y este dos mil veinte, que es un año bisiesto,
And this two thousand twenty, which is a leap year,
Caption 7, El coronavirus Introducción y vocabulario
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As you can see, learning how to say years in Spanish is quite manageable once you understand the patterns! By mastering Spanish cardinal numbers and these simple formulas, you'll be able to express any year in Spanish with confidence. We hope this comprehensive guide on how to say years in Spanish has been helpful, and please feel free to reach out with any questions or suggestions you might have! ¡Hasta la próxima!
How do you say "how much" in Spanish? In this lesson, you will learn to say "how much" in Spanish in both questions and statements as well to formulate some more specific "how much" questions and answers that you might be eager to learn!
The simplest answer to this question is that, while there may be additional ways of saying "how much" in Spanish in particular contexts, the word cuánto is the most common way to say "how much" in Spanish and the one we will focus on today. Let's take a look at this word in action:
Ay, papá, para que se dé cuenta cuánto
Oh, dude, so that you realize how much
vamos a ganar con este negocio;
we are going to earn with this business;
Caption 11, Tu Voz Estéreo - Laura
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While, in the example above, the word cuánto functions as a adverb meaning "how much" in Spanish, the word cuánto can also act as an adjective. In such cases, it will need to agree with the noun it modifies in terms of number and gender. Let's take a look at some examples of the word cuánto in its singular/plural and masculine/feminine forms:
Quiero, quiero, quiero ver cuánto amor a ti te cabe
I want, I want, I want to see how much love fits in you
Caption 40, Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee - Despacito
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Escúchame, ¿cuántos frigoríficos necesitáis?
Listen to me, how many refrigerators do you guys need?
Caption 46, 75 minutos - Del campo a la mesa - Part 2
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¿Cuánta harina le agrego?
How much flour shall I add to it?
Caption 72, Ricardo - La compañera de casa
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¿Cuántas palabras sabes en español?
How many words do you know in Spanish?
Caption 1, El Aula Azul - Adivina qué es
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Notice that the translation for the plural forms of the word cuánto, cuántos and cuántas, is "how many."
Now that you know how to say "how much" in Spanish, let's look at some of the most searched-for English phrases including the words "how much" that many people want to learn how to say in Spanish:
As one of the most common things one might associate with the words "how much" is money. You might be curious about how to say "how much money" in Spanish, which is simple: Add the singular masculine form of the adjective cuánto to the word for money, dinero, which is masculine and singular as well:
¿Cuánto dinero se puede sacar? Perras.
How much money can one get? Coins [colloquial].
Caption 48, 75 minutos - Del campo a la mesa - Part 5
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Now that we're talking about money, the abilty to ask the question, "How much does it cost?" in Spanish might come in extremely handy when traveling to a Spanish-speaking country. So, how do you say "How much does it cost?" in Spanish?
As it turns out, there are a number of ways to say "How much does it cost?" in Spanish. Most literally, as the verb costar means "to cost" in Spanish, "¿Cuánto cuesta?" and "¿Cuánto cuestan?" mean "How much does it cost?" or "How much do they cost?" respectively, with the verb conjugated in the third person singular or plural depending upon whether what is being asked about is singular or plural. In these cases, the word cuánto functions as an adverb meaning "how much" in Spanish and is thus always masculine and singular.
¿Cuánto cuesta esta billetera?
How much does this wallet cost?
¿Cuánto cuesta esta cartera?
How much does this purse cost?
Captions 32-33, Ana Carolina - Salir de compras
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¿Y cuánto cuestan las lecciones?
And how much do the lessons cost?
Caption 21, Costa Azul Surf Shop - Hablando con los Empleados Del Surf
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The Spanish expression "¿Cuánto vale?" (literally "How much is it worth?") can also mean "How much does it cost?" in Spanish, with the verb conjugated in singular or plural once again depending on the sentence's subject, which is singular (este coche, or "this car") in this sentence:
¿Cuánto vale este coche?
How much does this car cost?
Este coche vale nuevo treinta y seis mil euros.
This car costs new thirty-six thousand euros.
Captions 60-61, 75 minutos - Gangas para ricos - Part 18
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Yet another expression meaning "How much does it cost?" in Spanish is: "¿A cuánto sale?" which might be literally translated as "What does it come out to?" The plural form salen would, of course, be used to ask about more than one noun.
¿A cuánto sale más o menos el botecito?
