Table of Contents

Part One: Conversaciones Bsicas

1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7

Saludos y Despedidas
Introducciones
Lo Que Quieres
Expresiones de Cortesa
Profesin y Pas de Origen
Preguntas Personales
El Tiempo

4
12
16
19
23
27

Part Two: Accin!

2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4

Qu Quieres? Qu Necesitas?
Voy a
Preguntas
Las Direcciones

32
36
39
43

Part Three: Las Descripciones

3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4

Cmo es una persona?

Las Emociones
El Clima
El Tuyo y El Mo

48
52
54
58

Part Four: Vamos a Hacer Compras!

4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4

Las Compras
Regateo
El Hotel
El Restaurante

63
69
71
75

Part Five: La Fiesta!

5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5

Feliz Cumpleaos!
Las Citas
Juegos y Premios
Los Regalos
Festejemos!

80
83
87
90
93

Part Six: Las Conversaciones

6.1 Conversar Como Experto
6.2 Los Pasatiempos
6.3 Las Mejores Vacaciones de la Vida

97
101
105
-1-

Part Seven: La Vida Familiar

7.1 La Introduccin a la Familia
7.2 Los Deberes
7.3 Las Metas

109
112
115

Authors Note:
If you are reading this book from your computer, you can listen to these words
and phrases aloud! Simply position your cursor over a Spanish phrase located in
any of the shaded tables. If correctly positioned over the black text, your cursor
should turn into a hand with a pointing nger. Click. Listen to the correct pronunciation and try it yourself. You can listen to these words and phrases as often
as you need to perfect your listening comprehension and pronunciation.

Rocket Spanish version 1.01

Copyright 2005 by Libros Media Ltd. All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by photostat, microlm, xerography,
or any other means, or incorporated into any information retrieval system, electronic or
mechanical, without the written permission of Libros Media Ltd; exceptions are made for
brief excerpts used in published reviews.
Published by
Libros Media Ltd
Level 2 107 Cashel Street, Christchurch, 8001, New Zealand

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with regard
to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional advice. If legal advice or other
expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.
From a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar
Association and a Committee of Publishers and associations.
-2-

Part One:

Conversaciones
Bsicas
Basic Conversations

In this part of the course, youre going

to learn all the basic stuff for having a
conversation. Youll learn greetings and
goodbyes, how to talk about what you
want and need, as well as how to ll out
forms, talk about what you do for a living,
and more!

-3-

1.1

Saludos y Despedidas
Greetings and Goodbyes

What do you say when you greet someone in Spanish?

You might say,
Buenos das!
Hola!
Qu tal?
In this lesson, youre going to learn what each of these greeting means, as well as how
to tell someone goodbye.
Unlike in America, where two people often meet and start talking without exchanging
formal greetings, greetings are incredibly important in Latin American countries. Whether
youre talking to a waiter, a taxi driver, or a stranger that you want to ask directions, always
preface your request with a polite, Buenos das, seor. If someone says, Buenos das,
to you, respond with the same (or the shortened response, Muy buenos). If you dont,
your lack of a response can be interpreted as being offensive.
So lets take a look at some common greetings. Click on the Spanish phrase in the
table to hear the correct pronunciation. You can hear any of the Spanish words and
phrases in the tables in this book simply by positioning your cursor over the phrase and
clicking.
Buenos das.
Buenas tardes.

Good morning.
Good afternoon.

Buenas noches.
Muy buenos.

Good evening. Good night.

Hola.

A shortened version of the above three

greetings, suitable anytime.
Hello.

Often, you will hear a greeting appended by one of the following words.
seor
seorita
seora

sir (also Mr.)

miss
maam (also Mrs.)

Dont confuse seora with seorita! Address adult or married women with the term
seora; address girls or young women with seorita.
-4-

Heres some examples of these words in action.

Travel Agent: Buenos das, seor. En qu le puedo ayudar?
Traveler:
Muy buenos, seora. Estoy buscando la direccin de un buen hotel.
Travel Agent: Good morning, sir. How can I help you?
Traveler:
Very good morning, maam. Im looking for the address of a good hotel.
Mr. Gonzales: Buenas noches, Seorita Lopez. Cmo has estado?
Miss Lopez: Buenas noches, Seor Gonzales. Estoy muy bien.
Mr. Gonzales: Good evening, Miss Lopez. Howve you been?
Miss Lopez: Good evening, Mr. Gonzales. Im very well.

Young people are often less formal and greet each other with, Hows it going? For
example, a young man might greet a buddy with, Oye, hombre, qu tal? or Hey,
man, whats up?
When youre meeting a friend or someone youre quite familiar with, you may want
to greet with with a simple, Hello, hows it going? You can do so with one of the
following phrases:

Cmo ests?
Cmo has estado?
Cmo te va?
Qu haces?
Qu pasa?
Qu tal?
Tanto tiempo que no te he visto!

How are you?

Howve you been?
Hows it going?
What are you doing?
Whats happening?
Whats up?
Its been so long since Ive seen you!

-5-

Some common responses are:

Bien. / Muy bien. / Y t?

Well. / Very well. / And you?

Como siempre.

As always.

No muy bien.

Not very well.

Estoy enfermo/a.

Igual.

Im sick.
(Use the o ending if you are a
man, the a ending if you are a
woman.)
The same.

Mal.
Ms o menos.
Nada.
No mucho.

Bad.
Okay, so-so.
Nothing.
Not much.

Todo bien.

All good.

Un poco cansado/a.

A little tired. (Use the o ending

if you are a man, the a ending if
you are a woman.)

When you end your conversation, youll want to say goodbye. Use one of the following
words and phrases.
Adios.
Chao.
Hasta la vista.
Hasta luego.
Hasta pronto.
Me despido.
Me voy.
Nos vemos.
Tengo que irme.

Goodbye.
Goodbye.
Until we see each other again.
Later.
See you soon.
Ill say goodbye now.
Im going.
See ya.
I have to go.

The easiest way to memorize these words and phrases is to use them wherever possible.
Say buenos das to the waiter at the Mexican restaurant. Get a study partner and
practice them on each other. If you can watch greetings and farewells between native
speakers, do so. Watch a Spanish-language television channel or listen to a Spanishlanguage radio station. Use the resources in the Rocket Spanish language course to
familiarize yourself with practicing and hearing these greetings.

-6-

Conversation Time
Now, practice what you have learned by seeing if you can understand the following
conversation.

Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:

Hola, Carlos.
Hola, Carmona! Cmo te va?
Bien, como siempre. Y t? Cmo has estado?
Un poco cansado.
Ah, lo siento. Bueno, Carlos, me despido. Hasta luego!
Nos vemos.

Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:

Hello, Carlos.
Hello, Carmona! Hows it going?
Good, like always. And you? Howve you been?
A little tired.
Ah, Im sorry. Well, Carlos, Ive got to say goodbye. Later!
See ya.

-7-

1.2

Introducciones
Introductions

A big part of meeting people is not just knowing how to greet them and say goodbye
its being able to introduce yourself and others. In this lesson, youll learn how to tell
others who you are and ask their name.
Imagine that you are at a party. A friend grabs your arm and tells you that shed like to
introduce you to someone.
Friend:
You:
Juan:
You:
Juan:
You:
Juan:
You:

Te presento a mi amigo, Juan.

Encantada.
El gusto es mo. Cmo te llamas?
Me llamo Ann.
Me gusta tu nombre. De dnde eres?
Soy de los Estados Unidos. Y t?
Soy de Valencia. Eres soltera?
Er no.

To understand this conversation, you need to learn some basic introduction phrases.
Te presento a
Me gustara presentarte a
Oye, ste es mi amigo ...
Encantado/a.
El gusto es mo.
Cmo te llamas?
Me llamo
Mi nombre es
De dnde eres?

Id like to introduce you to

Id like to introduce you to
Hey, this is my friend ...
Its a pleasure.
The pleasure is mine.
Whats your name?
My name is
My name is
Where are you from?

Soy de

Im from

When you are introduced to someone new, be prepared to be asked some rather
personal questions! In many regions in Latin America, people dont think anything
about asking you whether youre single or married and how old you are. In fact, four
extremely common questions youll encounter are:

-8-

Whats your name?

Cmo te llamas?

Where are you from?

De dnde eres?

How old are you?

Cuntos aos tienes?

Are you single or married? Eres soltero/a o casado/a?

Youll learn how to answer all these questions by the end of this section.
If you look more closely at the last question, youll notice that soltero and casado can
end in either a or o. If you are a man, both words will end in o. If you are a woman, both
words will end in a. You may want to simply say that you dont understand Spanish very
well at that point, if you dont want to answer, or you can say:

Soy soltero/a. Im single.

Soy casado/a. Im married.

If you are a Spanish learner, you may nd that your ability to answer a few basic questions in Spanish will encourage your new friend to ask you other questions, which you
cant understand at all! Whether you want to explain that you dont understand or
simply ask the other person if they speak English, here are some useful phrases.
Hablas espaol?
Hablas ingls?
Me entiendes?
Entiendo ms de lo que hablo.
Estoy aprendiendo espaol.
Hablas muy bien.
Lo siento, no entiendo.
No entiendo espaol muy bien.
No hablo espaol.
No hablo ingls.
No hablo muy bien la lengua.
Solo hablo un poco de espaol.
Un poco.

Do you speak Spanish?

Do you speak English?
Do you understand me?
I understand more than I speak.
Im learning Spanish.
You speak very well.
Sorry, I dont understand.
I dont understand Spanish very well.
I dont speak Spanish.
I dont speak English.
I dont speak the language very well.
I only speak a little Spanish.
A little.

Remember that the word for yes in Spanish is s while the word for no is the same:
no.

-9-

When taking your leave of someone that youve just met, it is polite to add one of the
following phrases to your farewell.
Ha sido un placer. / Fue un
placer.

Its been a pleasure. / It was a

pleasure.

Ha sido un gusto.
Un gusto conocerte.

Its been a pleasure.

A pleasure meeting you.

- 10 -

Conversation Time
Now, practice what you have learned by seeing if you can understand the following
conversation.

Carlos:
Carmona:
Jennifer:
Carmona:
Jennifer:
Carmona:
Jennifer:

Carmona, me gustara presentarte a mi amiga Jennifer.

Hola, Jennifer. Un gusto.
El gusto es mo. Cmo te llamas?
Carmona. Hablas espaol muy bien.
Gracias, pero solo hablo un poco.
Entiendes mucho?
S, entiendo ms de lo que hablo.

Carlos:
Carmona:
Jennifer:
Carmona:
Jennifer:
Carmona:
Jennifer:

Carmona, Id like to present you to my friend Jennifer.

Hello, Jennifer. A pleasure.
The pleasure is mine. Whats your name?
Carmona. You speak Spanish very well.
Thank you, but I only speak a little.
Do you understand a lot?
Yes, I understand more than I speak.

- 11 -

1.3

Lo Que Quieres
What You Want

When youre traveling, you often nd yourself having to ask for a lot of things. Perhaps
you need a phone, or want a drink, or need help. In this lesson, youll learn many useful
words and phrases you can use to communicate what you want.
In Spanish, the most polite way to request something (like a cup of a tea, or a certain dish
at a restaurant), is by saying
Me gustara...
This means, I would like Add the words, por favor, or please, at the end to be
courteous.
Look at the following examples.

Me gustara el pollo, por favor.

Me gustara un vaso de vino tinto, por favor.

Id like the chicken, please.

Id like a glass of red wine, please.

Me gustara ver el museo.

Id like to see the museum.

Here are some possible things that you might like to request using the phrase, Me
gustara

Me gustara
un caf.
un t.

Id like a coffee.
Id like a tea.

una bebida caliente.

una bebida helada.
un plato de
un vaso de
una habitacin.
un boleto.
hacer un tour.
hacer una llamada
(internacional).

Id like a hot drink.

Id like a cold drink.
Id like a plate / dish of
Id like a glass of
Id like a room.
Id like a ticket.
Id like to take a tour.
Id like to make an
(international) phone call.

tener

Id like to have
- 12 -

Necesito: I Need
You may also need to express what you need. You may need an extra towel for your
hotel room, or two tickets instead of one. To tell someone what you need, youll say
Necesito
This means, I need. Here are some examples of this word in use.

Necesito una toalla, por favor.

I need a towel, please.

Necesito la cuenta, por favor.

(at a restaurant) I need the check, please.

Necesito ir.

I need to go.

Here are some possible things that you might need. Simply add one of the entries in
the rst column to the word, Necesito.
Necesito
ayuda.
algo para comer.
algo para tomar.
un bao.
llamar un taxi.
un mdico.
las direcciones a
el nmero telefnico de...
descansar.
dormir.

I need help.
I need something to eat.
I need something to drink.
I need a bathroom.
I need to call a taxi.
I need a doctor.
I need the directions to
I need the telephone number of ...
I need to rest.
I need to sleep.

Quiero: I Want
Finally, you can also say what you want by using the phrase
Quiero
Quiero means I want. You may want to go somewhere, want a pair of shoes, or want
to take some photos. Here are some examples of this phrase in use.

Quiero las gafas.

I want the sunglasses.

Quiero hacer compras.

I want to go shopping.

Quiero ver.

I want to see.
- 13 -

Heres a list of some possible things that you might want. Add one of the entries in the
rst column to the word, Quiero.

Quiero
estos / esos.
uno / dos / tres.
caminar.
ir a
pagar ahora.
sacar fotos.
salir.
volver.

I want these / those.

I want one / two / three.
I want to walk.
I want to go to
I want to pay now.
I want to take photos.
I want to get off.
I want to return.

When People Ask What You Want

When people want to ask you what youd like, what you need, or what you want,
theyll use the exact same verbs with the word qu in front. Qu means what.

Qu te gustara?
Qu necesitas?
Qu quieres?

What would you like?

What do you need?
What do you want?

In fact, here are the three most common phrases youll hear from waiters, shop
attendants, and other servicepeople when theyre offering to assist you.

Qu le gustara, seor?
En qu le puedo ayudar?
Qu se le ofrece?

What would you like, sir?

How can I help you?
What can I offer you?

- 14 -

Conversation Time
Now, practice what you have learned by seeing how much you can understand of the
following conversation. Carlos and Carmona are in a restaurant. They order their food
then discuss what they want to do that day. Dont worry if most of the conversation
contains unfamiliar words. Just focus on trying to get the gist of what they are doing.

Qu les gustara comer?

Me gustara comer la carne asada.
A m, me gustara la ensalada.
Algo para tomar?
Para tomar, me gustara una cerveza.
Yo, un vaso de vino tinto, por favor.
Bueno.

The waiter leaves.

Carlos:
Carmona:

Mesero:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Mesero:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Mesero:

Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:

Qu te gustara hacer hoy?

Necesito ir a un banco. Despus, me gustara ver un
museo.
Necesito las direcciones al museo. No s donde est.
Quiero caminar.
Bien! No necesito llamar un taxi, entonces.

Waiter:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Waiter:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Mesero:

What would you like to eat?

Id like to have the roast beef.
Id like the salad.
Anything to drink?
To drink, Id like a beer.
A glass of red wine, please.
Good.

The waiter leaves.

Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:

What would you like to do today?

