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Rico","singapore":"Singapore","spain":"Spain","sweden":"Sweden","switzerland":"Switzerland","taiwan":"Taiwan","thailand":"Thailand","united_kingdom":"United Kingdom","usa":"USA","publish_details":{"locale":"en-us"}}}]}},"pageContext":{"blocks":[{"feature_card":{"subtitle":"Marco is a freelance writer and localization specialist with a background in international studies. Born and raised in Mexico, Marco developed a passion for foreign languages early on and speaks fluent Spanish, English, French, Mandarin, and German. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in International Studies at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Nanjing, China.
\nAs Covid restrictions still prevent foreigners from entering China, Marco is traveling full-time and trying to explore as many new countries as possible before moving to China. When not writing, Marco enjoys running, hiking, reading, eating out (certified foodie!), mixing drinks, and spending time with any cat who appreciates human company.
\nLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/marco-monroy/
","flipped":false,"join_block_below":true,"image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt72aa62b5e0baa073/629b66377e445a4356bd796e/photo.jpg","title":"photo.jpg"},"hidden":false}},{"cards":{"large_cards":false,"row":false,"flat":false,"title":"Articles by Marco","join_block_below":true,"cta_as_link":true,"cards":[{"call_to_action_text":"Locations in Spanish","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"Buildings, places and locations in Spanish: A nifty guide","url":"/blog/locations-places-buildings-spanish","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb94f2f93c6cf24e2/672c909506af1f27695c0032/dennis-cortes-XasGa153TbY-unsplash.jpg"},"post_content":"Learning how to talk about locations in Spanish is one of the most important milestones in your Spanish-learning journey. Learning this vocabulary and how to use it in a sentence will be super helpful, whether you’re planning to stay home or are thinking about traveling to a Spanish-speaking country soon. Once you’ve learned how to talk about places and locations, you’ll be able to:
Plus, knowing how to get to your hotel, school, the park, or the supermarket will give you all the confidence to navigate unfamiliar situations like a pro. Even if you get lost, you’ll be able to ask for directions and find your destination with ease.
So, whether you’re looking to learn how to find your way around your new school in Spain or Latin America, or you’re ready to tackle all the vocabulary for buildings and locations, let’s jump right into a list of 200 locations, places, and buildings in Spanish.
Learning vocabulary words about buildings in Spanish is one of the most productive uses of your time as a Spanish learner. Whether you’re just a beginner or more of an intermediate speaker, knowing how to talk about buildings in Spanish will take you places (literally!). Let’s take a look at 50 names of buildings in Spanish:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Museum | El museo | moo-seh-oh | muˈseo |
| Library | La biblioteca | bee-blee-oh-teh-cah | biβljoˈteka |
| School | La escuela | ess-coo-eh-lah | esˈkwela |
| Hospital | El hospital | oss-pee-tall | ospiˈtal |
| Church | La iglesia | e-gleh-see-ah | iˈɣlesja |
| City hall | El ayuntamiento | ah-yoon-tah-me-ehn-toe | aʝuntaˈmjento |
| Station | La estación | ess-tah-see-ohn | estaˈθjon |
| Theatre | El teatro | teh-ah-tro | teˈatɾo |
| Cinema | El cine | see-neh | ˈθine |
| University | La universidad | oo-nee-vehr-see-dahd | uniβeɾsiˈðað |
| Gym | El gimnasio | him-nah-see-oh | ximˈnasjo |
| Airport | El aeropuerto | ah-eh-ro-poo-air-toe | aeɾoˈpweɾto |
| Hotel | El hotel | oh-tell | oˈtel |
| Restaurant | El restaurante | ress-ta-ooh-rahn-teh | restawˈɾante |
| Supermarket | El supermercado | soo-pehr-mehr-cah-doe | supeɾmeɾˈkaðo |
| Office | La oficina | oh-fee-see-nah | ofiˈθina |
| Factory | La fábrica | fah-bree-cah | ˈfaβɾika |
| Bank | El banco | bahn-coe | ˈbanko |
| Post office | El correo | coh-reh-oh | koˈreo |
| Pharmacy | La farmacia | far-ma-see-ah | faɾˈmaθja |
| Nursery | La guardería | goo-are-deh-ree-ah | ɡwaɾðeˈɾia |
| Prison | La prisión | pree-see-ohn | pɾiˈsjon |
| Palace | El palacio | pah-lah-see-oh | paˈlaθjo |
| Castle | El castillo | cas-tee-yo | kasˈtiʝo |
| Embassy | La embajada | ehm-bah-hah-dah | embaˈxaða |
| Apartment | El departamento | deh-par-tah-mehn-toe | depaɾtaˈmento |
| House | La casa | cah-sah | ˈkasa |
| Skyscraper | Los rascacielos | rass-cah-see-eh-loss | raskaˈθjelos |
| Market | El mercado | mehr-cah-doe | meɾˈkaðo |
| Shopping center | El centro comercial | sehn-troh coh-mehr-see-all | ˈθentɾo komeɾˈθjal |
| Art gallery | La galería de arte | gah-leh-ree-ah deh are-teh | ɡaleˈɾia ðe ˈaɾte |
| Auditorium | El auditorio | ah-ooh-dee-toe-ree-oh | awðiˈtoɾjo |
| Courthouse | El juzgado | whose-gah-doe | xuðˈɣaðo |
| Barracks | El cuartel | coo-are-tell | kwaɾˈtel |
| Observatory | El observatorio | obs-air-vah-toe-re-oh | oβseɾβaˈtoɾjo |
| Planetarium | El planetario | plah-neh-tah-re-oh | planeˈtaɾjo |
| Greenhouse | El invernadero | in-vehr-nah-deh-roe | imbeɾnaˈðeɾo |
| Warehouse | El almacén | all-mah-sehn | almaˈθen |
| Workshop | El taller | tah-yehr | taˈʝeɾ |
| Studio | El estudio | ess-too-dee-oh | esˈtuðjo |
| Laboratory | El laboratorio | lah-boh-rah-toe-re-oh | laβoɾaˈtoɾjo |
| Printing house | La imprenta | im-prehn-tah | imˈpɾenta |
| School | El colegio | koh-leh-he-oh | koˈlexjo |
| Academy | La academia | ah-cah-deh-me-ah | akaˈðemja |
| Conservatory | El conservatorio | kohn-sehr-vah-toe-re-oh | konseɾβaˈtoɾjo |
| Residence hall | La residencia | reh-see-dehn-see-ah | resiˈðenθja |
| Pavilion | El pabellón | pah-beh-yohn | paβeˈʝon |
| Hangar | El hangar | ahn-gahr | anˈɡaɾ |
| Archives | Los archivos | ar-che-vos | aɾˈʧiβos |
Now that you have the vocabulary, here are a few phrases using buildings in Spanish to show you how it’s done:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Where is the museum? | ¿Dónde está el museo? | dohn-deh ess-tah ell moo-seh-oh | ˈdonde esˈta el muˈseo ‖ |
| Is the library open? | ¿Está abierta la biblioteca? | ess-tah ah-bee-air-tah la bee-blee-oh-teh-cah? | esˈta aˈβjeɾta la βiβljoˈteka ‖ |
| How far is the hospital? | ¿Qué tan lejos está el hospital? | keh tahn leh-hoss ess-tah elle os-pee-tall? | ˈke ˈtan ˈlexos esˈta el ospiˈtal ‖ |
| The school is on the corner. | La escuela está en la esquina. | la es-coo-eh-lah es-tah ehn la es-key-nah | la esˈkwela esˈta en la esˈkina ‖ |
| Could you direct me to the nearest bank? | ¿Puede indicarme dónde está el banco más cercano? | poo-eh-deh in-dee-car-meh don-deh ess-tah elle bahn-coe mas sehr-cah-no? | ˈpweðe jndiˈkaɾme ˈðonde esˈta el ˈβanko ˈmas θeɾˈkano ‖ |
Places, people, places! It’s time to learn some fun vocabulary that will take you beyond your wildest dreams. From beaches to islands to forests, you’ll find no shortage of things to do and places to see in Spain and Latin America. Here are 50 places in Spanish:
![\"Vocabulary](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltd2e5c6abe969ace7/672c933188bc7803b5597e7c/beach.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Park | El parque | par-keh | ˈpaɾke |
| Beach | La playa | plah-yah | ˈplaʝa |
| Mountain | La montaña | mon-tah-nyah | monˈtaɲa |
| River | El río | ree-oh | ˈrio |
| Lake | El lago | lah-go | ˈlaɣo |
| Forest | El bosque | boss-keh | ˈboske |
| Desert | El desierto | deh-sea-air-toe | deˈsjeɾto |
| Island | La isla | is-lah | ˈizla |
| Valley | El valle | vah-yeh | ˈbaʝe |
| Ocean | El océano | oh-seh-ah-no | oˈθeano |
| Waterfall | La cascada | cass-cah-dah | kasˈkaða |
| Cave | La cueva | coo-eh-vah | ˈkweβa |
| Volcano | El volcán | voll-kahn | bolˈkan |
| Cliff | El acantilado | ah-cahn-tee-la-doe | akantiˈlaðo |
| Meadow | La pradera | prah-deh-rah | pɾaˈðeɾa |
| Swamp | El pantano | pahn-tah-no | panˈtano |
| Glacier | El glaciar | glah-see-are | ɡlaˈθjaɾ |
| Canyon | El cañón | kah-nyohn | kaˈɲon |
| Bay | La bahía | bah-e-ah | baˈia |
| Peninsula | La península | peh-neen-soo-la | peˈninsula |
| Jungle | La selva | sell-vah | ˈselβa |
| Hill | La colina | coh-lee-nah | koˈlina |
| City | La ciudad | see-ooh-dah | sjuˈðað |
| Town | El pueblo | poo-eh-blo | ˈpweβlo |
| Street | La calle | kah-yeh | ˈkaʝe |
| Avenue | La avenida | ah-veh-nee-dah | aβeˈniða |
| Square | La plaza | plah-za | ˈplasa |
| Neighborhood | El barrio | bah-re-oh | ˈbarjo |
| Downtown | El centro | sehn-tro | ˈsentɾo |
| Suburbs | Los suburbios | sue-boor-bee-ohs | suˈβuɾβjos |
| Bus stop | La parada de autobús | pah-rah-dah deh ah-ooh-toe-boos | paˈɾaða ðe awtoˈβus |
| Port | El puerto | poo-air-toe | ˈpweɾto |
| Bridge | El puente | poo-ehn-teh | ˈpwente |
| Garden | El jardín | har-deen | xaɾˈðin |
| Farmer’s Market | El mercado ambulante | mehr-cah-doe ahm-boo-lahn-teh | meɾˈkaðo ambuˈlante |
| Playground | El parque infantil | par-keh een-fahn-teel | ˈpaɾke jmfanˈtil |
| Cemetery | El cementerio | seh-mehn-teh-re-oh | semenˈteɾjo |
| Stadium | El estadio | ess-tah-dee-oh | esˈtaðjo |
| Arena | La arena | ah-reh-nah | aˈɾena |
| Courtyard | El patio | pah-tee-oh | ˈpatjo |
| Terrace | La terraza | teh-rah-za | teˈrasa |
| Balcony | El balcón | ball-cohn | balˈkon |
| Roof | El techo | teh-chp | ˈteʧo |
| Basement | El sótano | so-ta-no | ˈsotano |
| Attic | El ático | ah-tee-co | ˈatiko |
| Garage | La cochera | coh-che-ra | koˈʧeɾa |
| Sidewalk | La banqueta | bahn-keh-tah | banˈketa |
Time to take a look at some helpful phrases you can use to find your way to your favorite place, or an exciting new one!
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Is there a park nearby? | ¿Hay un parque cerca de aquí? | I oon par-keh sehr-cah deh ah-key? | ˈaj um ˈpaɾke ˈseɾka ðe aˈki ‖ |
| How far is the beach from here? | ¿Qué tan lejos está la playa de aquí? | keh tahn leh-hoss ess-tah la plah-yah deh ah-key? | ˈke ˈtan ˈlexos esˈta la ˈplaʝa ðe aˈki ‖ |
| Are there any mountains nearby? | ¿Hay montañas cerca? | I mon-tah-nyass sehr-cah? | ˈaj monˈtaɲas ˈseɾka ‖ |
| Can we swim in this river? | ¿Podemos nadar en este río? | poh-deh-moss nah-dahr ehn ess-teh ree-oh? | poˈðemoz naˈðaɾ en ˈeste ˈrio ‖ |
| The lake is beautiful. | El lago es hermoso. | elle la-go ess air-mo-so | el ˈlaɣo ˈes eɾˈmoso ‖ |
If you visited a Spanish-speaking country but didn’t do any shopping, did you even visit? From knick-knacks to souvenirs and groceries, you’ll find it plenty useful knowing how to talk about shops in Spanish, whether you’re visiting or living there temporarily (or permanently!).
One cool thing about Spanish is that the suffix -ería can transform almost any noun into a shop. For example, flor (Spanish for flower) can be transformed into “flower shop” by adding the suffix -ería: florería. The same is true for many nouns, although some might require slight modifications like dropping the last vowel:
Note that this doesn’t work for all nouns, but it’s a fun trick you can consider. Let’s take a look at 50 types of shops in Spanish:
![\"Vocabulary](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltc3b6c3ffd4eec510/672c93a6824c1a9cf28d978d/eduardo-sanchez-eh1xzo53oSY-unsplash.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Bakery | La panadería | pa-nah-deh-ree-ah | panaðeˈɾia |
| Butcher shop | La carnicería | car-nee-seh-ree-ah | kaɾniθeˈɾia |
| Fish shop | La pescadería | pess-cah-deh-ree-ah | peskaðeˈɾia |
| Fruit shop | La frutería | froo-teh-ree-ah | fɾuteˈɾia |
| Vegetable shop | La verdulería | vehr-doo-leh-re-ah | beɾðuleˈɾia |
| Bookstore | La librería | lee-breh-ree-ah | liβɾeˈɾia |
| Shoe store | La zapatería | zah-pah-teh-ree-ah | θapateˈɾia |
| Jewelry store | La joyería | hoh-yeh-ree-ah | xoʝeˈɾia |
| Flower shop | La florería | flo-reh-ree-ah | floɾeˈɾia |
| Hardware store | La ferretería | feh-reh-teh-ree-ah | fereteˈɾia |
| Stationery store | La papelería | pah-peh-leh-ree-ah | papeleˈɾia |
| Hairdresser | La peluquería | peh-loo-keh-ree-ah | pelukeˈɾia |
| Dry cleaner’s | La tintorería | teen-toe-reh-ree-ah | tintoɾeˈɾia |
| Laundromat | La lavandería | lah-vahn-deh-ree-ah | laβandeˈɾia |
| Optician’s | La óptica | op-tee-cah | ˈoptika |
| Perfume shop | La perfumería | pehr-foo-meh | peɾfumeˈɾia |
| Watch shop | La relojería | reh-lo-heh-ree-ah | reloxeˈɾia |
| Ice cream parlor | La heladería | eh-la-deh-ree-ah | elaðeˈɾia |
| Café | La cafetería | kah-feh-teh-ree-ah | kafeteˈɾia |
| Pastry shop | La pastelería | pass-teh-leh-ree-ah | pasteleˈɾia |
| Cheese shop | La quesería | keh-seh-ree-ah | keseˈɾia |
| Deli | La charcutería | char-coo-teh-ree-ah | ʧaɾkuteˈɾia |
| Clothing store | La tienda de ropa | tee-ehn-dah deh ro-pah | ˈtjenda ðe ˈropa |
| Toy store | La juguetería | who-geh-teh-ree-ah | xuɣeteˈɾia |
| Sports store | La tienda de deportes | tee-ehn-dah deh deh-pore-tess | ˈtjenda ðe ðeˈpoɾtes |
| Furniture store | La mueblería | moo-eh-bleh-ree-ah | mweβleˈɾia |
| Electronics store | La tienda de electrónica | tee-ehn-dah deh eh-lec-troh-nee-cah | ˈtjenda ðe elekˈtɾonika |
| Pet shop | La tienda de mascotas | tee-ehn-dah deh mass-coh-tass | ˈtjenda ðe masˈkotas |
| Gift shop | La tienda de regalos | tee-ehn-dah deh reh-gah-loss | ˈtjenda ðe reˈɣalos |
| Antique shop | La tienda de antigüedades | tee-ehn-dah deh ahn-tee-goo-eh-dah-dess | ˈtjenda ðe antiɣweˈðaðes |
| Tobacco shop | El estanco | ess-tahn-coe | esˈtanko |
| Liquor store | La licorería | lee-coh-reh-ree-ah | likoɾeˈɾia |
| Drug store | La droguería | droh-geh-ree-ah | dɾoɣeˈɾia |
| Haberdashery | La mercería | mehr-seh-ree-ah | meɾseˈɾia |
| Upholstery shop | La tapicería | tah-pee-seh-ree-ah | tapiseˈɾia |
| Locksmith | La cerrajería | seh-rah-heh-re-ah | seraxeˈɾia |
| Carpentry shop | La carpintería | car-peen-teh-re-ah | kaɾpinteˈɾia |
| Tailor shop | La sastrería | sass-treh-ree-ah | sastɾeˈɾia |
| Herb shop | La herboristería | air-bo-rees-teh-ree-ah | eɾβoɾisteˈɾia |
| Wine shop | La vinoteca | la vee-no-teh-cah | binoˈteka |
| Music store | La tienda de música | tee-ehn-dah deh moo-see-cah | ˈtjenda ðe ˈmusika |
| Art store | La tienda de arte | tee-ehn-dah deh are-teh | ˈtjenda ðe ˈaɾte |
| Photography shop | La tienda de fotografía | tee-ehn-dah deh fo-toe-grah-fee-ah | ˈtjenda ðe fotoɣɾaˈfia |
| Comic book store | La tienda de cómics | tee-ehn-dah deh koh-meecs | ˈtjenda ðe ˈkomiks |
| Second-hand shop | La tienda de segunda mano | tee-ehn-dah deh seh-goon-dah mah-no | ˈtjenda ðe seˈɣunda ˈmano |
| Computer store | La tienda de informática | tee-ehn-dah deh in-for-mah-tee-cah | ˈtjenda ðe jmfoɾˈmatika |
| Lamp store | La tienda de lámparas | tee-ehn-dah deh lahm-pah-rahs | ˈtjenda ðe ˈlampaɾas |
| Curtain shop | La tienda de cortinas | tee-ehn-dah deh core-tee-nas | ˈtjenda ðe koɾˈtinas |
| Bicycle shop | La tienda de bicicletas | tee-ehn-dah deh bee-see-cleh-tas | ˈtjenda ðe βisiˈkletas |
| Record shop | La tienda de discos | tee-ehn-dah deh dees-coss | ˈtjenda ðe ˈðiskos |
You didn’t think we were gonna give you so much shopping ammo without showing you how to use it, right? Here are five phrases that will help you find any shop you’re looking for.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Where is the bakery? | ¿Dónde está la panadería? | dohn-deh ess-tah la pah-nah-deh-ree-ah | ˈdonde esˈta la panaðeˈɾia ‖ |
| I buy meat at the butcher shop. | Compro carne en la carnicería. | kohm-proh car-neh ehn la car-nee-seh-ree-ah | ˈkompɾo ˈkaɾne en la kaɾniseˈɾia ‖ |
| The fish market has many types of fish. | La pescadería tiene muchos tipos de pescados. | la pess-cah-deh-ree-ah tee-eh-neh moo-chos tee-poss deh pess-cah-does | la peskaðeˈɾia ˈtjene ˈmuʧos ˈtipoz ðe pesˈkaðos ‖ |
| Where is the fruit shop? | ¿Dónde está la frutería? | dohn-deh ess-tah la froo-teh-ree-ah | ˈdonde esˈta la fɾuteˈɾia ‖ |
| I need to go to the bookstore. | Necesito ir a la librería. | neh-seh-see-toe eer ah la lee-breh-ree-ah | neseˈsito ˈiɾ a la liβɾeˈɾia ‖ |
Finally, you’ll need some Spanish prepositions to locate yourself and others in relation to the places you want to describe. For example, if you ask where the grocery store is, someone might tell you it’s next to the school. Or you might hear that the park is near the beach. These are the words that help you find your way around a city or town, as you’ll be able to figure out how everything relates to each other. Let’s take a look:
![\"Basic](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb73549cf0571dfed/672c9311d01b2c3cef8e9fdb/collins-lesulie-ho3xVKNHT-E-unsplash.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Next to | Al lado de | all la-doe deh | al ˈlaðo ðe |
| Near | Cerca de | sehr-cah deh | ˈseɾka ðe |
| Far from | Lejos de | leh-hohs deh | ˈlexoz ðe |
| In front of | Enfrente de | ehn-frehn-teh deh | emˈfɾente ðe |
| Behind | Detrás de | deh-trahs deh | deˈtɾaz ðe |
| In front of | Delante de | deh-lah-teh deh | deˈlante ðe |
| On top of | Encima de | ehn-see-mah deh | enˈsima ðe |
| Under | Debajo de | deh-bah-hoh deh | deˈβaxo ðe |
| Between | Entre | ehn-treh | ˈentɾe |
| Inside | Dentro de | dehn-troh deh | ˈdentɾo ðe |
| Outside | Fuera de | foo-eh-rah deh | ˈfweɾa ðe |
| Around | Alrededor de | al-reh-deh-door deh | alreðeˈðoɾ ðe |
| Through | A través de | ah trah-vehs deh | a tɾaˈβez ðe |
| Along | A lo largo de | ah lo lar-goh deh | a lo ˈlaɾɣo ðe |
| In the middle of | En medio de | ehn meh-dee-oh deh | em ˈmeðjo ðe |
| In the center of | En el centro de | ehn elle sehn-troh deh | en el ˈsentɾo ðe |
| On the corner of | En la esquina de | ehn la ess-key-nah deh | en la esˈkina ðe |
| At the top of | En la cima de | ehn la see-mah deh | en la ˈsima ðe |
| At the end of | Al final de | all fee-nall deh | al fiˈnal de |
| At the beginning of | Al principio de | all preen-see-pee-oh deh | al pɾinˈsipjo ðe |
| To the right of | A la derecha de | ah la deh-reh-cha deh | a la ðeˈɾeʧa ðe |
| To the left of | A la izquierda de | ah la iz-key-air-dah deh | a la jsˈkjeɾða ðe |
| Facing | Frente a | frehn-teh ah | ˈfɾente a |
| Next to | Junto a | whon-toe ah | ˈxunto a |
| Above | Arriba de | ah-ree-bah deh | aˈriβa ðe |
| Below | Abajo de | ah-bah-ho deh | aˈβaxo ðe |
| At the entrance of | A la entrada | ah la ehn-trah-dah | a la enˈtɾaða |
| At the exit of | A la salida de | ah la sah-lee-dah de | a la saˈliða ðe |
| Inside of | En el interior de | ehn elle een-teh-ree-or deh | en el inteˈɾjoɾ ðe |
| Outside of | En el exterior de | ehn elle ex-teh-ree-or deh | en el esteˈɾjoɾ ðe |
| On the outskirts of | En las afueras de | ehn las ah-foo-air-as deh | en las aˈfweɾaz ðe |
| In the heart of | En el corazón de | ehn elle coh-rah-zohn deh | en el koɾaˈson de |
| On the shores of | A orillas de | ah oh-ree-yas deh | a oˈɾiʝaz ðe |
| At the foot of | Al pie de | all pee-eh deh | al ˈpje ðe |
| At the summit of | En la cúspide de | ehn la coos-pee-deh deh | en la ˈkuspiðe ðe |
| At the head of | A la cabeza de | ah la cah-beh-za deh | a la kaˈβesa ðe |
| On the periphery of | En la periferia de | ehn la peh-ree-feh-ree-ah deh | en la peɾiˈfeɾja ðe |
| In the suburbs of | En los suburbios de | ehn los soo-boor-bee-ohs deh | en los suˈβuɾβjoz ðe |
| On the edge of | En el borde de | ehn elle bor-deh deh | en el ˈβoɾðe ðe |
| On the surface of | En la superficie de | ehn la soo-pehr-fee-see-eh deh | en la supeɾˈfisje ðe |
| At the bottom of | En el fondo de | ehn elle fohn-doe deh | en el ˈfondo ðe |
| Around the corner from | A la vuelta de | ah la voo-elle-tah deh | a la ˈβwelta ðe |
| Halfway between | A mitad del camino entre | ah me-tahd dell cah-me-no ehn-treh | a miˈtað ðel kaˈmino ˈentɾe |
| In the direction of | En dirección a | ehn dee-rec-see-ohn ah | en diɾekˈsjon a |
| Opposite to | Opuesto a | oh-poo-ess-toe ah | oˈpwesto a |
| Parallel to | Paralelo a | pah-rah-leh-lo ah | paɾaˈlelo a |
| Perpendicular to | Perpendicular a | pehr-pehn-dee-coo-lar ah | peɾpendikuˈlaɾ a |
| In line with | En línea con | ehn lee-neh-ah kohn | en ˈlinea kon |
| In the shadow of | A la sombra de | ah la sohm-brah deh | a la ˈsombɾa ðe |
| In view of | A la vista de | ah la vee-stah deh | a la ˈβista ðe |
These prepositional phrases will help you find your way around town with ease. Just replace the store, location, or building in the examples below with what you’re looking for:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| The bank is next to the supermarket. | El banco está al lado del supermercado. | elle bahn-coh ess-tah all lah-doe dell soo-pehr-mehr-cah-doe | el ˈβanko esˈta al ˈlaðo ðel supeɾmeɾˈkaðo ‖ |
| The park is near my house. | El parque está cerca de mi casa. | elle par-keh ess-tah sehr-cah deh me cah-sah | el ˈpaɾke esˈta ˈseɾka ðe mi ˈkasa ‖ |
| The airport is far from the city center. | El aeropuerto está lejos del centro de la ciudad. | elle ah-eh-ro-poo-air-toe ess-tah leh-hohs dell sehn-troh deh la see-ooh-dahd | el aeɾoˈpweɾto esˈta ˈlexoz ðel ˈsentɾo ðe la sjuˈðað ‖ |
| The restaurant is in front of the theater. | El restaurante está enfrente del teatro. | elle ress-tah-oo-rahn-teh ess-tah ehn-frehn-teh dell teh-ah-troh | el restawˈɾante esˈta emˈfɾente ðel teˈatɾo ‖ |
| The car is behind the building. | El coche está detrás del edificio. | elle co-che ess-tah deh-trahs | el ˈkoʧe esˈta ðeˈtɾaz ðel eðiˈfisjo ‖ |
There you have it! 200 places, buildings, locations, prepositions, and other essential Spanish vocabulary for finding your way. The most important part is making sure you’re comfortable navigating the essentials, like finding your way back home or getting to school. But once you’ve mastered a few more of the vocabulary words on this list, you’ll be free to travel anywhere you want (as long as there are Spanish speakers around!).
If you’re still itching for your next Spanish-speaking adventure, take a tour through our Spanish blog! We publish tons of great Spanish content for avid backpackers and studious minds alike. You’ll find plenty of vocabulary topics, like our list of 252 drinks in Spanish or 170+ clothes in Spanish. But you’ll also find some wonderful cultural guides, like this list of 150 interesting facts about Mexico and our expert guide to Spanish culture.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Argentinian culture","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"Argentinian culture: A guide to traditions, history, customs & more","url":"/blog/argentina-country-culture-customs-traditions-food","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt1c031555222d3896/672c8e171d8babe18ce83db9/pexels-enzo-ariel-castillo-405354548-14905783.jpg"},"post_content":"Argentina is a country that’s both quintessentially South American and also aggressively unique. Indeed, what you’ll find here is a country that shares so much history, culture, and struggles with the rest of Latin America and yet stands out for its unique and eclectic culture.
From the impressive deserts in the Northwest, to the jaw-dropping Iguazú Falls in the Northeast, to the almost literal end of the world in Ushuaia, Argentina is a massive country with so much fun, food, and fabulousness that we had to put together a full guide to Argentina’s culture.
From its customs and traditions, incredible cuisine, political history, and even business customs, we’ll cover everything you need to know before boarding your next flight to Buenos Aires. By the time you land, you’ll have a well-rounded overview of Argentina’s country culture. But the adventure’s just starting — there’s so much more that you’ll only be able to discover once you’re in the ground.
Argentina’s culture and history have been shaped by centuries of immigration and political unrest, resulting in a unique blend of cultures and traditions. Here’s a very brief overview Argentina’s history and political background:
![\"Argentina](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt4e87507e5159e54c/672c8ddce71e49df93f0e686/Argentinian-flag.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Argentina is one of the 21 Spanish-speaking countries, although Spanish isn’t the only language in the country. Argentine Spanish, referred to as Rioplatense Spanish (from the Rio del Plata region, near Buenos Aires), is known for its unique pronunciation and has the following characteristics:
When it comes to South American food, Argentina is quite simply second to none. From vast grasslands stretching as far as the eye can see to lush rainforests with tropical fruits, Argentina is more than just a land of happy cows. Although the country is famous for its steaks, it’s also able to perfectly blend European flavors with local ingredients and a dash of indigenous traditions. For example, pizza. Argentinians saw it and decided that it was missing some green olives, thus altering the fate of this iconic dish in Argentina — forever!
Here are a few more examples of iconic Argentine dishes:
![\"Asado](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt47d9846ca3b4f0b5/672c7e5c069a86239b817286/Asado.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Argentina is a country like no other when it comes to music and dance. Besides learning fun dances, learning about Argentine music is a great way to improve your Spanish, as learning a language through music is extremely effective. From the sultry steps of tango to the foot-stomping fun of folk dances, this country’s got rhythm and soul.
![\"Tango](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt84879fbda866a818/672c7f634ef5a631c42d7953/Tango.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Have you ever seen two people dancing tango? It’s like watching a passionate conversation without words. Born in the late 19th century in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, tango emerged as a fusion of European and African influences.
This sultry dance is all about dimly lit dance halls, soulful accordion music, and couples moving in perfect sync. The music, driven by the haunting sounds of the bandoneón (a type of accordion), violin, and piano, really knows how to put on a show.
Tango comes alive in milongas (me-lon-gahs), traditional dance halls where couples of all ages gather to show off their skills. The dance floor is a sea of slow, deliberate movements punctuated by quick, sharp turns. Icons like Carlos Gardel, known as the “King of Tango,” popularized tango music worldwide in the 1920s and 30s. In more recent times, dancers like Juan Carlos Copes and Maria Nieves wowed audiences with their incredible performances, helping keep this tradition alive.
Once you venture out of Buenos Aires, you’ll discover a whole new world of toe-tapping Argentine music. Some of the most popular folk dances in Argentina are:
Argentina isn’t just living in the past — its contemporary music scene is filled with energy. Rock Nacional, the country’s own brand of rock music, has been going strong since the ‘60s. Bands like Soda Stereo are legends here, treated with the kind of reverence usually reserved for artists like Beyoncé.
But that’s not all. From pulsing electronic beats in Buenos Aires clubs to hip-hop artists mixing Spanish and English lyrics, Argentina’s music scene is very exciting. In recent years, Argentina has been riding the wave of Latin urban music. Artists like Nicki Nicole and Duki are making waves internationally, proving that Argentina can reggaetón with the rest of Latin America.
Argentina is a country that knows how to celebrate in style. From colorful street parades to intimate family gatherings, the Argentine calendar is packed with festivals and traditions that reflect the country’s rich history.
![\"Friends](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltedabf1c35b391de4/672c81ce88bc78cb9e597de1/Friends-Day.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Argentines love a good fiesta, and their national holidays are no exception. Here are a few that you shouldn’t miss:
Christmas in Argentina might look a little different from what you’re used to, but it’s no less festive. Picture this:
Argentina’s diversity shines through in its regional festivals. Here’s a taste of what you might encounter:
Given its rich culture, it’s no surprise that Argentina has its own set of special traditions. Here are some Argentine customs and traditions that you might not be familiar with:
Take a few steps down any street in Buenos Aires and you’ll have no doubts about Argentina’s art and literary prowess. This country’s deep history, beautiful landscapes, and demographic diversity have created some of the most beautiful and impactful art movements in the world.
Argentina has produced some of the world’s most celebrated authors, whose works have left a mark on global literature. Some of the Argentine literary giants you should know about are:
![\"Argentinian](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt61fa0489eef6680f/672c847c020af30f2bbe521b/Authors_Argentina.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Argentine art has always had one eye on Europe, but don’t think for a second that means it’s derivative. Instead, Argentine artists have taken European influences and given them a distinctly South American twist. Here are two examples:
Fast forward to today, and Argentina’s art scene is flourishing. Street art has exploded in popularity, turning the walls of Buenos Aires into an outdoor gallery. Artists like Martín Ron create massive murals that will make your jaw drop. Whether you’re wandering through the colorful streets of La Boca or browsing the galleries of Palermo, you’re sure to be captivated by the country’s artistic spirit and contemporary art scene.
![\"Turtle](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt8c97e7e3368f2a67/672c857c09c2c0fcb761d4bb/turtle-mural-buenos-aires-street-art-argentina-buenosairesstreetart.com_.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
That’s why Argentine artists are making waves in galleries all around the world. Guillermo Kuitca’s architectural paintings play with space and perspective in mind-bending ways, while Nicola Costantino’s provocative sculptures and installations challenge our perceptions of beauty and consumption.
If you think Argentines are passionate about food and tango, just wait until you see them talk about sports! In Argentina, sports are a way of life, a source of national pride, and, sometimes, a quasi-religious experience.
El fútbol (or soccer, for our American friends) reigns supreme. It’s less a sport and more a national obsession. On match days, the entire country seems to grind to a halt. Streets empty as fans crowd into homes, bars, and stadiums, all decked out in their team’s colors. And when Argentina’s national team plays? Well, let’s just say it’s a good idea to schedule meetings for another day. The rivalry between Boca Juniors and River Plate, known as the Superclásico, is one of the most intense in the world of football. You cannot miss it if you happen to be in Argentina during one of these matches.
![\"Football](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltabd9ddd0d27624c8/672c87e7a5c7fc3d3f0c8009/football-team-Argentina.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
But the Argentine sports scene goes way beyond just football.
Visiting Argentina is a distinctly unique experience. While there is some familiarity with other Latin American countries, its unique set of traditions, social customs, and culture won’t let you forget that you’re in Argentina. Let’s review a few of the most important social customs and traditions in Argentina.
![\"Argentine](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltd7011f9b79f5c358/672c8aa206af1ffed35c0012/Argenina-culture.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
If there’s one thing that epitomizes Argentine social culture, it’s mate. This caffeine-rich herbal infusion is a social ritual, a national obsession, and a way of life. Picture this: a group of friends passing around a small gourd filled with yerba mate leaves, sipping the hot water through a metal straw called a bombilla. It’s not just about the drink (although Argentines will swear it’s better than coffee) — it’s about the sharing, the conversation, and the sense of community.
If you’re going to partake (as you should!), just keep in mind that mate etiquette is a thing, and it’s taken seriously. Here are a few unspoken rules:
Family is the cornerstone of Argentine society, and we’re not just talking about your immediate relatives. In Argentina, the family extends to second cousins, great-aunts, and neighbors who’ve been around for so long that they might as well be related.
Argentine families tend to be close-knit and involved in each other’s lives. It’s not uncommon for multiple generations to live under one roof or for grown children to live with their parents well into adulthood. If you’re invited to an Argentine family gathering, prepare for a lot of hugging, cheek-kissing, and enough food to feed a small army.
Some key values in the Argentine family include:
Argentines are renowned for their warmth and hospitality. If you’re invited to an Argentine home, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Doing business in Argentina? Besides knowing a few words of Spanish for business, here’s what you need to know:
Remember, in Argentina, the personal is intertwined with the professional. Don’t be surprised if your business contact invites you to a family asado or a football match!
Argentina is the 8th largest country in the world, with almost 3 million square kilometers of land. As you can imagine, this makes it an incredibly diverse country, with stunning deserts and frigid glaciers. Here are some of Argentina’s regions and what you can expect from them:
![\"Glacier](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt2bcd6e2b6b75b40f/672c8b47af3729fc720388be/glacier-Argentina.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
La Pampa is the cultural and economic heartland of Argentina. This vast, fertile grassland is home to the iconic gauchos (Argentine cowboys) and is the source of the country’s famous beef. The region’s capital is Buenos Aires, making this a cosmopolitan hub. La Pampa played a crucial role in shaping Argentina’s national identity and remains central to the country’s way of life.
Nestled against the Andes Mountains, Cuyo is Argentina’s premier wine region, producing about three-quarters of the country’s annual wine output. The city of Mendoza, with its tree-lined streets and sophisticated culinary scene, serves as the capital of the Argentine wine country. The region’s high-altitude vineyards produce world-renowned Malbecs and other varieties. Beyond wine, Cuyo offers stunning Andean landscapes, including the Aconcagua, the highest peak in both the southern and western hemispheres!
The Northwest is where Argentina’s indigenous roots are most evident. This region boasts a unique blend of pre-Columbian and colonial Spanish influences, visible in its cuisine, music, and festivals. The landscape is equally diverse, featuring colorful rock formations, salt flats, and high-altitude deserts. Cities like Salta and Jujuy offer well-preserved colonial architecture, while sites like the Humahuaca Gorge showcase the area’s rich geological and cultural history.
Not to be confused with the birthplace of agriculture, Argentina’s Mesopotamia is nestled between the Paraná and Uruguay rivers. It’s a region of incredible biodiversity, home to the jaw-dropping Iguazú Falls, the world’s largest waterfall by volume. The area has some strong Guaraní cultural influence and is the center of Yerba maté production in Argentina.
Patagonia, covering the southern third of Argentina, is a land of beauty and adventure. Known for its dramatic landscapes of glaciers, fjords, and the rugged Andes mountains, it’s a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The region also boasts a unique cultural heritage, including Welsh settlements in Chubut province. From the alpine scenery of Bariloche to the glaciers of El Calafate and the wildlife of Peninsula Valdés, Patagonia offers some of Argentina’s most unforgettable experiences.
Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) is an archipelago at the southern tip of South America, often referred to as “the end of the world.” This remote region is characterized by its sub-Antarctic forests, rugged mountains, and glaciers. Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, is the gateway for Antarctic expeditions. The unique ecosystem supports diverse wildlife, including penguins, sea lions, and guanacos (a type of llama). Tierra del Fuego’s otherworldly landscapes and pristine wilderness make it a bucket-list destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts.
El Gran Chaco is a vast plain covering northern Argentina, known for its hot climate and diverse ecosystems ranging from dry forests to wetlands. This region is home to several indigenous groups and unique wildlife. Less visited by tourists, it offers an off-the-beaten-path experience. The Parque Nacional El Impenetrable (The Impenetrable National Park), a recent addition to Argentina’s national park system, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Bet you didn’t expect to find Antarctica in a list of Argentine regions, but it’s true! This refers to the sector of Antarctica claimed by Argentina as part of its national territory. While this claim isn’t universally recognized due to the Antarctic Treaty System, Argentina maintains a strong presence in the region through its scientific base and research initiatives.
This harsh, icy landscape is a world apart from the rest of Argentina, characterized by extreme cold, long periods of darkness in winter, and a unique ecosystem adapted to these severe conditions. Research conducted here typically focuses on climate change, marine ecosystems, and the geological history of the continent.
The main difference between Argentinian and Argentine is that Argentinian is more commonly used to refer to people from Argentina, while Argentine is used as an adjective to describe things from Argentina. For example:
Technically, Argentine works in both scenarios and is often preferred by language purists and is more common in academic language. Argentinian, however, is more commonly used in everyday language as it matches other nationalities, like Colombian, Mexican, Peruvian, etc.
You’ve now learned quite a bit about Argentine culture, traditions, and food. But that’s only scratching the surface — this stunning country has centuries of history, creating an incredible set of Argentine culture and customs. No matter how long you’re staying, you won’t cease to be amazed by the surprises Argentina has up its sleeve for you!
If you enjoyed learning about Argentine culture, then take a look at the rest of our Spanish blog! Our practical guides can help you learn more about other Hispanic countries and their culture, like our guide to Spanish culture, our list of 150 interesting facts about Mexico, and even our full guide to Mexican cuisine!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Weather in Chinese language","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"Weather & seasons in Chinese: The ultimate vocabulary guide","url":"/blog/weather-seasons-chinese-mandarin","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt443bce0bcfcf90b2/6718cbdcbacacd5f20200592/pexels-zhangkaiyv-3153231.jpg"},"post_content":"Weather plays a big role in our daily lives, affecting our plans, our moods, and even our health. As you progress in your Chinese language journey, you’ll find that weather-related vocabulary is essential for many common interactions.
While some might dismiss weather talk as trivial small talk, it actually serves as an excellent icebreaker in Chinese culture. It’s a universal topic that everyone can relate to, regardless of their background or profession, making it perfect for starting conversations with new friends or locals during your travels.
Beyond casual conversations, being able to discuss the weather in Chinese will help you:
Are you ready to expand your Chinese vocabulary with some weatherproof terms? Let’s jump right in and learn all things rain, heat, wind, and fire!
There are two main terms you’ll need to know when it comes to saying “weather” in Chinese:
For Mandarin learners who have been studying for a while, you might recognize that 天 (tiān) means “sky” and 气 (qì) means “air” or “energy.” Together, 天气 literally translates to “sky air” and is the most common way to refer to the weather.
![\"How](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltf2606ae66e5aa875/6718cd51c4decc66108c9452/China-sky.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
On the other hand, 气候 is used to describe both weather and climate. The difference between weather and climate in Chinese depends on the context or the specific time frame being discussed. For example, if you want to talk about today’s weather, then you would use 天气. But if you’re discussing the general climate of a region, you’d use 气候.
To ask about the weather, Chinese speakers typically use “天气怎么样?” (tiān qì zěn me yàng?), which translates to “How is the weather?”. You might already be familiar with this if you’ve already studied the Chinese sentence structure, as this is one of the most common questions in Chinese.
Let’s explore common Chinese expressions for discussing everyday and extreme weather conditions. Although we hope you don’t need to use the extreme weather event vocabulary too frequently, it’s important to understand this popular conversation topic well. These vocabulary words and phrases will prepare you to handle almost any weather-related situation in Chinese.
![\"Talking](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt48b871551ab5fa31/6718cea5201d315df83091f2/talking-about-the-weather.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
From sunny days to rainy afternoons, everyday weather talk is a staple of casual conversation in Chinese. We’ll introduce you to essential vocabulary for describing common weather, temperatures, and seasonal changes.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Sunny | 晴朗的 | qíng lǎng de | chyng laang de |
| Sunshine | 阳光 | yáng guāng | yang guang |
| Cloudy | 多云的 | duō yún de | duo yun de |
| Rainy | 有雨的/多雨的 | yǒu yǔ de/duō yǔ de | yeou yeu de/duo yeu de |
| Raining | 下雨 | xià yǔ | shiah yeu |
| Rain | 雨 | yǔ | yeu |
| Snowing | 下雪 | xià xuě | shiah sheue |
| Snow | 雪 | xuě | sheue |
| Hailing | 下冰雹 | xià bīng báo | shiah bing baur |
| Hail | 冰雹 | bīng báo | bing baur |
| Sleeting | 下雨夹雪 | xià yǔ jiā xuě | shiah yeu jia sheue |
| Sleet | 雨夹雪 | yǔ jiā xuě | yeu jia sheue |
| Windy | 多风的 | duō fēng de | duo feng de |
| Wind | 风 | fēng | feng |
| Overcast | 阴天 | yīn tiān | in tian |
| Foggy | 有雾的 | yǒu wù de | yeou wuh de |
| Fog | 雾 | wù | wuh |
| Stormy | 有暴风雨的 | yǒu bào fēng yǔ de | yeou baw feng yeu de |
| Storm | 暴风雨 | bào fēng yǔ | baw feng yeu |
Now that you’re familiar with the basic weather vocabulary, let’s put these words into action. We’ll present a variety of useful phrases and sentence structures that you can use to discuss everyday weather conditions, ask about the forecast, or comment on how the weather affects your plans.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Today’s weather is sunny, perfect for a walk in the park. | 今天的天气很晴朗，适合去公园散步。 | jīn tiān de tiān qì hěn qíng lǎng, shì hé qù gōng yuán sàn bù. | jin tian de tian chih heen chyng laang shyh her chiuh gong yuan sann buh. |
| The sunshine is strong, we need to wear hats. | 阳光很强，我们需要戴帽子。 | yáng guāng hěn qiáng, wǒ men xū yào dài mào zi. | yang guang heen chyang woo mhen shiu yaw day maw tzy. |
| It’s cloudy this week and it might rain. | 这个星期多云，可能会下雨。 | zhè ge xīng qī duō yún, kě néng huì xià yǔ. | jeh ge shing chi duo yun kee neng huey shiah yeu. |
| It’s raining right now, let’s stay home. | 现在正在下雨，我们待在家里吧。 | xiàn zài zhèng zài xià yǔ, wǒ men dāi zài jiā lǐ ba. | shiann tzay jenq tzay shiah yeu woo mhen dai tzay jia lii ba. |
| It might snow tomorrow, please dress warmly. | 明天可能会下雪，请穿得暖和一点。 | míng tiān kě néng huì xià xuě, qǐng chuān de nuǎn huo yì diǎn. | ming tian kee neng huey shiah sheue chiing chuan de noan huo yih dean. |
While we all hope for pleasant weather, it’s equally important to be prepared for more severe weather conditions. In this section, we’ll cover vocabulary related to extreme weather events like typhoons, floods, and tropical storms. These terms will help you understand weather warnings and discuss significant weather events in Chinese.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Hurricane | 飓风 | jù fēng | jiuh feng |
| Cyclone | 气旋/旋风 | qì xuán/xuàn fēng | chih shyuan/shiuann feng |
| Cold front | 冷锋 | lěng fēng | leeng feng |
| Drought | 干旱 | gān hàn | gan hann |
| Heatwave | 热浪 | rè làng | reh lanq |
| Flood | 洪水 | hóng shuǐ | horng shoei |
| Fire | 火灾 | huǒ zāi | huoo tzai |
| Typhoon | 台风 | tái fēng | tair feng |
| Thunderstorm | 雷暴/雷雨 | léi bào/léi yǔ | lei baw/lei yeu |
| Tropical storm | 热带风暴 | rè dài fēng bào | reh day feng baw |
| Tsunami | 海啸 | hǎi xiào | hae shiaw |
| Tornado | 龙卷风 | lóng juǎn fēng | long jeuan feng |
| Downpour | 暴雨 | bào yǔ | baw yeu |
| Thunder | 雷 | léi | lei |
| Lightning | 闪电 | shǎn diàn | shaan diann |
| Frost | 霜 | shuāng | shuang |
| Acid rain | 酸雨 | suān yǔ | suan yeu |
| Anticyclone | 反气旋 | fǎn qì xuán | faan chih shyuan |
| Avalanche | 雪崩 | xuě bēng | sheue beng |
| Blizzard | 暴风雪 | bào fēng xuě | baw feng sheue |
| Landslide | 山体滑坡 | shān tǐ huá pō | shān tǐ huá pō |
| Lava flow | 熔岩流 | róng yán liú | rong yan liou |
| Coastal flooding | 海岸洪水 | hǎi àn hóng shuǐ | hae ann horng shoei |
| Dust storm | 尘暴 | chén bào | chern baw |
| Flash flood | 山洪暴发 | shān hóng bào fā | shan horng baw fa |
| Gale | 大风 | dà fēng | dah feng |
| Mesocyclone | 中气旋 | zhōng qì xuán | jong chih shyuan |
| Monsoon | 季风 | jì fēng | jih feng |
| Mudflow | 泥石流 | ní shí liú | ni shyr liou |
| Supercell | 超级单体 | chāo jí dān tǐ | chau jyi dan tii |
| Tropical cyclone | 热带气旋 | rè dài qì xuán | reh day chih shyuan |
| Polar low | 极地低压 | jí dì dī yā | jyi dih di ia |
| Waterspout | 水龙卷 | shuǐ lóng juǎn | shoei long jeuan |
Let’s explore how to use these extreme weather words in context. Here are practical phrases you can use to describe severe weather conditions, understand weather alerts, and discuss the impact of extreme weather on daily life in Chinese-speaking regions.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| The hurricane is approaching, please stay safe. | 飓风正在靠近，请大家注意安全。 | jù fēng zhèng zài kào jìn, qǐng dà jiā zhù yì ān quán. | jiuh feng jenq tzay kaw jinn chiing dah jia juh yih an chyuan. |
| This summer’s drought is making farmers worried. | 今年夏天的干旱让农民很担心。 | jīn nián xià tiān de gān hàn ràng nóng mín hěn dān xīn. | jin nian shiah tian de gan hann ranq nong min heen dan shin. |
| Yesterday’s heavy rain caused severe flooding. | 昨天的暴雨造成了严重的洪水。 | zuó tiān de bào yǔ zào chéng le yán zhòng de hóng shuǐ. | tzwo tian de baw yeu tzaw cherng lhe yan jonq de horng shoei. |
| Many houses were damaged after the typhoon. | 台风过后，许多房屋受损。 | tái fēng guò hòu, xǔ duō fáng wū shòu sǔn. | tair feng guoh how sheu duo farng u show soen. |
| Lightning streaked across the sky, it was spectacular. | 闪电划过天空，非常壮观。 | shǎn diàn huá guò tiān kōng, fēi cháng zhuàng guān. | shaan diann hwa guoh tian kong fei charng juanq guan. |
Seasons play a significant role in Chinese culture, influencing everything from Chinese festivals to poetry. So, we’ll take a look at how to talk about the four seasons in Mandarin, giving you plenty of key vocabulary words that will help you describe seasonal changes, activities, and weather patterns associated with each time of the year.
![\"Talking](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt6474e0b702f09a60/6718cf7543c8541d26668b9c/Spring-China.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Spring in China is a time of renewal, marked by blooming flowers and warming temperatures. Let’s take a look at essential vocabulary for describing spring weather, natural phenomena, and traditional spring activities.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Warm | 暖和 | nuǎn huo | noan huo |
| Comfortable | 舒服 | shū fu | shu fu |
| Rain | 雨 | yǔ | yeu |
| Wind | 风 | fēng | feng |
| St. Patrick’s Day | 圣帕特里克节 | shèng pà tè lǐ kè jié | shenq pah teh lii keh jye |
| April Fool’s Day | 愚人节 | yú rén jié | yu ren jye |
| Easter | 复活节 | fù huó jié | fuh hwo jye |
| Arbor Day | 植树节 | zhí shù jié | jyr shuh jye |
| Earth Day | 地球日 | dì qiú rì | dih chyou ryh |
| Tomb Sweeping Festival | 清明节 | qīng míng jié | ching ming jye |
| Labor Day | 劳动节 | láo dòng jié | lau donq jye |
| Bloom | 盛开 | shèng kāi | shenq kai |
| Cherry blossom | 樱花 | yīng huā | ing hua |
| Crops | 作物 | zuò wù | tzuoh wuh |
| Daffodil | 水仙 | shuǐ xiān | shoei shian |
| Flower | 花 | huā | hua |
| Garden | 花园 | huā yuán | hua yuan |
| Seed | 种子 | zhǒng zi | joong tzy |
| Spring break | 春假 | chūn jià | chuen jiah |
| Spring cleaning | 春季大扫除 | chūn jì dà sǎo chú | chuen jih dah sao chwu |
| Tulip | 郁金香 | yù jīn xiāng | yuh jin shiang |
Let’s bring our spring vocabulary to life with some practical phrases:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Today’s weather is warm, and everyone feels comfortable. | 今天的天气很暖和，大家都觉得很舒服。 | jīn tiān de tiān qì hěn nuǎn huo, dà jiā dōu jué de hěn shū fu. | jin tian de tian chih heen noan huo dah jia dou jyue de heen shu fu. |
| April showers bring May flowers. | 四月的雨带来五月的花。 | sì yuè de yǔ dài lái wǔ yuè de huā. | syh yueh de yeu day lai wuu yueh de hua. |
| We eat Easter eggs and chocolate during Easter. | 复活节的时候我们一起吃彩蛋和巧克力。 | fù huó jié de shí hou wǒ men yì qǐ chī cǎi dàn hé qiǎo kè lì. | fuh hwo jye de shyr hou woo mhen yih chii chy tsae dann her cheau keh lih. |
| Arbor Day is to encourage people to plant trees. | 植树节是为了鼓励人们种树。 | zhí shù jié shì wèi le gǔ lì rén men zhòng shù. | jyr shuh jye shyh wey lhe guu lih ren mhen jonq shuh. |
| During spring cleaning, I will organize the garden. | 春季大扫除时，我会整理花园。 | chūn jì dà sǎo chú shí, wǒ huì zhěng lǐ huā yuán. | chuen jih dah sao chwu shyr woo huey jeeng lii hua yuan. |
Summer in China brings its own unique blend of heat, festivals, and seasonal treats. The Chinese summer is extremely hot, with Chongqing, Wuhan, and Nanjing known as the “Three Furnaces of China” 三大火炉 (sān dà huǒ lú) due to their scorching hot temperatures. These summer vocabulary words will help you describe summer weather, activities, and sensations in Chinese.
![\"Talking](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt9758fc3ae566bee3/6718d097bacacdcd602005a7/Summer-China.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Hot | 热 | rè | reh |
| Cool | 凉爽 | liáng shuǎng | liang shoang |
| Sweating | 流汗 | liú hàn | liou hann |
| Suntanned | 晒黑 | shài hēi | shay hei |
| Air conditioning | 空调 | kōng tiáo | kong tyau |
| Fan | 风扇 | fēng shàn | feng shann |
| Lotus | 荷花 | hé huā | her hua |
| Sunflower | 向日葵 | xiàng rì kuí | shianq ryh kwei |
| Epiphyllum | 昙花 | tán huā | tarn hua |
| Watermelon | 西瓜 | xī guā | shi gua |
| Ice cream | 冰淇淋 | bīng qí lín | bing chyi lin |
| Coconut | 椰子 | yē zi | ie tzy |
| Seaside | 海边 | hǎi biān | hae bian |
| Beach | 沙滩 | shā tān | sha tan |
| Swim | 游泳 | yóu yǒng | you yeong |
| Surf | 冲浪 | chōng làng | chong lanq |
| Sunbath | 日光浴 | rì guāng yù | ryh guang yuh |
| Summer vacation | 暑假 | shǔ jià | shuu jiah |
Now that we’ve covered summer vocabulary, let’s see how to use the words in context. These are some common expressions that you might find yourself using if you visit China in the summer:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| It’s very hot today, and I’m sweating all the time. | 今天很热，我一直在流汗。 | jīn tiān hěn rè, wǒ yì zhí zài liú hàn. | jin tian heen reh woo yih jyr tzay liou hann. |
| It’s cooler in the evening, so we turned off the air conditioner. | 晚上凉爽一些了，所以我们关掉了空调。 | wǎn shàng liáng shuǎng yì xiē le, suǒ yǐ wǒ men guān diào le kōng tiáo. | woan shanq liang shoang yih shie lhe suoo yii woo mhen guan diaw lhe kong tyau. |
| Swimming and surfing at the beach are my favorite summer vacation activities. | 我最喜欢的暑假活动是去海边游泳和冲浪。 | wǒ zuì xǐ huān de shǔ jià huó dòng shì qù hǎi biān yóu yǒng hé chōng làng. | woo tzuey shii huan de shuu jiah hwo donq shyh chiuh hae bian you yeong her chong lanq. |
| She got a lot tanner on the beach. | 她在沙滩上晒黑了很多。 | tā zài shā tān shàng shài hēi le hěn duō. | ta tzay sha tan shanq shay hei lhe heen duo. |
| Eating watermelon and ice cream in the summer feels refreshing. | 夏天吃西瓜和冰淇淋感觉很清爽。 | xià tiān chī xī guā hé bīng qí lín gǎn jué hěn qīng shuǎng. | shiah tian chy shi gua her bing chyi lin gaan jyue heen ching shoang. |
As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, fall in China offers its own charm. Below, you’ll find a list of essential Mandarin vocabulary for describing fall weather, seasonal changes, and traditional activities. These words will help you paint a picture of what it’s like to spend the fall in China:
![\"Talking](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt89f7665a034ed014/6718d14eb1d3dd87a42ae188/Autumn-China.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Cool | 凉爽 | liáng shuǎng | liang shoang |
| Late fall | 深秋 | shēn qiū | shen chiou |
| Fallen leaves | 落叶 | luò yè | luoh yeh |
| Maple leaf | 枫叶 | fēng yè | feng yeh |
| Fade | 凋谢 | diāo xiè | diau shieh |
| Die away | 枯萎 | kū wěi | ku woei |
| Climb mountains | 爬山 | pá shān | par shan |
| Camp | 露营 | lù yíng | luh yng |
| Fall | 秋天 | qiū tiān | chiou tian |
| National Day | 国庆节 | guó qìng jié | gwo chinq jye |
| Mid-autumn Festival | 中秋节 | zhōng qiū jié | jong chiou jye |
| Double ninth festival | 重阳节 | chóng yáng jié | chorng yang jye |
Let’s put our fall vocabulary into practice with some useful phrases:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| The weather in the fall is cool, perfect for hiking. | 秋天的天气很凉爽，适合爬山。 | qiū tiān de tiān qì hěn liáng shuǎng, shì hé pá shān. | chiou tian de tian chih heen liang shoang shyh her par shan. |
| In the clear late fall, fallen leaves cover the ground. | 晴朗的深秋，落叶铺满了地面。 | qíng lǎng de shēn qiū, luò yè pū mǎn le dì miàn. | chyng laang de shen chiou luoh yeh pu maan lhe dih miann. |
| The color of maple leaves are very beautiful in the fall. | 枫叶的颜色在秋天变得非常漂亮。 | fēng yè de yán sè zài qiū tiān biàn de fēi cháng piào liàng. | feng yeh de yan seh tzay chiou tian biann de fei charng piaw lianq. |
| National Day is on October 1st, and many people travel. | 国庆节是十月一日，很多人会出去旅行。 | guó qìng jié shì shí yuè yī rì, hěn duō rén huì chū qù lǚ xíng. | gwo chinq jye shyh shyr yueh i ryh heen duo ren huey chu chiuh leu shyng. |
| During the Mid-Autumn Festival, everyone eats mooncakes and appreciates the moon together. | 中秋节的时候，大家会一起吃月饼赏月。 | zhōng qiū jié de shí hou, dà jiā huì yì qǐ chī yuè bǐng shǎng yuè. | jong chiou jye de shyr hou dah jia huey yih chii chy yueh biing shaang yueh. |
Winter in China can range from mild to severe, depending on the region. Southern China has mild winters, while Northern China has extremely harsh winters, with the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival attracting millions of visitors every winter thanks to its impressive ice sculptures.
![\"Harbin](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt048f620ae56a272a/6718d2b1201d316bbd309204/Harbin.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Snow | 雪 | xuě | sheue |
| Snowfall | 降雪 | jiàng xuě | jianq sheue |
| First snow | 初雪 | chū xuě | chu sheue |
| Light snow | 小雪 | xiǎo xuě | sheau sheue |
| Cold winter | 寒冬 | hán dōng | harn dong |
| Feathery snowflakes | 羽毛似的雪花 | yǔ máo shì de xuě huā | yeu mau shyh de sheue hua |
| Snow with rain | 雨夹雪 | yǔ jiā xuě | yeu jia sheue |
| Heavy snow | 大雪 | dà xuě | dah sheue |
| To sweep the snow away | 扫雪 | sǎo xuě | sao sheue |
Time to warm up with some winter phrases! Let’s explore common expressions used to talk about cold weather, winter activities, and holiday preparations. These phrases will help you enjoy winter conversations and celebrations in Chinese:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| It’s snowing today, we can go build a snowman. | 今天下雪了，我们可以去堆雪人。 | jīn tiān xià xuě le, wǒ men kě yǐ qù duī xuě rén. | jin tian shiah sheue lhe woo mhen kee yii chiuh duei sheue ren. |
| The first snow always feels specially romantic. | 初雪总是让人觉得特别浪漫。 | chū xuě zǒng shì ràng rén jué de tè bié làng màn. | chu sheue tzoong shyh ranq ren jyue de teh bye lanq mann. |
| There was heavy snowfall last night, and the streets are covered with snow. | 昨晚雪很大，街道上积满了雪。 | zuó wǎn xuě hěn dà, jiē dào shàng jī mǎn le xuě. | tzwo woan sheue heen dah jie daw shanq ji maan lhe sheue. |
| The blizzard has made transportation very dangerous. | 暴风雪让交通变得很危险。 | bào fēng xuě ràng jiāo tōng biàn de hěn wēi xiǎn. | baw feng sheue ranq jiau tong biann de heen uei shean. |
| I spent an hour this morning shoveling snow. | 早上我花了一个小时铲雪。 | zǎo shàng wǒ huā le yí gè xiǎo shí chǎn xuě. | tzao shanq woo hua lhe yi geh sheau shyr chaan sheue. |
Knowing how to discuss the temperature in Chinese is essential for everyday conversations and weather reports. Let’s start with vocabulary words and phrases for asking about the temperature, expressing how you feel in different weather conditions, and discussing weather forecasts:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Temperature | 温度 | wēn dù | uen duh |
| What’s the weather like? | 天气怎么样？ | tiān qì zěn me yàng? | tian chih tzeen me yanq? |
| It’s hot | 天气很热 | tiān qì hěn rè | tian chih heen reh |
| It’s cold | 天气很冷 | tiān qì hěn lěng | tian chih heen leeng |
| It’s wet outside | 外面很潮湿 | wài miàn hěn cháo shī | way miann heen chaur shy |
| It’s slippery outside | 外面很滑 | wài miàn hěn huá | way miann heen hwa |
| It’s a nice outside | 外面天气很好 | wài miàn tiān qì hěn hǎo | way miann tian chih heen hao |
| It’s humid | 很潮湿 | hěn cháo shī | heen chaur shy |
| It’s dry | 很干燥 | hěn gān zào | heen gan tzaw |
| It’s x degrees | 温度是X度 | wēn dù shì X dù | uen duh shyh X duh |
| Celsius | 摄氏度 | shè shì dù | sheh shyh duh |
| Fahrenheit | 华氏度 | huá shì dù | hwa shyh duh |
| Kelvin | 开/开尔文 | kāi/kāi ěr wén | kai/kai eel wen |
| It’s freezing | 太冷了 | tài lěng le | tài lěng le |
| It’s very hot | 非常热 | fēi cháng rè | fei charng reh |
| Room temperature | 室温 | shì wēn | shyh uen |
| It’s chilly | 有点冷 | yǒu diǎn lěng | yeou dean leeng |
| A x percent chance of rain | 下雨的几率是x% | xià yǔ de jī lǜ shì bǎi fēn zhī X | shiah yeu de ji liuh shyh bae fen jy X |
| It’s a clear sky | 天空晴朗 | tiān kōng qíng lǎng | tian kong chyng laang |
| It’s misty | 有薄雾 | yǒu bó wù | yeou bor wuh |
| I’m melting | 我快热化了 | wǒ kuài rè huà le | woo kuay reh huah lhe |
| I’m freezing | 我快冻僵了 | wǒ kuài dòng jiāng le | woo kuay donq jiang lhe |
| I’m soaked | 我湿透了 | wǒ shī tòu le | woo shy tow lhe |
| What’s the weather forecast? | 天气预报怎么说？ | tiān qì yù bào zěn me shuō? | tian chih yuh baw tzeen me shuo? |
| Tomorrow will be warmer | 明天会更暖和 | míng tiān huì gèng nuǎn huo | ming tian huey genq noan huo |
| Tomorrow will be colder | 明天会更冷 | míng tiān huì gèng lěng | ming tian huey genq leeng |
| It might rain tomorrow | 明天可能会下雨 | míng tiān kě néng huì xià yǔ | ming tian kee neng huey shiah yeu |
| I can’t stand the heat any longer | 我再也受不了这么热了 | wǒ zài yě shòu bù liǎo zhè me rè le | woo tzay yee show buh leau jeh me reh lhe |
| Are winters cold where you’re from? | 你家乡的冬天冷吗？ | nǐ jiā xiāng de dōng tiān lěng ma? | nii jia shiang de dong tian leeng mha? |
| Are summers hot where you’re from? | 你家乡的夏天热吗？ | nǐ jiā xiāng de xià tiān rè ma? | nii jia shiang de shiah tian reh mha? |
Climate change is a global concern, and being able to discuss it in Chinese is increasingly important. In this section, you’ll find vocabulary words for describing environmental phenomena, discussing the causes and effects of climate change, and talking about conservation efforts.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Extreme weather event | 极端天气事件 | jí duān tiān qì shì jiàn | jyi duan tian chih shyh jiann |
| Climate change | 气候变化 | qì hòu biàn huà | chih how biann huah |
| Global warming | 全球变暖 | quán qiú biàn nuǎn | chyuan chyou biann noan |
| Sea surface temperature | 海表温度 | hǎi biǎo wēn dù | hae beau uen duh |
| Greenhouse effect | 温室效应 | wēn shì xiào yìng | uen shyh shiaw yinq |
| Greenhouse gasses | 温室气体 | wēn shì qì tǐ | uen shyh chih tii |
| Pollution | 污染 | wū rǎn | u raan |
| Deforestation | 森林砍伐 | sēn lín kǎn fá | sen lin kaan far |
| Methane | 甲烷 | jiǎ wán | jea wan |
| Ozone | 臭氧 | chòu yǎng | chow yeang |
| Ozone layer | 臭氧层 | chòu yǎng céng | chow yeang tserng |
| Atmosphere | 大气层 | dà qì céng | dah chih tserng |
| Environment | 环境 | huán jìng | hwan jinq |
| Carbon emissions | 碳排放 | tàn pái fàng | tann pair fanq |
With our climate change vocabulary in hand, let’s look at how to use these terms in sentences and conversations:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| The frequency of extreme weather events is increasing. | 极端天气事件的频率正在增加。 | jí duān tiān qì shì jiàn de pín lǜ zhèng zài zēng jiā. | jyi duan tian chih shyh jiann de pyn liuh jenq tzay tzeng jia. |
| Climate change is a global issue that requires everyone to work together. | 气候变化是一个全球性的问题，需要大家共同努力。 | qì hòu biàn huà shì yí gè quán qiú xìng de wèn tí, xū yào dà jiā gòng tóng nǔ lì. | chih how biann huah shyh yi geh chyuan chyou shinq de wenn tyi shiu yaw dah jia gonq torng nuu lih. |
| Global warming has led to a rise in sea surface temperatures. | 全球变暖导致了海表温度的上升。 | quán qiú biàn nuǎn dǎo zhì le hǎi biǎo wēn dù de shàng shēng. | chyuan chyou biann noan dao jyh lhe hae beau uen duh de shanq sheng. |
| Greenhouse gases are the main cause of the greenhouse effect. | 温室气体是造成温室效应的主要原因。 | wēn shì qì tǐ shì zào chéng wēn shì xiào yìng de zhǔ yào yuán yīn. | uen shyh chih tii shyh tzaw cherng uen shyh shiaw yinq de juu yaw yuan in. |
| Carbon emissions exacerbate ozone layer depletion. | 碳排放加剧了臭氧层的消耗。 | tàn pái fàng jiā jù le chòu yǎng céng de xiāo hào. | tann pair fanq jia jiuh lhe chow yeang tserng de shiau haw. |
The Chinese Solar Terms, known as 二十四节气 (èr shí sì jié qì), are an ancient Chinese calendar system that divides the complete circle of the sun into 24 periods based on the sun’s position in the zodiac. Dating back over 2,000 years, this system was crucial for agricultural planning and daily life in ancient China.
Each solar term, lasting about 15 days, marks subtle changes in weather, temperature, and natural phenomena. They guide farming activities, cultural celebrations, and even dietary habits. Despite modernization, solar terms are still important parts of Chinese culture, influencing festivals, traditional medicine, and folklore.
The solar terms reflect the Chinese philosophy of harmony between humans and nature. They’re more nuanced than the four-season model, capturing the gradual shifts in climate throughout the year.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Approximate Dates | Explanation |
| Start of Spring | 立春 | lì chūn | lih chuen | February 3rd to 5th | Marks the passage of winter and beginning of spring. |
| Rain Water | 雨水 | yǔ shuǐ | yeu shoei | February 18th to 20th | Signifies increasing rainfall and rising temperatures. |
| Awakening of Insects | 惊蛰 | jīng zhé | jing jer | March 5th to 7th | Indicates when hibernating insects and other animals begin to wake up. |
| Vernal Equinox | 春分 | chūn fēn | chuen fen | March 20th to 22nd | Marks the astronomical first day of spring when day and night are of equal length. |
| Clear and Bright | 清明 | qīng míng | ching ming | April 4th to 6th | Days start to become clear and bright, and the weather becomes warmer. This term is also associated with the Qingming Festival, one of the most important Chinese festivals. |
| Grain Rain | 谷雨 | gǔ yǔ | guu yeu | April 19th to 21st | Signifies the crucial time for planting and growth of crops. |
| Start of Summer | 立夏 | lì xià | lih shiah | May 5th to 7th | Marks the beginning of summer. |
| Small Full | 小满 | xiǎo mǎn | sheau maan | May 20th to 22nd | Indicates that grains are plump but not yet full. |
| Grain in Ear | 芒种 | máng zhòng | mang jonq | June 5th to 7th | Signifies that crops are ripening. |
| Summer Solstice | 夏至 | xià zhì | shiah jyh | June 21st to 22nd | Marks the day with the longest daylight of the year. |
| Minor Heat | 小暑 | xiǎo shǔ | sheau shuu | July 6th to 8th | Indicates the start of the hottest period of the year. |
| Major Heat | 大暑 | dà shǔ | dah shuu | July 22nd to 24th | Marks the peak of summer heat. |
| Start of Autumn | 立秋 | lì qiū | lì qiū | August 7th to 9th | Marks the beginning of fall. |
| Limit of Heat | 处暑 | chǔ shǔ | chuu shuu | August 22nd to 24th | Signifies the end of the hot season. |
| White Dew | 白露 | bái lù | bair luh | September 7th to 9th | Indicates the temperature starts to drop, and the noticeable temperature difference of day and night. |
| Autumnal Equinox | 秋分 | qiū fēn | chiou fen | September 22nd to 24th | Marks the astronomical first day of fall when day and night are of equal length. |
| Cold Dew | 寒露 | hán lù | harn luh | October 8th to 9th | Signifies colder temperatures and heavier dew. |
| FrostDescent | 霜降 | shuāng jiàng | shuang jianq | October 23rd to 24th | Indicates frost started to form and the weather becomes colder. |
| Start of Winter | 立冬 | lì dōng | lih dong | November 7th to 8th | Marks the beginning of winter. |
| Minor Snow | 小雪 | xiǎo xuě | sheau sheue | November 22nd to 23rd | Signifies the start of snowfall in some regions. Also indicates the start of a colder period. |
| Major Snow | 大雪 | dà xuě | dah sheue | December 6th to 8th | Inidicates heavier snowfall. |
| Winter Solstice | 冬至 | dōng zhì | dong jyh | December 21st to 23rd | Marks the day with shortest daytime of the year. |
| Minor Cold | 小寒 | xiǎo hán | sheau harn | January 5th to 7th | Signifies the start of the coldest period of the year. |
| Major Cold | 大寒 | dà hán | dah harn | January 20th to 21st | Marks the peak of winter cold. |
Many Chinese idioms, or Chinese chengyu, draw inspiration from weather and seasonal changes. These four-character expressions capture centuries of wisdom, offering nuggets of Chinese perspectives on climate and its effects on human life. Let’s take a look at some common weather-related chengyu and phrases.
![\"Gentle](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltbaa4e700eb8d6976/6718d3d0f315dd843e336fcd/Gentle-breeze-and-beautiful-sun.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| Cloudless for thousands of miles | 万里无云 | wàn lǐ wú yún | wann lii wu yun | Clear sky as far as the eye can see |
| Sunshine everywhere | 阳光普照 | yáng guāng pǔ zhào | yang guang puu jaw | Bright sunlight spreading everywhere |
| Gentle breeze and beautiful sun | 风和日丽 | fēng hé rì lì | feng her ryh lih | Perfect, pleasant weather |
| Sweating like rain | 挥汗如雨 | huī hàn rú yǔ | huei hann ru yeu | Sweating profusely |
| Trees provide ample shade | 绿树成荫 | lǜ shù chéng yīn | liuh shuh cherng in | Often used to describe pleasant, and vibrant natural environment. |
| Scorching sun high in the sky | 烈日当空 | liè rì dāng kōng | lieh ryh dang kong | Extremely hot weather |
| Fierce wind and heavy rain | 狂风暴雨 | kuáng fēng bào yǔ | kwang feng baw yeu | A turbulent situation |
| Gentle breeze | 微风习习 | wēi fēng xí xí | uei feng shyi shyi | A light, pleasant breeze |
| Bone-chilling wind | 寒风刺骨 | hán fēng cì gǔ | harn feng tsyh guu | Extremely cold, piercing wind |
| Continuous gloomy rain | 阴雨绵绵 | yīn yǔ mián mián | in yeu mian mian | Persistent rainy weather |
| Pattering rain | 淅淅沥沥 | xī xī lì lì | shi shi lih lih | Light, continuous rain |
| Pouring rain | 倾盆大雨 | qīng pén dà yǔ | ching pern dah yeu | Heavy downpour |
| Heavy snow flying everywhere | 大雪纷飞 | dà xuě fēn fēi | dah sheue fen fei | Heavy snowfall |
| World of ice and snow | 冰天雪地 | bīng tiān xuě dì | bing tian sheue dih | Extremely cold, snowy weather |
| Bitterly cold | 天寒地冻 | tiān hán dì dòng | tian harn dih donq | Freezing cold weather |
| Wind and rain do not obstruct | 风雨无阻 | fēng yǔ wú zǔ | feng yeu wu tzuu | To overcome all obstacles |
| Spring breeze and transforming rain | 春风化雨 | chūn fēng huà yǔ | chuen feng huah yeu | Nurturing and beneficial influence, especially in education |
| Wind and rain are favorable | 风调雨顺 | fēng tiáo yǔ shùn | feng tyau yeu shuenn | Good weather for crops. By extension, peace, and prosperity |
| Fierce sun blazing | 烈日炎炎 | liè rì yán yán | lieh ryh yan yan | Scorching hot weather |
| Continuous light drizzle | 细雨霏霏 | xì yǔ fēi fēi | shih yeu fei fei | Used to describe a calm, misty, and beautiful rainy scene. |
Now that you’ve learned hundreds of ways to discuss weather and climate in Chinese, it’s time to apply this knowledge in real-life situations! Try incorporating these terms and phrases in your daily Mandarin practice so you can eventually become an expert at reading a Chinese weather report.
Want to push beyond weather talk in your Chinese conversations? Then check out our Mandarin blog! We regularly publish Chinese blogs that will improve your language skills and give you the cultural context you need to thrive, like our guide to Chinese adjectives or our guide to talking big money in Chinese.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Conjugation of Spanish verbs","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"Conjugation of Spanish verbs: A guide to all tenses and moods","url":"/blog/verbs-spanish-conjugation-chart","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltee94c5d0f7562344/67020f7d9d2dac1cbfdfabc2/pexels-visual-tag-mx-1321732-2566581.jpg"},"post_content":"You’re not alone! Conjugating verbs is one of the hardest parts of learning Spanish, especially if your native language doesn’t have extensive conjugation rules. Fortunately, if you’re reading this, then you’re already familiar with verb conjugation, as English conjugates verbs. For example, you know that you get it, and he gets it, too. See how the verb “get” changed to “gets” when referring to a third-person? That’s conjugation in action!
\nWith that said, English conjugation is extremely simple. One of the best (and most challenging!) parts of learning Spanish is its extensive verb conjugation rules that every new speaker must learn. While that does mean that there’s a steeper learning curve, it also means that conjugated verbs pack a ton of information. Unlike English, Spanish verb conjugation modifies the verb to include specific information about the action being performed, including:
\nYou do this by changing the ending of the verb’s infinitive form. For example, the verb “hablar” (to speak) in its infinitive form only expresses the basic concept of speaking. But with conjugation, you can communicate much more:
\nAs you see in the conjugated verbs above, all of them start with the same stem (the bolded letters) and have a different ending. That’s the essence of conjugations: you take a verb’s stem and add a suffix depending on the subject, tense, and mood.
\nIn this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about conjugating verbs in Spanish, from the easiest to the most challenging. You’ll also find Spanish conjugation tables for every tense and mood so you always know exactly how to conjugate any verb.
\n\nLearning Chinese is a long process, so it’s important to celebrate small wins along the way. Learning some adjectives is a great way to take your Chinese skills from elementary to pro levels as you learn how to beautifully describe your nouns and pronouns in Chinese. Let’s take a look at an example to illustrate this.
Here’s what a sentence without adjectives looks like:
Now here’s what a sentence with adjectives could look like:
See how big of a difference adjectives can make? It can take you from Chinese 101 to something out of a movie scene.
So, how do you actually use adjectives in Chinese? The answer is quite simple. In this blog, we’ll show you the most common grammar patterns of how to use adjectives, as well as a giant list of 328 adjectives in Chinese. Once you’re done, you’ll have no problem describing almost anything you want in Chinese!
Adjectives in Chinese are called 形容词 (xíng róng cí) and using them is both fun and easy once you get the hang of it. Unlike other languages like English or Spanish, Chinese adjectives don’t change form in gender or number, which is a relief!
![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltfffeed6c185f0c03/66d29da78f798dbfa4df83d2/Chinese-adjective-most-common.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Here, the particle 的 serves as a connector between the adjective and the noun. For example, 红红的苹果 (hóng hóng de píng guǒ) means apple being very red.
And that’s it! It’s as easy as that. This is the basic structure, although Chinese offers various ways to intensify or modify adjectives. Let’s take a look at some of them below:
In Chinese, the adverb 不 (bù) is commonly used to negate adjectives. It’s placed directly before the adjective it modifies, making it a very simple structure: 不 + adjective = not what the adjective represents.
For example, 不好 (bù hǎo) means “not good.” For adjectives with two syllables, 不 is typically placed before the entire adjective. For example, 漂亮 (piào liang) becomes 不漂亮 (bú piào liang), means “not pretty.”
