Spanish

Coffee Break Spanish

Understanding weather in Spanish

Did you know that talking about the weather in Spanish can be quite tricky?  This is so because the structure used in Spanish is a lot different to English and that’s why we have put together this basic guide for you.  In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to essential Spanish weather vocabulary and phrases

Coffee Break Spanish wins European Professional Podcast of the Year

Coffee Break Spanish was honoured this evening in a ceremony in Hamburg, Germany as European Professional Podcast of the Year, as part of the European Podcast Awards. Coffee Break Spanish host Mark Pentleton was in Hamburg to collect the award. In December Coffee Break Spanish was awarded UK Podcast of the Year in the Professional

Episode 20 – Show Time Spanish (Telenovela)

Episode 20 features the fourth installment of our ‘telenovela’, Verano Español. Find out the latest about the life of Laura and her mother as they spend the summer in Spain en la casa de tía Julia. Will Laura find out a little more about the mystery customer in the panadería? Don’t miss this episode of

Coffee Break Spanish

What does ‘voy a’ mean in Spanish?

If you’re just starting to learn Spanish, you’ve probably come across the phrase voy a in your lessons. But what does ‘voy a’ mean in Spanish, and how can you use it in everyday conversation?  This article will break down the meaning of voy a and other related forms so you can start using them

Lesson 19 – Show Time Spanish

In this week’s episode, Mark and Alba discuss some useful techniques for learning languages and share their ideas and advice with listeners. In the intermedio Alba talks about the northern Spanish city of Bilbao, and José introduces a construction which involves lo + adjective. Grammar points covered include the construction siempre que and the use of the

Coffee Break Spanish

Reviewing and practising basic Spanish Vocabulary

If you are just beginning to learn Spanish, using basic Spanish vocabulary confidently is essential to start your journey. This guide introduces some simple words and phrases that will help you get started.  For more practice, don’t forget to listen to the podcast lesson where you can consolidate your understanding and pronunciation of beginner basic

Lesson 18 – Show Time Spanish

In episode 18 of Show Time Spanish, Mark and Alba talk about the advantages and disadvantages of buying things online, and share their experiences both positive and negative. In this week’s intermedio, Alba presents the city of Granada in the south of Spain, and José talks about ways to describe someone whose head is always

Coffee Break Spanish

Ordering food in Spanish: essential restaurant vocabulary

Ordering food in Spanish can seem difficult at first, but with a bit of practice, you’ll feel confident navigating menus and communicating with restaurant staff. Whether you’re a vegetarian, have food allergies, or just want to make sure your meal is cooked to your liking, this guide will equip you with the essential restaurant vocabulary

Coffee Break Spanish

How to order food in Spanish – The basics

Ordering food in a Spanish-speaking country can be an exciting yet daunting experience for beginners. Knowing the right phrases and vocabulary can make your dining experience smoother and more enjoyable. This guide will introduce you to essential Spanish restaurant vocabulary and teach you how to order food in Spanish like a pro. Don’t forget to

Lesson 17 – Show Time Spanish

This episode is dedicated to all fans of the imperfect subjunctive… and to those of you who are terrified of it! After listening to Mark and Alba’s discussion about all things hypothetical, you’ll be 100% confident in using the Spanish imperfect subjunctive. In addition, Alba talks about her favourite parts of Madrid, and José introduces

Coffee Break Spanish

How to ask for the check in Spanish and order snacks

If you’re a beginner learning Spanish, two of the most useful things you’ll want to know are how to ask for the check in Spanish and how to order snacks. This guide will walk you through these essential phrases, so you’ll feel confident the next time you’re at a Spanish-speaking restaurant or café. As always,

Lesson 16 – Show Time Spanish

Episode 16 features a conversation between Alba and Mark about what they’ve been doing since they last saw each other. Grammar points covered include possessive pronouns, and uses of the subjunctive. This week’s intermedio features a presentation of Barcelona from Alba, and José looks at some more interesting ways of talking about going out for a

Episode 15 – Show Time Spanish (Telenovela)

Episode 15 features the third installment of our ‘telenovela’, Verano Español. Find out the latest about the life of Laura and her mother as they spend the summer in Spain en la casa de tía Julia. How will Laura cope on her first day in her new job at the panadería? Don’t miss this episode of

Coffee Break Spanish

How to order drinks in Spanish

When travelling to a Spanish-speaking country, one of the essential skills you need is how to order drinks in Spanish. Whether you’re in a bustling café in Madrid or a cosy bar in Mexico City, knowing the right phrases can enhance your experience and help you connect with locals. This guide is designed for beginner

Lesson 14 – Show Time Spanish

In episode 14, Mark and Alba are joined by David, el novio de Alba. Topics discussed include Galicia, the region of Spain where David is from, St Valentine’s day, romantic Spanish and the imperfect subjunctive. In this week’s intermedio, Alba talks about the film Diarios de Motocicleta, and José introduces some different ways to express

Coffee Break Spanish

Exploring common places in Spanish

Whether you are planning to visit a Spanish-speaking country or just want to expand your language skills, knowing how to identify and ask about common places in Spanish is essential. In this article, we will explore some frequently visited places in town in Spanish.  However, before we start, remember to listen to the audio lesson

Lesson 13b – Extra – Show Time Spanish

We’ve had an extremely busy week this week so we’ve not been able to put a full episode  of Show Time Spanish together. We’re recording next week so we hope to have episode 14 with you by Wednesday 11th February. In the meantime, this extra mini-episode of Show Time Spanish  is aimed at Facebook users

Lesson 13 – Show Time Spanish

In episode 13 of Show Time Spanish, Mark and Alba discuss social networks including Facebook and Twitter and their value for language-learning. In addition, in this week’s intermedio, José discusses effective ways to say you’ve had enough of something, and Alba talks about the film Habana Blues. Grammar points discussed inlude subjunctive after el hecho

Coffee Break Spanish

How to ask and understand directions in Spanish

When you’re starting to learn Spanish, one of the most practical and rewarding skills you can develop is asking for and understanding directions. Whether you’re travelling through a Spanish-speaking country or simply expanding your language skills, knowing how to ask for directions in Spanish can make your experience much smoother and more enjoyable. In this

Episode 12 – Show Time Spanish

In episode 12 of Show Time Spanish, Mark and Alba get all poetic as they celebrate the 250th anniversary of el poeta nacional de Escocia, Robert Burns. Alba learns some Scots and in return she teaches Mark a poem by Spanish poet Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer. The intermedio includes a review of the film Secretos del