I need to go to a bank. Afterwards, Id like to see a muse
I need the directions to the museum. I dont know where it
is.
I want to walk.
Great! I dont need to call a taxi, then.
- 15 -

1.4

Expresiones de Cortesa
Courteous Expressions

Whether you are traveling to a Latin American country or simply interacting with Latin
Americans, acting in a courteous way will win you friends and gain you respect. Latin
cultures tend to be more formal and place more emphasis on courtesy than you might
be used to.
Spend some time with this lesson. Basic phrases like por favor, gracias, de nada, and
lo siento are essential to memorize before you travel to a Latin American country. Use
them liberally, and youll nd that people will treat you better.
Disculpe.
Perdn.
Permiso. / Con permiso.
Por favor.
Puedo?
Gracias. Muchas gracias. Mil gracias.
De nada.
Es muy amable.
Lo siento.

Excuse me.
Pardon me.
Excuse me.
Please.
May I?
Thanks. Many thanks. A thousand thanks.
Youre welcome.
Youre very kind.
Im sorry.

Please note that in some parts of the Latin world (like Chile), people dont say Mil
gracias. They say, Un milln de gracias, or a million thanks!

Excuse Me
In Spanish, there are three ways to say, Excuse me.

disculpe
perdn
permiso

Each of these words is used in a different context. Unless youre spending a long time
in a Latin American country, it is best to just stick with perdn. Perdn is usually used
when youre asking for forgiveness, as in, Perdn, lo siento. (Forgive me, Im sorry.)
Disculpe is usually used when youre interrupting someone to ask a question.
The last word, permiso or con permiso, is used to ask permission to do something. In
many Latin American countries, it is considered courteous to ask for permission before
entering someone elses house. As you walk through the door, simply say, Permiso.
(You dont need to wait for a response!)
- 16 -

Formal v. Informal Modes of Address

Until now, youve learned to address people in the informal way. Unlike English, Spanish
distinguishes between formal and informal modes of address. Addressing someone
formally shows respect. Addressing someone informally shows that you have a familiar,
casual relationship.
usted
formal you
t
informal you
Non-native Spanish speakers often nd it very difcult to tell when to use usted and
when to use t. American culture, especially, is very informal, and people move quickly
from formal means of address (such as Mr. Beck or Mrs. Taylor) to a rst-name basis. The
difference between t and usted is not exactly the same as the difference between using
last names and being on a rst-name basis, but it is a good place to start.
Heres a general guide to when you should use t and usted.
T (informal)

Usted (formal)

children
friends
family
peers

elders
people higher in seniority
authority gures
strangers

Now, lets see how this affects you. Take a look at how some of the phrases youve already
learned change when put in the formal mode of address. Can you see any pattern in the
way the phrases change?
Informal Mode

Formal Mode

Cmo ests?
Te presento a
Cmo te llamas?
De dnde eres?
Hablas ingls?

Cmo est usted?

Le presento a
Cmo se llama?
De dnde es usted?
Habla ingls?

How are you?

Id like to introduce you to
Whats your name?
Where are you from?

Me entiendes?

Me entiende?

Do you understand me?

Do you speak English?

Did you notice that in four of the cases above, the last letter s was taken off from the
end of the verb? This is not always the casenotice how eres, or you are, changes
to es. Note, too, that the word usted was added to some phrases to make it clear who
was being addressed.
Question: Is the phrase, Es muy amable, in formal or informal mode?
Youll learn more about this topic in Lesson 1.4 of the Rocket Spanish Beginners Book.
Right now, its enough that you know that Cmo te llamas? and Cmo se llama? are
the exact same questionthe rst phrased informally, the second formally.
- 17 -

Conversation Time
Now, practice what you have learned by seeing how much you can understand of the
following conversation. Carlos stops a woman on the street and asks for the time.

Carlos:
Woman:
Carlos:
Woman:

Disculpe, seorita. Me puede decir la hora?

Claro. Son las cinco y viente.
Muchas gracias, seorita. Es muy amable.
De nada.

Carlos:
Woman:
Carlos:
Woman:

Excuse me, miss. Can you tell me the time?

Of course. Its 5:20.
Many thanks, miss. Youre very kind.
Youre welcome.

- 18 -

1.5

Profesin y Pas de Origen

Profession and Country of Origin

Lets get back to introductions. When youre meeting someone for the rst time, chances
are theyll ask you what you do, why youre in their country, and where youre from. You
already learned the phrase, De dnde eres? In this lesson, youll learn more about how
to answer this question, as well as to tell people what you do for a living.
For the moment, pretend that you are planning a trip to a Latin American country.
Wouldnt it be useful to be able to tell anyone you meet where youre from, what you do,
and why youre visiting their country? I recommend that you dont depend on someone
asking you the questions below. Instead, take the initiative and prepare a small speech
that you can use when you meet someone for the rst time. The topics below are great
conversation starters. Not only do they break the ice, but they also show the other person
that you have some uency with the language and are willing to try to converse with
them in Spanish.

Where are you from?

The question, Where are you from? can be asked in two different ways:

Informal: De dnde eres?

Formal: De dnde es?

The rst question is suitable to ask at a party, club, or among young people. The second
question is more appropriate for a work colleague, host parents, or anyone you wish to
show respect.
The answer will always begin with

Soy de

This means, I am from You can add one of the country names below to complete
the sentence. (Youll nd more in the Beginners Vocabulary Supplement.)
Soy de
Alemania.
Australia.
Canad.
Espaa.
Francia.
Gran Bretaa.
Inglaterra.
los Estados Unidos.
Nueva Zelanda.

Im from Germany.
Im from Australia.
Im from Canada.
Im from Spain.
Im from France.
Im from Great Britain.
Im from England.
Im from the United States.
Im from New Zealand.
- 19 -

What do you do?

If someone wants to ask you what you do, theyll use one of the following questions.

Qu haces?
En qu trabajas?
Cul es tu trabajo/profesin?

What do you do?

In what do you work?
Whats your job / profession?

Fortunately, you dont need to learn many new vocabulary words to answer! Your answer
will begin with Soy (I am). Complete the sentence by choosing a profession from
the table below. Pick from the Male column if you are a man, the Female column
if you are a woman.

Soy
Male
abogado.
artista.
contador.
enfermero.
estudiante.
gerente.
ingeniero.
doctor.
misionero.
msico.

Female
abogada.
artista.
contadora.
enfermera.
estudiante.
gerente.
ingeniera.
doctora.
misionera.
msica.

negociante.

negociante.

periodista.
programador.
secretario.

periodista.
programadora.
secretaria.

- 20 -

Profession
Im a lawyer.
Im an artist.
Im an accountant.
Im a nurse.
Im a student.
Im a manager.
Im an engineer.
Im a doctor.
Im a missionary.
Im a musician.
Im a businessman/
woman.
Im a reporter.
Im a programmer.
Im a secretary.

Qu haces aqu?
Qu haces? doesnt just mean, What do you do? It also can mean, What are you
doing?
Similarly, you may hear the question, Qu haces aqu?, which means, What are
you doing here? This gives you an opening to explain that youre studying abroad, or
visiting friends, or here on business.
Heres a list of possible questions you might be asked.

Qu haces aqu?

What are you doing here?

Qu haces en [country or city]?

Ests de vacaciones?

What are you doing in [country or city]?

Are you on vacation?

Your answer will begin with, Estoy. Estoy also means, I am. Create your answer by
adding one of the following endings.
Estoy
de vacaciones.
estudiando.
de viaje.
aqu por negocios.

Im on vacation.
Im studying.
Im traveling.
Im here on business.

- 21 -

Conversation Time
Now, see if you can understand the following conversation. Carlos and Carmona have
gone away for the weekend to enjoy the sun in Acapulco. While sitting outside by the
pool, Carmona strikes up a conversation with a lady sunbathing next to her.

Carmona:
Mujer:
Carmona:
Mujer:

Carmona:
Woman:
Carmona:
Woman:
Carmona:
Woman:
Carmona:
Woman:
Carmona:
Woman:

Hace mucho sol, no?

S. Tengo mucho calor.
Ests de vacaciones?
No. Estoy aqu por negocios.
En qu trabajas?
Soy periodista. Soy de Alemania, y estoy viajando por todo
Latinoamrica para un reportaje exclusivo.
Qu chvere.
Y t? Qu haces en Acapulco?
Estoy de vacaciones con mi esposo.
Qu bien.

Carmona:
Mujer:
Carmona:
Mujer:
Carmona:
Mujer:

Its very sunny, isnt it?

Yes. Im very hot.
Are you on vacation?
No. Im here on business.
In what do you work?
Im a reporter. Im from Germany, and Im traveling
through all of Latin America for an exclusive report.
How cool.
And you? What are you doing in Acapulco?
Im on vacation with my spouse.
How great.
- 22 -

1.6

Preguntas Personales
Personal Questions

In this chapter, youre going to look again at how to answer personal questions like how
old you are and whether or not youre married or single. Youre going to learn how to
say how many siblings you have, if you have children, and what your address and phone
number are. Being able to give personal details like these will be very useful for lling out
forms or sharing your contact details.
Youll have to know something about numbers to be able to complete this lesson.
Fortunately, you can answer most questions in this chapter (with the exception of your
age) with the basic numbers from one to ten.
12345-

678910-

uno
dos
tres
cuatro
cinco

seis
siete
ocho
nueve
diez

Lets go through a list of some of the most common questions you might be asked,
whether youre lling out a registration form in a hotel or at the consulate getting a
new passport. In these situations, youll be address with the formal form of you.
So, though you have seen some of these questions before, all the questions below are
expressed formally.
Personal Questions
Cmo se llama?
De dnde es usted?
Cul es su nacionalidad?
Cuntos aos tiene?
Cundo naci?
Cul es su fecha de nacimiento?

Whats your name?

Where are you from?
Whats your nationality?
How old are you?
When were you born?
When is your date of birth?

Tiene hermanos?
Cuntos hermanos tiene?
Tiene hijos?
Cuntos hijos tiene?
Tiene esposo/a?
Es soltero/a o casado/a?
Cul es su direccin?
Cul es su nmero telefnico?

Do you have siblings?

How many siblings do you have?
Do you have children?
How many children do you have?
Do you have a spouse?
Are you single or married?
What is your address?
What is your telephone number?

Cul es su nmero de celular?

What is your cell phone number?

Cul es su nmero de pasaporte?

What is your passport number?

- 23 -

Please note that when a word ends with o/a you should choose the o ending if you
are a man and the a ending if you are a woman. For example, a man will be asked,
Es soltero o casado? while a woman will be asked,Es soltera o casada?
Just remember that with the question, Do you have a spouse? the o/a ending will
be chosen according to the gender of the spouse. A woman will be asked, Tiene
esposo? while a man will be asked, Tiene esposa?

Answers
When youre responding, you can follow one of the simple formats below. Just insert
the appropriate information in the bracket.
Cmo se llama?

Me llamo [your name].

De dnde es usted?

Soy de [country name].

Cul es su nacionalidad?

Soy [nationality].

Cuntos aos tienes?

Tengo [number] aos.

Cundo naci?

Nac el [day] de [month] de [year].

Cul es su fecha de nacimiento?

Mi fecha de nacimiento es el [day] de [month]

de [year].

Tiene hermanos?

S, tengo hermanos. OR No, no tengo

hermanos.

Cuntos hermanos tiene?

Tengo [number] hermanos.

Tiene hijos?

S, tengo hjios. OR No, no tengo hijos.

Cuntos hijos tiene?

Tengo [number] hijos.

Tiene esposo/a?

S, tengo esposo. OR No, no tengo esposo.

Es soltero/a o casado/a?

Soy soltero/a. OR Soy casado/a.

Cul es su direccin?

Mi direccin es [your address].

Cul es su nmero telefnico?

Mi nmero telefnico es [your number].

Cul es su nmero de celular?

Mi nmero de celular es [your number].

Cul es su nmero de pasaporte? Mi nmero de pasaporte es [your number].

- 24 -

Filling out Forms

If you nd yourself being asked to ll out forms with your personal details, you wont
get the complete questions that youve studied above. Instead, youll get short words
or phrases.

Nombre
Nacionalidad
Gnero
Edad
Fecha de nacimiento
Estado civil
Direccin
Nmero telefnico
Nmero de celular
Nmero de pasaporte

Name
Nationality
Gender
Age
Date of birth
Marital status
Address
Telephone number
Number of mobile
Passport number

- 25 -

Example
Jane Doe
EE.UU.
mujer
35
22 de febrero de 1970
casada
Casilla 99-99-99, Quito
555-555
055-555-555
1111111

Conversation Time
Now, see if you can understand what you have learned. Carlos is checking into a hotel,
and the receptionist is asking him for some personal details.

Carlos:
Recepcionista:
Carlos:
Recepcionista:
Carlos:
Recepcionista:
Carlos:
Recepcionista:

Carlos:
Receptionist:
Carlos:
Receptionist:
Carlos:
Receptionist:
Carlos:
Receptionist:
Carlos:
Receptionist:
Carlos:
Receptionist:
Carlos:
Receptionist:
Carlos:
Receptionist:

Me gustara una habitacin, por favor.

Muy bien. Puede darme su nombre, por favor?
Claro. Mi nombre es Carlos Morales.
Cul es su nacionalidad?
Soy estadounidense.
De dnde eres? Mi hermana es de Chicago.
Soy de Denver.
Ah, que chvere. Bueno, seor. Me puede dar un
nmero de contacto?
S. El nmero de mi celular es 022-222-222.
Muy bien. Y su direccin?
En los Estados Unidos?
S.
9999 Main Street, en la ciudad de Denver, en el
estado de Colorado.
Su nmero de pasaporte?
5555555.
Gracias.

Carlos:
Recepcionista:
Carlos:
Recepcionista:
Carlos:
Recepcionista:
Carlos:
Recepcionista:

Id like a room, please.

Very well. Can you give me your name, please?
Of course. My name is Carlos Morales.
Whats your nationality?
Im American.
Where are you from? My sister is from Chicago.
Im from Denver.
Ah, how cool. Well, sir. Can you give me a contact
number?
Yes. The number of my cell phone is 022-222-222.
Very good. And your address?
In the United States?
Yes.
9999 Main Street, in the city of Denver, in the state
of Colorado.
Your passport number?
5555555
Thank you.
- 26 -

1.7

El Tiempo
The Time

I hope youre ready to talk about the time, because Im going to give you lots to talk
about! In this lesson, youll learn dozens of useful words and phrases to use to talk about
the time. Youll learn essential questions that youll need to ask if youre traveling, how
to talk about the time in conversation, and how to schedule a date.
Lets start out with the most basic components of time: how to talk about minutes,
seconds, and hours.

Units of Time
segundo
minuto
hora
da
semana
mes
ao

second
minute
hour
day
week
month
year

Have you practiced your numbers? If you have, you know that
Sesenta segundos es un minuto.
Sesenta minutos es una hora.
Veinticuatro horas es un da.
Un mes tiene veintiocho, veintinueve, treinta, o treinta y un das.
Doce meses es un ao.

- 27 -

10 Essential Questions for Travelers

If youre going to travel to a Spanish-speaking country, youre going to need to know
how to ask when a musuem opens, when your tour bus arrives at your hotel, or when
your ight leaves. So take some time to memorize the essential questions for travelers
below.
Cundo abre?
Cundo cierra?
Cundo comienza?
Cundo termina?
Cundo salimos?
Cundo llegamos?
Cundo paramos?
Cundo comemos?
Cundo sale (llega)
el bus?
el tren?
el vuelo?
Cundo es
el concierto?
el viaje?
el vuelo?
la exhibicin?

When does it open?

When does it close?
When does it start?
When does it end?
When do we leave?
When do we arrive?
When do we stop?
When do we eat?
When does
the bus leave (arrive)?
the train leave (arrive)?
the ight leave (arrive)?
When is
the concert?
the trip?
the ight?
the exhibit?