However, it’s worth noting that some adjectives have specific antonyms that do not contain 不. For example, the antonym of 好 is 坏. We’ll include a section on antonyms at the end of the article to give you more examples of these cases!
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| This movie is not interesting. | 这部电影不有趣。 | zhè bù diàn yǐng bù yǒu qù. | jeh buh diann yiing buh yeou chiuh. |
| His answer is not correct. | 他的回答不正确。 | tā de huí dá bú zhèng què. | ta de hwei dar bwu jenq chiueh. |
| Today’s weather is not cold. | 今天的天气不冷。 | jīn tiān de tiān qì bù lěng. | jin tian de tian chih buh leeng. |
| This piece of clothing is not cheap. | 这件衣服不便宜。 | zhè jiàn yī fu bù pián yi. | jeh jiann i fu buh pyan i. |
| My room is not big. | 我的房间不大。 | wǒ de fáng jiān bú dà. | woo de farng jian bwu dah. |
The adverb 很 (hěn) is used to denote “very” in most situations, although it can also serve as a general intensifier without necessarily implying intensity. How could this be? That’s because, when used in the noun + 很 + adjective structure, it can simply serve as a link between the noun and the adjective without necessarily adding a strong emphasis. If you do want to add a strong emphasis, you can use 非常 (fēi cháng) or 特别 (tè bié) instead of 很.
When using 很 with adjectives:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| This book is (very) interesting. | 这本书很有趣。 | zhè běn shū hěn yǒu qù. | jeh been shu heen yeou chiuh. |
| He is (very) smart. | 他很聪明。 | tā hěn cōng ming. | ta heen tsong mhing. |
| Beijing is (very) big. | 北京很大。 | běi jīng hěn dà. | beei jing heen dah. |
| This problem is (very) complicated. | 这个问题很复杂。 | zhè ge wèn tí hěn fù zá. | jeh ge wenn tyi heen fuh tzar. |
| Today’s weather is (very) good. | 今天的天气很好。 | jīn tiān de tiān qì hěn hǎo. | jin tian de tian chih heen hao. |
Adjective reduplication in Chinese is a common and expressive way to intensify or soften an adjective's meaning. It works exactly as it sounds — you simply repeat the adjective to achieve a more intense, casual, or cute tone, depending on the context.
There are a few patterns of adjective reduplication:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| The child’s cheeks are very red. | 小朋友的脸蛋红红的。 | xiǎo péng yǒu de liǎn dàn hóng hóng de. | sheau perng yeou de lean dann horng horng de. |
| The children lined up neatly on the playground. | 孩子们在操场上排成了整整齐齐的队伍。 | hái zi men zài cāo chǎng shàng pái chéng le zhěng zhěng qí qí de duì wu. | hair tzy mhen tzay tsau chaang shanq pair cherng lhe jeeng jeeng chyi chyi de duey u. |
| This room is spotlessly clean. | 这个房间干干净净的。 | zhè ge fáng jiān gān gān jìng jìng de. | jeh ge farng jian gan gan jinq jinq de. |
| She is always a happy person with a smile on her face. | 她是一个脸上总挂着微笑高高兴兴的人。 | tā shì yí gè liǎn shàng zǒng guà zhe wēi xiào gāo gāo xìng xìng de rén. | ta shyh yi geh lean shanq tzoong guah je uei shiaw gau gau shinq shinq de ren. |
| The sunlight feels warm and cozy on the body. | 阳光照在身上，感觉暖洋洋的。 | yáng guāng zhào zài shēn shàng, gǎn jué nuǎn yáng yáng de. | yang guang jaw tzay shen shanq, gaan jyue noan yang yang de. |
| He always looks flustered. | 他看起来总是慌里慌张的。 | tā kàn qǐ lái zǒng shì huāng lǐ huāng zhāng de. | ta kann chii lai tzoong shyh huang lii huang jang de. |
Although adjectives in Chinese and English serve the same purpose, there are a few major differences worth keeping an eye on.
Let’s go over a few helpful grammar patterns for adjectives in Chinese so you can add a little extra sauce to your sentences:
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Using adjectives with 死了 (sǐ le) is a colloquial way to emphasize the intensity of a quality or state in Chinese. It literally means “to death,” but it’s used figuratively to mean “extremely.” To use this structure, simply place the adjective before 死了.
This structure works best with adjectives describing feelings or states that can be experienced intensely, like tiredness, hunger, or boredom. It’s commonly used in casual conversation among friends or in informal writing. This structure is best avoided in formal situations or when speaking to elders or superiors.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| I’m starving (hungry to death), let’s go eat quickly. | 我饿死了，我们快去吃饭吧。 | wǒ è sǐ le, wǒ men kuài qù chī fàn ba. | woo eh syy lhe, woo mhen kuay chiuh chy fann ba. |
| This movie is extremely boring (boring to death). | 这部电影无聊死了。 | zhè bù diàn yǐng wú liáo sǐ le. | jeh buh diann yiing wu liau syy lhe. |
| It’s scorching hot (hot to death) today, so let’s go swimming. | 今天热死了，我们去游泳吧。 | jīn tiān rè sǐ le, wǒ men qù yóu yǒng ba. | jin tian reh syy lhe, woo mhen chiuh you yeong ba. |
Using adjectives with 极了 (jí le) is another way to emphasize the extreme degree of quality in Chinese. It’s similar to using “extremely” in English. To use this structure, simply place 极了 after the adjective. It’s less informal than 死了 and can be used in a wider range of situations, including semiformal contexts.
This pattern works well with many adjectives, especially those describing emotions, states, or qualities. It’s a great way to add emphasis without sounding too colloquial or dramatic. 极了 literally means “to the extreme,” giving a sense of reaching the highest point of quality.
One cool thing about 极了 is that it can be used with both positive and negative adjectives, making it quite versatile. It’s a handy tool for expressing your feelings or opinions with a bit of extra oomph!
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| This cake is extremely sweet, I can’t eat it anymore. | 这个蛋糕甜极了，我没法吃了。 | zhè ge dàn gāo tián jí le, wǒ méi fǎ chī le. | jeh ge dann gau tyan jyi lhe, woo mei faa chy lhe. |
| Today’s concert was absolutely brilliant! | 今天的演唱会精彩极了！ | jīn tiān de yǎn chàng huì jīng cǎi jí le! | jin tian de yean chanq huey jing tsae jyi lhe! |
| This question is extremely difficult, we need more time to think about it. | 这个问题难极了，我们需要更多时间思考。 | zhè ge wèn tí nán jí le, wǒ men xū yào gèng duō shí jiān sī kǎo. | jeh ge wenn tyi nan jyi lhe, woo mhen shiu yaw genq duo shyr jian sy kao. |
The character 全 (quán) is a handy little word that means “whole” or “entire.” It’s great for emphasizing that something applies to every part of something or everyone in a group. You can use it before nouns or as part of compound adjectives to give that “all-encompassing” feel to your descriptions.
What’s cool about 全 is how versatile it is. You can slap it in front of body parts, groups of people, or even abstract concepts. 全 can be used in both formal or written contexts and everyday casual speech.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| It rained, and I’m soaked all over. | 下雨了，我全身都湿透了。 | xià yǔ le, wǒ quán shēn dōu shī tòu le. | shiah yeu lhe, woo chyuan shen dou shy tow lhe. |
| This issue requires the participation of the entire class. | 这个问题需要全班同学的参与。 | zhè ge wèn tí xū yào quán bān tóng xué de cān yù. | jeh ge wenn tyi shiu yaw chyuan ban torng shyue de tsan yuh. |
| I have a completely new idea for this plan. | 我对这个计划有全新的想法。 | wǒ duì zhè ge jì huà yǒu quán xīn de xiǎng fǎ. | woo duey jeh ge jih huah yeou chyuan shin de sheang faa. |
This is a fun and expressive way to amp up your adjectives in Chinese. It’s like saying “extremely” but with a dash of colloquial flair. To use it, just slap it after an adjective and voilà! This phrase is very versatile and works with all sorts of adjectives, whether you’re talking about how delicious that street food was or how mind-bogglingly difficult your math homework is. It’s casual enough for everyday chat but not so slangy that you can’t use it in most situations.
One cool thing about 得不得了 (de bù dé liǎo) is how it literally translates to “to the point of being unable to be more so.” It’s like saying something is so [adjective] that it can’t possibly be any more [adjective]. Talk about maxing out the intensity!
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| This joke is incredibly funny, I laughed until my stomach hurt. | 这个笑话好笑得不得了，我笑到肚子都疼了。 | zhè ge xiào huà hǎo xiào de bù dé liǎo, wǒ xiào dào dù zi dōu téng le. | jeh ge shiaw huah hao shiaw de buh der leau, woo shiaw daw duh tzy dou terng lhe. |
| It’s extremely hot today, let’s go swimming. | 今天热得不得了，我们去游泳吧。 | jīn tiān rè de bù dé liǎo, wǒ men qù yóu yǒng ba. | jin tian reh de buh der leau, woo mhen chiuh you yeong ba. |
| This dish is unbelievably spicy, I need to drink more water. | 这道菜辣得不得了，我得多喝点水。 | zhè dào cài là de bù dé liǎo, wǒ děi duō hē diǎn shuǐ. | jeh daw tsay lah de buh der leau, woo deei duo he dean shoei. |
The adjectival complement 得很 is part of a very helpful sentence structure in Chinese that emphasizes the degree of an adjective. To use it, you simply pop 得很 after an adjective. It’s pretty straightforward, and this structure works with a wide range of adjectives. It can also soften the tone a bit compared to other intensifiers. It’s not as strong as 死了 or 极了, but it still gets the point across.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| The food at this restaurant is very delicious. | 这家餐厅的菜好吃得很。 | zhè jiā cān tīng de cài hǎo chī de hěn. | jeh jia tsan ting de tsay hao chy de heen. |
| He speaks Mandarin very fluently. | 他的普通话说得流利得很。 | tā de pǔ tōng huà shuō de liú lì de hěn. | ta de puu tong huah shuo de liou lih de heen. |
| Today’s weather is quite cold, remember to wear more clothes. | 今天的天气冷得很，记得多穿点衣服。 | jīn tiān de tiān qì lěng de hěn, jì de duō chuān diǎn yī fu. | jin tian de tian chih leeng de heen, jih de duo chuan dean i fu. |
Now that you’re armed with a few grammar structures, you’re ready to start adding some new adjectives to your vocabulary. We’ve got over 100 adjectives in Mandarin for you, and we’re breaking them down by categories and following up with some sample sentences. So, dig in and pick up some new adjectives!
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Personality adjectives in Chinese are great for describing people’s character traits. These words can help you describe your best friend, coworkers, family, or even yourself, helping you build a solid foundation of Chinese language skills.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Patient | 耐心 | nài xīn | nay shin |
| Impatient | 急躁 | jí zào | jyi tzaw |
| Confident | 自信 | zì xìn | tzyh shinn |
| Shy | 害羞 | hài xiū | hay shiou |
| Honest | 诚实 | chéng shí | cherng shyr |
| Deceitful | 虚假 | xū jiǎ | shiu jea |
| Cheerful | 开朗 | kāi lǎng | kai laang |
| Serious | 严肃 | yán sù | yan suh |
| Generous | 慷慨 | kāng kǎi | kang kae |
| Stingy | 吝啬 | lìn sè | linn seh |
| Hardworking | 勤劳 | qín láo | chyn lau |
| Lazy | 懒惰 | lǎn duò | laan duoh |
| Friendly | 友好 | yǒu hǎo | yeou hao |
| Smart | 聪明 | cōng ming | tsong mhing |
| Loyal | 忠诚 | zhōng chéng | jong cherng |
| Positive | 积极 | jī jí | ji jyi |
| Negative | 消极 | xiāo jí | shiau jyi |
| Stable | 稳重 | wěn zhòng | woen jonq |
| Impulsive | 冲动 | chōng dòng | chong donq |
| Optimistic | 乐观 | lè guān | leh guan |
| Pessimistic | 悲观 | bēi guān | bei guan |
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| She is very patient and always willing to help others. | 她很耐心，总是愿意帮助别人。 | tā hěn nài xīn, zǒng shì yuàn yì bāng zhù bié rén. | ta heen nay shin, tzoong shyh yuann yih bang juh bye ren. |
| He is always shy in public spaces. | 他在公共场合总是很害羞。 | tā zài gōng gòng chǎng hé zǒng shì hěn hài xiū. | ta tzay gong gonq chaang her tzoong shyh heen hay shiou |
| We need an honest friend. | 我们需要一个诚实的朋友。 | wǒ men xū yào yí gè chéng shí de péng yǒu. | woo mhen shiu yaw yi geh cherng shyr de perng yeou. |
| He is very hardworking and works ten hours every day. | 他很勤劳，每天工作十个小时。 | tā hěn qín láo, měi tiān gōng zuò shí gè xiǎo shí. | ta heen chyn lau, meei tian gong tzuoh shyr geh sheau shyr. |
| She is always optimistic and not afraid of difficulties. | 她总是很乐观，面对困难也不害怕。 | tā zǒng shì hěn lè guān, miàn duì kùn nán yě bú hài pà. | ta tzoong shyh heen leh guan, miann duey kuenn nan yee bwu hay pah. |
These adjectives will put your imagination to use, as they use vivid imagery to paint a picture of what or who you’re trying to describe. Keep an eye out for how some of these can be used to describe both physical and personality traits.
What needs a special note is that these words should be used with discretion in daily conversations. Similar to many English-speaking contexts, using certain words from the list to describe a person’s figure (such as “fat” or “short”) can sometimes be perceived as inappropriate or offensive as well.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Slim | 苗条 | miáo tiao | miau tiau |
| Fat | （肥）胖 | (féi) pàng | (feir) panq |
| Tall | 高（大） | gāo (dà) | gau (dah) |
| Short | 矮（小） | ǎi (xiǎo) | ae (sheau) |
| Pale | 苍白 | cāng bái | tsang bair |
| Strong | 强壮 | qiáng zhuàng | chyang juanq |
| Weak | （衰）弱 | (shuāi) ruò | (shuai) ruoh |
| Young | 年轻 | nián qīng | nian ching |
| Elderly | 老 | lǎo | lao |
| Beautiful | 美（丽） | měi (lì) | meei (lih) |
| Ugly | 丑（陋） | chǒu (lòu) | choou (low) |
| Healthy | 健康 | jiàn kāng | jiann kang |
| Sickly | 病态 | bìng tài | binq tay |
| Delicate | 娇弱 | jiāo ruò | jiau ruoh |
| Burly | 魁梧 | kuí wu | kwei u |
| Slender | 修长 | xiū cháng | shiou charng |
| Plump | 饱满 | bǎo mǎn | bao maan |
| Aged | （苍）老 | (cāng) lǎo | (tsang) lao |
| Energetic | 活泼 | huó pō | hwo po |
| Haggard | 憔悴 | qiáo cuì | chyau tsuey |
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| He is tall and plays on the basketball team. | 他很高大，在篮球队打球。 | tā hěn gāo dà, zài lán qiú duì dǎ qiú. | ta heen gau dah, tzay lan chyou duey daa chyou. |
| Her complexion is a bit pale, she might be sick. | 她的脸色有点苍白，可能生病了。 | tā de liǎn sè yǒu diǎn cāng bái, kě néng shēng bìng le. | ta de lean seh yeou dean tsang bair, kee neng sheng binq lhe. |
| He was very strong when he was young and could lift heavy weights. | 他年轻时很强壮，能举起很重的东西。 | tā nián qīng shí hěn qiáng zhuàng, néng jǔ qǐ hěn zhòng de dōng xi. | ta nian ching shyr heen chyang juanq, neng jeu chii heen jonq de dong shi. |
| She didn’t sleep well last night, and looks very haggard. | 她昨晚没睡好，看起来很憔悴。 | tā zuó wǎn méi shuì hǎo, kàn qǐ lái hěn qiáo cuì. | ta tzwo woan mei shuey hao, kann chii lai heen chyau tsuey. |
Chinese has a rich vocabulary for expressing emotions, including some concepts that don’t have direct English equivalents. These are super useful for personal conversations and understanding Chinese media better.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Happy | 快乐 | kuài lè | kuay leh |
| Sad | 悲伤 | bēi shāng | bei shang |
| Angry | 愤怒 | fèn nù | fenn nuh |
| Afraid | 害怕 | hài pà | hay pah |
| Excited | 兴奋 | xīng fèn | shing fenn |
| Anxious | 焦虑 | jiāo lǜ | jiau liuh |
| Satisfied | 满足 | mǎn zú | maan tzwu |
| Disappointed | 失望 | shī wàng | shy wanq |
| Ashamed | 羞愧 | xiū kuì | shiou kuey |
| Proud | 骄傲 | jiāo ào | jiau aw |
| Nervous | 紧张 | jǐn zhāng | jiin jang |
| Relaxed | 放松 | fàng sōng | fanq song |
| Surprised | 惊讶 | jīng yà | jing yah |
| Confused | 疑惑 | yí huò | yi huoh |
| Calm | 平静 | píng jìng | pyng jinq |
| Tired | 疲倦 | pí juàn | pyi jiuann |
| Thrilled | 激动 | jī dòng | ji donq |
| Grateful | 感激 | gǎn jī | gaan ji |
| Lonely | 寂寞 | jì mò | jih moh |
| Depressed | 郁闷 | yù mèn | yuh menn |
| Comfortable | 舒适 | shū shì | shu shyh |
| Worried | 担忧 | dān yōu | dan iou |
| Terrified | 惊恐 | jīng kǒng | jing koong |
| Moved | 感动 | gǎn dòng | gaan donq |
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| She is very happy today because she passed the exam. | 她今天很快乐，因为她通过了考试。 | tā jīn tiān hěn kuài lè, yīn wèi tā tōng guò le kǎo shì. | ta jin tian heen kuay leh, in wey ta tong guoh lhe kao shyh. |
| He felt very sad after hearing the bad news. | 他听到这个坏消息后感到很悲伤。 | tā tīng dào zhè ge huài xiāo xi hòu gǎn dào hěn bēi shāng. | ta ting daw jeh ge huay shiau shi how gaan daw heen bei shang. |
| He was very afraid when he saw the snake. | 他看到蛇时非常害怕。 | tā kàn dào shé shí fēi cháng hài pà. | ta kann daw sher shyr fei charng hay pah. |
| She got her dream job and felt very excited. | 得到了梦寐以求的工作，她感到非常兴奋。 | dé dào le mèng mèi yǐ qiú de gōng zuò, tā gǎn dào fēi cháng xīng fèn. | der daw lhe menq mey yii chyou de gong tzuoh, ta gaan daw fei charng shing fenn. |
| He felt very disappointed with the result because he put in a lot of effort. | 他对结果感到很失望，因为他付出了很多努力。 | tā duì jié guǒ gǎn dào hěn shī wàng, yīn wèi tā fù chū le hěn duō nǔ lì. | ta duey jye guoo gaan daw heen shy wanq, in wey ta fuh chu lhe heen duo nuu lih. |
Value adjectives reflect cultural attitudes and are key for expressing opinions. Watch out for how their meanings can change slightly depending on context. Master these, and you’ll be dishing out opinions like a full-time TV commentator!
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Valuable | 有价值 | yǒu jià zhí | yeou jiah jyr |
| Worthless | 无价值 | wú jià zhí | wu jiah jyr |
| Expensive | 昂贵 | áng guì | arng guey |
| Cheap | 便宜 | pián yi | pyan i |
| High-quality | 优质 | yōu zhì | iou jyh |
| Low-quality | 劣质 | liè zhì | lieh jyh |
| Precious | 珍贵 | zhēn guì | jen guey |
| Common | 普通 | pǔ tōng | puu tong |
| Unique | 独特 | dú tè | dwu teh |
| Exquisite | 精致 | jīng zhì | jing jyh |
| Inferior | 低劣 | dī liè | di lieh |
| Practical | 实用 | shí yòng | shyr yonq |
| Luxurious | 豪华 | háo huá | haur hwa |
| Inexpensive | 廉价 | lián jià | lian jiah |
| Durable | 耐用 | nài yòng | nay yonq |
| Useless | 无用 | wú yòng | wu yonq |
| Effective | 有效 | yǒu xiào | yeou shiaw |
| Ineffective | 无效 | wú xiào | wu shiaw |
| Beneficial | 有益 | yǒu yì | yeou yih |
| Harmful | 有害 | yǒu hài | yeou hay |
| Minor | 轻微 | qīng wēi | ching uei |
| Extreme | 极端 | jí duān | jyi duan |
| Unequal | 不平等 | bù píng děng | buh pyng deeng |
| Rare | 稀有 | xī yǒu | shi yeou |
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| This watch is very valuable, it’s a family heirloom. | 这块手表非常有价值，是传家之宝。 | zhè kuài shǒu biǎo fēi cháng yǒu jià zhí, shì chuán jiā zhī bǎo. | jeh kuay shoou beau fei charng yeou jiah jyr, shyh chwan jia jy bao. |
| These decorations look very expensive, but they’re actually very cheap. | 这些装饰品看起来很昂贵，但其实很便宜。 | zhè xiē zhuāng shì pǐn kàn qǐ lái hěn áng guì, dàn qí shí hěn pián yi. | jeh shie juang shyh piin kann chii lai heen arng guey, dann chyi shyr heen pyan i. |
| This brand’s products are known for their high quality. | 这个品牌的产品以优质著称。 | zhè ge pǐn pái de chǎn pǐn yǐ yōu zhì zhù chēng. | jeh ge piin pair de chaan piin yii iou jyh juh cheng. |
| This antique is very precious and hard to find in the market. | 这个古董非常珍贵，在市场上很难找到。 | zhè ge gǔ dǒng fēi cháng zhēn guì, zài shì chǎng shàng hěn nán zhǎo dào. | jeh ge guu doong fei charng jen guey, tzay shyh chaang shanq heen nan jao daw. |
| This tool is very practical and can be used to solve many problems. | 这个工具非常实用，可以用来解决很多问题。 | zhè ge gōng jù fēi cháng shí yòng, kě yǐ yòng lái jiě jué hěn duō wèn tí. | jeh ge gong jiuh fei charng shyr yonq, kee yii yonq lai jiee jyue heen duo wenn tyi. |
Knowing the colors in Chinese is one thing, but using these color adjectives will allow you to describe anything like a real artist. These adjectives give additional depth and nuance to colors, letting you paint an even clearer picture.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Bright | 亮 | liàng | lianq |
| Dark | 暗 | àn | ann |
| Vibrant | 鲜艳 | xiān yàn | shian yann |
| Soft | 柔和 | róu hé | rou her |
| Light | 淡 | dàn | dann |
| Rich, deep | 浓 | nóng | nong |
| Pale | 清淡 | qīng dàn | ching dann |
| Misty, hazy | 朦胧 | méng lóng | meng long |
| Shiny, sparkling | 闪亮 | shǎn liàng | shaan lianq |
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| The color on the wall is very bright, making the whole room look very bright. | 墙上的颜色很亮，让整个房间显得很明亮。 | qiáng shàng de yán sè hěn liàng, ràng zhěng gè fáng jiān xiǎn de hěn míng liàng. | chyang shanq de yan seh heen lianq, ranq jeeng geh farng jian shean de heen ming lianq. |
| Her room is painted in a very dark blue, making it look quiet. | 她的房间刷了一种很暗的蓝色，显得很安静。 | tā de fáng jiān shuā le yì zhǒng hěn àn de lán sè, xiǎn de hěn ān jìng. | ta de farng jian shua lhe yih joong heen ann de lan seh, shean de heen an jinq. |
| She wore a vibrant yellow dress, making her stand out. | 她穿了一件鲜艳的黄色连衣裙，非常显眼。 | tā chuān le yí jiàn xiān yàn de huáng sè lián yī qún, fēi cháng xiǎn yǎn. | ta chuan lhe yi jiann shian yann de hwang seh lian i chyun, fei charng shean yean. |
| The colors in this painting are very soft, giving a sense of tranquility. | 这幅画的颜色很柔和，给人一种宁静的感觉。 | zhè fú huà de yán sè hěn róu hé, gěi rén yì zhǒng níng jìng de gǎn jué. | jeh fwu huah de yan seh heen rou her, geei ren yih joong ning jinq de gaan jyue. |
| He chose a very pale green to decorate his office. | 他选择了一种很淡的绿色来装饰他的办公室。 | tā xuǎn zé le yì zhǒng hěn dàn de lǜ sè lái zhuāng shì tā de bàn gōng shì. | ta sheuan tzer lhe yih joong heen dann de liuh seh lai juang shyh ta de bann gong shyh. |
From circles to polygons, thick to thin, Chinese has you covered when it comes to describing shapes and sizes. And no, these aren’t just words that you’d use in your geometry class. For example, they can help you describe that delicious dumpling you just ate or your beloved pet back home.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Round | 圆（形） | yuán (xíng) | yuan (shyng) |
| Square | 方（形） | fāng (xíng) | fang (shyng) |
| Rectangular | 长方形 | cháng fāng xíng | charng fang shyng |
| Oval | 椭圆（形） | tuǒ yuán (xíng) | tuoo yuan (shyng) |
| Triangular | 三角（形） | sān jiǎo (xíng) | san jeau (shyng) |
| Polygonal | 多边形 | duō biān xíng | duo bian shyng |
| Huge | 巨大 | jù dà | jiuh dah |
| Tiny | 微小 | wēi xiǎo | uei sheau |
| Wide | 宽阔 | kuān kuò | kuan kuoh |
| Narrow | 窄 | zhǎi | jae |
| Thick | 厚 | hòu | how |
| Thin | 薄 | báo | baur |
| Immense | 巨形 | jù xíng | jiuh shyng |
| Slender | 细长 | xì cháng | shih charng |
| Smooth | 光滑 | guāng huá | guang hwa |
| Rough | 粗糙 | cū cāo | tsu tsau |
| Hard | 硬 | yìng | yinq |
| Soft | 软 | ruǎn | roan |
| Moist | 湿润 | shī rùn | shy ruenn |
| Dry | 干燥 | gān zào | gan tzaw |
| Sticky | 粘 | nián | nian |
| Slippery | 滑 | huá | hwa |
| Silky | 丝滑 | sī huá | sy hwa |
| Wavy | 卷曲 | juǎn qū | jeuan chiu |
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Her earrings are circular, and very beautiful. | 她的耳环是圆形的，非常漂亮。 | tā de ěr huán shì yuán xíng de, fēi cháng piào liang. | ta de eel hwan shyh yuan shyng de, fei charng piaw lhiang. |
| I bought a square table and put it in the living room. | 我买了一张方形的桌子，放在了客厅里。 | wǒ mǎi le yì zhāng fāng xíng de zhuō zi, fàng zài le kè tīng lǐ. | woo mae lhe yih jang fang shyng de juo tzy, fanq tzay lhe keh ting lii. |
| That rock is huge, it takes many people to move it. | 那块石头非常巨大，需要很多人才能搬动。 | nà kuài shí tou fēi cháng jù dà, xū yào hěn duō rén cái néng bān dòng. | nah kuay shyr tou fei charng jiuh dah, shiu yaw heen duo ren tsair neng ban donq. |
| Her skin is very smooth, like silk. | 她的皮肤非常光滑，像丝绸一样。 | tā de pí fū fēi cháng guāng huá, xiàng sī chóu yí yàng. | ta de pyi fu fei charng guang hwa, shianq sy chour yi yanq. |
| The desert is very dry. | 沙漠非常干燥。 | shā mò fēi cháng gān zào. | sha moh fei charng gan tzaw. |
Whether you’re looking to enjoy some delicious Chinese cuisine or want to describe food in Chinese, you’ll definitely want to learn the following adjectives for describing taste. Plus, some of these words do double duty, describing personalities or situations metaphorically. It’s a flavorful way to spice up your Chinese!
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Sweet | 甜 | tián | tyan |
| Bitter | 苦 | kǔ | kuu |
| Sour | 酸 | suān | suan |
| Salty | 咸 | xián | shyan |
| Spicy | 辣 | là | lah |
| Fresh | 鲜 | xiān | shian |
| Rich, strong | 郁 | yù | yuh |
| Fragrant, aromatic | 香 | xiāng | shiang |
| Stinky | 臭 | chòu | chow |
| Astringent | 涩 | sè | seh |
| Greasy, cloying | 腻 | nì | nih |
| Saucy | 酱 | jiàng | jiàng |
| Smoky | 烟熏 | yān xūn | ian shiun |
| Fermented | 发酵的 | fā jiào de | fa jiaw de |
| Refreshing | 爽口 | shuǎng kǒu | shoang koou |
| Numbing | 麻 | má | ma |
| Sweet and sour | 酸甜 | suān tián | suan tyan |
| Bittersweet | 苦甜 | kǔ tián | kuu tyan |
| Curry flavored | 咖喱味 | gā lí wèi | ga li wey |
| Creamy | 奶油味 | nǎi yóu wèi | nae you wey |
| Fruity | 果味 | guǒ wèi | guoo wey |
| Burnt | 焦 | jiāo | jiau |
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| This apple is sweet, do you want to taste it? | 这个苹果很甜，你要尝尝吗？ | zhè ge píng guǒ hěn tián, nǐ yào cháng chɑng ma? | jeh ge pyng guoo heen tyan, nii yaw charng chang mha? |
| This coffee is bitter, do you want to add some sugar? | 这杯咖啡很苦，你要加点糖吗？ | zhè bēi kā fēi hěn kǔ, nǐ yào jiā diǎn táng ma? | jeh bei ka fei heen kuu, nii yaw jia dean tarng mha? |
| This dish is very spicy, can you eat it? | 这道菜很辣，你能吃吗？ | zhè dào cài hěn là, nǐ néng chī ma? | jeh daw tsay heen lah, nii neng chy mha? |
| This soup is very salty, I need to add some water. | 这个汤很咸，我要加点水。 | zhè ge tāng hěn xián, wǒ yào jiā diǎn shuǐ. | jeh ge tang heen shyan, woo yaw jia dean shoei. |
| This cheese has a very creamy taste, it’s very delicious. | 这块芝士奶油味很浓，很好吃。 | zhè kuài zhī shì nǎi yóu wèi hěn nóng, hěn hǎo chī. | jeh kuay jy shyh nae you wey heen nong, heen hao chy. |
These types of adjectives are crucial (wink) for discussing daily life and current events. Many are compound words, combining simpler concepts to create more complex meanings.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Urgent | 紧急 | jǐn jí | jiin jyi |
| Calm | 平静 | píng jìng | pyng jinq |
| Chaotic | 混乱 | hùn luàn | huenn luann |
| Stable | 稳定 | wěn dìng | woen dinq |
| Dangerous | 危险 | wēi xiǎn | uei shean |
| Safe | 安全 | ān quán | an chyuan |
| Difficult | 困难 | kùn nán | kuenn nan |
| Easy | 轻松 | qīng sōng | ching song |
| Exciting | 激动人心 | jī dòng rén xīn | ji donq ren shin |
| Boring | 无聊 | wú liáo | wu liau |
| Uncomfortable | 不适 | bú shì | bwu shyh |
| Strange | 奇怪 | qí guài | chyi guay |
| Normal | 正常 | zhèng cháng | jenq charng |
| Abnormal | 异常 | yì cháng | yih charng |
| Tragic | 悲惨 | bēi cǎn | bei tsaan |
| Joyful | 快乐 | kuài lè | kuay leh |
| Severe | 严峻 | yán jùn | yan jiunn |
| Uncertain | 不确定 | bú què dìng | bwu chiueh dinq |
| Clear | 明确 | míng què | ming chiueh |
| Vague | 模糊 | mó hu | mo hu |
| Effective | 有效 | yǒu xiào | yeou shiaw |
| Ineffective | 无效 | wú xiào | wu shiaw |
| Hopeful | 充满希望 | chōng mǎn xī wàng | chong maan shi wanq |
| Hopeless | 绝望 | jué wàng | jyue wanq |
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| This place is very safe, you can feel at ease. | 这个地方很安全，你可以放心。 | zhè ge dì fāng hěn ān quán, nǐ kě yǐ fàng xīn. | jeh ge dih fang heen an chyuan, nii kee yii fanq shin. |
| He feels very nervous before the exam. | 他考试前很紧张。 | tā kǎo shì qián hěn jǐn zhāng. | ta kao shyh chyan heen jiin jang. |
| The weather is very calm today, perfect for going to the park. | 今天的天气很平静，适合去公园。 | jīn tiān de tiān qì hěn píng jìng, shì hé qù gōng yuán. | jin tian de tian chih heen pyng jinq, shyh her chiuh gong yuan. |
| This problem is a bit difficult, but I will try my best to solve it. | 这个问题有点困难，但我会努力解决的。 | zhè ge wèn tí yǒu diǎn kùn nán, dàn wǒ huì nǔ lì jiě jué de. | jeh ge wenn tyi yeou dean kuenn nan, dann woo huey nuu lih jiee jyue de. |
| Her answer is very clear, with no doubts at all. | 她的回答非常明确，没有任何疑问。 | tā de huí dá fēi cháng míng què, méi yǒu rèn hé yí wèn. | ta de hwei dar fei charng ming chiueh, mei yeou renn her yi wenn. |
Appearance adjectives in Chinese will help you describe the things you’ve seen. Interestingly, some might have different connotations than their English counterparts, giving you a glimpse into cultural differences in aesthetic values.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Attractive | 有魅力 | yǒu mèi lì | yeou mey lih |
| Dapper | 精干 | jīng gàn | jing gann |
| Elegant | 优雅 | yōu yǎ | iou yea |
| Stylish | 时髦 | shí máo | shyr mau |
| Graceful | 优美 | yōu měi | iou meei |
| Handsome | 英俊 | yīng jùn | ing jiunn |
| Beautiful | 美丽 | měi lì | meei lih |
| Pretty | 漂亮 | piào liang | piaw lhiang |
| Charming | 迷人 | mí rén | mi ren |
| Polished | 光鲜 | guāng xiān | guang shian |
| Sleek | 线条流畅 | xiàn tiáo liú chàng | shiann tyau liou chanq |
| Rugged | 粗犷 | cū guǎng | tsu goang |
| Neat | 整洁 | zhěng jié | jeeng jye |
| Tidy | 井然 | jǐng rán | jiing ran |
| Shabby | 破旧 | pò jiù | poh jiow |
| Disheveled | 凌乱 | líng luàn | ling luann |
| Scruffy | 不整洁 | bù zhěng jié | buh jeeng jye |
| Sleazy | 廉价 | lián jià | lian jiah |
| Gaudy | 俗气 | sú qì | swu chih |
| Ostentatious | 卖弄 | mài nòng | may nonq |
| Plain | 朴素 | pǔ sù | puu suh |
| Simple | 简单 | jiǎn dān | jean dan |
| Modest | 谦逊 | qiān xùn | chian shiunn |
| Flashy | 俗艳 | sú yàn | swu yann |
| Colorful | 多彩 | duō cǎi | duo tsae |
| Drab | 单调 | dān diào | dan diaw |
| Faded | 褪色 | tuì sè | tuey seh |
| Bright | 明亮 | míng liàng | ming lianq |
| Dull | 暗淡 | àn dàn | ann dann |
| Vibrant | 充满活力 | chōng mǎn huó lì | chong maan hwo lih |
| Stark | 鲜明 | xiān míng | shian ming |
| Bold | 大胆 | dà dǎn | dah daan |
| Subtle | 微妙 | wēi miào | uei miaw |
| Flowery | 花哨 | huā shào | hua shaw |
| Ornate | 华丽 | huá lì | hwa lih |
| Spartan | 简朴 | jiǎn pǔ | jean puu |
| Cluttered | 杂乱 | zá luàn | tzar luann |
| Minimalist | 极简主义 | jí jiǎn zhǔ yì | jyi jean juu yih |
| Exotic | 异国情调 | yì guó qíng diào | yih gwo chyng diaw |
| Odd | 古怪 | gǔ guài | gǔ guài |
| Generic | 普通 | pǔ tōng | puu tong |
| Aged | 老旧 | lǎo jiù | lao jiow |
| Youthful | 年轻 | nián qīng | nian ching |
| Timeless | 经典 | jīng diǎn | jing dean |
| Modern | 现代 | xiàn dài | shiann day |
| Antique | 古董 | gǔ dǒng | guu doong |
| Retro | 复古 | fù gǔ | fuh guu |
| Futuristic | 未来主义的 | wèi lái zhǔ yì de | wey lai juu yih de |
| Traditional | 传统 | chuán tǒng | chwan toong |
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| She wore fashionable clothes to the party. | 她穿着时髦的衣服去参加了派对。 | tā chuān zhe shí máo de yī fu qù cān jiā le pài duì. | ta chuan je shyr mau de i fu chiuh tsan jia lhe pay duey. |
| The night view of this city is very bright. | 这座城市的夜景很明亮。 | zhè zuò chéng shì de yè jǐng hěn míng liàng. | jeh tzuoh cherng shyh de yeh jiing heen ming lianq. |
| His room is very neat, with everything organized. | 他的房间非常整洁，东西摆放得很有序。 | tā de fáng jiān fēi cháng zhěng jié, dōng xi bǎi fàng de hěn yǒu xù. | ta de farng jian fei charng jeeng jye, dong shi bae fanq de heen yeou shiuh. |
| This dress looks very simple, but it’s very pretty. | 这条裙子看起来很简单，但很漂亮。 | zhè tiáo qún zi kàn qǐ lái hěn jiǎn dān, dàn hěn piào liang. | jeh tyau chyun tzy kann chii lai heen jean dan, dann heen piaw lhiang. |
These are extremely important for expressing opinions and making comparisons. Here’s a cool thing about them: many Chinese quality adjectives can function as both adjectives and adverbs without changing form. It’s different from English, where, for example, you can sa, “this flavor is good” but you have to say, “he cooks well”, while you can use 好 in Chinese for both situations.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Good | 好 | hǎo | hao |
| Bad | 坏 | huài | huay |
| Big, large | 大 | dà | dah |
| Small | 小 | xiǎo | sheau |
| Many, much | 多 | duō | duo |
| Few, little | 少 | shǎo | shao |
| Tall, high | 高 | gāo | gau |
| Short (in height) | 矮 | ǎi | ae |
| Long | 长 | cháng | charng |
| Short (in length) | 短 | duǎn | doan |
| Fast, quick | 快 | kuài | kuay |
| Slow | 慢 | màn | mann |
| New | 新 | xīn | shin |
| Ugly | 丑 | chǒu | choou |
| Light (weight) | 轻 | qīng | ching |
| Heavy | 重 | zhòng | jonq |
| Clear | 清楚 | qīng chǔ | ching chuu |
| Quiet | 安静 | ān jìng | an jinq |
| Noisy | 吵 | chǎo | chao |
| Clean | 干净 | gān jìng | gan jinq |
| Dirty | 脏 | zāng | tzang |
| Coarse, rough | 粗 | cū | tsu |
| Fine, thin | 细 | xì | shih |
| Flat | 平 | píng | pyng |
| Curved, bent | 弯 | wān | uan |
| Winding | 蜿蜒 | wān yán | uan yan |
| Wet | 湿 | shī | shy |
| Dry | 干 | gān | gan |
| Cool | 凉 | liáng | liang |
| Hot | 热 | rè | reh |
| Cold | 冷 | lěng | leeng |
| Aged, deteriorated | 老化 | lǎo huà | lao huah |
| Elastic | 弹性 | tán xìng | tarn shinq |
| Stable, sturdy | 稳（固） | wěn (gù) | woen (guh) |
| Expensive | （昂）贵 | (áng) guì | (arng) guey |
| Empty | 空 | kōng | kong |
| Solid, filled | 实 | shí | shyr |
| Complete, intact | 完整 | wán zhěng | wan jeeng |
| Broken, shattered | （破）碎 | (pò) suì | (poh) suey |
| Bright (visually) | （明）亮 | (míng) liàng | (ming) lianq |
| Dim, dull | 暗 | àn | ann |
| Intense, strong | 强烈 | qiáng liè | chyang lieh |
| Weak | 弱 | ruò | ruoh |
| Hard, solid | 坚硬 | jiān yìng | jian yinq |
| Flexible, agile | 灵活 | líng huó | ling hwo |
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| This piece of clothing is too big, I need a smaller size. | 这件衣服太大了，我需要小一号的。 | zhè jiàn yī fu tài dà le, wǒ xū yào xiǎo yí hào de. | jeh jiann i fu tay dah lhe, woo shiu yaw sheau yi haw de. |
| This book is very new, I just bought it. | 这本书很新，我刚买的。 | zhè běn shū hěn xīn, wǒ gāng mǎi de. | jeh been shu heen shin, woo gang mae de. |
| The floor is very clean, you can directly sit on it. | 地板很干净，你可以直接坐在上面。 | dì bǎn hěn gān jìng, nǐ kě yǐ zhí jiē zuò zài shàng miàn. | dih baan heen gan jinq, nii kee yii jyr jie tzuoh tzay shanq miann. |
| This road is very winding, so drive carefully. | 这条路很蜿蜒，开车要小心。 | zhè tiáo lù hěn wān yán, kāi chē yào xiǎo xīn. | jeh tyau luh heen uan yan, kai che yaw sheau shin. |
Now that you’ve learned so many adjectives, you should be familiar with the ones that have similar or identical meanings. The following synonyms are important to learn, as although their meaning might seem identical at first, there are subtle nuances that differentiate them:
![\"Woman](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt8361f966544baefd/66d8f2b320ece058c4f7580c/Chinese-adjective-synonyms.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Chinese | Pinyin |
| Both mean “big” but 巨 conveys a greater sense of enormity. | 大 | dà | 巨 | jù |
| Both mean “small” but 微 emphasizes a much smaller size. | 小 | xiǎo | 微 | wēi |
| Both mean “clean” but 洁净 carries the connotation of being immaculate or pristine. | 干净 | gān jìng | 洁净 | jié jìng |
| Both mean “dirty” but 肮脏 is often used to suggest a morally corrupt state. | 脏 | zāng | 肮脏 | āng zāng |
| Both mean “fast” but 迅速 refers to something happening very fast and is more formal. | 快 | kuài | 迅速 | xùn sù |
| Both describe slowness, but 缓慢 emphasizes a frustratingly slow pace. | 慢 | màn | 缓慢 | huǎn màn |
| Both mean “bright” but 光亮 can also specifically refer to the shine or luster of a surface. | 明亮 | míng liàng | 光亮 | guāng liàng |
| Both mean “enthusiastic” or “warm-hearted” but 热心 often suggests a willingness to help. | 热情 | rè qíng | 热心 | rè xīn |
| Both mean “cold” but 冰冷 is often used to describe a more biting cold. | 寒冷 | hán lěng | 冰冷 | bīng lěng |
| Both mean “wide” but 宽广 often refers to more expansive or extensive breadth. | 宽阔 | kuān kuò | 宽广 | kuān guǎng |
| Both mean “beautiful” but 漂亮 is typically used for describing appearance while 美丽 can be used to also describe abstract concepts related to being beautiful. | 美丽 | měi lì | 漂亮 | piào liang |
| Both describe hardness but 坚硬 has a higher degree of firmness. | 坚硬 | jiān yìng | 硬 | yìng |
| Both mean “soft” but 柔软 has a more delicate connotation. | 软 | ruǎn | 柔软 | róu ruǎn |
| Both describe being tired from work but 辛苦 also carries a nuance of hardship or suffering. | 辛苦 | xīn kǔ | 劳累 | láo lèi |
| Both mean “wealthy” but 富有 can also imply richness in non-material qualities. | 富裕 | fù yù | 富有 | fù yǒu |
| Both mean “strong” but 强壮 is typically used to describe physical strength. | 强大 | qiáng dà | 强壮 | qiáng zhuàng |
| Both mean “busy” but 繁忙 emphasizes being busy for handling varied types of tasks. | 繁忙 | fán máng | 忙碌 | máng lù |
| Both mean “difficult” but 艰难 suggests a higher level of difficulty. | 艰难 | jiān nán | 困难 | kùn nán |
| Both mean “old” but 古老 carries a nuance of being ancient or historically significant. | 古老 | gǔ lǎo | 陈旧 | chén jiù |
Of course, we can’t talk about synonyms without mentioning antonyms in Chinese! These are some of the most common adjectives and their antonyms:
![\"Woman](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb7b329af34e4d265/66d8f31a2504001fa0f52d39/Chinese-adjective-antonyms.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | English | Chinese | Pinyin |
| Big | 大 | dà | Small | 小 | xiǎo |
| Long | 长 | cháng | Short | 短 | duǎn |
| Tall | 高 | gāo | Low | 低 | dī |
| Thick | 厚 | hòu | Thin | 薄 | báo |
| Fast | 快 | kuài | Slow | 慢 | màn |
| Bright | 明 | míng | Dark | 暗 | àn |
| Hard | 硬 | yìng | Soft | 软 | ruǎn |
| Hot | 热 | rè | Cold | 冷 | lěng |
| New | 新 | xīn | Old | 旧 | jiù |
| Clean | 干净 | gān jìng | Dirty | 脏 | zāng |
| Rich (in content) | 丰富 | fēng fù | Poor | 贫乏 | pín fá |
| Wide | 宽 | kuān | Narrow | 窄 | zhǎi |
| Heavy | 重 | zhòng | Light (weight) | 轻 | qīng |
| Strong | 强 | qiáng | Weak | 弱 | ruò |
| Beautiful | 美丽 | měi lì | Ugly | 丑陋 | chǒu lòu |
| Wealthy | 富有 | fù yǒu | Poor | 贫穷 | pín qióng |
| Stable | 稳定 | wěn dìng | Unstable (Fluctuate) | 波动 | bō dòng |
| Optimistic | 乐观 | lè guān | Pessimistic | 悲观 | bēi guān |
| Clear | 明确 | míng què | Vague | 模糊 | mó hu |
| Quiet | 安静 | ān jìng | Noisy | 吵闹 | chǎo nào |
| Shallow | 浅 | qiǎn | Deep | 深 | shēn |
| Loose | 宽松 | kuān sōng | Tight | 紧身 | jǐn shēn |
| Open | 开放 | kāi fàng | Closed | 封闭 | fēng bì |
| Simple | 简单 | jiǎn dān | Complex | 复杂 | fù zá |
| Dry | 干燥 | gān zào | Moist | 湿润 | shī rùn |
| Active | 活跃 | huó yuè | Passive | 被动 | bèi dòng |
| Obvious | 明显 | míng xiǎn | Concealed | 隐蔽 | yǐn bì |
| Rigid | 刚硬 | gāng yìng | Soft | 柔软 | róu ruǎn |
| Real | 真实 | zhēn shí | Fake | 虚假 | xū jiǎ |
| Detailed | 精细 | jīng xì | Rough | 粗略 | cū lüè |
| Positive | 积极 | jī jí | Negative | 消极 | xiāo jí |
| Fixed | 固定的 | gù dìng de | Movable | 可动的 | kě dòng de |
| Complete | 完整 | wán zhěng | Incomplete | 残缺 | cán quē |
| Extensive | 广泛 | guǎng fàn | Limited | 有限 | yǒu xiàn |
| Prosperous | 富裕 | fù yù | Impoverished | 贫困 | pín kùn |
| Even | 均匀 | jūn yún | Uneven | 不均 | bù jūn |
| Legal | 合法 | hé fǎ | Illegal | 非法 | fēi fǎ |
| Orderly | 有序 | yǒu xù | Chaotic | 无序 | wú xù |
| Pleasant | 愉快 | yú kuài | Unpleasant | 痛苦 | tòng kǔ |
| Agile | 灵活 | líng huó | Clumsy | 笨拙 | bèn zhuō |
| Frugal | 节俭 | jié jiǎn | Wasteful | 浪费 | làng fèi |
| Plump | 饱满 | bǎo mǎn | Skinny | 瘦弱 | shòu ruò |
| Detailed | 详细 | xiáng xì | Vague | 模糊 | mó hu |
| Careless | 粗心 | cū xīn | Careful | 细心 | xì xīn |
| Flourishing | 繁荣 | fán róng | Declining | 衰退 | shuāi tuì |
| Honest | 诚实 | chéng shí | Deceptive | 欺骗 | qī piàn |
| Elegant | 优雅 | yōu yǎ | Vulgar | 粗俗 | cū sú |
| Noisy | 喧闹 | xuān nào | Tranquil | 宁静 | níng jìng |
| Coarse | 粗糙 | cū cāo | Delicate | 细腻 | xì nì |
There you have it! Now you’ve learned 328 adjectives in Chinese, along with some of the most common grammar structures for adjectives. Although it might be a new experience for you, don’t be shy to experiment with some of these fun and colorful adjectives. With enough practice, you’ll start describing things with the clarity and imagination of a Pulitzer winner!
If you enjoyed this blog, make sure to check out the rest of our Mandarin content. We regularly publish new articles, like our guide to Chinese names and Chinese characters. No matter your Chinese level, you’re sure to learn something new!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Food in South America","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"South American cuisine: 130 dishes from 12 countries to try","url":"/blog/south-american-cuisine-food-dishes","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt1758f448b71d8bac/66ea6cb241b7ce513b883116/South-American-Food.jpg"},"post_content":"At first glance, it might seem like South American food all rely on the same ingredients and cooking methods. While it might be true that South American countries have many geographic, demographic, cultural, and historical ties, it would be a mistake to think that all South American food is the same.
The distinct cuisines from each of the 12 South American countries offer uniquely delicious meals, drinks, and desserts that would take a lifetime to discover. Try as we might, we couldn’t possibly summarize all the best food in South America in one single article. However, we’ll give it a shot with the ten best dishes from each South American country.
Before we get started with each country’s unique food, we’ll take a look at what makes them similar in the first place. After all, geographic proximity isn’t all that makes South America such a cohesive region!
Before European colonization, indigenous communities in South America developed sophisticated agricultural techniques to harvest all kinds of plants unique to the continent. Some of the most common pre-Columbian staples of South American cuisine are:
![\"Maize](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt068a4b6bed36b10b/66ea93b1e63709f59924291d/Corn-South-America.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The beauty of South American cuisine is that it incorporates tons of pre-Hispanic ingredients, cooking methods, and flavors. Because South American cuisine predates the Spanish arrival, many countries today share a common identity and palette. That’s why you’ll find similar dishes throughout Latin America. Here are some of them:
The arrival of European colonizers dramatically changed the food scene in South America, introducing new ingredients like wheat, beef, pork, and dairy products. The European influence, when combined with Indigenous cooking practices and ingredients, gave birth to a unique cuisine that defines South American gastronomy today.
![\"South](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blta19b9e4349402dbb/66ea694487406a4fa071bc2c/Tamales.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
European settlers also introduced cooking methods like frying and baking, as well as the use of ovens, which were previously unknown in many parts of the continent. These new elements didn’t replace indigenous foods but melded with them, creating new and exciting combinations. You can see this fusion in many iconic South American dishes, for example:
In the following sections, we’ll explore the generous diversity of South American food, taking the time to showcase ten dishes from each country. From Argentina’s asado, Brazil’s feijoada, Peru’s ceviche, Colombia’s ajiaco, and much, much more.
Argentine cuisine has evolved from a deep European heritage mixed with indigenous traditions and local ingredients. The star of the show is undoubtedly the beef, which is famous all around the world. Argentina’s vast Pampas grasslands nurture some of the world’s finest cattle, making beef a global icon.
![\"Argentina’s](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt0d915d492ed4c317/66ea6adfa924ba89c7df316e/Argentina-cow.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Italian immigration has also left an important mark on Argentine cuisine, which you can see in the popularity of pizza and pasta dishes with an Argentine twist. For example, Argentinians love adding green olives to pizza! You can also find indigenous influences in Argentine cuisine in the use of corn and squash in many traditional dishes.
Bolivian food is largely shaped by the availability of ingredients from the high-altitude Andean plateau to the lowland Amazon basin. Bolivia’s varied landscapes provide all kinds of ingredients and cooking styles. Staples like potatoes (with over 200 varieties of them!), quinoa, corn, and beans form the backbone of many dishes, while meats like beef, pork, and chicken are common additions.
Soups and stews play a significant role in the cuisine, providing warmth and sustenance in the cool Andean climate. Street food culture is also strong, with empanada-like salteñas and grilled anticuchos being popular quick bites. This cuisine, while less internationally known than some of its South American neighbors, offers a fascinating journey through Bolivia’s history, geography, and culture.
![\"Andean](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt9c7658b548c3884c/66ea949495d673659f1ccf11/Andean-plateau.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Brazilian food reflects the country’s three main ethnic groups: Indigenous, European, and African. The cuisine varies significantly from region to region, each area boasting its specialties. In the north, Amazonian ingredients like açaí and fish are very common, while the northeast is known for its spicy, African-influenced dishes like acarajé. The southeast, including Rio and São Paulo, offers a mix of urban and rural cuisines, while the south is famous for its churrasco barbecues.
![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltca2b7f9b495246df/66ea6f391644887cc9fd436e/Churrasco-barbecue.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Brazilian cuisine staples include rice, beans, cassava, and tropical fruits. Brazil’s tropical climate is shown in its abundance of fresh juices and cocktails, with caipirinha being the most famous. The country’s coffee culture is also famous worldwide, so don’t forget to enjoy a little cafezinho.
Stretching over 2,600 miles (4,184.29 km) from north to south, Chile is one of the most geographically unique counties in the world. This geographical diversity, from the Atacama Desert to the Patagonia, with a long coast and fertile central valley in between, contributes to a very diverse cuisine.
![\"Torres](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt5507f69067b98001/66ea9b95026b474067d9fcf1/Torres-del-paine-Chile.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Chilean cooking is based on its indigenous Mapuche traditions, mixed with Spanish colonial influence and other European immigrants. This blend has created a cuisine that, while distinct, shares some similarities with its South American neighbors. Chilean cuisine is generally known for its simplicity and reliance on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Seafood plays an important role thanks to Chile’s extensive coastline, while beef and chicken are also popular. The country’s central valley provides an abundance of fruits and vegetables, many of which are unique to the region.
Colombian cuisine is set apart from other South American countries with similar geography thanks to its ability to create extraordinary dishes from ordinary ingredients. Take the ajiaco, a potato and chicken soup that transforms humble ingredients into a complex, satisfying meal and is a staple of Colombian culture. Or consider the creativity behind dishes like hormigas culonas (toasted ants), a delicacy in Santander that challenges preconceptions about edible insects. Whatever you’re used to, you’ll undoubtedly find surprises in Colombian cooking!
![\"Two](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt87b3f426b91c99eb/66ea986644a1ad0a3236b690/colombian-food-cuisine-dishes.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Ecuadorian cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Along the coast, you’ll find plenty of seafood with dishes like ceviche and encebollado, which showcase the marine diversity of the Pacific Ocean. In the highlands, you’ll find plenty of potatoes, corn, and many types of meat. The Amazon region contributes many exotic fruits, herbs, and river fish to the national palate. But throughout the country, the humble plantain appears in many forms, from the breakfast stable bolón de verde to chifles (plantain chips).
Guyanese food is a unique blend of African, East Indian, Amerindian, Chinese, Portuguese, and British cuisines. This is one of the most interesting countries in South America, as it was a British — not Spanish or Portuguese — colony. It also has the largest Indian diaspora population in South America, with almost 40% of the population being of Indian heritage. All these cultural influences make this one of the most multicultural cuisines in the world.
Rice is a staple in Guyanese cuisine, often as the foundation for one-pot dishes like cook-up rice. Cassava, plantains, and root vegetables play significant roles in many recipes showcasing the influence of indigenous Amerindian traditions. The East Indian influence is clear in the popularity of dishes like curry and roti, while Chinese immigration has contributed to local versions of dishes like chowmein. African influence can be seen in dishes like metemgee.
Paraguayan cuisine is a unique blend of Guaraní traditions and European influences. It’s characterized by simple, hearty dishes that make extensive use of local ingredients. Corn, cassava, and beef are staples in the Paraguayan diet, reflecting the country’s agricultural background and cattle-raising tradition.
One of the most distinctive features of Paraguayan cuisine is the abundant use of corn and cassava in various forms. These ingredients can be easily transformed into various dishes, from the iconic sopa paraguaya to chipa. The cuisine also has a fondness for combining cheese with both savory and sweet dishes, as seen in meals like mbeju and kivevé.
Peruvian food is widely regarded as one of the best cuisines in the entire world, which is a result of its unique geography and rich culture. The country’s landscape, from the Pacific coast to the Andes mountains and the Amazon rainforest, provides many yummy ingredients. At the heart of Peruvian cuisine are native ingredients like potatoes (with over 3,000 varieties!), corn, quinoa, and ají peppers. The country’s long coastline contributes tons of seafood, most famously consumed in ceviche.
![\"Ceviche.\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltbdcda0ae9a1afe9d/66ea9aa52af3fe4ce58f5966/Ceviche.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Peruvian cuisine is also famous for its unique fusions. Chifa, a blend of Chinese and Peruvian cuisines, has become a critical part of Peru’s food culture, with dishes like lomo saltado found on menus nationwide. Nikkei cuisine, a Japanese-Peruvian fusion, has gained international acclaim for its innovative combinations. If you haven’t had the pleasure of enjoying Peruvian food in its full splendor, let’s take a look at just 10 of the most iconic dishes from this standout cuisine:
Surinamese food stands out as one of the most diverse and unique in South America, reflecting the country’s exceptional multicultural heritage. Unlike its South American neighbors, Suriname’s culinary scene is shaped by its blend of African, Indian, Indonesian, Chinese, and European influences.
This was also the only Dutch-speaking country in South America, as it was a colony of the Netherlands rather than Spain or Portugal. Instead of empanadas or feijoada, one finds roti and bami in Suriname. The country also has a strong Asian influence, particularly from Indonesia and India, which can be seen in dishes like gado gado and curry-based meals, which are rare in other South American cuisines.
Uruguayan cuisine, often overshadowed by its larger neighbors, is a hidden gem in South America’s culinary scene. It’s a testament to the country’s history: a delicious mixture of European traditions and the cowboy culture of the gauchos. This unique blend created a cuisine that, while meat-centric, offers amazing depth and variety.
At first glance, Uruguay’s food scene might seem dominated by beef — and indeed, the asado (barbecue) reigns supreme. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a diverse set of flavors and dishes that belie the country’s small size. From the humble yet beloved chivito sandwich to the more refined capelletis a la caruso, Uruguayan food tells the story of a nation of immigrants who brought their culinary traditions and adapted them to local ingredients and tastes.
Venezuelan cuisine is born of necessity and abundance, where humble ingredients are transformed into dishes of surprising complexity. Take the hallaca, for instance — a Christmas dish that wraps a nation’s history in a banana leaf. This labor-intensive creation, with its cornmeal dough, speaks volumes about Venezuelan patience, creativity, and love for layered flavors.
The country’s food culture is also a testament to its ability to adopt and adapt. Chinese immigrants brought their woks, and Venezuelans said, “Why not?” giving birth to the popular chino-criollo fusion. This openness to foreign influences hasn’t diluted the local cuisine but instead strengthened it, creating dishes that are Venezuelan yet cosmopolitan. Let’s take a look at the ten most popular dishes in Venezuela:
With just ten dishes from each of the 12 South American countries, we’ve barely scratched the surface when it comes to South American food. This region boasts incredible culinary diversity thanks to an intricate and multicultural history and an incredibly diverse ecosystem, with everything from rainforests to deserts, mountains, plains, and plenty of coastlines. So, plan your next South American adventure around these culinary treasures!
And if you’d like to keep learning more about South American food and culture from the comfort of your home, then take a look at our Spanish blog. We regularly publish tons of yummy blogs, like our guides to Spanish cuisine and Mexican cuisine. And if you’re full for now, we also have cultural guides on things like Mexican wedding traditions and Día de los Muertos.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false}],"hidden":false}},{"cards":{"large_cards":false,"row":false,"flat":false,"join_block_below":true,"cta_as_link":true,"cards":[{"call_to_action_text":"Chinese money vocabulary","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"An expert guide to Chinese money characters, words & phrases","url":"/blog/money-chinese-characters-writing-words","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltf2c37b90d7567366/66c6d41a33f9a5b80e7aa367/2149005394.jpg"},"post_content":"If you’re used to traveling internationally, then you probably already know the drill. You exchange some cash at the airport, maybe withdraw some local currency at the ATM when you get there, and use your credit card wherever possible. But does China handle payments like most other parts of the world?
The answer is mostly no. China has its own payment ecosystem that is unlike anything else in the world. The overwhelming majority of transactions in China are made with QR code payments. While these are starting to become more common in the rest of the world, China has depended on them for a few years now, to the point where alternative payment methods are rare.
Businesses in China are still required to accept cash, but using cash to complete a transaction is so uncommon these days that you’re likely to wait for a long time for the cashiers to find change for you. Credit cards are largely useless unless you’re checking in at a hotel or staying in cities with large numbers of foreign tourists or residents, like Shanghai or Beijing.
So, how do you prepare for this? By learning all about money in Chinese! Once you know what you’re doing, you'll be able to handle payments in China like a pro. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about Chinese money, including tons of Chinese banking and financial terms to help you get all set up in this country.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Spanish food vocabulary","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"Spanish food words & vocabulary: 341 tasty words & phrases","url":"/blog/spanish-food-words-vocabulary","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt06b882266beeeb2d/66c42bb69d2cb05af73c642e/young-smiling-man-looking-woman-with-forks-tasting-cheese-table-restaurant.jpg"},"post_content":"There’s a Spanish saying that goes, “barriga llena, corazón contento.” It translates to “full belly, happy heart,” and only a few things could be any truer. Beyond just giving us the energy and nutrients we need to survive, food is a unifying force that brings friends, families, and entire cultures together to break bread and celebrate each other.
This is especially true in Spanish-speaking countries, where food is so important that people center their entire days around food. Forget about a 30-minute desk lunch because taking two hours in the middle of a workday for a leisurely lunch isn’t uncommon in Latin America. These food traditions help us take a break from our hectic lives to appreciate not only the food’s delicious taste but also the effort of those who made it and the Earth for providing the ingredients.
Plus, one of the biggest beauties of food is just how diverse it is, creating culinary explosions like Mexican tacos and more subtle treats like Spain’s tortilla (the one made with potatoes, not the one used for burritos!). As you continue to learn Spanish, you’ll have the pleasure of getting more acquainted with the incredible cuisines of Spain and over a dozen Latin American countries and regions, which can be much more diverse than you’d imagined.
Keep reading, and maybe you’ll find your new favorite dish on this list!
Let’s start from the top. As incredibly diverse as cuisines all over the world can be, there are a number of staples that work as the building blocks of most cuisines. Fruits, vegetables, rice, spices, and meats are often very similar around the world, and if cooked in ingenious ways, they appear entirely different. So, let’s start by looking at some of the most common food items in Spanish.
![\"Common](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltd2fa23cf7303b63d/66c40c4b45395d1656bb72a2/Spanish-fruit-and-vegetables.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Fruits and vegetables are the foundation of any well-balanced diet. Especially if you’re traveling to Spain or Latin America, you’ll find tons of exotic, yummy, and healthy fruits and vegetables. Here are some of the most common fruits and vegetables in Spanish.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Lettuce | La lechuga | la lay-choo-ga | la leˈʧuɣa |
| Potato | La papa | la pah-pah | la ˈpapa |
| Carrot | La zanahoria | la za-nah-oh-re-ah | la sanaˈoɾja |
| Broccoli | El brócoli | elle bro-koh-lee | ɛl ˈbɾokoli |
| Zucchini | La calabacita | la kah-la-bah-see-tah | la kalaβaˈsita |
| Asparagus | El espárrago | elle es-pah-rah-go | ɛl ɛsˈparaɣo |
| Cauliflower | El coliflor | elle koh-lee-flor | ɛl koliˈfloɾ |
| Spinach | La espinaca | la ess-pee-nah-kah | la ɛspiˈnaka |
| Arugula | La arúgula | la ah-roo-goo-la | la aˈɾuɣula |
| Cucumber | El pepino | elle pay-pee-no | ɛl peˈpino |
| Orange | La naranja | la nah-rahn-hah | la naˈɾanxa |
| Peach | El durazno | elle doo-rahz-no | el duˈɾaðno |
| Cherry | La cereza | la seh-reh-sah | la θeˈɾeθa |
| Mango | El mango | elle mahn-go | el ˈmanɡo |
| Strawberry | La fresa | la freh-sah | la ˈfɾesa |
| Blueberry | La mora azul | la mo-rah ah-zool | la ˈmoɾa aˈθul |
| Watermelon | La sandía | la sahn-dee-ah | la sanˈdia |
| Cantaloupe | El melón | elle meh-lohn | el meˈlon |
| Banana | El plátano | elle plah-tah-no | el ˈplatano |
| Apple | La manzana | la mahn-za-nah | la manˈθana |
Next, you’ll want to know how to say the different kinds of meats and seafood words in Spanish. These are both extremely delicious everywhere, from Mexican carnitas to Spanish seafood and Argentinian Asado. Here are some of the most common:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Beef | La carne de res | la car-neh deh res | la ˈkaɾne ðe ˈres |
| Chicken | El pollo | elle po-yo | el ˈpoʝo |
| Pork | El puerco | elle poo-aor-koh | el ˈpweɾko |
| Ham | El jamón | elle hah-mohn | el xaˈmon |
| Porkchops | Las chuletas | las choo-leh-tas | las ʧuˈletas |
| Lamb | El cordero | elle core-deh-ro | el koɾˈðeɾo |
| Roast beef | La carne asada | la car-neh ah-sah-dah | la ˈkaɾne aˈsaða |
| Steak | El bistec | elle bees-tec | el βisˈtek |
| Sausage | La salchicha | la sal-chee-cha | la salˈʧiʧa |
| Turkey | El pavo | elle pah-vo | el ˈpaβo |
| Veal | La ternera | la tehr-neh-ra | la teɾˈneɾa |
| Fish | El pescado | elle pess-cah-doe | el pesˈkaðo |
| Shrimp | Los camarones / Las gambas | los kah-mah-ro-ness / las gahm-bass | los kamaˈɾones / laz ˈɣambas |
| Scallops | Los callos de hacha | los kah-yos deh ah-cha | los ˈkaʝoz ðe ˈaʧa |
| Oysters | Los ostiones / Las ostras | los oss-tee-oh-ness / las oss-trahs | los osˈtjones / las ˈostɾas |
| Octopus | El pulpo | elle pool-poe | el ˈpulpo |
| Squid | El calamar | elle kah-lah-mar | el kalaˈmaɾ |
| Anchovies | Las anchoas | las ahn-cho-ahs | las anˈʧoas |
| Tuna | El atún | ell ah-toon | el aˈtun |
| Clams | Las almejas | las all-meh-has | las alˈmexas |
| Mussels | Los mejillones | los meh-he-yo-ness | loz mexiˈʝones |
| Sardines | Las sardinas | las sahr-dee-nas | las saɾˈðinas |
| Lobster | La langosta | la lahn-goss-tah | la lanˈɡosta |
| Caviar | El caviar | elle kah-vee-are | el kaˈβjaɾ |
| Salmon | El salmón | elle sal-mohn | el salˈmon |
| Crab | El cangrejo | elle kahn-greh-ho | el kanˈɡɾexo |
| Sea urchin | El erizo de mar | elle eh-ree-zo deh mar | el eˈɾiθo ðe ˈmaɾ |
| Abalone | El abulón | elle ah-boo-lohn | el aβuˈlon |
| Prawns | Los langostinos | loss lahn-goss-tee-noss | loz lanɡosˈtinos |
Who doesn’t love a little something sweet after a nice meal? Spain and Latin America have the culture of “la sobremesa” (la soh-breh-meh-sah), which involves spending a long time after a meal having a little dessert, maybe some coffee, and just enjoying each other’s company. These are just some of the most common desserts in Spanish:
![\"Tasty](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltf23a10025f0e27b2/66c40d3646b3f479c596f644/cake.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Cake | El pastel | elle pas-tell | el pasˈtel |
| Chocolate cake | El pastel de chocolate | elle pas-tell deh cho-co-la-teh | el pasˈtel de ʧokoˈlate |
| Carrot cake | El pastel de zanahoria | elle pass-tell deh sah-nah-oh-ree-ah | el pasˈtel de θanaˈoɾja |
| Birthday cake | El pastel de cumpleaños | elle pas-tell deh coom-pleh-ah-nyos | el pasˈtel de kumpleˈaɲos |
| Cheesecake | El pay de queso | elle pa-e deh keh-so | el ˈpaj ðe ˈkeso |
| Ice cream cake | El pastel de helado | elle pass-tell deh eh-la-doe | el pasˈtel de eˈlaðo |
| Ice cream | El helado | elle eh-la-doe | el eˈlaðo |
| Apple pie | El pay de manzana | elle pa-e deh mahn-za-nah | el ˈpaj ðe manˈθana |
| Cookies | Las galletas | las gah-ye-tass | laz ɣaˈʝetas |
| Chocolate chip cookies | Las galletas de chispas de chocolate | las gah-ye-tass de chees-pas deh cho-co-la-teh | laz ɣaˈʝetaz ðe ˈʧispaz ðe ʧokoˈlate |
| Banana bread | El pan de plátano | elle pahn deh pla-tah-no | el ˈpan de ˈplatano |
| Pudding | El pudín | elle poo-deen | el puˈðin |
| Donuts | Las donas | las doh-nass | laz ˈðonas |
| Tiramisu | El tiramisú | elle tee-ra-mee-sue | el tiɾamiˈsu |
| Muffin | El muffin | elle muh-feen | el ˈmuffin |
| Gelato | El gelato | elle yeh-la-toe | el xeˈlato |
Of course, you’ll want a well-rounded meal that includes complex carbs, fats, protein, and other kinds of nutritious elements. These are some of the most common generic food items in Spanish:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Bread | El pan | elle pahn | el ˈpan |
| Rice | El arroz | elle ah-roz | el aˈroθ |
| Salt | La sal | la sal | la ˈsal |
| Corn | El maíz | elle mah-eez | el maˈiθ |
| Beans | Los frijoles | loss free-hol-ess | los fɾiˈxoles |
| Sugar | El azúcar | elle ah-zoo-car | |
| Eggs | Los huevos | los ooh-eh-voss | los ˈweβos |
| Milk | La leche | la leh-che | la ˈleʧe |
| Cheese | El queso | elle keh-so | el ˈkeso |
| Butter | La mantequilla | la mahn-teh-key-ya | la manteˈkiʝa |
| Meat | La carne | la car-neh | la ˈkaɾne |
| Oil | El aceite | elle ah-say-teh | el aˈθejte |
| Vinegar | El vinagre | elle vee-na-greh | el βiˈnaɣɾe |
| Pasta | La pasta | la pass-tah | la ˈpasta |
| Flour | La harina | la ah-ree-nah | la aˈɾina |
| Oats | La avena | la ah-veh-nah | la aˈβena |
| Coffee | El café | elle kah-feh | el kaˈfe |
| Tea | El té | elle teh | el ˈte |
| Chocolate | El chocolate | elle cho-co-la-teh | el ʧokoˈlate |
| Water | El agua | el ah-goo-ah | el ˈaɣwa |
| Juice | El jugo | elle who-go | el ˈxuɣo |
| Soup | La sopa | la so-pah | la ˈsopa |
| Honey | La miel | la mee-elle | la ˈmjel |
| Nuts | Las nueces | las noo-eh-sehs | laz ˈnweθes |
One of the absolute best parts about learning a new language is getting to know new dishes — and Spanish is one of the best languages for that. From Spanish to Colombian to Mexican cuisine, Spanish-speaking regions are some of the most diverse when it comes to culinary traditions. Here are just a few of the standout dishes from Spanish-speaking countries:
![\"Paella](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt53160b69eb18f399/66c40e3700bccd2b00ef0f61/Paella-in-Spanish.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Country: Spain
A rice dish originally from Valencia, made with saffron, various meats, and seafood. This dish is traditionally cooked over an open fire and served straight from the pan it’s cooked in, which is also called a “paella.”
Country: Mexico
Soft tortillas filled with a variety of ingredients like meats, cheeses, vegetables, and salsas. Tacos vary widely across Mexico, and you can find thousands of different styles across the country. For example, tacos al pastor are popular in Mexico City, while tacos de cochinita are popular in Yucatán.
Country: Argentina, but also popular in Spain and other Latin American countries
Pastries filled with a variety of ingredients, including meats, cheeses, and sweet fillings. The name comes from the Spanish verb “empanar,” meaning to wrap or coat in bread.
Country: Peru and Mexico, but also popular in coastal regions of Latin America
Fresh fish marinated in citrus juices with onion, cilantro, and chili peppers. In fact, ceviche is so integral to Peruvian culture that there’s a holiday dedicated to it — June 28th!
Country: Venezuela and Colombia
Corn dough cakes that are grilled, baked, or fried. They’re split open and stuffed with various fillings, like meats, vegetables, or cheese. In Venezuela, arepas are often eaten with fillings like cheese, meats, or black beans. In Colombia, they’re typically eaten without fillings or with a simple spread of butter or cheese.
Country: Costa Rica and Nicaragua
A traditional breakfast dish made of rice and beans mixed together, often served with eggs, cheese, or plantains. The name means “spotted rooster” in Spanish, referring to the speckled appearance of the dish.
Country: Venezuela
A traditional dish consisting of shredded beef, black beans, and rice, often accompanied by fried plantains. It’s considered the national dish of Venezuela and represents the three races (European, African, and Indigenous) that influence the country’s culture.
Country: Argentina
A variety of barbecued meats, including beef, pork, and chicken, typically cooked on a grill called a “parrilla” or an open pit. More than just a meal, Asado is a social event and cherished cultural tradition in Argentina.
Country: Mexico
A rich sauce typically made from a blend of chilies, spices, and chocolate, served over meat or chicken. There are many types of mole, but Mole Poblano is considered the national dish, famously originating from Puebla.
Country: Mexico, with variations across Latin America
Corn dough stuffed with various fillings, wrapped in banana leaves or corn husks and steamed. Tamales are a traditional holiday celebratory food in Mexico, often made in large quantities during Christmas and other Mexican holidays.
Country: Cuba
A dish of shredded beef stewed with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices. The name translates to “old clothes” because the shredded meat resembles tattered, torn rags.
Country: Argentina
A hearty stew made from squash, meat (usually beef or pork), and corn. It’s traditionally eaten on May 25th, during Argentina’s May Revolution holiday, making it a patriotic dish.
Country: Colombia
A platter consisting of beans, rice, chicharrón, avocado, fried egg, and plantain. The dish is a culinary symbol of the Antioquia region of Colombia and is known for its generous portions.
Country: Bolivia
Baked pastries filled with a juicy mixture of meat, potatoes, and spices. Salteñas are a popular mid-morning snack in Bolivia. They’re different from empanadas due to their sweeter, glazed dough and juicier filling.
Country: Dominican Republic (also popular in other parts of the Caribbean)
A hearty stew made with various meats, large pieces of vegetables, and tubers. It’s considered comfort food and is typically consumed during family gatherings and weekends.