How much does the little jar cost, more or less?
Caption 29, 75 minutos - Del campo a la mesa - Part 6
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Just like "How much is it?" is an alternative manner of asking "How much does it cost?" in English, "¿Cuánto es?" is another way of asking "¿Cuánto cuesta?" in Spanish. As an example, you could say "¿Cuánto es esto?" if you want to ask "How much is this?" in Spanish (or "¿Cuánto son estos?" to say "How much are these?"). Let's take a look at this expression in the past imperfect tense:
¿Cuánto era, dos zoquitos? Eh. -No sé si...
How much was it, two zoquitos? Yeah. -I don't know if...
Caption 26, 75 minutos - Gangas para ricos - Part 5
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To continue on our money theme, you might need to ask a waiter, for example, "How much do I owe you?" in Spanish. The Spanish verb for "to owe" is deber, as illustrated in the following sentence:
si debés más, pues, multiplicado,
if you owe more, well, multiplied,
te daría una deuda mucho mayor.
it would give you a much bigger debt.
Caption 47, Cuentas claras - Sobreviviendo enero
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Hence the way to ask "How much do I owe you?" in Spanish would be "¿Cuánto te debo?" or "¿Cuánto le debo?" where deber is conjugated in the first person (yo, or "I") and te or le are the indirect object pronouns representing "you" with either tú or usted.
Even though this might be an unpopular question in some circles, many people are curious to know how to say "How much do you weigh?" in Spanish. Since the verb pesar means "to weigh," it can be paired with cuánto to ask about a person's weight as follows:
¿La madre, cuánto puede pesar, Jesús?
The mother, how much can she weigh, Jesus?
Caption 81, Animales en familia - Un día en Bioparc: Cachorro de leopardo
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"¿Cuánto pesas?" (with tú) or "¿Cuánto pesa?" (with usted) would thus be manners of asking someone "How much do you weigh?" in Spanish.
Although our focus today has been how to translate English questions with "how much" into Spanish using the word cuánto and its variants, we should take a moment to mention that two of the most common Spanish questions that employ this word are not literally translated as "how much" or "how" many" in English. Let's take a look:
You have probably heard the very common Spanish questions: "¿Cuántos años tienes?" or "¿Cuántos años tiene?"
¿Tú cuántos años tienes, Mariano?
How old are you, Mariano?
Yo, treinta y cinco. -¿Estás casado, tienes niños?
Me, thirty-five. -Are you married; do you have kids?
Captions 69-70, 75 minutos - Del campo a la mesa - Part 6
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Although "¿Cuántos años tienes?" literally means "How many years do you have?" this is the English equivalent of "How old are you?" since the Spanish "tener años" (to have years) refers to being a certain age.
Although the Spanish phrase "cuánto tiempo" literally means "how much time," this is most commonly expressed in English as "how long."
Para ese momento ¿ustedes cuánto tiempo llevaban de novios?
At that time, how long had you been girlfriend and boyfriend?
Caption 27, Tu Voz Estéreo - Feliz Navidad
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Now that you know a multitude of questions that include the concept of "how much" in Spanish, it might be useful know a couple of answers! Since one possible response to "How much?" might be "Too much," let's learn how to say "too much" in Spanish, which is most often expressed with the Spanish word demasiado.
¿Tu marido trabaja
Your husband works
de domingo a domingo. ¿Cuánto? -Demasiado trabaja.
from Sunday to Sunday. How much? -He works too much.
Captions 29-30, 75 minutos - Del campo a la mesa - Part 19
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Another common English response to the question of "How much?" in English could be "Not much"! So, how do you say "not much" in Spanish? This one is pretty literal and simple! Let's take a look:
Bueno, sé un poquito pero no mucho.
Well, I know a little bit but not much.
Caption 3, Arume - La Vida Escolar
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To wrap up today's lesson on "how much" in Spanish, allow us to ask: ¿Cuánto aprendiste? (How much did you learn?). We hope that the answer is "very much" and look forward to your suggestions and comments.
Want to know how to say "this" or "that" in Spanish? You might be surprised to learn that Spanish has twelve different ways to express these concepts! In this lesson, we'll explore how to use este, ese, and aquel along with their variations to accurately point out people, objects, and things in Spanish.
Demonstrative adjectives help us identify which specific person or object we're talking about based on distance. In English, we use "this" and "these" for things near us, and "that" and "those" for things farther away. Spanish works similarly, but with more precision.