- 28 -

Conversational Topics
With the lessons youve learned so far, youre able to cover quite a lot of ground in
introductory conversations. You may nd yourself being asked, When did you arrive
here? or, When do you go back to your own country? The following list gives you
an idea of some questions that you might get asked, or the phrases that you might hear.
Remember that the questions dont require a complicated answer: simply respond with
either a date or a time.
Cundo vuelves a tu pas?
Cundo llegaste?
Por cunto tiempo ests aqu?
Hace cunto tiempo ests aqu?
Por cunto tiempo hablas espaol?
Cundo ser?
Qu hora es?
Cul es la fecha hoy?
Estoy atrasado.
Estoy temprano (tarde).
Tengo prisa.

When do you return to your country?

When did you arrive?
How long are you here?
How long have you been here?
How long have you spoken Spanish?
When will it be? (hypothetical, conjecture)
What time is it?
Whats the date today?
Im late.
I am early (late).
Im in a hurry.

Scheduling a Date
If you need to schedule a meeting with a friend, youll need to know some phrases for
setting up a meeting at a certain day and time. Here are some useful phrases to know.

Cundo nos encontramos?

Cundo es mejor para ti?
A qu hora?
Qu da?
en la maana / tarde / noche
n de semana
entre semana
temprano
tarde
en punto
medioda
medianoche

When will we meet?

When is best for you?
At what time?
What day?
in the morning / afternoon / night
weekend
during the week
early
late
on the dot
noon
midnight

- 29 -

Los Meses
The Months
enero
febrero
marzo
abril
mayo
junio
julio
agosto
septiembre
octubre
noviembre
diciembre

Las Estaciones
The Seasons
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

primavera
verano
otoo
invierno

spring
summer
autumn
winter

Los Das de la Semana

The Days of the Week
lunes
martes
mircoles
jueves
viernes
sbado
domingo

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

La Fecha
The Date
Talking about the date can be confusing if youre not used to placing the day of the
month before the name of the month. In Spanish, you dont say, July 12, 1994. You
will say, the 12 of July of the year 1994. Try saying it yourself. Its written out for you
below.
el doce de julio del ano mil novecientos noventa y cuatro
To talk about the date, youre going to have to be quite good with numbers. The basic
format of a date is:
el [day] de [month] del ao [year]
You can also shorten this to:
el [day] de [month] de [year]
Can you tell me in Spanish when your birthday is? Cul es tu fecha de nacimiento?

- 30 -

Part Two:

Accin!
Action!

In this part of the course, youre going to

learn how to ask more complex questions.
Youll learn how to talk about what
youre doing and what youre going to
do. Youll learn to ask for directions and
about what happened. By the end of the
lesson, you should be able to use verbs
and understand what others are doing.

- 31 -

2.1

Qu Quieres? Qu Necesitas?
What Do You Want? What Do You Need?

In Lesson 1.3, you learned how to talk about what you want, need, and would like. In
this lesson, youll learn to add verbs to these phrases so that you can talk about what
you want to do and need to do.

Lo Que Me Gustara Hacer

What Id Like to Do
Qu te gustara? What would you like?
If you want to talk about what youd like to do, all you have to do is add a verb to the
end of the phrase, Me gustara (I would like).
For example,

Me gustara
hacer compras.
hacer turismo.
visitar
el centro comercial.
el centro histrico.
el museo.
el palacio real.
la iglesia.
la playa.
las montaas.
viajar (a Espaa).
pagar la cuenta.
ir (a la playa).

Id like to go shopping.
Id like to go sightseeing.
Id like to visit
the shopping center.
the historic district.
the museum.
the royal palace.
the church.
the beach.
the mountains.
Id like to travel (to Spain).
Id like to pay the bill.
Id like to go (to the beach).

- 32 -

Lo Que Necesito Hacer

What I Need to Do
Qu necesitas? What do you need?
You can talk about what you need to do with the verb necesitar. Just start your
sentence with Necesito (I need) and complete it with one of the following verbs.

Necesito
comer.
tomar (algo).
descansar
dormir.
irme.

I need to eat.
I need to drink (something).
I need to rest.
I need to sleep.
I need to go (or leave).

Lo Que Quiero Hacer

What I Want to Do
Qu quieres hacer? What do you want to do?
You can talk about what you want to do with the verb querer. Use the following table
to complete the sentence, Quiero (I want).

Quiero
acampar.
bucear.
esquiar.
hacer ciclismo.
ir de excursin (en las montaas).
jugar (voleibol).
leer.
montar a caballo.
nadar (en una piscina, en el mar).
ir de pesca.
sacar fotos.
surfear.
tomar el sol.

I want to go camping.
I want to scuba dive.
I want to ski.
I want to go biking.
I want to go hiking (in the mountains).
I want to play (volleyball).
I want to read.
I want to ride a horse.
I want to swim (in a pool, in the sea).
I want to go shing.
I want to take photos.
I want to surf.
I want to sunbathe.

- 33 -

Lo Que Me Gusta Hacer

What I Like to Do
Qu te gusta hacer? What do you like to do?
Youll learn how to talk about what you like in Lesson 6.2, but for now it might be
useful to know a little bit about the phrase, Me gusta If someone asks you what you
like to do (as opposed to what you would like to do), you can answer using any one of
the verbs above, starting with, Me gusta. For example,

Me gusta nadar.
Me gusta acampar.
Me gusta leer.

I like to swim.
I like to camp (go camping).
I like to read.

It is important not to confuse me gustara with me gusta.

me gustara
me gusta

I would like
I like

Use Me gusta... to talk about your hobbies and what you enjoy doing.
Use Me gustara... to talk about what you would like to do now or in the future.

- 34 -

Conversation Time
Heres a conversation to practice your reading comprehension. Carlos is asking Carmona
what she wants to do today.

Carmona:

Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:

Qu te gustara hacer hoy, Carmona?

Me gustara visitar el palacio real.
Est bien. Quiero sacar fotos.
Yo tambin. Despus, necesito descansar. Estoy cansada.
Mientras descansas, quiero ir de excursin en las montaas.
A m me gusta ir de excursin. Quiero ir tambin.
Qu quieres hacer? Quieres descansar o ir de excursin
conmigo?
Bueno, no necesito descansar.

Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:

What would you like to do today, Carmona?

Id like to visit the royal palace.
Thats ne. I want to take pictures.
Me, too. Afterwards, I need to rest. Im tired.
While you rest, I want to go hiking in the mountains.
I like to go hiking. I want to go, too.
What do you want to do? Do you want to rest or to go
hiking with me?
Well, I dont need to rest.

- 35 -

2.2

Voy a
Im Going To

Qu vas a hacer este n de semana? What are you going to do this weekend?
Its easy to talk about what youre going to do in Spanish. All you have to do is add
the words Voy a before a verb. For example,
Voy a trabajar.

Im going to work.

Voy a jugar.

Im going to play.

Voy a dormir.

Im going to sleep.

You can also talk about where youre going with the same phrase.
Voy a la playa.

Im going to the beach.

Voy a Mxico.

Im going to Mexico.

Voy a la casa.

Im going home.

You can even talk about when youre going.

Voy maana.

Im going tomorrow.

Voy el sbado.

Im going Saturday.

Voy en la tarde.

Im going in the afternoon.

as well as how youre going to get there!

Voy en carro propio.

Im going in my own car.

Voy a pie.

Im going on foot.

Voy con Margarita.

Im going with Margarita.

The phrase Im going to is one of the most useful phrases youll learn in Spanish.
Youll use it all the time. Lets take a look at some ways in which you might use this
useful phrase below.

- 36 -

Voy a

Qu Vas a Hacer?

What are You Going to Do?

ir maana.

to go tomorrow.

salir.

to leave or go out.

bailar.
hacerlo.

dance.
to do it.

Voy

A Dnde Vas?

Where are You Going?

a la playa.
al centro comercial.
al cine.
al club.
al hotel.
al supermercado.
a Espaa.
a Valencia.

to the beach.
to the shopping center.
to the cinema.
to the club.
to the hotel.
to the supermarket.
to Spain.
to Valencia.

Voy

Cundo Vas?

When are You Going?

en la maana.
en la tarde.
a las ocho.
el sbado (domingo, etc)
maana.
la prxima semana.
en dos semanas.
en dos aos.

in the morning.
in the afternoon.
at 8 oclock.
Saturday (Sunday, etc).
tomorrow.
next week.
in two weeks.
in two years.

Voy

Cmo Vas?

How are You Going (to get

there)?

a pie.
con (alguien).
en bus.
en carro.
en tren.

- 37 -

on foot.
with (someone).
by bus.
by car.
by train.

Conversation Time

Heres a conversation to practice what you have learned. Carlos has a business trip to
Barcelona, and Carmona wants to know the details.

Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:

Cundo vas a Barcelona?

Voy el 22 de enero.
Cmo vas?
Voy a manejar.
Vas en carro propio?
No. Voy con Miguel. Vamos en su carro.
Cuando t ests en Barcelona, yo voy a salir.
A dnde?
No s. Tal vez a un club con las amigas.
No te diviertas mucho!

Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:

When are you going to Barcelona?

Im going January 22.
How are you getting there?
Im going to drive.
Are you going in your own car?
No. Im going with Miguel. Were going in his car.
When youre in Barcelona, I am going to go out.
Where to?
I dont know. Maybe to a club with my friends.
Dont have too much fun!

- 38 -

2.3

Preguntas

Questions

Asking questions is fun in Spanish! Usually, all you will need is one word to communicate
what you need to know.
Youve already learned how to ask many questions in Spanish.
Cmo te llamas?

Whats your name? (Literally, how are you called?)

De dnde eres?

Where are you from? (Literally, from where are you?)

Qu haces?

What do you do?

Cundo es?

When is it?

Cuntos hijos tienes?

How many children do you have?

Each of these questions includes a word that signals you are asking a question.
Cmo?

How?

Dnde?

Where?

Qu?

What?

Cundo?

When?

Cuntos?

How many?

If you take some time to memorize these and just a few more question words, youll
be able to ask anything, including the reporters ve: who, what, when, where, and
how.
Who?

Quin?

What?

Qu?

When?

Cundo?

Where?

Dnde?

How?

Cmo?

How much?

Cunto?

Which?

Cul?

- 39 -

Lets take a look at how these words work in some very basic questions.
Quin es?
Qu es?
Cundo es?
Dnde est?
Cmo es?
Cmo est?
Cunto es?
Cul es?

Who is it?
What is it?
When is it?
Where is it?
What is it like?
How is it? (How are you?)
How much is it?
Which is it?

Once you memorize the eight questions above, you can ask pretty much anything!
Nonetheless, if you do nd yourself needing to form more complex questions, youll
nd the list below useful.

Quin?
Who?

Quin llam?
Con quin?
Quin est encargado?
Para quin?
Quin ms?
Quin viene?

Who called?
With whom?
Who is in charge?
For whom?
Who else?
Who is coming?

Qu?
What?

Qu es?
Qu es esto (eso)?
Qu hago?
Qu pas?

What is it?
What is this (that)?
What do I do?
What happened?

Qu tipo?
Qu ms?
Qu traigo?
Qu quieres?
Qu necesitas?

What kind?
What else?
What do I bring?
What do you want?
What do you need?

- 40 -

Cundo?
When?

Cundo es?
Cundo pas?
Cundo sale (llega)?
Cundo abre (cierra)?
Cundo vamos?

When is it?
When did it happen?
When does it leave (arrive)?
When does it open (close)?
When do we go?

Dnde?
Where?

Dnde est?
A dnde?
De dnde?
A dnde vamos?
De dnde viene?

Where is it?
Where to?
From where?
Where are we going?
Where do you come from?

Cmo?
How?

Cmo?

What?
(if you dont understand
what someone has just said
and want them to repeat it)

Cmo ests?

How are you?

What sort of person is he
(she)?
How did it go?
Like this?
How is it done? (How does
one do it?)

Cmo es l (ella)?
Cmo fue?
Cmo as?
Cmo se hace?
Cmo para qu?
Cmo se dice en
espaol?

Like for what?

How do you say in
Spanish?

Cunto?
How much?

Cunto es?
Cunto cuesta?
Cuntos?
Por cunto tiempo?

How much is it?

How much does it cost?
How many?
For how long?

Cul?
Which?

Cul es?
Cul quieres?
Cul es mejor?

Which is it?
Which do you want?
Which is best?

- 41 -

Conversation Time

Buying a ticket requires asking a lot of questions, as Carmona discovers as she goes to
buy tickets to a soccer game as a surprise for Carlos.

Hombre:
Carmona:
Hombre:
Carmona:
Hombre:
Carmona:
Hombre:
Carmona:
Hombre:
Carmona:
Hombre:
Carmona:
Hombre:
Carmona:
Hombre:
Carmona:

Carmona:
Man:
Carmona:
Man:
Carmona:
Man:
Carmona:
Man:
Carmona:
Man:
Carmona:
Man:
Carmona:
Man:
Carmona:
Man:
Carmona:
Man:
Carmona:

Buenos das, seor.

Muy buenos. En qu le puedo ayudar?
Necesito comprar unos boletos. Pero primero, necesito
informacin. Cundo es el partido?
El partido es el sbado, a las seis de la tarde.
Quin juega?
Los Lobos Chilenos juegan contra los Toros Andinos.
Cunto cuesta un boleto?
Hay tres tipos. Un boleto en la seccin A cuesta $35.
Un boleta en la seccin B cuesta $25. Un boleto en
la seccin C cuesta $10.
Cul es el mejor?
La seccin A es la mejor, porque est en la sombra.
La seccin B est en el sol.
Cmo es la seccin C?
No hay asientos en la seccin C. Toca estar de pie.
Por cunto tiempo es el partido?
Un partido dura dos horas.
Muy bien. Quiero dos boletos.
Qu tipo?
La seccin B.
Vale. Cincuenta dlares, por favor.
Gracias.

Carmona:
Hombre:
Carmona:

Good morning, sir.

Good monrning. How can I help you?
I need to buy some tickets. But rst, I need information.
When is the game?
The game is Saturday at six oclock in the afternoon.
Who is playing?
The Chilean wolves play against the Andean Bulls.
How much does a ticket cost?
There are three kinds. A ticket in Section A costs $35.
A ticket in Section B costs $25. A ticket in Section C costs
$10.
Which is the best?
Section A is the best, because it is in the shade. Section B is
in the sun.
What is Section C like?
There are no seats in Section C. You must stand.
How long is the game?
A game lasts two hours.
Very well. I want two tickets.
What kind?
Section B.
Fine. Fifty dollars, please.
Thank you.
- 42 -

2.4

Las Direcciones
Directions

Asking for directions is easy. All you ask is,

Dnde est?
followed by the name of the place youre going to.
Even though asking for directions is easy, understanding the directions you are given
is not. Thats why, in this lesson, youre going to learn a variety of words and phrases
related to directions.

Lugares
Places
Heres a list of some places you might like to go and places you may pass on the way to
getting there.
agencia de viajes

travel agent

avenida
baos pblicos
calle
centro comercial
centro histrico
comisara
correo

avenue
public restrooms
street
shopping center
historic center
police station
post ofce

esquina
estacin de tren
hospital
iglesia

corner
train station
hospital
church

informacin
museo
palacio (real)
parque
plaza

redondel

information
museum
(royal) palace
park
square
public restrooms
(hygienic services)
roundabout

torre

tower

servicios higinicos (SS.HH.)

- 43 -

Direcciones
Directions
Here are some useful words and phrases to locate you in what direction you need to
take.
a la izquierda
a la derecha
derecho
recto
al nal
al oeste
al este
al norte
al sur
Est muy lejos.

to the left
to the right
straight
straight
at the end
to the west
to the east
to the north
to the south
Its very far away.