Country: Uruguay
A sandwich made with thinly sliced steak, mozzarella, tomatoes, mayonnaise, and often bacon, eggs, and ham. It’s the national dish of Uruguay — ask any Uruguayan what the best sandwich in the world is, see what they say! 😉
One of the secrets behind the tastiness of Latin cuisine is the spices. While Spanish food typically relies on the freshness and simplicity of its ingredients, Lain food takes full advantage of spices to create explosions of flavors. These are some of the most popular herbs and spices:
![\"Herbs](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltfb125fca6bd3b7c5/66c42ccb45395d4fb4bb7335/Herbs-and-spices.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Basil | La albahaca | la all-bah-cah | la alβaˈaka |
| Bay leaf | El laurel | elle lah-ooh-rell | el lawˈɾel |
| Cinnamon | La canela | la kah-neh-la | la kaˈnela |
| Cumin | El comino | elle koh-me-no | el koˈmino |
| Ginger | El jengibre | elle hehn-he-breh | el xenˈxiβɾe |
| Oregano | El orégano | elle oh-reh-gah-no | el oˈɾeɣano |
| Pepper | La pimienta | la pee-me-ehn-tah | la piˈmjenta |
| Salt | La sal | la sal | la ˈsal |
| Rosemary | El romero | elle roh-meh-ro | el roˈmeɾo |
| Thyme | El tomillo | elle toe-me-yo | el toˈmiʝo |
| Parsley | El perejil | elle peh-reh-heel | el peɾeˈxil |
| Cilantro | El cilantro | elle see-lahn-tro | el θiˈlantɾo |
| Dill | El eneldo | elle eh-nell-doe | el eˈneldo |
| Mint | La menta | la mehn-tah | la ˈmenta |
| Nutmeg | La nuez moscada | la noo-ez moss-kah-dah | la ˈnweð mosˈkaða |
| Saffron | El azafrán | elle ah-zah-frahn | el aθaˈfɾan |
| Sage | La salvia | la sal-vee-ah | la ˈsalβja |
| Chives | El cebollino | elle seh-boh-yee-no | el θeβoˈʝino |
| Tarragon | El estragón | elle ess-trah-gohn | el estɾaˈɣon |
| Fennel | El hinojo | elle e-no-hoh | el iˈnoxo |
| Marjoram | La mejorana | la meh-ho-rah-nah | la mexoˈɾana |
| Clove | El clavo | elle clah-vo | el ˈklaβo |
| Ginger | El jengibre | elle hehn-he-breh | el xenˈxiβɾe |
| Turmeric | La cúrcuma | la coor-coo-mah | la ˈkuɾkuma |
| Saffron | El azafrán | elle ah-za-frahn | el aθaˈfɾan |
| Cardamom | El cardamomo | elle car-dah-mo-mo | el kaɾðaˈmomo |
| Allspice | La pimienta de Jamaica | la pee-mee-ehn-tah deh ha-mah-e-cah | la piˈmjenta ðe xaˈmajka |
| Cayenne Pepper | La pimienta negra | la pee-mee-ehn-tah neh-gra | la piˈmjenta ˈneɣɾa |
| Paprika | El pimentón | elle pee-mehn-ton | el pimenˈton |
| Mustard Seed | La semilla de mostaza | la seh-mee-ya deh mos-tah-za | la seˈmiʝa ðe mosˈtaθa |
| Chili powder | El chile en polvo | elle chee-leh ehn pol-vo | el ˈʧile em ˈpolβo |
| Celery seed | La semilla de apio | la seh-me-ya deh ah-pee-oh | la seˈmiʝa ðe ˈapjo |
| Poppy seed | La semilla de amapola | la seh-me-yah deh ah-mah-poh-lah | la seˈmiʝa ðe amaˈpola |
| Sesame seed | La semilla de sésamo | la seh-me-yah deh seh-sah-mo | la seˈmiʝa ðe ˈsesamo |
Once you find yourself enjoying the beautifully delicious flavors of Spain and Latin America, you’ll want to know ways to express yourself! Whether your host family cooked an incredible meal for you or you simply enjoyed a delicious meal at a restaurant, here are some of the best words to describe flavors in Spanish:
![\"Friends](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt149334b4c16d84c9/66c4367a316653ce9f4a19a4/pexels-cristian-rojas-8448065.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Sweet | Dulce | dool-seh | ˈdulθe |
| Sour | Ácido | ah-see-doe | ˈaθiðo |
| Salty | Salado | sah-la-do | saˈlaðo |
| Bitter | Amargo | ah-mar-go | aˈmaɾɣo |
| Savory | Sabroso | sah-bro-so | saˈβɾoso |
| Spicy | Picante | pee-kahn-teh | piˈkante |
| Tangy | Agrio | ah-gree-oh | ˈaɣɾjo |
| Umami | Umami | oo-ma-me | uˈmami |
| Rich | Rico | ree-co | ˈriko |
| Bland | Desabrido | deh-sa-bree-do | desaˈβɾiðo |
| Smokey | Ahumado | ah-ooh-ma-doh | auˈmaðo |
| Juicy | Jugoso | who-go-soh | xuˈɣoso |
| Tender | Tierno | tee-air-no | ˈtjeɾno |
| Rancid | Rancio | rahn-see-oh | ˈranθjo |
| Creamy | Cremoso | kreh-mo-so | kɾeˈmoso |
| Sweet and sour | Agridulce | ah-gree-dool-seh | aɣɾiˈðulθe |
| Dry | Seco | seh-coh | ˈseko |
| Buttery | Mantecoso | mahn-teh-co-so | manteˈkoso |
Knowing how to order at a restaurant in Spanish will open up more doors for you than you can imagine. Not only will you be able to tell the wait staff what you’d like to eat, but you’ll be able to communicate how you want it cooked, what sides you’ll want with your main dish, and if you need any extra utensils or napkins. These are some of the most important words for dining at a restaurant in Spanish:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Menu | El menú | elle meh-noo | el meˈnu |
| Server/waiter | El mesero / La mesera | elle meh-seh-ro / la meh-seh-ra | el meˈseɾo / la meˈseɾa |
| Restaurant | El restaurante | elle ress-tah-ooh-rahn-tehn | el restawˈɾante |
| Table | La mesa | la meh-sah | la ˈmesa |
| Chair | La silla | la seh-ya | la ˈsiʝa |
| Reservation | La reservación | la reh-sehr-vah-see-ohn | la reseɾβaˈθjon |
| Tip | La propina | la pro-pee-nah | la pɾoˈpina |
| Bill / check | La cuenta | la coo-ehn-tah | la ˈkwenta |
| Wine list | La carta de vinos | la car-tah deh vee-nos | la ˈkaɾta ðe ˈβinos |
| To order | Pedir / Ordenar | peh-deer /or-deh-nar | peˈðiɾ / oɾðeˈnaɾ |
| Special | Los especiales | los ess-peh-see-ah-less | los espeˈθjales |
| Utensils | Los cubiertos | los coo-bee-air-toes | los kuˈβjeɾtos |
| Fork | El tenedor | elle teh-neh-door | Los cubiertos |
| Spoon | La cuchara | la coo-cha-rah | la kuˈʧaɾa |
| Knife | El cuchillo | elle coo-chee-yo | el kuˈʧiʝo |
| Glass | El vaso | elle vah-so | el ˈβaso |
| Napkin | La servilleta | la ser-vee-yeh-ta | la seɾβiˈʝeta |
| Salt shaker | El salero | elle sah-leh-roh | el saˈleɾo |
| Pepper shaker | El pimientero | elle pee-me-ehn-toe | el pimjenˈteɾo |
A menu in Spanish might look kinda funky, especially when it’s your first time seeing one. The main thing you should keep in mind is the difference between entrée and entrada. In English, an entrée is the main dish, but in Spanish, an entrada is the starter! Your main course, or entrée, will be your plato principal.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Appetizer | La entrada | la ehn-trah-dah | enˈtɾaða |
| Main course | El plato principal | elle pla-toe preen-see-pall | ˈplato pɾinθiˈpal |
| Dessert | El postre | elle poss-treh | el ˈpostɾe |
| Beverage | La bebida | la beh-bee-dah | la βeˈβiða |
| Soup | La sopa | la so-pah | la ˈsopa |
| Salad | La ensalada | la ehn-sa-la-dah | la ensaˈlaða |
| Snack | La botana | lah boh-tah-nah | la βoˈtana |
| Stew | El guiso | elle gee-so | el ˈɣiso |
| Roast | El asado | elle ah-sah-doe | el aˈsaðo |
| Seafood | Los mariscos | los mah-rees-cos | loz maˈɾiskos |
| Meat | La carne | la kar-neh | la ˈkaɾne |
| Fish | El pescado | elle pess-cah-doe | el pesˈkaðo |
Another super fun element of Spanish food is tapas. You’ve likely heard of this concept, and you’ve probably used it, too, but you don’t really understand it until you’re in Spain, getting your first tapas. Truly, there’s not a lot to say about them. You simply order a drink, and they come! Just like magic. These are some of the most popular tapas:
![\"Croquetas](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltea780b6dc9bfbf12/66c42e4588b74e546ab15032/Croquetas.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The kitchen is one of the biggest parts of Spanish food culture. While restaurants can be incredible, there’s nothing like a great home-cooked meal. Let’s take a look at some of the most important kitchen vocabulary words in Spanish.
![\"Mother](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blta2b5236034937fe3/66c43578f8d31f9e32b67e41/pexels-august-de-richelieu-4259707.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The first thing you’ll want to be aware of is the utensils and appliances in Spanish. After all, how could you cook without a refrigerator or stove? These are the most important kitchen vocabulary words in Spanish:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Refrigerator | El refrigerador | elle reh-free-heh-rah-door | el refɾixeɾaˈðoɾ |
| Freezer | El congelador | elle cohn-heh-lah-door | el konxelaˈðoɾ |
| Toaster | El tostador | elle toss-tah-door | el tostaˈðoɾ |
| Toaster oven | El horno tostador | elle ore-noh toss-tah-door | el ˈoɾno tostaˈðoɾ |
| Oven | El horno | elle or-no | el ˈoɾno |
| Grill | La parrilla | la pah-ree-yah | la paˈriʝa |
| Air fryer | La freidora de aire | la freh-e-door-ah deh ah-e-reh | la fɾejˈðoɾa ðe ˈajɾe |
| Blender | La licuadora | la lee-coo-ah-door-ah | la likwaˈðoɾa |
| Food processor | El procesador de comida | elle pro-seh-sah-door deh koh-me-dah | el pɾoθesaˈðoɾ ðe koˈmiða |
| Mixer | La batidora | la bah-tee-door-ah | la βatiˈðoɾa |
| Fryer | La freidora | la freh-e-door-ah | la fɾejˈðoɾa |
| Rice cooker | La arrocera | la ah-roh-seh-rah | la aroˈθeɾa |
| Microwave | El microondas | elle me-cro-ohn-das | el mikɾoˈondas |
| Slow cooker | La olla de cocción lenta | la oh-yah deh coc-see-ohn lehn-tah | la ˈoʝa ðe kokˈθjon ˈlenta |
| Pressure cooker | La olla de presión | la oh-yah deh preh-see-ohn | la ˈoʝa ðe pɾeˈsjon |
| Coffee maker | La cafetera | la cah-feh-teh-rah | la kafeˈteɾa |
| Espresso machine | La máquina de expreso | la mah-key-nah deh ex-preh-so | la ˈmakina ðe esˈpɾeso |
| French press | La prensa francesa | la prehn-sah fran-seh-sah | la ˈpɾensa fɾanˈθesa |
| Coffee grinder | El molino de café | elle mo-lee-no deh kah-feh | el moˈlino ðe kaˈfe |
| Electric kettle | La tetera eléctrica | la teh-teh-rah eh-lec-tree-kah | la teˈteɾa eˈlektɾika |
| Teapot | La tetera | la teh-teh-rah | la teˈteɾa |
| Dishwasher | La lavavajillas | la lah-vah-vah-he-yass | la laβaβaˈxiʝas |
| Knife | El cuchcillo | elle coo-che-yo | el kuʧˈθiʝo |
| Fork | El tenedor | elle teh-neh-door | el teneˈðoɾ |
| Spoon | La cuchara | la coo-cha-rah | la kuˈʧaɾa |
| Plate | El plato | elle pla-toe | el ˈplato |
| Bowl | El tazón | elle tah-zohn | el taˈθon |
| Cup | La taza | la tah-za | la ˈtaθa |
| Cutting board | La tabla para picar | la tah-blah pah-rah pee-car | la ˈtaβla ˈpaɾa piˈkaɾ |
| Frying pan | La sartén | la sar-tehn | la saɾˈten |
| Pot | La olla | la oh-yah | la ˈoʝa |
| Spatula | La espátula | la ess-pah-too-lah | la esˈpatula |
| Whisk | El batidor | elle bah-tee-door | el βatiˈðoɾ |
| Measuring cup | La taza medidora | la tah-za meh-dee-door-ah | la ˈtaθa meðiˈðoɾa |
| Measuring spoon | La cuchara medidora | la coo-cha-rah meh-dee-door-ah | la kuˈʧaɾa meðiˈðoɾa |
| Grater | El rallador | elle rah-yah-door | el raʝaˈðoɾ |
| Peeler | El pelador | elle peh-lah-door | el pelaˈðoɾ |
| Mixing bowl | El tazón para mezclar | elle tah-zohn pah-rah mez-clar | el taˈθom ˈpaɾa meθˈklaɾ |
| Colander | El escurridor | elle es-coo-ree-door | el eskuriˈðoɾ |
| Can opener | El abrelatas | elle ah-breh-la-tass | el aβɾeˈlatas |
| Bottle opener | El destapador | elle des-tah-pah-door | el destapaˈðoɾ |
| Rolling pin | El rodillo | elle ro-dee-yo | el roˈðiʝo |
| Tongs | Las pinzas | las peen-zas | las ˈpinθas |
Even if you’re using the exact same ingredients, the cooking method can have a tremendous difference in the taste of your dish. That’s why it’s so important to know how to say cooking methods in Spanish. Here are some of the most common ones:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Baking | Horneado | or-neh-ah-doe | oɾneˈaðo |
| Boiling | Hervido | air-vee-doe | eɾˈβiðo |
| Steaming | Cocido al vapor | koh-see-doe all vah-poor | koˈθiðo al βaˈpoɾ |
| Grilling | Asado a la parrilla | ah-sah-doh ah la pah-ree-ya | aˈsaðo a la paˈriʝa |
| Frying | Fritura | free-too-rah | fɾiˈtuɾa |
| Deep-frying | Fritura profunda | free-too-rah pro-foon-dah | fɾiˈtuɾa pɾoˈfunda |
| Stir-frying | Salteado | sall-teh-ah-doe | salteˈaðo |
| Roasting | Asado | ah-sad-doe | aˈsaðo |
| Broiling | Asado al grill | ah-sah-doe all greel | aˈsaðo al ˈɣɾiʝ |
| Smoking | Ahumado | ah-ooh-mah-doh | auˈmaðo |
| Sautéing | Sofrito | soh-free-toe | soˈfɾito |
| Poaching | Pochado | po-cha-doe | poˈʧaðo |
| Simmering | Cocción a fuego lento | coc-see-ohn a foo-eh-go lehn-toe | kokˈθjon a ˈfweɣo ˈlento |
| Braising | Estofado | ess-toh-fah-doe | estoˈfaðo |
| Stewing | Guisado | gee-sah-doe | ɡiˈsaðo |
| Blending | Licudado | lee-coo-ah-doe | likuˈðaðo |
| Microwaving | Cocinado en microondas | coh-see-nah-do ehn me-cro-ohn-das | koθiˈnaðo em mikɾoˈondas |
| Pressure-cooking | Cocinado a presión | coh-see-nah-doe ah preh-see-ohn | koθiˈnaðo a pɾeˈsjon |
| Marinating | Marinado | ma-re-nah-doe | maɾiˈnaðo |
| Curing | Curado | coo-rah-doe | kuˈɾaðo |
| Pickling | Encurtido | ehn-coor-tee-doe | enkuɾˈtiðo |
| Fermenting | Fermentado | fer-mehn-ta-doe | feɾmenˈtaðo |
| Dehydrating | Deshidratado | des-e-drah-tah-doe | desiðɾaˈtaðo |
| Caramelizing | Caramelizado | kah-rah-meh-lee-za-doe | kaɾameliˈθaðo |
Want to know one of the biggest cooking hacks? Learn to read recipes in Spanish. Not only will you learn more authentic cooking methods, but you’ll also get to practice your Spanish — all while you whip up a delicious meal!
![\"A](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt8caac2a10ded4aaa/66c433b100844a0f74b0301f/A-pinch-of-salt.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| A pinch | Una pizca | oo-nah peez-cah | ˈuna ˈpiθka |
| A gram (g) | Un gramo | oon grah-mo | un ˈɡɾamo |
| A kilogram (kg) | Un kilogramo | oon ke-lo | un kiloˈɣɾamo |
| A liter (l) | Un litro | oon lee-troh | un ˈlitɾo |
| A mililiter (ml) | Un mililitro | oon me-lee-lee-troh | um miliˈlitɾo |
| A cup | Una taza | oo-nah tah-za | ˈuna ˈtaθa |
| A tablespoon | Una cucharada | oo-nah coo-cha-rah-dah | ˈuna kuʧaˈɾaða |
| A teaspoon | Una cucharadita | oo-nah coo-cha-rah-dee-tah | ˈuna kuʧaɾaˈðita |
| An ounce (oz) | Una onza | oo-nah ohn-za | ˈuna ˈonθa |
| A pound (lbs) | Una libra | oo-nah lee-brah | ˈuna ˈliβɾa |
| A bunch | Un manojo | oon mah-no-ho | um maˈnoxo |
| A clove of garlic | Un diente de ajo | oon dee-ehn-teh deh ah-ho | un ˈdjente ðe ˈaxo |
| A can | Una lata | oo-nah la-ta | ˈuna ˈlata |
| A package | Un paquete | oon pah-keh-teh | um paˈkete |
| A piece | Un trozo | oon troh-zo | un ˈtɾoθo |
| A slice | Una rebanada | oo-nah reh-bah-nah-da | ˈuna reβaˈnaða |
| A sprig | Una rama | oo-nah rah-mah | ˈuna ˈrama |
| A leaf | Una hoja | oo-nah oh-hah | ˈuna ˈoxa |
| Sauce | Salsa | sal-sah | ˈsalsa |
| Broth | Caldo | call-doe | ˈkaldo |
| Puree | Puré | poo-reh | puˈɾe |
| Al dente | Al dente | all dehn-teh | al ˈdente |
| To cover | Cubrir | coo-breer | kuˈβɾiɾ |
| To uncover | Destapar | des-tah-par | destaˈpaɾ |
| To stir | Revolver | reh-vol-ver | reβolˈβeɾ |
| To beat | Batir | bah-teer | baˈtiɾ |
| To chop | Picar | pee-car | piˈkaɾ |
| To slice | Rebanar | reh-bah-nahr | reβaˈnaɾ |
| To grate | Rallar | rah-yar | raˈʝaɾ |
| To cook | Cocer | koh-sehr | koˈθeɾ |
| To mix | Mezclar | mess-klar | meθˈklaɾ |
| To peel | Pelar | peh-lar | peˈlaɾ |
| To cut | Cortar | core-tar | koɾˈtaɾ |
| To season | Sazonar | sah-zo-nar | saθoˈnaɾ |
| To bread | Empanizar | ehm-pah-nee-zar | empaniˈθaɾ |
| To heat | Calenar | kah-lehn-tar | kaleˈnaɾ |
| To cool | Enfriar | ehn-free-are | emˈfɾjaɾ |
| To melt | Derretir | deh-reh-teer | dereˈtiɾ |
| To dress | Aderezar | ah-deh-reh-zar | aðeɾeˈθaɾ |
| To toast | Tostar | toss-tar | tosˈtaɾ |
| To soak | Remojar | reh-mo-har | remoˈxaɾ |
Spanish-speaking countries are deeply invested in food, and this shows in the sheer amount of food-related idioms in Spanish. Although many of these may sound like gibberish, there’s a meaning behind each one. Here are some of the most popular ones and what they mean:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA | Example sentence |
| To be eaten bread; to be very easy. | Ser pan comido | sehr pahn koh-me-do | ˈseɾ ˈpan koˈmiðo | Este examen va a ser pan comido para quién estudió. |
| To be like a cheese; to be very attractive. | Estar como un queso | esstar koh-mo oon keh-so | esˈtaɾ ˈkomo wn ˈkeso | Juan está como un queso en esa foto. |
| To be in the soup; to be everywhere or involved in everything. | Estar en la sopa | ess-tar ehn la so-pah | Estar en la sopa | Últimamente, María está en la sopa de todas las reuniones sociales. |
| To give pumpkins; to reject someone. | Dar calabazas | dar kah-lah-bah-zas | ˈdaɾ kalaˈβaθas | Le dio calabazas cuando le pidió una cita. |
| Half an orange; soulmate or significant other. | Media naranja | meh-dee-ah nah-rahn-hah | ˈmeðja naˈɾanxa | Creo que finalmente he encontrado a mi media naranja. |
| To be like a noodle; to be very thin. | Estar como un fideo | ess-tar koh-mo oon fee-deh-oh | esˈtaɾ ˈkomo wm fiˈðeo | Después de la dieta, Jorge está como un fideo. |
| Not all the mountain is oregano; life isn’t always easy. | No todo el monte es orégano | no toe-doe elle mohn-teh ess oh-reh-gah-no | ˈno ˈtoðo el ˈmonte ˈes oˈɾeɣano | Perdió su trabajo y su coche en la misma semana. Ni modo, no todo el monte es orégano. |
| To matter a pepper; to not matter at all. | Importar un pimiento | eem-pore-tar oon pee-me-ehn-toe | impoɾˈtaɾ um piˈmjento | Me importa un pimiento lo que piensen los demás. |
| To have bad milk; to have a bad temper or ill intention. | Tener mala leche | teh-nehr mah-lah leh-che | teˈneɾ ˈmala ˈleʧe | Ten cuidado con él, tiene mala leche. |
| To be the milk; to be awesome or extraordinary. | Ser la leche | sehr la leh-che | ˈseɾ la ˈleʧe | Ese coche nuevo es la leche. |
| To ask for pears from the elm; to ask for the impossible. | Pedir peras al olmo | peh-deer peh-ras all oll-mo | peˈðiɾ ˈpeɾas al ˈolmo | Pedirle que llegue temprano es como pedir peras al olmo. |
| To be from the year of the pear; to be very old or outdtated. | Ser del año de la pera | sehr dell ah-nyoh deh la peh-rah | ˈseɾ ðel ˈaɲo ðe la ˈpeɾa | Ese modelo de teléfono es del año de la pera. |
| To be healthier than an apple; to be very healthy. | Estar más sano que una manzana | ess-tar mas sah-no keh oo-nah mahn-za-nah | esˈtaɾ ˈmas ˈsano ˈke ˈuna manˈθana | Desde que corre cada día, está más sano que una manzana. |
| To be like a soup; to be soaking wet. | Estar como una sopa | estar koh-mo oo-nah so-pa | esˈtaɾ ˈkomo ˈuna ˈsopa | Llegó a casa y estaba como una sopa después de la tormenta. |
| To become like a tomato; to blush or become very red. | Ponerse como tomate | poh-nehr-seh koh-mo toe-ma-teh | poˈneɾse ˈkomo toˈmate | Se puso como un tomate cuando le mencionaron su error en la reunión. |
| To be a melon; to be foolish or naive. | Ser un melón | sehr oon meh-lohn | ˈseɾ um meˈlon | No se da cuenta de sus errores, es un melón. |
| To grab the radish by its leaves; to misunderstand something. | Tomar el rábano por las hojas | toe-mahr elle rah-bah-no pore lass oh-hahs | toˈmaɾ el ˈraβano poɾ las ˈoxas | No te ofendas, solo tomaste el rábano por las hojas. |
| To cut the cod; to be the one in charge or calling the shots. | Cortar el bacalao | core-tar elle bah-cah-lao | koɾˈtaɾ el βakaˈlao | En esta casa, mi abuela es la que corta el bacalao. |
| To give atole with the finger; to deceive or trick someone, usually by distracting them from the main issue. | Dar atole con el dedo | dar ah-toh-leh kohn elle deh-doe | ˈdaɾ aˈtole kon el ˈdeðo | No me vayas a dar atole con el dedo; dime la verdad sobre lo que pasó. |
| To put cream on the tacos; to boast or exaggerate one’s own accomplishments. | Echarle crema a los tacos | eh-char-leh kreh-mah ah los tah-cos | eˈʧaɾle ˈkɾema a los ˈtakos | Siempre que habla de su trabajo, le echa crema a sus tacos. |
| By the eye of a good bartender; to estimate measurements by eye without using precise tools | A ojo de buen cubero | ah oh-ho deh boo-ehn coo-beh-ro | a ˈoxo ðe ˈβwen kuˈβeɾo | No tengo cucharas medidoras, así que voy a echarle la sal a ojo de buen cubero. |
| Let’s go at it because it’s mole from the pot; to get to work with enthusiasm or to tackle a task with eagerness | A darle que es mole de olla | ah dahr-leh keh ess moh-leh deh oh-yah | a ˈðaɾle ˈke ˈez ˈmole ðe ˈoʝa | Ya tenemos todos los materiales, ahora sí, a darle que no es mole de olla. |
| Sorrows with bread are less; problems or sorrows are easier to bear when you have food. | Las penas con pan son menos | las peh-nass kohn pan son meh-nos | las ˈpenas kom ˈpan ˈsom ˈmenos | No te preocupes tanto, las penas con pan son menos. |
| You can’t whistle and eat pinole at the same time; It’s hard to do two things at once, especially if they require conflicting actions. | No se puede chiflar y comer pinole | no seh poo-eh-deh che-flar e koh-mehr pee-no-leh | ˈno se ˈpweðe ʧiˈflaɾ i koˈmeɾ piˈnole | No puedes estar en dos lugares a la vez, no se puede chiflar y comer pinole. |
| As if they were enchiladas; Something that isn’t as easy as it seems, used to express that a task or situation is more difficult than one might think. | Ni que fueran enchiladas | nee keh foo-eh-rahn ehn-chee-la-das | ni ˈke ˈfweɾan enʧiˈlaðas | Terminar este proyecto en un día, ni que fueran enchiladas. |
Getting to eat your way through Spain and Latin America is a massive privilege and one you’ll get to enjoy even more once you’ve mastered this Spanish food vocabulary. With these words on Spanish fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, kitchen utensils, appliances, and more, you’ll be able to fully express yourself as you try to order, buy, or cook food in Spanish, giving you an unbeatable culinary edge.
If you want to learn more about Spanish food and culture, then check out our Spanish blog! We publish new Spanish content all the time, from Mexican wedding rituals to a guide to Spanish false cognates.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Colombian cuisine","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"Colombian cuisine: 90 traditional food dishes & drinks to try","url":"/blog/colombian-food-cuisine-dishes","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltd84fac148d32dbfe/66b4b2a085938f12975e1b78/pexels-cristian-rojas-8279631.jpg"},"post_content":"Exploring Colombian culture will invariably lead to delicious food, fruits, drinks, and snacks. This multicultural and geographically diverse country enjoys the perfect combo for an incredibly vast cuisine. From dozens of exotic fruits to multiple cultural influences, Colombia benefits from all the traits that make a delicious cuisine.
You might’ve heard of the mighty arepa, which is one of Colombia’s most iconic dishes. If you’ve had the chance to try this dish before, then you already know that Colombian food is tasty, hearty, and supremely comforting. Just like the arepa, there are hundreds of yummy dishes that you’ll only find in this South American gem of a country.
Below, we’ll go over Colombia’s food culture and take a close look at 90 of the most iconic Colombian meals, fruits, snacks, and drinks. ¡Buen provecho!
![\"Arepa.\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt2b24ea047ff3e4a0/66b4a9efa81d721114f202dd/arepa.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Colombian cuisine is a delightful blend of rich flavors and diverse ingredients, reflecting the country’s varied cultural influences. Each region of Colombia brings unique flavors to the table, making this an incredibly diverse and fun country to eat your way through.
There’s no such thing as simply “Colombian cuisine.” Maybe some of the most popular dishes like arepas and ajiaco can be found throughout the country, but each region of Colombia has its own take on these dishes. That’s because each region uses its local ingredients and cultural influences to modify these popular dishes to local produce availability and taste.
Similarly, each region has its own traditional dishes, taking full advantage of the local food and traditions. We’ll go over each region more in depth below, but in general, this is what you can expect from each of the Colombian regions:
Colombian cuisine is a combination of Indigenous, African, and Spanish cultures. Indigenous communities contributed ingredients like corn, potatoes, and beans, along with traditional cooking methods. African slaves brought their culinary traditions, which blended with local ingredients to create dishes like sancocho. Spanish colonization introduced new ingredients and cooking techniques, including the use of pork, beef, and dairy products. You can see this influence in dishes like lechona, a festive dish of roasted stuffed pork.
Colombian cuisine continues to evolve, embracing modern and global influences while honoring its roots. You can find countless fusion restaurants, particularly in the foodie parts of Medellín, combining Colombian food with global cuisine to create something wonderfully unique.
Although Colombian food is very diverse, there are a few standout ingredients that you’ll see over and over again in Colombian recipes. Some of the biggest, most important staple ingredients in Colombian cooking are:
![\"Plantains.\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltf7eb7bd118b5dbf1/66b4b0b102fc83b5ee80f071/Plantains.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Fruits and vegetables in Colombian gastronomy
Colombia has an extremely fortunate landscape when it comes to fruits and vegetables. In fact, it is the country with the most local types of fruits in the world, which means you’ll find no shortage of delicious fruits and vegetables in Colombian food. Here are some of the most common ones:
Colombian food uses all kinds of animal protein in its dishes, including:
If there’s something Colombian food isn’t, that’s bland. Although not tremendously spicy or overly flavorful, all Colombian dishes are seasoned with the right blend of herbs and spices to give them a punch. Some of the most common are:
Now, we’ll take a look at some of Colombia’s most iconic dishes, starting with the 10 most important Colombian meals across the country. Then, we’ll take a look at the dishes specific to each region. Below, you’ll find the top 10 unmissable dishes in Colombia.
![\"Empanadas.\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt847e67cf4fb3817b/66b4b397792c8ebb984802ec/Empanadas.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Pronunciation: ah-reh-pasIPA: aˈɾepas
Arepas are one of the most iconic Colombian dishes, representing the country’s deep culinary traditions. These versatile corn cakes are made from ground maize dough or pre-cooked corn flour, which can be grilled, baked, or fried to a golden crispness. Arepas are enjoyed at all times of the day, from breakfast through dinner.
While arepas are popular across Colombia, each region has its own twist on them. For example, on the Caribbean coast, arepas are sweeter and filled with eggs, while they tend to be thicker and stuffed with cheese and other fillings in the Andean region.
Pronunciation: bahn-deh-hahIPA: banˈdexa ˈpajsa
Bandeja Paisa is a hearty traditional dish from the Antioquia region and is considered the national dish of Colombia. This platter is a filling combination of rice, and red beans cooked with pork, ground meat, chorizo, fried pork rind (chicharrón), fried egg, plantain, arepa, and avocado. It’s a true feast meant to sustain workers the entire day, reflecting the region’s agricultural lifestyle.
Pronunciation: ah-he-ah-coIPA: aˈxjako
Ajiaco is a flavorful and comforting soup that’s particularly popular in Bogotá and the surrounding Andean region. This dish is primarily made with different types of potatoes, chicken, corn on the cob, and the guasca herb, which adds a unique flavor to the soup. Ajiaco is traditionally served with a side of capers, cream, and avocado.
Pronunciation: sahn-coh-choIPA: sanˈkoʧo
This traditional Colombian stew is considered comfort food across the country. It’s commonly prepared with a variety of meats like chicken, pork, beef, or fish, combined with large pieces of root vegetables and plantains, all simmered in a flavorful broth seasoned with herbs and spices. The ingredients vary by region and availability, making sancocho a very adaptable dish.
Sancocho is usually cooked for family gatherings and is served with a side of rice, avocado, and some ají (Colombian hot sauce). This is one of those dishes that both feeds the body and nourishes the soul, making it a favorite all over Colombia.
Pronunciation: ehm-pah-nah-dasIPA: empaˈnaðas
Colombian empanadas are popular street snacks enjoyed throughout the country. These small, fried pastries are typically made with a dough of cornmeal, giving them a distinctive yellow color and crunchy texture. The filling consists of a savory mixture of minced meat, potatoes, and seasonings. They’re commonly served with a side of ají or with lime wedges to add a zesty kick.
Making empanadas is a social event in Colombia, where friends and families gather to make fresh empanadas at home. You can also find all kinds of regional variations across the country, where empanadas in some regions will include additional fillings like rice, peas, spices, and herbs.
Pronunciation: koh-see-doe bo-ya-sehn-seh
IPA: koˈθiðo βoʝaˈθense
This traditional dish from the Boyacá region in Colombia is known for its richness and health benefits. This stew is made with a mix of various types of meat, including chicken, beef, and pork, along with potatoes, corn, and large fava beans. It’s seasoned with garlic, onion, and cilantro to add depth to its flavor. Cocido Boyacense is usually cooked in a single pot, with ingredients layered in a specific order to achieve its signature taste.
Pronuncation: leh-cho-nah
IPA: leˈʧona
Lechona is one of Colombia’s most iconic and celebratory dishes, particularly popular in the Tolima department. This dish consists of a whole pig stuffed with a mixture of yellow peas, rice, green onions, and spices, then slow-roasted for several hours until the skin is perfectly crispy. The result is a delicious feast that is traditionally served during major festivities and events, like Christmas and community celebrations.
Pronunciation: pah-ta-coh-ness
IPA: pataˈkones
Patacones, also known as tostones in other parts of Latin America, are thick slices of green plantains that are fried, smashed, and then fried again until they’re crispy and golden. This popular Colombian side dish is universally loved for its simplicity and versatility. It is a delicious complement to all kinds of dishes, including seafood and meats, and even as a base for appetizers topped with cheese, salsa, or avocado.
Pronunciation: kaah-zoo-eh-lah deh ma-rees-coss
IPA: kaˈθwela ðe maˈɾiskos
Cazuela de mariscos is a rich seafood stew that perfectly captures Colombia’s coastal culinary culture. This dish is made with fresh seafood like shrimp, fish, clams, and squid, simmered in a tomato and coconut milk-based broth. The broth is then seasoned with garlic, onion, bell peppers, and cilantro. It’s usually served with a side of white rice and slices of avocado.
Pronunciation: mohn-don-go
IPA: monˈdonɡo
This traditional soup is made primarily from diced tripe (the stomach lining of a cow) cooked with potatoes, cassava, and vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and onions. Spices include cilantro, garlic, and other seasonings, giving it its distinctive taste. Like most Colombian soups, mondongo is served with rice and a side of avocado and is particularly popular in the Andean regions of Colombia.
Colombia’s geographic and cultural diversity gives it an incredible regional range of cuisines. These are some of the dishes to look out for as you travel across the country:
![\"Pescado](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltbae8efc58ea8473e/66b4bb127d79a20b6e7b2267/Fried-fish.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Colombia’s Caribbean Coast gastronomy is distinguished by its use of coconut, seafood, and root vegetables. The region’s proximity to the sea plays a significant role in its culinary profile, emphasizing fresh, vibrant, and flavorful ingredients.
Some local dishes include:
Pronunciation: ah-roz kohn ko-co
IPA: aˈroθ kon ˈkoko
Arroz con coco is a popular dish on the Colombian Caribbean coast, where the coconut flavor permeates into many dishes. This sweet and savory coconut rice is made by simmering white rice in a mixture of coconut milk and sugar until it’s beautifully golden. It’s usually served with fried fish or seafood, serving as an excellent sidekick to the salty and crispy fish.
Pronuncation: sahn-co-cho deh pehs-ca-doe
IPA: sanˈkoʧo ðe pesˈkaðo
As we mentioned earlier, sancocho is one of the most popular and versatile dishes in Colombia. The Caribbean Coast’s version involves local fish like red snappers, stewed with yuca, plantains, and corn. The dish is simmered beautifully with cilantro, garlic, and onions, and it serves as comfort food that brings families together.
Pronunciation: poss-tah neh-grah / car-ta-heh-neh-rah
IPA: ˈposta ˈneɣɾa / kaɾtaxeˈneɾa
Posta negra, also known locally as cartagenera, is a dish you’ll find on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast. It features beef slowly cooked in a dark sauce that’s both sweet and savory, made from caramelized panela (sugar water), garlic, onions, and a mix of local spices. This cooking technique makes the beef incredibly tender and packs it with deep flavor. It’s usually served with arroz con coco or patacones, rounding out a delicious and culturally significant meal.
Pronunciation: pess-kah-doe free-toe
IPA: pesˈkaðo ˈfɾito
Pescado frito, or fried fish, is a simple yet popular dish on the Colombian Caribbean coast. It’s all about savoring the fresh catch of the day, seasoned lightly and fried to crispy perfection. You’ll usually find it served with a squeeze of lime to enhance the fish’s natural flavors, alongside arroz con coco or a side salad. It’s a staple at beachside shacks and family tables alike, capturing the region’s laid-back attitude.
Pronunciation: moh-teh deh keh-so
IPA: ˈmote ðe ˈkeso
This unique soup can be found all along Colombia’s Caribbean coast. It’s made with yam and cheese, an unlikely yet delightful combination that creates a creamy and savory broth. The soup is seasoned with onions, garlic, and achiote, which gives it a beautiful golden color. It's enjoyed as a warm, filling meal that exemplifies how local ingredients can be turned into something delicious and satisfying.
The Pacific Coast’s cuisine is heavily influenced by the abundant local seafood and the region's Afro-Colombian heritage, incorporating unique spices and cooking methods.
![\"Couple](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt3745a3e9f9c3f541/66b55050106fa0cb3ae8b372/pexels-jimmy-elizarraras-613804445-25584002.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Pronunciation: ehn-con-cah-doe deh cah-mah-rohn
IPA: enkoˈkaðo ðe kamaˈɾon
One of the signature dishes of Colombia’s Pacific Coast, encocado de camarón is a delicious combination of seafood and coconut. It involves shrimp simmered in a creamy sauce made from coconut milk, seasoned with garlic, onions, and a hint of cumin and cilantro. The coconut milk adds a sweet creaminess that complements the saltiness of the shrimp, creating an aromatic dish. It’s usually served with white rice or fried plantains.
Pronunciation: pah-ta-cohn kohn toe-doe
IPA: pataˈkon kon ˈtoðo
A patacón con todo translates to “plantain with everything,” and this dish truly lives up to its name. A base of patacones topped with shredded beef, pork, chicken, or a mix of seafood, along with a generous helping of cheese, hogao (a Colombian creole sauce), and sometimes avocado or a fried egg. This staple street food is enjoyed as a hearty snack or a full meal.
Pronunciation: ah-roz cohn hah-e-bah
IPA: aˈroθ kon ˈxajβa
Arroz con jaiba translates to “rice with crab,” and that’s exactly what this is. This flavorful creation combines seasoned rice with tender pieces of crab meat, enhanced with bell peppers, onions, and herbs. The result is a savory and satisfying meal that’s a favorite among seafood enthusiasts and a staple in many Colombian households.
Pronunciation: boh-ca-chee-co ehn sal-sah
IPA: bokaˈʧiko en ˈsalsa
This dish features the bocachico, a freshwater fish native to South America. This flavorful meal consists of bocachico fillets simmered in a rich, tangy sauce. The sauce includes tomatoes, onions, garlic, and various spices, creating a tasty blend of flavors. Usually served with plantains, this is an unmissable dish if you’re ever along Colombia’s Pacific Coast.
Pronunciation: pee-ahn-goo-ah all ah-he-yo
IPA: ˈpjanɡwa al aˈxiʝo
Piangua al ajillo is a perfect example of the flavors of the Colombian Pacific Coast. It features piangua — a local mollusk — sautéed in a rich garlic sauce. It’s prepared with olive oil, white wine, and fresh herbs, and offers a fragrant seafood experience. You can enjoy it as an appetizer or main course along with rice or patacones on the side.
The Andean Region of Colombia is known for its hearty, comfort dishes that tend to feature potatoes, corn, and meats, reflecting the agricultural practices of the area.
Pronunciation: call-do deh coss-tee-ya
IPA: ˈkaldo ðe kosˈtiʝa
Also known as levantamuertos, caldo de costilla is a beef rib broth that’s a popular breakfast soup and hangover remedy. This hearty dish features beef ribs simmered in water with potatoes, garlic, and cilantro. The long cooking process results in tender meat and a rich, flavorful broth. It’s served with a side of rice and topped with fresh cilantro, caldo de costilla is known for its restorative properties and as a tasty comfort food.
Pronunciation: ta-ma-less to-lee-mehn-sehs
IPA: taˈmales toliˈmenses
These tamales are a beloved staple from the Tolima region. They’re hearty, leaf-wrapped parcels filled with a mixture of rice, pork, chicken, and vegetables, all nestled in corn dough. The filling includes chickpeas, carrots, and sometimes eggs. They’re enjoyed as a breakfast dish or holiday treat.
Pronunciation: pah-pahs cho-reh-ah-dass
IPA: ˈpapas ʧoreˈaðas
This comforting dish is made up of boiled potatoes smothered in a creamy sauce made from cheese, milk, and onions. The sauce is gently cooked until it thickens, creating a rich, velvety texture that gives it its “chorreadas” (dripping) name. This is a common side dish and a perfect example of how humble ingredients can be transformed into a crowd-pleasing dish.
Pronunciation: soh-breh-bah-ree-gah
IPA: soβɾeβaˈriɣa
Sobrebarriga, which translates to “over the belly,” is a flavorful dish made from beef flank. The meat is slow-cooked until tender and braised in a sauce of onions, tomatoes, garlic, and spices. Some versions are grilled or oven-roasted after braising for added texture. The result is a rich, melts-in-your-mouth beef dish that’s served with rice, potatoes, or yuca.
Pronunciation: chan-goo-ah ehn or-nee-toss
IPA: ˈʧanɡwa en oɾˈnitos
Changua en hornitos is a unique twist on the traditional breakfast soup changua. This version is served in small clay pots called “hornitos,” which adds a rustic charm to the presentation. The soup consists of milk, water, and eggs gently cooked together and flavored with cilantro and green onions. A piece of bread is usually placed at the bottom of the pot, soaking up the flavorful broth.
Colombian Amazonian cuisine is marked by its use of tropical fruits, fish, and ingredients found in the rainforest, offering a distinct flavor profile that’s both exotic and traditional.
Pronunciation: mo-keh-kah deh pee-ra-roo-coo
IPA: moˈkeka ðe piɾaˈɾuku
This flavorful fish stew features the Amazon’s largest freshwater fish, pirarucu. Chunks of pirarucu are cooked in a rich broth of coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers and seasoned with garlic, cilantro, and palm oil, giving it a distinctive golden color and unique taste. It’s served with rice, farofa (toasted manioc flour), and pirão (a thickened fish sauce).
Pronunciation: cah-sah-beh
IPA: kaˈsaβe
This is a traditional flatbread made from yuca (cassava) that’s grated, dried, and then cooked on a hot griddle. This crisp, thin bread has a subtle, nutty flavor and is used as an accompaniment to meals. It’s a popular dish for its long shelf life and versatility, as it can be eaten plain, used as a base for toppings, or crumbled into soups and strews.
Pronunciation: call-doe deh too-coo-pee
IPA: ˈkaldo ðe tuˈkupi
This flavorful Amazonian soup features all the standout ingredients from the region. The star of the show is tucupi, a yellow sauce extracted from wild manioc root. The soup includes pieces of fish or shrimp along with jambu, a herb known for its slight numbing effect. It’s seasoned with garlic, cilantro, and hot chili peppers, offering a complex blend of tangy, spicy, numbing, and slightly earthy flavors. This soup really has it all!
Pronunciation: ah-ross cha-ooh-fah
IPA: aˈroθ ˈʧawfa
Arroz chaufa is a popular fusion dish that reflects the influence of Chinese cuisine on Colombian food. This flavorful fried rice dish combines tender pieces of chicken, pork, or seafood with vegetables like peas, carrots, and green onions. The rice is stir-fried with soy sauce, giving it a rich, savory flavor. Eggs are sometimes scrambled into the mix, adding texture and depth.
Pronunciation: chee-cha-rohn deh pee-ra-roo-coo
IPA: ʧiʧaˈron de piɾaɾuˈku
Chicharrón de pirarucú offers a unique Amazonian twist on traditional chicharrón. This crispy delicacy features thin strips of pirarucú, a giant Amazonian fish, deep-fried to perfection. Seasoned with local spices, it’s almost always served with lime or spicy sauces. It’s a crunchy, flavorful snack that will let you get a real taste of the Amazon.
The Orinoquía region, also known as Los Llanos, is known for its vast savannas and cattle-ranching culture, which influences its cuisine heavily towards beef and freshwater fish dishes, prepared with hearty, rustic flavors.
Pronunciation: ah-ross yah-neh-ro
IPA: aˈroð ʝaˈneɾo
Arroz llanero is a hearty rice dish that includes meats like beef, pork, and chicken. The rice is cooked with rich beef broth and vegetables like peas and carrots. Topped with a fried egg or accompanied by fried plantains, arroz llanero perfectly encapsulates the rustic cowboy cuisine of the region.
Pronunciation: cah-pohn deh ah-ooh-yah-mahIPA: kaˈpon de auˈʝama
This comforting dish showcases the versatility of pumpkin in Colombian cuisine. It combines pieces of ahuyama (a type of pumpkin) with potatoes, corn, and various herbs and spices. The pumpkin breaks down during cooking, creating a naturally creamy texture. It’s then garnished with fresh cilantro and served with avocado or rice on the side.
Pronunciation: ehn-treh-veh-rah-doe
IPA: entɾeβeˈɾaðo
Entreverado is a tasty and colorful meal that combines multiple types of meat — usually pork, beef, and sometimes chicken or sausages — with an assortment of vegetables like potatoes, yuca, plantains, and corn. Slow-cooked and seasoned with local herbs and spices, entreverado offers a broad flavor profile — perfect for anyone looking for some excitement in their meal.
Pronunciation: kar-neh ah la mah-mo-nah
IPA: ˈkaɾne a la maˈmona
Also known as ternera a la llanera, carne a la mamona is a signature dish from Colombia’s eastern plains. It involves a whole veal or young beef, slow-roasted on wooden stakes over an open fire. The meat is seasoned simply with salt and sometimes beer or bitter orange juice, allowing its natural flavors to shine. The result is a tender, smoky meat with a crispy exterior — perfect for a night out on the plains!
Pronunciation: chee-goo-e-ro ah la brah-zaIPA: ʧiˈɣwiɾo a la ˈβɾasa
Chigüiro a la brasa is a unique dish that features the world’s largest rodent. This regional delicacy involves marinating capybara meat in local herbs and spices before grilling it over an open flame. The result is flavorful, slightly chewy meat with a smoky char. It’s served with yuca, plantains, and a spicy ají sauce.
Street food is an integral part of Colombian culture, as it offers a delicious window into its diverse culinary traditions. From bustling city streets to quiet town squares, vendors serve up a variety of snacks that will keep you full when you’re on the go. Staples like arepas, crispy empanadas, and crunchy patacones are great savory snacks to keep you going until your next meal, while savory treats like buñuelos, churros, and obleas can be the perfect complement to your post-dinner walk.
![\"Bunuelos.\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt3e68091e1d66fad5/66b55618106fa0aa9ae8b3a0/Bunuelos.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Pronunciation: boo-nyooh-eh-lossIPA: buˈɲwelos
These fritters hold a special place in holiday traditions and everyday snacking. These crispy balls are made from a dough of cornstarch or cassava starch mixed with fresh cheese, which gives them their distinctive, slightly salty, cheesy flavor. These are different from the buñuelos you might find in other Spanish-speaking countries, though!
Pronunciation: choo-ross
IPA: ˈʧuros
Often filled with arequipe (dulce de leche) or chocolate, these fried dough pastries are a sweet delight, typically enjoyed as a snack or dessert. They’re especially popular on chilly evenings or at town festivals.
Pronunciation: oh-bleh-ahs
IPA: oˈβleas
These treats consist of two thin wafers sandwiching a layer of arequipe (dulce de leche). Vendors tend to offer additional toppings like shredded cheese, jam, or sprinkles for extra flavor and texture. Crisp yet slightly chewy, obleas provide a satisfying contrast between the delicate wafers and the rich, creamy filling.
Pronunciation: all-mo-hah-bah-nah
IPA: almoˈxaβana
This is a traditional Colombian cheese bread that’s popular all over the country. These small, round breads are made from a mixture of corn flour and fresh cheese, creating a unique texture that’s both crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. With a slightly salty, cheesy flavor, almojábanas are enjoyed for breakfast or as an afternoon snack with coffee or hot chocolate.
Pronunciation: or-me-gas coo-lo-nass
IPA: oɾˈmiɣas kuˈlonas
Hormigas culonas, or “big butt ants,” are a unique delicacy from Colombia’s Santander region. These large ants are harvested during their mating season and then toasted with salt. The result is a crunchy, nutty snack with a slightly earthy flavor. Think of them like peanuts or popcorn — but with more protein!
Pronunciation: cho-re-zo ahn-tee-oh-keh-nyoh
IPA: ʧoˈɾiθo antjoˈkeɲo
This flavorful sausage is most popular in the Antioquia region, where it’s consumed in skewers as a street snack. It’s made from coarsely ground pork and seasoned with a blend of spices like garlic, cumin, and paprika. Unlike some other chorizo varieties, it’s not cured or smoked, but rather fresh and meant to be cooked before eating. It’s usually grilled or pan-fried and sometimes enjoyed as a part of a bandeja paisa.
Pronunciation: pahn-deh-yoo-cah
IPA: pandeˈʝuka
This bread is made primarily from yuca flour and cheese. These small, round rolls have a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior with a delightfully cheesy flavor. The dough is made by mixing yuca flour with grated cheese, butter, and sometimes eggs, resulting in a light, airy texture. As a fun fact, this is a naturally gluten-free bread, making it a popular staple in Colombian cuisine.
Pronunciation: la free-tahn-ga
IPA: la fɾiˈtanɡa
Fritanga is an unmissable street food experience in Colombia. You’ll find plenty of stands in the streets selling an assortment of fried foods, from crispy chicharrón (pork rinds) to savory morcilla (blood sausage) to chunks of beef or chicken. These are typically served in paper cones or small plates, accompanied by fried plantains, yuca, and papas criollas. You can customize your fritanga with spicy ají sauce.
Pronunciation: heh-la-tee-nah deh pah-tah
IPA: xelaˈtina ðe ˈpata
Gelatina de pata is a traditional dessert that showcases the resourcefulness in Colombian cooking. This unique gelatin is made from cow’s feet, giving it a distinctive texture and flavor. The feet are boiled for hours to extract collagen, creating a natural gelatin that’s sweetened and flavored with panela or fruit. The result is a delicious dessert with remarkable health properties, as the abundant collagen in gelatina de pata makes it a very good source of protein.
Pronunciation: sall-pee-cohn deh froo-tahs
IPA: salpiˈkon de ˈfɾutas
Salpicón de frutas is the fruit cocktail of your dreams on a hot summer’s day. This colorful drink-dessert hybrid features a mix of fresh tropical fruits like papaya, pineapple, banana, and watermelon, diced into small pieces. The fruits are combined with watermelon juice or a mix of water and Colombiana. Finding a salpicón de frutas stand on a hot day is like hitting the jackpot — you’ll cool down in no time!
Colombian fruits play a massive role in both the diet and culture of the country, reflecting its incredibly rich biodiversity. With a wide range of exotic fruits that flourish in its varied climate, Colombia offers a wide variety of flavors that contribute tremendously to its regional dishes and beverages.
![\"Custard](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt2986b599629dc89a/66b553a60d26b2fc7de4839e/custard-apple.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Pronunciation: gra-na-dee-ya
IPA: ɡɾanaˈðiʝa
This sweet, tropical fruit has a hard outer shell and a jelly-like interior filled with seeds. Its gentle, refreshing sweetness makes it popular for eating on its own or in desserts, and its relaxing properties make it a great way to calm the mind before sleep.
Pronunciation: goo-loo-pah
IPA: ɡuˈlupa
Also known as the purple passion fruit, gulupa has a slightly more tart flavor than regular passion fruits. It’s purple on the outside with a juicy, seed-filled center. It’s typically consumed fresh or used in juices and desserts.
Pronunciation: goo-ah-nah-bah-nahIPA: ɡwaˈnaβana
Also known as soursop, guanábana has a spiky green exterior and a soft white pulp. It’s loved for its unique flavor that combines sweet and tart notes. If you haven’t tried it yet, guanábana is often described as a mix of strawberry and pineapple with a citrus twist. You’ll find that the fruit is consumed fresh, in juices, smoothies, and even ice cream.
Pronunciation: toe-ma-teh deh are-boll
IPA: toˈmate ðe ˈaɾβol
This exotic fruit has an acidic yet sweet flavor, making it perfect for sauces or to be simply enjoyed raw. Its deep red or orange pulp is frequently blended into juices or added to fruit salads, offering a distinctive taste that’s both tart and refreshing.
Pronunciation: oo-choo-vah
IPA: uˈʧuβa
Known internationally as Cape gooseberry, uchuva is a small, round, and golden fruit enclosed in a papery husk. It offers a sweet-tart flavor that makes it a favorite snack on its own or a popular addition to desserts and salads. It’s also a common garnish for delicious cocktails!
Pronunciation: ma-rah-coo-ya
IPA: maɾakuˈʝa
Known internationally as passion fruit, maracuyá is a highly aromatic fruit with a tart, seedy interior. It’s widely used in Colombia for juices, desserts, and sauces, known for its intense and acidic flavor and aroma.
Pronunciation: pee-tah-ya
IPA: pitaˈaʝa
Also known as pink dragon fruit, pitahaya has bright pink skin and a mild, kiwi-like center. This cactus fruit has a striking appearance with its bright pink or yellow exterior and white or red flesh speckled with tiny black seeds. Pitahaya offers a mildly sweet flavor with a slight tart. It’s often consumed fresh, but it can also be blended into refreshing juices and smoothies. It’s known for its high antioxidant content and digestive benefits, making it an excellent addition to any healthy diet.
Pronunciation: loo-lo
IPA: ˈlulo
This fruit can be described as a combination between a tomato and an orange. It has a sweet and refreshing taste and it’s typically used to make a refreshing juice called lulada, which is a popular remedy for hot summer days.
Pronunciation: che-ree-mo-ya
IPA: ʧeɾiˈmoʝa
Cherimoya, also known as chirimoya, is a tropical fruit that’s also called the “custard apple.” This heart-shaped fruit has a green, scale-like exterior and creamy white flesh. When ripe, cherimoya offers a sweet, custard-like texture with a flavor that’s often described as a blend of banana, pineapple, and strawberry. It can be eaten fresh, scooped out with a spoon.
Pronunciation: chon-tah-doo-ro
IPA: ʧontaˈðuɾo
Also known as peach palm fruit, chontaduro is a unique and nutritious staple in the Pacific coastal regions. This small, oval-shaped fruit has a bright orange or red exterior and a starchy, slightly oily flesh. It’s typically boiled in salted water, where it gets a texture similar to cooked egg yolk and a flavor that can be described as nutty with hints of sweet potato.
Colombian beverages stand out in the country’s culinary scene. From spirited alcoholic drinks to refreshing non-alcoholic options, Colombian drinks are a big part of any social or family gathering. Traditional liquors like aguardiente and fruit-packed refreshments like colorado are staples at celebrations and casual meetups.
![\"Aguapanela.\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltc032f248cb504574/66b55543c5b50d6ef0c283df/Aguapanela.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Pronunciation: ah-goo-ah-pah-neh-lahIPA: aɣwapaˈnela
Made from unrefined cane sugar dissolved in water, aguapanela is served hot with lime or cold with a dash of cheese. When served hot, it’s accompanied by cheese for dunking, creating a delightful contrast of sweet and salty. Cold aguapanela is a refreshing thirst quencher, sometimes flavored with lemon juice. You’ll be able to find this drink both in Colombian homes and on the street as a refreshing to-go beverage.
Pronunciation: ah-goo-ah-a re-dee-ehn-teh
IPA: aɣwaɾˈðjente
Aguardiente literally means “fiery water,” and you’ll see why once you have a taste. This is Colombia’s national spirit, made from sugarcane and with a special anise and licorice flavor. with an alcohol content usually around 29-35%, aguardiente packs a punch that lives up to its name.
In Colombian culture, aguardiente is a social lubricant and a focal point in celebrations. It’s typically consumed straight in small shots or “pepas,” though some prefer it mixed with water or in cocktails. During festivities, it’s common to see friends passing around a bottle, each taking a swig.
Aguardiente varies slightly from region to region, although Antioquia is the region most famous for its aguardiente. While it’s enjoyed year-round, it’s especially popular during holidays and traditional events. Despite the rise of other spirits, aguardiente remains an iconic element of Colombian identity and a taste of home for many.
Pronunciation: chee-cha
IPA: ˈʧiʧa
This traditional fermented beverage is made from corn and can be infused with pineapple or other fruits for added sweetness. Chicha was consumed by indigenous tribes across the Andes and remains popular in rural areas. It’s traditionlly homemade and enjoyed during community festivals.
Pronunciation: co-lom-bee-ah-nah
IPA: kolomˈbjana
This popular carbonated soft drink holds a special place in Colombian beverage culture. This orange-colored soda has a unique, fruity flavor that can be described as a mix of cola and cream soda, with subtle notes of tamarind. Yes, despite its color, it doesn’t taste like orange.
Colombiana is enjoyed on its own as a refreshing drink, especially on hot days. It’s also a common mixer for cocktails, including a Colombiana-and-beer beverage. It’s an unmissable staple at parties, family gatherings, and casual meals.
Pronunciation: cho-la-doe
IPA: ʧoˈlaðo
Originating from the Valle del Cauca, cholado is a colorful crushed ice drink mixed with fruit syrups, condensed milk, and topped with fresh tropical fruits. Perfect way to cool down on a hot day!
Pronunciation: reh-fah-ho
IPA: reˈfaxo
This is a popular cocktail that blends beer with cola, like Colombiana. It offers the perfect balance of sweetness and fizz, making it a favorite at social gatherings and barbecues. Often served over ice, refajo is sometimes spiked with a shot of aguardiente for an extra kick. It’s particularly popular in the Andean regions, where it’s enjoyed as a thirst quencher during outdoor activities.
Pronunciation: goo-ah-rah-po
IPA: ɡwaˈɾapo
This is a traditional fermented beverage made from sugarcane juice. It involves allowing the sugarcane juice to ferment with natural yeasts, which creates a slightly alcoholic content and a tangy taste. It’s a rustic drink, enjoyed in rural areas and appreciated for its refreshing qualities.
Pronunciation: lee-mo-na-da deh co-co
IPA: limoˈnaða ðe ˈkoko
This refreshing beverage is a popular thirst-quencher, especially along the Caribbean coast. It combines the tartness of freshly squeezed lemonade with the sweet, creamy flavor of coconut water and coconut cream, often served chilly with plenty of ice. It’s a tropical twist on the traditional lemonade, perfect for a hot day at the beach.
Pronunciation: ah-veh-nah
IPA: aˈβena
Although it translates to “oatmeal,” this isn’t what you’re probably thinking. This nutritious beverage blends oats with water, milk, cinnamon, and sugar until smooth, and is served chilled. It’s enjoyed for breakfast or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Pronunciation: kah-neh-la-zo
IPA: kaneˈlaθo
This is a warm and comforting drink that people in the Andean regions love. That’s unsurprising, given the cloudy and often chilly weather at this altitude. Canelazos are a perfect way to warm up, made by boiling water with panela, cinnamon, and sometimes cloves or other spices. You can also add a splash of aguardiente for extra warmth and kick.
They say there’s always room for dessert, and that’s especially true in Colombia. Best enjoyed with a warm cup of Colombian coffee, here are 10 of the best desserts in Colombia:
![\"Arroz](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltd8dd5832c99ea9aa/66b554957d79a212167b2b52/Arroz-con-leche.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Pronunciation: ah-reh-key-peh
IPA: aɾeˈkipe
Arequipe, also known as dulce de leche in other Latin American countries, is an extremely popular Colombian sweet treat. This rich, creamy caramel is made by slowly cooking milk and sugar until it transforms into a thick, golden-brown spread. Arequipe has a smooth texture and an irresistible sweetness.
Pronunciation: flahn deh co-co
IPA: ˈflan de ˈkoko
Flan is nothing new, as this dessert is popular in Spain and all over Latin America. However, Colombia adds a delicious tropical twist to this iconic dessert by infusing it with coconut milk. It’s also garnished with shredded coconut, offering a perfect balance of silky texture and a sweet, nutty flavor.
Pronunciation: ah-ross cohn
IPA: aˈroθ kon ˈleʧe
Another staple across Latin America, arroz con leche is an unmissable dessert when you visit Colombia. This creamy dessert is made by slowly cooking rice with milk, sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes raisins or a touch of vanilla. The result is a warm, comforting dish with a soft texture and sweet, aromatic taste.
Pronunciation: ess-pohn-hah-doe deh mah-rah-coo-ya
IPA: esponˈxaðo ðe maɾakuˈʝa
This dessert takes advantage of the tangy-sweet flavor of maracuyá. It’s a light, airy treat, similar to mousse, with a texture that’s both creamy and fluffy. Made by blending passion fruit pulp with condensed milk, cream, and gelatin, this bright yellow dessert offers a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
Pronunciation: mah-za-moh-rah
IPA: maθaˈmora
This unique dessert is made from cracked corn kernels cooked in milk until soft and creamy. It’s typically sweetened with panela and served with a side of fresh milk. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it versatile for different seasons.
Pronunciation: co-cah-dass deh leh-che-rah
IPA: koˈkaðaz ðe leˈʧeɾa
These sweet, coconut-based treats are made by cooking shredded coconut with condensed milk (lechera) until the mixture caramelizes. The result is a chewy, golden-brown candy with an intense coconut flavor and rich sweetness. They’re shaped into small mounds or bars and can be found at street stalls, in markets, and at beach kiosks.
Pronunciation: bah-na-nos call-dos
IPA: baˈnanos kaˈlaðos
This simple yet delicious Colombian treat transforms ripe bananas into sweet, caramelized treats. You can easily make bananos caldos by cooking peeled bananas in panela, cinnamon, and cloves. The result is a warm, comforting dessert with a deep, complex sweetness.
Pronunciation: meh-rehn-gohn
IPA: meɾenˈɡon
This indulgent dessert features layers of crisp merengue discs sandwiched with whipped cream and fresh fruit. Typically, tropical fruits like strawberries, kiwi, or passion fruit are used, adding color and a tangy flavor to balance the sweetness. The contrast between the crunchy merengue and the soft cream creates a gorgeous texture and delicious experience.
Pronunciation: nah-tee-ya
IPA: naˈtiʝa
This custard-like treat is made from cornstarch, milk, panela, and spices like cinnamon and cloves. The mixture is cooked until it thickens, then poured into molds to set. Once firm, natilla is usually served in slices and accompanied by buñuelos.
Pronunciation: bo-ca-dee-yo veh-leh-nyoh
IPA: bokaˈðiʝo βeˈleɲo
This dense, firm, guava paste confection is made by slowly cooking guava pulp with sugar until it forms a compact, sliceable block. You end up with a deep red, intensely flavored treat with a perfect balance of sweetness and tart. It’s also served in small rectangles and paired with fresh white cheese for a classic Colombian snack known as “Romeo y Julieta.”
Honestly, planning a trip to Colombia is worth it for the food alone. The arepas, buñuelos, fruits, and coffee you’ll get to try will definitely make the trip worth it. But on top of having one of the best cuisines in the world, Colombia also has plenty of history, beautiful monuments, stunning geographical formations, and idyllic beaches. So, don’t delay that Colombian trip you’ve been thinking of, and use this guide to order food like a pro!
If you want to prepare even more, consider taking online Spanish classes or reading more on our Spanish blog. You’ll find guides about other Spanish-speaking countries, like our guide to Spanish culture and Spanish cuisine, as well as guides to Spanish grammar and Spanish vocabulary. That way, you can learn anything you need before your next trip to Colombia!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Spanish sentence structure","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"A fun & easy guide to Spanish sentence structure and word order","url":"/blog/spanish-sentence-structure-word-order","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt61eb1251e32c657d/682a96390cda2646e8fc2751/2149047337.jpg"},"post_content":"Learning Spanish vocabulary and a few phrases is great if you’re just starting to learn Spanish, but understanding how sentences are strung together will help you get a sense of how the language works. Beyond just memorizing simple phrases, you’ll be able to actually use all the vocab and tools you’ve learned to put together a coherent sentence that expresses complex thoughts.
From basic sentences to negatives, interrogatives, and even compounds, there are a several essential Spanish questions that you should get a handle on as you advance in your Spanish mastery.
Although it may sound a little daunting, remember to always look at Spanish grammar as a resource that is always there to help you. If you’re ever in doubt, grammar rules are your friend, as they can help you easily figure out what you’re missing or what you need to change.
Below, we’ll cover some of the most important grammar rules about the Spanish sentence to help you start talking and writing like a pro.
Just like in English, Spanish sentences typically follow a subject-verb-object (SVO) structure. Sounds like math? Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds:
Part | Spanish | Definition | Examples |
Subject | Sujeto | The person, place, thing or idea that is doing the action. In Spanish, this can be dropped if it’s clear who or what is being referred to, especially since the verb conjugation hints at who the subject is. | Yo (I), Ella (she), El gato (The cat). |
Verb | Verbo | This action word tells us what the subject is doing. Spanish verbs are conjugated to match the subject, so they look slightly different. | Come (eats), Habla (speaks), Corre (runs). |
Object | Objeto | The thing or person that receives the action of the verb. | El libro (the book), Una manzana (an apple), La pelota (the ball). |
![\"Working](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltdbd8b1c1adc1da67/667f8d4cb2a2af59b6a6c5e5/sentence-structure1.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Spanish is a very flexible language, and you’ll find that sentence structures can vary quite a bit. This flexibility can add emphasis, create different nuances, or simply match the speaker’s style. Here are some of the most common types of basic Spanish structures:
Structure | Spanish | Definition | Example |
Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) | Sujeto-Verbo-Objeto (SVO) | This is the standard Spanish sentence structure. | María (subject) come (verb) una manzana (object). |
Verb-Subject-Object (VSO) | Verbo-Sujeto-Objeto (VSO) | Sometimes the verb comes first, often for emphasis or in questions. | Come (verb) Maria (subject) una manzana (object). |
Object-Verb-Subject (OVS) | Objeto-Verbo-Sujeto (OVS) | This structure can be used for emphasis or poetic effect. | Una manzana (object) come (verb) María (subject). |
Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) | Sujeto-Objeto-Verbo (SOV) | This is less common but can be found in some poetic or literary contexts. | María (subject) una manzana (object) come (verb). |
Here are a few helpful examples of just how versatile the Spanish sentence structure can be. Below, you’ll find examples of the same sentence in different orders, each grammatically correct and representing a different emphasis.
English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
Maria bought a book. | María compró un libro. (SVO) | mah-ree-ah com-proh oohn lee-broh | maˈɾia komˈpɾo wn ˈliβɾo ‖ |
A book Maria bought. | Un libro compró María. (OVS) | oohn lee-bro kom-proh mah-ree-ah | un ˈliβɾo komˈpɾo maˈɾia ‖ |
Bought Maria a book. | Compró María un libro. (VSO) | kohm-proh mah-ree-ah oohn lee-bro | un ˈliβɾo komˈpɾo maˈɾia ‖ |
Juan sings a song. | Juan canta una canción. (SVO) | who-an kahn-ta oo-nah kahn-see-ohn | ˈxwan ˈkanta ˈuna kanˈθjon ‖ |
A song sings Juan. | Una canción canta Juan. (OVS) | oo-nah kahn-see-ohn kahn-ta who-an | ˈuna kanˈθjon ˈkanta ˈxwan ‖ |
Sings Juan a song. | Canta Juan una canción. (VSO) | kahn-ta oo-nah kahn-see-ohn who-an | ˈkanta ˈxwan ˈuna kanˈθjon ‖ |
Pedro reads the newspaper. | Pedro lee el periódico. (SVO) | peh-dro leh-eh elle peh-ree-oh-dee-coh | ˈpeðɾo ˈlee el peˈɾjoðiko ‖ |
The newspaper reads Pedro. | El periódico lee Pedro. (OVS) | elle peh-ree-oh-dee-coh leh-eh peh-dro | el peˈɾjoðiko ˈlee ˈpeðɾo ‖ |
Reads Pedro the newspaper. | Lee Pedro el periódico. (VSO) | leh-eh peh-dro elle peh-ree-oh-dee-co | ˈlee ˈpeðɾo el peˈɾjoðiko ‖ |
Ana writes a letter. | Ana escribe una carta. (SVO) | ah-nah ess-cree-beh oo-nah car-ta | ˈana esˈkɾiβe ˈuna ˈkaɾta ‖ |
A letter writes Ana. | Una carta escribe Ana. (OVS) | oo-nah car-tah ess-cree-beh ah-na | ˈuna ˈkaɾta esˈkɾiβe ˈana ‖ |
Writes Ana a letter. | Escribe Ana una carta. (VSO) | ess-cree-beh ah-na oo-nah car-ta | esˈkɾiβe ˈana ˈuna ˈkaɾta ‖ |
The dog chases the cat. | El perro persigue al gato. (SVO) | elle peh-roh pehr-see-geh all gah-toe | el ˈpero peɾˈsiɣe al ˈɣato ‖ |
After the cat chases the dog. | Al gato persigue el perro. (OVS) | all gah-toe pehr-see-geh elle peh-roh | al ˈɣato peɾˈsiɣe el ˈpero ‖ |
Chases the dog after the cat. | Persigue el perro al gato. (VSO) | pehr-see-geh elle peh-roh all gah-toe | peɾˈsiɣe el ˈpero al ˈɣato ‖ |
What we just covered is only the most basic Spanish structures. You can add more flavors to your sentences by adding adjectives, adverbs, prepositional phrases, and more to make them more descriptive and interesting.
English | Spanish | Definition | Example |
Adjectives | Adjetivos | They describe the subject or object. | La casa grande. (The big house) |
Adverbs | Adverbios | They describe how the action is performed. | María come rápidamente. (María eats quickly) |
Prepositional phrases | Frases preposicionales | They add extra information about the action. | El gato duerme en el sofá. (The cat sleeps on the sofa) |
Using adjectives is an essential part of making sentences in Spanish, as they can help you describe things like personality traits, sizes, and shapes and include so many cool words that you can use to add some spice to your sentences.
To use them correctly, you’ll want to understand noun-adjective agreement in Spanish. Unlike in English, Spanish nouns are gendered, and adjectives must match the nouns they describe in both gender and number. For example, you can say “El gato es bonito” (The cat is pretty) or “Las ballenas son bonitas” (Whales are pretty). In each case, notice how the adjective is modified to match the gender and number of the noun. Let’s take a quick look at over 150 Spanish adjectives.
![\"Noun-Adjective](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltcb08139fcf7210a0/667f8e7bb2a2af2deaa6c602/sentence-structure2.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Spanish adjectives must agree in number, regardless of the gender of the noun. This means they should be singular when the noun is singular and plural when the noun is plural.
English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
The red book is on the table. | El libro rojo está en la mesa. | elle lee-bro ro-ho ess-tah ehn la meh-sah | el ˈliβɾo ˈroxo esˈta en la ˈmesa ‖ |
The red books are on the table. | Los libros rojos están en la mesa. | lohs lee-bros ro-hos ess-tahn ehn la meh-sah | loz ˈliβɾoz ˈroxos esˈtan en la ˈmesa ‖ |
The big house is pretty. | La casa grande es bonita. | lah cah-sah grahn-deh ess boh-nee-tah | la ˈkasa ˈɣɾande ˈez βoˈnita ‖ |
The big houses are pretty. | Las casas grandes son bonitas. | lahs cah-sahs grahn-dehs sohn boh-nee-tahs | las ˈkasaz ˈɣɾandes ˈsom boˈnitas ‖ |
The black cat sleeps. | El gato negro duerme. | elle gah-to neh-gro dwehr-meh | el ˈɣato ˈneɣɾo ˈðweɾme ‖ |
The black cats sleep. | Los gatos negros duermen. | lohs gah-tos neh-gros dwehr-mehn | loz ˈɣatoz ˈneɣɾoz ˈðweɾmen ‖ |
The comfortable chair is my favorite. | La silla cómoda es mi favorita. | lah see-yah koh-moh-dah ess mee fah-voh-ree-tah | la ˈsiʝa ˈkomoða ˈez mi faβoˈɾita ‖ |
The comfortable chairs are my favorite. | Las sillas cómodas son mis favoritas. | lahs see-yahs koh-moh-dahs sohn mees fah-voh-ree-tahs | las ˈsiʝas ˈkomoðas ˈsom mis faβoˈɾitas ‖ |
The happy child plays in the park. | El niño feliz juega en el parque. | elle nee-nyo feh-lees hweh-gah ehn elle pahr-keh | el ˈniɲo feˈliθ ˈxweɣa en el ˈpaɾke ‖ |
The happy children play in the park. | Los niños felices juegan en el parque. | lohs nee-nyos feh-lee-sehs hweh-gahn ehn elle pahr-keh | loz ˈniɲos feˈliθes ˈxweɣan en el ˈpaɾke ‖ |
Spanish nouns are either masculine or feminine. Most masculine nouns end in -o (“libro” for book, while most feminine nouns end in -a (“casa” for house). Any time you use an adjective, you must make sure it matches the gender of the noun.
Here are some examples:
English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
The tall guy runs fast. | El chico alto corre rápido. | elle chee-ko ahl-toh koh-rreh rah-pee-doh | el ˈʧiko ˈalto ˈkore ˈrapiðo ‖ |
The tall girl runs fast. | La chica alta corre rápido. | lah chee-kah ahl-tah koh-rreh rah-pee-doh | la ˈʧika ˈalta ˈkore ˈrapiðo ‖ |
The small male dog barks a lot. | El perro pequeño ladra mucho. | elle peh-rro peh-keh-nyo lah-drah moo-choh | el ˈpero peˈkeɲo ˈlaðɾa ˈmuʧo ‖ |
The small female dog barks a lot. | La perra pequeña ladra mucho. | lah peh-rrah peh-keh-nyah lah-drah moo-choh | la ˈpera peˈkeɲa ˈlaðɾa ˈmuʧo ‖ |
The smart male professor teaches well. | El profesor inteligente enseña bien. | elle pro-feh-sor een-teh-lee-hehn-teh ehn-seh-nyah byehn | el pɾofeˈsoɾ inteliˈxente enˈseɲa ˈβjen ‖ |
The smart female professor teaches well. | La profesora inteligente enseña bien. | lah pro-feh-soh-rah een-teh-lee-hehn-teh ehn-seh-nyah byehn | la pɾofeˈsoɾa jnteliˈxente enˈseɲa ˈβjen ‖ |
The white male cat is on the sofa. | El gato blanco está en el sofá. | elle gah-toh blahn-koh ess-tah ehn elle soh-fah | el ˈɣato ˈβlanko esˈta en el soˈfa ‖ |
The white female cat is on the sofa. | La gata blanca está en el sofá. | lah gah-tah blahn-kah ess-tah ehn elle soh-fah | la ˈɣata ˈβlanka esˈta en el soˈfa ‖ |
The loyal male friend is always there. | El amigo fiel siempre está ahí. | elle ah-mee-goh feh-yehl see-ehm-preh ess-tah ah-ee | el aˈmiɣo ˈfjel ˈsjempɾe esˈta aˈi ‖ |
The loyal female friend is always there. | La amiga fiel siempre está ahí. | lah ah-mee-gah feh-yehl see-ehm-preh ess-tah ah-ee | la aˈmiɣa ˈfjel ˈsjempɾe esˈta aˈi ‖ |
Colors in Spanish must follow the same rules for noun-adjective agreement when used to describe nouns. Here’s how you can master using color adjectives correctly in your Spanish sentences:
Here are some examples of color adjectives in action:
English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
The yellow car is new. | El coche amarillo es nuevo. | elle koh-cheh ah-mah-ree-yo ess nweh-vo | el ˈkoʧe amaˈɾiʝo ˈez ˈnweβo ‖ |
The yellow chair is very comfortable. | La silla amarilla es muy cómoda. | lah see-yah ah-mah-ree-yah ess mwee koh-moh-dah | la ˈsiʝa amaˈɾiʝa ˈez muj ˈkomoða ‖ |
The red hat looks really good on you. | El sombrero rojo se te ve muy bien. | elle sohm-breh-ro ro-ho seh teh veh mwee byehn | el somˈbɾeɾo ˈroxo se te ˈβe muj ˈβjen ‖ |
Has anyone seen my red shirt? | ¿Alguien ha visto mi camiseta roja? | ahl-gyehn ah vees-toh mee kah-mee-seh-tah ro-hah | ˈalɣjen ˈa ˈβisto mi kamiˈseta ˈroxa ‖ |
Black cats are signs of bad luck, | Los gatos negros son una señal de mala suerte. | lohs gah-tohs neh-grohs sohn oo-nah seh-nyahl deh mah-lah swehr-teh | loz ˈɣatoz ˈneɣɾos ˈson ˈuna seˈɲal de ˈmala ˈsweɾte ‖ |
The black spider spins its web. | La araña negra teje su telaraña. | lah ah-rah-nyah neh-grah teh-heh soo teh-lah-rah-nyah | la aˈɾaɲa ˈneɣɾa ˈtexe su telaˈɾaɲa ‖ |
The white mug is yours. | La taza blanca es tuya. | lah tah-sah blahn-kah ess too-yah | la ˈtaθa ˈβlanka ˈes ˈtuʝa ‖ |
Be careful with the white plate. | Ten cuidado con el plato blanco. | tehn kwee-dah-doh kohn elle plah-toh blahn-koh | ˈten kwiˈðaðo kon el ˈplato ˈβlanko ‖ |
The pink flower is my favorite. | La flor rosa es mi favorita. | lah flor roh-sah ess mee fah-voh-ree-tah | la ˈfloɾ ˈrosa ˈez mi faβoˈɾita ‖ |
The pink car is very fast. | El carro rosa es muy veloz. | elle kah-rro roh-sah ess mwee veh-lohs | el ˈkaro ˈrosa ˈez muj βeˈloθ ‖ |
These adjectives describe characteristics like size, shape, and personality. Just like other adjectives in Spanish, quality adjectives must agree with the noun they describe in both gender and number. Here’s how to use them correctly:
Let’s take a look at a few quality adjectives at work:
English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
The interesting book is very long. | El libro interesante es largo. | elle lee-bro een-teh-reh-sahn-teh ess lahr-go | el ˈliβɾo jnteɾeˈsante ˈez ˈlaɾɣo ‖ |
Interesting books are long. | Los libros interesantes son largos. | lohs lee-bros een-teh-reh-sahn-tehs sohn lahr-gos | loz ˈliβɾos inteɾeˈsantes ˈson ˈlaɾɣos ‖ |
The boring movie is over. | La película aburrida terminó. | lah peh-lee-koo-lah ah-boo-ree-dah tehr-mee-noh | la peˈlikula aβuˈriða teɾmiˈno ‖ |
Boring movies are over. | Las películas aburridas terminaron. | lahs peh-lee-koo-lahs ah-boo-ree-dahs tehr-mee-nah-rohn | las peˈlikulas aβuˈriðas teɾmiˈnaɾon ‖ |
The easy exam was quick. | El examen fácil fue rápido. | elle ehk-sah-mehn fah-seel fweh rah-pee-doh | el ekˈsamem ˈfaθil ˈfwe ˈrapiðo ‖ |
The easy exams were quick. | Los exámenes fáciles fueron rápidos. | lohs ehk-sah-meh-nehs fah-see-lehs fweh-rohn rah-pee-dohs | los ekˈsamenes ˈfaθiles ˈfweɾon ˈrapiðos ‖ |
The dificult homework took hours. | La tarea difícil me tomó horas. | lah tah-reh-ah dee-fee-seel meh toh-moh oh-rahs | la taˈɾea ðiˈfiθil me toˈmo ˈoɾas ‖ |
The difficult homeworks took hours. | Las tareas difíciles me tomaron horas. | lahs tah-reh-ahs dee-fee-see-lehs meh toh-mah-rohn oh-rahs | las taˈɾeaz ðiˈfiθilez me toˈmaɾon ˈoɾas ‖ |
The important job is urgent. | El trabajo importante es urgente. | elle trah-bah-hoh eem-por-tahn-teh ess oor-hehn-teh | el tɾaˈβaxo jmpoɾˈtante ˈes uɾˈxente ‖ |
The important jobs are urgent. | Los trabajos importantes son urgentes. | lohs trah-bah-hohs eem-por-tahn-tehs sohn oor-hehn-tehs | los tɾaˈβaxos impoɾˈtantes ˈson uɾˈxentes ‖ |
Some adjectives remain the same regardless of the gender of the noun they describe. These invariant adjectives simplify agreement rules since they only need to change to match the number of the noun.