While English has four demonstrative adjectives (this, that, these, those), Spanish has twelve! Here's why: First, Spanish nouns have gender (masculine or feminine), so the words for "this" and "that" must match. Second, Spanish distinguishes between three levels of distance rather than just two:
• Things near the speaker
• Things near the listener
• Things far from both the speaker and listener
Let's break down all twelve demonstrative adjectives in Spanish, using M for "masculine" and F for "feminine":
este (M), esta (F) = this
estos (M), estas (F) = these
ese (M), esa (F) = that
esos (M), esas (F) = those
aquel (M), aquella (F) = that (over there)
aquellos (M), aquellas (F) = those (over there)
📌 Note: The aquel forms can also refer to metaphorical distance, like events far in the past or future.
Let's see este, esta, estos, and estas in action:
Me gusta mucho este parque.
I really like this park.
Caption 9, Conversaciones en el parque - Cap. 5: Me gusta mucho este parque.
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Esta mochila es de Lucas.
This backpack is Lucas'.
Caption 59, Conversaciones en el parque - Cap. 3: ¿De quién es esta mochila?
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En la noche, utilizaremos estos vasos bajos para servir licor.
At night, we'll use these short glasses to serve liquor.
Caption 20, Ana Carolina - El comedor
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Estas cintas son las que estamos sacando recientemente;
These ribbons are the ones that we are coming out with recently;
son nuevos diseños.
they are new designs.
Caption 19, Comercio - Camisas tradicionales
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Now let's look at ese, esa, esos, and esas:
Oiga y ese carro, esa belleza ¿de dónde la sacó, hermano, ah?
Hey and that car, that beauty, where did you get it, brother, huh?
Caption 43, Confidencial: El rey de la estafa - Capítulo 1
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¿Y esos otros tatuajes que tienes aquí, de qué son?
And those other tattoos you have here, what are they of?
Caption 67, Adícora, Venezuela - El tatuaje de Rosana
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Mire, Rubio, yo necesito que usted
Look, Rubio, I need you
le ponga vigilancia inmediata a esas dos mujeres, hermano.
to put those two women under immediate surveillance, brother.
Caption 52, Confidencial: El rey de la estafa - Capítulo 4
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Finally, here are examples of aquel, aquella, aquellos, and aquellas:
La terminación del piso sería, en el futuro, de roca...
The last part of the floor would be, in the future, made out of rock...
de roca rústrica [sic] a propósito traída de aquel cerro que está allá.
out of rustic rock brought specifically from that hill over there.
Captions 22-23, Edificio en Construcción - Hablando con los trabajadores
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por qué todo parecía distinto en aquella parte del bosque.
why everything seemed different in that part of the forest.
Caption 76, Silvia nos cuenta El bosque encantado y las emociones mágicas - Part 3
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Esas cifras ya nos dicen
Those numbers tell us
que aquellas civilizaciones prehistóricas
that those prehistoric civilizations
ya sabían mucho de cálculo.
already knew a lot about calculus.
Captions 27-29, Rosa - Los dólmenes de Antequera
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Sería, "Aquellos coches son de mi padre"
Would be, "Those cars are my father's"
o "Aquellas casas son de mi madre".
or "Those houses are my mother's."
Captions 35-36, Lecciones con Carolina - Adjetivos demostrativos
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Now you know how to say "this," "that," "these," and "those" in Spanish! While Spanish has more options than English, the system is logical once you understand the three distance levels and remember to match gender and number. Start with este and ese for everyday situations, and you'll be pointing things out in Spanish like a native speaker.
That's all for today. Although there are many more demonstrative adjectives in Spanish than in English, learning to use them is relatively simple. We hope you enjoyed this lesson, and don't forget to send us your comments and suggestions. ¡Hasta la próxima!
If you're learning Spanish, you've probably noticed that saying "you" isn't as straightforward as it is in English. While English has just one word for "you," Spanish offers three main options: tú, usted, and vos. Each one reflects different levels of formality, regional preferences, and social contexts. Today, we'll break down when and how to use each of these pronouns, plus we'll reveal a surprising grammatical quirk that often confuses learners.