Est muy cerca.

Its very close.

Est en una lnea recta. Its in a straight line.

Est ubicado...
Its located...
Se encuentra all.
Its found there.

Mandatos
Commands
When someone gives you directions, theyll tell you that you need to take such-andsuch street, turn left, then follow another street. Words like take, turn, and follow are
commands. Here are some of the most common.

Coga.
Cruza.

Take.
Cross.

Curva.
Dobla.
Gira.
Pase.
Siga.
Vaya.

Curve.
Turn.
Turn.
Pass.
Follow.
Go.

- 44 -

Seales de Trnsito
Road Signs
Just in case youre driving in a Spanish-speaking country, it might be useful to know what
the words mean in the trafc signs that you encounter.

aparcamiento
ceda el paso
cuidado
despacio
desvo
una va / doble va
obras
parada (de buses)
parqueadero
peligro
direccin nica /
todas direcciones

parking place
yield, give way
caution
slow
detour
one way / two ways
road construction, roadworks
(bus) stop
parking lot
danger
only direction / all directions

- 45 -

Conversation Time

See if you can understand the following conversation, in which Carmona stops to ask
for directions to the post ofce.

Carmona:
Hombre:

Carmona:

Carmona:
Man:
Carmona:
Man:
Carmona:
Man:

Carmona:

Disculpe, seor. Dnde est el correo?

El correo est en la calle Coln.
Dnde est la calle Coln?
No conoce? Bueno, est ubicado atrs de la estacin de
buses.
Dnde est la estacin?
Mire ve esa calle? Coge una izquierda. Siga la calle
hasta el redondel. De all, vaya a la derecha hasta la
estacin de los buses. La calle Coln, donde se encuentra
el correo, est al otro lado de la estacin.
Gracias, seor. Muy amable.

Carmona:
Hombre:
Carmona:
Hombre:

Excuse me, sir. Where is the post ofce?

The post ofce is on Columbus Street.
Where is Columbus Street?
You dont know it? Well, its located behind the bus
station.
Where is the bus station?
Look do you see that street? Take a left. Follow the
street until the roundabout. From there, go right until the
bus station. Columbus Street, where youll nd the post
ofce, is on the other side of the station.
Thank you, sir. Youre very kind.
- 46 -

Part Three:

Las Descripciones
Descriptions

Can you explain what youre like in

Spanish? In this section, youll learn how
to describe yourself and others. Youll
learn how to talk about how youre
feeling and whether youre hot or cold.
Youll also learn to describe the weather,
tell when something is yours, and much
more!

- 47 -

3.1

Cmo es una persona?

What is someone like?

If youve been robbed and the policeman asks you what the thief looked like, could you
tell him? Perhaps El ladrn fue muy rpido y muy feo. The thief was very fast and
ugly?
If not, chances are you dont know many description words. In this lesson, youre going
to learn how to answer the question, Cmo es una persona? What is a person
like?

Cmo es?
Whats he/she like?
Dont confuse the question, Cmo es? with Cmo est?
Cmo es Maria?

means

what is Maria like?

Cmo est Maria?

means

how is Maria right now?

If youre asking what a person is like, you might hear anything as the answer. A person
may be short, fat, tall, skinny, blonde, brunette, nice, mean, rich, or poor. All of these
qualities are descriptions.
Lets think about how we might describe a person. Take Maria for an example.
Maria tiene

HAIR
pelo corto.
pelo largo.
pelo mediano.
pelo liso.

Maria has short hair.

Maria has long hair.
Maria has medium-length hair.
Maria has straight hair.

pelo ondulado.
pelo rizado (also crespo).
pelo castao.
pelo negro.
pelo rubio.

Maria has wavy hair.

Maria has curly hair.
Maria has brown hair.
Maria has black hair.
Maria has blond hair.

pelo rojo.

Maria has red hair.

EYES
ojos azules.
ojos verdes.
ojos castaos

Maria has blue eyes.

Maria has green eyes.
Maria has brown eyes.
- 48 -

Maria es

HAIR

(For men)

morena.

moreno.

pelirroja.
rubia.

pelirrojo.
rubio.

Maria is dark-skinned,
dark-haired.
Maria is a redhead.
Maria is a blonde.

alto.
bajo.

Maria is tall.
Maria is short.

aco.
delgado.
gordo.

Maria is skinny.
Maria is thin.
Maria is fat.

lento.
rpido.
fuerte.
dbil.

Maria is slow.
Maria is fast.
Maria is strong.
Maria is weak.

n/a
n/a
guapo.
feo.

Maria is pretty.
Maria is beautiful.
Maria is good-looking.
Maria is ugly.

abierto.
alegre.
amable.
callado.
chistoso.
divertido.
grosero.

Maria is open.
Maria is cheerful.
Maria is nice.
Maria is quiet.
Maria is funny, humorous.
Maria is fun.
Maria is rude.

HEIGHT
alta.
baja.

WEIGHT
aca.
delgada.
gorda.

ABILITIES
lenta.
rpida.
fuerte.
dbil.

FEATURES
bonita.
hermosa.
guapa.
fea.

PERSONALITY
abierta.
alegre.
amable.
callada.
chistosa.
divertida.
grosera.

- 49 -

horrible.
inteligente.
malcriada.
paciente.
perezosa.
seria.
simptica.
sosticada.
tmida.
trabajadora.
valiente.

horrible.
inteligente.
malcriado.
paciente.
perezoso.
serio.
simptico.
sosticado.
tmido.
trabajador.
valiente.

Maria is horrible.
Maria is intelligent.
Maria is bad-mannered.
Maria is patient.
Maria is lazy.
Maria is serious.
Maria is kind.
Maria is sophisticated.
Maria is shy.
Maria is hard-working.
Maria is brave.

pobre.
rico.
de clase media.

Maria is poor.
Maria is rich.
Maria is middle class.

WEALTH
pobre.
rica.
de clase media.

- 50 -

Conversation Time

With all these descriptions, you can describe anyone! As Carmona found out when she
was trying to explain to Carlos

Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:

Conoc a una nueva amiga hoy.

Que bueno. Cmo se llama?
Se llama Andrea, y es abogada.
Debe ser rica.
No, no es rica. Es como nosotros. Es de clase media.
Es bonita?
S. Es rubia, y tiene ojos azules.
De dnde es?
Es de los Estados Unidos. Es muy tmida, en realidad.
No lo creo. Una abogada americana tan bonita?
No tiene por qu ser tmida!

Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:

I met a new friend today.

How great. Whats her name?
Her name is Andrea, and she is a lawyer.
She must be rich.
No, she isnt rich. She is like us. Shes middle class.
Is she pretty?
Yes. She is blond and has blue eyes.
Where is she from?
She is from the United States. Shes very shy, really.
I dont believe it. An American lawyer that pretty?
She doesnt have any reason to be shy!

- 51 -

3.2

Las Emociones
Feelings

You didnt learn many ways to answer the question, Cmo ests? in lesson 1.1. Now
that you know a bit more Spanish, you can try answering in a bit more complex way.
Maybe you want to say that youre worried, busy, bored, or happy.
Its easy to do! Add one of the words in the following table to Estoy

Estoy
aburrido.
asustado.

aburrida.
asustada.

Im bored.
Im frightened.

avergonzado.
cansado.
celoso.
contento.
emocionado.
enfadado.
enojado.
feliz.
nervioso.
ocupado.
preocupado.
sorprendido.
tranquilo.
triste.

avergonzada.
cansada.
celosa.
contenta.
emocionada.
enfadada.
enojada.
feliz.
nerviosa.
ocupada.
preocupada.
sorprendida.
tranquila.
triste.

Im embarrassed.
Im tired.
Im jealous.
Im happy, content.
Im excited.
Im enraged.
Im angry.
Im happy.
Im nervous.
Im busy.
Im worried.
Im surprised.
Im calm.
Im sad.

You can also talk about some common feelings with the word, Tengo The following
are the most commonly used.
Tengo
miedo.
prisa.
vergenza.

Im scared.
Im in a hurry.
Im embarrassed.

- 52 -

Conversation Time
See if you can recognize emotions with this conversation. Carlos and Carmona are in a
hurry to get to the soccer game, and theyre stuck in trafc.

Carlos:
Carmona:

Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:

Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:

Qu coraje! Tengo prisa.

Estoy emocionada. Va a ser un buen partido!
Por mi parte, estoy enojado con este trco.
Tranquilo, tranquilo. Llegaremos. Estoy contenta estar
aqu contigo.
Estoy cansado de todo este trco.
Basta, Carlos.

How infuriating! Im in a hurry.

Im excited. Its going to be a good game!
For me, Im angry with this trafc.
Calm down, calm down. Well arrive. Im happy being
here with you.
Im tired of all this trafc.
Thats enough, Carlos.

- 53 -

3.3

El Clima
The Weather

Knowing how to ask about the weather is extremely important if youre traveling. Youll
need to know what sort of weather gear to pack and whether to plan to go outside
or stay inside. In this lesson, youll learn a variety of questions, phrases, and words to
describe the weather as well as weather-related clothing.

Cmo est el clima? Whats the weather like?

In Lesson 3.3 of the Beginners Book, youll learn more about how to ask what the
weather is like. For now, just review some of the most common.
Cmo est el clima?
Cmo est el clima all?
Cmo est por afuera?
Cmo est por adentro?
Qu tiempo hace?
Qu tiempo hace en Barcelona?
Cul es el pronstico del tiempo
para hoy?

Hows the weather?

Hows the weather over there?
Whats it like outside?
Whats it like inside?
Whats the weather like?
Whats the weather like in Barcelona?
Whats the weather forecast for today?

Here are a few possible responses.

Est granizando.
Est haciendo una tormenta.
Est helado.
Est hmedo.
Est lloviendo.
Est lloviznando.
Est nevando.
Est nublado.
Est despejado.
Hace (mucho) sol.
Hace (mucho) calor.
Hace (mucho) fro.
Hace (muy) buen clima.
Hace (muy) mal clima.
Me parece que va a llover/nevar
Va a llover/hacer sol/hacer fro
Vamos a estar adentro.
Vamos a estar afuera.

Its hailing.
Its storming.
Its icy.
Its damp.
Its raining.
Its drizzling.
Its snowing.
Its cloudy.
Its clear.
Its (very) sunny.
Its (very) hot.
Its (very) cold.
The weather is (very) good.
The weather is (very) bad.
It seems to me that its going to rain/
snow
Its going to rain/be sunny/be cold
Were going to be inside.
Were going to be outside.
- 54 -

Palabras para el Clima

Words for the Weather
Here are some basic weather conditions that you might hear.
aguacero
arco iris
brisa
granizos
hielo
inundacin
llovizna
lluvia
neblina
niebla
nieve
nube
rayo
relmpago
terremoto
tormenta
trueno

downpour
rainbow
breeze
hail
ice
ood
drizzle
rain
mist, light fog
fog
snow
cloud
ray of lightning
lightning
earthquake
storm
thunder

La Temperatura
The Temperature
You read the temperature, la temperatura, on a thermometer, or un termmetro. Be
careful with this word, however. La temperatura usually refers to body temperature
rather than the temperature outside. Ask what temperature it is outside with the following
phrase:

Cuntos grados hacen?

How many degrees is it?
The word for degrees is grados. Your answer will be in degrees Celsius, or grados
centgrados. A sample answer is

Hacen once grados centgrados.

It is 11 degrees Celsius.

- 55 -

Tienes Calor o Fro?

Are You Hot or Cold?
If the weather is no good, you may want to say that youre hot, cold, wet, or miserable!
Here are some useful phrases.
Tengo fro.
Tengo calor.
Estoy mojado.
(for men)
Estoy mojada.
(for women)
Me voy a enfermar.

Im cold.
Im hot.
Im wet.
Im going to get sick.

Ropa para el Mal Clima

Clothes for Bad Weather
Part of dealing with weather conditions is having the appropriate clothing. If youre
unclear about what clothing you should bring, ask
Qu tipo de ropa debo traer?
What sort of clothing should I bring?
Answers may include:
Un abrigo.
Unas botas de caucho.
Unas botas de cuero.
Una bufanda.
Una chaqueta.
Crema del sol.
Unas gafas.
Una gorra.
Un impermeable.
Un paraguas.
Ropa caliente.
Ropa liviana.
Unas sandalias.
Un sombrero.
Un suter.
Un traje de bao.

A coat.
Some rubber boots.
Some leather boots.
A scarf.
A jacket.
Sunscreen.
Some sunglasses.
A baseball cap.
A raincoat.
An umbrella.
Warm clothing.
Light clothing.
Some sandals.
A hat.
A sweater.
A swimsuit.

- 56 -

Conversation Time
Now youre ready to hear some of these words and phrases in a conversation! Listen as
Carlos and Carmona sit through a freezing soccer match.

Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:

Ai, qu fro!
Est helado. Tienes fro? Quieres mi chaqueta?
No, estoy bien. Tengo un sombrero y una bufanda.
Mira. Ahora est granizando!
Dnde est el impermeable?
Aqu est. Qu mal clima!
Me parece que va a nevar.
Vamos adentro. Hace demasiado fro aqu.

Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:

Aye, how cold it is!

Its freezing. Are you cold? Do you want my jacket?
No, Im ne. I have a hat and a scarf.
Look. Now its hailing!
Where is the raincoat?
Here it is. What terrible weather!
It looks like its going to snow.
Lets go inside. Its too cold here.

- 57 -

3.4

El Tuyo y El Mo
Yours and Mine

There are so many situations in which you need to talk about to whom something belongs.
For example

You are sitting on a park bench, and an old lady sitting next to you nudges you
and points to a jacket that has been dropped on the ground. Is that yours? Es
suyo?

You are checking in at the airport, and the customs inspector asks you, Are
those bags yours? Son esas las maletas suyas?

You are on a bus, and the passenger next to you takes your backpack from the
overhead rack and starts to leave with it. Excuse me! you say. That backpack
is mine. Perdn, esa mochila es ma.

In this lesson, youre going to learn how to say all of these phrases, so that you can make
sure that you dont lose your possessions.

De Quin Es?
Whose is it?
Asking to whom something belongs is easy in Spanish.
De quin es?
Whose is it?
With this phrase, you can ask who the coat belongs to, or who the seat belongs to, or
who the lovely voice belongs to. If you want to be more specic than just, Whose is it?
you can add a noun at the end to create questions like Whose is the coat? Whose house
is it? Lets look at some examples.
De quin es
el abrigo?
el asiento?

Whose coat is this?

Whose seat is this?

la maleta?
la mochila?
ste?
se?

Whose suitcase is this?

Whose backpack is this?
Whose is this?
Whose is that?

The answer can take a variety of forms. You might wish to say,

The coat is Daniels.

The coat is hers.
The coat is mine.

Lets look at each of these in turn.

- 58 -

 El abrigo es de Daniel.
The coat is Daniels.
If you want to say that something belongs to one person in particular, you will use Es
de followed by the name.

De quin es el abrigo? Es de Daniel.

Whose coat is this? Its Daniels.

De quin es la casa? Es la casa de los seores Hernndez.

Whose house is this? Its the house of Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez.

De quin son las maletas? Las maletas son de la Seorita Lpez.

Whose suitcases are these? The suitcases are Miss Lopezs.

El abrigo es de ella.
The coat is hers.
You can also replace the persons name with a personal pronoun like he, she, we, and
they.

De quin es el asiento? Es de l.
Whose seat is this? Its his.

De quin es la habitacin? Es de nosotros.