Here are some examples where you can see them in action:
English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
The young male student is very studious. | El estudiante joven es muy aplicado. | elle ehs-too-dyahn-teh ho-vehn ess mwee ah-plee-kah-doh | el estuˈðjante ˈxoβen ˈez muj apliˈkaðo ‖ |
The young female student is very studious. | La estudiante joven es muy aplicada. | lah ehs-too-dyahn-teh ho-vehn ess mwee ah-plee-kah-dah | la estuˈðjante ˈxoβen ˈez muj apliˈkaða ‖ |
The interesting book is on history. | El libro interesante es sobre historia. | elle lee-bro een-teh-reh-sahn-teh ess soh-breh eess-toh-ree-ah | el ˈliβɾo jnteɾeˈsante ˈes ˈsoβɾe jsˈtoɾja ‖ |
The interesting magazine is on history. | La revista interesante es sobre historia. | lah reh-vee-stah een-teh-reh-sahn-teh ess soh-breh eess-toh-ree-ah | la reˈβista jnteɾeˈsante ˈes ˈsoβɾe jsˈtoɾja ‖ |
The easy exam didn’t last long. | El examen fácil no duró mucho. | elle ehk-sah-mehn fah-seel noh doo-roh moo-choh | el ekˈsamem ˈfaθil ˈno ðuˈɾo ˈmuʧo ‖ |
The easy test didn’t last long. | La prueba fácil no duró mucho. | lah proo-eh-bah fah-seel noh doo-roh moo-choh | la ˈpɾweβa ˈfaθil ˈno ðuˈɾo ˈmuʧo ‖ |
The kind boy helped me. | El niño amable me ayudó. | elle nee-nyo ah-mah-bleh meh ah-yoo-doh | el ˈniɲo aˈmaβle me aʝuˈðo ‖ |
The kind girl helped me. | La niña amable me ayudó. | lah nee-nyah ah-mah-bleh meh ah-yoo-doh | la ˈniɲa aˈmaβle me aʝuˈðo ‖ |
The optimist guy is always smiling. | El chico optimista siempre sonríe. | elle chee-koh op-tee-mees-tah see-ehm-preh sohn-ree-eh | el ˈʧiko optiˈmista ˈsjempɾe sonˈrie ‖ |
The optimist girl is always smiling. | La chica optimista siempre sonríe. | lah chee-kah op-tee-mees-tah see-ehm-preh sohn-ree-eh | la ˈʧika optiˈmista ˈsjempɾe sonˈrie ‖ |
Knowing how to conjugate verbs in Spanish is a critical part of making even the most basic Spanish sentences. In fact, verb conjugation is so important that it often makes the subject unnecessary, since the verb conjugation includes information about who the subject is.
Unlike in English, Spanish verbs can change their forms significantly depending on the subject. Understanding these changes can help you greatly improve your Spanish fluency, making you sound like more of an intermediate or advanced Spanish speaker.
There are three main types of verbs according to their infinitive endings: -ar, -er, and -ir. Each group follows a specific conjugation pattern in different tenses.
![\"Verb](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt8112a0cbddbf7a73/667f90155e288d6a8aa21b8e/sentence-structure3.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Verbs ending in -ar are some of the most common verbs in Spanish. They typically follow a regular conjugation pattern, except for notable exceptions like the conjugation of estar in Spanish and other irregular verbs. Regular verbs typically follow this conjugation structure:
Pronoun | Conjugation ending | Example | English |
Yo | -o | Hablar → Hablo | I speak |
Tú | -as | Hablar → Hablas | You speak |
Él/ella/usted | -a | Hablar → Habla | He/she speaks |
Nosotros/nosotras | -amos | Hablar → Hablamos | We speak |
Vosotros/vosotras | -as | Hablar → Hablas | You speak |
Ellos/ellas/ustedes | -an | Hablar → Hablan | They speak |
Verbs ending in -er also tend to be regular, almost always following these conjugation patterns:
Pronoun | Conjugation ending | Example | English |
Yo | -o | Comer → Como | I eat |
Tú | -es | Comer → Comes | You eat |
Él/ella/usted | -e | Comer → Come | He/she eats |
Nosotros/nosotras | -emos | Comer → Comemos | We eat |
Vosotros/vosotras | -éis | Comer → Coméis | You eat |
Ellos/ellas/ustedes | -en | Comer → Comen | They eat |
Verbs ending with -ir typically follow this conjugation pattern:
Pronoun | Conjugation ending | Example | English |
Yo | -o | Vivir → Vivo | I live |
Tú | -es | Vivir → Vives | You live |
Él/ella/usted | -e | Vivir → Vive | He/she lives |
Nosotros/nosotras | -imos | Vivir → Vivimos | We live |
Ellos/ellas/ustedes | -en | Vivir → Viven | They live |
Now that you’re familiar with the regular conjugation pattern for each of the three types of Spanish verbs, let’s take a look at some examples of each:
Verb tense | Hablar (To speak) | Pronunciation | IPA | English translation |
Present | Yo hablo español con mis amigos. | yo ah-bloh ess-pah-nyohl kohn mees ah-mee-gohs | ˈʝo ˈaβlo espaˈɲol kom mis aˈmiɣos ‖ | I speak Spanish with my friends. |
Preterit | Yo hablé con mi profesor ayer. | yo ah-bleh kohn mee pro-feh-sor ah-yehr | ˈʝo aˈβle kom mi pɾofeˈsoɾ aˈʝeɾ ‖ | I spoke with my professor yesterday. |
Imperfect | Yo hablaba con mi abuela todos los días. | yo ah-blah-bah kohn mee ah-bweh-lah toh-dohs lohs dee-ahs | ˈʝo aˈβlaβa kom mj aˈβwela ˈtoðoz loz ˈðias ‖ | I was speaking with my grandma every day. |
Future | Yo hablaré en la conferencia de mañana. | yo ah-blah-reh ehn lah kohn-feh-rehn-see-ah deh mahn-yah-nah | ˈʝo aβlaˈɾe en la komfeˈɾenθja ðe maˈɲana ‖ | I will speak at tomorrow’s conference. |
Conditional | Yo hablaría contigo si tuviera tiempo. | yo ah-blah-ree-ah kohn-tee-goh see too-vee-eh-rah tyehm-poh | ˈʝo aβlaˈɾia konˈtiɣo si tuˈβjeɾa ˈtjempo ‖ | I would speak with you if I had the time. |
Comer (To eat)
Verb tense | Comer (To speak) | Pronunciation | IPA | English translation |
Present | Yo como una manzana todos los días. | yo koh-moh oo-nah mahn-sah-nah toh-dohs lohs dee-ahs | ˈʝo ˈkomo ˈuna manˈθana ˈtoðoz loz ˈðias ‖ | I eat an apple every day. |
Preterit | Yo comí pasta anoche. | yo koh-mee pahs-tah ah-noh-cheh | ˈʝo koˈmi ˈpasta aˈnoʧe ‖ | I ate pasta last night. |
Imperfect | Yo comía muchas frutas cuando era niño. | yo koh-mee-ah moo-chahs froo-tahs kwahn-doh eh-rah nee-nyoh | ˈʝo koˈmia ˈmuʧas ˈfɾutas ˈkwando ˈeɾa ˈniɲo ‖ | I used to eat lots of fruits when I was little. |
Future | Yo comeré en un restaurante elegante mañana. | yo koh-meh-reh ehn oon rehs-tow-rahn-teh eh-leh-gahn-teh mahn-yah-nah | ˈʝo komeˈɾe en un restawˈɾante eleˈɣante maˈɲana ‖ | I will eat at a fancy restaurant tomorrow. |
Conditional | Yo comería pizza todos los días si pudiera. | yo koh-meh-ree-ah peet-sah toh-dohs lohs dee-ahs see poo-dyeh-rah | ˈʝo komeˈɾia ˈpitsa ˈtoðoz loz ˈðias si puˈðjeɾa ‖ | I would eat pizza every day if I could. |
Vivir (To live)
Verb tense | Hablar (To speak) | Pronunciation | IPA | English translation |
Present | Yo vivo en una casa pequeña. | yo vee-voh ehn oo-nah kah-sah peh-keh-nyah | ˈʝo ˈβiβo en ˈuna ˈkasa peˈkeɲa ‖ | I live in a small house. |
Preterit | Yo viví en México por un año. | yo vee-vee ehn meh-hee-koh pohr oon ah-nyoh | ˈʝo βiˈβi em ˈmexiko poɾ un ˈaɲo ‖ | I lived in Mexico for a year. |
Imperfect | Yo vivía en el campo cuando era niño. | yo vee-vee-ah ehn ehl kahm-poh kwahn-doh eh-rah nee-nyoh | ˈʝo βiˈβia en el ˈkampo ˈkwando ˈeɾa ˈniɲo ‖ | I used to live in the countryside when I was a kid. |
Future | Yo viviré en Bogotá el próximo año. | yo vee-vee-reh ehn boh-goh-tah ehl prohk-see-moh ah-nyoh | ˈʝo βiβiˈɾe em boɣoˈta el ˈpɾoksimo ˈaɲo ‖ | I will live in Bogotá next year. |
Conditional | Yo viviría en la playa si tuviera dinero. | yo vee-vee-ree-ah ehn lah plah-yah see too-vee-eh-rah dee-neh-roh | ˈʝo βiβiˈɾia en la ˈplaʝa si tuˈβjeɾa ðiˈneɾo ‖ | I would live at the beach if I had the money. |
Knowing how to ask questions in Spanish is extremely helpful, and the Spanish question structure is quite easy to nail down. There are two main types of questions in Spanish: yes/no questions and information questions. Let’s take a look.
![\"Spanish](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt7bc54bc81187c40d/667f912bf89b622d0c90c165/sentence-structure4.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Yes/no questions are typically formed by inverting the subject-verb order found in declarative sentences. While in English, you might add auxiliary verbs like “do” or “does” to form a question, Spanish relies on this simple inversion. For example, the statement “Tú hablas español” can be inverted into “¿Hablas tú español?” to ask a question. Since the conjugated verb includes the person doing the action, the pronoun is usually dropped, and you end up with a simple “¿Hablas español?”
Here are some examples:
English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
Do you speak Spanish? | ¿Hablas español? | ah-blahs ess-pah-nyohl | ˈaβlas espaˈɲol ‖ |
Have you had breakfast yet? | ¿Ya desayunaste? | yah deh-sah-yoo-nahs-teh | ʝa ðesaʝuˈnaste ‖ |
Do you live here? | ¿Vives aquí? | vee-ves ah-kee | ˈbiβes aˈki ‖ |
Are you going to tonight’s party? | ¿Vas a ir a la fiesta de esta noche? | vahs ah eer ah lah fee-ehs-tah deh eh-stah noh-cheh | ˈbas a ˈiɾ a la ˈfjesta ðe ˈesta ˈnoʧe ‖ |
Do you like chocolate? | ¿Te gusta el chocolate? | teh goos-tah ehl choh-koh-lah-teh | te ˈɣusta el ʧokoˈlate ‖ |
Information questions ask for specific details rather than a simple yes or no. They follow a slightly different structure, as they typically begin with an interrogative word like:
The structure generally involves placing the interrogative word at the beginning, followed by the verb, and then the subject. Like yes/no questions, the subject pronoun is often omitted unless it’s necessary for clarity or emphasis.
English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
What’s your name? | ¿Cómo te llamas? | koh-moh teh yah-mahs | ˈkomo te ˈʝamas ‖ |
Where do you live? | ¿Dónde vives? | dohn-deh vee-ves | ˈdonde ˈβiβes ‖ |
When’s your birthday? | ¿Cuándo es tu cumpleaños? | kwahn-doh ess too koom-pleh-ah-nyohs | ˈkwando ˈes tu kumpleˈaɲos ‖ |
Why do you want to learn Spanish? | ¿Por qué quieres aprender español? | pohr keh kyeh-rehs ah-pren-dehr ess-pah-nyohl | poɾ ˈke ˈkjeɾes apɾenˈdeɾ espaˈɲol ‖ |
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? | ¿Qué te gusta hacer en tu tiempo libre? | keh teh goos-tah ah-sehr ehn too tyem-poh lee-breh | ˈke te ˈɣusta aˈθeɾ en tu ˈtjempo ˈliβɾe ‖ |
Spanish pronouns play a very big part in sentence structure. Unlike in English, where pronouns often maintain a consistent position, Spanish pronouns can shift within the sentence to provide more nuance and emphasis.
![\"Use](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blta0552f69795feb57/667f9270bbf7b43f8fa76028/sentence-structure5.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Subject pronouns in Spanish identify who is doing the action of the verb (Yo, tú/usted, él/ella, nosotros/nosotras, ustedes/vosotros, ellos/ellas). One key feature of Spanish is that subject pronouns are often omitted because the verb conjugation itself indicates the subject. For example, “I eat” translates to “Yo como” but more commonly to simply “Como.”
Subject pronouns are typically only included for emphasis or clarity, especially when contrasting between subjects in complex sentences. Here are some examples:
English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
I’m going to the market. | Yo voy al mercado. | yo voy ahl mehr-kah-doh | ˈʝo ˈβoj al meɾˈkaðo ‖ |
You are my best friend. | Tú eres mi mejor amigo. | too eh-rehs mee meh-hohr ah-mee-goh | ˈtu ˈeɾez mi meˈxoɾ aˈmiɣo ‖ |
He studies at university. | Él estudia en la universidad. | ehl eh-stoo-dyah ehn lah oo-nee-vehr-see-dahd | ˈel esˈtuðja en la wniβeɾsiˈðað ‖ |
We play soccer on Saturdays. | Nosotros jugamos fútbol los sábados. | noh-soh-tros hoo-gah-mohs foot-bohl lohs sah-bah-dohs | noˈsotɾos xuˈɣamos al ˈfutβol los ˈsaβaðos ‖ |
You (plural) know how to cook very well. | Ustedes saben cocinar muy rico. | oo-steh-dehs sah-behn koh-see-nahr mwee ree-koh | usˈteðes ˈsaβen koθiˈnaɾ muj ˈriko ‖ |
They are going to the movie theater tonight. | Ellos van al cine esta noche. | eh-yos vahn ahl see-neh eh-stah noh-cheh | ˈeʝoz ˈβan al ˈθine ˈesta ˈnoʧe ‖ |
Direct object pronouns (me, te, lo/la, nos, os, los/las) replace nouns that directly receive the action of the verb. They generally appear before the conjugated verb or attached to the end of an infinitive or gerund:
When attached to the infinitive or gerund, the pronoun follows:
Here are a few more examples:
English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
I don’t know him. | No lo conozco. | noh loh koh-nohs-koh | ˈno lo koˈnoθko ‖ |
I saw her yesterday at the store. | La vi ayer en la tienda. | la vee ah-yehr ehn lah tyehn-dah | la ˈβi aˈʝeɾ en la ˈtjenda ‖ |
Where did you put them? | ¿Dónde los pusiste? | dohn-deh lohs poo-sees-teh | ˈdonde los puˈsiste ‖ |
We were invited to the party. | Nos invitaron a la fiesta. | nohs een-vee-tah-rohn ah lah fee-ehs-tah | nos imbiˈtaɾon a la ˈfjesta ‖ |
I didn’t hear you. | No te escuché. | noh teh ehs-koo-cheh | ˈno te eskuˈʧe ‖ |
Indirect object pronouns (me, te, le, nos, os, les) indicate to whom or for whom the action is performed. These pronouns typically precede the conjugated verb or attach to infinitives and gerunds.
In sentences with both a direct and an indirect object pronoun, the indirect object pronoun comes first:
When both the direct and indirect pronouns are third person, “le” and “les” change to “se” to avoid awkward pronunciation.
English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
They gave me a gift. | Me dio un regalo. | me dee-oh oon reh-gah-loh | me ˈðjo wn reˈɣalo ‖ |
I brought you a book. | Te traje un libro. | teh trah-heh oon lee-broh | te ˈtɾaxe wn ˈliβɾo ‖ |
I sent them a letter. | Le envié una carta. | leh ehn-vee-eh oo-nah kahr-tah | le emˈbje ˈuna ˈkaɾta ‖ |
We were told a story. | Nos contaron una historia. | nohs kohn-tah-rohn oo-nah ees-toh-ree-ah | nos konˈtaɾon ˈuna jsˈtoɾja ‖ |
I bought them candy. | Les compré dulces. | lehs kohm-preh dool-sehs | ˈles komˈpɾe ˈðulθes ‖ |
Reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos, os, se) are used when the subject and object of the verb are the same, meaning the action is performed on oneself. Reflective pronouns also precede the conjugated reflexive verb or attach to infinitives and gerunds.
Here are a few more examples:
English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
I wash my hands before eating. | Me lavo las manos antes de comer. | meh lah-voh lahs mah-nohs ahn-tehs deh koh-mehr | me ˈlaβo laz ˈmanos ˈantez ðe koˈmeɾ ‖ |
You wake up early every day. | Te despiertas temprano todos los días. | teh dehs-pyehr-tahs tehm-prah-noh toh-dohs lohs dee-ahs | te ðesˈpjeɾtas temˈpɾano ˈtoðoz loz ˈðias ‖ |
They do their hair every morning. | Se peina el cabello cada mañana. | seh pay-nah ehl kah-beh-yoh kah-dah mah-nyah-nah | se ˈpejna el kaˈβeʝo ˈkaða maˈɲana ‖ |
We dress quickly to go to school. | Nos vestimos rápidamente para ir a la escuela. | nohs vehs-tee-mohs rah-pee-dah-men-teh pah-rah eer ah lah ehs-kweh-lah | noz βesˈtimoz ˈrapiðamente ˈpaɾa ˈiɾ a la esˈkwela ‖ |
They feel happy today. | Se sienten felices hoy. | seh syen-tehn feh-lee-sehs oy | se ˈsjentem feˈliθes ˈoj ‖ |
Creating negative sentences in Spanish is very easy — and a critical part of everyday conversations. Knowing how to say no in Spanish involves forming negations, denials, and prohibitions effectively.
The basic negative sentence structure involves placing the word “no” before the verb. This simple structure works for both present and past-tense verbs:
Let’s take a look at some examples:
English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
I don’t like going to the movie theater. | No quiero ir al cine. | noh kyeh-roh eer ahl see-neh | ˈno ˈkjeɾo ˈiɾ al ˈθine ‖ |
I don’t like to drink coffee. | No me gusta tomar café. | noh meh goos-tah toh-mahr kah-feh | ˈno me ˈɣusta toˈmaɾ kaˈfe ‖ |
I don’t understand what you’re saying. | No entiendo lo que dices. | noh ehn-tyen-doh loh keh dee-sehs | ˈno enˈtjendo lo ˈke ˈðiθes ‖ |
I have no money. | No tengo dinero. | noh tehn-goh dee-neh-roh | ˈno ˈtenɡo ðiˈneɾo ‖ |
There’s no food. | No hay comida. | noh ay koh-me-dah | ˈno ˈaj koˈmiða ‖ |
Spanish also uses negative words to enhance or specify the negation. These words can be used alone or in combination with “no” to create more complex negative sentences.
English | Negative word | Example | Example English |
No, not | No | No tengo dinero. | I don’t have money. |
Nothing, anything | Nada | No tengo nada. | I don’t have anything. |
No one, nobody | Nadie | No hay nadie aquí. | There’s no one here. |
Never | Nunca | No he ido a México nunca. | I have never been to Mexico. |
Neither, not either | Tampoco | No me gusta la pizza, y tampoco me gusta el helado. | I don’t like pizza and I don’t like ice cream either. |
Negative pronouns in Spanish are used to indicate the absence of people, things or quantities. These pronouns are essential for expressing complete negation in a sentence. These pronouns can be used alone or in conjunction with “no” to reinforce the negation.
Here are some example sentences:
English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
I don’t have anything. | No tengo nada. | no tehn-go nah-dah | ˈno ˈtenɡo ˈnaða ‖ |
Nothing interests me. | Nada me interesa. | nah-dah meh een-teh-reh-sah | ˈnaða me jnteˈɾesa ‖ |
There’s nobody here. | No hay nadie aquí. | no ay nah-dee-eh ah-key | ˈno ˈaj ˈnaðje aˈki ‖ |
No one called me. | Nadie me llamó. | nah-dee-eh meh yah-mo | ˈnaðje me ʝaˈmo ‖ |
I don’t have any books. | No tengo ningún libro. | no tehn-go neen-goon lee-bro | ˈno ˈtenɡo ninˈɡun ˈliβɾo ‖ |
Neither of the two options is good. | Ninguna de las dos opciones es buena. | neen-goo-nah deh las dohs ohp-seeoh-nehs ess boo-eh-nah | ninˈɡuna ðe laz ˈðos opˈθjones ˈez ˈβwena ‖ |
Negative imperative sentences are used to give commands or instructions that prohibit an action. In Spanish, these commands are formed by placing “no” before the verb in its imperative form. The structure changes slightly depending on whether you’re using the informal tú vs. informal usted.
Here are some examples:
English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
Don’t talk during the movie. | No hables durante la película. | no ah-blehs doo-rahn-teh la peh-lee-coo-lah | ˈno ˈaβlez ðuˈɾante la peˈlikula ‖ |
Don’t touch that button. | No toques ese botón. | no toh-kess eh-seh boh-tohn | ˈno ˈtokes ˈese βoˈton ‖ |
Don’t come in without permission (formal). | No entre sin permiso. | no ehn-treh seen pehr-mee-so | ˈno ˈentɾe sim peɾˈmiso ‖ |
Don’t eat without me (plural). | No coman sin mí. | no koh-mahn seen me | ˈno ˈkoman sim ˈmi ‖ |
Don’t use the phone in class (plural). | No usen el teléfono en clase. | no oo-sehn elle teh-leh-fo-no ehn klah-seh | ˈno ˈusen el teˈlefono en ˈklase ‖ |
Absence sentence structures in Spanish use negative pronouns like “nada” (nothing), “nadie” (no one), and “ninguno/ninguna” (none) to indicate the absence of people, things, or quantities. These structures often combine with the word “no” for emphasis to communicate a complete lack or negation of something. Here are some examples:
English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
There’s no one home. | No hay nadie en casa. | noh ahy nah-dyeh ehn kah-sah | ˈno ˈaj ˈnaðje en ˈkasa ‖ |
I don’t have any books from that series. | No tengo ningún libro de esa serie. | noh tehn-goh neen-goon lee-broh deh eh-sah seh-ryeh | ˈno ˈtenɡo ninˈɡun ˈliβɾo ðe ˈesa ˈseɾje ‖ |
There’s nothing in the fridge. | No hay nada en el refrigerador. | noh ay nah-dah ehn elle reh-free-heh-rah-door | ˈno ˈaj ˈnaða en el refɾixeɾaˈðoɾ ‖ |
I don’t see anyone in the street. | No veo a nadie en la calle. | noh veh-oh ah nah-dyeh ehn lah kah-yeh | ˈno ˈβeo a ˈnaðje en la ˈkaʝe ‖ |
There’s no bread left in the bakery. | No hay nada de pan en la panadería. | noh ay nah-dah deh pahn ehn la pah-nah-deh-ree-ah | ˈno ˈaj ˈnaða ðe ˈpan en la panaðeˈɾia ‖ |
Coming up with negative sentences for past actions in Spanish is extremely easy, as it just requires you to add a “no” before the conjugated verb to indicate that the action didn’t occur. Here are a few examples:
English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
I didn’t go to last night’s party. | No fui a la fiesta de anoche. | noh fwee ah lah fee-ehs-tah deh ah-noh-cheh | ˈno ˈfwi a la ˈfjesta ðe aˈnoʧe ‖ |
I didn’t eat anything this morning. | No comí nada esta mañana. | noh koh-mee nah-dah eh-stah mahn-yah-nah | ˈno koˈmi ˈnaða ˈesta maˈɲana ‖ |
I didn’t see the movie you recommended. | No vi la película que me recomendaste. | noh vee lah peh-lee-koo-lah keh meh reh-koh-mehn-dahs-teh | ˈno ˈβi la peˈlikula ˈke me rekomenˈdaste ‖ |
I didn’t do yesterday’s homework. | No hice la tarea ayer. | noh ee-seh lah tah-reh-ah ah-yehr | ˈno ˈiθe la taˈɾea aˈʝeɾ ‖ |
I didn’t call my mom last weekend. | No llamé a mi madre el fin de semana pasado. | noh yah-meh ah mee mah-dreh ehl feen deh seh-mah-nah pah-sah-doh | ˈno ʝaˈme a mi ˈmaðɾe el ˈfin de seˈmana paˈsaðo ‖ |
Similarly, coming up with negative sentence structures for future actions in Spanish is quite easy. Just add a “no” before the conjugated verb and you’re making it clear that the action won’t happen! Here’s how:
English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
I won’t go to work tomorrow. | No iré al trabajo mañana. | noh ee-reh ahl trah-bah-hoh mahn-yah-nah | ˈno jˈɾe al tɾaˈβaxo maˈɲana ‖ |
I won’t study tonight. | No voy a estudiar esta noche. | noh voy ah ehs-too-dyahr eh-stah noh-cheh | ˈno ˈβoj a estuˈðjaɾ ˈesta ˈnoʧe ‖ |
I won’t travel to Spain this year. | No viajaré a España este año. | noh vyah-hah-reh ah ehs-pah-nyah eh-steh ah-nyoh | ˈno βjaxaˈɾe a esˈpaɲa ˈeste ˈaɲo ‖ |
I won’t watch television all week. | No veré televisión toda la semana. | noh veh-reh teh-leh-vee-syohn toh-dah lah seh-mah-nah | ˈno βeˈɾe teleβiˈsjon ˈtoða la seˈmana ‖ |
I won’t buy any more clothes this month. | No compraré más ropa este mes. | noh kohm-prah-reh mahs roh-pah eh-steh mehs | ˈno kompɾaˈɾe ˈmaz ˈropa ˈeste ˈmes ‖ |
Conditional negations in Spanish express hypothetical scenarios where an action won’t happen unless a certain condition is met. These sentences typically use “si” (if) followed by “no” right before the verb. This structure emphasizes the dependence of one action on another condition being met. Here’s how it works:
English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
If you don’t study, you won’t pass the exam. | Si no estudias, no vas a pasar el examen. | see noh ehs-too-dyahs, noh vahs ah pah-sahr ehl ehk-sah-mehn | si ˈno esˈtuðjas | ˈno ˈβas a paˈsaɾ el ekˈsamen ‖ |
If you don’t hurry up, we’re going to be late. | Si no te apuras, vamos a llegar tarde. | see noh teh ah-poo-rahs, vah-mohs ah yeh-gahr tahr-deh | si ˈno te aˈpuɾas | ˈbamos a ʝeˈɣaɾ ˈtaɾðe ‖ |
If you don’t eat, you won’t have energy. | Si no comes, no tendrás energía. | see noh koh-mehs, noh tehn-drahs ehn-ehr-hee-ah | si ˈno ˈkomes | ˈno tenˈdɾas eneɾˈxia ‖ |
If you don’t call me, I won’t know about you. | Si no me llamas, no voy a saber nada de ti. | see noh meh yah-mahs, noh voy ah sah-behr nah-dah deh tee | si ˈno me ˈʝamas | ˈno ˈβoj a saˈβeɾ ˈnaða ðe ˈti ‖ |
If you don’t work hard, you won’t reach your goals. | Si no trabajas duro, no lograrás tus metas. | see noh trah-bah-hahs doo-roh, noh loh-grah-rahs toos meh-tahs | si ˈno tɾaˈβaxaz ˈðuɾo | ˈno loɣɾaˈɾas tuz ˈmetas ‖ |
Mastering compound and complex sentences is key to advancing your Spanish language skills. These sentence structures allow you to connect ideas and provide detailed explanations, making your communications more sophisticated and engaging. Let’s explore how compound and complex sentences can enrich your conversations and your writing in Spanish.
![\"Compound](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt37a199f23529f7bb/667f940babc5131e315d1ba1/sentence-structure5.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Compound sentences are used to connect related ideas, showing their relationship and providing a clearer context. By mastering compound sentences, you’ll be able to express complex thoughts more naturally and fluently.
To form a compound sentence in Spanish, you will need to join two or more independent clauses in a single sentence. Independent clauses are complete sentences on their own, so a quick trick to tell if you’re dealing with an independent vs. an independent clause is to separate it from the rest of the sentence and see if it would make sense on its own.
Independent clauses in compound sentences are joined with words like “y” (and), “o” (or), “pero” (but), and “sino” (but rather). This type of sentence allows you to convey multiple ideas or actions within a single sentence, making your speech or writing more dynamic and engaging.
English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
I’m hungry, but there’s nothing in the fridge. | Tengo hambre, pero no hay nada en el refrigerador. | tehn-go ahm-breh, peh-ro no ay nah-dah ehn elle reh-free-heh-rah-door | ˈtenɡo ˈambɾe | ˈpeɾo ˈno ˈaj ˈnaða en el refɾixeɾaˈðoɾ ‖ |
Maria wants to go to the theater, but Juan wants to go to the park. | María quiere ir al cine, pero Juan quiere ir al parque. | mah-ree-ah key-air-eh eer all see-neh, peh-ro who-ahn key-eh-reh eer all par-keh | maˈɾia ˈkjeɾe ˈiɾ al ˈθine | ˈpeɾo ˈxwan ˈkjeɾe ˈiɾ al ˈpaɾke ‖ |
I studied all night, so I’m feeling very tired. | Estudié toda la noche, así que me siento muy cansado. | ehs-too-dyeh toh-dah lah noh-cheh, ah-see keh meh syen-toh mwee kahn-sah-doh | estuˈðje ˈtoða la ˈnoʧe | aˈsi ˈke me ˈsjento muj kanˈsaðo ‖ |
I bought a book, but I haven’t read it yet. | Compré un libro, pero todavía no lo he leído. | kohm-preh oon lee-broh, peh-roh toh-dah-vee-ah noh loh eh leh-ee-doh | komˈpɾe wn ˈliβɾo | ˈpeɾo toðaˈβia ˈno lo ˈe leˈiðo ‖ |
The dog barks while the cat sleeps. | El perro ladra mientras que el gato duerme. | ehl peh-rroh lah-drah myen-trahs keh ehl gah-toh dwehr-meh | el ˈpero ˈlaðɾa ˈmjentɾas ˈke el ˈɣato ˈðweɾme ‖ |
Complex sentences in Spanish add depth to your language by combining an independent clause with one or more dependent clauses. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence, as opposed to an independent clause. Dependent clauses are
Sentences with a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses.
Subordinating conjunctions like “que” (that), “porque” (because), “cuando” (when), “aunque” (although), and “si” (if) typically introduce dependent clauses. This structure allows you to provide additional information and context, making your statements more informative and nuanced.
English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
When I got home, I saw that the door was open. | Cuando llegué a casa, vi que la puerta estaba abierta. | kwahn-doh yeh-geh ah kah-sah, vee keh lah pwehr-tah ehs-tah-bah ah-byehr-tah | ˈkwando ʝeˈɣe a ˈkasa | ˈbi ˈke la ˈpweɾta esˈtaβa aˈβjeɾta ‖ |
I’m not going out because it’s raining. | No voy a salir porque está lloviendo. | noh voy ah sah-leer pohr-keh ehs-tah yoh-vyen-doh | ˈno ˈβoj a saˈliɾ ˈpoɾke esˈta ʝoˈβjendo ‖ |
The book you lent me is very interesting. | El libro que me prestaste es muy interesante. | ehl lee-broh keh meh preh-stahs-teh ehs mwee een-teh-reh-sahn-teh | el ˈliβɾo ˈke me pɾesˈtaste ˈez muj inteɾeˈsante ‖ |
Even though it’s cold, we’re gonna go to the beach. | Aunque hace frío, vamos a ir a la playa. | ah-oon-keh ah-seh free-oh, vah-mohs ah eer ah lah plah-yah | ˈawnke ˈaθe ˈfɾio | ˈbamos a ˈiɾ a la ˈplaʝa ‖ |
I need to talk to you, because there’s something important I need to tell you. | Necesito hablar contigo, porque hay algo importante que debo decirte. | neh-seh-see-toh ah-blahr kohn-tee-goh, pohr-keh ahy ahl-goh eem-pohr-tahn-teh keh deh-boh deh-seer-teh | neθeˈsito aˈβlaɾ konˈtiɣo | ˈpoɾke ˈaj ˈalɣo jmpoɾˈtante ˈke ˈðeβo ðeˈθiɾte ‖ |
No, not all Spanish sentences need to have a subject. In Spanish, the subject is often implied by the verb conjugation and can be omitted if the context makes it clear who or what is being discussed. This feature helps simplify conversation and writing.
The standard word order in Spanish is Subject-Verb-Object (SVO), similar to English. However, Spanish is more flexible, so you might also find variations like Object-Verb-Subject (OVS) or Verb-Subject-Object (VSO) to emphasize different parts of the sentence.
While adjectives in Spanish typically follow the nouns they describe, they can be placed before the noun for emphasis or to express a subjective quality. For example, “un gran hombre” (a great man) emphasizes the greatness of the man.
Questions in Spanish are formed by inverting the order of the subject and the verb. For example, “Tú comes manzanas” becomes “¿Comes tú manzanas?” However, remember that Spanish often drops the subject when the context is enough, and this is almost always the case with questions. So, after dropping the question, our example would end up as “¿Comes manzanas?”
Reflexive verbs in Spanish require the addition of reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos, os, se) that correspond to the subject. These pronouns are placed directly before conjugated verbs or are attached to the end of infinitive forms and gerunds, affecting the placement and form of verbs in sentences.
Now that you’re familiar with all of these Spanish word orders and sentence structures, you’ll be able to communicate more effortlessly in Spanish. From expressing simple things as negations to describing complex sentences with multiple independent clauses, you’ll be much more able to express a wide range of emotions and ideas once you’re familiar with these simple Spanish sentence orders.
And if you want to learn even more about Spanish grammar, then check out our Spanish blog, where we routinely publish helpful guides. You can take a look at some of our latest articles, like our ultimate guide to Spanish false cognates or our expert review of Spanglish terms.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Facts about Mexico","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"150 interesting & exciting facts about Mexico to surprise you","url":"/blog/facts-about-mexico-interesting-exciting","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltcfec375d52162b49/6687d121dc9c872a9d1421a8/Mexican-culture.jpg"},"post_content":"Visiting Mexico for the first time can be overwhelming. The myriad of scents, sounds, and scenes you’ll encounter on your first visit can leave you wondering what to do or how to navigate Mexican society. Fortunately, Mexican people are extremely warm and welcoming and will help guide the way.
\nIn that spirit, this guide will cover 150 fun facts about Mexico that will help you understand the country much better. Whether you’re brand new to Mexico or are already familiar with it, you’ll be able to learn something new about this eclectic and energizing country. Even native Mexicans will surely learn something new from the following interesting facts about Mexico!
\nSo, from interesting geographical formations to famous places in Mexico, let’s get started with these fun Mexican facts!
\n\n
Before we dive into the more unique facts about Mexico, let’s start from the basics. If you’ve never visited Mexico before, then you might not know that it ranks in the top 15 among all 200+ countries in most major metrics — population, land area, economy, etc. Here are some of the most important facts about Mexico:
\n![\"Mexican](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltc9b80ff46b6cf48c/6687d225b95f2acb1ff5c0c0/Mexican-flag.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Fact | \nNumber | \nRank | \n
| Population | \n129 million | \n10th | \n
| Land area | \n761,610 sq mi (1,972,550 km2) | \n13th | \n
| Economy | \n$3.43 trillion GDP PPP | \n12th | \n
| GDP per capita | \n$25,963 GDP PPP | \n70th | \n
| Number of officially recognized languages | \n287 | \n6th | \n
| UNESCO World Heritage Sites | \n27 | \n8th | \n
| International visitors per year | \n42.2 million | \n6th | \n
| Established in | \n1810 | \n20th oldest | \n
| Capital city | \nMexico City | \n- | \n
| Largest city | \nMexico City (22.5 million pop) | \n- | \n
\n
Even if you’ve been many times or have lived in Mexico for a while now, there are a lot of surprising facts about Mexico that even natives don’t know about. Here are some of the most unexpected fun facts about Mexico:
\n![\"A](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt976365cd6d8e88ca/66886529b9959a618473f393/mexico-city.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The Aztecs originally built present-day Mexico City on top of the ancient Lake Texcoco. Today, engineers have to manage the subsidence of about 50 cm per year (almost 20 inches) due to the city’s unstable foundation.
\n\n
Mexico is the original home of chocolate, chilies, and corn, staple ingredients consumed all over the world today. These were first cultivated by ancient Mesoamerican civilizations and have since become integral to cuisines worldwide.
\n\n
The Chicxulub crater is believed to be the impact site of the asteroid that caused the mass extinction of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. The impact point is offshore to the north of the Yucatán Peninsula, but the city of Mérida is located within the impact ring.
\nTip: Google “Chicxulub crater” for a fun surprise!
\n\n
The first printing press in North America was established in Mexico City in 1539, almost a full century before it was introduced in what is now the United States. This marked the beginning of printed news in the Americas.
\n\n
The Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico was the first university in North America, founded in 1551. It was shut down in the 19th century as the Mexican government sought to secularize education, and the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) is considered to be its successor.
\n\n
The poinsettia, known locally as “Noche Buena,” is native to Mexico. This flower is a popular decoration during Christmas thanks to its beautiful red and green colors.
\n\n
As stated in the name, there are only seven wonders in the entire world — and Mexico has one of them. Chichén Itzá, or, more specifically, El Castillo or Temple of Kukulcan, is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Located in the Yucatán Peninsula just a couple of hours away from Cancún, this ancient Maya site is visited by millions of tourists every year.
\n\n
Mexico exports almost $6 billion worth of beer, making it the world’s largest exporter. In fact, Mexico’s beer exports represent over one-third of the worldwide beer exports, making it a dream for beer lovers. Make sure you know how to order beer in Spanish before your next trip!
\n\n
The Naica Mine — aptly nicknamed The Cave of the Crystals — is the largest crystal cave in the world. The largest crystals there measure 36 feet (11 meters) and can be found at a depth of 300 meters in the state of Chihuahua.
\n\n
Mexico is the world’s 9th largest exporter, with about $600 billion in annual exports. Its largest trading partner is the United States, followed by Canada. The three countries are part of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), which is a free trade agreement that drastically simplifies the export-import process among the three member countries. The USMCA countries represent almost 30% of the world’s GDP, making this the largest trade block in the world.
\n\n
Mexico’s history is one of constant struggle and continuous evolution. Pre-conquest, Mexico had a number of thriving indigenous civilizations, including the Aztecs, Mayans, Toltecs, and more. Since the conquest in 1521, Mexico has endured three centuries of colonial rule, several dictatorships, a monarchy, and many revolutions. Here are some interesting historical facts about Mexico:
\n\n
Although located on the “New Continent,” Mexico has an incredible history that spans thousands of years. In fact, the largest pre-Columbian city in the Americas was located in present-day Mexico City, and pre-Columbian civilizations were much more advanced than those in other continents in several aspects, including hygiene and astronomy. Let’s take a look at some interesting facts about Mexico’s ancient civilizations.
\n![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blte7aa0911be0be5ea/66886880cf6f6561926e608e/Mayan-calendar.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
With a population estimated between 100,000 and 200,000 people at its peak, Teotihuacán was a bustling economic hub that influenced the entire Mesoamerican region.
\nThe Mayans had an exceptional understanding of astronomical cycles, as demonstrated by their calendar. It had a margin of error of less than one day in 5,000 years, making it more precise than the calendar used in Europe at the same time.
\nBuilt on an island in Lake Texcoco, the Aztec capital included a series of canals and causeways that controlled flooding. They were also used for transportation, as canoes were the main method of transportation.
\nCarved from single giant boulders, these heads represent different rulers and showcase their impressive artistic skills and hierarchical social values.
\nFounded around 500 BC by the Zapotec civilization, Monte Albán was strategically built on a flattened hilltop, providing defensive advantages and a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys.
\nTheir intricate gold artifacts show a high level of sophistication, making this one of the most interesting ancient civilizations in Mexico. You can see many of these artifacts at the Museo de Arte Prehispánico de México Rufino Tamayo in Oaxaca.
\nThe pyramid is designed to cast the shadow of a serpent during the equinoxes, attracting thousands of visitors annually and highlighting the Maya’s integration of astronomical knowledge into their architecture.
\nKnown as the “Building of the Astronomer,” this structure was used to track celestial events, which were crucial for their calendar and ritual activities.
\nIn Tenochtitlán, children were educated in two main types of schools: the Calmécac for the nobility and the Telpochcalli for the commoners, where they learned military tactics, astronomy, and governance from an early age.
\nDedicated to the deity Quetzalcoatl, this massive structure has a base four times larger than that of the Great Pyramid at Giza and twice the volume, although it’s not as tall. It does hold the Guinness World Record for the largest pyramid in the world, though!
\n\n
Mexico has hundreds of impressive historical landmarks representing different indigenous civilizations and periods in Mexico’s colonial history. In fact, Mexico is the 8th country with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ranking at the top of all countries in the Americas. These are just a few interesting facts about Mexico’s landmarks that any history junkie would surely love:
\n![\"Chichen](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt981ab406998b29e8/668865b2b9959a142a73f39e/cancun.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Located in the Yucatán Peninsula, this site is famed for its massive pyramid, El Castillo, which was designed to cast snake-like shadows at the equinoxes. Chichén Itzá was a major economic and political center of the Maya civilization. It’s a must-visit if you ever vacation in Cancún!
\nLocated about an hour away from Mexico City, this ancient city features some of the largest pyramidal structures in the pre-Columbian Americas, reflecting its significance as an urban and ceremonial center.
\nLocated on the Yucatán cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Tulum is one of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites, offering pristine beaches, a large ecological reserve, and plenty of well-preserved Mayan ruins.
\nLocated in Mexico City, it houses the cloak with the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, drawing millions of visitors every year. A new building was built in 1976 right next to the old temple, as the old structure was too unstable to be reliably visited by millions of people every day. Today, you can still visit the old structure and see for yourself how crooked the walls are!
\nOriginally built by the Spanish in the 16th century to protect against pirate attacks, this complex served various roles throughout its history, including as a fortress, prison, and presidential residence. Its strategic location made it a key point of defense during the colonial period and the Mexican-American War.
\nThe Spaniards demolished the old city of Tenochtitlan after the conquest and rebuilt it fully from scratch. It wasn’t until 1978 that ruins from Templo Mayor, the center of Tenochtitlan, were discovered underneath el Zócalo, the center of Mexico City. Today, you can see the ruins of Templo Mayor just a few steps from el Zócalo.
\nFormed by the collapse of porous limestone bedrock, cenotes are underground water reservoirs that you can find all over the Yucatán Peninsula. They’re a significant part of the Maya culture and are believed to be portals to the underworld.
\nKnown for its well-preserved Renaissance and Baroque architecture, the city is a blend of European and indigenous architectural styles. This earned it its distinction as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
\nAnother UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient town is considered an architectural marvel. The Nunnery Quadrangle is a complex building believed to have served as a school or administrative center. Its façade is adorned with Chaac masks, geometric patterns, and depictions of the gods, exemplifying the Puuc style’s emphasis on elaborate mosaics.
\nLocated on top of a hill within Chapultepec Park in the center of Mexico City, this historic building served as the residence of Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico, the only monarch of the Second Mexican Empire. Built in 1785 as a summer house for the Spanish viceroys, it later became the official residence of Maximilian and his wife, Carlota, transforming it into a true royal castle.
\n\n
Mexico as a modern state was established in 1821 after a revolutionary struggle that lasted over 10 years. Although independence was achieved, a century of political turmoil and coups followed, culminating in the Mexican Revolution almost exactly one century after Mexican Independence. Here are some of the key facts about Mexico’s political history:
\nMiguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest, started the Mexican War of Independence with a cry for liberation from Spanish rule, known as the Grito de Dolores. His call sparked a massive popular uprising, encouraging widespread revolutionary activities across Mexico.
\nLed by Miguel Hidalgo, his force grew as they marched toward Mexico City, gaining support from lower social classes. Their participation highlighted the widespread discontent with Spanish colonial rule among the Mexican people.
\nAfter Hidalgo’s execution, José María Morelos y Pavón took over the leadership of the independence movement. Morelos proved to be a capable military leader, continuing to fight for freedom with a clear vision for a sovereign Mexico.
\nDrafted by Agustín de Iturbide in 1821, the Plan of Iguala was a pivotal document that proposed Mexican independence under the guarantees of unity, independence, and the protection of Roman Catholicism.
\nSigned in 1821, the Treaty of Córdoba marked the formal recognition of Mexican independence by the Spanish Crown following the successful implementation of the Plan of Iguala and the subsequent military victories of the revolutionary forces.
\nAfter leading the final charge for independence, Agustín de Iturbide declared himself Emperor of Mexico in 1822. His reign was short-lived, however, as political opposition and lack of support led to his abdication and exile.
\nAfter the prolonged dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz, Francisco I. Madero initiated the Mexican Revolution by advocating for democratic reforms. His call for change sparked widespread rebellion, leading to a decade-long struggle to reshape Mexican society.
\nThis revolution inspired subsequent revolutions around the world by demonstrating that social and economic reforms could be achieved through revolutionary means. This set a precedent for revolutions like the French and Russian revolutions, which happened a few years later.
\nAdopted in the midst of the revolution, Mexico’s 1917 Constitution addressed major social issues, including land reform, labor conditions, and secular education. It remains the basis for Mexican law and governance.
\nFormed in the aftermath of the revolution, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) governed Mexico from 1929 until 2000. The party’s long tenure shaped Mexico’s political landscape, promoting stability and gradual reform but also engaged in authoritarian practices.
\n\n
Mexican culture is incredibly rich and diverse, from arts and music to indigenous heritage. This results in an extremely lively cultural scene filled with festivals, music, and delicious food. Let’s take a look.
\n![\"Mariachi](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltf60525641be5a3d3/66886fe53d793f902b76b62d/mariachi.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Mexico rarely goes a day without having some type of festival, holiday or celebration of some sort. In fact. the days between December 12 and January 6 are nicknamed “Guadalupe–Reyes,” referring to the holidays between the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe and the Día de Reyes (Epiphany). This is a celebratory time in the country where everyone is celebrating almost every day. Outside this period, you can find some of the following celebrations:
\nAlthough this holiday has become a popular Mexican celebration abroad, most Mexicans don’t celebrate it at all. It commemorates the Mexican army’s triumph over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. This victory holds great historical significance, as the French army was much larger and better equipped, so it was an unlikely victory.
\nDía de los Muertos is observed from October 31st to November 2nd and, although also spooky in nature, is completely unrelated to Halloween. This ancient Indigenous celebration involves colorful altars, cemetery visits, and festive celebrations to commemorate our loved ones who’ve passed.
\nThe Festival Internacional Cervantino in Guanajuato is one of Latin America’s largest art festivals. It features an extensive collection of performances from around the world, showcasing both national and international talent.
\nIn coastal cities like Veracruz and Mazatlán, Carnaval brings Mexico’s largest and most colorful parades. There, you’ll find people dancing in elaborate costumes, loud music, and an overall cheerful atmosphere, which draws thousands of visitors from all over the country.
\nHeld annually in Aguascalientes, the San Marcos National Fair is one of Mexico’s oldest and most traditional fairs. It combines art, agriculture, and entertainment, reflecting the culture and spirit of the region.
\nDuring the celebration of Epiphany on January 6th, families all over Mexico enjoy the Rosca de Reyes, sweet bread with a small figurine of baby Jesus hidden inside. Whoever finds the figurine hosts the upcoming Candlemas celebration and must prepare tamales for friends and family.
\nEvery year, the International Mariachi Festival in Guadalajara celebrates Jalisco’s iconic music, drawing mariachi bands from around the globe to compete, perform, and teach, filling the city with music and festive spirit.
\nEach November, the skies of León, Guanajuato, are filled with color during the International Balloon Festival. Participants from all over the world showcase their spectacular hot air balloons, making it one of the most visually stunning festivals in Mexico.
\nIf you want to learn more about or celebrate Mexican culture, you must attend Festival de Mexico in Mexico City. Held annually, the festival includes a wide variety of performances, including music, opera, dance, and theater.
\nEvery June to August, the forests of Nanacamilpa in Tlaxcala light up at night with thousands of fireflies, putting on a magical show. This natural phenomenon has given rise to a unique festival where visitors can experience the enchanting light show in the woods.
\n\n
You might already be familiar with Mexican food, no matter where you are in the world, but Mexican cuisine is a whole different animal once you’re in Mexico. The country’s culinary traditions vary widely from region to region as different communities take advantage of local ingredients and their ancestral legacy.
\n![\"Mexican](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltbcf43cde8eb2308b/668872efcf6f650b1f6e60b5/Mexican_food.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
In 2010, UNESCO designated Mexican cuisine an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Known for its diverse flavors and ingredients, such as corn, beans, avocado, tomato, and chili, Mexican dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, and mole offer rich culinary experiences.
\nThe Olmecs, Mexico’s earliest civilization, were the first to turn the cacao plant into chocolate, using it as a drink. It was later modified by the Maya and Aztecs, who revered it as a sacred crop. Eventually, it made its way to Europe, where the version of chocolate we all love was created.
\nMexico is home to over 60 varieties of chili peppers. They range from mild to extremely hot, adding depth and flavor to dishes. Besides heat, chilies add a complex flavor to Mexico’s culinary treasures. In fact, Mole Poblano, one of Mexico’s national dishes, combines chocolate and dishes to create a rich and extremely flavorful sauce.
\nInsects like chapulines (grasshoppers), escamoles (ant larvae), and maguey worms are found in traditional foods all around Mexico. But don’t be scared! Besides adding a salty taste and crunchy texture to dishes, these insects pack a ton of protein and are incredibly sustainable — so much so that they’re often dubbed the future of food!
\nIt is estimated that there are over 5,000 unique types of tamales across Mexico. This ancient meal dates back to the Aztec and Maya and were created to be portable food for warriors. They’re corn dough blocks stuffed with fillings like meats and vegetables, wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves.
\nIt was created by Italian immigrant Caesar Cardini during the 1920s, first prepared in Cardini’s restaurant. It quickly became a fan favorite and spread all over the world. Today, you can still visit Cardini’s restaurant to try the original Caesar salad, prepared tableside like in the old days.
\nTwo of the most popular liquors worldwide originated in Mexico. Although they both come from agave plants, their fermentation process is different. Mezcal is known for its distinctive smokey flavor, which comes from roasting the agave in pit ovens.
\nThis iconic Mexican sauce is made with more than 20 ingredients, including chocolate and chili peppers. Its preparation is intricate, and Mexico’s highest-rated restaurant, Pujol, is famous for serving a mole with over 100 ingredients that have been cooked for almost 3,000 days.
\nGrown primarily in the lush, tropical regions of Veracruz, Mexican vanilla is highly popular for its deep, rich flavor and aromatic qualities.
\nIt’s true! If you grew up outside Mexico, you might consider tacos strictly for lunch or dinner meals. However, Mexican people disagree. Breakfast tacos are extremely common, and you can even find small snack tacos on the street if you’re looking for a quick bite before your next full meal.
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Mexican music and dance are highly celebrated all over the world, from the traditional Mariachi to the more recent Mexican singers who have attained international fame, like Peso Pluma and Christian Nodal. Here are some interesting facts about Mexican music and dance:
\nOriginating in Jalisco in the 19th century, Mariachi bands feature violins, trumpets, and guitars. Music plays a key role in celebrations and festivals, particularly during Mexican weddings and birthdays.
\nAlthough its Caribbean flair might make you think it’s from Cuba or the Dominican Republic, this classic song originates in the coastal state of Veracruz. It retains indigenous influences in its rhythm, showcasing Mexico’s diverse cultural history.
\nThis large, six-string bass is an essential part of any mariachi band, providing guidance for pitch entirely by ear due to its lack of frets, which is unusual for stringed instruments.
\nThe National School of Music at the National Autonomous University of Mexico was founded in 1929, shaping Mexican classical music well before many contemporary institutions were established.
\nThe accordion, introduced by German immigrants in the 19th century, became a staple of Norteño music. It manages to blend Mexican corridos with polka rhythms to create a new musical genre.
\nJuan Gabriel was one of the most iconic Mexican singers of all time, known for his dramatic performances and emotional ballads. His final performance, just one week before his death, lasted a staggering 4 hours, showing his legendary stamina and dedication to his fans.
\nHis song “Granada” flew about NASA’s Space Shuttle Discovery, serenading astronauts with passionate lyrics.
\nJazz trumpeter Chet Baker was profoundly influenced by Mexican music, incorporating its melodic and rhythmic elements into his playing, which added a unique flavor to the American jazz scene.
\nThe “grito” is a distinctive feature of Mexican music — particularly mariachi. It’s a joyful, expressive shout that is part emotional release and part celebration.
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Mexico is considered one of Earth’s “megadiverse” countries, placing it at the top of lists on biodiversity, natural landmarks, and more. If you love nature or simply spending time outdoors, then Mexico should be at the top of your travel list!
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Mexico’s regional diversity encompasses tropical beaches, wet rainforests, lush alpine forests, arid deserts, and much more. The result? An incredibly biodiverse country with thousands of plant and animal species, many of which are only local to Mexico. Here are 10 fun facts about Mexico’s biodiversity.
\n![\"Mexico](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltbe872453669be042/6688762e03254529f8883ddf/Mexican_plant_and_animal_life.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Mexico is home to over 200,000 species, which makes it one of the top five most biodiverse countries in the world! It is estimated that Mexico hosts up to 12% of the world’s biological diversity.
\nEach year, millions of monarch butterflies migrate from the United States and Canada all the way to Michoacán, in central Mexico. They put on a spectacular show as they congregate every winter in the forests of Michoacán!
\nWith over 1000 unique reptile species, Mexico has more reptiles than any other country in the world — except for Australia. This remarkable diversity includes all kinds of snakes, lizards, and turtles, highlighting Mexico’s unique ecosystems.
\nThis unique salamander species, known for its ability to regenerate limbs and other body parts, is found exclusively in the lake complex of Xochimilco near Mexico City. You can also find it on the newest 50 peso bill, which was extremely hard to find upon its original release. Nobody wanted to get rid of their cute axolotl bills!
\nThe Cave of the Crystals in Naica contains some of the largest natural crystals ever discovered, with some selenite crystals reaching up to 12 meters in length and weighing several tons.
\nThe Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt is home to most of Mexico’s thousands of volcanoes, including the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl, which can be seen from Mexico City on a clear day.
\nMexico plays a crucial role in the conservation of the jaguar, with many habitats across the country designated as protected areas for this majestic animal.
\nThis incredibly diverse jungle is one of the most biodiverse areas in North America. It’s home to hundreds of endangered species and ancient Maya ruins.
\nMexico’s forests and valleys are a key migration location for North American birds that travel south to escape the harsh winters of the north.
\nSpanning northern Mexico and parts of the United States, this desert is the largest and most biodiverse. It hosts over 350 cacti species and a wide variety of animals.
\n\n
If you enjoy the outdoors, then you must visit Mexico ASAP. The natural beauties you’ll find in this country are like no other, from jaw-dropping canyons to mesmerizing mountains and volcanoes.
\nLocated in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains in Chihuahua, las Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyon) offer jaw-dropping views and a diverse ecosystem.
\nThis vertical paradise for adventure seekers, known as la cueva de las golondrinas in Spanish, is the largest cave shaft in the world. It’s located in San Luis Potosí and allows for free-fall base jumping, which attracts thrill-seekers from all over the world.
\nFormed by geological faults during the Pleistocene era, this canyon in the southern state of Chiapas is a spectacle of natural beauty. If you visit, make sure to take a boat ride along the Grijalva River to enjoy these jaw-dropping views.
\nPro tip: Beware of the monkeys! They’re not shy!
\nThis reserve, located in the northern state of Sonora, contains over 400 volcanic vents, craters, and the vast dunes of the Altar Desert. It’s recognized by UNESCO for its exceptional natural beauty and geological value.
\nThis UNESCO World Heritage Site in Quintana Roo includes tropical forests, marshes, and a barrier reef. It offers a sanctuary for thousands of species of flora and fauna.
\nYou’ve probably heard that the Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the world’s largest, but did you know that the second-largest is right off the coast of Mexico? Stretching over 1,000 kilometers, this reef is a hotspot for diving and snorkeling, teeming with vibrant marine life and colorful coral formations.
\nLocated in Toluca, close to Mexico City, this volcano features two beautiful lagoons: Laguna del Sol and Laguna de la Luna. It’s an excellent spot for a good hike, providing stunning high-latitude scenery.
\nLocated on the Punta Banda Peninsula in Baja California, this natural blowhole shoots ocean water up to 30 meters into the air, creating a spectacular display enjoyed by thousands of tourists all year round.
\nThis freshwater lake in Quintana Roo is famous for its strikingly clear water and vivid shades of blue, which earned it its nickname of Lake of Seven Colors. By now, you’ve probably noticed that the state of Quintana Roo tends to come up a lot when it comes to Mexico’s natural beauty. That’s why Cancún airport welcomed over 32 million international tourists in 2023!
\nLocated in Chihuahua, these waterfalls drop from a height of 246 meters, making them a breathtaking sight and a popular spot for ecotourism and hiking.
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As rich as Mexico’s history is, the country has evolved into a modern society with thriving metropolises. Mexico City in particular is a cosmopolitan hub of culture, finance, and industry, making it one of the largest cities in the world. Let’s go over some facts about daily life in modern Mexico.
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About 80% of Mexico’s population lives in an urban center, while the other half lives in the countryside. This means that over 100 million Mexicans inhabit one of Mexico’s many bustling cities, from Mexico City to Guadalajara and Tijuana. Here are some facts about urban life in Mexico:
\nWith a population exceeding 21 million people in its metropolitan area, Mexico City is a bustling hub of culture, commerce, and history, making it one of the most populous cities in the world — surpassing cities like London and New York City!
\nOften referred to as the “Silicon Valley of Mexico,” the country’s second-largest city has a thriving technology sector, attracting both startups and major tech companies. Its young and well-educated workforce has made it a very attractive place for technological innovation.
\nThe nickname reflects Monterrey’s economic strength and its pivotal role in industrial, commercial, and educational development in northern Mexico. It has a reputation for being uppity and fancy, contrasted with Mexico City’s chaotic and eclectic vibes. The movie Cindy la Regia captures this dichotomy perfectly (available on Netflix) and is a great way to understand Mexican culture on a deeper level.
\nWhile Cinco de Mayo has become the infamous Mexican celebration all around the world, it really isn’t that big of a deal anywhere in Mexico except for Puebla. That’s because Cinco de Mayo celebrates the defeat of the French Army in Puebla, which is why you’ll find plenty of celebrations in this gorgeous colonial city.
\nThe city’s extensive network of 140,000 taxis is essential for navigating the sprawling metropolis. Additionally, Mexico City’s metro is the second-busiest in the Americas, just a tiny bit behind New York City’s subway.
\nLocated just across the border from San Diego, California, Tijuana attracts millions of visitors each year, serving as a cultural and commercial bridge between Mexico and the United States.
\nBefore its development, Cancun was mostly uninhabited. It was transformed into a major international tourist destination by the Mexican government to boost tourism revenue in one of the world’s first applications of computer algorithms.
\nThe Aztecs founded the city on an island in Lake Texcoco in 1325, and engineers drained the lake as the city expanded. Because of this, significant portions of the city today are currently sinking, causing many buildings to look slanted or crooked.
\nThe Mexico City subway serves close to 5 million passengers each day, just slightly behind the New York City subway. This 12-line system provides fast and reliable transportation around the city and also happens to be one of the cheapest subway systems in the world, with fares costing $5 MXN (~$0.25 USD) per ride, regardless of distance.
\nOnce a glamorous getaway for Hollywood stars in the 1950s and 1960s, Acapulco paved the way for the development of other famous beach resorts in Mexico.
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Beyond introducing Mexican food and music to the world, Mexicans have contributed significant scientific innovations and inventions. Color television is one of the most notable contributions, as it completely transformed the way we consume media and enjoy movies and TV. Here are 10 facts about Mexican inventions.
\n![\"Mexican](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltd30bb8087cccd9b2/66887ae5534bb907a026db06/Mexican-inventions.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
This Mexican engineer invented the color television transmission system in 1940, revolutionizing the way we enjoy media today. His invention allowed for the widespread adoption of color TV and changed the industry as a whole.
\nLuis E. Miramontes, a Mexican chemist, synthesized the first oral contraceptive in 1951, playing a pivotal role in global reproductive health advancements.
\nAlthough not an invention per se, the Maya civilization understood and used the concept of zero in their complex calendar and astronomical calculations long before many cultures did.
\nMexico was the first country to develop a vaccine for leprosy. Mexican doctor Alberto G. Calva developed it, and it provided a significant advancement in the treatment of this chronic disease.
\nDeveloped after the devastating 1985 Mexico City earthquake, this system provides crucial seconds for people to evacuate the building before the earthquake hits. There are numerous alarms strategically placed around the city, so you should familiarize yourself with what the seismic alert sounds like before visiting Mexico City.
\nGeneral Manuel Mondragón invented the Mondragón rifle, the world’s first automatic rifle. It was patented in 1887 and used during the Mexican Revolution and World War I.
\nThe Olmecs, Mexico’s earliest known civilization, invented the Mesoamerican ballgame. It was played across ancient Mesoamerica and is considered the world’s first organized game and had significant religious and political importance.
\nFiliberto Vázquez Davila invented indelible ink in the 1990s as a way to prevent voter fraud. Now, voters must get their thumbs marked by this ink after voting to prevent repeat voters.
\nMayans used chicle, the basis for modern chewing gum, which they derived from the sap of the sapodilla tree. The modern chewing gum uses this same chicle, which also happens to be the Spanish word for chewing gum.
\nIn collaboration with French scientists, Mexican scientists developed a method for preserving ancient artifacts and historical monuments from decay using gamma radiation. This has become an important tool for maintaining cultural heritage around the world.
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Mexico has countless famous personalities who are known all over the world, for a number of reasons. From painters to poets to movie stars, many Mexicans have become known all over the world for their talent and unique perspectives on life. Here are just 10 of the thousands of famous Mexican people.
\nFrida Kahlo is known all over the world for her deeply personal self-portraits that explore complex themes like identity and suffering. Her work remains a symbol of national and feminist pride. She was featured in the old 500-peso bill until it was replaced in 2018, although some of the bills with Frida can still be found in circulation today.
\nOn the other side of the 500-peso bill was Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo’s husband, and a world-renowned muralist. He was famous for his large frescoes that helped establish the Mexican Mural Movement. His artworks were often politically charged and featured scenes of Mexico’s history and culture.
\nOctavio Paz was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1990. His poetry and essays delve into the Mexican psyche and universal themes. He was also Mexico’s ambassador to India in the 60s, promoting Mexico’s foreign affairs agenda of employing poets and novelists to help improve diplomatic relations.
\nDel Toro is known for his distinctive films that blend fantasy and reality, winning multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture for “The Shape of Water.”
\nSalma Hayek has gained international fame for not only her roles in film and television but also her advocacy for gender equality. She was born in Veracruz, Mexico and started her career on Mexican television.
\nLorena Ochoa is famous for being the world’s number-one female golfer, a title she held for several consecutive years before retiring.
\nA nun in New Spain, Sor Juana was a prodigious writer and an early advocate for women’s rights during the colonial era. She’s currently on the 200 peso bill, so you’ll be able to see her quite often when you visit Mexico.
\nThalía is recognized globally for her success in music and television, influencing the Latin pop genre with numerous hit songs and telenovelas.
\nCarlos Santana’s fusion of rock with Latin music has made him one of the most influential guitarists of all time. Born in Jalisco, he’s a global phenomenon who is known for his distinctive sound.
\nLupita Nyong’o, born in Mexico City to Kenyan parents, became famous with her Oscar-winning performance in 12 Years a Slave. Fluent in Spanish, English, and Luo, her diverse talents and international upbringing have made her a celebrated figure in Hollywood and a global fashion icon.
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Now that you’re familiar with the more elementary facts about Mexico let’s go over a few fun and quirky facts about Mexico that even native Mexicans may not be aware of!
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Mexico is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world. Not only are there hundreds of live languages and dialects, but the Mexican Constitution actually recognizes dozens of official national languages in addition to Spanish! Here are some facts:
\nBesides Spanish, Mexico officially recognizes 68 indigenous languages as national languages. This is a prime example of Mexico’s immense cultural diversity.
\nWords like chocolate, avocado, and tomato have been adopted directly from Nahuatl, one of the most popular indigenous languages of Mexico.
\nIt is estimated that there are around 800,000 speakers of the Mayan language today, almost all of them concentrated in the Yucatán Peninsula.
\nThe “chilango” slang, spoken by people in Mexico City and the neighboring State of Mexico, features a rich lexicon that evolves quickly. This distinctive urban language includes words and phrases that are often incomprehensible to those from other parts of Mexico, showing just how diverse Mexican slang can be.
\nIn border towns next to the United States, “Spanglish” — a blend of Spanish and English — is commonly spoken. This is a true reflection of the intermingling of American and Mexican cultures.
\nBefore Spanish colonization, Classical Nahuatl was the lingua franca across much of Mesoamerica, used in trade, scholarship, and administration.
\nMexican Sign Language (LSM) has its own structure and lexicon, differing significantly from American Sign Language (ASL).
\nLanguages like Mixtec, Zapotec, and Maya use tone to differentiate meaning between words, similar to other tonal languages like Mandarin Chinese and Vietnamese.
\nThe Purépecha language, spoken in the state of Michoacán, is an isolated language, meaning it has no discernible relation to any other language family.
\nThese hieroglyphics were used for writing in ancient times, although Maya has since replaced them with the Latin alphabet. However, some languages in Chiapas, like Tzotzil and Tzetal still use ancient Maya hieroglyphs, especially in cultural and ritual contexts.
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Mexico has a ton of… unusual traditions that could confuse any outsider. These quirky traditions can be particularly special for foreigners who may appreciate their uniqueness, so make sure to do a deeper dive into any of the following unusual Mexican traditions that pique your interest!
\n![\"Mexican](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb8b061443e350259/668877d9b95f2aad6cf5c527/mexico-mask-art.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
In Oaxaca, the Noche de los Rábanos on December 23rd features a radish-carving contest. This is a major deal in the region, as artists from all over the state compete in this unique celebration.
\nThe Voladores de Papantla perform a ritual that originated in pre-Hispanic times. It involves flying around a 30-meter pole from ropes to honor the sun god.
\nThis indigenous cultural event in Oaxaca showcases traditional dance, music, and parades from the various indigenous groups within the state, celebrating their cultural heritage and communal ties.
\nOn February 2nd, those who found the baby Jesus figurine in the Rosca de Reyes cake during Epiphany are required to make tamales for their family and friends.
\nDuring Christmas, children in Veracruz go caroling with a branch adorned with lights and decorations, singing traditional songs and asking for aguinaldo — a small gift or treat.
\nThe Parachicos dance in January involves locals wearing elaborately decorated masks and headdresses to honor saints and ask for blessings, part of a tradition that combines indigenous and Catholic elements.
\nIn colonial towns like Guanajuato, traditional street parties called callejoneadas are led by local bands and a donkey carrying tequila. They offer a lively way to explore the city’s narrow alleyways.
\nIn various regions, particularly in Huamantla, locals create intricate carpets made of colored sawdust, flowers, and sand on the streets for religious processions during Holy Week.
\nIn Guerrero, the traditional Dance of the Tigers features performers dressed as tigers and hunters, engaging in choreographed battles. This dance is part of local festivities and represents the struggle between good and evil.
\nThe Rarámuri or Tarahumara people are internationally renowned for being world-class runners — all while fully barefoot. They engage in races that, on top of being tremendous physical challenges, are also spiritual and community-building activities involving a ball that is kicked by the runners along mountain paths.
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One of the best things you can do to learn a new language is spend your time using it on things that you’re interested in. So, as you continue to learn Spanish, keep researching more about Mexican culture, society, and biodiversity. If you’re an intermediate or advanced Spanish speaker, then consider picking up a book on your favorite topic: Mexican history, Mexican nature, Mexican culture, or anything else. You’ll see your Spanish fluency skyrocket — and you’ll learn a ton about Mexico. 😉
\nAnd if you’d like to learn more about other Spanish-speaking countries, then check out our Spanish blog! On top of vocabulary and grammar content, we regularly publish cultural content, like Spanish cuisine and Colombian culture.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Traditions of Dia de los Muertos","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"When & how to celebrate Día de los Muertos | Traditions & more","url":"/blog/traditions-how-when-celebrate-dia-de-los-muertos-decorations-customs","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt7a88cda528392a4c/6661282085966b0500718e59/pexels-gesel-757828.jpg"},"post_content":"Although this iconic Mexican tradition might seem a little spooky at first, it’s really a joyous celebration that brings happiness to millions of homes in Mexico and around the world.
This UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is known for its colorful decorations and ubiquitous skulls. Although virtually all cultures around the world have a way of honoring the dead, most do it in a somber and respectful way. Mexico, on the other hand, does it in an explosive, celebratory, and irreverent way, often poking fun at death herself!
So, keep reading if you want to learn how to celebrate the Day of the Dead the Mexican way. We’ll go over all the most important traditions of Día de los Muertos and even teach you how to write your own calaveritas — poems to poke fun at death!
![\"Día](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt920f568848f58c8e/66613f16751668196a8b9c23/Mexico.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Día de los Muertos originated from ancient Mesoamerican traditions of honoring the dead, blending with Spanish Catholic influences over time. It’s a beautiful celebration of the dead that emphasizes happiness and celebration rather than sorrow in remembering loved ones who have left us.
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is one of the most unique Mexican traditions, dating back to pre-Columbian times. The Aztecs, along with other indigenous groups in Mesoamerica, had rituals honoring their deceased loved ones. These ancient people believed that death was just another stage in the cycle of life, and they had festivals dedicated to the goddess Mictēcacihuātl, the lady of the Dead. They celebrated these events during the ninth month of the Aztec calendar, roughly corresponding to August.
When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, they brought their customs and beliefs, including the Catholic traditions of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Over time, these two blended, and the Día de los Muertos we know today began to take shape.
Fast forward to today, this is a lively and colorful celebration that honors the dead in a fun way. Yes, we’re all sad that our loved ones have passed away, but what’s the point of being sad? Instead, we should celebrate the time we had with them by throwing a party — who knows, maybe their spirit will come and join in on all the fun!
And that’s just what millions of families do all over Mexico on this day. They set up ofrendas, or altars, decorated with photos, candles, marigold flowers, and the favorite foods and drinks of the departed. The plan is to make the altar so irresistible that the spirits will have no choice but to return to the world of the living to enjoy the offerings and spend time with their families.
The streets are filled with parades, mus mic, and people wearing calaveras (skull) and Catrina makeup, which symbolize the beauty and inevitability of death. It’s a time for storytelling, laughter, and reflecting on the lives of those who have gone before us.
Día de los Muertos is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd of each year. November 1st is Día de Todos Los Santos, which honors deceased children, while November 2nd is Día de los Muertos, commemorating deceased adults. These dates align with the Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, reflecting the blend of indigenous Mesoamerican traditions with Spanish Catholic influences.
If you’re here to learn how to celebrate Día de los Muertos authentically, then this section is for you. Celebrations typically begin weeks before, typically in early October. This time of the year is a magical time to visit Mexico, as you’ll get to enjoy some of the Day of the Dead decorations, traditions, and spirit. Let’s take a look!
![\"Calaveritas.\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt6d36edfcfff61687/66612992061e930eb4290886/calaveritas.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Celebrating Day of the Dead isn’t just a one or two-day affair. Many of the Day of the Dead decorations take time to set up, and celebrating this holiday becomes a part of daily life for several weeks.
Altars, or ofrendas, are at the heart of Día de los Muertos celebrations. They’re put together in homes and cemeteries to honor the deceased and are beautifully decorated with photographs of the departed, candles, marigolds (known in Spanish as cempasúchil — one of Mexico’s national flowers), papel picado, and various personal elements.
The ofrendas also include food and beverages that the deceased enjoyed in life, so they’re highly personalized to match the taste and personality of the person they’re honoring. These offerings are believed to welcome the spirits back to the world of the living, allowing them to enjoy the pleasures they had in life.
Food is a critical part of this holiday, with many traditional Mexican dishes prepared and shared among family members. Pan de muerto is a sweet, anise-flavored bread often decorated with bone-shaped pieces. Sugar skulls, or calaveritas de azúcar, are intricately decorated with colorful icing and often feature the names of the deceased. Tamales, mole, and pozole are also commonly made and enjoyed by both the living and the deceased!
Marigolds, or cempasúchil, are the most iconic flowers of Día de los Muertos. Known as the “flower of the dead,” Marigolds are believed to guide the spirits to their altars with their bright color and strong scent. The petals are often scattered to form a path, leading the way for the souls to find their way back to the world of the living. Other flowers, such as white baby’s breath and red cockscomb, are also used to adorn the ofrendas and graves, adding to the colorful fragrant atmosphere.
Calaveras, or skulls, are quite simply everywhere on Día de los Muertos. They can be seen in various forms, from sugar skulls to face paint and decorations. These skulls are not meant to be morbid but rather to celebrate the cycle of life and death. They are often adorned with bright colors and intricate designs, representing the joyful and festive nature of the holiday. Calaveras remind us that death is a natural part of life and that our loved ones continue to live in our memories.
La Catrina is one of the most recognizable Día de los Muertos figures. Originally created by artist José Guadalupe Posada and later popularized by Diego Rivera, La Catrina is a skeletal figure dressed in elegant clothing, often with a large, ornate hat. She represents the idea that death comes for everyone, regardless of social status.
La Catrina has become an iconic symbol of the holiday, embodying both the humor and reverence with which Mexicans approach death. People often dress as La Catrina, painting their faces to resemble her and wearing elaborate costumes.
Today, virtually every family in Mexico, plus millions of families abroad, celebrate Día de los Muertos in some capacity. Children in schools will typically set up a class altar and put up Day of the Dead decorations around the classroom, and each family will celebrate according to their customs. These Day of the Dead traditions vary significantly from place to place, as some places will go all out and decorate the entire city for the holiday.
![\"Day](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt91fb7767bcbb6367/666140153bba5e3832414aa8/day-of-the-dead-decorations.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Visiting Mexico is an excellent idea any time of the year, but visiting during or right before this holiday can be an especially exciting time. Every Mexican city will have some Día de los Muertos decorations in the street, but some go a bit harder than others. Here are the best cities in Mexico to spend the holiday:
Mexico City is an excellent place to spend this holiday. Every November, the megalopolis comes alive with colorful parades, stunning altars, and impressive dance performances. Don’t miss the grand parade along Paseo de la Reforma and the beautifully decorated ofrendas at the Zócalo! Plus, you can explore historical sites like Templo Mayor and soak up the rich culture and history that Mexico City has to offer.
This small community about 1.5 hours south of Mexico City is famous for its all-out Día de los Muertos celebrations. The entire community participates in decorating graves with marigolds, candles, and food offerings. The cemetery is lit up beautifully, creating a magical atmosphere. The intimacy and authenticity of Mixquic’s celebrations offer a truly heartwarming and unforgettable experience.
This famous town is centered on an island within Lake Pátzcuaro. Beyond its natural beauty, Pátzcuaro is famous for its serene and mystical celebrations. The town’s indigenous Purépecha traditions
Oaxaca City is a fantastic choice thanks to its rich cultural heritage and colorful celebrations. The city’s streets are filled with beautiful sand sculptures, live parades, and intricate altars. The local markets burst with color as they sell traditional crafts, sugar skulls, and marigolds.
Mérida offers a unique blend of Mayan traditions and Spanish colonial charm, making it a delightful spot for this holiday. The city’s Paseo de las Ánimas parade is a highlight, where participants wear elaborate costumes and face paint. The festive atmosphere, combined with Mérida’s warm hospitality and delicious Yucatecan cuisine, creates a unique way to celebrate life and death.
San Miguel de Allende, with its picturesque streets and colonial architecture, is one of the most beautiful places you could possibly choose to visit this time of year. The town hosts colorful parades, art installations, and vibrant ofrendas throughout the city. The Jardín Principal becomes the heart of the festivities, where you can enjoy music, dance, and delicious traditional foods. San Miguel’s charm and festive spirit make it an ideal destination.
Aguascalientes is famous for its Festival de Calaveras, a grand celebration of the skulls that spans several days. The festival features spectacular parades, cultural performances, and exhibitions dedicated to skeleton-themed art. The lively atmosphere is perfect for immersing yourself in the festivities, enjoying local food, and exploring the history of Aguascalientes.
Día de los Muertos is celebrated in the United States with festivals and parades, especially in states with large Mexican-American communities like California, Texas, and Arizona. Families set up altars in their homes and public spaces, and many communities host community events like face paintings, traditional music and dance performances, and community gatherings in cemeteries. Schools and museums offer educational programs to teach the cultural significance of the holiday.
![\"Mother](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltf265a3b31e2fe13d/66612b0fdbfae9256a0fb00c/Dia-de-los-Muertos-makeup.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Although this is a Mexican holiday, it’s also celebrated in various ways across different countries, each adding its unique touch:
If you’ve read this far, then you must already guess that this vibrant and colorful holiday has had an impact on the art world. In fact, art is an integral part of the holiday, not just from all the art involved with setting up the beautiful Day of the Dead decorations and altars but also from the calaveras literarias. Let’s take a look:
Calaveritas, or “little skulls,” are a unique part of the celebrations in Mexico. These are short, humorous poems or satirical verses that playfully mock or criticize the living as if written from the perspective of the dead. This literary tradition dates back to the 19th century and has become a beloved cultural expression during the holiday.
The calaveritas often feature rhymed couplets or quatrains, but there isn’t a rigid structure. As long as there are some rhymes in your poem, you’re good! The point isn’t necessarily to create the most perfect rhyme but to develop a creative story that pokes fun at the death of a loved one or famous person.
Writing a Day of the Dead poem can be excellent practice for intermediate and advanced Spanish speakers. If you’re still a beginner, you can try writing it in English to join in on the celebrations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing your first calavera literaria:
Think of someone you know, a famous person, or a public figure. It could be a friend, a family member, or even your favorite celebrity. The key is to have someone in mind to celebrate with your playful poem.