Let's start with the basics. Spanish has three primary second-person singular pronouns:
Tú: Informal "you" (used with friends, family, peers)
Usted: Formal "you" (used to show respect)
Vos: Informal "you" (used in specific regions like Argentina, Uruguay, and parts of Central America)
The choice between these pronouns depends on two main factors: your relationship with the person you're addressing and the Spanish-speaking region where you are.
Generally speaking, usted is the go-to pronoun when you want to show respect or maintain a professional distance. You'll typically use usted when speaking with:
Older adults
Authority figures (doctors, teachers, police officers)
People you've just met
Professional or business contexts
Here's a perfect example of usted in action:
¿Usted qué... qué me recomienda, doctor?
What do you... what do you recommend to me, Doctor?
Caption 14, Los médicos explican - El tratamiento de las fracturas
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Now, here's where things get interesting. If you've been watching the Colombian series Los Años Maravillosos, you might have noticed something unusual: people use usted even when talking to family members and close friends!
¿Y a usted qué le pasa, mi hijito?
And what's going on with you, my little boy?
Caption 35, Los Años Maravillosos - Capítulo 1
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This isn't a mistake. In Bogotá, Colombia, and surrounding areas, usted is commonly used in everyday situations where other Spanish speakers would use tú. This regional variation shows that the "formality rule" isn't universal across the Spanish-speaking world.
Here's the part that confuses many Spanish learners: even though usted means "you" (second person), we conjugate it as if it were third person singular, just like él (he) or ella (she). Let's see this in action with the verb trabajar (to work):
Él trabaja entre las nueve de la mañana
He works between nine in the morning
Caption 48, La casa - De Chus
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¿Dónde trabaja usted?
Where do you work?
Caption 9, 75 minutos - Gangas para ricos
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Notice how both él and usted use the same conjugation: trabaja. This pattern holds true for all verbs in all tenses.
To make this clearer, let's see all three pronouns in action with the verb tener (to have):
Claro que sí, tú tienes un don.
Of course, you have a gift.
Caption 79, Los casos de Yabla El examen - Part 2
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usted tiene dos caminos para solucionar este problema:
you have two paths to solving this problem:
Caption 66, Confidencial: Asesino al Volante Capítulo 3 - Part 7
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Ella se fue y vos tenés derecho a enamorarte.
She left and you have the right to fall in love.
Captions 65-66, Yago 12 Fianza - Part 6
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Notice the different conjugations:
• Tú tienes | You have
• Vos tenés | You have
• Usted tiene | You have
As you can see, tú and vos have their own distinct conjugations, but usted uses tiene, the same form as él or ella would use.
Understanding when and how to use tú, usted, and vos is essential for communicating naturally in Spanish. Remember these key points:
• Usted shows respect and formality in most contexts
• In some regions like Bogotá, usted is used even in casual settings
• Despite meaning "you," usted always conjugates as third person
• For casual conversations, tú is universally understood across the Spanish-speaking world
• Vos is the preferred informal pronoun in Argentina, Uruguay, and parts of Central America
Want to dive deeper into the differences between tú, usted, and vos? Make sure to check out our series about Tuteo, Ustedeo y Voseo for a comprehensive look at these fascinating regional variations.
We'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic! Share your questions and experiences with us.
Learning a new language means making mistakes—it's part of the journey! But knowing how to apologize gracefully in Spanish can turn those awkward moments into opportunities to connect with native speakers. Whether you accidentally bumped into someone on the subway or need to express genuine regret, knowing how to say "I'm sorry" in Spanish is essential.
In this lesson, we'll explore all the ways to apologize in Spanish, from casual "oops!" moments to heartfelt apologies. Let's dive in!
The phrase lo siento (literally, "I feel it") is the most versatile and common way to say "I'm sorry" in Spanish. Think of it as your go-to apology for everyday situations.
No sé qué más decirle, lo siento. Fue una estupidez.
I don't know what else to say to you, I'm sorry. It was a stupid thing [to do].
Captions 30-31, Los Años Maravillosos Capítulo 14 - Part 8
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Here's the thing about lo siento—it's all about the tone. Said sincerely, it can help you get out of almost any sticky situation. But be careful! Just like "I'm sorry" in English, lo siento can also sound dismissive or sarcastic if you're not careful:
Lo siento, pequeña, pero aquí las cosas hay que ganárselas.
I'm sorry, little one, but here things have to be earned.
Captions 30-31, NPS No puede ser 1 - El concurso - Part 5
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Spanish speakers also use lo siento to soften bad news or explain why they can't help someone:
Lo siento, Duque, me dieron orden de no dejarlo entrar por nada del mundo.
