Spanish

Coffee Break Spanish

How do you say ‘football’ in Spanish? Let’s talk about football

How do you say football in Spanish? Well, if you’re a beginner learner of Spanish, you’ve probably come across the word fútbol, which, yes, means football in Spanish. But there’s more to it than just translating the word!  If you’re a fan of the sport and want to chat about it with native Spanish speakers, knowing some

Lesson 30 – Show Time Spanish – Verano Español

It’s time to return to our telenovela, Verano Español. In this sixth instalment, we’ll find out the latest about what’s happening in the Laura – Ángel – Ramón love triangle, and we’ll also hear if things are still ok between Antonio and Iona after Antonio’s the plumber’s visit! In Act II, Mark will help listeners

Lesson 29 – Show Time Spanish

In this week’s episode, Alba and Mark are en la cocina, making a Spanish tortilla. The episode is slightly different from our usual episodes as the audio was recorded live in the kitchen rather than in the studio. There’s no “Act II” this week as the conversation follows the entire process of making the tortilla.

Coffee Break Spanish

Spanish health vocabulary: essential phrases and symptoms

Learning a new language can be both exciting and challenging, especially in specific areas like health. Whether you’re travelling or living in a Spanish-speaking country, knowing basic Spanish health vocabulary can make a big difference when seeking medical help.  In this blog, we’ll cover some essential Spanish health vocabulary that every beginner learner should know.

Lesson 28 – Show Time Spanish

The topic for this week’s episode of Show Time Spanish is food, or tapas in particular. Alba has recently had a bad experience in a tapas restaurant in Scotland, compared with her normal experiences of tapas in Spain. Mark and Alba talk about different tapas and their experience of eating Spanish food in Spain and

Coffee Break Spanish

Understanding “no me siento bien” and “estoy enfermo” in Spanish

If you’re just starting to learn Spanish, you’ll quickly realise that knowing how to talk about how you feel is essential. In this blog, we will focus on two common phrases: no me siento bien and estoy enfermo.  So, whether you’re feeling great or under the weather, being able to express this clearly is key

Coffee Break Spanish

Essential Spanish travel vocabulary: How to say money in Spanish

When you’re travelling to a Spanish-speaking country, knowing a bit of the language can make your experience much smoother and more enjoyable. One of the most important things to understand is how to handle money. This blog will introduce you to some essential Spanish travel vocabulary, focusing on how to say money in Spanish and

Lesson 27 – Show Time Spanish

This week we return to a topic we covered previously – in response to listeners’ requests. It’s time to look at your tricks and tips for language learning. Mark and Alba talk about the suggestion of one of our listeners which involves printing out internet texts and cutting out the words. Listen to the episode

Spanish Fact File: Using quedar

Quedar is one of those words which can mean a number of things in Spanish, depending on the context and how it is used. In this fact file we’ll be taking a look at the verb, and outlining the main ways in which it is used. QUEDAR – to remain, to be left The first

Lesson 26 – Show Time Spanish

This week’s topic is low-cost airlines and the advantages and disadvantages of low-cost travel. Mark and Alba discuss their experiences of flying with low-cost airlines (and indeed with other airlines!) and José introduces two phrases which you can use when you manage to find a real bargain! Language points covered include the use of quedarse,

Coffee Break Spanish

3 ways to express ‘I would like’ in Spanish

When learning the language, one of the first phrases you’ll want to master is I would like in Spanish. This phrase is essential in everyday conversations, especially when you’re in a Spanish-speaking country and need to order food, ask for directions, or make polite requests.  In this blog post, we’ll explore how to express I would

Coffee Break Spanish

Learn how to buy clothes in Spanish

Learning a new language can be an exciting journey, and one of the most practical and fun ways to immerse yourself in Spanish is by going shopping. This blog post will guide you through essential phrases and vocabulary related to buying clothes in Spanish.  Whether you are a beginner or looking to polish your skills,

Lesson 25 – Show Time Spanish (Telenovela)

Episode 25 of Show Time Spanish features the fifth instalment of our ‘telenovela’, Verano Español. At the end of the previous episode, Laura discovered that the boy who has been chatting her up on a daily basis in the panadería is none other than Ángel, her next-door neighbour. In episode 5 of the soap, Estela

Coffee Break Spanish

How do you say ‘tent’ in Spanish? Get ready for camping!

If you’re a beginner learner of Spanish and planning a camping trip to a Spanish-speaking country, knowing how to say ‘tent’ in Spanish, along with other related terms, can be incredibly useful. In this article, we’ll cover the essentials you need to communicate effectively while camping.  We’ll also introduce you to some practical phrases and

Lesson 24 – Show Time Spanish

Following our recent musical episodes, listeners have been asking us for some suggestions of Spanish-language singers and groups. In episode 24 we’ve provided some suggestions, talking about Spanish groups Amaral and Ojos de Brujo, and we’ve also mentioned Colombian Juanes and the renowned Panamanian salsa performer Ruben Blades. Language points include more subjunctive talk, the

Coffee Break Spanish

How to report a problem in a hotel in Spanish

Travelling to a Spanish-speaking country can be an exciting adventure. However, encountering problems during your stay can be frustrating, especially if you’re not confident in reporting a problem in a hotel in Spanish.  Luckily, this guide will help you learn how to do that, using essential phrases and vocabulary. Whether the issue is with your

Lesson 23 – Show Time Spanish

This week Mark and Alba bring you a special musical episode: combining the Eurovision Song Contest with a performance from Mark of Tango by Spanish composer Albéniz. In the intermedio, José introduces the idea of ’embarrassment’ – vergüenza – and gives listeners some examples of how to use this concept in interesting expressions. Language points covered

Coffee Break Spanish

Traveling to Spain? Here’s how to say ‘I need a hotel’ in Spanish

Not sure how to say ‘I need a hotel’ in Spanish for your next trip? We have you covered. This blog post will guide you through some essential phrases to make your hotel booking experience smooth and stress-free. Whether you’re a beginner in Spanish or just need a refresher, these phrases will come in handy.

Lesson 22 – Show Time Spanish

In this week’s lesson, Mark and Alba talk about music. Their discussion includes talk of playing musical instruments and how listening to music is changing because of technology. In the intermedio, José provides a couple of interesting phrases which can be used to say that you find something difficult. Language points covered include comparitives such

Lesson 21 – Show Time Spanish

In this first episode of Season 2, Mark and Alba chat about what they were doing during the vacaciones de Semana Santa. Both Mark and Alba have been travelling, and Mark has some buenas noticias. In the intermedio José provides us with some interesting phrases to talk about things in the past, and language points covered include