Note that you’ll typically want to use a living person as the centerpiece of your poem, as you want to poke fun at the fact that death is coming for them! If you used a dead person, it would kind of defeat the purpose.
Embrace the humor and lightheartedness of this irrevent holiday. Remember, calaveras literarias are meant to be fun and a bit cheeky, not morbid or offensive!
Picture a funny or ironic situation involving your subject and La Catrina (death herself!) or the afterlife. Most calaveritas end with La Catrina making a surprise appearance, either implying or mentioning explicitly that they are taking your subject to the afterlife.
Because calaveritas literarias need to rhyme, there are many names used to reference La Catrina, so you have a wider range of words to use for your rhymes! Here are some of the most common ones that you can use in your Day of the Dead poems:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| The Skeleton | La Calaca | la kah-lah-kah | la kaˈlaka |
| The Skinny One | La Flaca | la flah-kah | la ˈflaka |
| The Boney One | La Huesuda | la oo-eh-soo-dah | la weˈsuða |
| The White One | La Blanca | la blahn-kah | la ˈβlanka |
| The Bald One | La Pelona | lah peh-loh-nah | la peˈlona |
| The Grim Reaper | La Parca | la par-ca | la ˈpaɾka |
| The Lady of Death | La Señora de la Muerte | la seh-nyoh-rah deh la moo-air-teh | la seˈɲoɾa ðe la ˈmweɾte |
| The Lady of the Scythe | La Dama de la Guadaña | la dah-ma deh la goo-ah-dah-nyah | la ˈðama ðe la ɣwaˈðaɲa |
| The Scrawny One | La Tilica | la tee-lee-cah | la tiˈlika |
| The Sad One | La Triste | la trees-teh | la ˈtɾiste |
| The Eternal Girlfriend | La Novia Eterna | la noh-vee-ah eh-tehr-nah | la ˈnoβja eˈteɾna |
| The Patron Saint of the Deceased | La Patrona de los Difuntos | la pah-troh-nah deh loss dee-foon-toes | la paˈtɾona ðe loz ðiˈfuntos |
| The Friend | La Comadre | la koh-mah-dreh | la koˈmaðɾe |
| The Cold One | La Fría | la free-ah | la ˈfɾia |
| The Short One | La Chaparrita | la cha-pah-ree-tah | la ʧapaˈrita |
Oh, and since you’ll be taking out your subject at some point during your calaverita, you’ll also want to know a few euphemisms for death in Spanish:
| Literal meaning | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA | Explanation |
| To stretch the paw | Estirar la pata | ess-tee-rahr la pah-tah | estiˈɾaɾ la ˈpata | When you die, all your limbs stretch out and get stiff. |
| To hang up the sneakers | Colgar los tenis | coll-gar loss teh-nees | estiˈɾaɾ la ˈpata | When someone hangs up their sneakers, it means they’ve stopped running around, implying that they’re dead. |
| To pass to a better life | Pasar a mejor vida | pah-sahr ah meh-hor vee-dah | paˈsaɾ a meˈxoɾ ˈβiða | Suggests that the deceased has moved on to a more peaceful existence. |
| To remain stiff | Quedar tieso | keh-dahr tee-eh-so | keˈðaɾ ˈtjeso | Means that they’ve become rigid after death. |
| To kick the bucket | Petatearse | peh-tah-teh-are-seh | petateˈaɾse | This is a very informal/slang version to say someone has passed. |
| To go to the other hood | Irse a otro barrio | eer-seh ah oh-troh bah-ree-oh | ˈiɾse a ˈotɾo ˈβarjo | Implies that the person has moved on to another place or realm |
| To pluck a rooster | Pelar gallo | peh-lar gah-yo | peˈlaɾ ˈɣaʝo | In Spanish slang, this phrase means that someone left in a hurry, which can be interpreted as a sudden death in this context. |
| To remain dry | Quedar seco | keh-dahr seh-co | keˈðaɾ ˈseko | Refers to the lifeless and dry state of the body. |
| To fall asleep forever | Dormirse para siempre | dor-meer-seh pah-rah see-ehm-preh | doɾˈmiɾse ˈpaɾa ˈsjempɾe | Suggests that the person passed away peacefully |
| To go with the ancestors | Irse con los antepasados | eer-seh kohn loss ahn-teh-pah-sah-dos | ˈiɾse kon los antepaˈsaðos | Pretty self explanatory, right? |
| To hand in the gear | Entregar el equipo | ehn-treh-gar elle eh-key-po | entɾeˈɣaɾ el eˈkipo | Means they’ve completed their task and have returned their gear. |
| To go to the great beyond | Irse al más allá | eer-seh all mas ah-yah | ˈiɾse al ˈmas aˈʝa | The person has moved on to the afterlife. |
| To pass to better luck | Pasar a mejor suerte | pah-sahr ah meh-hor vee-dah | paˈsaɾ a meˈxoɾ ˈsweɾte | Suggests that the deceased is now in a better, more fortunate place. |
| To give the last breath | Dar el último suspiro | dar elle ool-tee-mo soos-pee-roh | ˈdaɾ el ˈultimo susˈpiɾo | They took their final breath. |
| They went ahead of us | Se nos adelantó | she nohs ah-dell-ahn-toe | se nos aðelanˈto | Implies that they’ve simply gone ahead on the journey that everyone will eventually take. |
| To see how the flowers grow from below | Ir a ver cómo crecen las flores desde abajo | eer ah vehr koh-mo kreh-sehn lass flo-rehs dess-deh ah-bah-ho | ˈiɾ a ˈβeɾ ˈkomo ˈkɾeθen las ˈfloɾez ˈðezðe aˈβaxo | They’re now burried, viewing the flowers from the ground. |
| To dance with the ugliest one | Bailar con la más fea | bah-e-lahr kohn la mahs feh-ah | bajˈlaɾ kon la ˈmas ˈfea | Suggests that they’ve had to face the unpleasant experience of death. |
| To take someone out feet first | Sacar con los pies por delante | sah-car kohn los pee-ehs | saˈkaɾ kon los ˈpjes poɾ ðeˈlante | Suggests that they’ve died and are being carried out feet first, as is customary with coffins. |
| The boney one carried him away | Lo cargó la huesuda | lo car-go la ooh-eh-soo-dah | lo kaɾˈɣo la weˈsuða | The boney one, as you know, is a euphemism for death herfself! |
Traditional calaveras typically use rhymed couplets or quatrains. Don’t worry about being perfect, though, the goal is to create a catchy and rhythmic flow. Think of it as a playful poem with a twist.
Poke gentle fun at your subject’s quirks, habits, or well-known traits. The best calaveras are those that highlight the humorous aspects of the person’s life or personality.
End your poem with a twist or a punchline. This could be an unexpected turn of events or a clever remark that wraps up the scenario in a funny or surprising way.
Calaveras are usually short, so aim for a few lines. This keeps the poem lively and engaging, perfect for sharing with others.
Share your calaveras with friends and family! Read them aloud (great way to practice your Spanish!), write them in cards, or post them on social media. But most importantly, have fun with them! The whole point of writing calaveritas is to display your creativity and have a laugh, so remember to take it easy.
So, what do calaveras literarias actually look like? Here are five playful examples! Keep in mind that each of these is very short, but feel free to let your imagination roam free and create a more elaborate story!
| English | Spanish |
| La Catrina arrived at the classroom, with her laugh and great calm, she told the beloved teacher, “Today, there’s no homework or noise.” | La Catrina llegó al aula, con su risa y gran calma, le dijo al maestro querido, “Hoy no hay tarea ni ruido.” |
| The chef was cooking, when La Flaca called him, “Leave the pots, good man, today, we dine in my name.” | El chef cocinando estaba, cuando La Flaca lo llamaba, “Deja las ollas, buen hombre, hoy cenamos en mi nombre.” |
| He was playing hard on the field, when the Reaper came to seem, “Leave the ball, champion, today I take you to the cemetery.” | En el campo jugaba fuerte, cuando la Parca vino a verte, “Deja el balón, campeón, hoy te llevo al panteón.” |
| The doctor cured the ill, not knowing his own end, The Bald One said: “Faithful friend, today you’ll be my patient in heaven.” | El doctor curaba el mal, sin saber su propio final, La Pelona dijo: “Amigo fiel, hoy serás mi paciente en el cielo.” |
| With guitar and song, the musician in great passion, La Calaca came to listen, “Your concert in heaven I want to play.” | Con guitarra y canción, el músico en gran pasión, La Calaca vino a escuchar, “Tu concierto en el cielo quiero tocar.” |
Part of the reason why Día de los Muertos has become such a popular holiday around the world is the recent release of excellent Day of the Dead movies. If you’re unable to visit Mexico during this un holiday season, you can still celebrate at home while enjoying a fun movie night.
Perhaps the most popular Día de los Muertos movie, Coco follows the adventures of young Miguel as he embarks on a magical adventure in the Land of the Dead to discover his family’s secrets. With stunning animation, catchy music, and heartwarming moments, this Pixar gem beautifully celebrates Mexican culture and the spirit of this holiday.
Get ready for a feast with The Book of Life, where Manolo, a young bullfighter, traverses magical worlds to reunite with his true love. Filled with colorful characters, stunning visuals, and a fun soundtrack, this movie is a great fun watch for a relaxing afternoon.
Were you expecting to see “Bond… James Bond” in an iconic Día de los Muertos movie? No? Then you must check out Spectre! The film opens with a stunning and action-packed sequence set during a Día de los Muertos parade in Mexico City. Fun fact, the parade didn’t actually use to happen before the movie’s release, but the Mexico City government has been hosting these parades every year since!
Join Leo San Juan in La Leyenda de la Nahuala as he bravely faces supernatural challenges to save his brother. Legend has it that La Nahuala, an evil witch who lives in an abandoned mansion, needs to take the souls of three children before Día de los Muertos to become powerful enough to take everyone in the city — and she’s already got two. As she takes Nando, Leo’s brother, he enlists the help of his grandma to take his brother back.
Join Salma in this fun animated film that follows the 16-year-old protagonist as she embarks on a magical journey to connect with her long-lost parents. Set in the Mexican town of Santa Clara, this heartwarming movie blends humor, colorful visuals, and many Día de los Muertos traditions. Perfect for a fun family movie night!
Another way to get in the spirit of Día de los Muertos is to read some mystical novels about the afterlife. The following are some great novels from Mexican authors that deal with the supernatural — perfect way to get in the mood!
Largely considered one of the most influential writers of Spanish literature from the 20th century, Juan Rulfo created one of the most iconic novels you could read on Día de los Muertos. It’s set in the ghostly town of Comala, where a man searches for his father among spirits and echoes of the past. This haunting novel is a masterpiece of magical realism and deeply rooted in Mexican folklore, making it a perfect read for the season.
Join Casiopea Tun on an epic journey with the Mayan god of death in Gods of Jade and Shadow. Set in the Jazz Age, this enchanting novel bends mythology, romance, and adventure, taking readers on a captivating ride through the Yucatán Peninsula — and the underworld!
One of the most impactful books by a Mexican author of the late 20th century, Como Agua Para Chocolate follows the magical tale of Tita, whose emotions infuse the food she cooks. This book combines romance, tradition, and magical realism, offering a deliciously fascinating story that reflects Mexican traditions and Mexican cuisine.
Explore the life of Teresita, the Saint of Cabora, in “The Hummingbird’s Daughter.” Based on true events, this novel weaves a mesmerizing tale of mysticism, indigenous culture, and spiritual awakening, set against the backdrop of Mexican traditions and its revolutionary era.
This book will take you on a surreal ride where a near-future dystopia meets Mexican folklore. This novel blends adventure, mystery, and some supernatural elements, offering a unique narrative that fits the spirit of the holiday very well.
If you’re already deep in your Spanish learning journey, then you might want to pick up some useful Day of the Dead vocabulary to help you navigate all kinds of situations around this time.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Altar | Altar | all-tar | alˈtaɾ |
| Offering | Ofrenda | oh-frehn-dah | oˈfɾenda |
| Skull | Calavera | kah-lah-veh-rah | kalaˈβeɾa |
| Marigold flower | Cempasúchil | sem-pah-soo-cheel | θempaˈsuʧil |
| Candle | Veladora | veh-lah-doh-rah | belaˈðoɾa |
| Incense | Copal | koh-pahl | koˈpal |
| Photograph | Fotografía | foh-toh-grah-fee-ah | fotoɣɾaˈfia |
| Cross | Cruz | krooz | ˈkɾuθ |
| Velvet flower | Flor de terciopelo | flohr deh tehr-see-oh-peh-lo | ˈfloɾ ðe teɾθjoˈpelo |
| Portrait | Retrato | reh-trah-toe | reˈtɾato |
| Perforated paper art | Papel picado | pah-pel pee-kah-doh | paˈpel piˈkaðo |
| Sugar skull | Calaverita de azúcar | kah-lah-veh-ree-tah deh ah-soo-kahr | kalaβeˈɾita ðe aˈθukaɾ |
| Cemetery | Panteón | pahn-teh-ohn | panteˈon |
| Mass | Misa | mee-sah | ˈmisa |
| Procession | Procesión | proh-seh-see-ohn | pɾoθeˈsjon |
| Aztec underworld | Mictlán | meek-tlahn | miktˈlan |
| Iconic female skeleton | La Catrina | lah kah-tree-nah | la kaˈtɾina |
| Percussion instrument | Marimba | mah-reen-bah | maˈɾimba |
| Soul | Alma | ahl-mah | ˈalma |
| Spirit | Espíritu | eh-spee-ree-too | esˈpiɾitu |
| Bone | Hueso | weh-soh | ˈweso |
| Tradition | Tradición | trah-dee-see-ohn | tɾaðiˈθjon |
| Cleaning | Limpieza | leem-pee-eh-sah | limˈpjeθa |
| Nine-day prayer | Novenario | noh-veh-nah-ree-oh | noβeˈnaɾjo |
| Eternal rest | Descanso eterno | dehs-kahn-soh eht-air-noh | desˈkanso eˈteɾno |
| Spirit animal | Alebrije | ah-leh-bree-heh | aleˈβɾixe |
| Harvest | Cosecha | koh-seh-chah | koˈseʧa |
| Relatives | Parientes | pah-ree-ehn-tehs | paˈɾjentes |
| Regional festival | Xantolo | shahn-toh-loh | sanˈtolo |
| Arch | Arco | ahr-koh | ˈaɾko |
| Path of flowers | Camino de flores | kah-mee-noh deh floh-res | kaˈmino ðe ˈfloɾes |
| Vigil | Velación | veh-lah-see-ohn | belaˈθjon |
| Tomb | Sepulcro | seh-pool-kroh | seˈpulkɾo |
| Prayer | Oración | oh-rah-see-ohn | oɾaˈθjon |
| Candy | Caramelos | kah-rah-meh-lohs | kaɾaˈmelos |
| Coins | Monedas | moh-neh-dahs | moˈneðas |
| Ritual | Ritual | ree-too-ahl | riˈtwal |
| Belief | Creencia | kreh-ehn-see-ah | kɾeˈenθja |
| Festivity | Festividad | fess-tee-vee-dahd | festiβiˈðað |
If you’re taking Spanish classes in Mexico, you might be tasked with setting up a Day of the Dead altar in class! Here are some helpful vocab words that can help you be better prepared for this exciting activity.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Flower vase | Florero | flo-reh-roh | floˈɾeɾo |
| Tablecloth | Mantel | mahn-tell | manˈtel |
| Plate | Plato | plah-toe | ˈplato |
| Cup | Taza | ta-za | ˈtaθa |
| Jug | Jarra | hah-rah | ˈxara |
| Table | Mesa | meh-sah | ˈmesa |
| Light | Luz | looz | ˈluθ |
| Earth | Tierra | tee-air-rah | ˈtjera |
| Water | Agua | ah-goo-ah | ˈaɣwa |
| Fire | Fuego | foo-eh-goh | ˈfweɣo |
| Wind | Viento | vee-ehn-toe | ˈbjento |
| Cemetery | Cementerio | seh-mehn-teh-ree-oh | θemenˈteɾjo |
| Celebration | Celebración | seh-leh-brah-see-ohn | θeleβɾaˈθjon |
| Spooky | Espeluznante | ess-peh-looz-nahn-teh | espeluðˈnante |
| Souvenir | Recuerdo | reh-coo-air-doe | reˈkweɾðo |
| Starlight | Luz de las estrellas | looz deh lass ess-treh-yas | ˈluð ðe las esˈtɾeʝas |
| Candle | Vela | veh-lah | ˈbela |
| Prayer | Rezo | reh-zoh | ˈreθo |
| Blessed soul | Alma bendita | all-mah behn-dee-ta | ˈalma βenˈdita |
| Deceased | Muerto | moo-air-toe | ˈmweɾto |
| Ancestral beliefs | Creencias ancestrales | kreh-ehn-see-ahs ahn-ses-tra-less | kɾeˈenθjas anθesˈtɾales |
| Honor | Honra | on-rah | ˈonra |
| Commemoration | Conmemoración | kon-meh-mo-rah-see-ohn | kommemoɾaˈθjon |
| Religious services | Oficios religiosos | oh-fee-see-oss reh-lee-he-oh-sos | oˈfiθjoz reliˈxjosos |
| Customs | Costumbres | kos-toom-bress | kosˈtumbɾes |
| Mourning | Luto | loo-toe | ˈluto |
| Traditional atire | Vestimenta tradicional | vess-tee-mehn-tah trah-dee-see-oh-nall | bestiˈmenta tɾaðiθjoˈnal |
| Natural flowers | Flores naturales | floh-ress na-too-rah-less | ˈfloɾez natuˈɾales |
| Wake | Velatorio | veh-lah-toe-ree-oh | belaˈtoɾjo |
As is the case with most Mexican celebrations, food and drinks are big, big parts of the Day of the Dead celebrations. Although you can run into any type of food on an altar (remember, the food should reflect the preferences of the deceased!), these are some of the most traditional Día de los Muertos foods:
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| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Day of the Dead bread | Pan de muerto | pahn deh moo-air-toe | ˈpan de ˈmweɾto |
| Mole sauce | Mole | moh-leh | ˈmole |
| Tamales | Tamales | tah-mah-less | taˈmales |
| Corn-based drink | Atole | ah-toe-leh | aˈtole |
| Chocolate-flavored atole | Champurrado | cham-poo-rah-doe | ʧampuˈraðo |
| Tequila | Tequila | teh-key-la | teˈkila |
| Mezcal | Mezcal | mess-call | meθˈkal |
| Pulque | Pulque | pool-keh | ˈpulke |
| Coffee with cinnamon and piloncillo | Café de olla | cah-feh deh oh-yah | kaˈfe ðe ˈoʝa |
| Hibiscus iced tea | Agua de jamaica | ah-goo-ah deh hah-my-cah | ˈaɣwa ðe xaˈmajka |
| Rice-based drink with cinnamon | Horchata | hor-cha-tah | oɾˈʧata |
Of course, celebrating Día de los Muertos involves celebrating one’s family and ancestry. Here are some popular Spanish family vocabulary words that will help you honor your loved ones on this holiday:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Family | Familia | fah-me-lee-ah | faˈmilja |
| Relatives | Parientes | pah-ree-ehn-tess | paˈɾjentes |
| Grandparents | Abuelos | ah-boo-eh-loss | aˈβwelos |
| Ancestors | Ancestros | ahn-sehs-tross | anˈθestɾos |
| Siblings | Hermanos | air-mah-noss | eɾˈmanos |
| Cousins | Primos | pre-moss | ˈpɾimos |
| Uncles and aunts | Tíos | tee-oss | ˈtios |
| Grandchildren | Nietos | nee-eh-toss | ˈnjetos |
| Descendants | Descendientes | deh-sehn-dee-ehn-tess | desenˈdjentes |
| Forebears | Antepasados | ahn-teh-pah-sah-dos | antepaˈsaðos |
| Family ties | Lazos familiares | lah-sohs fah-me-lee-ah-ress | ˈlaθos famiˈljaɾes |
| Home | Hogar | oh-gahr | oˈɣaɾ |
| Family tree | Árbol genealógico | ar-boll heh-ne-ah-lo-he-koh | ˈaɾβol xeneaˈloxiko |
| Generations | Generaciones | heh-neh-rah-see-oh-ness | xeneɾaˈθjones |
| Names | Nombres | nom-bress | ˈnombɾes |
| Photographs | Fotografías | fo-toe-gra-fee-ass | fotoɣɾaˈfias |
Finally, there are certain common phrases that you might want to include in your altar or in a letter to your loved ones. These are some common phrases about honoring the dead that tend to come up during this celebration:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| We remember our loved ones with love. | Recordamos con amor a nuestros seres queridos. | reh-kor-dah-mos kon ah-mor ah noo-ehs-tros seh-res keh-ree-dos | rekoɾˈðamos kon aˈmoɾ a ˈnwestɾos ˈseɾes keˈɾiðos ‖ |
| Death isn’t the end, it’s just the beginning. | La muerte no es final, es solo el principio. | lah mwer-teh noh ehs fee-nal, ehs soh-loh ehl preen-see-pyo | la ˈmweɾte ˈno ˈes fiˈnal | ˈes ˈsolo el pɾinˈθipjo ‖ |
| The memory of our ancestors lives in our hearts. | La memoria de nuestros ancestros vive en nuestros corazones. | lah meh-mo-ree-ah de noo-ehs-tros an-sehs-tros vee-veh ehn noo-ehs-tros koh-rah-soh-ness | la meˈmoɾja ðe ˈnwestɾos anˈθestɾoz ˈβiβe en ˈnwestɾos koɾaˈθones ‖ |
| Let’s honor those who are no longer with us. | Honremos a los que ya no están con nosotros. | ohn-reh-mos ah lohs keh yah noh ehs-tahn kon noh-soh-tros | onˈremos a los ˈke ʝa ˈno esˈtan kon noˈsotɾos ‖ |
| Let’s celebrate the Day of the Dead with joy and respect. | Celebremos el Día de los Muertos con alegría y respeto. | seh-leh-breh-mos ehl dee-ah deh lohs mwer-tos kon ah-leh-gree-ah ee rehs-peh-toh | θeleˈβɾemos el ˈdia ðe loz ˈmweɾtos kon aleˈɣɾia j resˈpeto ‖ |
| The altars are full of offerings for our deceased. | Los altares están llenos de ofrendas para nuestros difuntos. | lohs ahl-tah-res ehs-tahn yeh-nos deh oh-fren-dahs pah-rah noo-ehs-tros dee-foon-tos | los alˈtaɾes esˈtan ˈʝenoz ðe oˈfɾendas ˈpaɾa ˈnwestɾoz ðiˈfuntos ‖ |
| Death is part of life and today, we embrace it. | La muerte es parte de la vida y hoy la abrazamos. | lah mwer-teh ehs pahr-teh deh lah vee-dah ee oy la ah-brah-sah-mos | la ˈmweɾte ˈes ˈpaɾte ðe la ˈβiða j ˈoj la aβɾaˈθamos ‖ |
| May the candles guide the souls to the altar. | Que las velas guíen a las almas hacia el altar. | keh lahs veh-las gee-ehn ah lahs ahl-mas ah-see-ah ehl ahl-tar | ˈke laz ˈβelaz ˈɣien a la las ˈalmas ˈaθja el alˈtaɾ ‖ |
| La Catrina reminds us that we’re all equal in death. | La Catrina nos recuerda que todos somos iguales ante la muerte. | lah kah-tree-nah noah reh-kwehr-dah keh toh-dos soh-mos ee-gwah-lehs ahn-teh lah mwer-teh | la kaˈtɾina noz reˈkweɾða ˈke ˈtoðos ˈsomos iˈɣwales ˈante la ˈmweɾte ‖ |
| Today, we share tamales, mole, and pan de muerto. | Hoy compartimos tamales, mole, y pan de muerto. | oy kom-par-tee-mos tah-mah-lehs, mo-leh ee pahn deh mwer-toe | ˈoj kompaɾˈtimos taˈmales | ˈmole | i ˈpan de ˈmweɾto ‖ |
| The marigolds illuminate the path to Mictlán. | El cempasúchil ilumina el camino hacia el Mictlán. | ehl sem-pah-soo-cheel ee-loo-mee-nah ehl kah-mee-noh ah-see-ah ehl meek-tlahn | el θempaˈsuʧil iluˈmina el kaˈmino ˈaθja el miktˈlan ‖ |
| Let’s toast with mezcal to life and death. | Brindemos con mezcal por la vida y la muerte. | breen-deh-mos kon mehs-kahl por lah vee-dah ee lah mwer-teh | bɾinˈdemos kom meθˈkal poɾ la ˈβiða j la ˈmweɾte ‖ |
| The alebrijes accompany us in this celebration. | Los alebrijes nos acompañan en esta celebración. | lohs ah-leh-bree-hehs nohs ah-kom-pah-nyahn ehn ehs-tah seh-leh-brah-see-ohn | los aleˈβɾixez nos akomˈpaɲan en ˈesta θeleβɾaˈθjon ‖ |
| Memories are the real treasure of life. | Los recuerdos son el verdadero tesoro de la vida. | lohs reh-kwer-dos sohn ehl vehr-dah-deh-roh teh-soh-roh deh la vee-dah | loz reˈkweɾðos ˈson el βeɾðaˈðeɾo teˈsoɾo ðe la ˈβiða ‖ |
| The marimba music brings joy to everyone’s hearts. | La música de la marimba alegra los corazones de todos. | lah moo-see-kah deh lah mah-reem-bah ah-leh-grah los koh-rah-soh-nes deh toh-dos | la ˈmusika ðe la maˈɾimba aˈleɣɾa los koɾaˈθonez ðe ˈtoðos ‖ |
| The Xoloitzcuintle guides the souls on their journey to the afterlife. | El Xoloitzcuintle guía a las almas en su viaje al más allá. | el sho-lo-eets-kween-tleh gee-ah ah las ahl-mas en soo vee-ah-heh al mahs ah-yah | el solojtθˈkwintle ˈɣia a las ˈalmas en su ˈβjaxe al ˈmas aˈʝa ‖ |
| The sugar skulls sweeten the Day of the Dead. | Las calaveritas de azúcar endulzan el Día de los Muertos. | las kah-lah-veh-ree-tahs deh ah-soo-kahr en-dool-sahn ehl dee-ah deh los moo-air-toes | las kalaβeˈɾitaz ðe aˈθukaɾ enˈdulθan el ˈdia ðe loz ˈmweɾtos ‖ |
| A lit candle reminds us of the presence of the deceased. | Una veladora encendida nos recuerda la precencia de los difuntos. | oo-nah veh-lah-door-ah ehn-sehn-dee-dah nos reh-coo-air-dah la preh-sehn-see-ah deh loss dee-foon-toes. | ˈuna βelaˈðoɾa enθenˈdiða noz reˈkweɾða la pɾeˈθenθja ðe loz ðiˈfuntos ‖ |
| The souls that visit us today will always be a part of us. | Las almas que nos visitan hoy siempre serán parte de nosotros. | lahs ahl-mas keh noss vee-see-tahn oy see-ehm-preh seh-rahn pahr-teh deh noh-soh-trohs | las ˈalmas ˈke noz βiˈsitan ˈoj ˈsjempɾe seˈɾam ˈpaɾte ðe noˈsotɾos ‖ |
| Today, we join in prayer for eternal rest. | Hoy nos unimos en una oración por el descanso eterno. | oy noah oo-nee-mohs ehn oo-nah oh-rah-see-ohn pohr ehl dehs-kahn-soh eh-teh-noh | ˈoj nos uˈnimos en ˈuna oɾaˈθjom poɾ el desˈkanso eˈteɾno ‖ |
| May the incense carry our prayers to the afterlife. | Que el incienso lleve nuestras oraciones al más allá. | keh ehl een-see-ehn-soh yeh-veh noo-ess-trahs oh-rah-see-oh-ness all mahs ah-yah | ˈke el inˈθjenso ˈʝeβe ˈnwestɾas oɾaˈθjones al ˈmas aˈʝa ‖ |
| The path of flowers guides the souls to their home. | El camino de flores guía las almas a su hogar. | ehl cah-me-no deh lass floh-ress gee-ah lass ahl-mahs ah soo oh-gahr | el kaˈmino ðe ˈfloɾez ˈɣia las ˈalmas a sw oˈɣaɾ ‖ |
| To remember is to keep alive the memory of our loved ones. | Recordar es mantener viva la memoria de nuestros seres queridos. | reh-core-dahr ess mahn-teh-nehsr vee-va la meh-mo-ree-ah deh noo-ess-trohs seh-rehs keh-ree-dohs | rekoɾˈðaɾ ˈez manteˈneɾ ˈβiβa la meˈmoɾja ðe ˈnwestɾos ˈseɾes keˈɾiðos ‖ |
| The spirits dance with us tonight. | Los espíritus danzan junto a nosotros esta noche. | lohs ehs-pee-ree-toos dahn-sahn hoon-toh ah noh-soh-trohs ehs-tah noh-cheh | los esˈpiɾituz ˈðanθan ˈxunto a noˈsotɾos ˈesta ˈnoʧe ‖ |
| The Day of the Dead festivities are an ancestral legacy. | La festividad del Día de los Muertos es un legado ancestral. | lah fehs-tee-vee-dahd dehl dee-ah deh lohs mwair-tohs ehs oon leh-gah-goh ahn-sehs-trahl | la festiβiˈðað ðel ˈdia ðe loz ˈmweɾtos ˈes un leˈɣaðo anθesˈtɾal ‖ |
| May the marimba and drums accompany this celebration. | Que la marimba y los tambores acompañen esta celebración. | keh lah mah-reem-bah ee lohs tahm-boh-rehs ah-kohm-pah-nyen ehs-tah seh-leh-brah-see-ohn | ˈke la maˈɾimba j los tamˈboɾes akomˈpaɲen ˈesta θeleβɾaˈθjon ‖ |
| The altar is ready to receive our deceased. | El altar está listo para recibir a nuestros difuntos. | ehl ahl-tahr ehs-tah lees-toh pah-rah reh-see-beer ah noo-ehs-trohs dee-foon-tohs | el alˈtaɾ esˈta ˈlisto ˈpaɾa reθiˈβiɾ a ˈnwestɾoz ðiˈfuntos ‖ |
| Today, we celebrate life and death, two sides of the same coin. | Hoy celebramos la vida y la muerte, dos caras de la misma moneda. | oy seh-leh-brah-mohs lah vee-dah ee lah mwair-teh, dohs kah-rahs deh lah mees-mah moh-neh-dah | ˈoj θeleˈβɾamoz la ˈβiða j la ˈmweɾte | ˈdos ˈkaɾaz ðe la ˈmizma moˈneða ‖ |
| May the offerings be the bridge between the world of the living and the dead. | Que las ofrendas sean el puente entre el mundo de los vivos y el de los muertos. | keh lahs oh-fren-dahs seh-ahn ell poo-ehn-teh ehn-treh ehl moon-doe deh los vee-vohs e ehl deh loss moo-air-toes | ˈke las oˈfɾendas ˈseann el ˈpwente ˈentɾe el ˈmundo ðe loz ˈβiβos j el de loz ˈmweɾtos ‖ |
| Our prayers and songs honor those who have left us. | Nuestras oraciones y cantos honran a aquellos que nos han dejado. | noo-ehs-trahs oh-rah-see-oh-ness e cahn-toes ohn-rahn ahn ah-keh-yos keh noss ahn deh-hah-doe | ˈnwestɾas oɾaˈθjones i ˈkantos ˈonran a aˈkeʝos ˈke nos ˈan deˈxaðo ‖ |
No, Day of the Dead has nothing to do with Halloween. While both holidays happen around the same time and involve spooky themes of death, they’re culturally very different. Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a Mexican tradition focused on honoring and celebrating deceased loved ones by setting up altars and hosting family gatherings. Halloween typically involves costumes, trick-or-treating, and all kinds of spooky decorations.
The Lady of the Dead is the goddess Mictecacihuatl, according to Aztec mythology. She rules the underworld (Mictlan) alongside her husband, Mictlantecuhtli. Mictecacihuatl oversees the festivals of the dead and is believed to protect the spirits of the deceased. Her role in pre-Columbian traditions has significantly influenced the modern celebrations of Día de los Muertos, blending ancient beliefs with contemporary customs.
The Flower of the Dead is the marigold, known in Spanish and “cempasúchil.” Marigolds are widely used during the festival to decorate altars and graves. If you visit Mexico City during this time, you’ll get to see the planters along Paseo de la Reforma fully covered in cempasúchiles.
Day of the Dead isn’t strictly a Catholic holiday, but it incorporates some elements of Catholicism. The celebration blends indigenous Mesoamerican traditions with Spanish Catholic practices, particularly All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. While its origins are rooted in pre-Columbian rituals honoring the dead, the influence of Catholicism has shaped modern observance, with the result being a unique cultural fusion.
We get it. It might feel weird to throw a party when you’re going through grief or when you’re sad about missing a loved one who’s gone too soon. However, embracing the festive spirit of Día de los Muertos can help give you a new perspective on your relationship with your loved ones. They might no longer be with us, but they’d surely want us to be happy for them! And, who knows, if our celebrations are big enough, perhaps their spirit will come join in on the fun.
If this blog has piqued your interest, make sure to check out the rest of our Spanish blog! We regularly publish all kinds of cultural and vocabulary blogs, from our guide to Colombian culture to our ultimate list of Spanish false friends!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Chinese calligraphy","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"Chinese calligraphy: A top guide to the art of Chinese characters","url":"/blog/chinese-calligraphy-art-history-characters","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt3fc24c2b4eefd100/665567d140a36d83e6dbe231/china_1015284454.jpg"},"post_content":"Learning Chinese can take you places you maybe wouldn’t expect from a simple language classroom. The Chinese language involves more than just learning Chinese grammar rules and memorizing vocabulary words — learning Chinese also requires learning about Chinese culture, art, food, and society.
As you may have noticed, Chinese doesn’t have an alphabet like Latin languages do. Instead, Chinese characters are made of strokes, radicals, and other components that make up modern Chinese scripts. But where exactly do these characters come from, and how were they created? Chinese calligraphy can help us understand and appreciate the rich history behind these characters on a different level.
The art of writing Chinese characters is much more than just a means of communication — it’s an expression of thousands of years of cultural legacy. This form, revered as one of the highest visual arts in China, beautifully blends the precision of Chinese characters with the aesthetic freedom of painting.
Whether you’re a complete beginner in Chinese or have already taken a few classes before, you’re sure to gain a whole new appreciation for the language after learning about the basics of calligraphy in Chinese. Let’s dive in!
Although you might be eager to take your brush and start your first calligraphy session, let’s take a moment to review the basics of calligraphy. This will help you understand why we have calligraphy in the first place and appreciate it for its historical and cultural significance.
![\"chinese-calligraphy.jpg\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt15f1aff93ca8f025/66556ab369334588f9c23766/chinese-calligraphy.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The history of Chinese calligraphy spans thousands of centuries, tracing back to ancient civilizations. It began with pictographs and simple inscriptions on oracle bones and bronze vessels, which can be traced back to as early as the Shang Dynasty, around 1600 BCE to 1100 BCE, and eventually evolved into more advanced styles and techniques, from the angular scripts etched in stone to the flowing brushstrokes on silk and bamboo.
Around 220 BCE, Emperor Qin Shi Huang (秦始皇, 259–210 BCE), the first ruler to unify China, implemented several reforms, including the standardization of Chinese characters. His advisor Li Si (李斯, 246–208 BCE) led the process, establishing a set of 3,300 characters. By this period, writing brushes have already been invented. However, it wasn’t until the Han Dynasty that brushes and paper became more widely used writing tools that we are familiar with today, thanks to developments in brush-making and the invention of paper.
In Chinese art, calligraphy is a fundamental form that is closely tied to Chinese philosophy and aesthetics. Alongside painting, poetry, and music, calligraphy is celebrated as a form of artistic and scholarly expression.
For artists and scholars, calligraphy serves as a spiritual practice that mirrors the writer’s personality and mood. Although when writing each character, there is a structured stroke order to follow, each writer still has room to use their own unique way of tracing each stroke. In fact, it is said that a single stroke can reveal the calligrapher’s skill and state of mind — helping you get a glimpse into their emotions and well-being. Due to its profound significance, calligraphy is seen as both visual art and literature, often displayed in homes and spaces, showcasing artworks with pride.
To the untrained eye, Chinese calligraphy may appear as merely a series of written characters. However, to those familiar with its depths, it represents a complex interplay of history, technique, and personal expression. Calligraphy isn’t just writing characters — it’s an artistic practice where every stroke is meticulously planned and vibrates with meaning.
Calligraphers must consider the weight, texture, and absorbency of the paper. To do this, they must consider the viscosity of the ink and the flexibility of the brush and understand the traditional rules governing the structure of characters, which demand precision and creativity in equal parts. Additionally, the rhythm, balance, and harmony of the composition are crucial, turning each character into a unique artistic expression.
Pictographs are characters that visually represent objects or concepts through graceful strokes. These are the origins of the Chinese writing system, and they typically represent simple concepts like fire and trees. Since there is no Chinese alphabet, characters quickly evolved past pictograms into ideograms and other types, which is why we have thousands and thousands of characters today.
| English | Simplified | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Explanation |
| Rain | 雨 | yǔ | yeu | Represents rain falling from the sky with clouds, visually depicted as dots under a line (sky) and an unsealed box (cloud). |
| Car | 车 | chē | che | The traditional character (車) depicts a chariot, showing a side view with two wheels and the carriage in the middle. |
| Big | 大 | dà | dah | Depicts a person stretching out arms and legs, symbolizing “big” or “great.” |
| Tree | 木 | mù | muh | Resembles a tree with branches. |
| Eye | 目 | mù | muh | Looks like an eye turned vertically with the pupil in the middle. |
| Electricity/lightning | 电 | diàn | diann | The traditional form (電) shows a rain cloud with bolts, suggesting the idea of lightning. |
| Fire | 火 | huǒ | huoo | Represents fire flames leaping upwards. |
| Mountain | 山 | shān | shan | Looks like a mountain range with three peaks. |
| Sun | 日 | rì | ryh | Represents the sun, depicted as a rectangle with a bar, indicating the light spot of the sun. |
| Mouth | 口 | kǒu | koou | Clearly looks like an open mouth. |
| Person | 人 | rén | ren | Looks like a person walking in profile, with open legs and a torso. |
| Field | 田 | tián | tyan | Clearly shows divided fields, representing farmland. |
| Heart | 心 | xīn | shin | Originally written in a form that looks like a heart, representing the heart and emotions. |
| Power | 力 | lì | lih | Represents a flexing arm, symbolizing strength or force. |
| Water | 水 | shuǐ | shoei | Originally written in a form that resembles flowing water or waves. |
| Horse | 马 | mǎ | maa | The traditional character (馬) shows the features of a horse, clearly illustrating its form with four legs and all. |
| Rice | 米 | mǐ | mii | Represents rice grains placed beside a plant stalk in the middle. |
| Sheep | 羊 | yáng | yang | Shows the head, body and horns of a sheep. |
| Door | 门 | mén | men | The traditional character (門) represents a door with two side panels. |
| Net | 网 | wǎng | woang | Originally written in a form representing ropes intertwined between wooden piles as a fishing tool. |
Technically, you don’t need anything specific to practice calligraphy. You can practice with your finger in the sand or with a garden hose on the street. Really, you could even use your imagination and your hand to draw air characters!
With that said, nothing beats having the proper tools and knowing the right form of calligraphy. Here’s what you should know, even if you’re a complete beginner.
![\"chinese-calligraphy.jpg\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt968b60094f140c9d/66556b492da50dc19d473073/chinese-calligraphy.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Chinese calligraphy relies on a set of traditional tools, collectively known as the “Four Treasures of the Study” (文房四宝, wén fáng sì bǎo). Each element plays a crucial role in the practice, bringing together the spiritual and material aspects of this ancient art. Here are some essential materials:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Description |
| Brush | 毛笔 | máo bǐ | mau bii | A soft brush used for writing, typically made from animal hair. This is the most important tool in calligraphy! |
| Inkstick | 墨 | mò | moh | Solid ink used in calligraphy, ground and mixed with water on an inkstone. It produces rich, deep black tones. |
| Paper | 宣纸 | xuān zhǐ | shiuan jyy | Special paper designed for calligraphy. It’s highly absorbent and thin ideal for ink brushes. |
| Inkstone | 砚台 | yàn tái | yann tair | A stone platform used for grinding inksticks with water to make liquid ink. It’s known for its durability and aesthetics. |
| Paperweights | 镇纸/纸镇 | zhèn zhǐ / zhǐ zhèn | jenn jyy jyy jenn | Used to hold down the paper on the desk, preventing it from moving while writing. |
| Desk pad | 书法垫 | shū fǎ diàn | shu faa diann | A felt pad placed under the paper to provide a smooth, stable and absorbent surface for writing. |
| Seal | 印章 | yìn zhāng | yinn jang | Often carved from stone and used to stamp the artist’s name or a meaningful symbol in red ink on the artwork. |
| Seal paste | 印泥 | yìn ní | yinn ni | Red ink paste used with seals to leave impressions on artwork, marking authenticity and ownership. |
| Brush holder | 笔架 | bǐ jià | bii jiah | A stand or rack used to hold brushes when not in use, keeping them in good shape and within reach. |
| Brush rest | 笔搁 | bǐ gē | bii ge | A small tool where the brush is rested during pauses in writing to prevent the ink from smudging the paper. |
| Water dropper | 砚滴/水滴 | yàn dī/shuǐ dī | yann di/shoei di | Used to add water to the inkstone with precision to control the ink’s consistency. |
| Water well | 水盂 | shuǐ yú | shoei yu | A container used to store clean water for mixing with ink or washing brushes. |
| Silk Cloth | 绢布 | juàn bù | jiuann buh | A type of light, smooth and thin silk fabric used as a writing surface in calligraphy. It’s easy to store and can be preserved for many years. |
| Fan | 扇子 | shàn zi | shann tzy | A medium for calligraphic art, especially for poems. |
| Script guide | 字帖 | zì tiè | tzyh tieh | Practice books with examples of different script styles, used for learning and reference. |
| Ruler | 直尺/尺子 | zhí chǐ/chǐ zi | jyr chyy/chyy tzy | Used for measuring and creating lines to ensure text alignment and spacing. |
| Magnifying glass | 放大镜 | fàng dà jìng | fanq dah jinq | Used to inspect and refine small details in intricate characters. |
| Lighting | 灯光 | dēng guāng | deng guang | Proper lighting is crucial for ensuring that the artist can see the fine details clearly. |
| Atmospheric elements | 气氛/氛围元素 | qì fēn / fēn wéi yuán sù | chih fen fen wei yuan suh | Elements like incense or soft music that create a conductive atmosphere for the meditative aspect of calligraphy. |
Calligraphy as a discipline, follows a structured order of strokes. Each character is built of a finite number of strokes, each with its own direction and order within the construction of the character. Think of them as different types of bricks that, when organized in different ways, can make many types of buildings.
| Stroke Examples | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Description |
| 一 | 横 | héng | herng | A horizontal stroke, often starting thin and ending with a slight tick. |
| 丨 | 竖 | shù | shuh | A vertical stroke that falls downwards, typically starting thick and ending in a taper. |
| 丶 | 点 | diǎn | dean | A small dot or a slight dab, quick and forceful. |
| 丿 | 撇 | piě | piee | A swift, leftward stroke that arcs downwards, thinning as it goes. |
| ㇏ | 捺 | nà | nah | A rightward pressing motion that starts thin, broadens, and often finishes with a sharp taper. |
| 𠃍 | 折 | zhé | jer | A bending stroke that changes direction clearly, fundamental for constructing complex shapes. |
| 亅 | 钩 | gōu | gou | A hook-like stroke, added typically at the end of a stroke sequence. |
| ㇀ | 提 | tí | tyi | A lifting stroke, where the brush is smoothly lifted away from the paper to end the stroke. |
Did you know that your posture can impact how you draw Chinese characters? Indeed, practicing calligraphy isn’t just about mastering strokes but also about adopting the right posture. The traditional posture used in calligraphy is a reflection of the mental state needed for this meditative art form, which also provides the correct ergonomic support for nailing the stokes.
Here are the recommended postures and their Chinese names to help you practice your calligraphy with the precision of a true master:
You must sit upright and centered at the table, ensuring that your body is balanced and stable. The back should be straight, shoulders relaxed, and feet flat on the ground. This position promotes steady breathing and allows for greater control over fine motor movements, essential for precise brushwork.
You should grip the brush firmly but not tightly between the thumb and the first two fingers, with the remaining fingers supporting the brush from below. This grip allows for a range of motion necessary for creating the various strokes while maintaining a relaxed hand posture.
Maintaining an appropriate distance from the table is crucial. Calligraphers should sit close enough to the table to have full control over their arm movements but far enough to prevent the body from leaning too far forward, which can lead to tension and fatigue.
Keeping the eye comfortably positioned with a clear view of the paper and the brush tip is extremely important for nailing calligraphy. This position should allow the calligrapher to see their work without straining the neck or eyes, ensuring accuracy in stroke placement and brush movement.
Finally, 精神集中 (jīng shén jí zhōng) emphasizes the importance of mental focus and calmness. Calligraphy requires a peaceful and focused mind, as the emotional and mental state of the calligrapher can influence the fluidity and quality of the strokes. Calligraphers often take a few moments to clear their minds and focus their energy before beginning a session.
Can’t wait any longer to start working on your first art piece? Then take a look at the following quick tips for learning Chinese calligraphy!
![\"Chinese-calligraphy-basics.jpg\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltd7ee78e0f2c9d6e2/66556c1dcb7d187ea8655538/Chinese-calligraphy-basics.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Over the millennia, there have been several Chinese scripts that have evolved from the very basics. Although most of these scripts aren’t used in everyday communication anymore, they’re still commonly appreciated in calligraphy. Here are some of the most commonly practiced:
Seal script is the ancient form of Chinese calligraphy that became prominent during the Qin Dynasty over 2,000 years ago, known for its intricate and rounded strokes with relatively even thickness. Originating over 3,000 years ago, these characters are beautifully complex, carved into stone and metal for making seals. This script is notable for its rounded, intricate strokes that gracefully twist and turn, capturing the elegance of ancient Chinese writing.
Learning Seal script offers insights into the ceremonial and administrative life of early Chinese civilizations. The robust and detailed characters of Seal script require meticulous brush control, making the practice both challenging and deeply rewarding for those interested in the origins of Chinese script.
Clerical script achieved the highest popularity during the Han Dynasty, evolving from Seal script under the influence of administrative needs. It features characters with a distinctly flattened, broad brushstroke style that emphasizes clarity and readability, which are crucial for official documentation. Clerical script’s aesthetic — marked by strong, measured lines and a slightly tilted brush angle — reflects the practicality and formality of the bureaucratic systems of ancient China. For calligraphy enthusiasts, mastering the Clerical script isn’t just about learning a new style — it’s about connecting with the historical narrative of Chinese governance.
The Standard script, also known as Regular script, is the cornerstone of contemporary Chinese calligraphy and typography. Developed from clerical script, this style is prized for its precision and uniformity, making it ideal for educational, professional, and various formal writings.
Standard script is characterized by its structured and balanced characters that are designed to be easily legible, providing a foundational script for learners of Chinese calligraphy. The discipline required to master Standard script offers a deep understanding of the spatial and proportional aesthetics of Chinese characters, both essential skills for any advanced study of the art.
If you’re looking for a free-form script, then this is it. Known for its bold and unrestrained style, cursive script is as personalized as calligraphy gets. It’s characterized by abbreviated and sometimes radically transformed character forms, where strokes and components are often merged or omitted entirely.
This script is also the preferred one for speed writers, as its flexibility allows you to write as fast as your brush/pen allows you to. Learning cursive script will challenge you to let go of strict formality and embrace your creative instincts, making it a true artistic challenge. And good luck reading the cursive script — that will require tons of creativity as well!
This script, also known as running script, is a bridge between the meticulous Standard script and the unrestrained Cursive script. It evolved as a practical means for faster writing while maintaining legibility. With its flowing, connected strokes, semicursive allows for quicker writing speeds without fully abandoning the form of the characters.
This style is especially popular for personal correspondence, so it might be a good choice if you’re planning on writing a letter in Chinese any time soon.
If you’re familiar with English calligraphy, you might be wondering if your skills will transfer over. While there are many similarities between the two art forms, there are several important differences to keep in mind before you start practicing calligraphy in Chinese:
English calligraphy is based on the Latin alphabet, which consists of 26 letters that can be written in upper or lower case. This linear alphabet forms words through combinations of these letters, making it a relatively straightforward system to learn. In contrast, Chinese calligraphy is composed of thousands and thousands of characters, each representing a word or a component of a word. This makes it highly symbolic.
Traditional Chinese calligraphy is predominantly performed with a brush and ink on paper, which allows for a variety of stroke widths and intensities depending on the pressure, angle, and speed of the brush. This creates a dynamic range of expressions within a single character.
English calligraphy, while it can also be performed with brushes, is more commonly associated with the use of pens like broad-nibbed and pointed-nib pens. These tools provide a different texture and precision, generally focusing on uniform stroke widths and more precise lettering.
Chinese calligraphy is deeply rooted in Taoist and Confucian philosophies, emphasizing the flow of energy (Qi), balance, and harmony. Each stroke can reveal the calligrapher’s emotions, character, and level of spiritual mastery. English calligraphy, while also artistic, often emphasizes readability and ornamentation of text and is closely associated with the documentation of manuscripts, wedding invitations, and other formal documents.
In China, calligraphy is considered one of the highest forms of visual art. It’s deeply connected with the literary culture and appreciated on a similar level as painting. Mastering calligraphy is a sign of scholarship and cultural refinement in China, making it a popular hobby. In Western cultures, while calligraphy is respected as an art form and craft, it doesn’t hold the same profound cultural and philosophical significance and is often viewed as a skill or simply as decorative art.
Learning Chinese calligraphy involves understanding the individual characters, their historical development, and mastering the various script styles. The complexity of characters and the importance of stroke order add layers of difficulty. English calligraphy, on the other hand, typically involves mastering different font styles and focuses on the aesthetic arrangement of letters and words.
Appreciating Chinese calligraphy is a different journey for everyone. Some of us have an almost innate appreciation for the beauty and complexity of each character, while others struggle to
Any true Chinese calligraphy connoisseur will jump at the opportunity to see some of the master’s works in the flesh. Luckily, you probably don’t need to travel all the way to China to see some incredible Chinese calligraphy! These museums in the United States have extensive displays of Chinese art and calligraphy:
And if and when you get the chance, you should definitely visit some of the best museums for calligraphy in China:
Especially at first, you’ll want to copy the calligraphy characters from somewhere else before attempting them on your own. But with so many characters and script types available, how do you know where to find the exact character you want? Fortunately, there are plenty of Chinese calligraphy generators that can help you easily create models for your calligraphy.
Some of the best Chinese calligraphy generators are:
In such a fast-paced world, it’s always important to take some time to slow down and appreciate art. Even if you’re learning Chinese for politics or marketing, understanding and appreciating Chinese calligraphy can help round out your knowledge and make you a better Chinese speaker. And for more articles about all things Chinese grammar and vocab, check out our Mandarin blog!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Chinese cuisine","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"Chinese cuisine: 79 iconic Chinese dishes you need to try","url":"/blog/chinese-food-dishes-culture","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt7db5a85cf2b1c8db/6653e5cf05727d1555e19c12/china_938770192.jpg"},"post_content":"Learning Chinese isn’t all about grammar and vocabulary words. Any time you learn a new language, you get a beautiful opportunity to expand your mind and enrich your soul. And, if you choose the right language, you’ll also have a glorious opportunity to make your tummy very happy.
Fortunately for you, Chinese cuisine is one of the richest in the world. Of course, you’re probably already familiar with Chinese food, but as anyone who has been to China can attest, Chinese food inside and outside China is often very different.
So, what are authentic Chinese meals like? Let us walk you through this extensive guide on Chinese dishes!
![\"Man](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltfd2d7bf08b5eec9a/6653eaba5afe35224fb2a101/Chinese-food-market.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Let’s start with the very basics: the building blocks of Chinese cuisine. These unmissable staples are present in an overwhelming majority of Chinese meals in one way or another, so they’re truly essential to Chinese cooking. Let’s take a look:
![\"Woman](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt2d50e31145a71815/6653eb69466a1c274bdec9b5/rice-field-China.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
This versatile grain is the primary staple food for much of China, providing a majority of carbohydrates for hundreds of millions of people all over the country. In addition to being a wonderful standalone companion to many saucy dishes, the grain is essential for making fried rice, congee, and other rice-based dishes. When ground into flour, rice can also be used to make noodles, rice cakes, and buns, serving as the base for various savory and sweet dishes.
Soy sauce is an indispensable ingredient in Chinese cooking, adding an umami flavor to meats, vegetables, and marinades. Made from fermented soybeans, soy sauce comes in various forms — from light to dark — adding color and flavor to dishes like stir-fries and soups.
Along with garlic and scallions, ginger is considered part of the “Holy Trinity” of Chinese cuisine. It is used to eliminate unwanted gamey tastes and introduce warmth to dishes. It’s revered for its distinctive spicy and aromatic qualities. Whether minced, julienned, or used as slices, ginger is an essential ingredient in many stir-fries, stews, and teas.
Garlic, another member of the Holy Trinity of Chinese cooking, is an essential part of many dishes thanks to its ability to add a unique intensity to dishes. Enhanced by sizzling oils, garlic can serve as an aromatic foundation, infusing diverse dishes with depth and intricacy. Its intensity enhances everything from simple vegetable stir-fries to complex meat dishes.
Like rice, wheat is a staple grain in Chinese dishes, used to make buns, noodles, and various other foods. Take noodles for an example, the earliest history can be traced back to ancient China. They serve as a staple in countless dishes, from soups to stir-fries, offering a nutritious and delicious base for all kinds of preparation styles.
The last of the Holy Trinity of ingredients, green onion (or scallion), is an essential aromatic ingredient for many Chinese dishes. They add a mild yet crisp onion flavor and are often used as a garnish or cooked in stir-fries and soups.
Now that you have the basic ingredients of Chinese cooking, let’s dive into the food. There are countless delicious Chinese dishes out there for you to try, but we’ll try to keep it concise. Let’s start with the main one: China’s national dish.
![\"Some](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt02a843398acf36db/6653ec2176a5b5f3c531ef11/peking-duck.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
In China, there is considerable debate about what constitutes the national dish, as people from different regions take pride in their local cuisines and believe their own dishes best represent Chinese culture. However, from a global perspective, many people choose Peking duck as the culinary symbol that best represents the nation.
This iconic dish, renowned for its crispy skin and tender meat, has deep historical roots dating back to the imperial kitchens of the Ming Dynasty. Over the centuries, Peking Duck has become a celebrated part of Chinese cuisine, often featured at state banquets and prestigious events, making it an adequate — albeit unofficial — choice for China’s national dish.
This dish is as delicious as it is entertaining. The ingredients are relatively simple, and each is served on its own individual plate: crispy marinated duck meat, steamed thin pancakes, sweet bean sauce, paired with julienned green onion (scallion) and cucumber slices. All plates are placed in the center of the table, and everyone assembles their own Peking Duck wrap. It’s a must-try for visitors, especially in Beijing, but this dish can be found all over China.
If you’re not from China, then you might be used to thinking of “Chinese food” as a monolith. However, Chinese food is incredibly diverse, with eight distinct culinary traditions widely recognized as distinct regional variations of Chinese cuisine. Here’s an overview and some standout dishes of each of them:
Sichuan cuisine comes from China’s southwestern Sichuan Province. It’s renowned for its bold and spicy flavors, coming from the liberal use of garlic, chili peppers, and Sichuan peppercorn. Sichuan peppercorn adds a distinctive numbing sensation, ensuring that any dish with it is unlike anything else you’ve experienced.
![\"Spicy](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltc32a8fd423cb4dbc/6653ed6ae2c16b44349c019f/Spicy-Sichuan-hotpot.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
This cuisine uses a variety of cooking methods, including stir-frying, steaming, braising, baking, and the famous Sichuan hot pot (火锅). Here are some of the most popular Sichuan dishes that you have to try when you visit a Sichuan restaurant (or on a trip to Chengdu!):
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Description |
| Mapo tofu | 麻婆豆腐 | má pó dòu fu | ma por dow fu | Soft tofu in a spicy, bean-based sauce with minced meat, Sichuan peppercorns, and chili oil. |
| Kung pao chicken | 宫保鸡丁 | gōng bǎo jī dīng | gong bao ji ding | Diced chicken stir-fried with peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers with a savory, slightly sweet taste. |
| Hot pot | 火锅 | huǒ guō | huoo guo | An unmissable communal eating experience where ingredients are cooked in a spicy/nonspicy broth at the table. A must-try when you visit China! |
| Twice-cooked pork | 回锅肉 | huí guō ròu | hwei guo row | Pork belly slices boiled, then stir-fried with vegetables and a spicy sauce. |
| Dan dan noodles | 担担面 | dàn dàn miàn | dann dann miann | Wheat noodles served in a spicy sauce with preserved vegetables, minced pork, and scallions. |
Cantonese cuisine comes from the province of Guangdong, formerly Romanized as Canton. It’s famous for its emphasis on preserving the natural flavor of ingredients, including plenty of seafood and vegetables. To attain this, Cantonese cooking features techniques like steaming and stir-frying along with mild seasoning and the sparing use of spices, allowing the original flavors to shine through.
Dim sum, a collection of small, bite-sized dishes served with tea, epitomizes the social aspect of Cantonese dining culture.
![\"Dim](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltdb0e00da8905e1c9/6653f23280eaca5b2d817b4e/dim-sum.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Description |
| Dim sum | 点心 | diǎn xin | dean shin | A variety of small dishes, including dumplings, buns, and pastries, traditionally served with tea. |
| Char siu | 叉烧 | chā shāo | cha shau | Barbecued pork, marinated and roasted to achieve a sweet, savory flavor and a tender texture. |
| Roast duck | 广式烧鸭 | guǎng shì shāo yā | goang shyh shaur yaa | Whole duck roasted with a honey vinegary glaze, known for its crispy skin and juicy meat. |
| Baked Lobster in Thick Stock | 上汤焗龙虾 | shàng tāng jú lóng xiā | shanq tang jyu long shia | Lobster pan-fried and then braised in flavorful meat-based sauce. |
| Stuffed tofu | 酿豆腐 | niàng dòu fu | nianq dow fu | A dish with tofu filled with ground meat mixture or fish paste. |
Hunan cuisine originates from the Hunan Province in south-central China. It’s celebrated for its hot and spicy flavors, fresh aroma, and deep colors. Unlike Sichuan cuisine, which often uses Sichuan peppercorns to achieve a numbing spiciness, Hunan cuisine focuses on pure heat, primarily through the use of fresh chili peppers, garlic, and green onions (scallions).
Hunan cuisine's cooking techniques are diverse, including stewing, frying, pot roasting, braising, and smoking. This culinary tradition is known for its emphasis on oil and broad ingredient variety, including vegetables and meats like fish and pork.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Description |
| Steamed fish head with diced Hot red peppers | 剁椒鱼头 | duò jiāo yú tóu | duoh jiau yu tour | This fiery and flavorful fish head dish is packed with aromatics like chopped chilies, garlic, scallion, and ginger to create an extraordinary flavor. |
| Spicy salted duck | 酱板鸭 | jiàng bǎn yā | jianq baan ia | An aromatic roasted duck dish where the duck is marinated in a sauce of varied Chinese medicine and spices before cooking. After smoked and air-dried, it can be served as a dish or snack. |
| Stir-fried pork with peppers | 辣椒炒肉 | là jiāo chǎo ròu | lah jiau chao row | Pork stir-fried with fresh and dried chili peppers, showcasing Hunan cuisine’s love for spice. |
| Sautéed preserved pork with dried tofu slices | 腊肉炒香干 | là ròu chǎo xiāng gān | lah row chao shiang gan | A homely dish combining preserved pork with dried tofu, cooked with a mix of vegetables. |
| Steamed preserved meat | 腊味合蒸 | là wèi hé zhēng | lah wey her jeng | Various types of preserved meat steamed together, highlighting the traditional preservation techniques. |
Shandong cuisine, also known as Lu cuisine, is one of the oldest and most influential culinary traditions in China, forming an integral part of the country’s culinary heritage. Originating from Shandong, it’s characterized by its emphasis on freshness, aroma, crispness, and tenderness.
Shandong cuisine showcases the art of using precise cooking techniques to enhance natural flavors. Given the province's coastal location, it features a wide variety of seafood. It also includes plenty of corn, peanuts, and vegetables. Shandong chefs excel at techniques like braising, deep-frying, and stir-frying, producing dishes that are well-balanced in taste and texture.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Description |
| Sweet and sour carp | 糖醋鲤鱼 | táng cù lǐ yú | tarng tsuh lii yu | Carp fried and covered in a sweet and sour sauce, a classic dish representing Shandong’s culinary style. |
| Braised sea cucumber with scallions | 葱烧海参 | cōng shāo hǎi shēn | tsong shau hae shen | Sea cucumber braised with green onions and sauce. |
| Dezhou braised chicken | 德州扒鸡 | dé zhōu pá jī | der jou par ji | Chicken marinated， fried, and then braised with soy sauce and spices, known for its tender meat. |
| Four Joy Meatballs | 四喜丸子 | sì xǐ wán zi | syh shii wan tzy | Braised pork meatballs in gravy, symbolizing four joys in life: luck, wealth, long life and happiness. |
| Braised Prawns in Oil | 油焖大虾 | yóu mèn dà xiā | you menn dah shia | Large prawns first stir-fried in oil and then braised in sauce. |
Jiangsu cuisine is a prominent branch of Chinese culinary arts from Jiangsu Province, which includes cities like Nanjing, Suzhou, and Yangzhou. It’s known for its carefully selected ingredients and celebrated for its emphasis on freshness and the natural flavors of its components, often highlighted through delicate cooking methods.
![\"Man](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt60e193f0b733fc25/66542c57628a4fe13d62d09a/Man-cooking-fried-rice.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The dishes are known for their soft, tender textures, and presentation is equally important, as a dish’s aesthetic appeal should mirror the delicious taste. These are some of the most popular Jiangsu dishes:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Description |
| Sweet and sour mandarin fish | 松鼠桂鱼 | sōng shǔ guì yú | song shuu guey yu | Deep-fried mandarin fish with a sweet and sour sauce with the sliced fish looking like a squirrel. |
| Yangzhou fried rice | 扬州炒饭 | yáng zhōu chǎo fàn | yang jou chao fann | A famous fried rice dish mixed with egg, shrimp, peas, and ham. |
| Nanjing salted duck | 盐水鸭 | yán shuǐ yā | yan shoei ia | Duck cured with salt and spices, a specialty of Nanjing. |
| Wensi tofu soup | 文思豆腐 | wén sī dòu fu | wen sy dow fu | Tender tofu shredded as thin as hair floating in a soup base. |
| Braised meatballs in brown sauce | 红烧狮子头 | hóng shāo shī zi tóu | horng shau shy tzy tour | Large pork meatballs braised in a savory brown sauce, soft and flavorful. |
| Beggar’s chicken | 叫花鸡 | jiào huā jī | jiaw hua ji | Chicken wrapped in lotus leaves and then roasted in burnt mud. |
Also known as Zhe cuisine, Zhejiang cuisine originates from — you guessed it — Zhejiang Province in Eastern China, an area known for its wealth and natural beauty. This culinary tradition is celebrated for its seasonality and the natural taste of its ingredients. Zhe cuisine is characterized by its mellow yet rich flavors, with a subtle use of seasoning to enhance, rather than overpower, the primary ingredients.
![\"Braised](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blteaf824ecc37560a9/66542e47628a4f34fc62d0a8/braised-pork-belly.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Techniques such as quick-frying, steaming, and braising are commonly employed to retain the food’s nutrition and original flavors. Presentation is also key, with dishes often showcasing artistic arrangements that reflect the region’s appreciation for beauty. Zhejiang fare also offers a delicate, sophisticated dining experience, mirroring the serene and lush landscapes of its homeland.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Description |
| Dongpo pork | 东坡肉 | dōng pō ròu | dong po row | Slow-cooked pork belly with a rich and savory sauce, named after the poet Su Dongpo. |
| Fried shrimps with Longjing Tea | 龙井虾仁 | lóng jǐng xiā rén | long jiing shia ren | Shrimp cooked with Longjing tea leaves, highlighting its delicate flavors. |
| West Lake fish in vinegar gravy | 西湖醋鱼 | xī hú cù yú | shi hwu tsuh yu | Fish cooked in sweet and sour vinegar sauce. |
| Steamed Pork with Rice Flour in Lotus Leaves | 荷叶粉蒸肉 | hé yè fěn zhēng ròu | her yeh feen jeng row | Steamed pork belly covered with spice and rice, wrapped in lotus leaves. |
| Sliced Lotus Root with Sweet Sauce | 桂花糖藕 | guì huā táng ǒu | guey hua tarng oou | Boiled lotus root filled with glutinous rice and drizzled with osmanthus jam. |
Fujian cuisine, also known as Min cuisine, originates from Fujian Province along China’s southeastern coast. This culinary tradition is distinguished by its rich array of seafood and mountain-grown produce, reflecting the region’s diverse geography. Fujian cuisine is renowned for its emphasis on umami flavors, achieved through the meticulous use of broths and soups, which are considered the soul of Min food.
The cooking methods often involve braising, stewing, and steaming, aiming to preserve the ingredients’ natural juices and flavors. Fujian dishes are also noted for their light yet flavorful profiles, often incorporating a slightly sweet and sour taste, making the cuisine both distinctive and inviting. The use of precise knife skills and presentation further enhances the dining experience, offering a feast for both the palate and the eyes.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Description |
| Buddha jumps over the wall | 佛跳墙 | fó tiào qiáng | for tiaw chyang | A luxurious stew made with various high-quality ingredients like chicken, hams, squids, scallops, and many other delicacies. |
| Drunken Pork Ribs | 醉排骨 | zuì pái gǔ | tzuey pair guu | Pork ribs marinated in wine and salt first fried and then braised in sweet and sour sauce. |
| Fuzhou meat swallow | 福州肉燕 | fú zhōu ròu yàn | fwu jou row yann | Paper-like wonton, famous for its wonton skins made of meat and starch. |
| Lychee pork | 荔枝肉 | lì zhī ròu | lih jy row | Pork coated in a sweet and sour sauce, resembling lychee fruit in appearance (doesn’t actually contain any lychee). |
| Oyster omelette | 海蛎煎 | hǎi lì jiān | hae lih jian | A savory omelette mixed with oysters and starch, creating a unique texture and taste. |
Anhui cuisine, also known as Hui cuisine, originates from Anhui Province in Eastern China, a region rich in biodiversity, including mountains, forests, and rivers. This culinary tradition is deeply rooted in the use of wild, locally sourced ingredients from both the land and rivers, emphasizing their intrinsic flavors and nutritional values.
![\"Fried](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt3aa867066823a5c8/6654015a76a5b57d2f31ef5b/Hairy-tofu.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Anhui cuisine is characterized by its focus on simplicity and purity. It particularly emphasizes braising and stewing in clear broths to enhance the natural tastes of food. Cooking techniques often involve slow-cooking methods to achieve depth of flavor. The cuisine is known for its hearty, comforting qualities, with a rustic charm that reflects the province’s rugged landscape and agricultural heritage.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Description |
| Stewed Bamboo Shoots of Wenzheng Mountain | 问政山笋 | wèn zhèng shān sǔn | wenn jenq shan soen | Tender bamboo shoots cooked with ham and mushroom in a rich broth. |
| Li Hongzhang chop suey | 李鸿章杂烩 | lǐ hóng zhāng zá huì | lii horng jang tzar huey | A stew containing various ingredients like meat, seafood, and vegetables. It’s named after a Qing Dynasty official. |
| Wuwei Smoked duck | 无为熏鸭 | wú wéi xūn yā | wu wei shiun ia | Duck first smoked with spices and herbs and then braised, resulting in a fragrant and tender dish. |
| Fried Hairy Tofu | 虎皮毛豆腐 | hǔ pí máo dòu fu | huu pyi mau dow fu | A type of fermented tofu with a hairy exterior being fried and then braised in sauce. |
| Yi Pin Guo / Royal Pot | 一品锅 | yì pǐn guō | yih piin guo | A Hui-style hotpot with layers of soybean products, meat, bamboo shoots, and various other ingredients. |
Chinese desserts, unlike many Western desserts, focus on providing a more complex flavor profile than just sweet, sugary goodness. That’s why it might take a little adjusting if you’re used to enjoying ice cream, cake, or chocolate for dessert. Chinese desserts often blend sweet and other flavors, creating very interesting flavors that you may not have tasted before.
In fact, one of the most common ways of saying that a dessert is very tasty is 不甜 (bù tián), which means that the dessert isn’t sweet!
Here are some of the best and most common Chinese desserts:
![\"Mooncake](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt745a6cd8fbbae2fc/66543ffae2c16b15279c0307/Mooncake.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Description |
| Mooncake | 月饼 | yuè bing | yueh bing | A traditional pastry filled with pastes and/or nuts, typically eaten during Mid-Autumn Festival. |
| Glutinous rice ball | 汤圆 | tāng yuán | tang yuan | Sweet, chewy balls made from glutinous rice flour, usually served in a warm, sweet soup. |
| Green dumplings | 青团 | qīng tuán | ching twan | Made with glutinous rice and mugwort juice, these steamed dumplings are filled with sweetened red bean paste. |
| Steamed pea flour cake | 豌豆黄 | wān dòu huáng | uan dow hwang | A light, fluffy cake made from pea flour, known for its delicate sweetness. |
| Osmanthus cake | 桂花糕 | guì huā gāo | guey hua gau | A fragrant dessert with sweet osmanthus flowers. |
| Jujube cake | 枣糕 | zǎo gāo | tzao gau | A sweet cake made with jujube paste, offering a chewy texture and rich flavor. |
| Mung bean cake | 绿豆糕 | lǜ dòu gāo | liuh dow gau | A refreshing cake made from mung bean flour, characterized by its light texture and sweetness. |
| Steamed sponge cake | 发糕 | fā gāo | fa gau | A soft, fluffy cake using fermented glutinous rice wine as a rising agent, offering an aromatic taste. |
| Water chestnut cake | 马蹄糕 | mǎ tí gāo | maa tyi gau | A translucent, jelly-like cake made with water chestnut, known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture. |
| Cloud cake | 云片糕 | yún piàn gāo | yun piann gau | A soft, delicate thinly sliced cake that’s soft and white as a cloud, often made with rice flour and steamed to perfection. |
| Meat floss cake | 肉松蛋糕 | ròu sōng dàn gāo | row song dann gau | A savory-sweet cake topped with fluffy, shredded dried meat, combining sweet and savory flavors. |
| Pineapple cake | 凤梨酥 | fèng lí sū | fenq li su | A popular Taiwanese pastry with buttery crust and sweet pineapple filling. |
| Egg-yolk puff | 蛋黄酥 | dàn huáng sū | dann hwang su | A pastry with a flaky outer layer and a sweet, moist filling containing salted egg yolk. |
| Dragon’s beard candy | 龙须糖/酥 | lóng xū táng/sū | long shiu tarng su | A traditional hand-pulled candy made from maltose, resembling fine, white threads/dragon’s beard. |
| Chinese pumpkin pie | 南瓜饼 | nán guā bǐng | nan gua biing | A fried sweet pie made with mashed pumpkin wrapped in a thin, crispy crust. |
| Sweetheart Cake | 老婆饼 | lǎo pó bǐng | lao por biing | A traditional Cantonese pastry with a flaky crust and sweet, chewy filling, often made with winter melon. |
| Sugarcoated haws on a stick | 冰糖葫芦 | bīng táng hú lu | bing tarng hwu lhu | A popular street snack of candied hawthorn berries skewered on a stick. |
| Steamed creamy custard bun | 奶黄包 | nǎi huáng bāo | nae hwang bau | A soft bun filled with a creamy, sweet custard, often served as a dim sum dish. |
| Double-layer steamed milk custard | 双皮奶 | shuāng pí nǎi | shuang pyi nae | A Cantonese dessert made with milk, egg white, and sugar, known for its smooth texture. |
| Rice dumplings | 粽子 | zòng zi | tzonq tzy | Glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves, often filled with sweet or savory ingredients, traditionally eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival. |
Chinese breakfast generally focuses on warm dishes, including both savory and sweet items. Breakfast in China is always comforting and hearty, providing enough energy to start the day. You’ll often find fresh ingredients and different textures that bring variety to the first meal of the day. Here are some of the most common Chinese breakfast dishes:
![\"Congee](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt1ac65c4a3a1b8df3/665440908a018299bc14f246/Congee.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Description |
| Congee | 粥 | zhōu | jou | A comforting rice porridge often served with pickles, peanuts, or eggs, providing a warm and hearty start to the day. |
| Youtiao | 油条 | yóu tiáo | you tyau | Deep-fried dough sticks, crispy on the outside and tender inside, commonly dipped in soy milk, congee or soup. |
| Soy milk | 豆浆 | dòu jiāng | dow jiang | A traditional drink made from soybeans served hot or cold, sweet or salty. |
| Steamed buns | 包子 | bāo zi | bau tzy | Soft, fluffy buns filled with various ingredients like vegetables, meat or sweet bean paste. |
| Stuffed pancakes | 煎饼 | jiān bing | jian bing | A popular street food item consists of a crispy crepe with egg, sauces, and sometimes crispy crackers or meat. |
| Xiao long bao | 小笼包 | xiǎo lóng bāo | sheau long bau | Soup dumplings filled with pork and savory broth steamed in small bamboo baskets. |
| Rice rolls | 肠粉 | cháng fěn | charng feen | Steamed rice noodle rolls, often filled with shrimp, beef or vegetables and served with soy sauce. |
| Tofu pudding | 豆花/豆腐花 | dòu huā/dòu fu huā | dow hua dow fu hua | Soft tofu served in a sweet syrup or savory broth often topped with peanuts or sesame seeds. |
| Turnip cake | 萝卜糕 | luó bo gāo | luo bo gau | A savory cake made from shredded radish, ham, and rice flour, steamed, then pan-fried until crispy. |
| Wonton soup | 馄饨 | hún tun | hwen tuen | A comforting soup with wontons filled with meat and/or shrimp, served in a clear broth with vegetables. |
| Zongzi | 粽子 | zòng zi | tzonq tzy | Bamboo leaf-wrapped glutinous rice dumplings, filled with meat, beans, or other fillings, traditionally eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival but available year-round. |
| Tea eggs | 茶叶蛋 | chá yè dàn | char yeh dann | Hard-boiled eggs braised in a savory tea and spice broth, creating a marbled effect and deep flavor. |
| Mantou | 馒头 | mán tou | man tou | Plain steamed buns, soft and fluffy, often eaten as a staple food instead of rice or served alongside main/side dishes from breakfast to dinner. |
| Egg and chive pockets | 韭菜盒子 | jiǔ cài hé zi | jeou tsay her tzy | Pan-fried pockets stuffed with scrambled eggs and fresh chives, crispy on the outside. |
| Millet porridge | 小米粥 | xiǎo mǐ zhōu | sheau mii jou | A smooth, nutritious porridge made from millet, often served with pickles or fermented tofu. |
| Rice noodles | 米粉 | mǐ fěn | mii feen | Rice noodles with vegetables and meat served in soups or as stir-fries. |
| Chongqing noodles | 重庆小面 | chóng qìng xiǎo miàn | chorng chinq sheau miann | Noodles with peas, vegetables and meat, often served with broth drizzled with chili oil. |
| Hot noodles with sesame paste | 热干面 | rè gān miàn | reh gan miann | Hot and dry noodles mixed with sesame paste, pickled radish and scallion. |
Chinese sauces pack a lot of flavor and variety, making them a huge part of Chinese cooking. Some dishes often mix three or more sauces to create rich and complex flavors, from soy sauce to hoisin sauce, adding kicks of umami and hints of sweetness to bring Chinese dishes to life. Here are some essential Chinese sauces and condiments:
![\"Dipping](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt5feef342293614cd/665441b8785339594f9e788c/Soy-sauce.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Description |
| Soy sauce | 酱油 | jiàng yóu | jianq you | A versatile, fermented sauce made from soybeans that adds a salty, umami depth to dishes. |
| Oyster sauce | 蚝油 | háo yóu | haur you | A savory sauce made from oyster extracts, sugar, salt and other ingredients, used to enhance meat and vegetables. |
| Hoisin sauce | 海鲜酱 | hǎi xiān jiàng | hae shian jianq | A sweet and salty sauce made from soybeans, garlic, and chili, perfect for marinades and dipping. |
| Sesame oil | 麻油 | má yóu | ma you | An aromatic oil made from toasted sesame seeds, adds a rich, nutty flavor to dressings and dishes. |
| Chili oil | 辣椒油 | là jiāo yóu | lah jiau you | A spicy condiment made by infusing oil with chili peppers, ideal for adding heat to meals. |
| Black bean sauce | 豆豉酱 | dòu chǐ jiàng | dow chyy jianq | A salty sauce made from fermented black soybeans, garlic, ginger, chilies, and soy sauce. |
| Rice vinegar | 米醋 | mǐ cù | mii tsuh | A mild vinegar made from fermented rice, used in dressings, marinades and pickling. |
| Sesame paste | 芝麻酱 | zhī ma jiàng | jy mha jianq | A thick paste made from ground sesame seeds, offering a creamy texture and nutty taste. |
| Sweet bean sauce | 甜面酱 | tián miàn jiàng | tyan miann jianq | A thick, sweet sauce made from fermented wheat flour and soybeans, used in noodles and stir-fries. |
| Szechuan peppercorn oil | 花椒油 | huā jiāo yóu | hua jiau you | An infused oil with the numbing, citrusy flavor of Sichuan peppercorns, which adds a unique tingling sensation. |
| Doubanjiang | 豆瓣酱 | dòu bàn jiàng | dow bann jianq | A spicy, salty paste made from fermented broad beans/soybeans, and chili peppers, essential in Sichuan cuisine. |
| Plum sauce | 酸梅酱 | suān méi jiàng | suan mei jianq | A sweet and tangy sauce made from Chinese plums and seasonings, often used as a dipping sauce. |
| Fish sauce | 鱼露 | yú lù | yu luh | A salty, fishy condiment made from fermented fish and shrimp, and used to add umami to dishes. |
| XO sauce | XO酱 | XO jiàng | XO jianq | A gourmet seafood sauce made from ham, dried scallops, shrimp, chili peppers, and spices. |
| Five-spice powder | 五香粉 | wǔ xiāng fěn | wuu shiang feen | A fragrant blend of five spices including anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. |
| Chopped chili sauce | 剁椒酱 | duò jiāo jiàng | duoh jiau jianq | A spicy condiment made from chili peppers, salt, sugar, white wine, ginger and garlic, used to add heat and flavor. |
| Fermented tofu | 腐乳 | fǔ rǔ | fuu ruu | Tofu fermented in a mixture of salt, wine, and seasonings, offering a strong and creamy flavor. |
| Light soy sauce | 生抽 | shēng chōu | sheng chou | A thinner, lighter-colored soy sauce, used primarily for seasoning without darkening the color of dishes. |
| Yellow bean sauce | 黄豆酱 | huáng dòu jiàng | hwang dow jiangh | A thick, savory paste made from fermented yellow soybeans. It has a rich, umami flavor, ideal for stir-fries and marinades. |
Chinese meals are incredible, but anyone who’s spent an extended period of time will eventually start craving some food from other countries. Perhaps some French, Mexican, or Spanish cuisine? Fortunately, China has plenty of excellent foreign restaurants, especially in the bigger cities. Here’s how to talk about foreign cuisines in Chinese. You’ll notice that, as long as you know the country names in Chinese, talking about the cuisines is quite easy!