Whose room is this? Its ours.

De quin son los boletos? Son de ellos.

Whose tickets are these? Theyre theirs.

El abrigo es mo.
The coat is mine.
If you want to say that something is mine or yours, you have to learn some new words.
mo
tuyo
suyo

mine
yours (informal)
yours (formal)

Lets look at some examples.

De quin es la mochila? Es ma.

Whose backpack is it? Its mine.

De quin es ste? Es mo.

Whose is this? Its mine.

De quin es el plato? Es suyo.

Whose plate (of food) is it? Its yours.

You can also use these words to tell someone that its yours, not theirs, or vice versa.

Es mo, no es suyo.

Its mine, its not yours.

Es suyo, no es mo.

Its yours, its not mine.

- 59 -

Es de ellos, no de nosotros.

Its theirs, not ours.

Es de Anita, no de Carla.

Its Anitas, not Carlas.

Tu Abrigo, Mi Abrigo
Your Coat, My Coat
One nal way in which you can talk about whats yours is by putting the word mi in front
of a noun.

mi celular
mi hotel
mi pasaporte
mi vuelo
mis llaves

my cellphone
my hotel
my passport
my ight
my keys

If you want to talk about your ight, keys, or hotel, just put the word tu (informal) or su
(formal) in front of a noun.

tu celular
tu hotel
su pasaporte
su vuelo
sus llaves

your cellphone
your hotel
your passport
your ight
your keys

Here are some common sentences that you might hear.

At the airport: Su pasaporte, seor? Your passport, sir?
At the hotel: Aqu estn sus llaves. Here are your keys.
At the travel agency: Su vuelo sale a las ocho. Your ight leaves at eight
oclock.

- 60 -

Conversation Time
Now that you know how to talk about what belongs to you and what belongs to
someone else, lets see if you can understand this new vocabulary in the context of a
conversation.
Carlos, tienes mi llave?
No, no tengo tu llave. Por qu?
Porque no s donde est.

She picks up a key lying on the window sill.

Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:

De quin es esta llave?

Es ma. No es tuya.
Vale.

She sets the key down again, sighing.

Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:

Dnde estar?
No est en el bolsillo de tu abrigo?
Voy a ver. Ah! Aqu est. Qu felicidad!
Qu bueno.

Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:

Carlos, do you have my key?

No, I dont have your key. Why?
Because I dont know where it is.

She picks up a key lying on the window sill.

Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:

Whose key is this?

Its mine. Its not yours.
Okay.

She sets the key down again, sighing.

Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:

Where could it be?

It isnt in the pocket of your coat?
Ill look. Ah! Here it is. What happiness!
How great.
- 61 -

Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:

Part Four:

Vamos a Hacer
Compras!
Were Going to Go Shopping

By now, you should know quite a few basic words

and phrases in Spanish. With what you know
already, you can communicate in a variety of
situations. Sometimes, though, youll need a bit
more specialized vocabulary. From this section on,
youre going to learn useful words and phrases for
more specic situations: for buying, for traveling,
for social engagements, and more. Right now,
lets learn about shopping!

- 62 -

4.1

Las Compras
Shopping

If youre going to go shopping, you need to know your numbers perfectly. Depending
on whether youre talking about dollars (Ecuador, El Salvador), pesos (Mexico, Chile), or
euros (Spain), you need to be able to ask how much something costs and understand
the response. Knowing numbers is especially important when bargaining. Youll learn
more about bargaining in the next section.
To begin with, lets talk about money. Money in Spanish is:

el dinero
la plata (literally silver an informal term for money)

There are many currencies in Latin America, from the real (Brazil) to the bolivar (Venezuela) to the nuevo sol (Per). The three most common are the dollar, the peso, and the
euro. Here they are in Spanish.

Currencies

Las Monedas
dlares (un dlar)
centavos (un centavo)
euros (un euro)
pesos (un peso)

dollars
cents
euros
pesos

Unlike in English, you cant say that something that costs $1.25 is one twenty-ve. In
Spanish, youll have to say the complete phrase: it is one dollar and twenty-ve cents.
Cuesta un dlar y veinte cinco centavos.
If the currency is pesos, you may nd yourself dealing with very large numbers, such as
15,000 pesos. Remember that

cien = a hundred
mil = a thousand
un milln = a million

The question How much does it cost? can be asked in several ways.

Cunto cuesta?
Cunto vale?
Qu precio tiene?

The most common is the rst phrase: Cunto cuesta?

- 63 -

The answer will usually start with Cuesta followed by the money amount. For
example,

Cunto cuesta?
How much does it cost?

Cuesta diez dlares y veinte centavos.

It costs $10.20.

Cunto cuestan los zapatos?

How much do the shoes cost?

Cuestan ochenta dlares.

They cost $80.

Cunto cuesta un caf?

How much does a coffee cost?

Cuesta dos euros y cincuenta centavos.

It costs 2.50.

Cunto cuesta el pasaje de bus? El pasaje cuesta mil pesos.

How much does the bus fare cost? The fare costs 1,000 pesos.

Las Tiendas
Shops
When you go shopping, youre probably looking for a certain type of shop. You may
need a grocery store, a department store, or a clothing store. Here are some types of
shops that you might need to nd.
el almacn
el centro comercial
el correo
el mercado
el supermercado
el vendedor
la carnicera
la farmacia
la lavandera
la librera
la panadera
la pastelera
la tienda
la tienda de msica
la tienda de ropa

store, department store

shopping center
post ofce
market
supermarket
vendor
the butcher
pharmacy
laundromat
bookstore
bakery
pastry shop
store, shop
music store
clothing store

- 64 -

Comprar y Vender
To Buy and to Sell
Once youve found the right shop, you need to nd what youre looking for. Use the
following words and phrases to nd what you need, gure out how much it costs, tell the
vendor how many you want, and explain how youd like to pay.
Busco
Cunto cuesta?
Cuesta cada uno.
Cuntos?
Cuntos quiere?
Para cuntas personas?
Tiene ms?
Quiere probrselo?
Lo llevo.

Im looking for
How much does it cost?
Each one costs
How many?
How many do you want?
For how many people?
Do you have more?
Would you like to try it on?
Ill take it.

Como Pagar
How to Pay
Cmo desea pagar?
Por crdito.
Por cheque.
Por cheque de viajero.
En efectivo.
Puedo pagar con cheque de viajero?
Cul es el nmero de su tarjeta de crdito?
Puede rmar aqu?

How would you like to pay?

By credit.
By check.
By travelers cheque.
With cash.
Can I pay with a travelers cheque?
What is your credit card number?
Can you sign here?

Los Mtodos de Pagar

Methods of Payment
el cheque
el cheque de viajero
la tarjeta de crdito
el recibo, la factura

check
travelers cheque
credit card
receipt

Once you know the basics of buying, you can buy clothing, food, souvenirs, or
anything! For right now, see if you can put your new vocabulary to use in purchasing
clothing.
- 65 -

La Ropa
Clothing
el bolsillo
el suter
el vestido
la camisa
la camiseta
la falda
las mangas
la ropa interior
los pantalones
los pantalones cortos
sin mangas

pocket
sweater
dress
shirt
t-shirt
skirt
sleeves
underwear
trousers, pants
shorts
sleeveless

Los Colores
Colors
rojo, colorado, tinto
naranja, tomate, anaranjado
amarillo
verde
azul
morado, prpura
negro
gris
blanco
(azul) oscuro
(azul) claro

- 66 -

red
orange
yellow
green
blue
purple
black
gray
white
dark (blue)
light (blue)

El Estilo
Style
Qu talla lleva?
talla
talla mediana
talla pequea, talla chica
talla grande
Es muy grande.
Es muy pequeo.
Es muy corto.
Es muy largo.
Me queda bien.
Me queda mal.
Es de muy buena calidad.
Es de muy mala calidad.

What size do you wear?

size
medium size
small size
large size
Its very large.
Its very small.
Its very short.
Its very long.
It looks good on me.
It looks bad on me.

Es de algodn.
Es de lana.
Es de seda.
Es muy liviano.
Es muy no.
Es muy grueso.
Pica.

Its made of cotton.

Its made of wool.
Its made of silk.
Its very light.
Its very ne.
Its very thick.
It itches.

Its very good quality.

Its very bad quality.

La Tela
Fabric

- 67 -

Conversation Time

See if you can understand the following conversation, in which Carmona tries on a dress
at a shop.
Buenas tardes, seora. Cmo le puedo ayudar?
Busco una falda roja.
Aqu tenemos muchas faldas. Qu piensa de sta?
No s. Es muy liviana. Es de seda?
No, no. Es de algodn.
Ah. Puedo probrmela?
Claro. Los vestidores estn all.

Hombre:
Carmona:
Hombre:
Carmona:
Hombre:
Carmona:
Hombre:

Carmona tries on the dress.

Carmona:
Hombre:
Carmona:
Hombre:
Carmona:
Hombre:
Carmona:

Es muy corta.
Es el estilo.
Tiene otro estilo?
Claro. Tengo sta.
Qu bonita! La tiene en una talla mediana?
S.
La llevo. Gracias!

Man:
Carmona:
Man:

Good afternoon, maam. How can I help you?

Im looking for a red dress.
Here we have many dresses. What do you think of this
one?
I dont know. Its very light. Is it silk?
No, no. Its cotton.
Ah. Can I try it on?
Of course. The dressing rooms are there.

Carmona:
Man:
Carmona:
Man:

Carmona tries on the dress.

Carmona:
Man:
Carmona:
Man:
Carmona:
Man:
Carmona:

Its very short.

Its the style.
Do you have another style?
Of course. I have this one.
How pretty! Do you have it in a medium?
Yes.
Ill take it. Thank you!
- 68 -

4.2

Regateo
Bargaining

Bargaining is a way of life in many Latin American countries, so it may be worth your
while to invest some time in learning how to do it. Here are some bargaining tips:

The best places to bargain are markets. However, if prices are marked, they are
probably precios jos, or xed prices.
The best time to get a real bargain is when the markets are about to close for
the day. Just remember that the selection may be less, because the best items
usually go quickly.
Bargaining is expected in most traditional markets, so never agree to the rst
offered price.
Make sure you know what a fair price is for the item you want. Ask a local if
possible.
Decide how much you want to pay in advance. Sometimes, if you cant agree
on a price and end up walking away, the vendor will capitulate and offer you a
super-low price.
Always be courteous. Some small conversation sets up a comfortable
environment for bargaining to begin.
Your rst offer should usually be about half of the original offer.
If you buy in quantity, ask for a discount.
If a price is reasonable, accept it. Dont quibble over a few cents if it doesnt
make that much difference to you.

When you bargain, youre going to need to know some basic vocabulary.
Es muy caro.
Es muy barato.
Hay algo ms barato?
Le doy
comprar
vender
recuerdos

Its very expensive.

Its very cheap.
Is there something less expensive?
Ill give you
to buy
to sell
souvenirs

regalos
precio
un buen precio
un precio jo
descuento
liquidacin
rebaja
rebajar

gifts, presents
price
a good price
a xed price
discount
sale
discounted prices
to reduce price
to bargain
all prices reduced
sales

regatear
todos precios rebajados
ventas

- 69 -

Conversation Time
See if you can understand this conversation, in which Carmona haggles with a street
merchant for a wool sweater.
Buenos das, seor.
Buenas das, seora.
Qu lindo el suter.
S. Es de muy buena calidad.
Es de lana?
Claro que s. Quiere probrselo?
No, gracias. Tiene uno de talla pequea?
S.
Hay otros colores?
Tengo el suter en color caf, negro, y crema.
Me gusta ste. Qu precio tiene?
Cuesta 15 dlares.
Es muy caro. Le doy $8.
No, lo siento. $13 est bien.
Trece! No hay como. $10.
$12. No puedo rebajarlo ms.
Ya, est bien.

Carmona:
Vendor:
Carmona:
Vendor:
Carmona:
Vendor:
Carmona:
Vendor:
Carmona:
Vendor:
Carmona:
Vendor:
Carmona:
Vendor:
Carmona:
Vendor:
Carmona:

Good morning, sir.

Good morning, maam.
How pretty this sweater is.
Yes. Its very good quality.
Is it wool?
Of course. Would you like to try it on?
No, thank you. Do you have one in a small?
Yes.
Are there other colors?
I have the sweater in brown, black, and cream.
I like this one. What price does it have?
It costs $15.
Its very expensive. Ill give you $8.
No, Im sorry. $13 is okay.
Thirteen! Theres no way. $10.
$12. I cant reduce it any more.
Yeah, okay.

Carmona:
Vendedor:
Carmona:
Vendedor:
Carmona:
Vendedor:
Carmona:
Vendedor:
Carmona:
Vendedor:
Carmona:
Vendedor:
Carmona:
Vendedor:
Carmona:
Vendedor:
Carmona:

- 70 -

4.3

El Hotel
The Hotel

When youre traveling to a foreign country, youll need to be able to reserve a room at a
hotel. In this lesson, youll learn all the necessary vocabulary to do so in Spanish.
Lets start out with some basic questions that you might want to ask about a hotel before
you make a reservation for a room.
Cunto cuesta la noche?
Cunto cuesta una habitacin?
Tiene bao privado?
Tiene agua caliente?
Ofrece un desayuno gratis?
A qu hora necesito desocupar la
habitacin?

How much is a night?

How much is a room?
Does it have a private bathroom?
Does it have hot water?
Does it offer a free breakfast?
At what time do I need to check out of
the room?
Do I pay now or later?

Pago ahora o despus?

When you ask how much a room is, the receptionist at the hotel will need to know for
how many people and for how many nights.
Para cuntas personas?
Por cuntas noches?

For how many people?

For how many nights?

The receptionist may also ask whether you want a single room or double room.
una individual
una doble

a single room
a double room

Your answer may look like this.

Para dos personas
Por una noche.

For two people.

For one night.

If you decide that you want to reserve a room, tell the receptionist:
Quiero hacer una reservacin.

I want to make a reservation.

Una reservacin is a reservation.

- 71 -

Two useful words to know at this point are la habitacin, the room, and disponible, or
available. The receptionist may respond:
Tengo una habitacin disponible.
No tengo ninguna habitacin disponible.

I have an available room.

I dont have a room available.

Make sure to refer to Lesson 1.6 for information on how to ll out the guest register.
Lesson 4.1 includes information on how to pay for your hotel room.
Once youve checked in, the receptionist will give you your key and tell you what room
number youre in.
la llave
Estoy en la habitacin nmero 5.

the key
Im in room number 5.

You may wish to know where the following are:

Dnde est
la recepcin?
el ascensor?

Where is reception?
Where is the elevator?

la piscina?

Where is the swimming pool?

el restaurante?

Where is the restaurant?

Directions will be given with reference to oors.

planta baja
primer piso
segundo piso
tercer piso
cuarto piso

ground oor
rst oor
second oor
third oor
fourth oor

If your room isnt equipped with all the facilities youd like, here are some useful
phrases.
Necesito ms toallas.
Necesito ms jabn.
Necesito ms papel higinico.
Necesito una manta ms.
Necesito sbanas limpias.

I need more towels.

I need more soap.
I need more toilet paper.
I need one more blanket.
I need clean sheets.

- 72 -

Here are a few nal words that might come in handy.

una cama matrimonial

agua caliente / agua fra
un bao privado / compartido
desayuno gratis
privacidad
tranquilo
bullicioso
limpio
sucio
calefactor
aire acondicionado

a double bed (for two people)

hot water / cold water
a private / shared bathroom
free breakfast
privacy
peaceful, quiet
noisy
clean
dirty
heater
air conditioning

- 73 -

Conversation Time
Carlos is trying to reserve a room for himself and Carmona. See if you can understand
the following conversation.

