Spanish

Coffee Break Spanish

An introduction to los idiomas de España

While many might associate Spain primarily with the Spanish language, known as español or castellano, the linguistic landscape of Spain is much more diverse. This article will introduce you to los idiomas de España, providing an informative yet friendly overview for beginner learners of Spanish.  By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of the

Lesson 40 – Show Time Spanish

The final episode in the series of Show Time Spanish includes episode eight of our soap Verano Español. Just what will Laura say to Ángel and Fiona after discovering them together? And will Ramón finally have the courage to tell Laura how he feels? Find out in the long-awaited final instalment of the telenovela. Members

Coffee Break Spanish

Spanish conversation practice: tips and short exercises for beginners

Learning Spanish is an exciting journey, and mastering conversational skills is one of the most rewarding parts of the process. You might feel nervous about speaking as a beginner, but with regular practice and the right strategies, you can build your confidence and fluency. In this blog, we’ll explore tips to improve your Spanish conversation

Lesson 39 – Show Time Spanish

Join Mark and Alba in the final regular episode of Show Time Spanish! Review key phrases, test your skills, and enjoy one last lesson—listen now!

Coffee Break Spanish

Essential Spanish medical terms: how to handle health conversations confidently

When you’re learning Spanish, it’s easy to focus on everyday vocabulary for travel, food, or directions. But what happens when you need to describe symptoms, ask for medicine, or handle a sudden health issue? Knowing basic Spanish medical terms can make a huge difference, especially when talking to pharmacists or doctors.  To help, we’ve prepared

Lesson 38 – Show Time Spanish

In this episode Mark is joined by Sofía from Argentina and Ana Isabel from Ecuador. Language points discussed include the difference between si no and sino, using hace with a time phrase, and voseo, the use of vos in Rioplatense Spanish. Members | Purchase | RSS | iTunes link

Coffee Break Spanish

How to ask for directions in Spanish: key phrases, tips, and a real-life dialogue

Learning how to ask for directions in Spanish is essential, especially if you’re travelling to a Spanish-speaking country. In this episode, we’ll walk you through some essential vocabulary and phrases to use when asking for and giving directions in Spanish. We’ve also included a sample dialogue between a tourist and a local to give you

Lesson 37 – Show Time Spanish

This week Mark returns with Loreto for the second of our Chilean episodes of Show Time Spanish. In episode 37 we learn a  bit more about Chilean culture and Loreto teaches Mark some Chilean expressions. Purchase | RSS | iTunes link

Coffee Break Spanish

More on Spanish shopping vocabulary – Clothes

Shopping can be a delightful experience, especially when you get to practice a new language. For beginner learners, understanding key Spanish shopping vocabulary can make your experience more enjoyable and less stressful.  In this blog article, we’ll explore essential phrases and words to help you navigate stores and markets in Spanish-speaking countries. Whether you’re a

Lesson 36 – Show Time Spanish

¡Estamos de vuelta! It’s been a few weeks since our last episode of Show Time Spanish, and this has been the result of major server problems. We’ve completed a migration of all our content to new servers today, and we’re delighted to be back with a new episode of Show Time Spanish in which Mark

Lesson 35 – Show Time Spanish – Verano Español

In this week’s show we’re returning to our telenovela, Verano Español. It’s the morning after the night before when Ángel arrived drunk at Iona’s party. Needless to say Laura’s dad isn’t very impressed with Ángel! Laura’s friend Fiona arrives from Scotland and the love triangle threatens to become a square! As usual, in Act II,

Coffee Break Spanish

Discovering tourist attractions with a map in Spanish

For beginner learners of Spanish, knowing how to use a map and ask about tourist attractions is essential, specially when visiting small villages in Spanish speaking countries. That’s why this blog post will guide you through some useful phrases and vocabulary, organised by topic, to help you use a map in Spanish and explore like

Lesson 34 – Show Time Spanish

After our recent server problems, we’re back with Show Time Spanish! We’re staying in Mexico in episode 34 of Show Time as Mark and Juan discuss some of the interesting aspects of Mexican Spanish. ¡Todo está padrísimo en este episodio! Language points covered include pedir a alguien que + subjunctive, the expression referirse a, and llevarse

Coffee Break Spanish

How do you say ‘breakfast’ in Spanish? Essential phrases to order like a local

For anyone learning Spanish, food-related vocabulary is an essential part of making the most of travels, especially when it comes to breakfast. So, how do you say ‘breakfast’ in Spanish? It’s desayuno.  Beyond vocabulary, ordering breakfast confidently in a Spanish-speaking country means knowing a few useful phrases and understanding typical local breakfasts.  Read on to

Coffee Break Spanish

Spanish for travellers: practice booking a hotel room in Spanish

If you’re learning Spanish for travellers, knowing how to book a hotel room in Spanish is essential for any trip to a Spanish-speaking country. Whether you’re staying at a luxurious hotel or a budget-friendly inn, learning a few key phrases will make the experience much smoother.  In this blog, we’ll walk you through a common

Lesson 33 – Show Time Spanish

In lesson 33 it’s destination Mexico as Mark is joined by Juan from México D.F. Juan introduces Mark to the geography and some of the tourist attractions of Mexico. Language concepts included the use of soler, the difference between amable and amigable, and a reminder of the fact that “another” is otro/otra in Spanish –

Coffee Break Spanish

Season 1 – Lesson 32 – Coffee Break Spanish

Travelling to a Spanish-speaking country can be an exciting adventure, but it can also feel a bit daunting if you’re not familiar with the language. To help you navigate your journey, we’ve compiled a list of essential Spanish travel phrases that will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.  Whether you’re catching a bus, asking

Lesson 32 – Show Time Spanish

In lesson 32 we’re still concentrating on Colombian Spanish, and Mark and Carolina discuss the music and literature of Colombia, and typical Colombian expressions including the word paila. In the second act of this episode, Mark discusses impersonal verbs such as apetecer, gustar and faltar. Members | Purchase | RSS | iTunes link

Coffee Break Spanish

Extra Spanish vocabulary practice: basic words and dialogues

Welcome to another episode of Coffee Break Spanish! In today’s blog, we’ll focus on Spanish vocabulary practice by revisiting some of the key phrases you’ve learned in previous lessons. It’s important to consolidate what you already know, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do here! Before diving into the content, be sure to listen

Lesson 31 – Show Time Spanish

It’s destination Colombia for lesson 31 as Mark is joined by Carolina from Bogotá. Carolina introduces Mark to the geography and traditions of Colombia, and Mark learns a few useful expresiones colombianas. In episodes 31-40 of Show Time Spanish, Mark will be joined by various speakers of Spanish from different parts of Latin America, providing