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Italian cuisine | 意大利菜 | yì dà lì cài | yih dah lih tsay |
| French cuisine | 法国菜 | fǎ guó cài | faa gwo tsay |
| Japanese Cuisine | 日本菜 | rì běn cài | ryh been tsay |
| Indian cuisine | 印度菜 | yìn dù cài | yinn duh tsay |
| Thai cuisine | 泰国菜 | tài guó cài | tay gwo tsay |
| Mexican cuisine | 墨西哥菜 | mò xī gē cài | moh shi ge tsay |
| Spanish cuisine | 西班牙菜 | xī bān yá cài | shi ban ya tsay |
| Greek cuisine | 希腊菜 | xī là cài | shi lah tsay |
| Turkish cuisine | 土耳其菜 | tǔ ěr qí cài | tuu eel chyi tsay |
| Korean cuisine | 韩国菜 | hán guó cài | harn gwo tsay |
| Vietnamese cuisine | 越南菜 | yuè nán cài | yueh nan tsay |
| Lebanese cuisine | 黎巴嫩菜 | lí bā nèn cài | li ba nenn tsay |
| Brazilian cuisine | 巴西菜 | bā xī cài | ba shi tsay |
| Russian cuisine | 俄罗斯菜 | é luó sī cài | er luo sy tsay |
| Moroccan cuisine | 摩洛哥菜 | mó luò gē cài | mo luoh ge tsay |
| Ethiopian cuisine | 埃塞俄比亚菜 | āi sài é bǐ yà cài | ai say er bii yah tsay |
| Peruvian cuisine | 秘鲁菜 | bì lǔ cài | bih luu tsay |
| Portuguese cuisine | 葡萄牙菜 | pú táo yá cài | pwu taur ya tsay |
| Australian cuisine | 澳大利亚菜 | ào dà lì yà cài | aw dah lih yah tsay |
Although China has an incredibly diverse range of cuisines, some of us may have dietary restrictions that prevent us from trying everything China has to offer. If you have an allergy or follow a special diet, here is some helpful vocabulary for you:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Vegetarian | 素食 | sù shí | suh shyr |
| Vegan | 纯素食 | chún sù shí | chwen suh shyr |
| Gluten-free diet | 无麸质饮食 | wú fū zhì yǐn shí | wu fu jyh yiin shyr |
| Ketogenic diet | 生酮饮食 | shēng tóng yǐn shí | sheng torng yiin shyr |
| Paleo diet | 原始饮食 | yuán shǐ yǐn shí | yuan shyy yiin shyr |
| Low-carb diet | 低碳水化合物饮食 | dī tàn shuǐ huà hé wù yǐn shí | di tann shoei huah her wuh yiin shyr |
| Dairy-free diet | 无乳制品饮食 | wú rǔ zhì pǐn yǐn shí | wu ruu jyh piin yiin shyr |
| Halal diet | 清真饮食 | qīng zhēn yǐn shí | ching jen yiin shyr |
| Kosher diet | 犹太洁食 | yóu tài jié shí | you tay jye shyr |
| Pescatarian diet | 鱼素食 | yú sù shí | yu suh shyr |
| Low-fat diet | 低脂饮食 | dī zhī yǐn shí | di jy yiin shyr |
| Mediterranean diet | 地中海饮食 | dì zhōng hǎi yǐn shí | dih jong hae yiin shyr |
| Intermittent fasting | 间歇性禁食 | jiàn xiē xìng jìn shí | jiann shie shinq jinn shyr |
| Raw food diet | 生食饮食 | shēng shí yǐn shí | sheng shyr yiin shyr |
| Sugar-free diet | 无糖饮食 | wú táng yǐn shí | wu tarng yiin shyr |
| High-protein diet | 高蛋白饮食 | gāo dàn bái yǐn shí | gau dann bair yiin shyr |
| Nut-free diet | 无坚果饮食 | wú jiān guǒ yǐn shí | wu jian guoo yiin shyr |
The concept of the five key flavors is fundamental in culinary traditions around the world. China places a significant emphasis on balancing these tastes to achieve harmony in a dish. The five key flavors — sweet, sour, bitter, spicy and salty — interact with each other to enhance the overall sensory experience of a meal.
![\"Enjoying](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltffb5d30b868888b5/665442d05e8e951097353fc1/china_696300508.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Eastern regions of China, including Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, and Guangdong provinces, tend to favor sweet flavors. Traditional Chinese medicine asserts that sweetness can “tone the body,” improve mood and mitigate illness. This preference has led to a cuisine that emphasizes sweeter, lighter, and more tender flavors, using seasonings like sugar, honey, and jams to enhance dishes and counterbalance stronger tastes.
Sourness is favored in southern China, especially among minority communities in Guangxi, Guizhou, and Yunnan, as well as in Shanxi Province. The sour taste, achieved through pickling in vinegar, helps preserve food, reduce waste, aid digestion, and balance inner pH in hard water areas. This flavor is celebrated for its ability to refresh the palate, stimulate appetite, and complement the region’s diverse agricultural products.
Bitterness, the least common of the five flavors, is associated with Chinese medicinal food. Incorporating slight bitterness into dishes can enhance their freshness and appeal, stimulating the appetite and clearing “heat” from the body. Though rarely used alone, bitterness in Chinese cooking demonstrates the holistic approach to food and health, where taste and medicinal benefits are intertwined, adding depth to the culinary experience.
Central and Southern China — particularly Sichuan and Hunan provinces — favor spicy flavors. Spiciness, or “pungent flavor,” helps both stimulate the appetite and expel wind and cold from the body, reduce dampness, and promote qi and blood circulation. The numbing spiciness of Sichuan cuisine, thanks to the Sichuan peppercorn, contrasts with Hunan’s raw heat, showcasing the diverse application of chili peppers to enhance health and comfort in humid climates.
Salty flavors are popular in coastal and northern China, where salt is abundant and cheap. This flavor is essential for dissolving stagnation in the body, but moderation is key. In northern China, the cold climate led to the tradition of preserving vegetables with salt for winter consumption, a practice that continues today despite the availability of fresh produce, illustrating the deep-rooted cultural tradition.
Just as we have a healthy eating pyramid in the West, China has the Chinese Food Guide Pagoda. These are dietary guidelines that help people understand how to organize a healthy diet. There are five levels to the Chinese Food Guide Pagoda:
Cereals and tubers form the base of the Pagoda, providing the majority of dietary energy through carbohydrates. Healthy individuals over two years old should consume a diversified balance of cereals and tubers daily.
This level emphasizes consuming enough fruits and vegetables every day, specifically recommending dark-colored vegetables for their high content of vitamins, phytochemicals, and dietary fiber.
The third level includes proteins like fish, meat, eggs, and tofu. The pagoda recommends moderate consumption of meats, poultry, and other animal proteins. It also encourages choosing fresh sources over processed and preferring lean meat to manage fat intake.
The Pagoda highlights these as excellent sources of protein and calcium. Moderate consumption of these food groups should be part of a regular diet to meet nutritional needs.
The pagoda advises minimal consumption of oil and salt, stressing the importance of balancing these out with other nutritional sources. It also emphasizes the risks associated with high intakes, such as hypertension.
The Pagoda complements a healthy diet with enough water intake and regular exercise to maintain overall health. Typically, inactive adults should consume 7-8 cups daily, but this increases with higher temperatures and physical activity, recommended up to 3 liters daily.
Watching documentaries and YouTube videos about Chinese food and culinary traditions can be a great way to learn about the heritage and history of these foods. A great place to start is the Dianxi Xiaoge YouTube Channel, with over 500 unique videos and over 10 million subscribers. You can sample various aspects of Chinese food culture, from sourcing ingredients to cooking a wide range of regional dishes from scratch and sharing food with family and community members.
Here’s a video from her on how to use soybean to make soymilk, tofu, tofu pudding, dried tofu, and many more soybean products:
We don’t blame you! With so many types of delicious Chinese fare, it’s hard to know where to start. If all the hard work of learning Chinese has left you ravenous, check out our list of over 200 yummy foods in Chinese to help your appetite. And if you’re satisfied with food for now, check out our Mandarin blog to explore even more topics about Chinese culture, language, society and even Chinese calligraphy art!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"False cognates in Spanish","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"150 funny and common false cognates in Spanish and English","url":"/blog/false-cognates-spanish-english","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt17927e6abce3e4a9/664ff6558a6629e7fbb16295/istock-1092703836.jpg"},"post_content":"If you’ve been learning Spanish for a while, then you may have found yourself in the embarrassing situation of assuming you understood a word that sounded similar to English, only to find out it has a totally different meaning! These are what we call false cognates or “false friends.”
\nBut making these types of assumptions is a totally fair thing to do. After all, there are thousands of Spanish cognates that do actually sound like and mean the same thing as their English counterparts.
\nThat’s because both languages have Latin roots, thanks to the Romans who influenced a lot of Europe. But, English has a ton of influence from the Germanic languages, while Spanish remained squarely in the Romance languages camp (plus some Arabic influence). That’s why many words share a similar origin from many centuries ago but have since developed to take different meanings.
\nLet’s take a closer look at Spanish false cognates to learn how to recognize them — and how to avoid making mistakes!
\n![\"Avoid](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltde8ae9f9fb16b9c8/664ff6c11c75b31b6c8e7b38/istock-1124556326.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
\n
Learning about cognates can totally transform your Spanish learning. It’s essentially a quick “cheat” that will help you decipher thousands of words without having to learn them individually. However, not all cognates were created equal, so you have to be careful.
\nA cognate is a word that has a similar form and meaning in two different languages. These words usually come from the same root or origin, which is why they look and sound alike. For example, “information” looks and sounds similar across a ton of languages:
\nOf course, all of these are pronounced differently, but you can easily tell that they all mean the same!
\nA perfect cognate is a word that is spelled exactly the same and has the same meaning in both languages. It’s like finding a twin in a totally different language, and it’s a double win because you don’t have to worry about learning what the word means or how to spell it.
\nDon’t believe in the power of perfect cognates? Here are five examples!
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| Animal | \nAnimal | \nah-nee-mal | \naniˈmal | \n
| Color | \nColor | \nco-lore | \nkoˈloɾ | \n
| Doctor | \nDoctor | \ndoc-tore | \ndokˈtoɾ | \n
| Hospital | \nHospital | \nohs-pee-tall | \nospiˈtal | \n
| Original | \nOriginal | \noh-re-gee-nall | \noɾixiˈnal | \n
\n
A near-perfect cognate is almost the same in both languages, with just a tiny difference in spelling or pronunciation, but the meaning stays the same. Think of them as very close cousins rather than twins.
\nHere are five examples of near-perfect cognates in action!
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| Car | \nCarro | \ncah-ro | \nˈkaro | \n
| Different | \nDiferente | \ndee-feh-rehn-teh | \ndifeˈɾente | \n
| Product | \nProducto | \npro-dooc-toe | \npɾoˈðukto | \n
| Telephone | \nTeléfono | \nteh-leh-fo-no | \nteˈlefono | \n
| Curious | \nCurioso | \ncoo-ree-oh-so | \nkuˈɾjoso | \n
\n
A false cognate, or “false amigo,” is a tricky one. It’s a word that looks or sounds similar in both languages, but the meanings are totally different. Think of them as a deceptive doppelgänger!
\nFor example, “embarazada” might sound a lot like “embarrassed,” right? Turns out, it actually means pregnant! So, watch out next time you want to say “Estoy embarazado.”
\nThese words are totally different, but many Spanish false friends are more nuanced. Many Spanish words have multiple meanings, some that will match the English meaning and some that won’t. Reviewing false friends can help you understand these multiple meanings and avoid potentially embarrassing situations!
\n![\"Funny](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltf1a7da152781bb28/664ff7792dad658342e5320d/istock-1173155760-2.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
\n
Just as there are thousands of real cognates, there are also hundreds and hundreds of false cognates between Spanish and English. You can’t win them all. Fortunately, there are far more “true friends” than false friends out there, so no need to lose all hope!
\nBut for now, you want to keep an eye on the following English-Spanish false cognates:
\n| English | \nFalse cognate in Spanish | \nTranslation of false cognate | \nCorrect Spanish translation | \nHow to use the correct Spanish term in a sentence | \n
| Actual | \nActual | \nRelated to actuary | \nReal | \nEsa historia es real. | \n
| Actually | \nActualmente | \nAt the moment | \nDe hecho | \nDe hecho, me encanta la comida mexicana. | \n
| Adjudicate | \nAdjudicar | \nTo award | \nJuzgar | \nNo debería juzgar a las personas por su apariencia. | \n
| Advertisement | \nAdvertencia | \nA warning | \nAnuncio publicitario | \nVimos un anuncio publicitario en la televisión. | \n
| Advice | \nAviso | \nWarning | \nConsejo | \nNecesito tu consejo para tomar una decisión. | \n
| Affection | \nAfecto | \nFondness | \nCariño | \nLe mostró mucho cariño a su perro. | \n
| Affluence | \nAfluencia | \nInflux | \nRiqueza | \nLa riqueza de esa familia es impresionante. | \n
| Aggregate | \nAgregado / Agregada | \nAttached | \nTotal | \nEl total de la cuenta fue de cien dólares. | \n
| Agony | \nAgonía | \nDying moments | \nAngustia | \nSentía angustia antes del examen. | \n
| Apparent | \nAparente | \nSeeming | \nEvidente | \nEs evidente que estudiaste mucho. | \n
| Application | \nAplicación | \nImplementation | \nSolicitud | \nEnvié una solicitud de empleo. | \n
| Arena | \nArena | \nSand | \nEstadio | \nEl estadio se llenó de fanáticos de futbol. | \n
| Argument | \nArgumento | \nPlot | \nDiscusión | \nTuvieron una discusión sobre política. | \n
| Arm | \nArma | \nWeapon | \nBrazo | \nMe duele el brazo después de levant | \n
| Articulate | \nArticular | \nJoint | \nExpresar claramente | \nEs importante expresar claramente tus ideas en una reunión. | \n
| Assiduous | \nAsiduo | \nRegular | \nDiligente | \nMaría es una trabajadora muy diligente. | \n
| Assist | \nAsistir | \nTo attend | \nAyudar | \n¿Puedes ayudarme con esa tarea? | \n
| Assume | \nAsumir | \nTo take on | \nSuponer | \nPodemos suponer que llegará tarde, como siempre lo hace. | \n
| Attend | \nAtender | \nTo assist | \nEsperar | \nTengo que esperar el autobús durante quince minutos. | \n
| Avocado | \nAbogado / Abogada | \nLawyer | \nAguacate | \nMe gusta agregar aguacate a mi ensalada. | \n
| Bachelor | \nBachiller | \nGraduate | \nSoltero | \nJuan ha estado soltero por tres años. | \n
| Bald | \nBalde | \nBucket | \nCalvo | \nMi tío se volvió calvo a los cuarenta años. | \n
| Ball | \nBala | \nBullet | \nPelota | \nJugamos con la pelota en el parque. | \n
| Bibliografía | \nBiblioteca | \nLibrary | \nBibliografía | \nLa bibliografía del libro incluye más de cien referencias. | \n
| Bigot | \nBigote | \nMustache | \nIntolerante | \nSer intolerante a las opiniones de otros no es correcto. | \n
| Billion | \nBillón | \nTrillion | \nMil millones | \nLa compañía ganó mil millones de dólares el año pasado. | \n
| Bizarre | \nBizarro / Bizarra | \nGallant | \nExtraño | \nAyer vi un animal muy extraño en el bosque. | \n
| Bland | \nBlando / Blanda | \nInsipid | \nInsípido | \nEl arroz quedó insípido porque no le puse sal. | \n
| Blank | \nBlanco | \nWhite | \nEn blanco | \nLa página está en blanco. | \n
| Blessing | \nBlasfemia | \nBlasphemy | \nBendición | \nEl nacimiento del bebé fue toda una bendición. | \n
| Body | \nBoda | \nWedding | \nCuerpo | \nEs importante cuidar tu cuerpo con ejercicio y buena alimentación. | \n
| Bomber | \nBombero / Bombera | \nFirefighter | \nBombardero | \nEl antiguo bombardero ahora está en un museo de aviación. | \n
| Brave | \nBravo | \nFierce | \nValiente | \nEl bombero fue muy valiente al rescatar al niño del incendio. | \n
| Camp | \nCampo | \nCampamento | \nCampamento | \nFuimos de campamento en las montañas el verano pasado. | \n
| Candid | \nCándido / Cándida | \nNaive | \nFranco | \nNecesito ser franco contigo, no siempre he dicho la verdad. | \n
| Candor | \nCandor | \nInnocence | \nFranqueza | \nMe agrada que puedas hablar conmigo con tanta franqueza. | \n
| Career | \nCarrera | \nRace | \nProfesión | \nMi profesión es la ingeniería civil. | \n
| Carpet | \nCarpeta | \nFile | \nAlfombra | \nCompré una alfombra nueva para la sala de estar. | \n
| Cartoon | \nCartón | \nCardboard | \nCaricatura | \nLa caricatura del presidente en el periódico fue muy divertida. | \n
| Casket | \nCasquete | \nSkullcap | \nAtaúd | \nEl ataúd estaba decorado con flores hermosas. | \n
| Casserole | \nCacerola | \nPan | \nGuiso | \nMi abuela preparó un delicioso guiso de pollo. | \n
| Casualty | \nCasualidad | \nCoincidence | \nVíctima | \nLa víctima del accidente fue trasladada al hospital de inmediato. | \n
| Choke | \nChocar | \nTo crash | \nAhogar | \nEs peligroso nadar en el río sin supervisión, podrías ahogarte. | \n
| City | \nCita | \nAppointment | \nCiudad | \nMadrid es una ciudad llena de cultura e historia. | \n
| Code | \nCodo | \nElbow | \nCódigo | \nNecesitas el código de acceso para entrar al edificio. | \n
| Collateral | \nColateral | \nOn both sides | \nGarantía | \nEste producto viene con una garantía de dos años | \n
| College | \nColegio | \nPrivate school | \nUniversidad | \nMi hermana estudia medicina en la universidad. | \n
| Commodity | \nComodidad | \nComfort | \nMercancía | \nLa mercancía llegó al puerto esta mañana. | \n
| Comprehensive | \nComprensivo / Comprensiva | \nUnderstanding | \nIntegral | \nLa educación integral es clave para el desarrollo de los niños. | \n
| Compromise | \nCompromiso | \nCommitment | \nComprometerse | \nDecidimos comprometernos a reducir nuestro impacto ambiental. | \n
| Concur | \nConcurrir | \nTo compete | \nCoincidir | \nNuestras opiniones suelen coincidir en la mayoría de los temas. | \n
| Confection | \nConfección | \nMaking | \nDulce | \nEl pastel estaba muy dulce, perfecto para mi gusto. | \n
| Conform | \nConformarse | \nTo be satisfied | \nAjustarse | \nTienes que ajustarte a las nuevas reglas de la empresa. | \n
| Confounded | \nConfundido / Confundida | \nConfused | \nDesconcertado / Desconcertada | \nMe sentí desconcertado por su repentina partida. | \n
| Conspicuous | \nConspicuo / Conspicua | \nPrestigious | \nLlamativo | \nEl vestido rojo fue muy llamativo en la fiesta. | \n
| Constipated | \nConstipado / Constipada | \nTo have a cold | \nEstreñido / Estreñida | \nSi estás estreñido, deberías comer más fibra. | \n
| Construe | \nConstruir | \nTo build | \nInterpretar | \nLa actriz supo interpretar su papel a la perfección. | \n
| Contend | \nContender | \nTo confront | \nLuchar | \nTenemos que luchar por nuestros derechos. | \n
| Contest | \nContestar | \nTo reply | \nConcurso | \nGané el primer premio en el concurso de fotografía. | \n
| Costume | \nCostumbre | \nHabit | \nDisfraz | \nMe puse un disfraz de superhéroe. | \n
| Curse | \nCurso | \nCourse | \nMaldición | \nLa bruja lanzó una maldición. | \n
| Deception | \nDecepción | \nDisappointment | \nEngaño | \nEl engaño fue descubierto en el concurso de fotografía. | \n
| Delete | \nDelito | \nCrime | \nBorrar | \nNecesito borrar algunos archivos para liberar espacio en mi computadora. | \n
| Delight | \nDelito | \nCrime | \nDeleite | \nLeer ese libro fue un deleite. | \n
| Delinquent | \nDelincuente | \nCriminal | \nMoroso | \nEl cliente moroso finalmente pagó su deuda. | \n
| Destitution | \nDestitución | \nDismissal | \nPobreza | \nLa pobreza es un problema que debemos abordar con urgencia. | \n
| Dilapidated | \nDilapidar | \nSquander | \nDeteriorado | \nEl edificio estaba muy deteriorado y necesitaba reparaciones. | \n
| Discharge | \nDescargar | \nDownload | \nDar de alta | \nEl doctor decidió dar de alta al paciente después de una rápida recuperación. | \n
| Disgrace | \nDesgracia | \nMisfortune | \nVergüenza | \nSentí vergüenza cuando me caí. | \n
| Disgusted | \nDisgustado / Disgustada | \nUpset | \nAsqueado | \nMe sentí asqueado al ver la comida en mal estado. | \n
| Dismay | \nDesmayo | \nFaint | \nConsternación | \nLa noticia causó gran consternación entre los vecinos. | \n
| Diverted | \nDivertido / Divertida | \nFun | \nDesviado | \nEl tráfico fue desviado debido a un accidente en la carretera. | \n
| Educated | \nEducado | \nPolite | \nCulto / Culta\n \n | \n Juan es muy culto y le encanta leer. | \n
| Embarassed | \nEmbarazada | \nPregnant | \nAvergonzado / Avergonzada | \nMe sentí avergonzado por mi error en la presentación. | \n
| Empress | \nEmpresa | \nCompany | \nEmperatriz | \nLa emperatriz gobernó su país con sabiduría y justicia. | \n
| Envy | \nEnviar | \nTo send | \nEnvidia | \nSiento envidia de su capacidad de aprender idiomas rápidamente. | \n
| Espy | \nEspiar | \nTo spy | \nDivisar | \nDesde la cima de la colina se puede divisar el océano. | \n
| Eventual | \nEventual | \nTemporary | \nFinal | \nAl final del día, todos estaban cansados pero contentos. | \n
| Eventually | \nEventualmente | \nOccasionally | \nFinalmente | \nFinalmente terminé mi tarea. | \n
| Exit | \nÉxito | \nSuccess | \nSalir | \nDecidimos salir a cenar para celebrar el cumpleaños de Juan. | \n
| Fabric | \nFábrica | \nFactory | \nTela | \nCompré una hermosa tela para hacer cortinas nuevas. | \n
| Fabricate | \nFabricar | \nTo manufacture | \nInventar | \nA los niños les encanta inventar historias fantásticas. | \n
| Facility | \nFacilidad | \nEase | \nInstalación | \nLa nueva instalación deportiva estará abierta al público la próxima semana. | \n
| Faculty | \nFacultad | \nPower | \nProfesores | \nLos profesores de la universidad son muy dedicados a sus estudiantes. | \n
| Fastidious | \nFastidioso / Fastidiosa | \nAnnoying | \nMeticuloso | \nEl trabajo de un relojero debe ser muy meticuloso. | \n
| Figure | \nFigura | \nShape | \nNúmero | \nPor favor, escribe tu número de teléfono en este formulario. | \n
| Firm | \nFirma | \nSignature | \nCompañía | \nLa compañía ha estado en el negocio por más de cincuenta años. | \n
| Form | \nForma | \nShape | \nFormulario | \nNecesito que llenes este formulario con tu información personal. | \n
| Fume | \nFumar | \nTo smoke | \nHumo | \nHay mucho humo en la cocina. | \n
| Genial | \nGenial | \nCool | \nAgradable | \nFue muy agradable pasar el día en la playa con mis amigas. | \n
| Gracious | \nGracioso / Graciosa | \nFunny | \nCortés | \nEs importante ser cortés con todas las personas, independientemente de su posición. | \n
| Grand | \nGrande | \nBig | \nGrandioso | \nEl concierto de anoche fue realmente grandioso. | \n
| Gratuity | \nGratuito / Gratuita | \nFree | \nPropina | \nDejamos una buena propina por el excelente servicio del restaurante. | \n
| Groceries | \nGroserías | \nCurse words | \nComestibles | \nNecesitamos comprar comestibles para la cena. | \n
| Injure | \nInjuriar | \nTo insult | \nLesionar | \nDeja de jugar con eso, te vas a lesionar. | \n
| Integral | \nIntegral | \nComprehensive | \nEsencial | \nEs esencial tomar suficiente agua todos los días. | \n
| Intent | \nIntento | \nTo try | \nIntención | \nMi intención es terminar el proyecto antes de la fecha límite. | \n
| Intern | \nInternar | \nTo stay at a hospital | \nPasante | \nEl pasante aprendió mucho durante su tiempo en la empresa. | \n
| Intoxicate | \nIntoxicarse | \nTo get food poisoning | \nEmborrachar | \nNo deberías emborracharte si quieres manejar después. | \n
| Invidious | \nEnvidioso / Envidiosa | \nJealous | \nEnvidioso | \nNo seas envidioso de los éxitos de los demás, trabaja por los tuyos. | \n
| Involve | \nInvolucrar | \nTo include | \nImplicar | \nEsto puede implicar cambios en el plan | \n
| Jubilant | \nJubilado | \nRetired | \nEufórico | \nEstaba eufórico después de ganar el partido. | \n
| Large | \nLargo / Larga | \nLong | \nGrande | \nCompramos una casa grande en las afueras de la ciudad. | \n
| Lecture | \nLectura | \nReading | \nConferencia | \nAsistí a una conferencia sobre la tecnología e inovación. | \n
| Library | \nLibrería | \nBookstore | \nBiblioteca | \nLa biblioteca tiene una gran colección de libros antiguos. | \n
| Literate | \nLiterato / Literata | \nWriter | \nAlfabetizado | \nEs fundamental que todos los niños sean alfabetizados desde temprana edad. | \n
| Lunatic | \nLunático | \nMoody | \nLoco | \nA veces mi hermano actúa como loco. | \n
| Mayor | \nMayor | \nOlder | \nAlcalde | \nEl alcalde dio un discurso hoy. | \n
| Media | \nMedia | \nSock | \nMedios | \nLos medios reportaron la noticia. | \n
| Minority | \nMinorista | \nRetailer | \nMinoría | \nSolo una minoría de la población votó en contra de la nueva ley. | \n
| Molest | \nMolestar | \nTo bother | \nAbusar sexualmente | \nEs crucial educar a los niños sobre cómo reconocer y denunciar si alguien intenta abusar sexualmente de ellos. | \n
| Notice | \nNoticia | \nNews | \nAviso | \nRecibí un aviso de la escuela. | \n
| Nude | \nNudo | \nKnot | \nDesnudo | \nEl bebé estaba desnudo después de salir del baño. | \n
| Occasion | \nOcasionar | \nTo cause | \nOcasión | \nEs una ocasión especial. | \n
| Once | \nOnce | \nEleven | \nUna vez | \nSolo lo hice una vez. | \n
| Parade | \nParada | \nStop | \nDesfile | \nEl desfile de carnaval trajo a miles de espectadores. | \n
| Parent | \nPariente | \nRelative | \nPadre / Madre | \nMi padre es ingeniero y mi madre es profesora. | \n
| Parsimonious | \nParsimonioso / Parsimoniosa | \nTardy | \nTacaño | \nNo seas tacaño, a veces es bueno gastar en lo que disfrutes. | \n
| Policy | \nPolicía | \nPolice | \nPolítica | \nEl nuevo gobierno adoptó una política feminista. | \n
| Preservative | \nPreservativo / Preservativa | \nContraceptive | \nConservante | \nEste alimento no contiene ningún conservante artificial. | \n
| Qualification | \nCalificación | \nGrade | \nRequisito | \nTener un título universitario es un requisito para el puesto. | \n
| Realize | \nRealizar | \nTo carry out | \nDarse cuenta | \nMe di cuenta de que había olvidado mis llaves en casa. | \n
| Remove | \nRemover | \nTo stir | \nQuitar | \n¿Puedes quitar esa caja de la mesa? | \n
| Rope | \nRopa | \nClothes | \nCuerda | \nNecesito una cuerda para amarrar estos paquetes. | \n
| Sane | \nSano / Sana | \nHealthy | \nSensato / Sensata | \nTomaste una decisión muy sensata al aceptar el trabajo. | \n
| Sensible | \nSensible | \nSensitive | \nRazonable | \nEl precio de esta casa es muy razonable para la zona. | \n
| Sin | \nSin | \nWithout | \nPecado | \nMentir es un pecado. | \n
| Soap | \nSopa | \nSoup | \nJabón | \nLávate las manos con jabón antes de comer. | \n
| Spade | \nEspada | \nSword | \nPala | \nNecesito una pala para el jardín. | \n
| Spine | \nEspina | \nThorn | \nColumna vertebral | \nLa columna vertebral es una parte fundamental del cuerpo humano. | \n
| Success | \nSuceso | \nEvent | \nÉxito | \nSu libro fue un gran éxito. | \n
| Support | \nSoportar | \nTo put up with | \nApoyo | \nNecesito tu apoyo en este proyecto. | \n
| Sympathetic | \nSimpático / Simpática | \nFunny | \nCompasivo | \nEl doctor fue muy compasivo con sus pacientes. | \n
| Syndicate | \nSindicato | \nUnion | \nAsociación | \nLa asociación de vecinos organiza eventos comunitarios. | \n
| Target | \nTarjeta | \nCard | \nObjetivo | \nMi objetivo es aprender español. | \n
| To Attain | \nAtar | \nTo tie | \nLograr | \nSigue adelante, yo sé que lo vas a lograr. | \n
| To bark | \nBarco | \nBoat | \nLadrar | \nEl perro no deja de ladrar. | \n
| To complain | \nComplacer | \nTo please | \nQuejarse | \nEsa amiga siempre me marca solo para quejarse. | \n
| To embrace | \nEmbarazar | \nTo impregnate | \nAbrazar | \nMe gusta abrazar a mi mamá. | \n
| To introduce | \nIntroducir | \nTo insert | \nPresentar | \nQuiero presentar a mi amiga Ana a todo el grupo. | \n
| To pretend | \nPretender | \nTo intend | \nFingir | \nNo me gusta fingir que estoy feliz | \n
| To quit | \nQuitar | \nTo remove | \nRenunciar | \nDecidió renunciar a su trabajo. | \n
| To record | \nRecordar | \nTo remember | \nGrabar | \nQuiero grabar este momento especial. | \n
| To resign | \nResignar | \nTo resign oneself | \nRenunciar | \nVoy a renunciar a mi trabajo para estudiar un doctorado. | \n
| To resume | \nResumir | \nTo summarize | \nReanudar | \nVamos a reanudar la reunión después del almuerzo. | \n
| Topic | \nTópico / Tópica | \nTopical | \nTema | \nEl tema de la reunión de hoy es la sostenibilidad ambiental. | \n
| Tramp | \nTrampa | \nTrap | \nVagabundo | \nVimos a un vagabundo en la calle. | \n
| Ultimate | \nÚltimo | \nLast | \nFinal | \nEsta es la película final de una trilogía. | \n
| Validate | \nValorar | \nTo value | \nValidar | \nTienes que validar tu boleto antes de entrar. | \n
| Violate | \nViolar | \nTo rape | \nInfringir | \nNo debemos infringir las leyes si queremos vivir en armonía. | \n
\n
Now, just because we gave you a list of 150 false friends in Spanish doesn’t mean you should go out and try to memorize every single one. The point is to show you that false friends are out there and are more common than you might think, but rote memorization wouldn’t be a good use of your time here. Instead, try following these tips to avoid mistakes with false friends:
\n![\"Learn](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt62995d41b84b13eb/664ffd1a5937a0ceeb21678e/istock-1160244847.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
When you come across a word that looks similar to an English word, don’t assume it means the same thing. Take a moment to look it up in a dictionary to confirm that it’s indeed a real cognate and not a false friend!
\nTry to learn new vocabulary in context. Reading sentences or short paragraphs where the word is used correctly will help you remember its true meaning and usage, even if it sounds just like another English word.
\nTry to speak with natives as much as you can! They can help correct you in real-time and explain nuances that you might not find in a textbook. For example, “violar” in Spanish has the same meaning as “to violate” in English when it comes to violating human rights or violating laws, but it can also mean “to sexually assault.”
\nThere are some false friends that trip up learners frequently. If you’re looking for a list of Spanish false cognates worth memorizing, then this is it:
\n| English | \nSpanish false friend | \nWhat it actually means | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| Actual | \nActual | \nReal | \nac-too-all | \nakˈtwal | \n
| Sensible | \nSensible | \nSensitive | \nsehn-see-bleh | \nsenˈsiβle | \n
| Embarrassed | \nEmbarazada | \nPregnant | \nehm-bah-rah-za-dah | \nembaɾaˈθaða | \n
| Assist | \nAsistir | \nTo attend | \nah-sees-teer | \nasisˈtiɾ | \n
| Rope | \nRopa | \nClothes | \nro-pah | \nˈropa | \n
| Exit | \nÉxito | \nSuccess | \nex-e-toe | \nˈeksito | \n
| Realize | \nRealizar | \nTo accomplish | \nreh-ah-lee-zar | \nrealiˈθaɾ | \n
| Introduce | \nIntroducir | \nTo insert | \nin-tro-doo-seehr | \nintɾoðuˈθiɾ | \n
| Constipated | \nConstipado | \nHaving a cold | \nkohns-tee-pah-doe | \nkonstiˈpaðo | \n
| Molest | \nMolestar | \nTo bother | \nmo-less-tar | \nmolesˈtaɾ | \n
When in doubt, ask! Whether it’s your teacher, a language partner, or a forum, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. It’s always better to ask and learn than to guess and be wrong.
\nBy following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to deal with those tricky false friends and stop making foreign speaker mistakes!
\n\n
Learning these false cognates in Spanish won’t necessarily grow your vocabulary, but it will help you avoid making critical mistakes. This is especially important if you’re approaching an intermediate or advanced Spanish level and want to avoid making those mistakes that will show that you’re not a native speaker. Need to write a letter in Spanish or ace your Spanish job interview? Then always double-check that you’re not making any of these easy mistakes!
\nFor even more helpful tips for learning Spanish, check out our Spanish blog. We constantly publish tons of helpful content, like our recent guide to mastering tú vs. usted and culture guides on Mexico, Spain, and Colombia.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Colombian culture","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"Colombian culture: A guide to traditions, history, customs & more","url":"/blog/colombian-culture-traditions-customs-history-arts-festivals","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt36ce346cd5d07206/664dae9776a5b561b431ca88/pexels-alejandro-neira-111152688-13530377.jpg"},"post_content":"This post delves into the rich cultural tapestry of Colombia, exploring its traditions, historical influences, and vibrant arts scene, along with notable festivals.
\n\nColombia is the third Spanish-speaking country with the most speakers, right after Mexico and the United States, with over 51 million people. As a Spanish learner, you’ll have the experience of expertly navigating this beautiful country and interacting with its millions of people — all in their native language.
\nThis is an incredible opportunity, as Colombia is a beautiful country with countless unmissable sights, succulent dishes, exotic fruits, coffee types, and so much more. Whether you’re a fan of Colombian music or simply appreciate their festive style, this country really can captivate any visitor.
\nWith thousands of years of history and incredible cultural and geographic diversity, we’ve got a ton of ground to cover. Let’s take a look at everything Colombia has to offer!
\n\n
\n
Colombian history is fascinating — and how could it not be, with local indigenous groups inhabiting the region since at least 12,000 BCE! These ancient civilizations helped shape the Colombian identity today, which was then drastically changed during the Spanish conquest of the 16th century. Let’s take a closer look:
\n![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt60f00e123238b41a/664e7d68707c06cad482209a/pexels-carlos-zuluaga-477357444-15989824.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Colombia’s pre-conquest era was marked by the presence of many indigenous groups, each with its own culture, social structure, and technological developments. These societies were well-established and still contribute significantly to the cultural heritage today. Here are some
\nLocation: Altiplano Cundiboyacense, the high plateau in the Eastern Range of the Colombian Andes
\nLanguage: Chibchan family, also known as Muysccubun
\nOne of the most advanced civilizations in ancient Colombia, the Muisca were known for their intricate goldwork, which played a significant role in their social and religious rituals. You might be familiar with the legend of El Dorado, which originally referred to a Muisca tribal chief who adorned himself with gold dust. Eventually, the legend developed into a legendary golden city, prompting numerous European explorers to hunt for this legendary city on a quest for immense riches.
\nThe Muisca economy was based on agriculture, salt mining, and trade, and they had a complex societal structure with a rigid class system. Their political organization was a confederation of various chiefs (caciques), which included the territories of modern-day Bogota, Tunja, and other areas.
\nLocation: The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Northern Colombia
\nLanguage: Chibchan language family
\nThe Tairona were recognized for their elaborate stone constructions, terraced fields, and finely crafted gold and pottery items. Their villages were well organized, with small stone platforms and round houses. The Tairona society was highly stratified and ruled by a priest chief with considerable religious and political power. They were also skilled engineers who constructed extensive irrigation systems and pathways in the
\nLocation: The territory of present-day Quindío, Caldas, and parts of Risaralda in western Colombia
\nLanguage: Chicbchan family
\nThe Quimbaya are particularly renowned for their goldsmithing skills, as evidenced by artifacts like the famous Quinbaya airplane figurines, which some suspect represent an ancient knowledge of aerodynamics. The Quimbaya civilization was noted for its elaborate burial rituals, which included offerings of gold objects, ceramics, and textiles.
\nLocation: Along the Sinú and San Jorge rivers in present-day Córdoba and Sucre departments
\nLanguage: Specifics are not well documented, but it is likely a member of the Cariban language family
\nThe Zenú were excellent hydraulic engineers who constructed an extensive network of canals for transportation, irrigation, and flood control, supporting an economy based on agriculture and gold weaving. Their social organization was highly developed, with a central government that managed economic activities and social welfare.
\nLocation: Western parts of Colombia in the Cauca River Valley region in present-day Valle del Cauca department.
Language: Details of the language are unclear, but it is likely part of the Barbacoan language
The Calima culture is known for its gold ornaments, sophisticated pottery, and weaving skills. It’s divided into three periods: llama, Yotoco, and Sonso, each marked by distinctive artistic and technological advancements. The Calima were primarily agriculturalists known for their elaborate burial sites, which contained lots of gold, pottery, and other symbolic goods.
\nThe Spanish conquest began in the early 16th century, led by explorers Alonso de Ojeda and Rodrigo de Bastidas. The establishment of Santa Marta in 1525 and Bogotá in 1538 marked the beginning of almost three centuries of colonial life.
\nSpanish colonization brought about significant cultural and social changes, introducing Catholicism as the leading religion. The colonial period also introduced African slaves, whose influence is particularly noted in Colombia’s music and cuisine to this day. This gave rise to a unique Afro-Colombian culture that is particularly vibrant along the Pacific coast and in cities like Cartagena.
\nColombia, along with many other Latin American nations, achieved independence from Spain in the 19th century under the leadership of Simón Bolívar. After a series of battles beginning in 1810, Colombia achieved its independence in 1819.
\nThe post-independence era was marked by political instability and regional conflicts, but it also paved the way for the establishment of a republic. This period created a sense of national identity and inspired cultural expressions like literature and art, setting the scene for the establishment of the new nation.
\nAfter the establishment of Colombia as a sovereign country in the 19th century, the 20th century was a period of challenges and progress. Notably, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) became a significant issue to the country’s well-being in the middle of the 20th century. FARC was established in 1964 as a Marxist-Leninist guerrilla group that tried to overthrow the Colombian government and was involved in a number of armed conflicts against the Colombian state. This contributed to a prolonged and complex internal conflict that deeply affected Colombia’s social and political landscape.
\nThere has since been a stark improvement in the stability of domestic affairs and overall public safety. Cities like Medellín, once known for notorious violence, have transformed into hubs of culture and innovation. The Colombian government's efforts to promote peace and restore stability have encouraged a resurgence of cultural activities, including festivals like the Flower Festival and Barranquilla’s Carnival, which are recognized worldwide. This history of colonization, followed by the independence struggle and period of domestic strife, showcases the Colombian people’s resilience and commitment to creating a prosperous country.
\n\n
Colombia is a country of incredible diversity, not only culturally but also geographically. From dense rainforests and towering mountains to sun-soaked beaches and vast plains, each region of Colombia offers unique landscapes and distinct traditions. Here’s a look at some key regions:
\n![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltd36b32afb01e4e5e/664e80db8a0182206e14d4cf/Columbian-landscape.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Population: 1.1 million
\nLargest city: Leticia
\nThe Colombian Amazon region covers almost one-third of the country yet is sparsely populated. This vast area is known for its rich biodiversity and dense rainforests, housing thousands of species of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic. It’s part of the Amazon Basin, which is crucial for global ecology and plays a vital role in Earth’s oxygen and carbon cycles.
\nPopulation: 37 million
\nLargest city: Bogotá
\nThe Andean region is Colombia's heartland, home to the majority of the population and the most developed cities, including Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. The region is characterized by the Andes mountain range, which influences its climate and agriculture, making it the country's economic and cultural hub. The area is known for its rich history, cultural festivals, and contributions to Colombian coffee production.
\nPopulation: 10 million
\nLargest city: Barranquilla
\nThe Caribbean region of Colombia is famous for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and the vibrant city of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and walls. The region has a strong African influence, which is reflected in its music, dance, and festivals, such as the Carnival of Barranquilla, one of the biggest carnivals in the world.
\nPopulation: 60,000
\nLargest city: San Andrés
\nColombia’s Insular region includes the islands of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina in the Caribbean Sea. These islands are famous for their beautiful beaches, rich coral reefs, and unique Raizal culture, which blends Caribbean, African, and British influences. The region is a popular tourist destination known for diving, snorkeling, and its relaxed, tropical atmosphere.
\nPopulation: 1.8 million
\nLargest city: Villavicencio
\nAlso known as the Eastern Plains, the Orinoquía region is characterized by vast savannas and the powerful Orinoco River. This less traveled area boasts a unique beauty with its llanos (plains), which host an astonishing variety of wildlife and are used for extensive cattle ranching. It’s also home to the annual Joropo Festival, which celebrates the region's traditional music and dance.
\nPopulation: 1.5 million
\nLargest city: Buenaventura
\nThe Pacific region of Colombia is known for its dense rainforest, biodiversity, and Afro-Colombian culture. It’s one of the wettest places on Earth, which supports its lush vegetation. The region is culturally rich, with music like the currulao, which embodies a mix of African rhythms and indigenous influences. Despite its natural beauty, it remains one of the less developed and more remote areas of the country, offering virgin landscapes and a strong sense of community among its inhabitants.
\n\n
Colombia’s diversity is expressed through its many music and dance traditions. From the enchanting rhythms of cumbia and vallenato to the global beats of modern artists like Shakira and J Balvin, Colombian music and dance embodies an exciting blend of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences. These cultural expressions not only entertain but also celebrate and preserve Colombia’s unique heritage. Let’s take a look at a few key Colombian dances and music styles:
\n![\"Columbian](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt5c0c210fc30e92ac/664e7e33f5cbb7175e8a14cf/Columbian-dance.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Cumbia is one of Colombia's most emblematic musical genres from its Caribbean coast. Its roots can be traced back to the colonial period, and this music style blends indigenous, African, and Spanish influences. Traditional cumbia instruments like the garita (indigenous flute), drums, and maracas are often accompanied by dancers in colorful, flowing costumes. The dance itself, which is a subtle courtship dance performed with a candle in hand, reflects the blend of cultures that have shaped not only the region but also the entire country.
\nVallenato, originating from the Valledupar region in the Caribbean, is another key component of Colombia’s rich music scene. This UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage involves the accordion, caja vallenata (a small drum), and guacharaca (a percussive scraper). Vallenato’s lyrics often narrate stories of love, folklore, and history, making it a musical genre that is both deeply personal and expansively cultural. Legends like Carlos Vives have popularized vallenato globally by infusing it with pop influences.
\nWhile salsa music is often associated with countries like Cuba and Puerto Rico, Colombia has its unique style. The city of Cali is especially famous for its salsa dances, as it’s known as the “Salsa Capital of the World.” Colombian salsa is faster and incorporates intricate footwork, making Cali one of the main hubs for salsa dance worldwide. The annual Feria de Cali (Cali Fair) features salsa music heavily, drawing visitors from all over the world.
\nMapalé is another traditional dance with African roots characterized by its fast pace and energetic movements. It was named after a fish found in local waters known for its quick movements. The dance is often performed during Carnival and is a powerful expression of resistance and survival, showcasing the strength and resilience of Afro-Colombian cultures.
\nThe contemporary music scene in Colombia is vibrant and diverse, thanks to world-famous artists like Shakira, Maluma, and J Balvin, who have brought Colombian music to the international stage. These artists blend traditional Colombian sounds with modern genres like pop, rock, and reggaeton to showcase Colombian sounds to a wider audience.
\nSome of the most famous Colombian singers are:
\n![\"Columbian](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt773399debc41b6ef/664e804f707c060f1a8220a3/Columbian_music.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
From Barranquilla, Shakira is known for her blend of Latin, rock, and Arabic musical influences. Her dynamic hip movements and distinctive voice have made her a global pop sensation, with classic hits like “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Whenever, wherever.”
\nSide note: Did you know that Shakira releases most of her music in both Spanish and English? It’s true! So, if you’re a fan of any of her English music, you can learn Spanish by listening to her songs.
\nFrom Medellín, Maluma has gained international fame with his reggaeton and Latin trap music. Known for hits like “Felices lo 4” and collaborations with artists like Shakira, he embodies Colombia's lively and emotive music scene.
\nAnother Medellín star, J Balvin, has been instrumental in popularizing reggaeton globally. His style is colorful and energetic, and he is known for hits like “Mi Gente” and “Ay Vamos.” Balvin has pushed Latin music to new territories, often incorporating genres like reggae and hip-hop.
\nAlso from Medellín, Karol G is a leading figure in the Latin music industry, known for her powerful voice and bold persona. Hits like “Tusa” and “Ahora Me Llama” have solidified her status as a reggaeton and Latin trap powerhouse, promoting female empowerment through her music.
\nYet another superstar from Medellín, Juanes mixes rock with traditional Colombian folk elements. His socially conscious lyrics and catchy melodies are showcased in songs like “La Camisa Negra” and “A Dios le Pido.” Juanes is a Grammy-winning artist and is considered to be a global ambassador for Latin Music.
\n\n
Colombian cuisine reflects the country’s diverse cultural heritage, featuring a blend of indigenous, Spanish, African, and Arab influences. The rich flavors and varied ingredients found across Colombia’s diverse regions — from the Amazon rainforest to the coastal areas and highland regions — contribute to a beloved culinary scene. Staple ingredients include corn, potatoes, various meats, and tropical fruits, combining to create some of the most interesting and delicious dishes in the world.
\n![\"Bandeja](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blta8a0420139963f15/664e828379abeea6143d2f14/Bandeja-Paisa.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Here are 10 of the most popular and emblematic Colombian dishes:
\n| Dish name | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \nDescription | \n
| Bandeja Paisa | \nbanˈdexa ˈpajsa | \nbahn-deh-hah pah-e-sah | \nConsidered the national dish, this hearty platter includes beans, rice, chorizo, pork rind, fried egg, plantain, avocado, and an arepa. | \n
| Ajiaco | \naˈxjako | \nah-he-ah-co | \nA flavorful soup made with chicken, three types of potatoes, and the guasca herb, served with capers, cream, and avocado. | \n
| Arepa | \naˈɾepa | \nah-reh-pah | \nA versatile corn cake that can be grilled, baked, or fried and is often topped or stuffed with cheese, meat or eggs. | \n
| Sancocho | \nsanˈkoʧo | \nsahn-co-cho | \nA traditional stew made with chicken, plantain, corn, potatoes, and yuca. | \n
| Empanada | \nempaˈnaða | \nehm-pah-nah-da | \nFried or baked pastries filled with meat, vegetables, cheese, or spices. | \n
| Tamales | \ntaˈmales | \ntah-ma-less | \nCorn dough stuffed with various ingredients like meats, vegetables, and spices, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. | \n
| Lechona | \nleˈʧona | \nleh-cho-na | \nSlow-roasted suckling pig stuffed with rice, peas, and spices, typically cooked for a long time. | \n
| Arroz con pollo | \naˈroθ kom ˈpoʝo | \nah-roz kohn poh-yo | \nA classic dish of rice and chicken mixed with vegetables and seasoned with a light tomato sauce. | \n
| Sobrebarriga | \nsoβɾeβaˈriɣa | \nso-breh-bah-ree-gah | \nSlow-cooked flank steak, often braised in a tomato and onion sauce, making it tender and flavorful. Typically served with potatoes and yuca. | \n
| Fritanga | \nfɾiˈtanɡa | \nfree-tahn-ga | \nA mixed grilled platter of meats, including sausages, ribs, and chicharrón, often served with potatoes and arepas. | \n
\n
No matter where you live, you’ve definitely heard and maybe even tasted delicious Colombian coffee. But beyond being one of the country’s biggest exports, coffee holds an integral part to the Colombian national identity, serving as a daily ritual and a strong symbol of hospitality. Known for its smooth, rich flavor, Colombian coffee is a source of national pride and a key element of daily life. Every morning across the country, millions of people wake up to the comforting scent of freshly brewed coffee.
\nThis ritual not only kick-starts the day but also strengthens social bonds, as sharing a cup of coffee — un tintico, as it’s often called — is considered a gesture of welcome and friendship. It’s common for hosts to offer a cup of coffee to guests, regardless of the time of day. This is seen as a profound way of expressing kindness and respect, both in business and social settings alike. If you’re learning business Spanish, then you can expect your business meetings in Colombia to always include some freshly brewed Colombian coffee to foster a warm and conducive environment for conversation and negotiation.
\nThe Coffee Triangle, or Eje Cafetero, region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encapsulates the heart of the country’s coffee culture. It encompasses the departments of Caldas, Quindío, and Risaralda, and this region is renowned for its ideal coffee-growing conditions: rich soil, high altitude, and a favorable climate.
\n![\"Worker](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blta5c3e9edb39457aa/664e834868f430223034a267/Columbian-coffee.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Coffee is the centerpiece of local cuisine and festivities in this region. Beyond the brew, coffee finds its way into several aspects of Colombian cuisine, including marinades for meats, desserts like coffee-flavored cakes and cream, and even artisanal liquors. Coffee-themed festivals and fairs in the Eje Cafetero celebrate the harvest and its economic and cultural contributions to the country.
\nAdditionally, the coffee farms in the region function as community hubs, where local issues are discussed, and community ties are strengthened over cups of coffee. These farms not only support the local economy but also serve as social spaces that uphold the cultural heritage associated with Colombian coffee. If you’re thinking about visiting, many coffee plantations also offer guided tours to help you learn more about how coffee beans are harvested and how these farms play into the local culture.
\n\n
Colombian festivals are exciting celebrations of the country’s cultural heritage, combining indigenous, African, and Spanish influences. These celebrations, characterized by explosive parades, lively music, and elaborate dances, play a crucial role in preserving cultural traditions and fostering a sense of national identity and pride.
\nHere are some of the most important festivals in Colombia:
\n![\"Carnaval](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt0942ec6fcaf9bd50/664e845078533944e79e5b24/Carnaval-de-Barranquilla.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
When: Just before Lent, typically in February or March
\nWhere: Barranquilla
\nOne of the most famous celebrations in Colombia, the Carnival of Barranquilla is known for its spectacular parades, elaborate costumes, and the rhythmic music of cumbia, salsa, and reggaeton. This festival welcomes Lent in a decadent and extravagant outdoor celebration where guests wear costumes and masks, embodying many traditional and mythical characters. In fact, this festival is a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, on par with Mexico’s Día de los Muertos and other outstanding celebrations around the world. The carnival fosters a sense of unity and cultural pride among the diverse communities of Barranquilla and Colombia as a whole.
\nWhen: Early August
\nWhere: Medellín
\nMedellín’s Flower Festival is an homage to the region’s horticulture industry, one of the most iconic in Colombia. Celebrated in August, the festival features the famous Desfile de Silleteros, where locals display intricate flower arrangements. This event highlights the skill and creativity of local florists and celebrates the spirit of renewal and community, symbolized by the life cycle of flowers. It’s a vibrant display of color and local tradition that attracts visitors from all around the world — definitely worth seeing!
\nWhen: December 25–30
\nWhere: Cali
\nStarted in 1957, the Cali Fair capitalizes on the city’s reputation as the salsa capital of the world. This end-of-year festival features salsa music, dance competitions, live concerts, and a horseback parade. The fair is an expression of joy and appreciation for salsa, where professionals and amateurs share the dance floor to celebrate Cali’s vibrant culture and festive spirit.
\nWhen: Every two years, usually in March or April
\nWhere: Bogotá
\nHeld biennially in Bogotá, the Ibero-American Theater Festival is the largest theater festival in the world. It was established to bring world-class theater to Colombia and to promote Bogotá as a cultural capital. Over two weeks, the city turns into a stage with performances from hundreds of theater companies from around the world, encompassing traditional art and avant-garde performances. It’s a celebration of theatrical art, promoting dialogue and understanding through cultural exchange.
\nWhen: The last week of April
\nWhere: Valledupar, Cesar Department
\nThe Vallenato Legend Festival in Valledupar celebrates Vallenato music, a key element of the Colombian cultural identity. This festival seeks to honor the legendary Vallenato musicians of the past and crown the best of current performers in categories like accordion playing, songwriting, and singing. It’s a cultural preservation effort that reinforces the importance of Vallenato music in the Colombian heritage.
\n\n
Colombian art and literature have made tremendous contributions to the global cultural landscape, reflecting the themes of the country’s diverse cultural identity. Renowned figures like Fernando Boero and Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez have highlighted Colombian life through their works, often focusing on social inequality, violence, and beauty. Colombian literature, with its magical realism, intimately explores the complexities of love and power, while the visual arts capture the vibrant and often tumultuous history of the country. Together, they create a vivid image that narrates Colombia’s past and present, engaging with universal themes through a distinctly Colombian lens.
\n![\"Columbian](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltca795f62359ce843/664e880c68f430491434a271/Columbian_writers.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
\n
Profession: Writer
\nPlace of birth: Aracataca, Colomnbia
\nGabriel García Márquez was a Colombian novelist, short-story writer, and journalist, widely celebrated as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. His work is best known for its magical realism, which blends the magical and the mundane in a fluid, realistic setting. His most famous novel, “One Hundred Years of Solitude,” has been translated into dozens of languages and sold millions of copies globally. García Márquez won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982 for his novels and short stories, which have touched many readers with their unique blend of the political, the mythical, and the everyday.
\nProfession: Writer
\nPlace of birth: Bogotá
\nJuan Gabriel Vásquez is a prominent Colombian author known for his novels and essays that explore Colombian identity, history, and politics. He has gained international acclaim for his contributions to contemporary literature, particularly with his novel “The Sound of Things Falling,” which won the prestigious international IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. His works often delve into the impact of historical events on personal lives and the hidden forces shaping society. Vásquez’s writing is celebrated for its deep psychological insights and a clear, concise style, making him a significant voice in modern literature. His influence continues to grow
\nProfession: Writer
\nPlace of birth: Cali
\nAndrés Caicedo was a Colombian writer whose short but influential career left a lasting impact on Colombian literature. Known for his intense and rebellious style, Caicedo’s writings explore the youth culture of Cali in the 1970s, depicting their disillusionment, passions, and search for identity against a backdrop of social unrest. His novel “¡Que viva la música!” is a cult classic, celebrating the music and angst of the era. Caicedo’s tragic early death at 25 cemented his status as a legend and a voice of a disenfranchised generation, echoing his profound influence on Colombian narrative and film.
\n![\"Columbian](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt8c788f72e5979da1/664e881e8a4c34220f1e387d/Columbian_artists.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Profession: Painter and sculptor
\nPlace of birth: Medellín
\nFernando Botero was one of Colombia’s most famous artists, recognized globally for his signature style known as “Boterismo,” which depicts people and figures in large, exaggerated volume. This unique style creates a critical yet humorous commentary on Colombian and global political, military, and societal themes. His works span paintings, drawings, and sculptures, many of which grace public spaces and galleries worldwide. He donated numerous works to museums in Colombia and beyond, making his art accessible to a wide audience and solidifying his status as a key figure in contemporary art.
\nProfession: Painter
\nPlace of birth: Barcelona, Spain
\nAlejandro Obregón is considered one of the leading figures in modern Colombian art, known for his role in bringing Colombian painting to the forefront of the Latin American art scene. His work, often characterized by bold colors and dynamic, abstract forms, powerfully conveyed themes of violence, nature, and political turmoil. Obregón’s style evolved over the years, incorporating elements of surrealism and expressionism. His most iconic works, such as a series depicting condors and violent skies, are celebrated for their intense emotional depth and striking imagery, reflecting the artist’s deep connection to the landscapes and cultural climate of Colombia.
\nProfession: Painter
\nPlace of birth: Medellín
\nDébora Arango was a pioneering Colombian painter whose controversial works often featured critiques of the socio-political issues of her time, including the church and the treatment of women in society. Her expressive style and bold use of color challenged the conservative norms of the Colombian art world, which were initially met with criticism, but ultimately earned her recognition as one of Colombia’s most important modern artists. Arango’s paintings, which often portrayed nudes, ecclesiastical figures, and scenes of everyday life, broke cultural taboos and paved the way for greater artistic freedom among subsequent generations.
\nProfession: Painter, sculptor, and caricaturist
\nPlace of birth: Roldanillo, Colombia
\nÓmar Rayo was a Colombian artist known for his abstract geometric works and his use of black-and-white contrasts, often infused with a rich sense of humor and irony. His art, which includes paintings, sculptures, and drawings, explores the interplay of forms and shadows, creating optical illusions that captivate and engage viewers. Rayo’s international success includes exhibitions in Latin America, the U.S., and Europe. He also founded the Museo Rayo de Dibujo y Grabado Latinoamericano in his hometown, showcasing his commitment to promoting Latin American art.
\nProfession: Sculptor
\nPlace of birth: Fredonia, Colombia
\nRodrigo Arenas Betancourt was a Colombian sculptor best known for his monumental works commemorating historical events and figures in Colombia. His dramatic and expressive bronze sculptures are scattered across public spaces in Colombia and several other Latin American countries. Arenas Betancourt’s work often depicts moments of struggle and passion, doing an excellent job of capturing historical struggles frozen in time. His sculptures often serve as focal points of public memory and national identity, especially in important public spaces like libraries, universities, airports, and government buildings.
\n\n
Colombian culture is rich with customs and traditions that emphasize family values, social interactions, and hospitality. Here are several key traditions and concepts that continue to shape daily life, even as modern influences begin to transform them:
\n![\"La](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt137793d9c60070cb/664e8a97628a4fb0dd62b428/Respect-for-elders.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
\n
![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt9f27fc3f72ae96ad/664e8e15707c0634208220e9/Ruana.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Region of origin: Predominantly from the Andean highlands, particularly in the departments of Boyacá and Nariño.
\nThe Ruana is a thick, woolen wrap resembling a poncho. It’s typically worn in the cooler Andean regions of Colombia. This versatile garment provides warmth and protection against the elements, functioning similarly to a blanket that can easily be wrapped around the body.
\nRegion of origin: This hat is strongly associated with the Caribbean region, particularly the Zenú indigenous community in the departments of Córdoba and Sucre.
\nThe sombrero Vueltiao is a traditional Colombian hat made from caña flecha, a type of palm native to the Caribbean coast. It features a black-and-white pattern that can indicate the complexity and quality of the hat. The hat is not only a cultural symbol but also practical, providing shade from the sun for farmers and other outdoor workers.
\nRegion of origin: While similar skirts can be found in various Latin American cultures, in Colombia, it’s particularly popular in the Caribbean region and a staple during the Carnaval de Barranquilla.
\nThe pollera is a bright, colorful skirt worn by women during traditional dances and festivals. This full-length skirt typically features vibrant colors and elaborate patterns, reflecting the festive spirit of Colombian folklore. It’s usually paired with a matching blouse and accessories like necklaces and headpieces.
\nRegion of origin: This attire is specific to the Coffee Triangle, particularly in the departments of Caldas, Quindío, Risalda, and part of Valle del Cauca.
\nThe Chapolera dress is traditionally worn by the women who harvest coffee beans in the Colombian coffee region. This outfit typically includes a wide-brimmed hat to protect from the sun, a brightly colored scarf, a lightweight blouse, and a full skirt to ease movement while working in the fields. The attire is often adorned with floral patterns and embroidery that symbolize the lush landscapes of the coffee-growing areas.
\nRegion of origin: The Guajira Peninsula, which is the northernmost part of Colombia, bordering Venezuela.
\nThe Manta Guajira is the traditional garment worn by the Wayúu indigenous people of the Guajira Peninsula. This rectangular cloth can be wrapped around the body in various ways, serving as a skirt, dress, or head wrap. It’s made from cotton and is characterized by vibrant, bold patterns that reflect the Wayúu’s cultural traditions and the arid landscape of their homeland.
\nUrban fashion in Colombia mirrors global fashion trends while infusing the with a local twist. IN cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali, fashion is both a form of expression and a celebration of Colombia’s rich cultural heritage and biodiversity. The urban fashion scene often features bold colors and intricate patterns that echo the country’s lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
\nColombian designers are increasingly gaining international recognition by blending Colombian elements with contemporary aesthetics. This fusion creates unique fashion pieces that stand out on the global stage while proudly celebrating Colombian roots.
\nIndigenous communities across Colombia preserve their cultural identity and heritage through distinct styles of dress, each uniquely reflecting the community’s environment, history, and beliefs. These clothes are often characterized by handmade fabrics crafted using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Intricate patterns and vibrant symbols on these garments often tell stories of the community’s ancestors, natural surroundings, and sacred beliefs, serving not only as clothing but as a form of cultural expression.
\nAlong the coastal regions, particularly in the Pacific and Caribbean areas, Afro-Colombian attire is a critical part of local customs. The clothing is often made from brightly colored fabrics and features bold patterns that reflect the natural beauty and vibrant spirit of the coastal landscapes. Traditional Afro-Colombian attire might include:
\n\n
Colombia’s history is marked by challenges and triumphs, which have forged a nation known for its resilience and warmth. Despite enduring decades of civil unrest and challenges that would fracture less cohesive societies, Colombians have cultivated a culture where community and joy are inseparable from the national identity, as demonstrated in the countless cultural traditions of the country.
\nJoy is at the heart of the Colombian approach to life. Festivals like the Carnaval de Barranquilla or Festival de las Flores in Medellín are testaments to Colombia’s appreciation of color, culture, and togetherness, as locals and tourists fill the streets with music, dance, and laughter. These festivals do an excellent job of summarizing the country’s core values: embracing joy in every situation and finding strength in community.
\n\n
Colombia’s enormous historical and cultural background is just the beginning. Not only is there so much more about Colombia that you can learn, but there are also 20 other fascinating Spanish-speaking countries for you to consider! Although this comprehensive guide on Colombian culture has equipped you with the essentials — it’s really just the beginning.
\nFor even more cultural content, head over to our Spanish blog, where we regularly publish helpful guides and cultural tidbits that will help you navigate Spanish culture like a pro. How about reading about Mexican traditions, or perhaps Spanish cuisine? Or maybe difference between Mexican vs. Puerto Rican Spanish? Whatever you’re curious about.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Simplified vs. Traditional Chinese","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"Simplified vs. Traditional Chinese: What's the difference? A guide","url":"/blog/traditional-vs-simplified-chinese","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltee25c09800573dc8/66305da6ca8874f530ed6ac6/istock-1317580935-2.jpg"},"post_content":"If you’re thinking about signing up for your first Chinese lessons, then you might be wondering if you should choose Simplified vs. Traditional Chinese.
The concurrent existence of two scripts in one language is something relatively uncommon, as most languages that introduced a new writing system (like Korean introducing Hangul in the 15th century) almost had the old ones completely replaced, to the point where only learning one is necessary.
That isn’t necessarily the case with Chinese. Although the simplified script is much more common now, traditional Chinese is still used by millions of people around the world.
So, what’s the difference between the two scripts? We’ll tell you all about it below, and we’ll also help you decide between Simplified and Traditional Chinese!
![\"Man](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt477c46a9716a9ae4/66304d07776d0cdf3d250ae8/istock-1144410930.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The journey of Chinese characters from ancient carvings to the modern scripts we find on pages today is fascinating as it is complex. At some point in the relatively recent history of Chinese characters, simplified Chinese emerged as a new way of writing. However, the simplified characters didn’t entirely replace the traditional characters, which is why we have two entirely legitimate writing systems today. Let’s take a closer look.
As the name suggests, simplified Chinese characters are simplified versions of traditional characters. The development of Simplified Chinese was driven by the need to increase literacy rates across China. The population’s literacy rate was around 20 percent in 1950, which prompted the Chinese government to think of ways to increase the literacy rate in the newly founded People’s Republic of China.
To achieve this, the government launched the Chinese Character Simplification Scheme in 1956 as part of a massive literacy campaign. By reducing the number of strokes in each character, the goal was to make reading and writing more accessible to everyone, from city dwellers to rural farmers. This clearly worked, as the literacy rate grew to around 65 percent by 1982 and over 97 percent by 2020. It’s considered part of a larger initiative to modernize China and bridge the educational gaps between different segments of the population.
The use of simplified and traditional Chinese characters is largely geographical. Simplified characters are the standard in:
Traditional characters, on the other hand, are used in:
Outside these areas, the choice between simplified and traditional characters often depends on the diaspora community’s historical connections. For instance, older generations of Chinese immigrants in countries like the United States and Canada may prefer traditional characters, while more recent migrants from Mainland China are likely to use simplified ones.
We have some good news and some not-so-great news. The good news is that you’ll be able to speak with Traditional Chinese speakers even if you only know Simplified Chinese, as long as you’re both speaking the same dialect (such as Mandarin or Cantonese). That’s because a word’s pronunciation is largely separate from the character(s). That means there are multiple characters with the exact same pronunciation, and some characters even have multiple pronunciations. So, having an oral conversation with someone who uses a different Chinese script won’t be an issue.
The mixed news is that if you haven’t studied Chinese for long, you probably will find understanding a text written in the other script very challenging, especially if the text is long. However, as many simplified vs. traditional Chinese characters still look very similar (such as 愛 and 爱 — to love), the more proficient you get in reading and writing simplified characters, the easier it’ll be to recognize their traditional counterparts. Before reaching this stage, you need to spend long hours mastering at least the commonly used simplified characters — roughly 2,000 — though to read the traditional script more proficiently.
Understanding the difference between traditional and simplified Chinese characters is crucial, especially for those who are just thinking about signing up for Chinese lessons and don’t know where to start. Let’s take a look at the similarities and differences to see how they compare.
![\"Finding](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb605a5fea2be4f95/66304d6981c8847a4a382b5d/china_673500348.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Although they may look completely different at first glance, traditional and simplified characters share the core of the Chinese language. Here’s a closer look at these similarities:
Both traditional and simplified characters are logographic, which means that every symbol represents a word or a meaning. This fundamental aspect remains unchanged between the two systems, and each character equivalent holds the same meaning or concept — just drawn differently.
The grammatical structure and rules that govern sentence structure are consistent across Simplified and Traditional Chinese. Grammar rules stay the same regardless of the script, meaning that you won’t have to learn different grammar structures if you’re thinking of learning both simplified and traditional characters.
Vocabulary is interchangeable between the two writing systems. Despite the outward differences in character strokes, the essence and meanings of words remain unaltered. This works as a bridge between the two systems, ensuring that the heart of the message is never lost in translation.
The sounds of Chinese don’t vary between traditional and simplified characters. This consistency in pronunciation means that learners can fine-tune their spoken Chinese without worrying about script differences, allowing for a focus on expression that transcends script boundaries. For example, even if you’re learning simplified Chinese, you may still watch TV shows in Mandarin with subtitles in traditional Chinese characters to practice your listening and pronunciation.
Keep in mind, though, that Cantonese is predominantly spoken in Hong Kong and Macau, where traditional characters are used. It may sound like they’re speaking a totally different language — they’re just speaking a different dialect. However, although they’re part of the same language, there are many differences between Mandarin and Cantonese.
Both scripts share Chinese cultural and historical narratives, offering learners abundant stories, philosophies, and traditions. Learning both scripts provides insights into the country’s rich heritage, including its stories, philosophies, and traditions.
While traditional and simplified Chinese characters share a common linguistic foundation, they also have some major differences. These variations not only impact the appearance and complexity of the characters but also influence the learning strategies and usage preferences. Let’s delve into the key differences between traditional and simplified characters.
![\"Discovering](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb1468b48fb11d8b5/66304e4785518c7c1f55ac7d/istock-1193882322-2.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Simplified characters often employ reduced forms and alternative methods to represent elements within a character. This simplification process might involve merging similar characters, using a part of a complex character to represent the whole, or creating entirely new forms. These modifications aim to streamline writing and reading but can lead to differences in how characters are constructed and understood.
One of the most notable differences between traditional and simplified characters is their stroke counts. Simplification generally reduces the number of strokes needed to write a character, making them faster to write and memorize. However, this can also mean that the same word might sometimes look quite different across the two scripts, posing challenges for learners when transitioning between the two.
Not every traditional character has a simplified counterpart. The simplification process selectively targeted characters based on their frequency of use and complexity. As a result, the total number of commonly used characters differs between the two scripts, with simplified Chinese tending to have a smaller number of characters in regular use.
The structural differences between scripts affect how learners approach memorization and character recognition. Simplified characters may be quicker to learn due to fewer strokes, but understanding traditional characters can provide deeper insights into the etymology and evolution of the language.
The choice between traditional and simplified characters often aligns with regional preferences. These differences extend to publishing, education, and digital communication, influencing which script learners might encounter based on geographical contexts.
The art of Chinese calligraphy showcases distinct stylistic choices between the two scripts. Traditional characters are frequently celebrated for their aesthetic complexity and historical lineage, making them more common in art and calligraphy. Simplified characters offer a more streamlined and modern visual appeal, though, which can also make them attractive for a more clean-cut appeal.
If you’re already familiar with one of the two scripts, then you might be wondering what some characters look like in the other. Here are the top 100 most common traditional and simplified Chinese characters:
![\"Man](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt24265a469f5c37b5/66304ebecac84833e629088e/ahsf02291.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Traditional Chinese | Simplified Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Here | 這 | 这 | zhè | jeh |
| Love | 愛 | 爱 | ài | ay |
| Horse | 馬 | 马 | mǎ | maa |
| Cat | 貓 | 猫 | maō | mhau |
| Dragon | 龍 | 龙 | lóng | long |
| To open | 開 | 开 | kāi | kai |
| To close | 關 | 关 | guān | guan |
| To come | 來 | 来 | lái | lai |
| Room/interval | 間 | 间 | jiān/jiàn | jian/jiann |
| To ask | 問 | 问 | wèn | wenn |
| Gift/courtesy | 禮 | 礼 | lǐ | lii |
| Inside | 裡 | 里 | lǐ | lii |
| Picture/scheme | 圖 | 图 | tú | twu |
| To draw | 畫 | 画 | huà | huah |
| Wind | 風 | 风 | fēng | feng |
| Cloud | 雲 | 云 | yún | yun |
| Electricity | 電 | 电 | diàn | diann |
| Fog | 霧 | 雾 | wù | wuh |
| To see | 見 | 见 | jiàn | jiann |
| To smell/to hear | 聞 | 闻 | wén | wen |
| Hurry | 趕 | 赶 | gǎn | gaan |
| Car | 車 | 车 | chē | che |
| Machine | 機 | 机 | jī | ji |
| To fly | 飛 | 飞 | fēi | fei |
| Chicken | 雞 | 鸡 | jī | ji |
| Duck | 鴨 | 鸭 | yā | ia |
| To press | 壓 | 压 | yā | ia |
| To hate | 厭 | 厌 | yàn | yann |
| Book | 書 | 书 | shū | shu |
| Grandfather | 爺 | 爷 | yé | ye |
| Camp | 營 | 营 | yíng | yng |
| To lose | 輸 | 输 | shū | shu |
| To buy | 買 | 买 | mǎi | mae |
| To sell | 賣 | 卖 | mài | may |
| None | 無 | 无 | wú | wu |
| To read | 讀 | 读 | dú | dwu |
| Head | 頭 | 头 | tóu | tour |
| Hair | 髮 | 发 | fà | fah |
| To send out | 發 | 发 | fā | fa |
| Noodles | 麵 | 面 | miàn | miann |
| Rice | 飯 | 饭 | fàn | fann |
| To order/point | 點 | 点 | diǎn | dean |
| Line | 線 | 线 | xiàn | shiann |
| As/for | 為 | 为 | wéi/wèi | wei/wey |
| To surround | 圍 | 围 | wéi | wei |
| Can/sum | 會 | 会 | hùi/kuài | huh/kuay |
| Light | 燈 | 灯 | dēng | deng |
| Back | 後 | 后 | hòu | how |
| Dry/do | 乾 | 干 | gān/gàn | gan/gann |
| Make | 製 | 制 | zhì | jyh |
| Create | 創 | 创 | chuàng | chuanq |
| Learn | 學 | 学 | xué | shyue |
| To burn | 燒 | 烧 | shāo | shau |
| Suppose/answer | 應 | 应 | yīng/yìng | ing/yinq |
| Country | 國 | 国 | guó | gwo |
| Red/embroidery made by women | 紅 | 红 | hóng/gōng | horng/gong |
| Blue | 藍 | 蓝 | lán | lan |
| Green | 綠 | 绿 | lǜ | liuh |
| Wet | 濕 | 湿 | shī | shy |
| Not yet/return | 還 | 还 | hái/huán | hair/hwan |
| Correct | 對 | 对 | duì | duey |
| To pass | 過 | 过 | guò | guoh |
| When/appropriate | 當 | 当 | dāng/dàng | dang/danq |
| With/participate | 與 | 与 | yǔ/yù | yeu/yuh |
| To enter | 進 | 进 | jìn | jinn |
| Far | 遠 | 远 | yuǎn | yeuan |
| Time | 時 | 时 | shí | shyr |
| Quantifier | 個 | 个 | gè | geh |
| Army | 軍 | 军 | jūn | jiun |
| To scold | 罵 | 骂 | mà | mah |
| Air | 氣 | 气 | qì | chih |
| To measure | 計 | 计 | jì | jih |
| Will/general | 將 | 将 | jiāng/jiàng | jiang/jianq |
| Brain | 腦 | 脑 | nǎo | nao |
| Hot | 熱 | 热 | rè | reh |
| Hot | 燙 | 烫 | tàng | tanq |
| Soup | 湯 | 汤 | tāng | tang |
| Just/hard | 剛 | 刚 | gāng | gang |
| Steel | 鋼 | 钢 | gāng | gāng |
| Salt | 鹽 | 盐 | yán | yan |
| Leaf | 葉 | 叶 | yè | yeh |
| Genre | 類 | 类 | lèi | ley |
| To spread | 擴 | 扩 | kuò | kuoh |
| Wide | 廣 | 广 | guǎng | goang |
| To continue | 續 | 续 | xù | shiuh |
| To transport/fortune | 運 | 运 | yùn | yunn |
| Silver | 銀 | 银 | yín | yn |
| To drink | 飲 | 饮 | yǐn | yiin |
| Salty | 鹹 | 咸 | xián | shyan |
| Long/to grow | 長 | 长 | cháng/zhǎng | charng/jaang |
| To bring | 帶 | 带 | dài | day |
| Dream | 夢 | 梦 | mèng | menq |
| To say/lobby | 說 | 说 | shuō/shuì | shuo/shuey |
| To transfer/turn | 轉 | 转 | zhuǎn/zhuàn | joan/juann |
| Curve | 彎 | 弯 | wān | uan |
| To pack | 裝 | 装 | zhuāng | juang |
| Difficult/disaster | 難 | 难 | nán/nàn | nan/nann |
| Simple | 簡 | 简 | jiǎn | jean |
| Singular | 單 | 单 | dān | dan |
| Double | 雙 | 双 | shuāng | shuang |
Choosing between Traditional and Simplified Chinese is a decision that will have a profound impact on your language learning journey, as it will impact how you communicate with native speakers and the access you have to cultural and study materials. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed choice based on various considerations:
![\"Woman](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt0e6b44c9edf71937/66304f78700d6c54d8a6b12f/digf08718.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
If you’re just aiming to understand and speak Chinese on a broad level, then Simplified Chinese may offer a quicker path to proficiency. The fewer stroke counts and simpler characters make it generally easier for non-native speakers to learn. On top of being easier to learn, Simplified Chinese is more practical for contemporary literature, business, and life in Mainland China.