Carlos:
Recepcionista:
Carlos:
Recepcionista:
Carlos:
Recepcionista:
Carlos:
Recepcionista:

Carlos:
Receptionist:
Carlos:
Receptionist:
Carlos:
Receptionist:
Carlos:
Receptionist:
Carlos:
Receptionist:
Carlos:
Receptionist:
Carlos:
Receptionist:

Necesito una habitacin.

Muy bien, seor. Para cuntas personas?
Para dos. Cunto cuesta?
Cuesta setenta y nueve dlares.
Est bien.
Cmo desea pagar? Por crdito, por cheque, o
en efectivo?
Por crdito.
Cul es el nmero de su tarjeta de crdito?
Aqu est.
Cmo se llama usted?
Me llamo Carlos Morales.
Muy bien. Necesito su nmero telefnico y
direccin, por favor.
Mi nmero telefnico es 555-555, y mi direccin es
nmero 265, la Calle Santiago, en la ciudad de
Pueblo Rojo.
Gracias, seor. Aqu est su llave. Est en la
habitacin nmero 105. Bienvenido.

Carlos:
Recepcionista:
Carlos:
Recepcionista:
Carlos:
Recepcionista:

I need a room.
Very well, sir. For how many people?
For two. How much will it cost?
It will cost $79.00.
Thats okay.
How would you like to pay? By credit, by check, or
with cash?
By credit.
Whats your credit card number?
Here it is.
What is your name?
My name is Carlos Morales.
Very well. I need your telephone number and
address, please.
My telephone number is 555-555, and my address is
number 265, Santiago Street, in the city of Pueblo
Rojo.
Thank you, sir. Here is your key. Youre in room
number 105. Welcome.
- 74 -

4.4

El Restaurante
The Restaurant

Once you learn how to order at a restaurant in Spanish, you can practice your Spanish
locally. Most major cities have Spanish, Mexican, or Latin American restaurants. Dont
be embarrassed about telling the waiter or waitress that youre learning Spanish (Estoy
aprendiendo espaol). Most Spanish-speakers enjoy sharing their native language with
you.
This lesson will take you step by step through the process of ordering at a restaurant.
When you arrive at a restaurant, you may want to see the menu.
Puedo ver el men?

Can I see the menu?

The maitre d may ask you

Tiene reservaciones?

Do you have reservations?

You can answer,

S, tengo reservaciones.
No, no tengo reservaciones.

Yes, I have reservations.

No, I dont reservations.

If you want to make reservations, ask for

Una mesa para dos.

A table for two.

or for how ever many people you like.

Once youve looked at the menu and decided what you want to order, the waiter (el
camarero or el mesero) or the waitress (la camarera or la mesera) will ask you,
Qu le gustara comer?
Qu le gustara tomar?

What would you like to eat?

What would you like to drink?

Or, they might ask you:

Algo para tomar?
Algo para comer?

Something to drink?
Something to eat?

- 75 -

The word comer means to eat. The word tomar means to drink.
In response, you might ask,
Qu me recomienda?

What do you recommend?

If you want to know what the daily specials or soup of the day are, ask:
Cul es el especial del da?
Cul es la sopa del da?

Whats the daily special?

Whats the soup of the day?

The waiter may tell you

Nos especializamos en

We specialize in

Platos Fuertes
Main Dishes
bistec
chuleta
carne de res
pollo
pavo
pescado
mariscos
hamburguesa
sopa
crema de
ensalada
vegetales
papas (patatas)
papas fritas
pur de papas
papas al horno

steak
chop
beef
chicken
turkey
sh
seafood
hamburger
soup
cream of
salad
vegetables
potatoes
French fries
mashed potatoes
baked potatoes

If you order meat, the waiter will ask you,

Cmo lo desea?

How would you like it?

- 76 -

How would you like your steak? Here are some options. Notice that there are several
ways of saying each.
rare
medium rare
well-done

poco hecha

casi cruda

medio hecha
bien hecha

medio cruda
bien cocinada

If there are options, like side dishes, the waiter may ask you:
Cul preere?

Which would you prefer?

Preero

I prefer

You can answer,

Bebidas
Drinks
agua mineral
cerveza
jugo (de naranja, de manzana)
leche
vino blanco
vino tinto

mineral water
beer
juice (orange, apple)
milk
white wine
red wine

Once your order arrives, you may have this to say about your food.
Est caliente.
Est fra.
Qu rico!

Its hot.
Its cold.
How delicious!

Qu delicioso!

How delicious!

When you nish your meal, tell the waiter:

La cuenta, por favor.

The check, please.

You may want to leave una propina, or a tip.

- 77 -

Conversation Time

Now, lets put everything you learned into practice! Listen as Carlos and Carmona
order at a restaurant.
Mesero:
Carlos:
Mesero:
Carlos:
Mesero:

Buenas noches. Tienen reservaciones?

No, no tenemos reservaciones.
Hmm. Para cuntas personas?
Para dos.
S, tenemos una mesa para dos. Sganme, por favor.

Carlos and Carmona are seated at a table.

Mesera:
Carlos:
Mesera:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Mesera:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Mesera:
Carlos:
Mesera:

Buenas noches. Qu se les ofrece?

Buenas noches. Cul es el especial del da?
Es pescado frito, un plato muy rico.
No quiero mariscos. Me gustara una ensalada.
Vale. Bueno, a m me gustara el pescado.
Quieren algo para tomar?
Qu quieres, Carmona?
Quiero un vaso de vino blanco.
Igual para m.
Algo ms?
No, gracias.
Bueno. Si me necesitan, llmenme.

Maitre d:
Carlos:
Maitre d:
Carlos:
Maitre d:

Good evening. Do you have reservations?

No, we dont have reservations.
Hmm. For how many people?
For two.
Yes, we have a table for two. Follow me, please.

Carlos and Carmona are seated at a table.

Waitress:
Carlos:
Waitress:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Waitress:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Waitress:
Carlos:
Waitress:

Good evening. What can I offer you?

Good evening. Whats the daily special?
It is fried sh, a very delicious dish.
I dont want seafood. Id like a salad.
Okay. Well, for me, Id like the sh.
Do you want something to drink?
What do you want, Carmona?
I want a glass of white wine.
The same for me.
Anything else?
No, thank you.
Good. If you need me, call.
- 78 -

Part Five:

La Fiesta!
The Party

Who wants to know how to party? In

this section of the course, youll learn
all the vocabulary you need to know
about giving a party, buying presents,
planning games, and more. Youll even
learn how to tell someone youre late for
their party, useful when you nd yourself
running behind! So lets party!

- 79 -

5.1

Feliz Cumpleaos!
Happy Birthday!

Parties are a big deal in Latin America. Birthday parties are fun occasions for children and
adults alike, with presents, birthday cake, dancing, and games. Birthday party traditions
vary among countries and families, just as they do in the U.S., but three characteristics
that are distinctive of Latin American celebrations are:
1. The Breaking of the Piata
In birthday celebrations in Mexico, Central America, and Colombia, birthday celebrations
often include the breaking of a piata. A piata is a decorated gure, such as an animal
or a cartoon character, fashioned from cardboard and paper mache. It is lled with
candy, tiny trinkets, or coins and hung at head level. Blindfolded children take turns
striking at the piata with a stick until it breaks, upon which all the children scramble for
the candy.
2. La Quinceaera
For Latin American girls, their most important birthday is not sweet sixteen but fteen.
In Spanish, fteen is quince, so a girls fteenth birthday is called a quinceaera. The
quinceaera marks the girls formal entrance into society as a woman. Theyre magical
occasions with music, dancing, food, and wine owing all night. The girl, dressed in
formal gown and tiara, is the star of the night.
3. El Da de Santo
The only thing better than one birthday party is two! Kids in Latin America often enjoy
two special celebrations: their birthday (the day on which they were born) and their
Saints Day. In the Catholic calendar, every day is assigned to a particular saint. Your Saint
Day is the day of the saint who has the same name as you.

Ests Invitado!
Youre Invited!
Lets say that someone has just invited you to a party! Heres what they might say.
Voy a dar una esta.
Ests invitado.
Te invito.
Puedes venir?

Im going to give a party.

Youre invited.
I invite you.
Can you come?

You can answer,

S, puedo venir a tu esta.
No, no puedo venir.

Yes, I can come to your party.

No, I cant come.
- 80 -

You may also want to ask a few questions about the party, like
Para qu es?
Para quin es?
Cuntos aos va a cumplir?
Es una sorpresa?
Cundo es la esta?
Dnde est la esta?
Cuntas personas vienen?
Quin ms viene?
Qu traigo?

Whats it for?
Whos it for?
How old is he or she going to be?
Is it a surprise?
When is the party?
Where is the party?
How many people are coming?
Who else is coming?
What do I bring?

You can conclude with,

No puedo esperar!

I cant wait!

A Quin Invito?
Who Do I invite?
If youre giving a party yourself, you may want to ask yourself, Who is coming to my
party? Quin viene a mi esta? Chances are your guest list will include some of the
following people.
Los Invitados

The Guests

amigos
parejas
vecinos
compaeros de trabajo
hermanos
padres

friends
partners
neighbors
co-workers
brothers and sisters
parents

abuelos
nietos
primos
sobrinos
tos

grandparents
grandchildren
cousins
nieces and nephews
aunts and uncles

- 81 -

Conversation Time

Carmona is planning a surprise birthday for Carlos, and she enlists the help of her friend
Elena.

Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:

Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:

Hola, Elena!
Hola, Carmen. Qu hay de nuevo?
Bueno, tengo una sorpresa. Carlos cumple treinta y dos
aos el sbado.
S? Qu bueno. Vas a tener una esta?
Claro. Y ests invitado!
Gracias, Carmona. Te puedo ayudar?
S. Necesito mucha ayuda.
Vas a invitar a muchas personas?
Voy a invitar a todos nuestros amigos y familia.
Tantas personas! Qu puedo traer?
Puedes traer un plato pequeo de algo para comer?
Claro que s. Qu ms?
Nada ms. Mis padres van a traer un pollo, y mis tos van a
traer una torta gigante.
Chvere! No puedo esperar.

Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:

Hello, Elena!
Hi, Carmen. Whats new?
Well, I have a surprise. Carlos turns thirty-two Saturday.
Really? How great. Are you going to have a party?
Of course. And youre invited!
Thank you, Carmona. Can I help you?
Yes. I need a lot of help.
Are you going to invite many people?
Im going to invite all our friends and family.
So many people! What can I bring?
Can you bring a small plate of something to eat?
Of course I can. What else?
Nothing else. My parents are going to bring a chicken,
and my aunt and uncle are going to bring a big cake.
Cool! I cant wait.
- 82 -

5.2

Las Citas
Dates

If youre scheduling a party, an appointment, or a date, you need to know how to set up
meeting times in Spanish! In this lesson, youre going to learn about how to write up an
invitation.
First of all, here are three types of dates you might need to schedule:
una cita
una esta
una reunin

a date, an appointment
a party
a meeting, a reunion

The word cita can be a bit confusing to English speakers. Whereas we clearly distinguish
between a personal date and a professional appointment, the same word (cita) means
both in Spanish. That means that you actually make a date with your doctor.

Tengo una cita con el doctor.

Tengo una cita con mi novio.

I have an appointment with the doctor.

I have a date with my boyfriend.

The word reunin also has two meetings: meeting and reunion (in the sense of a class
reunion). For example,

Necesitamos tener una reunin pronto.

We need to have a meeting soon.

Tengo una reunin familiar en febrero.

I have a family reunion in February.

Las Invitaciones
Invitations
Whether youre planning a meeting, a date, or a party, you have to know when and
where to meet. You should also know who is coming, what the purpose of the meeting
is, and whether food or drink will be offered.
Here are a few useful words to start you on your planning.
invitar
las invitaciones
los invitados
preparar
las preparaciones
planear
los planes

to invite
the invitations
the guests
to prepare
the preparations
to plan
the plans
- 83 -

If you want to convince people to attend your party, you have to make it sound fun. The
phrases below will help you do that.
Es un da muy especial (para nosotros).
Va a ser un da espectacular.
Va a ser muy divertido.
Vamos a celebrar.
Vamos a divertirnos.
Vamos a festejar.

Its a very special day (for us).

It will be a spectacular day.
It will be very fun.
Were going to celebrate.
Were going to have fun.
Were going to party.

If youre writing up a party invitation, here is a sample format:

Te invito a mi esta!
Tema: Vestido formal
Fecha: El 2 de junio
Hora: 5:30pm
Lugar: La casa de Anita
No faltes!

Im inviting you to my party!

Theme: Formal dr
Date: June 2
Time: 5:30pm
Place: Anitas house
Dont miss it!

Heres another sample format for a birthday party.

Anita cumple 23 aos!

Cundo? El 2 de junio, 5:30pm
Dnde? Su casa
Qu llevo? Vestido formal
Qu traigo? Solo t mismo
Te veo alli!
Anitas turning 23!
When? June 2, 5:30pm
Where? Her house
What Do I Wear? Formal dr
What Do I Bring? Just yourself
Ill see you there!
- 84 -

Cundo Nos Encontramos?

When Should We Meet?
If youre planning to meet up, youll need to schedule a time. Here are some possible
questions you might hear.
A qu hora comienza?
A qu hora termina?
A qu hora nos reunimos?
Cundo te veo?
Cundo nos vemos?

What time does it start?

What time does it end?
What time should we meet?
When will I see you?
When will we see each other?

- 85 -

Conversation Time
Elena has arrived at Carmonas house to help her with the preparations for the birthday
party.

Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:

Cmo van las preparaciones para la esta?

Van muy bien. La esta va a ser muy divertida.
Que bueno. Es un da muy especial para Carlos.
Necesitamos celebrarlo!
As es.
Qu necesitamos hacer hoy?
Puedes ayudarme con las invitaciones?
Claro.
Cada invitacin tiene que decir

Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:

Ven a celebrar con nosotros! Este n de semana, por solo

un da, es el cumpleaos de un hombre muy especial.
Comida, bebidas, baile, juegos, y amigos!
Dnde: 115 Calle Mariposa
Cundo: 15 de agosto, 7:30pm
Les esperamos!

Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:

Cuntas invitaciones tenemos que escribir?

Ciento veinte.
En serio?
S. Tenemos muchos amigos!

Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:

How are the preparations going for the party?

Theyre going very well. The party is going to be very fun.
Great. Its a special day for Carlos. We need to celebrate!
Thats right.
What do we need to do today?
Can you help me with the invitations?
Of course.
Each invitation has to say
Come celebrate with us! This weekend, for only one day,
is the birthday of a very special man. Food, drinks, dance,
games, and friends!
Where: 115 Buttery Street
When: August 15, 7:30pm
Were waiting for you!

Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:

How many invitations do we have to write?

One hundred twenty.
Serious?
Yes. We have many friends!

- 86 -

5.3

Juegos y Premios
Games and Prizes

One of the most fun parts of any party is playing games! In this lesson, youll learn some
fun words, like game and prize.
Lets start out with some basic words related to games.
rbitro
competencia
deportes
equipo (favorito)
juego
jugador
partido
pelota

referee
competition
sports
(favorite) team
game
player
game (in sports)
ball

Be careful with the difference between juego and partido, since they both mean
game.
Juego refers to types of games, such as frisbee or Pin the Tail on the Donkey.
Partido is used in sports to refer to a game of football, volleyball, etc.
With these words, you can say sentences like:

Necesitamos ms jugadores.
Mi equipo favorito juega maana.
No tengo una pelota para jugar.