I'm sorry, Duque, I was given an order not to let you in for anything in the world.
Caption 42, Confidencial: Broma pesada Capítulo 5 - Part 12
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Adding mucho (a lot) transforms your apology into "I'm very sorry" or "I'm so sorry." This is one of the most common ways Spanish speakers intensify their apologies to show they really mean it.
Lo siento mucho, realmente, señorita Martínez.
I'm very sorry, really, Miss Martínez.
Caption 34, Confidencial: Asesino al Volante Capítulo 5 - Part 10
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Beyond lo siento mucho, Spanish offers other ways to add sincerity and emphasis to your apologies. One popular variation is lo siento de veras (I'm really sorry), which has a heartfelt, genuine quality:
Lo siento. Lo siento de veras.
I'm sorry. I'm really sorry.
Captions 16-17, Extr@: Extra en español Ep. 5: Ha nacido una estrella - Part 1
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Understanding these nuances will help you sound more natural when apologizing in Spanish.
Now we're getting into more serious apology territory! The word perdón means "forgiveness" in Spanish, and the verb perdonar means "to forgive." These words carry more weight than lo siento because they're rooted in legal and religious contexts where the concept of forgiveness is tied to guilt or fault. Perdón can be used as:
¡Ay, perdón por todo el desorden! ¡Ay, no sé que me pasó!
Oh, sorry for all the mess! Oh, I don't know what happened to me!
Captions 54-55, Yago 9 Recuperación - Part 1
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Perdón, ¿sabe dónde está la estación?
Excuse me, do you know where the station is?
Perdón por interrumpir.
Sorry for interrupting.
When you add the pronoun me to create perdóname, you're directly asking someone to forgive you. This is more personal and intimate:
¿Trajiste las cervezas? Se me olvidaron. ¡Perfecto! Perdóname, se me olvidaron.
Did you bring the beers? They slipped my mind. Perfect! Sorry, they slipped my mind.
Captions 41-44, Los Años Maravillosos Capítulo 12 - Part 7
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📌 The formal version is perdóneme (used with people you address as usted).
The word disculpa literally means "non-guilt" or "without guilt," and disculpar means to excuse or forgive. These words are generally softer than perdón and are commonly used in everyday situations.
Disculpa works similarly to perdón but tends to be:
• Slightly less formal
• Used more for minor offenses
• Common in Latin America
Examples:
Disculpa que haya tardado un poco, pero es que había un tráfico impresionante.
Sorry I've come a bit late, but it's just that there was some incredible traffic.
Captions 23-24, Fermín y Manuel Durar vs. Tardar
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📌 Like perdón, you can add me to make it more personal: discúlpame (excuse me/forgive me). The formal version is discúlpeme.
Understanding when to use formal versus informal apologies is crucial for sounding natural and respectful in Spanish:
• Lo siento
• Perdón
• Perdóname
• Disculpa
• Discúlpame
Mami, perdóname.
Mommy, forgive me.
Caption 32, Confidencial: Asesino al Volante Capítulo 5 - Part 7
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• Lo siento
• Perdón
• Perdóneme
• Disculpe
• Discúlpeme
Por favor, perdóneme. Mire, si usted está brava conmigo,
Please, forgive me. Look, if you're mad at me,
Caption 23, Confidencial: Broma pesada Capítulo 5 - Part 1
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Now you know exactly how to say I'm sorry in Spanish for any situation! Here's a quick recap:
• Lo siento - Your everyday, all-purpose "I'm sorry"
• Lo siento mucho - "I'm very sorry" (adds emphasis)
• Lo siento de veras - "I'm really sorry" (heartfelt variation)
• Perdón/Perdóname - Asking for forgiveness (stronger, more serious)
• Disculpa/Discúlpame - Casual "excuse me" or "sorry" (softer than perdón)
The key to mastering these expressions is understanding not just what they mean, but when and how to use them. Pay attention to context, tone, and the relationship between speakers. With practice, you'll know instinctively which apology fits each situation.
Remember, making mistakes is how we learn—and knowing how to say "I'm sorry" in Spanish shows cultural awareness and respect. So don't be afraid to use these phrases in real conversations!
We'd love to hear about your experiences using these expressions. Share your questions and any funny apology mishaps you've had while learning Spanish!
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