On the other hand, if your field of study or work involves historical texts, calligraphy or regions where Traditional Chinese is prevalent, then Traditional characters may be more helpful.
Your interest in specific Chinese-speaking regions can guide your choice. Simplified characters are used in Mainland China, Singapore, and Malaysia, making them ideal for learners focused on these areas. Traditional characters, however, are essential for those interested in regions such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau.
This one might be easy to overlook, but make sure to consider your support network. The script you encounter from communicating with your friends, family, and community can influence your Chinese learning environment. Also, utilizing the same script your support network uses can enrich your learning experience through practice and immersion.
Ultimately, your motivation and interest play a crucial role. Some learners are drawn to the aesthetic beauty of traditional characters, while others prefer the streamlined efficiency of simplified characters.
Learning one script doesn’t prevent you from learning the other. Many learners start with one and then expand to the other, gaining versatility. Starting with Simplified Chinese may offer a quicker initial learning curve, while Traditional characters can deepen understanding later on.
Most people will be fine knowing just the traditional or the simplified script. On the odd occasion that you need to read or write something in the opposite script, you can just use a simplified/traditional conversion tool to “translate” between the two. Here’s a simple tool to help you find the characters in the script you need:
https://www.chineseconverter.com/en/convert/simplified-to-traditional
Learning Chinese is a rewarding journey that offers deep insights into one of the world’s most spoken languages. Whether you choose Simplified or Traditional Chinese, each path comes with its unique benefits and challenges. Understanding these can help you navigate your learning process more effectively.
![\"Woman](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt05ec24b7695294fa/6630506981c8840840382b66/china_905584236.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The overwhelming majority of experts agree that simplified characters are easier to learn than traditional characters. After all, that’s the main reason why the simplified script was developed in the first place — to make it easier for people to learn to read and write Chinese.
However, this doesn’t apply to all people. You must consider your personal situation to determine if there are any other factors that may affect the relative difficulty of learning one script over the other, such as:
Not all traditional characters have been converted into Simplified Chinese characters. The simplification process, primarily carried out in the mid-20th century in Mainland China, targeted a subset of the thousands of characters in use. This process aimed to make the most frequently used characters simpler to write and easier to learn in an effort to improve literacy rates. As a result, several hundred characters were simplified, affecting common characters used in daily communication, education, and government documents.
However, many traditional characters were left unchanged, either because they were already simple enough or were not used frequently enough. Additionally, some characters share a single simplified form, further complicating the conversion between the two systems.
It’s also important to note that some historical texts and specific names may still use traditional characters even within contexts that generally adopt Simplified Chinese. This means a comprehensive understanding of Chinese, especially for academic or historical research purposes, often requires familiarity with both traditional and simplified characters.
Chinese speakers in the United States use both Simplified and Traditional Characters, depending on their regions of origin or the educational system they follow.
In educational and cultural contexts, such as Chinese language schools and cultural organizations, both scripts are generally taught, and students can choose depending on their interests. Additionally, many learning materials available in the U.S. may offer options in both Traditional and Simplified, although more modern study materials tend to favor Simplified.
Whether you decide to study Simplified or Traditional Chinese (or both!), the path forward is quite simple. With so many online Chinese lessons, including one-on-one tutoring, it’s never been easier to learn Mandarin from the comfort of your home. And if you’re still feeling unsure about the characters, then check out our expert tips to learn Chinese characters — it’s much easier than it seems!
For all things Chinese language, make sure to review our Mandarin Chinese blog. We regularly publish articles that will help you take your Chinese to the next level, no matter what stage you’re in. Recent articles include our complete guide to Chinese characters and a total overview of Chinese zodiac signs.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Chinese names","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"Chinese names & surnames with meanings: A complete guide","url":"/blog/chinese-names-surnames-meanings-common","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt81f6914efa22e631/6620aa82df48e73a147eb990/pexels-pixabay-160994.jpg"},"post_content":"Learning Mandarin is a little bit different than learning other languages. If you’re learning Spanish or French, then you probably won’t have to think twice about how to introduce yourself in your target language — you’d simply use your given name.
\nHowever, names are significantly different in Chinese, so some learners choose to adopt a Chinese name to use when speaking Chinese. That means that you’d be giving yourself a whole new name, which may sound similar to your given name or may be completely different. This can be an exciting opportunity to adopt a new persona, as learning a new language definitely impacts your personality!
\nBut don’t worry, you don’t need to rush into making any major decisions if you’re just starting to learn Mandarin Chinese. You can start with a simple transliteration of your name and pick a more legitimate Chinese name once you feel ready to do so.
\nIn this handy guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Western names in Chinese, and we’ll show you how to choose your own Chinese name!
\n\n
\n
Learning how to introduce yourself in Chinese is one of the first things you’ll want to master. Not only does “my name is” typically come right after saying hello in Chinese, but it’s also an important part of writing emails and doing business in China. Plus, as a learner, you’ll often be in situations where you’ll have to introduce yourself in Chinese, like at the start of the semester or when you visit China to travel, study, or work.
\n![\"Group](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt041668d42eb10603/66223a2245f989f473cf305f/china_1088785788.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Let’s start by covering the absolute essentials. Chinese names usually consist of a family name followed by a given name, with the family name being mostly just one character and the given name one or two characters. Unlike in the West, a name often holds precedence and is a key part of one’s identity. Chinese names are chosen with careful consideration to convey specific qualities or blessings that families wish upon their children, as names come with deep meanings and aspirations.
\nWhen introducing yourself or asking for someone’s name, it’s crucial to recognize the structure and significance of Chinese names. The cultural emphasis on respect and formality means addressing someone properly is extremely important.
\nThe first name in Chinese, or given name, is referred to as 名 (míng).
\nThe order of the names is reversed in Chinese, so people would typically mention their first name after stating their family or last names. While introducing yourself by your full name may be seen as cold or formal in the West, that is generally not the case in Chinese, as introducing yourself with your given and family name is very common. However, in more casual contexts, particularly among friends or younger people, introducing yourself with just your given name is acceptable too.
\nThe last name in Chinese, or the family name, is called 姓 (xìng).
\nIt holds particular importance in Chinese society, as it often carries the weight of familial heritage and lineage. It precedes the given name in the Chinese naming convention. Because of this, asking for someone’s family name during a formal introduction is especially important, as it highlights respect for one’s family background and heritage. In less formal situations, this level of detail might not be necessary, but it’s always better to err on the side of formality when unsure.
\nAlthough introducing yourself in a new language can be stressful the first few times, you’ll have no problem once you learn a handful of phrases to say my name is in Chinese. The good news is that most of your basic characteristics, like your name, nationality, and Chinese zodiac sign won’t change at all, so you can just memorize a few of them and be set!
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nFormality | \n
| Hello, I am called ______. | \n你好，我叫______。 | \nnǐ hǎo ， wǒ jiào ______。 | \nnii hao woo jiaw | \nInformal | \n
| My name is ______. | \n我的名字是______。 | \nwǒ de míng zi shì ______。 | \nwoo de ming tzyh shyh | \nNeutral | \n
| Hello everyone, my name is called ______. | \n大家好，我的名字叫______。 | \ndà jiā hǎo ， wǒ de míng zi jiào ______。 | \ndah jia hao woo de ming tzyh jiaw | \nInformal | \n
| Hello, my surname is ______, and my given name is ______. | \n您好，我姓______，名______。 | \nnín hǎo ， wǒ xìng ______， míng ______。 | \nnin hao woo shinq ming | \nFormal | \n
| Hello everyone, I am called ______. | \n大家好，我叫______。 | \ndà jiā hǎo ， wǒ jiào ______。 | \ndah jia hao woo jiaw | \nInformal | \n
| I myself am named ______. | \n本人名叫______。 | \nběn rén míng jiào ______。 | \nbeen ren ming jiaw | \nFormal | \n
| Hello everyone, I am called ______. | \n各位好，我叫______。 | \ngè wèi hǎo ， wǒ jiào ______。 | \ngeh wey hao woo jiaw | \nFormal | \n
| Please allow me to introduce myself, I am called ______. | \n请允许我自我介绍一下，我叫______。 | \nqǐng yǔn xǔ wǒ zì wǒ jiè shào yí xià ， wǒ jiào ______。 | \nchiing yeun sheu woo tzyh woo jieh shaw yi shiah woo jiaw | \nFormal | \n
| My Chinese name is ______. | \n我的中文名是______。 | \nwǒ de zhōng wén míng shì ______。 | \nwoo de jong wen ming shyh | \nNeutral | \n
| My English name is ______. | \n我的英文名是______。 | \nwǒ de yīng wén míng shì ______。 | \nwoo de ing wen ming shyh | \nNeutral | \n
| My full name is ______. | \n我的全名是______。 | \nwǒ de quán míng shì ______。 | \nwoo de chyuan ming shyh | \nNeutral | \n
| Hello everyone, you can call me ______. | \n大家好，你们可以叫我______。 | \ndà jiā hǎo ， nǐ men kě yǐ jiào wǒ ______。 | \ndah jia hao nii mhen kee yii jiaw woo | \nInformal | \n
| My nickname is ______. | \n我的昵称是______。 | \nwǒ de nì chēng shì ______。 | \nwoo de nih cheng shyh | \nInformal | \n
| Pleased to meet you, my name is ______. | \n幸会，我叫______。 | \nxìng huì ， wǒ jiào ______。 | \nshinq huey woo jiaw | \nFormal | \n
| Hello there, you can call me ______. | \n你好，可以叫我______。 | \nnǐ hǎo ， kě yǐ jiào wǒ ______。 | \nnii hao kee yii jiaw woo | \nInformal | \n
| Let me introduce myself to everyone, I am called ______. | \n向大家介绍一下，我叫______。 | \nxiàng dà jiā jiè shào yí xià ， wǒ jiào ______。 | \nshianq dah jia jieh shaw i shiah woo jiaw | \nNeutral | \n
\n
Besides learning how to introduce yourself in Chinese, you’ll also want to learn how to ask people for their names. Not only will this allow you to be polite after someone asks for your name in Chinese, but you’ll also be able to make the first move and meet new people! After all, making friends and practicing constantly is one of the best ways to learn Chinese, so don’t be shy!
\n![\"Asking](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltc0dc5a0bddd5a1fc/6622543bb8b5ce69dddbf805/china_1142714341.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nFormality | \n
| What's your name? | \n你叫什么名字？ | \nnǐ jiào shén me míng zi ？ | \nnii jiaw shern me ming tzyh | \nInformal | \n
| What is your honorable surname? | \n您贵姓？ | \nnín guì xìng ？ | \nnin guey shinq | \nFormal | \n
| May I ask, how should I address you? | \n请问您怎么称呼？ | \nqǐng wèn nín zěn me chēng hu ？ | \nchiing wenn nin tzeen me cheng hu | \nFormal | \n
| What is your full name? | \n你的全名是什么？ | \nnǐ de quán míng shì shén me ？ | \nnii de chyuan ming shyh shern me | \nNeutral | \n
| Can you tell me your name? | \n能告诉我你的名字吗？ | \nnéng gào sù wǒ nǐ de míng zi ma ？ | \nneng gaw suh woo nii de ming tzyh mha | \nInformal | \n
| What are you called? | \n你叫什么？ | \nnǐ jiào shén me ？ | \nnii jiaw shern me | \nVery informal | \n
| Your name is? | \n您的姓名是？ | \nnín de xìng míng shì ？ | \nnin de shinq ming shyh | \nFormal | \n
| How may I address you? | \n您怎么称呼？ | \nnín zěn me chēng hu ？ | \nnin tzeen me cheng hu | \nFormal | \n
| How should I address this gentleman/lady? | \n怎么称呼这位先生/女士？ | \nzěn me chēng hu zhè wèi xiān sheng/ nǚ shì ？ | \ntzeen me cheng hu jeh wey shian sheng neu shyh | \nFormal | \n
| May I ask what your nickname is? | \n请问你的小名是什么？ | \nqǐng wèn nǐ de xiǎo míng shì shén me ？ | \nchiing wenn nii de sheau ming shyh shern me | \nInformal | \n
| Hello, may I ask what your name is? | \n你好，可以问一下你叫什么吗？ | \nnǐ hǎo ， kě yǐ wèn yí xià nǐ jiào shén me ma ？ | \nnii hao kee yii wenn i shiah nii jiaw shern me mha | \nInformal | \n
| How should I properly address you? | \n我怎样称呼您比较合适？ | \nwǒ zěn yàng chēng hu nín bǐ jiào hé shì ？ | \nwoo tzeen yanq cheng hu nin bii jiaw her shyh | \nFormal | \n
| I heard you are ______, so what is your full name? | \n听说您叫______，那您的全名是？ | \ntīng shuō nín jiào ______， nà nín de quán míng shì ？ | \nting shuo nin jiaw nah nin de chyuan ming shyh | \nNeutral to formal | \n
\n
Now that you know how to say your name in Chinese, you might be wondering, “Wait, how do I say my name in Chinese?” Fortunately, you can easily translate your name into Chinese by finding characters that sound similar to your given name. To do this, you have three options:
\nAlmost all foreign names have a “set” translation into Chinese, which is helpful when speaking about foreign people or fictional characters in Chinese. For example, Leonardo DiCaprio is 莱昂纳多 · 迪卡普里奥 (lái áng nà duō · dí kǎ pǔ lǐ ào) and Harry Potter is 哈利·波特 (hā lì · bō tè).
\nHowever, keep in mind that translating names like this into Chinese doesn’t really match local names. It’ll be very evident that it’s a foreign name, so keep this in mind if you’re thinking about choosing your Chinese name. We’ll cover how to pick an authentic Chinese name later in the article, but, for now, let’s dive into our lists of the most common foreign names in Chinese!
\nIf you have a relatively common English name, then you’ll likely be able to find a direct “translation” into Chinese. You can use one of these if you’ll just be visiting China for a little while or don’t have any long-term plans in China or interacting with Chinese society. If you do plan to live in China or work with Chinese colleagues long-term, however, you can consider creating your own Chinese name from scratch, but more on that later.
\nHere are the 100 most common male English names in Chinese:
\n![\"A](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt607c22eb85fae5d4/662255c0700d6cd03aa65e49/boys-names-Chinese.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Aaron | \n亚伦 | \nyà lún | \nyah luen | \n
| Adam | \n亚当 | \nyà dāng | \nyah dang | \n
| Alan | \n阿伦 | \nā lún | \na luen | \n
| Albert | \n阿尔伯特 | \nā ěr bó tè | \na eel bor teh | \n
| Alexander | \n亚历山大 | \nyà lì shān dà | \nyah lih shan dah | \n
| Andrew | \n安德鲁 | \nān dé lǔ | \nan der luu | \n
| Anthony | \n安东尼 | \nān dōng ní | \nan dong ni | \n
| Arthur | \n亚瑟 | \nyà sè | \nyah seh | \n
| Austin | \n奥斯汀 | \nào sī tīng | \naw sy ting | \n
| Benjamin | \n本杰明 | \nběn jié míng | \nbeen jye ming | \n
| Billy | \n比利 | \nbǐ lì | \nbii lih | \n
| Bobby | \n博比 | \nbó bǐ | \nbor bii | \n
| Brandon | \n布兰登 | \nbù lán dēng | \nbuh lan deng | \n
| Brian | \n布莱恩 | \nbù lái ēn | \nbuh lai en | \n
| Bruce | \n布鲁斯 | \nbù lǔ sī | \nbuh luu sy | \n
| Bryan | \n布莱恩 | \nbù lái ēn | \nbuh lai en | \n
| Carl | \n卡尔 | \nkǎ ěr | \nkaa eel | \n
| Charles | \n查尔斯 | \nchá ěr sī | \nchar eel sy | \n
| Christian | \n克里斯蒂安 | \nkè lǐ sī dì ān | \nkeh lii sy dih an | \n
| Christopher | \n克里斯托弗 | \nkè lǐ sī tuō fú | \nkeh lii sy tuo fwu | \n
| Daniel | \n丹尼尔 | \ndān ní ěr | \ndan ni eel | \n
| David | \n大卫 | \ndà wèi | \ndah wey | \n
| Dennis | \n丹尼斯 | \ndān ní sī | \ndan ni sy | \n
| Donald | \n唐纳德 | \ntáng nà dé | \ntarng nah der | \n
| Douglas | \n道格拉斯 | \ndào gé lā sī | \ndaw ger lha sy | \n
| Dylan | \n迪伦 | \ndí lún | \ndyi luen | \n
| Edward | \n爱德华 | \nài dé huá | \nay der hwa | \n
| Elijah | \n伊利亚 | \nyī lì yà | \ni lih yah | \n
| Eric | \n埃里克 | \nāi lǐ kè | \nai lii keh | \n
| Ethan | \n伊桑 | \nyī sāng | \ni sang | \n
| Eugene | \n尤金 | \nyóu jīn | \nyou jin | \n
| Frank | \n弗兰克 | \nfú lán kè | \nfwu lan keh | \n
| Gabriel | \n加布里埃尔 | \njiā bù lǐ āi ěr | \njia buh lii ai eel | \n
| Gary | \n加里 | \njiā lǐ | \njia lii | \n
| George | \n乔治 | \nqiáo zhì | \nchyau jyh | \n
| Gerald | \n杰拉德 | \njié lā dé | \njye lha der | \n
| Gregory | \n格里高利 | \ngé lǐ gāo lì | \nger lii gau lih | \n
| Harold | \n哈罗德 | \nhā luó dé | \nha luo der | \n
| Henry | \n亨利 | \nhēng lì | \nheng lih | \n
| Jack | \n杰克 | \njié kè | \njye keh | \n
| Jacob | \n雅各布 | \nyǎ gè bù | \nyea geh buh | \n
| James | \n詹姆斯 | \nzhān mǔ sī | \njan muu sy | \n
| Jason | \n杰森 | \njié sēn | \njye sen | \n
| Jeffrey | \n杰弗里 | \njié fú lǐ | \njye fwu lii | \n
| Jeremy | \n杰里米 | \njié lǐ mǐ | \njye lii mii | \n
| Jerry | \n杰瑞 | \njié ruì | \njye ruey | \n
| Jesse | \n杰西 | \njié xī | \njye shi | \n
| Joe | \n乔 | \nqiáo | \nchyau | \n
| John | \n约翰 | \nyuē hàn | \niue hann | \n
| Johnny | \n约翰尼 | \nyuē hàn ní | \niue hann ni | \n
| Jonathan | \n乔纳森 | \nqiáo nà sēn | \nchyau nah sen | \n
| Jordan | \n乔丹 | \nqiáo dān | \nchyau dan | \n
| Jose | \n约瑟 | \nyuē sè | \niue seh | \n
| Joseph | \n约瑟夫 | \nyuē sè fū | \niue seh fu | \n
| Joshua | \n约书亚 | \nyuē shū yà | \niue shu yah | \n
| Juan | \n胡安 | \nhú ān | \nhwu an | \n
| Justin | \n贾斯汀 | \njiǎ sī tīng | \njea sy ting | \n
| Keith | \n凯斯 | \nkǎi sī | \nkae sy | \n
| Kenneth | \n肯尼斯 | \nkěn ní sī | \nkeen ni sy | \n
| Kevin | \n凯文 | \nkǎi wén | \nkae wen | \n
| Kyle | \n凯尔 | \nkǎi ěr | \nkae eel | \n
| Larry | \n拉里 | \nlā lǐ | \nlha lii | \n
| Lawrence | \n劳伦斯 | \nláo lún sī | \nlau luen sy | \n
| Logan | \n罗根 | \nluó gēn | \nluo gen | \n
| Louis | \n路易斯 | \nlù yì sī | \nluh yih sy | \n
| Mark | \n马克 | \nmǎ kè | \nmaa keh | \n
| Matthew | \n马修 | \nmǎ xiū | \nmaa shiou | \n
| Michael | \n迈克尔 | \nmài kè ěr | \nmay keh eel | \n
| Nathan | \n内森 | \nnèi sēn | \nney sen | \n
| Nicolas | \n尼古拉斯 | \nní gǔ lā sī | \nni guu lha sy | \n
| Noah | \n诺亚 | \nnuò yà | \nnuoh yah | \n
| Patrick | \n帕特里克 | \npà tè lǐ kè | \npah teh lii keh | \n
| Paul | \n保罗 | \nbǎo luó | \nbao luo | \n
| Peter | \n彼得 | \nbǐ dé | \nbii der | \n
| Philip | \n菲利普 | \nfēi lì pǔ | \nfei lih puu | \n
| Ralph | \n拉尔夫 | \nlā ěr fū | \nlha eel fu | \n
| Randy | \n兰迪 | \nlán dí | \nlan dyi | \n
| Raymond | \n雷蒙德 | \nléi méng dé | \nlei meng der | \n
| Richard | \n理查德 | \nlǐ chá dé | \nlii char der | \n
| Robert | \n罗伯特 | \nluó bó tè | \nluo bor teh | \n
| Roger | \n罗杰 | \nluó jié | \nluo jye | \n
| Ronald | \n罗纳德 | \nluó nà dé | \nluo nah der | \n
| Roy | \n罗伊 | \nluó yī | \nluo i | \n
| Russel | \n罗素 | \nluó sù | \nluo suh | \n
| Ryan | \n瑞恩 | \nruì ēn | \nruey en | \n
| Samuel | \n塞缪尔 | \nsài miù ěr | \nsay miow eel | \n
| Scott | \n斯科特 | \nsī kē tè | \nsy ke teh | \n
| Sean | \n肖恩 | \nxiāo ēn | \nshiau en | \n
| Stephen | \n史蒂芬 | \nshǐ dì fēn | \nshyy dih fen | \n
| Steven | \n史蒂文 | \nshǐ dì wén | \nshyy dih wen | \n
| Terry | \n特里 | \ntè lǐ | \nteh lii | \n
| Thomas | \n托马斯 | \ntuō mǎ sī | \ntuo maa sy | \n
| Timothy | \n蒂莫西 | \ndì mò xī | \ndih moh shi | \n
| Tyler | \n泰勒 | \ntài lè | \ntay leh | \n
| Vincent | \n文森特 | \nwén sēn tè | \nwen sen teh | \n
| Walter | \n沃尔特 | \nwò ěr tè | \nwoh eel teh | \n
| Wayne | \n韦恩 | \nwéi ēn | \nwei en | \n
| William | \n威廉 | \nwēi lián | \nuei lian | \n
| Willie | \n威利 | \nwēi lì | \nuei lih | \n
| Zachary | \n扎克瑞 | \nzhā kè ruì | \nja keh ruey | \n
\n
And here are the most common female English names in Chinese:
\n![\"A](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt5641f74515198bfb/662256a933301d4894890485/girls-names-chinese.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Abigail | \n阿比盖尔 | \nā bǐ gài ěr | \na bii gay eel | \n
| Alexis | \n亚历克西斯 | \nyà lì kè xī sī | \nyah lih keh shi sy | \n
| Alice | \n爱丽丝 | \nài lì sī | \nay lih sy | \n
| Amanda | \n阿曼达 | \nā màn dá | \na mann dar | \n
| Amber | \n安伯尔 | \nān bó ěr | \nan bor eel | \n
| Amy | \n艾米 | \nài mǐ | \nay mii | \n
| Andrea | \n安德莉亚 | \nān dé lì yà | \nan der lih yah | \n
| Angela | \n安吉拉 | \nān jí lā | \nan jyi lha | \n
| Ann | \n安 | \nān | \nan | \n
| Anna | \n安娜 | \nān nà | \nan nah | \n
| Ashley | \n阿什莉 | \nā shí lì | \na shyr lih | \n
| Barbara | \n芭芭拉 | \nbā bā lā | \nba ba lha | \n
| Betty | \n贝蒂 | \nbèi dì | \nbey dih | \n
| Beverly | \n贝弗莉 | \nbèi fú lì | \nbey fwu lih | \n
| Brenda | \n布兰达 | \nbù lán dá | \nbuh lan dar | \n
| Brittany | \n布里特妮 | \nbù lǐ tè nī | \nbuh lii teh nhi | \n
| Carol | \n卡萝尔 | \nkǎ luó ěr | \nkaa luo eel | \n
| Carolyn | \n卡洛琳 | \nkǎ luò lín | \nkaa luoh lin | \n
| Catherine | \n凯瑟琳 | \nkǎi sè lín | \nkae seh lin | \n
| Charlotte | \n夏洛特 | \nxià luò tè | \nshiah luoh teh | \n
| Cheryl | \n谢丽尔 | \nxiè lì ěr | \nshieh lih eel | \n
| Christina | \n克里斯蒂娜 | \nkè lǐ sī dì nà | \nkeh lii sy dih nah | \n
| Cynthia | \n辛西娅 | \nxīn xī yà | \nshin shi yah | \n
| Danielle | \n丹妮尔 | \ndān nī ěr | \ndan nhi eel | \n
| Deborah | \n黛博拉 | \ndài bó lā | \nday bor lha | \n
| Delia | \n迪莉娅 | \ndí lì yà | \ndyi lih yah | \n
| Denise | \n丹妮丝 | \ndān nī sī | \ndan nhi sy | \n
| Diana | \n戴安娜 | \ndài ān nà | \nday an nah | \n
| Donna | \n唐娜 | \ntáng nà | \ntarng nah | \n
| Dora | \n朵拉 | \nduǒ lā | \nduo lha | \n
| Doris | \n多丽丝 | \nduō lì sī | \nduo lih sy | \n
| Dorothy | \n多萝西 | \nduō luó xī | \nduo luo shi | \n
| Elizabeth | \n伊丽莎白 | \nyī lì shā bái | \ni lih sha bair | \n
| Emily | \n艾米莉 | \nài mǐ lì | \nay mii lih | \n
| Emma | \n艾玛 | \nài mǎ | \nay maa | \n
| Evelyn | \n伊芙琳 | \nyī fú lín | \ni fwu lin | \n
| Frances | \n弗朗西丝 | \nfú lǎng xī sī | \nfwu laang shi sy | \n
| Gloria | \n格罗丽娅 | \ngé luó lì yà | \nger luo lih yah | \n
| Grace | \n格雷丝 | \ngé léi sī | \nger leei sy | \n
| Hannah | \n汉娜 | \nhàn nà | \nhann nah | \n
| Heather | \n希瑟 | \nxī sè | \nshi seh | \n
| Helen | \n海伦 | \nhǎi lún | \nhae luen | \n
| Isabella | \n伊莎贝拉 | \nyī shā bèi lā | \ni sha bey lha | \n
| Jacqueline | \n杰奎琳 | \njié kuí lín | \njye kwei lin | \n
| Janet | \n珍妮特 | \nzhēn nī tè | \njen nhi teh | \n
| Janice | \n珍妮丝 | \nzhēn nī sī | \njen nhi sy | \n
| Jean | \n珍 | \nzhēn | \njen | \n
| Jennifer | \n詹妮弗 | \nzhēn nī fú | \njen nhi fwu | \n
| Jessica | \n杰西卡 | \njié xī kǎ | \njye shi kaa | \n
| Joan | \n琼 | \nqióng | \nchyong | \n
| Joyce | \n乔伊斯 | \nqiáo yī sī | \nchyau i sy | \n
| Judith | \n朱迪思 | \nzhū dí sī | \nju dyi sy | \n
| Judy | \n朱迪 | \nzhū dí | \nju dyi | \n
| Julia | \n茱莉亚 | \nzhū lì yà | \nju lih yah | \n
| Julie | \n朱莉 | \nzhū lì | \nju lih | \n
| Karen | \n凯伦 | \nkǎi lún | \nkae luen | \n
| Katherine | \n凯瑟琳 | \nkǎi sè lín | \nkae seh lin | \n
| Kayla | \n凯拉 | \nkǎi lā | \nkae lha | \n
| Kelly | \n凯丽 | \nkǎi lì | \nkae lih | \n
| Kennedy | \n肯尼迪 | \nkěn ní dí | \nkeen ni dyi | \n
| Kimberly | \n金伯莉 | \njīn bó lì | \njin bor lih | \n
| Laura | \n劳拉 | \nláo lā | \nlau lha | \n
| Lauren | \n劳伦 | \nláo lún | \nlau luen | \n
| Leighton | \n莱顿 | \nlái dùn | \nlai duenn | \n
| Linda | \n琳达 | \nlín dá | \nlin dar | \n
| Lisa | \n丽莎 | \nlì shā | \nlih sha | \n
| Madison | \n麦迪逊 | \nmài dí xùn | \nmay dyi shiunn | \n
| Maggie | \n玛吉 | \nmǎ jí | \nmaa jyi | \n
| Margaret | \n玛格丽特 | \nmǎ gé lì tè | \nmaa ger lih teh | \n
| Maria | \n玛丽亚 | \nmǎ lì yà | \nmaa lih yah | \n
| Marie | \n玛丽 | \nmǎ lì | \nmaa lih | \n
| Marilyn | \n玛丽莲 | \nmǎ lì lián | \nmaa lih lian | \n
| Martha | \n玛莎 | \nmǎ shā | \nmaa sha | \n
| Mary | \n玛丽 | \nmǎ lì | \nmaa lih | \n
| Megan | \n梅根 | \nméi gēn | \nmei gen | \n
| Melissa | \n梅丽莎 | \nméi lì shā | \nmei lih sha | \n
| Michelle | \n米歇尔 | \nmǐ xiē ěr | \nmii shie eel | \n
| Nancy | \n南希 | \nnán xī | \nnan shi | \n
| Natalie | \n娜塔莉 | \nnà tǎ lì | \nnah taa lih | \n
| Nicole | \n妮可 | \nnī kě | \nnhi kee | \n
| Olivia | \n奥利维亚 | \nào lì wéi yà | \naw lih wei yah | \n
| Pamela | \n帕梅拉 | \npà méi lā | \npah mei lha | \n
| Patricia | \n帕特里西娅 | \npà tè lǐ xī yà | \npah teh lii shi yah | \n
| Rachel | \n瑞秋 | \nruì qiū | \nlruey chiou | \n
| Rebecca | \n丽贝卡 | \nlì bèi kǎ | \nlih bey kaa | \n
| Rose | \n露丝 | \nlù sī | \nlih bey kaa | \n
| Ruth | \n露丝 | \nlù sī | \nluh sy | \n
| Samantha | \n萨曼莎 | \nsà màn shā | \nsah mann sha | \n
| Sandy | \n桑迪 | \nsāng dí | \nsang dyi | \n
| Sandra | \n桑德拉 | \nsāng dé lā | \nsang der lha | \n
| Sara | \n莎拉 | \nshā lā | \nsha lha | \n
| Sharon | \n莎伦 | \nshā lún | \nsha luen | \n
| Shirley | \n雪莉 | \nxuě lì | \nsheue lih | \n
| Sophia | \n索菲亚 | \nsuǒ fēi yà | \nsuoo fei yah | \n
| Stephanie | \n史黛芙妮 | \nshǐ dài fú nī | \nshyy day fwu nhi | \n
| Susan | \n苏珊 | \nsū shān | \nsu shan | \n
| Taylor | \n泰勒 | \ntài lè | \ntay leh | \n
| Tate | \n泰特 | \ntài tè | \ntay teh | \n
| Teresa | \n特蕾莎 | \ntè lěi shā | \nteh leei sha | \n
| Victoria | \n维多利亚 | \nwéi duō lì yà | \nwei duo lih yah | \n
| Virginia | \n弗吉尼亚 | \nfú jí ní yà | \nfwu jyi ni yah | \n
\n
Here, you’ll find a cozy list of the 100 most common Spanish names translated into Chinese, maintaining their unique charm and sounding just right in both languages:
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Abril | \n阿布里尔 | \nā bù lǐ ěr | \na buh lii eel | \n
| Alejandro | \n亚历杭德罗 | \nyà lì háng dé luó | \nyah lih harng der luo | \n
| Alexander | \n亚历山大 | \nyà lì shān dà | \nyah lih shan dah | \n
| Benjamín | \n本杰明 | \nběn jié míng | \nbeen jye ming | \n
| Camila | \n卡米拉 | \nkǎ mǐ lā | \nkaa mii lha | \n
| Carlos | \n卡洛斯 | \nkǎ luò sī | \nkaa luoh sy | \n
| Catalina | \n卡塔琳娜 | \nkǎ tǎ lín nà | \nkaa taa lin nah | \n
| Daniel | \n丹尼尔 | \ndān ní ěr | \ndan ni eel | \n
| Daniella | \n丹妮埃拉 | \ndān nī āi lā | \ndan nhi ai lha | \n
| Diego | \n迭戈 | \ndié gē | \ndye ge | \n
| Emmanuel | \n埃曼努埃尔 | \nāi màn nǔ āi ěr | \nai mann nuu ai eel | \n
| Fernanda | \n费尔南达 | \nfèi ěr nán dá | \nfey eel nan dar | \n
| Gabriela | \n加布里埃拉 | \njiā bù lǐ āi lā | \njia buh lii ai lha | \n
| Isabella | \n伊莎贝拉 | \nyī shā bèi lā | \ni sha bey lha | \n
| Jesús | \n赫苏斯 | \nhè sū sī | \nheh su sy | \n
| Joaquín | \n华金 | \nhuá jīn | \nhwa jin | \n
| Jorge | \n豪尔赫 | \nháo ěr hè | \nhaur eel heh | \n
| José | \n何塞 | \nhé sài | \nher sai | \n
| Juan | \n胡安 | \nhú ān | \nhwu an | \n
| Julieta | \n茱莉塔 | \nzhū lì tǎ | \nju lih taa | \n
| Lucas | \n卢卡斯 | \nlú kǎ sī | \nlu kaa sy | \n
| Lucía | \n露西亚 | \nlù xī yà | \nluh shi yah | \n
| Luciana | \n露西安娜 | \nlù xī ān nà | \nluh shi an nah | \n
| Luis | \n路易斯 | \nlù yì sī | \nluh yih sy | \n
| Manuel | \n曼努埃尔 | \nmàn nǔ āi ěr | \nmann nuu ai eel | \n
| María Fernanda | \n玛丽亚·费尔南达 | \nmǎ lì yà · fèi ěr nán dá | \nmaa lih yah · fey eel nan dar | \n
| María José | \n玛丽亚·何塞 | \nmǎ lì yà · hé sài | \nmaa lih yah · her sai | \n
| Mariana | \n玛丽安娜 | \nmǎ lì ān nà | \nmaa lih an nah | \n
| Martín | \n马丁 | \nmǎ dīng | \nmaa ding | \n
| Martina | \n玛蒂娜 | \nmǎ dì nà | \nmaa dih nah | \n
| Mateo | \n马特奥 | \nmǎ tè ào | \nmaa teh aw | \n
| Matías | \n马蒂亚斯 | \nmǎ dì yà sī | \nmaa dih yah sy | \n
| Mía | \n米亚 | \nmǐ yà | \nmii yah | \n
| Natalia | \n娜塔莉亚 | \nnà tǎ lì yà | \nnah taa lih yah | \n
| Nicolás | \n尼古拉斯 | \nní gǔ lā sī | \nni guu lha sy | \n
| Nicole | \n妮可 | \nnī kě | \nnhi kee | \n
| Pablo | \n巴勃罗 | \nbā bó luó | \nba bor luo | \n
| Paula | \n宝拉 | \nbǎo lā | \nbao lha | \n
| Pedro | \n佩德罗 | \npèi dé luó | \npey der luo | \n
| Samantha | \n萨曼莎 | \nsà màn shā | \nsah mann sha | \n
| Samuel | \n塞缪尔 | \nsài miù ěr | \nsay miow eel | \n
| Santiago | \n圣地亚哥 | \nshèng dì yà gē | \nshenq dih yah ge | \n
| Sara | \n莎拉 | \nshā lā | \nsha lha | \n
| Sebastián | \n塞巴斯蒂安 | \nsài bā sī dì ān | \nsay ba sy dih an | \n
| Sofía | \n索菲亚 | \nsuǒ fēi yà | \nsuoo fei yah | \n
| Tomás | \n托马斯 | \ntuō mǎ sī | \ntuo maa sy | \n
| Valentina | \n瓦伦蒂娜 | \nwǎ lún dì nà | \nwaa luen dih nah | \n
| Valeria | \n瓦莱里娅 | \nwǎ lái lǐ yà | \nwaa lai lii yah | \n
| Victoria | \n维多利亚 | \nwéi duō lì yà | \nwei duo lih yah | \n
| Ximena | \n西梅娜 | \nxī méi nà | \nshi mei nah | \n
\n
Let’s take a look at how some of the most popular French names translate into Chinese. The following list aims to maintain the essence of French names while adapting them to Chinese phonetics:
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Alain | \n阿兰 | \nā lán | \na lan | \n
| Andre | \n安德烈 | \nān dé liè | \nan der lieh | \n
| Anne | \n安妮 | \nān nī | \nan nhi | \n
| Bernard | \n伯纳德 | \nbó nà dé | \nbor nah der | \n
| Bruno | \n布鲁诺 | \nbù lǔ nuò | \nbuh luu nuoh | \n
| Catherine | \n凯瑟琳 | \nkǎi sè lín | \nkae seh lin | \n
| Christian | \n克里斯蒂安 | \nkè lǐ sī dì ān | \nkeh lii sy dih an | \n
| Christine | \n克里斯蒂娜 | \nkè lǐ sī dì nà | \nkeh lii sy dih nah | \n
| Christophe | \n克里斯托弗 | \nkè lǐ sī tuō fú | \nkeh lii sy tuo fwu | \n
| Claude | \n克劳德 | \nkè láo dé | \nkeh lau der | \n
| Daniel | \n丹尼尔 | \ndān ní ěr | \ndan ni eel | \n
| David | \n大卫 | \ndà wèi | \ndah wey | \n
| Didier | \n迪迪埃 | \ndí dí āi | \ndyi dyi ai | \n
| Dominique | \n多米尼克 | \nduō mǐ ní kè | \nduo mii ni keh | \n
| Eric | \n埃里克 | \nāi lǐ kè | \nai lii keh | \n
| Francis | \n弗朗西斯 | \nfú lǎng xī sī | \nfwu laang shi sy | \n
| Georges | \n乔治 | \nqiáo zhì | \nchyau jyh | \n
| Guy | \n盖伊 | \ngài yī | \ngay i | \n
| Isabelle | \n伊莎贝尔 | \nyī shā bèi ěr | \ni sha bey eel | \n
| Jacqueline | \n杰奎琳 | \njié kuí lín | \njye kwei lin | \n
| Jacques | \n雅克 | \nyǎ kè | \nyea keh | \n
| Jean | \n让 | \nràng | \nranq | \n
| Jean-Claude | \n让·克劳德 | \nràng · kè láo dé | \nranq · kè láo dé | \n
| Jean-Pierre | \n让·皮埃尔 | \nràng · pí āi ěr | \nranq · pyi ai eel | \n
| Joseph | \n约瑟夫 | \nyuē sè fū | \niue seh fu | \n
| Laurent | \n劳伦特 | \nláo lún tè | \nlau luen teh | \n
| Marc | \n马克 | \nmǎ kè | \nmaa keh | \n
| Marcel | \n马塞尔 | \nmǎ sài ěr | \nmaa say eel | \n
| Marie | \n玛丽 | \nmǎ lì | \nmaa lih | \n
| Martine | \n玛蒂娜 | \nmǎ dì nà | \nmaa dih nah | \n
| Michel | \n米歇尔 | \nmǐ xiē ěr | \nmii shie eel | \n
| Monique | \n莫妮克 | \nmò nī kè | \nmoh nhi keh | \n
| Nathalie | \n娜塔莉 | \nnà tǎ lì | \nnah taa lih | \n
| Nicolas | \n尼古拉斯 | \nní gǔ lā sī | \nni guu lha sy | \n
| Nicole | \n妮可 | \nnī kě | \nnhi kee | \n
| Olivier | \n奥利维尔 | \nào lì wéi ěr | \naw lih wei eel | \n
| Pascal | \n帕斯卡 | \npà sī kǎ | \npah sy kaa | \n
| Patrick | \n帕特里克 | \npà tè lǐ kè | \npah teh lii keh | \n
| Philippe | \n菲利普 | \nfēi lì pǔ | \nfei lih puu | \n
| Pierre | \n皮埃尔 | \npí āi ěr | \npyi ai eel | \n
| Rene | \n雷内 | \nléi nèi | \nlei ney | \n
| Robert | \n罗伯特 | \nluó bó tè | \nluo bor teh | \n
| Roger | \n罗杰 | \nluó jié | \nluo jye | \n
| Sandrine | \n桑德琳 | \nsāng dé lín | \nsang der lin | \n
| Serge | \n塞尔吉 | \nsài ěr jí | \nsay eel jyi | \n
| Sophie | \n索菲 | \nsuǒ fēi | \nsuoo fei | \n
| Sylvie | \n西尔维 | \nxī ěr wéi | \nshi eel wei | \n
| Thierry | \n蒂埃里 | \ndì āi lǐ | \ndih ai lii | \n
| Valerie | \n瓦莱丽 | \nwǎ lái lì | \nwaa lai lih | \n
| Yves | \n伊夫 | \nyī fū | \ni fu | \n
\n
Below, you’ll find a list of the top 100 most common German names translated into Chinese, focused on maintaining phonetic resemblance:
\n![\"Learn](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb378825c9f9c6a26/662259c8bb637269f21dd466/istock-1092732956.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Andrea | \n安德莉亚 | \nān dé lì yà | \nan der lih yah | \n
| Andreas | \n安德烈亚斯 | \nān dé liè yà sī | \nan der lieh yah sy | \n
| Barbara | \n芭芭拉 | \nbā bā lā | \nba ba lha | \n
| Bernd | \n伯恩德 | \nbó ēn dé | \nbor en der | \n
| Birgit | \n比吉特 | \nbǐ jí tè | \nbii jyi teh | \n
| Brigitte | \n布丽奇特 | \nbù lì qí tè | \nbuh lih chyi teh | \n
| Christa | \n克丽斯塔 | \nkè lì sī tǎ | \nkeh lih sy taa | \n
| Christian | \n克里斯蒂安 | \nkè lǐ sī dì ān | \nkeh lii sy dih an | \n
| Christine | \n克里斯蒂娜 | \nkè lǐ sī dì nà | \nkeh lii sy dih nah | \n
| Claudia | \n克劳迪娅 | \nkè láo dí yà | \nkeh lau dyi yah | \n
| Dieter | \n迪特尔 | \ndí tè ěr | \ndyi teh eel | \n
| Elisabeth | \n伊丽莎白 | \nyī lì shā bái | \ni lih sha bair | \n
| Elke | \n埃尔克 | \nāi ěr kè | \nai eel keh | \n
| Erika | \n艾莉卡 | \nài lì kǎ | \nay lih kaa | \n
| Frank | \n弗兰克 | \nfú lán kè | \nfwu lan keh | \n
| Franz | \n弗兰兹 | \nfú lán zī | \nfwu lan tzy | \n
| Gerhard | \n格哈德 | \ngé hā dé | \nger ha der | \n
| Gisela | \n吉塞拉 | \njí sài lā | \njyi say lha | \n
| Günter | \n君特 | \njūn tè | \njiun teh | \n
| Hans | \n汉斯 | \nhàn sī | \nhann sy | \n
| Heike | \n海可 | \nhǎi kě | \nhae kee | \n
| Heinz | \n海因茨 | \nhǎi yīn cí | \nhae in tsyr | \n
| Helga | \n海尔格 | \nhǎi ěr gé | \nhae eel ger | \n
| Helmut | \n赫尔穆特 | \nhè ěr mù tè | \nheh eel muh teh | \n
| Herbert | \n赫伯特 | \nhè bó tè | \nheh bor teh | \n
| Horst | \n霍斯特 | \nhuò sī tè | \nhuoh sy teh | \n
| Ingrid | \n英格丽 | \nyīng gé lì | \ning ger lih | \n
| Josef | \n约瑟夫 | \nyuē sè fū | \niue seh fu | \n
| Jürgen | \n尤尔根 | \nyóu ěr gēn | \nyou eel gen | \n
| Karin | \n卡琳 | \nkǎ lín | \nkaa lin | \n
| Karl | \n卡尔 | \nkǎ ěr | \nkaa eel | \n
| Karl-Heinz | \n卡尔·海因茨 | \nkǎ ěr · hǎi yīn cí | \nkaa eel · hae in tsyr | \n
| Klaus | \n克劳斯 | \nkè láo sī | \nkeh lau sy | \n
| Manfred | \n曼弗雷德 | \nmàn fú léi dé | \nmann fwu lei der | \n
| Maria | \n玛丽亚 | \nmǎ lì yà | \nmaa lih yah | \n
| Martin | \n马丁 | \nmǎ dīng | \nmaa ding | \n
| Michael | \n迈克尔 | \nmài kè ěr | \nmay keh eel | \n
| Monika | \n莫妮卡 | \nmò nī kǎ | \nmoh nhi kaa | \n
| Peter | \n彼得 | \nbǐ dé | \nbii der | \n
| Petra | \n佩特拉 | \npèi tè lā | \npey teh lha | \n
| Renate | \n蕾娜特 | \nlěi nà tè | \nleei nah teh | \n
| Sabine | \n萨比娜 | \nsà bǐ nà | \nsah bii nah | \n
| Stefan | \n史蒂芬 | \nshǐ dì fēn | \nshyy dih fen | \n
| Susanne | \n苏珊娜 | \nsū shān nà | \nsu shan nah | \n
| Thomas | \n托马斯 | \ntuō mǎ sī | \ntuo maa sy | \n
| Ursula | \n厄休拉 | \nè xiū lā | \neh shiou lha | \n
| Uwe | \n乌韦 | \nwū wéi | \nu wei | \n
| Walter | \n沃尔特 | \nwò ěr tè | \nwoh eel teh | \n
| Werner | \n维尔纳 | \nwéi ěr nà | \nwei eel nah | \n
| Wolfgang | \n沃夫冈 | \nwò fū gāng | \nwoh fu gang | \n
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Here are 50 popular Italian names and their phonetic translations into Chinese:
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Alessandro | \n亚历桑德罗 | \nyà lì sāng dé luó | \nyah lih sang der luo | \n
| Alice | \n爱丽丝 | \nài lì sī | \nay lih sy | \n
| Andrea | \n安德烈 | \nān dé liè | \nan der lieh | \n
| Angela | \n安吉拉 | \nān jí lā | \nan jyi lha | \n
| Angelo | \n安杰洛 | \nān jié luò | \nan jye luoh | \n
| Anna | \n安娜 | \nān nà | \nan nah | \n
| Antonio | \n安东尼奥 | \nān dōng ní ào | \nan dong ni aw | \n
| Aurora | \n奥萝拉 | \nào luó lā | \naw luo lha | \n
| Beatrice | \n比阿特丽斯 | \nbǐ ā tè lì sī | \nbii a teh lih sy | \n
| Carlo | \n卡罗 | \nkǎ luó | \nkaa luo | \n
| Carmela | \n卡梅拉 | \nkǎ méi lā | \nkaa mei lha | \n
| Caterina | \n卡特琳娜 | \nkǎ tè lín nà | \nkaa teh lin nah | \n
| Edoardo | \n爱德华多 | \nài dé huá duō | \nay der hwa duo | \n
| Emma | \n艾玛 | \nài mǎ | \nay maa | \n
| Flavio | \n弗拉维奥 | \nfú lā wéi ào | \nfwu lha wei aw | \n
| Francesca | \n弗朗切丝卡 | \nfú lǎng qiè sī kǎ | \nfwu laang chieh sy kaa | \n
| Francesco | \n弗朗切斯科 | \nfú lǎng qiè sī kē | \nfwu laang chieh sy ke | \n
| Gabriele | \n加布里埃尔 | \njiā bù lǐ āi ěr | \njia buh lii ai eel | \n
| Gianna | \n吉安娜 | \njí ān nà | \njyi an nah | \n
| Ginevra | \n吉妮弗拉 | \njí nī fú lā | \njyi nhi fwu lha | \n
| Giorgia | \n乔治娅 | \nqiáo zhì yà | \nchyau jyh yah | \n
| Giovanna | \n乔凡娜 | \nqiáo fán nà | \nchyau farn nah | \n
| Giovanni | \n乔瓦尼 | \nqiáo wǎ ní | \nchyau waa ni | \n
| Giuseppe | \n朱塞佩 | \nzhū sài pèi | \nju sai pey | \n
| Giuseppina | \n朱塞平娜 | \nzhū sài píng nà | \nju sai pyng nah | \n
| Greta | \n格蕾塔 | \ngé lěi tǎ | \nger leei taa | \n
| Guilia | \n茱莉亚 | \nzhū lì yà | \nju lih yah | \n
| Laura | \n劳拉 | \nláo lā | \nlau lha | \n
| Leonardo | \n莱昂纳多 | \nlái áng nà duō | \nlai arng nah duo | \n
| Lorenzo | \n洛伦佐 | \nluò lún zuǒ | \nluoh luen tzuoo | \n
| Luca | \n卢卡 | \nlú kǎ | \nlu kaa | \n
| Lucia | \n露西亚 | \nlù xī yà | \nluh shi yah | \n
| Luigi | \n路易吉 | \nlù yì jí | \nluh yih jyi | \n
| Marco | \n马可 | \nmǎ kě | \nmaa kee | \n
| Maria | \n玛丽亚 | \nmǎ lì yà | \nmaa lih yah | \n
| Mario | \n马里奥 | \nmǎ lǐ ào | \nmaa lii aw | \n
| Mattia | \n马蒂亚 | \nmǎ dì yà | \nmaa dih yah | \n
| Pietro | \n彼得罗 | \nbǐ dé luó | \nbii der luo | \n
| Riccardo | \n里卡多 | \nlǐ kǎ duō | \nlii kaa duo | \n
| Roberto | \n罗伯托 | \nluó bó tuō | \nluo bor tuo | \n
| Rosa | \n罗莎 | \nluó shā | \nluo sha | \n
| Salvatore | \n塞尔瓦托 | \nsài ěr wǎ tuō | \nsay eel waa tuo | \n
| Sara | \n莎拉 | \nshā lā | \nsha lha | \n
| Sophia | \n索菲亚 | \nsuǒ fēi yà | \nsuoo fei yah | \n
| Stefano | \n斯蒂法诺 | \nsī dì fǎ nuò | \nsy dih faa nuoh | \n
| Stella | \n斯特拉 | \nsī tè lā | \nsy teh lha | \n
| Teresa | \n特蕾莎 | \ntè lěi shā | \nteh leei sha | \n
| Tommaso | \n托马索 | \ntuō mǎ suǒ | \ntuo maa suoo | \n
| Valentina | \n瓦伦蒂娜 | \nwǎ lún dì nà | \nwaa luen dih nah | \n
| Vincenzo | \n文森佐 | \nwén sēn zuǒ | \nwen sen tzuoo | \n
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People from Portugal, Brazil, or any other Portuguese-speaking region may find their names on the list below:
\n![\"A](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt131b5271068564c7/66225b7d24e18150d5acc0ef/istock-1135250130.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Inês | \n伊内斯 | \nyī nèi sī | \ni ney sy | \n
| João | \n约翰 | \nyuē hàn | \niue hann | \n
| Mariana | \n玛丽安娜 | \nmǎ lì ān nà | \nmaa lih an nah | \n
| Miguel | \n米格尔 | \nmǐ gé ěr | \nmii ger eel | \n
| Joana | \n乔安娜 | \nqiáo ān nà | \nchyau an nah | \n
| Pedro | \n佩德罗 | \npèi dé luó | \npey der luo | \n
| Ana | \n亚拿 | \nyà ná | \nyah na | \n
| Diogo | \n迪奥戈 | \ndí ào gē | \ndyi aw ge | \n
| Maria | \n玛丽亚 | \nmǎ lì yà | \nmaa lih yah | \n
| Gonçalo | \n贡萨洛 | \ngòng sà luò | \ngonq sah luoh | \n
| Rita | \n丽塔 | \nlì tǎ | \nlih taa | \n
| Ricardo | \n里卡多 | \nlǐ kǎ duō | \nlii kaa duo | \n
| Carolina | \n卡罗莱纳 | \nkǎ luó lái nà | \nkaa luo lai nah | \n
| Tomás | \n托马斯 | \ntuō mǎ sī | \ntuo maa sy | \n
| Sofia | \n苏菲亚 | \nsū fēi yà | \nsu fei yah | \n
| Alexandre | \n亚历山大 | \nyà lì shān dà | \nyah lih shan dah | \n
| Beatriz | \n比阿特丽斯 | \nbǐ ā tè lì sī | \nbii a teh lih sy | \n
| Afonso | \n阿丰索 | \nā fēng suǒ | \na feng suoo | \n
| Raquel | \n拉奎尔 | \nlā kuí ěr | \nlha kwei eel | \n
| Rui | \n锐 | \nruì | \nruey | \n
| Sara | \n莎拉 | \nshā lā | \nsha lha | \n
| Luis | \n路易斯 | \nlù yì sī | \nluh yih sy | \n
| Marta | \n玛尔塔 | \nmǎ ěr tǎ | \nmaa eel taa | \n
| Guilherme | \n吉列尔梅 | \njí liè ěr méi | \njyi lieh eel mei | \n
| Liliana | \n莉莉安娜 | \nlì lì ān nà | \nlih lih an nah | \n
| Marcos | \n马科斯 | \nmǎ kē sī | \nmaa ke sy | \n
| Laura | \n劳拉 | \nláo lā | \nlau lha | \n
| Antonio | \n安东尼奥 | \nān dōng ní ào | \nan dong ni aw | \n
| Tatiana | \n塔蒂亚娜 | \ntǎ dì yà nà | \ntaa dih yah nah | \n
| Paulo | \n保罗 | \nbǎo luó | \nbao luo | \n
| Vera | \n维拉 | \nwéi lā | \nwei lha | \n
| David | \n大卫 | \ndà wèi | \ndah wey | \n
| Patrícia | \n帕特里夏 | \npà tè lǐ xià | \npah teh lii shiah | \n
| Tiago | \n蒂亚戈 | \ndì yà gē | \ndih yah ge | \n
| Margarida | \n玛格丽塔 | \nmǎ gé lì tǎ | \nmaa ger lih taa | \n
| Francisco | \n弗朗西斯科 | \nfú lǎng xī sī kē | \nfwu laang shi sy ke | \n
| Adriana | \n阿德里安娜 | \nā dé lǐ ān nà | \na der lii an nah | \n
| Duarte | \n杜阿尔特 | \ndù ā ěr tè | \nduh a eel teh | \n
| Carol | \n卡萝 | \nkǎ luó | \nkaa luo | \n
| Rodrigo | \n罗德里戈 | \nluó dé lǐ gē | \nluo der lii ge | \n
| Filipa | \n菲利帕 | \nfēi lì pà | \nfei lih pah | \n
| Lucas | \n卢卡斯 | \nlú kǎ sī | \nlu kaa sy | \n
| Daniela | \n丹妮拉 | \ndān nī lā | \ndan nhi lha | \n
| Leandro | \n莱安德罗 | \nlái ān dé luó | \nlai an der luo | \n
| Jéssica | \n杰西卡 | \njié xī kǎ | \njye shi kaa | \n
| Jorge | \n豪尔赫 | \nháo ěr hè | \nhaur eel heh | \n
| Lara | \n劳拉 | \nláo lā | \nlau lha | \n
| Nils | \n尼尔斯 | \nní ěr sī | \nni eel sy | \n
| Andreia | \n安德烈娅 | \nān dé liè yà | \nan der lieh yah | \n
| Sourik | \n苏里克 | \nsū lǐ kè | \nsū lǐ kè | \n
\n
Speaking about your hobbies and interests is a great way to start a conversation in Chinese with someone you’ve just met. But how do you talk about your favorite singer, actor, politician or sports player in Chinese if you don’t know how to say their names? Fortunately, transliterating celebrity names is quite easy — you’ll get the hang of it very quickly!
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Adele | \n阿黛尔 | \nā dài ěr | \na day eel | \n
| Angelina Jolie | \n安吉丽娜·朱莉 | \nān jí lì nà · zhū lì | \nan jyi lih nah · ju lih | \n
| Anne Hathaway | \n安妮·海瑟薇 | \nān nī · hǎi sè wēi | \nan nhi · hae seh uei | \n
| Anthony Fauci | \n安东尼·福奇 | \nān dōng ní · fú qí | \nan dong ni · fwu chyi | \n
| Ariana Grande | \n爱莉安娜·格兰德 | \nài lì ān nà · gé lán dé | \nay lih an nah · ger lan der | \n
| Barack Obama | \n贝拉克·奥巴马 | \nbèi lā kè · ào bā mǎ | \nbey lha keh · aw ba maa | \n
| Ben Affleck | \n本·阿弗莱克 | \nběn · ā fú lái kè | \nbeen · a fwu lai keh | \n
| Benedict Cumberbatch | \n本尼迪克特·康伯巴奇 | \nběn ní dí kè tè · kāng bó bā qí | \nbeen ni dyi keh teh · kang bor ba chyi | \n
| Beyoncé | \n碧昂丝 | \nbì áng sī | \nbih arng sy | \n
| Bill Gates | \n比尔·盖茨 | \nbǐ ěr · gài cí | \nbǐ ěr · gài cí | \n
| Billie Eilish | \n比莉·艾利什 | \nbǐ lì · ài lì shí | \nbii lih · ay lih shyr | \n
| Boris Johnson | \n鲍里斯·约翰逊 | \nbào lǐ sī · yuē hàn xùn | \nbaw lii sy · iue hann shiunn | \n
| Brad Pitt | \n布拉德·皮特 | \nbù lā dé · pí tè | \nbuh lha der · pyi teh | \n
| Britney Spears | \n布兰妮·斯皮尔斯 | \nbù lán nī · sī pí ěr sī | \nbuh lan nhi · sy pyi eel sy | \n
| Christiano Ronaldo | \n克里斯蒂亚诺·罗纳尔多 | \nkè lǐ sī dì yà nuò · luó nà ěr duō | \nkeh lii sy dih yah nuoh · luo nah eel duo | \n
| David Beckham | \n大卫·贝克汉姆 | \ndà wèi · bèi kè hàn mǔ | \ndah wey · bey keh hann muu | \n
| Demi Lavato | \n黛米·洛瓦托 | \ndài mǐ · luò wǎ tuō | \nday mii · luoh waa tuo | \n
| Donald Trump | \n唐纳德·特朗普 | \ntáng nà dé · tè lǎng pǔ | \ntarng nah der · teh laang puu | \n
| Dwayne Johnson | \n道恩·强森 | \ndào ēn · qiáng sēn | \ndaw en · chyang sen | \n
| Elon Musk | \n埃隆·马斯克 | \nāi lóng · mǎ sī kè | \nai long · maa sy keh | \n
| Emma Stone | \n艾玛·斯通 | \nài mǎ · sī tōng | \nay maa · sy tong | \n
| Emma Watson | \n艾玛·沃特森 | \nài mǎ · wò tè sēn | \nay maa · woh teh sen | \n
| George Clooney | \n乔治·克鲁尼 | \nqiáo zhì · kè lǔ ní | \nchyau jyh · keh luu ni | \n
| Hugh Jackman | \n休·杰克曼 | \nxiū · jié kè màn | \nshiou · jye keh mann | \n
| Jeff Bezos | \n杰夫·贝索斯 | \njié fū · bèi suǒ sī | \njye fu · bey suoo sy | \n
| Jennifer Aniston | \n詹妮弗·安妮斯顿 | \nzhān nī fú · ān nī sī dùn | \njan nhi fwu · an nhi sy duenn | \n
| Jennifer Lopez | \n詹妮弗·洛佩兹 | \nzhān nī fú · luò pèi zī | \njan nhi fwu · luoh pey tzy | \n
| Joe Biden | \n乔·拜登 | \nqiáo · bài dēng | \nchyau · bay deng | \n
| Johnny Depp | \n约翰尼·德普 | \nyuē hàn ní · dé pǔ | \niue hann ni · der puu | \n
| Justin Bieber | \n贾斯汀·比伯 | \njiǎ sī tīng · bǐ bó | \njea sy ting · bii bor | \n
| Justin Timberlake | \n贾斯汀·汀布莱克 | \njiǎ sī tīng · tīng bù lái kè | \njea sy ting · ting buh lai keh | \n
| Kamala Harris | \n卡玛拉·哈里斯 | \nkǎ mǎ lā · hā lǐ sī | \nkaa maa lha · ha lii sy | \n
| Kate Perry | \n凯蒂·佩里 | \nkǎi dì · pèi lǐ | \nkae dih · pey lii | \n
| Kanye West | \n坎耶·维斯特 | \nkǎn yé · wéi sī tè | \nkaan ye · wei sy teh | \n
| Kim Kardashian | \n金·卡戴珊 | \njīn · kǎ dài shān | \njin · kaa day shan | \n
| Kylie Jenner | \n凯莉·詹娜 | \nkǎi lì · zhān nà | \nkae lih · jan nah | \n
| LeBron James | \n勒布朗·詹姆斯 | \nlè bù lǎng · zhān mǔ sī | \nleh buh laang · jan muu sy | \n
| Leo Messi | \n里奥·梅西 | \nlǐ ào · méi xī | \nlii aw · mei shi | \n
| Leonardo DiCaprio | \n莱昂纳多·迪卡普里奥 | \nlái áng nà duō · dí kǎ pǔ lǐ ào | \nlai arng nah duo · dyi kaa puu lii aw | \n
| Mark Zuckerberg | \n马克·扎克伯格 | \nmǎ kè · zhā kè bó gé | \nmaa keh · ja keh bor ger | \n
| Michael Jordan | \n迈克尔·乔丹 | \nmài kè ěr · qiáo dān | \nmay keh eel · chyau dan | \n
| Mike Tyson | \n迈克·泰森 | \nmài kè · tài sēn | \nmay keh · tay sen | \n
| Neymar | \n内马尔 | \nnèi mǎ ěr | \nney maa eel | \n
| Nicole Kidman | \n妮可·基德曼 | \nnī kě · jī dé màn | \nnhi kee · ji der mann | \n
| Oprah Winfrey | \n奥普拉·温弗瑞 | \nào pǔ lā · wēn fú ruì | \naw puu lha · uen fwu ruey | \n
| Rihanna | \n蕾哈娜 | \nlěi hā nà | \nleei ha nah | \n
| Robert Downey Jr. | \n小罗伯特·唐尼 | \nxiǎo luó bó tè · táng ní | \nsheau luo bor teh · tarng ni | \n
| Roger Federer | \n罗杰·费德勒 | \nluó jié · fèi dé lè | \nluo jye · fey der leh | \n
| Scarlett Johanssen | \n斯嘉丽·约翰逊 | \nsī jiā lì · yuē hàn xùn | \nsy jia lih · iue hann shiunn | \n
| Selena Gomez | \n赛琳娜·戈麦斯 | \nsài lín nà · gē mài sī | \nsay lin nah · ge may sy | \n
| Sophie Marceau | \n苏菲·玛索 | \nsū fēi · mǎ suǒ | \nsu fei · maa suoo | \n
| Stephen Hawking | \n斯蒂芬·霍金 | \nsī dì fēn · huò jīn | \nsy dih fen · huoh jin | \n
| Stephen Spielberg | \n史蒂文·斯皮尔伯格 | \nshǐ dì wén · sī pí ěr bó gé | \nshyy dih wen · sy pyi eel bor ger | \n
| Steve Jobs | \n史蒂夫·乔布斯 | \nshǐ dì fū · qiáo bù sī | \nshyy dih fu · chyau buh sy | \n
| Taylor Swift | \n泰勒·斯威夫特 | \ntài lè · sī wēi fū tè | \ntay leh · sy uei fu teh | \n
| Tom Brady | \n汤姆·布雷迪 | \ntāng mǔ · bù léi dí | \ntang muu · buh lei dyi | \n
| Tom Hanks | \n汤姆·汉克斯 | \ntāng mǔ · hàn kè sī | \ntang muu · hann keh sy | \n
| Usain Bolt | \n尤塞恩·博尔特 | \nyóu sài ēn · bó ěr tè | \nyou say en · bor eel teh | \n
| Will Smith | \n威尔·史密斯 | \nwēi ěr · shǐ mì sī | \nuei eel · shyy mih sy | \n
\n
Understanding Chinese names is essential for appreciating Chinese culture. Chinese names carry deep meanings, so understanding them will help you understand your Chinese friends and colleagues on a much deeper level. Typically, a Chinese name consists of a family name (surname), followed by a given name, with the family name being of paramount importance as it connects individuals to their ancestral lineage.
\n![\"Understanding](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt287333f110f31033/66225c42210d907cdc3a2a56/istock-1055601038.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
These are the typical components of Chinese names:
\nThe family name comes first in Chinese names and is usually one character, but can also be two on rare occasions. There are about a hundred common Chinese surnames, so you’ll quickly start recognizing the most common ones (more on that below!). The family name is inherited and shared among family members, indicating lineage and heritage.
\nFollowing the surname is the given name, which usually comprises one or two characters. Parents choose given names extremely carefully, as the characters often carry meaning or virtues they wish upon their child. For instance, names might reflect beauty, strength, intelligence or other desired personality traits. Unlike Western naming traditions, there’s a vast pool of existing names that can be used for given names, allowing for a higher degree of uniqueness and personalization.
\nSome families also incorporate a generational name — a specific character shared by all siblings and cousins of the same generation. This practice, though not universal, highlights the collective identity of the family across generations.
\nCompared to its vast population, China has a relatively low number of family names, which can be attributed to several factors. First, Chinese surnames are passed down patrilineally, so many families have had the same surname for generations, stemming from ancient clans and familial lines. Then, Confucian philosophy greatly emphasized the importance of family and ancestry in society, leading to the preservation of surnames.
\nSo, learning just a few surnames can help you a great deal in identifying numerous names! Here is a ranked list of the 20 most common Chinese surnames:
\n| Rank | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| 1 | \n王 | \nwáng | \nwang | \n
| 2 | \n李 | \nlǐ | \nlii | \n
| 3 | \n张 | \nzhāng | \njang | \n
| 4 | \n刘 | \nliú | \nliou | \n
| 5 | \n陈 | \nchén | \nchern | \n
| 6 | \n杨 | \nyáng | \nyang | \n
| 7 | \n黄 | \nhuáng | \nhwang | \n
| 8 | \n赵 | \nzhào | \njaw | \n
| 9 | \n吴 | \nwú | \nwu | \n
| 10 | \n周 | \nzhōu | \njou | \n
| 11 | \n徐 | \nxú | \nshyu | \n
| 12 | \n孙 | \nsūn | \nsuen | \n
| 13 | \n马 | \nmǎ | \nmaa | \n
| 14 | \n朱 | \nzhū | \nju | \n
| 15 | \n胡 | \nhú | \nhwu | \n
| 16 | \n郭 | \nguō | \nguo | \n
| 17 | \n何 | \nhé | \nher | \n
| 18 | \n林 | \nlín | \nlin | \n
| 19 | \n高 | \ngāo | \ngau | \n
| 20 | \n罗 | \nluó | \nluo | \n
\n
Although many Chinese surnames overlap, you won’t meet two Chinese people with the exact same name that often. That’s because given names are chosen to reflect the parents’ varied hopes and aspirations for their children. Consequently, you’ll end up with unique names as each component of each Chinese character is carefully considered, including radicals.
\nWith that said, here are some of the characters that most commonly make it onto Chinese given names:
\n| English meaning | \nChinese name | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nCommonly associated gender | \n
| Great, mighty | \n伟 | \nwěi | \nwoei | \nMale | \n
| Bright | \n明 | \nmíng | \nming | \nGender-neutral | \n
| Fragrance | \n芳 | \nfāng | \nfang | \nFemale | \n
| Hero or outstanding | \n英 | \nyīng | \ning | \nGender-neutral | \n
| Handsome or talented | \n俊 | \njùn | \njiunn | \nMale | \n
| Thunder | \n雷 | \nléi | \nlei | \nMale | \n
| Splendid or China | \n华 | \nhuá | \nhwa | \nGender-neutral | \n
| Outstanding | \n杰 | \njié | \njié | \nMale | \n
| The crisp sound of hitting jade stones | \n玲 | \nlíng | \nling | \nFemale | \n
| Beautiful | \n美 | \nměi | \nmeei | \nFemale | \n
| Abundant | \n丰 | \nfēng | \nfeng | \nGender-neutral | \n
| Vast | \n洪 | \nhóng | \nhorng | \nMale | \n
| Quiet or gentle | \n静 | \njìng | \njinq | \nFemale | \n
| Mythical bird | \n鹏 | \npéng | \nperng | \nMale | \n
| Strong | \n强 | \nqiáng | \nchyang | \nMale | \n
| Coral | \n珊 | \nshān | \nshan | \nFemale | \n
| Wave | \n涛 | \ntāo | \ntau | \nGender-neutral | \n
| Elegant | \n秀 | \nxiù | \nshiow | \nFemale | \n
| Gorgeous | \n艳 | \nyàn | \nyann | \nFemale | \n
| Ambition | \n志 | \nzhì | \njyh | \nMale | \n
| Surpass | \n超 | \nchāo | \nchau | \nMale | \n
| East | \n东 | \ndōng | \ndong | \nGender-neutral | \n
| Splendor | \n辉 | \nhuī | \nhuei | \nMale | \n
| Healthy | \n健 | \njiàn | \njiann | \nMale | \n
| Orchid | \n兰 | \nlán | \nlan | \nFemale | \n
| Peaceful | \n宁 | \nníng | \nning | \nGender-neutral | \n
| Peaceful | \n平 | \npíng | \npyng | \nGender-neutral | \n
| Fine jade | \n琪 | \nqí | \nchyi | \nFemale | \n
| Auspicious | \n瑞 | \nruì | \nruey | \nGender-neutral | \n
| Magnificent | \n硕 | \nshuò | \nshuoh | \nMale | \n
| Heaven | \n天 | \ntiān | \ntian | \nGender-neutral | \n
| Cultured | \n文 | \nwén | \nwen | \nGender-neutral | \n
| Happy | \n欣 | \nxīn | \nshin | \nFemale | \n
| Dazzle | \n耀 | \nyào | \nyaw | \nMale | \n
| Precious | \n珍 | \nzhēn | \njen | \nFemale | \n
| Peace | \n安 | \nān | \nan | \nGender-neutral | \n
| Wave | \n波 | \nbō | \nbo | \nMale | \n
| Emerald | \n翠 | \ncuì | \ntsuey | \nFemale | \n
| Attain | \n达 | \ndá | \ndar | \nMale | \n
| Positivity | \n尔 | \něr | \neel | \nGender-neutral | \n
| Beautiful and Noble | \n丽君 | \nlì jūn | \nlih jiun | \nFemale | \n
| Glory and Well | \n光利 | \nguāng lì | \nguang lih | \nMale | \n
| Cultivate Ambition | \n培志 | \npéi zhì | \npeir jyh | \nMale | \n
| Excellent Wisdom | \n佳慧 | \njiā huì | \njia huey | \nFemale | \n
| Cloud Flying | \n云飞 | \nyún fēi | \nyun fei | \nMale | \n
| Morning Sunshine | \n晨曦 | \nchén xī | \nchern shi | \nGender-neutral | \n
| Clear and Bright | \n清昭 | \nqīng zhāo | \nching jau | \nFemale | \n
| Bright Splendor | \n昭辉 | \nzhāo huī | \njau huei | \nMale | \n
| Flying Upwards | \n飞扬 | \nfēi yáng | \nfei yang | \nMale | \n
| Bright Jade | \n明玉 | \nmíng yù | \nming yuh | \nFemale | \n
| Quiet and Pleasant | \n静怡 | \njìng yí | \njinq yi | \nFemale | \n
| Thunder | \n雷鸣 | \nléi míng | \nlei ming | \nMale | \n
| Splendid and Noble | \n华君 | \nhuá jūn | \nhuah jiun | \nGender-neutral | \n
| Like the Dawn | \n若曦 | \nruò xī | \nruoh shi | \nFemale | \n
| Magnificent Abundance | \n硕丰 | \nshuò fēng | \nshuoh feng | \nMale | \n
| Cultured and Pure | \n文清 | \nwén qīng | \nwen ching | \nGender-neutral | \n
| Scholarly and Elegant | \n香如 | \nxiāng rú | \nshiang ru | \nFemale | \n
| Elegant and wisdom | \n月华 | \nyuè huá | \nyueh hwa | \nGender-neutral | \n
| Majestic Might | \n振威 | \nzhèn wēi | \njenn uei | \nMale | \n
| Virtuous and Joyful | \n子欣 | \nzǐ xīn | \ntzyy shin | \nGender-neutral | \n
| Bright, Clear | \n亮 | \nliàng | \nlianq | \nMale | \n
| Beautiful Jade | \n美琳 | \nměi lín | \nmeei lin | \nFemale | \n
| Build Vastness | \n建宏 | \njiàn hóng | \njiann horng | \nMale | \n
| Fragrant | \n芳芳 | \nfāng fāng | \nfang fang | \nFemale | \n
| Morning Rain | \n晓雨 | \nxiǎo yǔ | \nsheau yeu | \nGender-neutral | \n
| Accomplished | \n成 | \nchéng | \ncherng | \nMale | \n
| Magnolia | \n玉兰 | \nyù lán | \nyuh lan | \nFemale | \n
| Refined | \n斌 | \nbīn | \nbin | \nMale | \n
| Sparkling | \n晶晶 | \njīng jīng | \njing jing | \nFemale | \n
| Triumphant | \n凯 | \nkǎi | \nkae | \nMale | \n
| Orchid | \n兰兰 | \nlán lán | \nlan lan | \nFemale | \n
| Bright and Vast | \n明浩 | \nmíng hào | \nming haw | \nMale | \n
| Merciful | \n茹 | \nrú | \nru | \nFemale | \n
| Frost | \n霜 | \nshuāng | \nshuang | \nGender-neutral | \n
| Graceful | \n婷婷 | \ntíng tíng | \ntyng tyng | \nFemale | \n
| Greatness | \n伟伟 | \nwěi wěi | \nwoei woei | \nMale | \n
| Open-minded and Cultured | \n晓文 | \nxiǎo wén | \nsheau wen | \nGender-neutral | \n
| One Sail | \n一帆 | \nyì fān | \ni fan | \nMale | \n
| Elegant and Noble | \n彦君 | \nyàn jūn | \nyann jiun | \nMale | \n
| Delicate and Tinkling | \n玲玲 | \nlíng líng | \nling ling | \nFemale | \n
| Vast and Natural | \n浩然 | \nhào rán | \nhaw ran | \nMale | \n
| Happy and Content | \n欣然 | \nxīn rán | \nshin ran | \nGender-neutral | \n
| Candid | \n磊 | \nlěi | \nleei | \nMale | \n
| Excellent and Fine | \n佳琪 | \njiā qí | \njia chyi | \nFemale | \n
| Thoughtful | \n思思 | \nsī sī | \nsy sy | \nFemale | \n
| Joyful | \n欢 | \nhuān | \nhuan | \nGender-neutral | \n
| Autumn Moon | \n秋月 | \nqiū yuè | \nchiou yueh | \nFemale | \n
| Ocean of Grace | \n泽洋 | \nzé yáng | \ntzer yang | \nMale | \n
| Peaceful and Calm | \n宁宁 | \nníng níng | \nning ning | \nFemale | \n
| Dawn’s Beauty | \n晓丽 | \nxiǎo lì | \nsheau lih | \nFemale | \n
| Light, Glory | \n光 | \nguāng | \nguang | \nGender-neutral | \n
| Pleased, Happy | \n悦 | \nyuè | \nyueh | \nGender-neutral | \n
| Broad, Learned | \n博 | \nbó | \nbor | \nMale | \n
| Beautiful | \n丽丽 | \nlì lì | \nlih lih | \nFemale | \n
| Glory, Flourish | \n荣 | \nróng | \nrong | \nGender-neutral | \n
| Joyful, Happy | \n欣悦 | \nxīn yuè | \nshin yueh | \nFemale | \n
| Vast and Outstanding | \n浩杰 | \nhào jié | \nhaw jye | \nMale | \n
| Beautiful and Cultured | \n丽文 | \nlì wén | \nlih wen | \nFemale | \n
| Universe and Star | \n宇辰 | \nyǔ chén | \nyeu chern | \nMale | \n
\n
Pronouncing Chinese names can be challenging for non-native speakers, but understanding the basics of Mandarin pronunciation can help. Here’s a guide to get you started:
\n![\"Learn](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt7e015b00c42e3789/66225dd3ca88743450ed18df/istock-1083314604.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Understanding pinyin is the first step towards getting Chinese names right. This is the Romanization system of Chinese, which uses Roman letters to match the sounds of each Chinese character. Each syllable in pinyin roughly corresponds to a syllable in Mandarin Chinese and is composed of:
\nMandarin Chinese is a tonal language, which means that the pitch or tone used when a word is spoken can change its meaning. There are four main tones and a neutral tone:
\nWhile reading the pinyin is massively helpful, some of it isn’t always intuitive for non-Chinese speakers. Especially if your native language is English, some of the syllables will be pronounced vastly differently. Here are some quick tips:
\nAdditionally, pay close attention to how native speakers pronounce their names. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help or clarification from native speakers — most will be happy to help you get their names right!
\n\n
Whether you’re planning to visit China for a few weeks or are thinking about studying or working in the country for long, choosing a Chinese name is one of the first things you should do to integrate into society. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose your Chinese name:
\n![\"Learning](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt4b1172151ef80f24/66225fa233301d02918904e3/istock-1150689012.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
There are two main approaches to choosing a Chinese name:
\nThe phonetic matching approach is by far the fastest and most impersonal approach. If you’re planning to live or work in China long-term, going for a meaningful translation that more closely resembles a native Chinese name will be more impressive, as it’ll show that you’ve put some careful thought into your name — just how Chinese parents do with their children’s names.
\nChinese surnames are typically in one character. One suggestion is that you can just go with a surname that sounds closest to your own name. For example, if your last name is Jones, you can go with 周 (zhōu) as your surname.