We need more players.

My favorite team plays tomorrow.
I dont have a ball to play.

Ganadores y Perdedores
Winners and Losers
Once you play a game, you need to be able to talk about who won, who lost, or who
got the grand prize. Here are some useful words to express the outcome of a game.
el ganador
ganar
perder
el premio
el gran premio
el ttulo nacional

the winner
to win
to lose
prize
grand prize
the national title

- 87 -

el primer puesto (also lugar)

el segundo puesto (also
lugar)
el tercer puesto (also lugar)
el ltimo puesto (also lugar)

rst place
second place
third place
last place

To express who won or lost, you need to be able to speak in the past tense. Here are a
few sample sentences using the words in the list above.

Gan la competencia.
Gan el gran premio.
Mi equipo gan el ttulo.
Ganamos el partido.

I won the competition.

I won the grand prize.
My team won the title.
We won the game.

Los Juegos
Games
Qu juegas t? What do you play? You can answer the question with one of the
following:
Juego a las cartas.
Juego bsquetbol.
Juego bisbol.
Juego ftbol americano.
Juego ftbol.
Juego golf.
Juego tenis.
Juego voleibol.

I play cards.
I play basketball.
I play baseball.
I play American football.
I play football (soccer).
I play golf.
I play tennis.
I play volleyball.

If you play music, make sure that you dont use jugar. Use tocar instead.
Toco el clarinete.
Toco el piano.

I play the clarinet.

I play the piano.

Toco el teclado.
Toco el trombn.

I play the keyboard.

I play the trombone.
I play the drums.
I play the ute.
I play the guitar.
I play the trumpet.

Toco los tambores. (also la batera)

Toco la auta.
Toco la guitarra.
Toco la trompeta.

- 88 -

Conversation Time

Carlos, unaware that Carmona is planning a surprise birthday party for him on Saturday,
is planning to watch the football. She has to convince him otherwise.

Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:

Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:

Mi equipo favorito juega el sbado.

Con quin?
Con Los Osos. Va a ser un partido espectacular!
A qu hora comienza?
Comienza a las cinco y media.
A qu hora termina?
Bueno, un partido es noventa minutos, entonces sera
las siete.
Ah! Est bien.
Por qu?
Porque ... mi amiga Elena viene a las siete y media.
Elena puede ver el partido tambin.
No quiere ver el partido. No le gusta.
Bueno.

Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:

My favorite team plays Saturday.

With who?
With the Bears. Its going to be a spectacular game!
When does it start?
It starts at ve thirty.
When does it end?
Well, a game is 90 minutes, so it would be
seven oclock.
Ah! Okay.
Why?
Because ... my friend Elena is coming at seven thirty.
Elena can watch the game, too.
She doesnt want to watch the game. She doesnt like it.
Fine.
- 89 -

5.4

Los Regalos
Presents

Although the party games may be the most fun part of a party for the guests, the best
part of a birthday for the man/woman of honor is arguably the presents! The following
words and phrases will help you select the perfect gift.
Qu quiere para su cumpleaos?
Qu le doy?
Necesito comprar un regalo.

What does he/shewant for his/her birthday?

What do I give him/her?
I need to buy a present.

Estoy buscando un regalo de

cumpleaos.

Im looking for a birthday present.

El regalo es para

The present is for...

un hombre

...a man.
...a woman.
...a boy.
...a girl.

una mujer
un nio
una nia

Regalos Tpicos
Typical Presents
Here are some typical presents that you might give to children, women, or men.
Para Nios For Children
bicicleta
cachorro
gatito
juguete
mueca
oso de peluche
pelota

bicycle
puppy
kitten
toy
doll
teddy bear
ball

Para Mujeres For Women

anillo
animal peluche
bombones
collar
perfume
pulsera
rosas

ring
stuffed animal
chocolate bonbons
necklace
perfume
bracelet
roses
- 90 -

Para Hombres For Men

colonia
boletos a un partido de su equipo
favorito
calcetines
camisa
corbata
maquinilla elctrica
reloj

cologne
tickets to a game of his favorite team
socks
shirt
tie
electric razor
watch

- 91 -

Conversation Time

Carmona is agonizing over what she should buy Carlos for his birthday. She enlists the
help of her friend Elena to make a decision.

Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:

Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:

Qu le puedo comprar a Carlos para su cumpleaos?

Qu quiere?
No s. No quiere nada.
Tal vez una corbata?
Una corbata! Soy su esposa. Necesito comprarle algo
ms caro.
Una corbata de seda?
No, no. Quiero darle un regalo especial.
Un reloj?
Ya tiene un reloj.
Boletos a un concierto?
Ah! Ahora s. Voy a comprar boletos a un partido de
su equipo favorito.
Ustedes ya fueron a un partido de su equipo favorito.
S, pero Carlos siempre quiere ir a los partidos!

Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:
Elena:
Carmona:

What can I buy Carlos for his birthday?

What does he want?
I dont know. He doesnt want anything.
Maybe a tie?
A tie! Im his wife. I need to buy something
more expensive.
A silk tie?
No, no. I want to give him a special gift.
A watch?
He already has a watch.
Tickets to a concert?
Ah! Now I know. I am going to buy tickets to a game of
his favorite team.
You already went to a game of his favorite team.
Yes, but Carlos always wants to go to the games!
- 92 -

5.5

Festejemos!
Lets Party!

When youre ready for a party, youve got to have all the elements in place: the cake, the
candles, the balloons. In this lesson, youre going to learn basic party vocabulary. Youll
also learn how to deal with late guests, or how to explain that youll be arriving late
yourself.

Los Componentes de una Fiesta Ideal

The Components of an Ideal Party
Heres a list of 10 essential elements for a perfect party.
muchos invitados
la torta, el pastel
sabor de chocolate (vainilla)
helado
velas
dulces, golosinas
regalos
juegos
globos
serpentinas

many guests
the cake
chocolate (vanilla) avor
ice cream
candles
sweets
presents
games
balloons
streamers

Qu Hacemos en la Fiesta?
What Do We Do at the Party?
Here are ve activities that you may nd people doing at a party.
Estamos bailando.
Estamos comiendo.

Were dancing.
Were eating.

Estamos conversando.
Estamos jugando.

Were talking (conversing).

Were playing.

Estamos tomando.

Were drinking.
(Usually refers to alcoholic beverages)

- 93 -

Estoy Atrasado!
Im Late!
If you end up running late to a party, a meeting, or a date, youre going to have to inform
the host! Here are some useful phrases to have on hand in case of problems.
Estoy atrasado.
Estoy en el camino.
Estoy all en X minutos.
Te veo pronto.
Puedes esperarme?

Im late.
Im on my way.
Ill be there in X minutes.
Ill see you soon.
Can you wait for me?

- 94 -

Conversation Time

The esta is in full swing, and Carmonas friend Sara calls her to tell her shell be late.

Carmona:
Sara:

Carmona:
Sara:
Carmona:
Sara:
Carmona:
Sara:
Carmona:
Sara:
Carmona:
Sara:

Buenas noches.
Hola, Carmona!
Hola, Sara! Cmo ests?
Bien, gracias. Cmo est Carlos?
Est muy feliz con su esta.
Est abriendo los regalos?
No todava. Estamos comiendo torta y helado.
Estoy atrasada. Tengo un regalo para Carlos.
Voy a estar all en veinte minutos.
No hay problema, Sara. Te esperamos.
Gracias, Carmona. Hasta pronto!

Carmona:
Sara:
Carmona:
Sara:
Carmona:
Sara:
Carmona:
Sara:

Good evening.
Hello, Carmona!
Hi, Sara! How are you?
Fine, thanks. How is Carlos?
Hes very happy with his party.
Is he opening presents?
Not yet. Were eating cake and ice cream.
Im late. I have a present for Carlos.
I am going to be there in twenty minutes.
No problem, Sara. Well wait for you.
Thanks, Carmona. See you soon!

- 95 -

Part Six:

Las Conversaciones
Conversations

In this section of the course, youre going to learn

how to have a more extended conversation than
youve had previously. Youll learn how to talk
about your hobbies, how to thank someone for a
fabulous vacation, and how to explain what countries youve been to.

- 96 -

6.1

Conversar Como Experto

Have a Conversation like an Expert

When you started this course, you learned some conversation starters like, Whats your
name? Where are you from? Unfortunately, after exchanging personal details like how
many brothers or sisters you have, a conversation can often run dry. Thats why, in this
section, youre going to learn how to keep a conversation going.
Imagine that youve taken a trip to a Spanish-speaking country, and youve met someone
youd like to talk with further. Heres a review of some basic questions that you might be
asked or might want to ask.
Cmo te llamas?
De dnde eres?
De qu parte?
Eres de aqu?
Ests de vacaciones?
Ests de viaje?
Hace cunto tiempo que llegaste?
Por cunto tiempo ests aqu?
Qu haces? En qu trabajas?
Te gusta aqu?

Whats your name?

Where are you from?
From what part? (A common follow-up
question.)
Are you from here?
Are you on vacation?
Are you traveling?
How long ago did you arrive?
For how long are you here?
What do you for a living?
Do you like it here?

One great way to get to know someone better is to talk about what you have in common. You may want to talk about places youve both been, or hobbies that you share,
or people you know in common.
To do this, you need to know how to use the two verbs conocer and saber. Youll use
conocer to talk about places that youve been to or know well. Youll also use it to talk
about people you know. Youll use saber to talk about things you know how to do.
Youll learn more about saber in the next lesson. For now, well concentrate on the
myriad ways you can use conocer.

Dnde Has Estado?

Where Have You Been?
How do you tell someone where youve been? Often, when youre traveling, people will
want to know where else youve been, what parts of their country youve visited, and
where exactly you live. Here are some possible answers.
Conozco Valencia.
He estado en Valencia.

I know Valencia. (Ive been there before.)

Ive been in Valencia.
- 97 -

He ido a Valencia.
He viajado a Valencia.
He visitado Valencia.
Soy de Valencia.

Ive gone to Valencia.

Ive traveled to Valencia.
Ive visited Valencia.
Im from Valencia.

The easiest way to talk about where youve been is to use the word conocer. Literally,
conocer means to know. But, when used to refer to locations, it means to have been
there or to know a place well.
Youll often hear this word in conversations. Your friend may be talking about somewhere that he or she has been, then ask you, Have you been there? Conoces? Here
are some more examples of this question in use.
Conoces
frica?
Amrica del Sur?
Espaa?
Europa?
Los Estados Unidos?

Have you ever been to Africa?

Have you ever been to South America?
Have you ever been to Spain?
Have you ever been to Europe?
Have you ever been to the U.S.?

mi casa?

Have you ever been to my house? (Do you know

where it is?)

la ciudad?

Have you been to the city? (Do you know it well?)

el restaurante La Cueva?

Have you ever been to the restaurant The Cave?

Your answer will start with Conozco

S, conozco tu casa.
Yo conozco Pars.
No conozco ese restaurante.

Yes, Ive been to your house before.

I have been to Paris.
I havent been to that restaurant before.

A Quin Conozco?
Who Do I Know?
You can also use conocer to talk about who you know. For example, a friend may be
talking about a favorite band and ask you, Los conoces? Do you know them? Are you
familiar with their music?
Or you may see someone that seems familiar, but youre not sure if youve met them
before. You can ask, Te conozco? Do I know you?
It can be a bit confusing at times to know whether conocer refers to knowing people
personally or just being familiar with them. Here are some more examples of this versatile word in use.
- 98 -

Conoces
el grupo Los Lobos Chilenos?

Are you familiar with the group The Chilean

Wolves?

a mi hermana?
a nuestro presidente?
a Anita?
a Antonio?
a la seora Torres?
al seor Romero?

Do you know my sister?

Do you know our president?
Do you know Anita?
Do you know Antonio?
Do you know Mrs. Torres?
Do you know Mr. Romero?

A common follow-up question might be, How do you know So-and-So?

Cmo conoces a ?

How do you know ?

If you dont know someone personally, you can clarify yourself by saying:
He escuchado el nombre.

Ive heard the name.

Notice that if you are talking about a person, you always use the phrase:
Conoces a ?
That is because, in Spanish, you must always include an a before talking about a
human being.

Un Gusto Conocerte
A Pleasure Meeting You
Thats not the end of this useful word! Conocer can also be used to talk about meeting
someone. Youll hear it most often in the phrase Un gusto conocerte, a pleasure meeting
you.

- 99 -

Conversation Time
In this conversation, Carmona is at her friend Marias party. She is walking to the bathroom
when she bumps into someone who seems familiar.

Mujer:
Carmona:
Mujer:
Carmona:
Mujer:

Carmona:
Woman:
Carmona:
Woman:
Carmona:
Woman:
Carmona:
Woman:
Carmona:
Woman:
Carmona:
Woman:
Carmona:
Woman:

Perdn! No te vi.
Est bien.
No te conozco?
Puede ser. Cmo conoces a Maria?
Es una amiga de escuela. Y t?
Yo trabajo con Maria.
Ah! Eres de Sudfrica, no?
S. Cmo sabes?
Maria me dijo que trabaja con una mujer extranjera
muy linda.
Ah, s.
Yo conozco Sudfrica. Mi esposo Carlos y yo
fuimos all por vacaciones.
En serio? A qu parte?
A Johannesburgo.
Qu bueno que conoces mi pas.

Carmona:
Mujer:
Carmona:
Mujer:
Carmona:
Mujer:
Carmona:
Mujer:
Carmona:

Excuse me! I didnt see you.

Its okay.
Dont I know you?
Could be. How do you know Maria?
Shes a friend from school. And you?
I work with Maria.
Ah! Youre from South Africa, arent you?
Yes. How do you know?
Maria told me that she works with a very nice foreign
woman.
Ah, yes.
Ive been to South Africa. My husband Carlos and I
went there on vacation.
Serious? What part?
To Johannesburg.
How great that youve been to my country.
- 100 -

6.2

Los Pasatiempos
Pasttimes

In addition to talking about places youve been to and people you know in common, a
great way to establish common ground with someone knew is to talk about hobbies you
have in common. In this lesson, youll learn how to do exactly that.
First of all, lets get some basic vocabulary out of the way.
las actividades favoritas
los pasatiempos
los ratos libres
ser acionado a

favorite activities
pastimes, hobbies
free time
to be a fan of

Qu Te Gusta Hacer?
What Do You Like to Do?
If you want to know what another persons hobbies are, you rarely come out and say,
What are your hobbies? Cules son tus pasatiempos? More often, people say,
Qu te gusta hacer?
What do you like to do?
Or this variation:
Qu te gusta hacer en tus ratos libres?
What do you like to do in your free time?
You may answer that you like shing, or swimming, or reading, or clubbing. Here are
some things that you may enjoy doing.
Me gusta
cantar.
cocinar.
correr.
coser.
escuchar msica.
hacer ejercicio.
jugar bsquetbol.
jugar bisbol.
leer.

I like to sing.
I like to cook.
I like to run.
I like to sew.
I like to listen to music.
I like to exercise.
I like to play basketball.
I like to play baseball.
I like to read.

- 101 -

nadar.
pescar.
sacar fotos.
surfear la internet.
tocar msica.
trabajar en la huerta.
ver la televisin / pelculas.
viajar.

I like to swim.
I like to sh.
I like to take photographs.
I like to surf the internet.
I like to play music.
I like to garden.
I like to watch television / movies.
I like to travel.

You can talk about what you love doing by exchanging the phrase Me encanta for Me
gusta.
Me encanta ...
I love ...
Only use this phrase for inanimate objects or activities. (If you want to say that you love
a person, youll use quiero or amo.)

Me encanta leer.
Me encanta la msica.
Me encanta tu vestido.

I love to read.
I love the music.
I love your dress.

Qu Sabes Hacer?
What Do You Know How to Do?
Often, if you like one activity a lot, youll want to share it with your new friends. You can
see if they know how to do it, too, by asking:
Sabes ?
Do you know how to ?
For example,
Sabes
bucear?
esquiar?
jugar?
jugar ftbol?
usar la computadora?

Do you know how to scuba dive?

Do you know how to ski?
Do you know how to play?
Do you know how to play soccer?
Do you know how to use a computer?

- 102 -

If you want to say that you know how to scuba dive or ski, youd say

S bucear.
S esquiar.
S jugar ftbol.

I know how to scuba dive.

I know how to ski.
I know how to play soccer.

You can also use s to talk about more complex things you know how to do.

S cocinar una torta.

S como hacerlo.
S que decir.

I know how to bake a cake.

I know how to do it.
I know what to say.

- 103 -

Conversation Time
Lets see if you can follow this conversation, in which Carlos is talking with his friend
Digeo about what they would like to do if they had more free time.

Diego:
Carlos:
Diego:
Carlos:
Diego:
Carlos:
Diego:
Carlos:
Diego:
Carlos:

Diego:
Carlos:
Diego:
Carlos:
Diego:
Carlos:
Diego:
Carlos:
Diego:
Carlos:
Diego:
Carlos:
Diego:
Carlos:

Sabes, Carlos, necesito ms tiempo libre.

Yo tambin, amigo.
Necesito ms tiempo para hacer ciclismo.
Bueno, por mi parte, me gustara quedarme en casa
un poco ms. Descansar. Tomar ms cerveza, ver ms
televisin.
En serio? Hombre, hay que vivir la vida.
Y hacer qu?
Mira, puedes jugar ftbol, puedes ir de excursin, puedes
No me gusta el ejercicio.
Vale. Entonces, qu sabes hacer?
Yo? Todo. Bueno, s pescar.
Tienes que salir a pescar ms, entonces.
S tomar cerveza.
Todo el mundo sabe tomar cerveza.
S, pero yo soy experto.

Diego:
Carlos:
Diego:
Carlos:

You know, Carlos, I need more free time.

Me too, friend.
I need more time to go biking.
Well, as far as Im concerned, Id like to stay at home more.
Rest. Drink more beer, watch more television.
Serious? Man, you gotta live life.
And do what?
Look, you can play soccer, you can go hiking, you can
I dont like exercise.
Okay. So, what do you know how to do?
Me? Everything. ..Well, I know how to sh.
You have to go shing more, then.
I know how to drink beer.
Everyone in the whole world knows how to drink beer.
Yes, but Im an expert.
- 104 -

6.3

Las Mejores Vacaciones de la Vida

The Best Vacations of Ones Life

If you spend any length of time abroad, youll have a lot of goodbyes to say when you
leave. In this lesson, youll learn how to tell someone how wonderful your vacation was
and thank them for everything.

Las Vacaciones Ideales

The Ideal Vacation
If youre going to explain how wonderful your vacation was, you need to know why.
What are some of the components of a perfect vacation? Well, for me they are
Hace mucho sol.
Hace calor.
No tengo que despertarme temprano.
Me levanto tarde todos los das.
Me quedo todo el da en la playa.
Mis mejores amigos estn conmigo.
Tomo el sol, nado, y buceo.
Como mucho.
Tomo mucho.
No tengo que trabajar.

Its very sunny.

Its hot.
I dont have to get up early.
I get up late everyday.
I spend all day at the beach.
My best friends are with me.
I sunbathe, swim, and scuba dive.
I eat a lot.
I drink a lot.
I dont have to work.

Does that sound like your ideal vacation? If it has been the perfect vacation, you can tell
people:
Estas han sido las mejores vacaciones
de mi vida.

This has been the best vacation of my life.

Espero volver pronto.

I hope to come back soon.

No quiero irme.

I dont want to go.

No quiero que se terminen estas

vacaciones.

I dont want this vacation to end.

- 105 -

Agradecimiento
Gratitude
When youre leaving a place, whether youve stayed there several days or several weeks,
youll need to say goodbye to the new friends you have made.
If you want to thank them for their hospitality, use the phrase
Gracias por
Thank you for
Or, you might want to say
Muchas gracias por
Many thanks for
Here are some examples.
Gracias por
todo.
la comida tan rica.
mostrarme tu pas.
ser un buen amigo / una buena amiga.
tu compaa.
un tiempo maravilloso.
vuestra hospitalidad.

Thanks for everything.

Thanks for the delicious food.
Thanks for showing me your country.
Thanks for being a good friend.
Thanks for your company.
(informal)
Thanks for a marvelous time.
Thanks for your hospitality. (plural)

- 106 -

Conversation Time

Carlos and Carmona are on vacation at the beach. While Carmona sits under an
umbrella with her book, Carlos reaches into his cooler for one more cold drink.

Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:

Me encantan las vacaciones.

A m tambin. Este lugar es maravilloso.
S, no tengo que trabajar.
Podemos quedarnos todo el da en la playa.
Bueno, hasta que se me acaben las cervezas!
Hmm. Por mi parte, no quiero irme.
Yo tampoco. Estas son unas de las mejores vacaciones de
mi vida.
Tenemos que darles gracias a Diego por todo.
Claro! Diego es un muy buen amigo.
Su hospitalidad y compaa han sido estupendas.
Y qu rica la comida!
Qu hacemos ahora?
No s.... Quieres una cerveza?

Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:

I love vacation.
Me, too. This place is marvelous.
Yes, I dont have to work.
We can stay all day at the beach.
Well, until I run out of beer!
Hmm. As far as Im concerned, I dont want to go.
Me neither. This is one of the best vacations of my life.
We have to thank Diego for everything.
Of course! Diego is a very good friend.
His hospitality and company have been superb.
And what delicious food!
What do we do now?
I dont know Do you want a beer?

- 107 -

Part Seven:

La Vida Familiar
Family Life

In this nal section of the course, youre going to

learn about what makes family life tick. A host
family experience is an essential component of any
immersion learning course, so if you see yourself
living with a Spanish-speaking family in the future,
this section is essential! Youll learn about chores
and the home. Youll even learn how to argue and
how to talk about your goals and dreams.

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7.1

La Introduccin a la Familia
Introduction to the Family

By this stage in the course, you know how to greet and carry on a conversation with one
person. But what happens when youre in a group?
Introductions are much simpler when youre just introduced to one person at a time, but
youll nd that things get tricky when you are introduced to a group of people at once.
Usually, youll have to greet each person in the group individually, and if youve just
memorized one Spanish phrase for Nice to meet you, youll nd it wearing thin after
about the fth time you say it! Thats why its important to be familiar with a variety of
phrases you can use during introductions.
Encantado. / Encantada.
Mucho gusto.
El gusto es mo.
Un gusto conocerte.
Un placer.
Un placer conocerte.

A pleasure, delighted.
A great pleasure.
The pleasure is mine.
A pleasure meeting you.
A pleasure.
A pleasure meeting you.

You can also use one of the classic greetings below.

Hola.
Buenos das.
Buenas tardes.
Buenas noches.

Hello.
Good morning.
Good afternoon.
Good evening.

La Vida Familiar
Family Life
You may discover that Latin American families seem a bit different from your own. There
is no typical Latin American family, due to the variety of cultures within Latin America
and the shift from traditional to more modern lifestyles. Nevertheless, some broad generalizations can be made.
Latin American families are often quite large, closely knit, and bound in common traditions like church-going. More often than not, you will nd the grandparents living
in the family house, rather than living by themselves. Children usually live with their
parents until they marry which can lead to the strange situation of seeing 30-year-old
bachelors still living with their folks!
Heres a list of family members in Spanish.
- 109 -

Male Members of the Family

esposo
marido
padre
pap, papi
hermano
hermano mayor
hermano menor
hijo
abuelo
to
sobrino
primo

spouse (husband)
husband
father
dad (nickname)
brother
older brother
younger brother
son
grandfather
uncle
nephew
cousin

nieto
cuado

grandson
brother-in-law

Female Members of the Family

esposa
mujer
madre
mam, mami
hermana
hermana mayor
hermana menor
hija
abuela
ta
sobrina
prima
nieta
cuada

spouse (wife)
wife
mother
mom (nickname)
sister
older sister
younger sister
daughter
grandmother
aunt
niece
cousin
granddaughter
sister-in-law

- 110 -

Conversation Time
A special event has occurred in Carlos life, and in this conversation he shares it with
Carmona.

Carmona, tenemos que ir a ver a mi familia.

Por qu?
Mi hermano mayor tuvo su primer hijo.
Ah, qu fabuloso! Somos tos!
Claro! Es el primer nieto de mis padres.
Cmo se llama?
Mi nuevo sobrino se llama Simn.
Qu lindo nombre.
S, mi cuada eligi el nombre.
Carlos, cundo le daremos a Simn un primo?
Ja, ja.

Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:

Carmona, we have to go see my family.

Why?
My older brother had his rst son.
Ah, how fabulous! Were aunts and uncles!
Of course! Hes my parents rst grandchild.
Whats he called?
My new nephew is called Simon.
What a pretty name.
Yes, my sister-in-law chose the name.
Carlos, when will we give Simon a cousin?
Ha, ha.

Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:

- 111 -

7.2

Los Deberes
Chores

Rarely will you nd a messy or dirty house in Latin America, as el hogar (the home) is
something that Latinos pride themselves for. Traditionally, the wife (la esposa) and the
children (los hijos) are responsible for keeping the house in order. But when things get
out of control, you might hear the following:
La casa est desordenada.
La casa est sucia.

The house is messy.

The house is dirty.

Then, this is what you have to do to get it back in order again.

Tengo que
barrer el piso.
cocinar la cena.
hacer la cama.
hacer las compras.
lavar el carro.
lavar la ropa.
lavar los platos.
limpiar la casa.
ordenar la casa. (also arreglar la casa)
pasar la aspiradora.
sacar la basura.

I have to sweep the oor.

I have to cook the meal.
I have to make the bed.
I have to do the shopping.
I have to wash the car.
I have to wash clothes.
I have to wash the dishes.
I have to clean the house.
I have to pick up the house.
I have to vacuum.
I have to take out the garbage.

At last, everything is clean. Todo est limpio.

La casa est limpia.
La casa est ordenada. (also arreglada)

The house is clean.

The house is tidy

- 112 -

La Casa
The House
When you are invited into someones house, you will may get the grand tour of their
home (el hogar). Here is a list of some of the places.
bao
cocina
comedor
dormitorio
habitacin, cuarto
sala
pasillo
escalera

bathroom
kitchen
dining room
bedroom
room
living room
hallway
stairs

Las Discusiones
Arguments
Like any family, Latin families get into arguments about chores! Latin people can be
very passionate, so there is no telling when you might accidentally (or deliberately!) get
yourself into an argument. Here are some phrases that you might need to have on hand
in the heat of the discussion.
Tienes razn.
Lo siento, es mi culpa.
Es tu culpa.
Es tu responsabilidad.
No es mi culpa.
No sabes nada.
No te entiendo.
Puedes hacer lo que quieras.

Youre right.
Im sorry, its my fault.
Its your fault.
Its your responsibility.
Its not my fault.
You dont know anything.
I dont understand you.
You can do what you want.

- 113 -

Conversation Time

Like all married couples, Carlos and Carmona get into arguments from time to time.

Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:

Oye, Carmona. Qu pas en la cocina?

Lo siento. Voy a barrer el piso.
Sabes, la casa est muy sucia.
Bueno, eso es tu culpa.
Por qu?
T eres muy desordenado y no haces nada en casa.
Yo saco la basura todas las semanas!
Y nada ms.
No sabes nada.
Sabes, yo no limpio ms. Me voy a ver la televisin.
Puedes hacer lo que quieras.
Exacto! Y t, a lavar los platos!

Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:

Hey, Carmona. What happened in the kitchen?

Im sorry. Im going to sweep the oor.
You know, the house is very dirty.
Well, thats your fault.
Why?
Youre really messy and you dont do anything at home.
I take out the garbage every week!
And nothing else.
You dont know anything.
You know, Im not cleaning any more. Im going to watch
television.
You can do what you want.
Exactly! And you, go wash the dishes!

Carlos:
Carmona:

- 114 -

7.3

Las Metas
Goals

An important part of life is dreaming about the future. Couples create dreams together
and encourage their children to imagine what they will be someday. It is easy to talk
about what you would like to do someday in Spanish. In fact, youll already know how
to do it! Just use the phrase, Me gustara.
Lets start out with some basic vocabulary.
las aspiraciones
las metas
los objetivos
los planes para el futuro
los sueos

aspirations
goals
objectives
plans for the future
dreams

If you want to talk about achieving your aspirations, goals, or dreams, use either of
these verbs:
lograr
realizar

to achieve
to achieve, to fulll

Talking about your plans for the future can be an excellent conversation topic. Someone
may ask you, What would you like to do in the future?
Qu te gustara hacer en el futuro?

- 115 -

Your answer could look like one of the following.

Me gustara
casarme.
comprar una casa.
ganar la lotera.
ganar mucho dinero.
hablar otra idioma.

Id like to get married.

Id like to buy a house.
Id like to win the lottery.
Id like to earn a lot of money.
Id like to speak another language.

ser doctor / abogado / actor / atleta

profesional.

Id like to be a doctor / lawyer / actor/

professional athlete.

ser famoso.
ser presidente.
ser rico / millonario.
ser superhroe.
tener hijos.
tener negocio propio.
tener una carrera.
viajar a otros pases.
volver a estudiar.

Id like to be famous.
Id like to be president.
Id like to be rich / a millionaire.
Id like to be a superhero.
Id like to have children.
Id like to have my own business.
Id like to have a career.
Id like to travel to other countries.
Id like to go back to school.

- 116 -

Conversation Time
Carmona has been wondering whether or not she and Carlos should have greater
aspirations than simply one vacation a year at the beach.

Carlos, necesitamos tener metas.

Para qu?
Para lograr nuestros sueos!
Bueno.
No tienes aspiraciones?
Claro que s. Me gustara ganar la lotera.
Nada ms?
Bueno, la verdad es que me gustara comprar una casa.
Ja! Con qu dinero?
Con lo que gane en la lotera.
No seas tonto! A m, me gustara volver a estudiar.
Para qu?
Para ser abogada.
Eso s que es un sueo!

Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:

Carlos, we need to have goals.

For what?
To achieve our dreams!
Okay.
Dont you have aspirations?
Of course. Id like to win the lottery.
Nothing else?
Well, the truth is that I would like to buy a house.
Hah! With what money?
With what I win in the lottery.
Dont be silly! For me, Id like to go back to school.
What for?
To be a lawyer.
Now, thats a dream!

Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:
Carmona:
Carlos:

- 117 -

So Long!
Youve reached the end of the Rocket Spanish Conversation Course. This course has
provided you with a wealth of information about frequently-used phrases in Spanish.
Dont just stop your studies here, though. An understanding of the grammatical concepts
behind the language can help you not only remember how to say the phrases included
but also create new ones of your own.
Spanish is such a fun language to speak that I hope you have piles of opportunities to
use what you have learned here. Remember that Spanish, just like English, can be used
to joke, to tease, to irt, to chat up people, and much more! With a sense of humor and
some creativity, youll may easily nd yourself enjoying Spanish just as much as you enjoy
speaking English.
Until next time! Hasta la prxima!

Mauricio

- 118 -