\nThis is where you’ll have to spend some time thinking about what’s important to you. Ideally, you’ll want to combine characters that sound somewhat like your given name and signify values or adjectives that you identify with or would like to manifest for yourself. Of course, this is much easier said than done, but our list of the 100 most common Chinese names above is a great place to start.
\nAsking native speakers for help can be a great way to find name ideas in Chinese. But, whether you decide to come up with the name entirely on your own or seek help, make sure to always confirm with a few native speakers before you settle into your new name. This will help you ensure that your name sounds as natural as possible and also confirm that there aren’t any other meanings or negative connotations that you hadn’t considered.
\n\n
In Chinese names, the family name (surname) comes first, followed by the given name. The family name is usually just one syllable, while the given name is typically one or two syllables. For example, in the name \"王小明\" (wáng xiǎo míng), \"王\" (wáng) is the surname, and \"小明\" (xiǎo míng) is the given name.
\nYes, Chinese names can be gendered, but not always explicitly. The characters used in given names often have connotations that are considered masculine or feminine. For instance, names containing characters like \"芳\" (fāng, meaning fragrant) are typically feminine, while names with characters like \"刚\" (gāng, meaning strong) are usually masculine. However, many names are unisex, depending on the characters used.
\nTraditionally, Chinese people don’t have middle names the way Westerners do. The given name consists of one or two characters and is considered a single unit. However, in some families, there is a generational name component shared by all siblings and cousins of the same generation. Although not the same concept as a middle name, this is the closest thing that could resemble it in Chinese names.
\nNo, Chinese women typically don’t change their surnames after marriage. The practice of keeping one’s maiden name is common and widely accepted in Chinese culture. This tradition emphasizes the importance of one’s lineage and family identity. Both men and women retain their given names and surnames throughout their lives, including after marriage.
\n\n
We’ve covered hundreds of Western names in Chinese along with some of the most common Chinese names out there, so hopefully, you found yours on one of our lists! And if not, then you now have the tools to expertly create your very own Chinese name.
\nIf you enjoyed this guide, make sure to check out the rest of our Chinese blog. We regularly publish tons of helpful guides, like mastering basic Chinese sentence structures and understanding the Chinese New Year.
\n"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Chinese characters","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"A top guide to Chinese characters: Strokes, stroke orders & more","url":"/blog/chinese-characters-strokes-orders","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt1e6f545dd0c5215b/660e800b0713758415c43c3f/Learn_Chinese_characters.jpg"},"post_content":"Fear not! Although they might seem intimidating if you’re just about to start learning Mandarin Chinese, the characters are one of the most fun and interesting parts of this language.
These logographic symbols represent some of China’s oldest history, with some of the earliest Chinese characters dating back over 3,000 years ago. As such, they carry deep cultural meanings and are an irreplaceable part of the Chinese language. If you’re familiar with the difference between Mandarin and Cantonese, then you know that characters are the unifying force behind all Chinese dialects. While each dialect has unique pronunciations and some grammar differences, the meaning of the characters remains largely unchanged across dialects — making them all part of the Chinese language.
So, if you’ve already reviewed our 10 expert tips to learn Chinese characters and are ready to go all in by learning about the origin, types, and meaning of them, then this guide is for you. We’ve even included a chart of the 100 most common ones to help you kickstart your journey to Chinese fluency!
We’ve got a lot of ground to cover, so let’s get right to it!
![\"Students](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltcf789085939ad45e/660e83b46ccdb8314ea503fd/istock-1153661718.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Chinese characters are logograms used to write Chinese. Instead of using an alphabet, Chinese uses these symbols to represent meaning. Each character corresponds to a syllable and, by extension, a word or concept. Words in Chinese are mostly made up of two or three characters, so you can think of them as the building blocks of written Chinese.
There are thousands of characters, although knowing just 3,000 to 4,000 of them is enough to navigate modern Chinese. That’s because most words are made up of a combination of the most common characters. This means that Chinese is a language that builds upon itself, as once you learn your first few hundred characters, learning new words will be significantly easier as you’ll already know some of the characters!
Let’s take a closer look:
The history of Chinese characters can be traced back over 3,000 years to the Shang Dynasty, where the earliest known scripts were inscribed on oracle bones. These ancient characters, known as “jiaguwen” (甲骨文), were mainly used for divination purposes. They were pictographic in nature, meaning they were symbols that directly represented objects, animals or concepts. For instance, the character for “sun” (日) resembled a circular object with a dot in the center, symbolizing the sun.
Over the centuries, Chinese characters have undergone significant evolution in form and function. Following the oracle bone script, the Bronze Age brought about the Bronze Inscriptions, known as the “jinwen” (金文), used in inscriptions on bronze artifacts. This script eventually evolved into the Seal script during the Western Zhou dynasty, or “dazhuan” (大篆), characterized by its more stylized and abstract forms.
The Qin dynasty marked a pivotal moment in the standardization of characters through the promotion of the Small Seal script, known as “xiaozhuan” (小篆), as the official national writing standard. The first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, who sought to unify the writing system across his empire, drove this effort. However, the complexity of the Seal script led to the development of the Clerical script, or “lishu” (隶书), during the Han dynasty, which featured a more linear and simplified style.
The Tang Dynasty then saw the popularization of the Regular script, also known as “kaishu” (楷书), which is the basis for contemporary Chinese writing. This script is characterized by its balanced structure and is the style commonly taught in schools today.
Chinese characters can typically be broken down into the following key components:
Discussing characters in Chinese typically comes with a few associated words. Here’s the most common Chinese character vocabulary:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Chinese characters | 汉字 | hàn zì | hann tzyh |
| Oracle bone script | 甲骨文 | jiǎ gǔ wén | jea guu wen |
| Font | 字体 | zì tǐ | tzyh tii |
| Strokes | 笔画 | bǐ huà | bii huah |
| Radicals | 偏旁部首 | piān páng bù shǒu | pian parng buh shoou |
| Traditional Chinese characters | 繁体字 | fán tǐ zì | farn tii tzyh |
| Simplified Chinese characters | 简体字 | jiǎn tǐ zì | jean tii tzyh |
| Pinyin | 拼音 | pīn yīn | pin in |
| Four tones | 四声调 | sì shēng diào | syh sheng diaw |
| Vocabulary words | 词汇 | cí huì | tsyr huey |
| Calligraphy | 书法 | shū fǎ | shu faa |
| Idioms | 成语 | chéng yǔ | cherng yeu |
| Dictionary | 字典 | zì diǎn | tzyh dean |
| Grammar | 语法 | yǔ fǎ | yeu faa |
| Syllable | 音节 | yīn jié | in jye |
| Pronunciation | 发音 | fā yīn | fa in |
| Sentence | 句子 | jù zi | jiuh tzy |
| Phrase | 词组 | cí zǔ | tsyr tzuu |
| Pictograms | 象形字 | xiàng xíng zì | shianq shyng tzyh |
| Phono-semantic characters | 形声字 | xíng shēng zì | shyng sheng tzyh |
| Simple ideograms | 指事字 | zhǐ shì zì | jyy shyh tzyh |
| Compound ideograms | 会意字 | huì yì zì | huey yih tzyh |
| Transfer characters | 转注字 | zhuǎn zhù zì | joan juh tzyh |
| Loan characters | 假借字 | jiǎ jiè zì | jea jieh tzyh |
Chinese characters have evolved for thousands of years from multiple sources. That means different characters were developed from different places, so they all have different ways of existing. Here’s a breakdown of the types you’ll run into:
![\"Learning](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt4cb4dd48e0f788e2/660e83fd407aec10226c6d36/istock-1079827222.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Pictograms are characters that visually represent the objects they denote. They’re among the oldest types of Chinese characters and are the foundation of many complex characters.
For example:
These characters combine a phonetic component that suggests the pronunciation and a semantic component that suggests the meaning. The majority of characters fall under this category, as this system allowed the expansion of the Chinese lexicon while maintaining a connection between form, meaning, and sound.
Here are some examples:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Semantic component | Semantic pinyin | Semantic meaning | Phonetic component | Phonetic pinyin |
| Mother | 妈 | mā | 女 | nǚ | female | 马 | mǎ |
| Lake | 湖 | hú | 氵 | shuǐ | water | 胡 | hú |
| Cat | 猫 | māo | 犭 | quǎn | dog | 苗 | miáo |
These characters represent abstract concepts through unique visual symbols. Simple ideograms modify or combine basic strokes to convey an idea or concept, often related to numbers, directions, or relationships. Due to their direct representation of ideas, they’re among the most straightforward characters to understand.
Here are some examples:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Above, showing something above a line | 上 | shàng | shanq |
| Middle, indicating the center point within a boundary | 中 | zhōng | jong |
| Small, depicting three small dots | 小 | xiǎo | sheau |
| Big, represented by a person with arms and legs stretched out, signifying largeness | 大 | dà | dah |
These characters combine elements to create new meanings, where each part contributes to the overall concept of the character. They illustrate complex ideas or objects by juxtaposing simpler pictograms or ideograms, offering a more nuanced understanding of the terms they represent.
Some examples are:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Components 1 |
| Bright | 明 | míng | Sun (日) and moon (月) shine together, symbolizing brightness |
| Rest | 休 | xiū | Shows a person (人) next to a tree (木), indicating rest. |
| Trust | 信 | xìn | Combines a person (人) saying words (言), suggesting trustworthiness. |
Transfer characters are a unique set where the meaning of a character is extended to a related concept. This category is less common but illustrates the adaptability and evolution of the Chinese script over time.
Here is a pair of transfer characters:
Loan characters are fascinating, as they were originally used for one word but were borrowed to create another word with phonetic similarity. At times, the meaning of the original character was entirely abandoned, with the newly created character conveying the original meaning. This category highlights the flexibility of the Chinese script in adapting characters for new meanings when phonetic or conceptual similarities allow for it.
Diving into the world of the Chinese language is an adventure that spans not just the language itself but also the rich culture behind it. Knowing how to write Chinese characters correctly will help you understand them more easily, learn to write them faster, and appreciate a new dimension of Chinese.
![\"Learning](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt0fedd8a27cac9a3e/660e84aff407dd10e4316c81/istock-1139791082.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Chinese characters are composed of strokes, each with its own name and set of rules. Understanding the strokes is the first step toward mastery, as you’ll be able to identify the building blocks of each character. Some of the most common strokes are:
Stroke order is crucial in Chinese calligraphy. It not only ensures the characters look balanced and beautiful but also facilitates faster and more intuitive writing. Here are some golden rules:
Check out the following video for a quick demonstration of how these rules are put together:
Balancing characters is an essential skill in mastering the art of Chinese writing. The beauty of a character is often judged by its balance and structure, which requires understanding how each character is arranged within an imaginary square. Here are some strategies to help you achieve balance:
Improving your handwriting in Chinese is an important skill that combines art, discipline, and language learning. Here are some practical tips to improve your Chinese character handwriting skills:
Learning how to write or draw in Chinese can be much easier with the right tools. Thankfully, modern technology has made it remarkably easy to learn how to write characters, although some traditional tools are still extremely helpful. We’ve compiled some of the best apps for learning Chinese characters below:
![\"Downloading](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltc6e1547e62a9d194/660e86facac0bcb80ac88672/istock-496854380.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
You’re probably used to having a keyboard with 70 keys or so that includes one key for each letter in the alphabet, plus a few extra symbols. So, if Chinese doesn’t have an alphabet, then how are you supposed to type thousands of characters on a keyboard?
The short answer is pinyin. Thanks to this Romanization system, it is now extremely easy to write Chinese characters digitally without having to memorize thousands of stroke orders. Simply add a Chinese keyboard setting to your device, enter the pinyin, and select the character from the corresponding matches. Best part? You don’t even have to buy a new keyboard!
Here are step-by-step instructions for typing Chinese characters on different devices:
![\"Instructions](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltdef7c9c451759456/660e877a55ef0950a16c07f8/istock-509559078.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
If you came here looking for a list of the 100 most common Chinese characters, then look no further. The following table includes the top 100 characters ranked by frequency, so if you’re an absolute beginner, then this is a great place to start.
| English | Character | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Words |
| A grammatical particle that denotes possession | 的 | de | de | 的话 (if), 我的 (my), 你的 (your) |
| One | 一 | yī | i | 一样 (the same), 一起 (together), 一个 (one) |
| To be | 是 | shì | shyh | 是的 (yes), 不是(is not), 是非(right and wrong) |
| No, negative | 不 | bù | buh | 不好 (not good), 不能 (cannot), 不是 (is not) |
| Verb particle making past tense, completed action or change in condition. | 了 | le | lhe | 完了 (finished/over), 吃了 (ate), 到了 (arrived) |
| Person | 人 | rén | ren | 人民 (people), 人类 (humanity), 一个人 (one person) |
| I/me | 我 | wǒ | woo | 我们 (we/us), 我的 (my/mine), 我爱你 (I love you) |
| At/in | 在 | zài | tzay | 现在 (now), 在线 (online), 在家 (at home) |
| To have | 有 | yǒu | yeou | 有没有 (whether or not), 有意义 (meaningful), 有趣 (interesting) |
| He/him | 他 | tā | ta | 他们 (they/them), 他的 (his), 他人 (others) |
| This | 这 | zhè | jeh | 这里 (here), 这样 (this way), 这些 (these) |
| Middle | 中 | zhōng | jong | 中国 (China), 中心 (center), 中间 (middle) |
| Big | 大 | dà | dah | 大家 (everyone), 大小 (size), 大学 (university) |
| To come | 来 | lái | lai | 来自 (come from), 来吧 (come on), 来临 (approach/come) |
| Up/on | 上 | shàng | shanq | 上面 (above/on top), 上学 (go to school), 上班 (go to work) |
| Country | 国 | guó | gwo | 国家 (country), 中国 (China), 国际 (international) |
| General measure word | 个 | gè | geh | 一个 (one), 个人 (individual), 个别 (individual/specific) |
| To arrive | 到 | dào | daw | 到达 (to arrive),到处 (everywhere), 到底 (actually/on earth) |
| To say | 说 | shuō | shuo | 说话 (to speak), 说明 (to explain), 说服 (to persuade) |
| Plural marker | 们 | men | mhen | 他们 (they/them) 我们 (we/us), 你们 (you all) |
| For | 为 | wèi | wey | 为了 (for the purpose of), 为什么 (why), 为着 (in order to) |
| Child/son | 子 | zǐ/zi | tzyy | 孩子 (child), 样子 (appearance), 儿子 (son) |
| And | 和 | hé | her | 和平 (peace), 和谐 (harmony), 和气 (gentle) |
| You | 你 | nǐ | nii | 你们 (you all), 你的 (your), 你好 (hello) |
| Ground | 地 | dì/de | dih/de | 地方 (place), 地球 (earth),艰难地 (with difficulty) |
| Out | 出 | chū | chu | 出来 (come out), 出去 (go out), 出现 (appear) |
| Way/path | 道 | dào | daw | 道路 (road), 道理 (principle), 知道 (know) |
| Also | 也 | yě | yee | 也许 (perhaps), 也是 (also is), 也好 (might as well) |
| Time | 时 | shí | shyr | 时间 (time), 时代 (era), 时候 (moment) |
| Year | 年 | nián | nian | 年龄 (age), 年度 (year), 每年 (every year) |
| To get | 得 | dé/de | de | 得到 (obtain), 觉得 (to think), 应得 (deservd) |
| Then | 就 | jiù | jiow | 就是 (is just), 就要 (is going to), 就近 (nearby) |
| That | 那 | nà | nah | 那里 (there), 那么 (so/then), 那样 (that way) |
| To want | 要 | yào/yāo | yaw | 需要 (demand/need), 重要 (important), 要求 (request) |
| Down | 下 | xià | shiah | 下来 (come down), 下去 (go down), 下雨 (rain) |
| With/by | 以 | yǐ | yii | 以前 (before), 以后 (after), 以为 (to assume) |
| Life/birth | 生 | shēng | sheng | 生活 (life), 生日 (birthday), 生产 (produce) |
| Can/meet/will | 会 | huì | huey | 会议 (conference), 会见 (meet), 会谈 (talks) |
| Self | 自 | zì | tzyh | 自己 (oneself), 自由 (freedom), 自然 (nature) |
| Continuing action or state | 着 | zhe | je | 看着 (looking at), 穿着 (wearing), 跟着 (following) |
| To go | 去 | qù | chiuh | 去年 (last year), 去掉 (remove), 离去 (depart) |
| Of | 之 | zhī | jy | 之间 (between), 之前 (before), 之后 (after) |
| Experienced action marker | 过 | guò | guoh | 过去 (past), 经过 (pass through), 通过 (through/by) |
| Home | 家 | jiā | jia | 家庭 (family), 家人 (family members), 老家 (hometown) |
| To learn | 学 | xué | shyue | 学校 (school), 学习 (learn), 学生 (student) |
| To/towards | 对 | duì | duey | 对于 (regarding), 对面 (opposite), 对象 (object/partner) |
| Can | 可 | kě | kee | 可以 (can), 可能 (possible), 可爱 (cute) |
| She/her | 她 | tā | ta | 她们 (they/them, females), 她的 (her), 看她 (look at her) |
| Inside | 里 | lǐ | lii | 里面 (inside), 里边 (within), 哪里 (where) |
| After | 后 | hòu | how | 以后 (after), 后来 (later), 后面 (behind) |
| Small | 小 | xiǎo | sheau | 小心 (be careful), 小时 (hour), 小说 (novel) |
| Question particle | 么 | me | me | 什么 (what), 怎么 (how), 这么 (so/this way) |
| Heart | 心 | xīn | shin | 心情 (mood), 心脏 (heart), 小心 (careful) |
| Many/much | 多 | duō | duo | 多少 (how many/much), 多么 (how), 多亏 (thanks to) |
| Day/sky | 天 | tiān | tian | 天气 (weather), 今天 (today), 天空 (sky) |
| And/but | 而 | ér | erl | 而且 (moreover), 而已 (that's all), 而是 (rather) |
| Can | 能 | néng | neng | 能力 (ability), 不能 (cannot), 可能 (possible) |
| Good | 好 | hǎo | hao | 好吃 (delicious), 好看 (good-looking), 好像 (seem) |
| All | 都 | dōu | dou | 都好 (all good), 大都 (mostly), 都是 (all are) |
| Then/so | 然 | rán | ran | 然后 (then), 当然 (of course), 自然 (natural) |
| Not | 没 | méi | mei | 没有 (not have), 没事 (no problem), 没关系 (it's okay) |
| Day/sun | 日 | rì | ryh | 日子 (day/life), 日程 (schedule), 日记 (diary) |
| In/at | 于 | yú | yu | 于是 (therefore), 关于 (about), 于此 (herein) |
| To rise | 起 | qǐ | chii | 起来 (get up), 起床 (wake up), 起点 (starting point) |
| Still/yet | 还 | hái | hair | 还有 (also have), 还是 (or), 还行 (not bad) |
| To send | 发 | fā | fa | 发现 (discover), 发生 (happen), 发展 (develop) |
| To become | 成 | chéng | cherng | 成功 (success), 成立 (establish), 成就 (achievement) |
| Matter/thing | 事 | shì | shyh | 事情 (matter), 事件 (event), 办事 (handle affairs) |
| Only | 只 | zhǐ | jyy | 只有 (only have), 只是 (just), 只要 (as long as) |
| To do | 作 | zuò | tzuoh | 作用 (function), 作文 (composition), 作品 (work) |
| Should | 当 | dāng | dang | 当时 (at that time), 当然 (of course), 当地 (local) |
| To want/to think | 想 | xiǎng | sheang | 想法 (idea/thought), 想念 (miss), 想象 (imagine) |
| To see | 看 | kàn | kann | 看见 (see), 看法 (opinion), 看书 (read a book) |
| Culture/language | 文 | wén | wen | 文化 (culture), 文章 (article), 文字 (text) |
| No/without | 无 | wú | wu | 无论 (no matter), 无法 (unable), 无聊 (bored) |
| To start/to open | 开 | kāi | kai | 开始 (begin), 开放 (open), 开心 (happy) |
| Hand | 手 | shǒu | shoong | 手机 (cell phone), 手表 (watch), 手工 (handmade) |
| Ten | 十 | shí | shyr | 十分 (very), 十字 (cross), 十月 (October) |
| To use | 用 | yòng | yonq | 使用 (use), 用处 (use), 有用 (useful) |
| Main/master | 主 | zhǔ | juu | 主要 (main), 主题 (theme), 主人 (host) |
| To go/to do | 行 | xíng | shyng | 行为 (behavior), 行动 (action/move), 行李 (luggage) |
| Side/direction | 方 | fāng | fang | 方法 (method), 方向 (direction), 方面 (aspect) |
| Again/also | 又 | yòu | yow | 又来 (come again), 又见 (see again), 又称 (also known as) |
| Like/as | 如 | rú | ru | 如果 (if), 如此 (so/this way), 如何 (how) |
| Before/front | 前 | qián | chyan | 前面 (front), 以前 (before), 前进 (advance) |
| Place | 所 | suǒ | suoo | 所有 (all), 所以 (therefore), 所在 (location) |
| Origin/this | 本 | běn | been | 本书 (this book), 本来 (originally), 本身 (itself) |
| To see | 见 | jiàn | jiann | 见面 (meet), 看见 (see), 见证 (witness) |
| Through | 经 | jīng | jing | 经过 (pass by), 经验 (experience), 经济 (economy) |
| Head | 头 | tóu | tour | 头发 (hair), 头痛 (headache), 领头 (lead) |
| Face/side | 面 | miàn | miann | 面对 (face), 面积 (area), 表面 (surface) |
| Public | 公 | gōng | gong | 公共 (public), 公司 (company), 公平 (fair) |
| Same | 同 | tóng | torng | 同学 (classmate), 同意 (to agree), 同时 (at the same time) |
| Three | 三 | sān | san | 三角 (triangle), 三月 (March), 三明治 (sandwich) |
| Already | 已 | yǐ | yii | 已经 (already), 已然 (as it is), 已知 (known, established) |
| Old | 老 | lǎo | lao | 老师 (teacher), 老虎 (tiger), 老人 (elderly person) |
| From | 从 | cóng | tsorng | 从前 (formerly), 从来 (always), 从事 (to engage in) |
| To move | 动 | dòng | donq | 动物 (animal), 活动 (activity), 移动 (to move) |
| Two | 两 | liǎng | leang | 两边 (both sides), 两次 (twice), 两国 (two countries) |
| Long | 长 | cháng | charng | 长期 (enduring), 长城 (The Great Wall), 长度 (length) |
![\"Reading](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt93a6dcdba73e4808/660e88db6c4a391789e4775d/china_691678482.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Chinese characters are called \"Hanzi\" (汉字) in Mandarin. The term “Hanzi” literally means “Han characters,” Han refers to the Han dynasty, a long unified period in ancient China marked by unparalleled prosperity and profound influence on Chinese culture. Each Hanzi has its own meaning and pronunciation, and the system encompasses tens of thousands of characters, although only a few thousand are commonly used in daily life.
Some are pictograms, but not all of them are. While Chinese characters are often thought to represent ideas directly through visual symbols, the reality is a bit more complex. The system includes not only pictograms but also phono-semantic characters, which combine semantic and phonetic elements. Only a small portion of characters are true pictograms, while the majority are phono-semantic compounds that provide hints about both meaning and pronunciation.
If you’ve studied Japanese before, then you might be wondering if Hanzi and Kanji are the same. While they do share a historical origin, they’ve evolved differently in the context of Chinese and Japanese languages, respectively. Hanzi is the term for the characters used in Chinese, while Kanji is the term for the characters used in Japanese, which were borrowed from Chinese and integrated into the Japanese writing system. While many Kanji have retained meanings similar to their Hanzi counterparts, their pronunciations and some of their applications have diverged, reflecting the distinct cultural and linguistic developments in Japan.
Traditionally, Chinese was written in vertical columns that were read from top to bottom and arranged from right to left across the page. This method of writing is still found in classical texts, calligraphy, and in certain formal or artistic contexts. However, in contemporary settings, especially in mainland China, the prevalent format is horizontal writing that reads from left to right, mirroring the standard in most global contexts. This shift reflects modern influences and the practicalities of integrating with international norms, though traditional vertical writing is preserved in many cultural expressions, like some Chinese New Year greetings.
No matter your level, focusing on improving your understanding of the characters will help you level up all aspects of your fluency. From reading to speaking and even listening, being able to identify the components that make up a character and make them different will give you more language clarity. In Chinese, even if two words sound exactly the same, they could have entirely different meanings if the characters are different. So, understanding Chinese characters will help you handle these situations like a pro!
If you think you understand Chinese characters a little better after reading this article, then make sure to check out the rest of our articles on our Chinese blog. We regularly publish helpful (and free!) guides on vocabulary, grammar, and cultural topics, such as our guide to the Chinese Zodiac and political vocabulary in Chinese.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Mexican wedding customs","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"20 Mexican wedding traditions, customs & rituals: A festive guide","url":"/blog/mexican-wedding-traditions-customs-rituals","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt02d6ffe647834232/660cdf60c3bc8b096fdd22c8/pexels-eduardo-barrientos-17025192.jpg"},"post_content":"They say love is its own language, so why would weddings be any different in a Spanish-speaking country? Well, Mexican weddings can show you a version of the ceremony that you may not be familiar with.
Although Spanish is one of the Romance languages, that’s not what makes Mexican weddings especially romantic. Mexican culture has countless traditions that make weddings — and everything that comes before the big event — so meaningful and special.
So, whether you’re ready to say I love you in Spanish and pop the big question or have been invited to a beautiful beach wedding in Mexico, this cultural article will cover everything you need to know about Mexican traditions in weddings.
![\"Mexican](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt3239730b651ad1b4/660cebca1e85234b3e739683/Mexican-wedding.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Planning for a Mexican wedding is an exciting process, albeit one that will drive almost any bride and any groom (temporarily) nuts. From seeking parental consent to involving the entire family in the preparations, each step is a testament to the value placed on family ties and traditions.
In traditional Mexican culture, parental consent isn’t just a formality — it’s a deeply respected practice that signifies the union of two families. Before making any wedding plans, it’s customary for the couple to seek the blessing of their parents. This step is seen as a sign of respect and as a way to involve the parents closely in the journey towards marriage.
“La Pedida” or “the asking” is a formal proposal event where the groom’s family visits the bride’s family to formally ask for her hand in marriage. The family isn’t only about the proposal but also serves as an opportunity for both families to meet and discuss the upcoming wedding plans. It’s a beautiful tradition that underscores the communal nature of marriage in Mexican culture, fostering a bond between the families right from the start.
In Mexican weddings, family involvement is essential. Each member plays a specific role in wedding preparations, from choosing the date to deciding on the menu. Families work together to make sure the wedding reflects their traditions and values. “Los padrinos” (godparents) are chosen for special duties, but more on that below. This collective effort not only lightens the financial burden for the newlyweds but also strengthens the sense of community and belonging among the families.
Traditionally, the groom’s family pays for the wedding rings, the religious ceremony, the bride’s wedding dress, and the couple’s honeymoon. The bride’s family, on the other hand, pays for the wedding reception. However, lately, both families contribute to the wedding expenses, creating a sense of shared investment in the couple’s future.
Attire plays a crucial role in Mexican weddings. Both bride and groom wear outfits that incorporate Mexican traditional elements like intricate embroidery and symbolic designs. And even if you’re just attending as a guest, you can’t show up to a Mexican wedding wearing just anything — you have to bring your A-game to dazzle the couple and guests alike.
![\"Mexican](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blteaaaf8dbb2a3b2bd/660cec79e838c8f83660e0cb/wedding-dress-Mexico.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Traditional Mexican wedding dresses are known for their elegance and attention to detail. They’re typically made from fabrics like silk and cotton and often feature elaborate embroidery that symbolizes the bride’s heritage. Lace and hand-stitched floral patterns are common, adding a layer of depth and beauty to the attire.
It’s also common for Mexican brides to continue the tradition of wearing something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. Much like in other cultures, this tradition symbolizes different aspects of the bride’s journey into marriage:
The traditional Mexican groom’s suit often includes a “charro” or “mariachi” suit, which is a sophisticated and highly decorated outfit that pays homage to Mexican cowboys. Made from fine materials like suede or cashmere, these suits feature silver buttons, elaborate embroidery, and sombreros.
Other regions, like coastal regions and the Yucatán Peninsula, will instead opt for more relaxed attire. The guayaberas are traditional Mexican shirts characterized by their lightweight fabric, distinctive embroidery, and four front pockets. They’re celebrated for their elegance and comfort, making them perfect for a relaxed seaside wedding.
However, not all Mexican weddings involve traditional garments. Most grooms in modern weddings in large cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey simply use a fitted, high-quality tuxedo for their wedding day.
So, you’ve been invited to a Mexican wedding but don’t know what to wear? Fear not! We’ll tell you everything you need to know about choosing the perfect outfit for a wedding. However, the first thing you need to know is that city weddings tend to be very different from beach weddings, so we’ll break down our tips into two sections:
City weddings are on the formal side, especially if they’re in the bigger cities of Mexico City, Monterrey or Guadalajara. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
If you’ve been invited to a wedding in Mexico, chances are that it’s happening along one of its thousands of miles of coastline. If that’s the case, you’re in for a treat! Here’s what to wear to a beautiful beach wedding in Mexico:
![\"Mexican](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt5215762916aa7162/660cf0a4fa138cae2787ead6/wedding-ceremony.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The couple exchanges 13 coins during the ceremony, known as “arras.” These coins symbolize the groom’s commitment to support his bride and, jointly, their shared responsibility for wealth and the well-being of their future household. It’s like saying, “What’s mine is yours,” but with a tangible token that represents trust, prosperity, and teamwork. What a powerful gesture!
During the lazo ceremony, a large loop of rosary beads or a ribbon is placed in a figure-eight around the couple’s shoulders. Unlike other parts of a Mexican wedding, this isn’t just for fun or for show — it symbolizes the couple’s eternal bond and unity, literally tying the knot in a way that is both visually beautiful and deeply symbolic. The lazo, typically blessed by a priest, remains draped over the couple as they take their vows, serving as a visual representation of their bond and commitment to support, love, and respect each other in their journey ahead.
In Catholic Mexican weddings, presenting the couple with a Bible and rosary is a meaningful gesture that emphasizes the importance of faith in their married life. The Bible signifies the role of God’s word as a guide for their relationship, while the rosary represents their dedication to prayer and spiritual growth together. This tradition highlights the couple’s commitment to building their marriage on a foundation of faith by giving them the tools to do so.
Padrinos, or godparents, are essential parts of any Mexican wedding ritual. To say that they’re the VIPs of the wedding is an understatement, as they play crucial roles in not just the ceremony but the couple’s life. Chosen for their wisdom and relationship with the bride and groom, padrinos may sponsor various aspects of the wedding, such as:
Mexican weddings are nothing if not personalized, and there are dozens and dozens of common rituals and traditions that couples can choose from.
Of course, no Mexican wedding would be complete without an immense amount of delicious food. Mexican cuisine is anything but low-key, so you can expect lots of delicious treats when you attend a Mexican wedding. Here are some staples:
![\"Mexican](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt47bd07f670f93cb6/660cf92add5b9e6245a897db/mexican-wedding-food.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Yes, we’re all here to celebrate the married couple, but let’s be real, food is also one of the main reasons why we love coming to weddings — especially Mexican ones. You can expect some of the following meals when you attend a Mexican wedding:
If you’ve read about Mexican traditions and festivals, then you know there’s one thing Mexican people love more than anything: a good party! And weddings are the perfect chance to celebrate with some delicious Mexican drinks.
Although you might expect to see tequila at weddings (and you will!), that’s not the only celebratory drink that is common on these special occasions. Whiskey, rum, mezcal, wine, and beer are also extremely common at any Mexican wedding.
In fact, if you’re planning a Mexican wedding, one critical part of ensuring that your party is one for the books is making sure there are enough drinks for everyone. In fact, according to the experts, you should account for at least one drink per adult per hour.
That means that if you plan for an 8-hour party with 100 adult guests, you should plan for about 800 drinks! Considering an average drink has 45ml in it and an average bottle of alcohol has 750ml, you’d need around 50 bottles of alcohol for a party of 100 guests. That’s the way Mexicans like to party!
Mexican wedding cakes are just as dramatic as every other part of the celebration. They stand out for their rich flavors and multiple layers. A common choice is pastel de tres leches, a moist cake soaked in three types of milk. another fan-favorite is pastel de almendras, an almond-flavored delight that offers a nutty, sophisticated taste. These cakes are often adorned with elaborate decorations, including fresh flowers and colorful icing.
Music and dance are the lifeblood of Mexican weddings, bringing joy and energy to the celebration. From the heartfelt serenades of a mariachi band to the vibrant beats that fill the dance floor late into the night, music is crucial for creating the festive atmosphere that Mexican weddings are renowned for.
![\"Mariachi](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltbdefb26457822e83/660cfb02071375b2ddc42e9d/Mariachi-band-at-wedding.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
No Mexican wedding is complete without the iconic sound of mariachi. This traditional ensemble features violins, trumpets, a guitar, and sometimes a harp, delivering a repertoire that ranges from romantic to lively and engaging. The mariachi performance isn’t just musical entertainment but also a cultural homage, involving interactive performances where guests sing along and even request special songs. The presence of a mariachi band elevates the emotional tone of the wedding, making it an almost unmissable part of any Mexican wedding.
Dancing is an inevitable part of any Mexican wedding, as dance is considered one of the most genuine forms of celebration in Mexican culture. Following traditions, “El Caballo Dorado” is an unmissable wedding dance. If you’re attending a Mexican wedding soon, you must learn this fun dance as soon as possible so you can partake in the communal dance when they inevitably play it. Here’s a video of this dance from a real Mexican wedding:
Mexican weddings will play all kinds of music, including many international hits that you’re surely familiar with. However, a big chunk of the music will invariably be by famous Mexican musicians. Here are the top 5 Mexican musicians for weddings so you can get a head start on the wedding playlist:
Known as “El Rey de la Música Ranchera” (The King of Ranchera Music), Vicente Fernández’s powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics capture the essence of Mexican passion. His songs, often tales of love, sorrow, and pride, resonate deeply with Mexican people, making them a staple at weddings for moments of reflection or celebration. Also known as Chente, his music creates an emotional connection even with those who are wholly unfamiliar. Give this video a try and see what we mean:
Known as “El Sol de México” (The Sun of Mexico), Luis Miguel shines bright in the realm of Latin music with his smooth vocals and romantic ballads. His extensive catalog, ranging from boleros to mariachi to pop, offers the perfect soundtrack for love at Mexican weddings. Just take a look at the following video and you’ll have no doubts why Luismi is so popular in weddings all over Mexico:
As far as musical legends go, it doesn’t get much better than Juan Gabriel. His heartfelt compositions and dynamic performances have left an indelible mark on Mexican music, and his ability to blend traditional Mexican sounds with pop, rock, and ballads makes his music universally loved. At weddings, his songs often serve as anthems of love and joy, encouraging guests to sing along and celebrate the power of love with gusto.
We dare you to watch the following performance without crying, even just a little. No cheating!
Selena Quintanilla, “Queen of Tejano” brings an infectious energy to any wedding celebration with her upbeat rhythms and charismatic voice. Her music, a blend of Tejano, cumbia, and pop, invites guests to the dance floor with its lively beats and relatable lyrics. Selena’s enduring legacy continues to captivate hearts, making her songs an essential part of any Mexican wedding playlist.
Alejandro Fernández, also known as El Potrillo, follows in the footsteps of his legendary father Vicente Fernández while also carving out his own path in the music world. His blend of traditional ranchera with modern pop elements appeals to both young and old, making his music a universal fan favorite during weddings.
It depends. In theory, guests aren’t required to tip waiters, especially if the wedding is at an all-inclusive resort. Wedding catering costs also usually include a service charge, which the couple or their families cover.
However, tipping is seen as a kind gesture, and offering extra tips to your table’s waiter is always appreciated. If you want to make sure that you and your table are well taken care of throughout the night, start by giving your waiter a 500 peso (around $30 USD) tip.
Yes, it’s completely acceptable to wear black to a Mexican wedding, whether Catholic or not. Just keep in mind that women should wear a shawl or pashmina to cover their backs and shoulders during the church service.
You should avoid wearing white or red by any means to any Mexican wedding. Wearing white is considered rude to the bride since they will definitely be wearing white, so choosing to wear the same color on their special day is considered rude. Red, on the other hand, is more of an urban legend. Allegedly, wearing red to someone’s wedding insinuates that you’ve slept with one of the newlyweds. So, avoid red unless you want to start drama!
Wedding ceremonies usually start in the afternoon, with the church service happening at 3 or 4 in the afternoon and the reception starting at around 5 or 6 in the evening. These times can move a little bit depending on the geographical location and the time of the year, as they’re timed so the best part of the reception coincides with the sunset — both to create a beautiful ambiance and to take the most spectacular wedding photos.
While the church ceremony is usually only an hour long, receptions can last up to two days. In fact, many Mexican weddings serve dinner and breakfast at the same location, anticipating that guests will stick around until the morning. There is no better way to end a night of nonstop dancing than with a filling Mexican breakfast!
We hope there’s a Mexican wedding invitation in the mail for you because you’re surely dying to experience your first after this blog! If you don’t have any immediate Mexican wedding plans, why not spend some time in the country to learn Spanish and meet new people? Who knows, maybe you’ll get lucky with a cheesy Spanish pickup line, and the next Mexican wedding you attend will be your very own!
And even if love isn’t anywhere on your radar, you can still pick up Spanish for business or just for fun. Check out our Spanish blog to learn more about this wonderful language and to see just how easy it is to learn Spanish with Berlitz.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Spanish vs Mexican Spanish","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"Spanish vs Mexican Spanish: Top language & culture differences","url":"/blog/spain-spanish-vs-mexican-spanish","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltbeebc4701c43be51/6620635f243a4fdc2a83a3d6/Mexican-Spanish-vs.-Spain-Spanish.jpg"},"post_content":"The answer might be a bit more complicated.
\nIf you’re an English speaker, then you already know that there’s a big difference between American English and British English. Not only are the accents different, but they use different words to describe commonplace things (chips vs. crisps, anyone?).
\nThe same is true when comparing Spanish from Spain vs. Mexico. Although Spain originally imposed the language onto Mexico in the 16th century, the language has evolved organically throughout the centuries as it has blended with Mexican culture, Mexican traditions, and the local indigenous languages throughout the centuries.
\nMexico’s proximity to the United States has also deeply influenced the language, with many Spanglish terms becoming part of the local language, just as other European languages have influenced Spanish in Spain.
\nSo, how exactly do Spanish and Mexican Spanish differ? Let’s take a look!
\n\nBefore diving in, here’s a quick overview of some of the biggest differences between these two countries:
\n![\"Woman](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt9215408727303fd1/662066a846f75c1097443973/woman-with-mexican-flag.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| \n | Spain | \nMexico | \n
| Location | \nSouthwestern Europe | \nNorth America | \n
| Population | \n47 million | \n130 million | \n
| Political entity | \nSovereign nation | \nSovereign nation | \n
| Capital | \nMadrid | \nMexico City | \n
| Language | \nSpanish is the official national language, with other regional languages including Catalan, Galician, and Basque. | \nSpanish + 63 indigenous languages | \n
| Cuisine ingredients | \nOlive oil, saffron, garlic, tomatoes, potatoes, and a variety of seafood | \nCorn, beans, chili peppers, tomatoes, avocados, and chocolate. | \n
| Music genre | \nFlamenco, classical guitar, pop, and contemporary regional music | \nMariachi, ranchera, banda, norteño | \n
| Biggest holidays | \nChristmas, Easter, and National Day of Spain (October 12) | \nDía de los Muertos, Día de la Independencia, Navidad | \n
Both Spain and Mexico have extensive histories of colonization, conquest, and independence. You might already be familiar with the Spanish conquest of Mexico and most of the Americas, but did you know that Spain was conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century BCE and then again by the Moors in the 8th century? The latter introduced Arabic into the Iberian Peninsula, which is one of the main reasons why Spanish is different from other Romance languages.
\nLet’s take a closer look at the histories of these two countries:
\nSpain’s history is shaped by many dramatic conflicts and diverse cultural influences. The story begins with ancient civilizations like the Iberians and Celts, whose impacts are still visible today. The Romans then colonized the Iberian Peninsula and ruled over it for around two centuries, starting in the 3rd century BCE, during which time the peninsula was renamed Hispania. They introduced infrastructure, legal systems, and the Latin language, which formed the basis of modern Spanish culture.
\nAfter Rome’s fall, the Visigoths and later the Moors from North Africa took control, the latter enriching the region with advanced sciences, agriculture, and architectural advancements during their nearly 800-year rule. This era ended in 1492 with the Christian reconquest led by Ferdinand and Isabella, unifying the nation under Catholicism. That same year, Columbus’s voyage, backed by these monarchs, initiated Spain’s era of global exploration and empire-building, establishing it as a dominant power through its vast overseas territories.
\nHowever, Spain’s influence waned in the 17th and 18th centuries due to various internal and external challenges. The 20th century saw further turmoil, marked by the Spanish Civil War and Franco’s dictatorship. After transitioning to democracy in the late 20th century, Spain has emerged as a vibrant member of the European Union, known for its dynamic culture and regional diversity.
\nThe history of Mexico is as vibrant and complex as the country itself. Before the Spanish arrival, advanced indigenous civilizations like the Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs thrived, developing detailed calendars, mathematics, and impressive architecture. The Aztec Empire was particularly powerful when Hernán Cortés landed in 1519. Within two years, Cortés had overthrown the empire, marking the start of three centuries of Spanish dominance.
\nThe colonial period saw a blending of Spanish and indigenous cultures, exploitation of native peoples, and significant economic activity centered around silver mining. Spanish colonies were set up as extractive colonies, where the main goal was to extract resources from the colonies and ship them back to Spain. This caused the slow but steadily increasing demand for independence, reaching its peak in the early 19th century.
\nLeaders like Miguel Hidalgo and José María Morelos led Mexico to independence in 1821. The following years were marked by instability, territorial losses to the United States, and continuous internal strife. The Mexican Revolution in 1910 triggered intense social and political reforms, including land redistribution and the establishment of labor rights. The latter half of the 20th century witnessed rapid industrialization and modernization, though issues like corruption and drug-related violence posed ongoing challenges. This rich and complex history has created the Mexican culture we know and love today, with countless traditions like Mexican weddings and Día de los Muertos.
\n\nIf you’ve watched some popular Spanish-language shows like Spain’s La Casa de Papel and Mexico’s Club de Cuervos, then you know that Spanish from Spain vs. Mexico sound very different. Here are some of the distinctive phonetic features of each dialect:
\n![\"Man](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt5314ac1ce89aba35/662067d5243a4f1f7683a3e2/Man-talking-Spanish.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Spanish from Spain is heavily influenced by its European context and thus exhibits several unique phonetic and pronunciation traits that distinguish it from Spanish dialects elsewhere, particularly those in Latin America. These characteristics are deeply ingrained in the linguistic identity of Spain, and make it incredibly easy to spot a Spaniard among a group of Spanish speakers. Here are some of the most notable traits
\nOne of the most distinctive features of Spanish from Spain is the distinction between ceceo and seseo. The ceceo involves pronouncing the “c” and the “z” before “e” or “i” as a “th” sound, similar to the “th” in “think.” This pronunciation is typical in many parts of central and northern Spain and is considered standard Castilian Spanish.
\nMeanwhile, seseo, which is the pronunciation of these same letters as “s,” occurs in southern Spain and Latin American Spanish. This regional variation within Spain itself adds a layer of complexity to the language.
\nHere are some examples of ceceo vs. seseo in Spanish:
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nCeceo pronunciation | \nSeseo pronunciation | \n
| Five | \nCinco | \nthin-co | \nseen-co | \n
| Beer | \nCerveza | \nther-ve-tha | \nsehr-veh-sah | \n
| Shoe | \nZapato | \ntha-pah-toe | \nsah-pah-toe | \n
| Sky | \nCielo | \nthee-eh-lo | \nsee-eh-lo | \n
The Spanish “j” is pronounced as a strong guttural sound, similar to the “ch” in the German “Bach.” This is more pronounced in Spain than in Latin America, where the J sound is closer to the “h” in “Hello.” In Spain, this harsh, raspy “j” sound is a distinctive element of the language, particularly emphasized in words like “jamón” (ham) and “juego” (game).
\nIn Spain, the pronunciation of “Ll” and “y” has traditionally varied, with some regions treating them as separate sounds while others do not. Historically, “Ll” was pronounced as a palatal lateral consonant, but in modern Castilian Spanish, it often merges with “y” to a sound similar to the English “y” in “yes.” This merging is known as “yeísmo” and is now prevalent in most parts of Spain, although some regional variations still maintain a distinct “Ll” sound.
\nThe use of vosotros for the informal second-person plural form is a significant aspect of Castilian Spanish that isn’t found in Mexican Spanish. The conjugation and pronunciation associated with vosotros are unique to Spain and are not used in Latin America, where ustedes is used universally for both formal and informal plural forms. The presence of vosotros in the Spanish of Spain adds a distinct flavor to its spoken form.
\nSpanish speakers in Spain often drop or aspirate the final “d” in the past participle and other endings, which can make spoken language sound more fluid and less articulated than other Spanish dialects. For example, cansado might sound like cansao, and pescado like pescao. This feature is particularly prominent in southern Spain and adds to the melodic quality of the dialect.
\nMexican Spanish is known for its clear and distinct pronunciation, making it one of the easiest varieties of Spanish for learners. The phonetic characteristics of Mexican Spanish not only reflect the region’s linguistic history but also its cultural influences, including those from indigenous languages. Here’s a closer look at some of the unique phonetic features that define Mexican Spanish:
\nUnlike Spain’s distinction between the “c” (before “e” or “i”), “z,” and “s” sounds, Mexican Spanish uses seseo, meaning “c” and “z” are pronounced as an s. This makes words like casa (house) and caza (hunt) homophones, both pronounced cah-sah.
\nThe letter “X” can have multiple pronunciations in Mexican Spanish, reflecting historical and indigenous influences. It originally represented the “sh” sound, but it now includes a common Spanish “j” or English “h” sound in many contexts — including the country’s name. For example, Mexico used to be pronounced “Meh-she-co,” but is now pronounced “Meh-he-co.” Other words retain the traditional X pronunciation, like Xochitl (
\nMexican Spanish doesn’t differentiate between “ll” and “y” sounds, a speech characteristic known as yeísmo. Both letters are pronounced as a “y” sound, so llamar (to call) and yema (yolk) start with the same pronunciation.
\nWhile not as pronounced as in some Portuguese or French dialects, Mexican Spanish can exhibit a subtle nasal quality in vowel sounds, particularly when vowels are followed by nasal consonants like “m” or “n.” For example, the “a” in mano (mah-no) might carry a slight nasal quality.
\nThe “j” (and “g” before “e” or “i”) in Mexican Spanish is pronounced as a moderately strong sound similar to the “h” in “hello.” This is stronger than other dialects of Spanish, but not nearly strong enough as Spain’s Spanish. For example, jalapeño is pronounced with a strong h sound: ha-la-peh-nyoh.
\nMexican Spanish has incorporated a significant number of words from indigenous languages, which can influence pronunciation patterns. Words from Nahuatl and other native languages often retain their original sounds, which are then adapted into Spanish phonology. For example, chocolate derived from the Nahuatl “xocolātl” and guajolote comes from the Nahuatl “huaxolotl.”
\n\nAlthough the Spanish spoken in Spain and Mexico is almost entirely mutually intelligible and follow very similar grammar rules, there are several key differences that highlight the linguistic distinctions of each region. Here are some of the most common grammar and syntax differences:
\n![\"Couplde](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blteaed13ab0a1ab469/6620694146f75c4d2144397c/Grammar-and-syntax.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Spain uniquely uses vosotros for informal, second-person plural, while Mexico uses ustedes for both formal and informal plural contexts. Additionally, leísmo is more prevalent in Spain, which is the phenomenon of using “le” instead of “lo” for direct male objects. This adds a layer of complexity to pronoun usage not typically found in Mexican Spanish.
\nSpanish from Spain often uses the perfect tense to describe recent past actions (he comido), whereas Mexican Spanish more frequently uses the simple past (comí) in similar contexts. Additionally, there are subtle differences in the subjunctive mood, with it being much more common in Spain. While the subjunctive is used very often in Mexico, the indicative may sometimes be used in situations where the subjunctive would be expected in Spain.
\nInteractions in Spain might appear more formal on the surface due to the use of pronouns and certain verb constructions. Mexican Spanish, while also polite, tends to be more straightforward and less formal in everyday speech. However, both languages use the tú vs. usted distinction to be specific and intentional about politeness levels.
\nIf you know how to ask questions in Spanish, then you know that certain question patterns are more formal than others. Spain tends to use more formal question patters in everyday speech (¿Qué quieres tú?) while Mexico tends to follow more informal patterns (¿Qué quieres?).
\nSaying no in Spanish is generally very straightforward, but there are some differences in the construction of these sentences between countries. For example, both regions use double negatives (“No tengo nada”), but colloquial usage in Mexico might sometimes simplify these constructions in everyday speech.
\nAlthough it may sound like there are a lot of differences, between Spanish and Mexican Spanish, there are far more similarities between the two. Here are just a few of the most impactful ones:
\nThe rich cultural histories of both Spain and Mexico deeply influence their respective languages today. From culinary traditions to musical heritage and religious practices, these cultural elements significantly enrich the local vocabulary and Spanish idioms of each country. Here’s how these influences manifest in the two dialects:
\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltd80a1794c5dc4069/66206c775a089daac2dbfafa/Square-in-Hondarribia.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Spanish cuisine, with its Mediterranean roots, includes a diverse array of dishes like paella, tapas, and gazpacho. These foods have contributed terms to the Spanish language, like “tortilla” (which refers to a completely different dish in Spain than in Mexico) and jamón (ham). Phrases like ponerse las botas reflect the cultural importance of food and dining in Spanish life.
\nOn the other hand, Mexican cuisine, recognized globally for its rich flavors and diversity, contributes extensively to the vocabulary of Mexican Spanish. Terms like tacos, enchilada, and guacamole aren’t just culinary exports but also very common in everyday language. Expressions such as estar como agua para chocolate (to be very angry, literally, “like (boiling) water for chocolate”) highlight the deep connection between food and emotion in Mexican culture.
\nSpain’s musical landscape is renowned for its flamenco, a genre that has influenced the language with terms like duende (a quality of passion and inspiration) and cante (singing). The traditional use of the cajón (box drum) in flamenco has also permeated Spanish slang.
\nIn Mexico, music genres like mariachi, banda, and norteño play a big role in cultural expression. Phrases like echar un palomazo (to sing a song or have an impromptu performance) illustrate just how big music’s impact is in everyday life.
\nBoth Spain and Mexico are predominantly Catholic countries, which means that Catholic phrases and expressions are common in everyday conversation. Phrases such as Dios mediante (God willing) and ¡Jesús! (an exclamation of surprise) are very common in both countries. Many of the holidays, like Semana Santa, also influence the linguistic and cultural landscape. It’s worth noting, though, that Mexico also has the added layer of indigenous religions, including the celebration of Día de los Muertos, that also enrich the language with unique cultural references.
\nSpanish and Mexican social life are characterized by expressions like sobremesa (the time spent talking at the table after a meal), reflecting the value placed on community and leisurely dining. In Spain, terms like picaresque, originating from a genre of satirical prose, highlight a tradition of humor and social commentary. In Mexico, terms of endearment like mijo and mija (my son/daughter) are used broadly, underscoring the close familial ties that extend beyond immediate family members.
\n\nAs you can tell by now, Mexican Spanish and Spain Spanish have very different grammar and pronunciation rules, but what about vocabulary? Beyond local slang, these two Spanish dialects often use entirely different words to refer to everyday objects. Here are 50 top examples of different vocabulary in Spanish and Mexican Spanish:
\n![\"Woman](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt2fda2b6cf4fbb3ce/66206e09a920d684328ff824/Mexican-vs-Spanish-words.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nMexico | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \nSpain | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| Corn | \nElote | \neh-lo-teh | \neˈlote | \nMaíz | \nma-is | \nˈoɾno | \n
| Tray | \nCharola | \ncha-roh-la | \nʧaˈɾola | \nCazuela | \ncah-thoo-eh-lah | \nkaˈθwela | \n
| Grass | \nPasto | \npass-toe | \nˈpasto | \nCésped | \nthess-pehd | \nˈθespeð | \n
| Computer | \nComputadora | \ncom-poo-tah-doh-rah | \nkomputaˈðoɾa | \nOrdenador | \nor-deh-nah-door | \noɾðenaˈðoɾ | \n
| Cellphone | \nCelular | \nseh-loo-lar | \nseluˈlaɾ | \nMóvil | \nmo-vill | \nˈmoβil | \n
| Juice | \nJugo | \nwho-go | \nˈxuɣo | \nZumo | \nthoo-mo | \nˈθumo | \n
| Sweater | \nSuéter | \nsoo-eh-tehr | \nˈsweteɾ | \nJersey | \njer-see | \nxeɾˈsej | \n
| Potato chips | \nPapas | \npah-pass | \nˈpapas | \nPatatas fritas | \npah-tah-tass free-tass | \npaˈtatas ˈfɾitas | \n
| Glasses | \nLentes | \nlehn-tess | \nˈlentes | \nGafas | \ngah-fass | \nˈɡafas | \n
| Pen | \nPluma | \nploo-ma | \nˈpluma | \nBolígrafo | \nbo-lee-grah-foh | \nboˈliɣɾafo | \n
| Peach | \nDurazno | \ndoo-raz-no | \nduˈɾazno | \nMelocotón | \nmeh-lo-co-tohn | \nmelokoˈton | \n
| Sidewalk | \nBanqueta | \nbahn-keh-tah | \nbanˈketa | \nAcera | \nah-seh-rah | \naˈθeɾa | \n
| Lawyer | \nAbogado | \nah-bo-gah-doe | \naβoˈɣaðo | \nLetrado | \nleh-trah-doh | \nleˈtɾaðo | \n
| Ice cream | \nHelado | \neh-la-doh | \neˈlaðo | \nMantecado | \nmahn-teh-cah-doe | \nmanteˈkaðo | \n
| Pineapple | \nPiña | \npee-nyah | \nˈpiɲa | \nAnaná | \nah-nah-nah | \nanaˈna | \n
| Banana | \nPlátano | \nplah-tah-no | \nˈplatano | \nBanana | \nbah-nah-nah | \nbaˈnana | \n
| Suitcase | \nMaleta | \nma-leh-tah | \nmaˈleta | \nEquipaje | \neh-key-pah-heh | \nekiˈpaxe | \n
| Elevator | \nElevador | \neh-leh-vah-door | \neleβaˈðoɾ | \nAscensor | \nah-sehn-sohr | \nasenˈsoɾ | \n
| Wallet | \nCartera | \ncar-teh-rah | \nkaɾˈteɾa | \nBilletero | \nbee-yeh-teh-ro | \nbiʝeˈteɾo | \n
| Market | \nMercado | \nmehr-cah-doe | \nmeɾˈkaðo | \nPlaza | \nplah-tha | \nˈplaθa | \n
| Apartment | \nDepartamento | \ndeh-par-tah-mehn-toe | \ndepaɾtaˈmento | \nPiso | \npee-so | \nˈpiso | \n
| Bill | \nFactura | \nfac-too-rah | \nfakˈtuɾa | \nCuenta | \ncoo-ehn-tah | \nˈkwenta | \n
| Coupon | \nCupón | \ncoo-pohn | \nkuˈpon | \nVale | \nvah-leh | \nˈbale | \n
| Cake | \nPastel | \npass-tell | \npasˈtel | \nTarta | \ntar-tah | \nˈtaɾta | \n
| Blanket | \nCobija | \nco-bee-hah | \nkoˈβixa | \nManta | \nmahn-tah | \nˈmanta | \n
| Faucet | \nLlave | \nyah-veh | \nˈʝaβe | \nGrifo | \ngree-fo | \nˈɡɾifo | \n
| Stove | \nEstufa | \ness-too-fah | \nesˈtufa | \nCocina | \nco-thee-na | \nkoˈθina | \n
| Bathtub | \nTina | \ntee-nah | \nˈtina | \nBañera | \nbah-nyeh-rah | \nbaˈɲeɾa | \n
| Pillow | \nAlmohada | \nall-mo-ah-dah | \nalmoˈaða | \nCojín | \ncoh-heen | \nkoˈxin | \n
| Curtain | \nCortina | \ncore-tee-nah | \nkoɾˈtina | \nVisillo | \nvee-see-yo | \nbiˈsiʝo | \n
| Waiter | \nMesero | \nmeh-seh-roh | \nmeˈseɾo | \nCamarero | \nca-ma-reh-ro | \nkamaˈɾeɾo | \n
| Potato | \nPapa | \npah-pah | \nˈpapa | \nPatata | \npah-tah-tah | \npaˈtata | \n
| Lime | \nLimón | \nlee-mohm | \nliˈmon | \nLima | \nlee-ma | \nˈlima | \n
| Broom | \nEscoba | \ness-coh-bah | \nesˈkoβa | \nCepillo | \ntheh-pee-yo | \nθeˈpiʝo | \n
| Computer mouse | \nRatón | \nrah-tohn | \nraˈton | \nRatoncito | \nra-tohn-thee-toe | \nratonˈθito | \n
| Toothbrush | \nCepillo de dientes | \nseh-pee-yo deh dee-ehn-tess | \nseˈpiʝo ðe ˈðjentes | \nCepillo dental | \ntheh-pee-yo dehn-tall | \nθeˈpiʝo ðenˈtal | \n
| To park | \nEstacionar | \ness-tah-see-oh-nahr | \nestasjoˈnaɾ | \nAparcar | \nah-par-car | \napaɾˈkaɾ | \n
| Frying pan | \nSartén | \nsahr-ten | \nsaɾˈten | \nTeflón | \nteh-flohn | \nteˈflon | \n
| Bean | \nFrijol | \nfree-hole | \nfɾiˈxol | \nJudía | \nwho-dee-ah | \nxuˈðia | \n
| Lolipop | \nPaleta | \npah-leh-tah | \npaˈleta | \nPirulí | \npee-roo-lee | \npiɾuˈli | \n
| Napkin | \nServilleta | \nsehr-vee-yeh-tah | \nseɾβiˈʝeta | \nMantelito | \nman-teh-lee-toe | \nmanteˈlito | \n
| Steering wheel | \nVolante | \nvoh-lahn-teh | \nboˈlante | \nTimón | \ntee-mohn | \ntiˈmon | \n
| Pillowcase | \nFunda | \nfoon-dah | \nˈfunda | \nAlmohadón | \nall-mo-ah-dohn | \nalmoaˈðon | \n
| Lightbulb | \nFoco | \nfo-coe | \nˈfoko | \nBombilla | \nbom-bee-ya | \nbomˈbiʝa | \n
| Stairs | \nEscaleras | \ness-cah-leh-rass | \neskaˈleɾas | \nEscalinata | \ness-cah-lee-nah-ta | \neskaliˈnata | \n
| Cupboard | \nAlacena | \nah-lah-seh-nah | \nalaˈsena | \nArmario | \nar-ma-ree-oh | \naɾˈmaɾjo | \n
| Trash can | \nBasurero | \nbah-soo-reh-ro | \nbasuˈɾeɾo | \nCubo de basura | \ncoo-boh deh bah-soo-rah | \nˈkuβo ðe βaˈsuɾa | \n
| Bottle | \nBotella | \nboh-teh-yah | \nboˈteʝa | \nFrasco | \nfrass-co | \nˈfɾasko | \n
| Shower | \nRegadera | \nreh-ga-deh-ra | \nreɣaˈðeɾa | \nDucha | \ndoo-cha | \nˈduʧa | \n
| Oven | \nHorno | \nor-no | \nˈoɾno | \nEstufa | \ness-too-fah | \nesˈtufa | \n
Any time you try to study a language or dialect, you have to be careful with false friends. While there are thousands of Spanish cognates — that is, words that have the same meaning and pronunciation — there are also plenty of words that sound the same but have totally different meanings. The most striking one is probably the verb coger, which means “to take” in Spain but “to have sex with” in Mexico! Although people in Mexico know the Spanish meaning of coger, it’s always startling to hear a Spaniard using it.
\nHere are some other examples of false friends to keep in mind:
\n| Spanish | \nMeaning in Mexican Spanish | \nMeaning in Spanish Spanish | \n
| Carpeta | \nFolder | \nCarpet | \n
| Constipado | \nCongested | \nConstipated | \n
| Bizarro | \nBrave | \nStrange | \n
| Chocar | \nTo crash | \nTo shock | \n
| Pasta | \nDough or paste | \nMoney | \n
| Torta | \nSandwich | \nCake | \n
| Fábrica | \nFactory | \nFabric, cloth | \n
| Colegio | \nHigh school | \nPrimary school | \n
| Conductor | \nDriver | \nConductor (train or music) | \n
| Embarazada | \nPregnant | \nEmbarrassed | \n
| Actualmente | \nCurrently | \nActually | \n
| Balón | \nSports ball | \nGas tank | \n
| Bomba | \nPump | \nBomb | \n
| Campo | \nField | \nCountryside | \n
| Cursar | \nTo study | \nTo send | \n
| Desgracia | \nMisfortune | \nDisgrace | \n
| Éxito | \nSuccess | \nExit | \n
| Gracioso | \nFunny | \nGraceful | \n
| Introducir | \nTo introduce (someone) | \nTo insert | \n
| Largo | \nLong | \nWide | \n
| Librería | \nBookstore | \nLibrary | \n
| Molestar | \nTo bother | \nTo molest | \n
| Oficina | \nOffice | \nBureau | \n
| Pretender | \nTo pretend | \nTo court | \n
| Realizar | \nTo carry out | \nTo realize | \n
| Recordar | \nTo remember | \nTo remind | \n
| Ropa | \nClothes | \nRope (in some regional dialects) | \n
| Sensible | \nSensitive | \nSensible | \n
| Sopa | \nSoup | \nMess | \n
| Suburbio | \nResidential area | \nSlum | \n
| Vaso | \nGlass | \nVase | \n
| Pie | \nFoot | \nPie (pastry in some regional uses) | \n
| Cita | \nA date or appointment | \nA quote or citation | \n
| Actual | \nCurrent | \nReal | \n
| Compromiso | \nCommitment | \nEngagement | \n
| Concebir | \nTo conceive | \nTo become pregnant | \n
| Decepción | \nDisappointment | \nDeception | \n
| Despertar | \nTo wake up | \nTo arouse | \n
| Entrenador | \nTrainer | \nCoach | \n
| Excitado | \nExcited | \nAroused | \n
| Lectura | \nReading | \nLecture | \n
| Particular | \nPrivate | \nParticular | \n
| Refresco | \nSoft drink | \nRefreshment | \n
| Soportar | \nTo tolerate | \nTo support | \n
| Último | \nLast | \nLatest | \n
| Vacuna | \nVaccine | \nCow | \n
| Attender | \nTo serve and assist | \nTo pay attention | \n
| Carrera | \nUniversity major | \nRace | \n
| Propina | \nTip | \nBribe | \n
| Firma | \nSignature | \nCompany | \n
![\"Two](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltf6e0ca13d7eb862f/662079da45b6a8b090391d0d/pexels-divinetechygirl-1181533.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Car. Carro is used across Mexico, while coche is the standard in Spain. The term coche is also understood in Mexico, but is less common.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nChamarra is used in Mexico for any jacket, especially heavier ones for cold weather. Chaqueta in Spain refers to jackets in general. Both terms are understood differently in their respective regions but serve similar functions.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nCuate is a colloquial term in Mexico for a friend, often implying closeness or camaraderie. Amigo is universal for both Spain and Mexico, but is more formally used.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nGüey or wey is a ubiquitous slang term in Mexico for a guy or dude, often used informally among friends. Tío means uncle throughout all Spanish-speaking countries, but is also used to casually refer to a friend or acquaintance in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nChela is casual Mexican slang for a beer, usually bottled. Caña in Spain refers specifically to a small glass of draft beer. The term caña isn’t commonly used in Mexico.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nFresa is used in Mexico to describe someone who is preppy or from an upper-class background, often with a negative connotation. Pijo in Spain has a similar connotation, also implying poshness or snobbery.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nPadre in Mexico colloquially means something fun or cool. Mola is a versatile expression in Spain for anything that’s cool or appealing. The term padre used this way is specific to Mexico.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nA light meal or snack. Lonche in Mexico typically refers to a lunch sandwich, derived from the word “lunch.” Bocadillo in Spain refers to a sandwich, usually made with baguette bread.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nTo pamper or show affection through physical touch. Apapachar is a warm, affectionate term in Mexico. Mimar is used in Spain and tends to have a broader meaning of spoiling someone.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nParking lot or parking area. Estacionamiento is used in Mexico, while aparcamiento is used in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nSomething or someone that is overly sentimental or tacky. Cursi is widely used in Mexico. Ñoño is more often used in Spain to describe something nerdy or sentimental.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nNightclub. Antro is a colloquial term in Mexico, often implying a less prestigious venue. Discoteca is used in Spain and generally denotes a mainstream nightclub.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nSoft drink. Refresco is the term used in Mexico. Gaseosa is often used in Spain, though refresco is also understood.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nYoung kid or person. Escuincle is colloquial in Mexico, while chaval is commonly used in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nKite. Papalote is the term in Mexico, while cometa is the term in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nSwimming pool. Alberca is commonly used in Mexico, while piscina is the standard in Spain, although both terms are understood in both countries.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nBeans. Frijoles is the term used in Mexico, while judías (or sometimes alubias) is used in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nCooler, as in an insulated box used to keep items cold. Hielera is used in Mexico, and nevera portátil in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nPeanut. Cacahuate is commonly used in Mexico, while maní is more common in Spain.
\n\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nTicket, as for an event. Boleto is used in Mexico, while entrada is the term in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nA type of heavy jacket. Chamarra is broadly used in Mexico for jackets, and anorak specifically refers to a weatherproof jacket in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nCake. Pastel is the preferred term in Mexico, while tarta is commonly used in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nApartment. Departamento is commonly used in Mexico, while piso is the term for an apartment in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nTrunk of a car. Cajuela is used in Mexico, while maletero is used in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nHorn, as in a car horn. Claxon is commonly used in Mexico, while bocina can refer to any speaker or horn in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nGroceries. Abarrotes is a term commonly used in Mexico, whereas comestibles is more generic and used in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nPen. Pluma is commonly used in Mexico, while bolígrafo is the preferred in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nComputer. Computadora is used in Mexico, while ordenador is the term used in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nCheap. In Spain, cutre is used to describe something that’s bad quality or cheap, while barato is the common word for “cheap” all over Latin America.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nMoney (slang). Lana is a colloquial term in Mexico, while pasta is slang for money in Spain. Both places also use dinero as the standard term for money.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nWork or job (slang). Chamba is a casual term in Mexico, while curro is commonly used in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nA party or drinking session. Peda is slang in Mexico for a party with alcohol, while juerga is used in Spain for a lively party or night out.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nA light meal or snack. Botana is used in Mexico, while merienda is used in Spain for a light afternoon meal.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nStove. Estufa is used in Mexico, while cocina in Spain can refer to both the stove and the kitchen as a whole.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nTo laze around. Echar la hueva is a very casual expression in Mexico for doing nothing, while tocar la guitarra literally means to play the guitar but can colloquially mean to waste time in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nIce cream. Helado is the general term used in Mexico, while mantecado is a specific type of ice cream popular in Spain, traditionally made from cream.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nJumpsuit or overalls. Mameluco is used in Mexico, while mono is used in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nPiggy bank. Alcancía is commonly used in Mexico, while hucha is the term in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nTire. Llanta is commonly used in Mexico, while neumático is preferred in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nLightbulb. Foco is used in Mexico, while bombilla is the term in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nStraw. Popote is commonly used in Mexico, while pajita is the preferred term in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nGarage. Cochera is often used in Mexico, while garaje is the standard term in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nSidewalk. Banqueta is used in Mexico and acera is used in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nUnrefined sugar. Piloncillo is used in Mexico, while panela is known in Spain. Panela in Mexico refers to a type of white cheese.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nZipper. Cierre is often used in Mexico, while cremallera is used in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nLiving room. Sala is used in Mexico, while salón is often used in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nRubber. Hule is used in Mexico, while goma is used in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nTo drive. Manejar is the standard term in Mexico, while manejar is more common in Spain, although both are understood in both countries.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nVan. Camioneta or van are commonly used in Mexico, while furgoneta is used in Spain.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nTo take. In Mexico, tomar is the verb for “to take” and also “to drink.” In Spain, coger is the verb for “to take.” However, in Latin America, coger also means to have sex, so you might get a few stares if you use this verb in Latin America.
\nMexican Spanish
\nSpain Spanish
\nSometimes, you just gotta see and hear something for it to fully click. Reading
\n\n\nWhether to learn Spain Spanish or Mexican Spanish is up to your goals and context. If you plan to live in or have extensive family or business in Spain, then learning Spain Spanish might be more helpful. On the other hand, Mexican Spanish is the most common Spanish spoken in the United States and is very similar to most Latin American Spanish, so knowing it will be helpful even outside of Mexico. Those who interact more with Spanish speakers in the United States and Latin America will find Mexican Spanish much more practical.
\nSpanish in Spain is different from Spanish in Latin America mostly due to historical developments and geographic isolation. After the Spanish colonization of the Americas, the language in the New World began to evolve independently, incorporating indigenous and African languages. These local languages influenced the vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar of Spanish. In Spain, other European languages and historical events like the Reconquista influenced modern Peninsular Spanish.
\nMexican Spanish is the most common variety of Spanish in the world, with around 130 million speakers. The United States is the second country with the most speakers, with about 57 million of them. Then, Colombia comes in third place with 52 million speakers. Spain is the fourth country with the most speakers, virtually tied with Argentina, each with around 46 million speakers.
\nThe concept of a “clearest” dialect can be subjective and varies depending on the listener’s background. However, many consider Colombian Spanish, particularly the dialect from Bogotá, to be one of the clearest because of its careful pronunciation, relatively neutral accent, and slow pace. This reputation makes it a popular choice for Spanish learners and is often used in language teaching.
\n\nWith 21 Spanish-speaking countries and over 500 million speakers worldwide, Spanish is one of the most fascinating languages out there. The difference between Spanish in Spain and Mexico is a testament to the many flavors of the language, which is packed with a unique flair in every country. Wanna learn more? Check out our guide to Mexican vs. Puerto Rican Spanish for another example of the regional variations of the language!
\nAnd if you’re still interested in learning even more about Spanish, then check out our Spanish blog! We regularly publish helpful guides on cultural and vocabulary topics, like our guide to Mexican wedding traditions and our guide to acing a job interview in Spanish.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false}],"hidden":false}},{"cards":{"large_cards":false,"row":false,"flat":false,"join_block_below":true,"cta_as_link":true,"cards":[{"call_to_action_text":"Mexican vs. Puerto Rican Spanish","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"Mexican vs. Puerto Rican Spanish: What are the differences?","url":"/blog/mexican-spanish-vs-puerto-rican-spanish","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt16cb6285bad72afb/6607e6716c4a391e11e453ff/Spanish.jpg"},"post_content":"If you can speak English, then you probably already know that there are many English dialects that impact the vocabulary, accent, and sometimes even grammar and syntax of the language. Although English speakers can understand each other pretty universally, there are variations like American, British, and Australian that have their own slang. There are even variations within the U.S., with Californian slang and New York slang that would make you think you’re in different countries!
Well, the same is true for Spanish. Although Spanish is generally broken into two broad categories (Peninsular vs. Latin American), the truth is that dialects within each category can sound wildly different from each other. Take a Rioplatense Spanish speaker and a Mexican Spanish speaker and they’ll be able to understand each other — but there’ll be friction!
So, just how different are Puerto Rican and Mexican Spanish? After all, they’re geographically not too far apart and have somewhat similar histories and demographics.
Let’s take a close look at Mexican vs. Puerto Rican Spanish.
Before we begin, here’s a table with some quick facts about Mexico and Puerto Rico. We’ll get into the details in the following sections, but this is a great introduction if you’re not too familiar with these regions:
![\"Happy](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltc4db94400e7e4f94/6607eb7ff407dd3f483148b0/pexels-gravity-pictures-20386976.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Mexico | Puerto Rico | |
| Location | North America | Caribbean |
| Population | 130 million | 3.3 million |
| Political entity | Sovereign nation | U.S. territory |
| Capital | Mexico City | San Juan |
| Language | Spanish + 63 indigenous languages | Spanish and English |
| Cuisine ingredients | Beans, rice, and tortillas | Plantains, rice, and beans |
| Music genre | Mariachi, ranchera, norte | Salsa, reggaeton, bomba |
| Biggest holidays | Día de los Muertos, Día de la Independencia, Navidad | Three Kings’ Day, Constitution Day, Discovery Day |
The historical and cultural contexts of these regions have had a profound impact on the language. Even if Spanish did arrive in the same form in both places, centuries of interaction with the local indigenous groups, social and political situations, and other foreign interventions have shaped these two varieties into distinct Spanish dialects.
The island of Puerto Rico has a rich and complex history, including the Taino indigenous peoples, Spanish colonial rule, African heritage, and American influence. Originally inhabited by the Taino people, the island was claimed by Spain in 1493 during Christopher Columbus’s second voyage. Spanish rule introduced slavery, sugar plantations, and a rigid social hierarchy, profoundly shaping the island’s cultural and demographic landscape.
The 19th century saw several uprisings in favor of more autonomy and democracy. Slavery was abolished in 1873 and a limited form of self-government was established after the Intentona de Yauco, which was the final conflict against the Spanish crown. However, the Spanish-American War of 1898 marked a turning point when Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States, turning the island’s political landscape on its head.
The 20th century was characterized by significant shifts, including U.S. citizenship for Puerto Ricans in 1917, the establishment of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in 1952, and ongoing debates over the island’s political issues.
Throughout these changes, Puerto Rico has retained a distinct identity, blending Taíno, African, and Spanish influences into a unique culture, evident in its music, cuisine, and traditions. This complex history also has a profound influence on the language, as it incorporates the island's Taíno legacy with anglicized words from its proximity to the U.S.
Mexico, like Puerto Rico, has a rich history of ancient civilizations, colonial conquests, and the struggle for independence. The story begins with advanced indigenous cultures like the Aztecs and the Mayans, whose impressive achievements in mathematics, astronomy, and architecture laid the foundation of the nation’s cultural heritage.
In 1521, Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztec Empire, ushering in three centuries of colonial rule. This period saw a blending of indigenous and Spanish cultures, but also exploitation and resistance. The early 19th century marked a pivotal era with the Mexican War of Independence, leading to the establishment of Mexico as a sovereign nation in 1821. The subsequent years were turbulent, characterized by internal conflicts, the US-Mexican war, and the French intervention. The Mexican Revolution of 1910-1921 was critical for the fate of the country, as it transformed Mexican society with land reforms and labor rights.
Throughout the 20th and into the 21st century, Mexico has navigated the challenges of industrialization, political unrest, and social change. Today, it stands as a nation proud of its rich history, diverse culture, and significant contributions to world art and literature. And, of course, who could forget the contributions of Mexican cuisine to the world? This complex history of conquest and resistance can also be seen in Mexican Spanish, as it blends pre-Columbian words and accents with Spanish.
If you’re keen to learn more about Mexican history, we recently published a guide to Mexican culture, where you’ll be able to learn more about Mexico’s geography, indigenous groups, art, traditions, and festivals.
If you’ve met people from both places (or better yet, have had the pleasure to visit!), then you already know that Mexican and Puerto Rican Spanish show notable phonetic and pronunciation differences. Here are a few reasons why they sound so different:
![\"Crowd](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt4248bc6cb792cd9b/6607ec92b1b99a296a30ec58/mexico.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Puerto Rican Spanish is heavily influenced by its large proportion of Afro-Puerto Ricans. This includes unique vocabulary, slang, expressions, and intonation patterns rooted in African languages. Words like “bambé” (a festive gathering with drumming and dancing) and certain rhythmic speech patterns in colloquial Puerto Rican Spanish showcase this African legacy. Here are concrete examples of how Puerto Rican Spanish is unique:
The pronunciation of the letter R can vary notably, especially when it appears at the end of a word or before a consonant. Unlike the trilled R sound common in Mexican Spanish, Puerto Ricans often pronounce it softly, almost like an L sound. For example, “Puerto” in Puerto Rico may sound closer to “Puelto.”
Additionally, the single R at the beginning of a word or between vowels is pronounced with a softer flap, similar to the American English pronunciation of the letter T in “water.”
In Puerto Rican Spanish, when the letter D comes at the end of a syllable, people often don't pronounce it strongly, or they might not say it at all. It's like the D gets softer or disappears when you're speaking. When the D appears between vowels, it’s typically softened to the point of barely being pronounced, making it sound like a soft TH sound in English as in “this” or to be eliminated completely. For example, “cansado” might be pronounced more like “cansao.”
One of the most distinctive features of Puerto Rican Spanish is the aspiration or even dropping of the letter S at the end of syllables or other words. This feature is particularly prominent in casual speech and can lead to the softening of the S sound to resemble an English H, or it might be dropped altogether.
For example, “los amigos” can sound like “loh amigos.” This characteristic can significantly impact the rhythm and melody of Puerto Rican Spanish, making it sound more fluid and fast to those unfamiliar with it.
Puerto Rican Spanish sometimes exhibits nasalization of vowels, especially when vowels precede nasal consonants (m, n, ñ). This means that the vowel sound is pronounced with some air escaping through the nose, giving it a nasal quality. For example, “mano” might sound slightly nasalized compared to its pronunciation in Mexican Spanish.
While the J (and G before E or I) sound in most Spanish varieties is a strong, guttural sound similar to the English H in “Hello,” Puerto Rican Spanish softens it to the point of almost vanishing it or turning it into a soft, breathy sound. This makes the J and G sounds in words like “juego” or “gente” much softer than in other varieties of Spanish.
Mexican Spanish is known for its clear pronunciation, making it one of the most accessible dialects for learners. It features a consistent use of “seseo,” avoiding the distinction between C/Z and S found in Spain. It also incorporates a rich vocabulary from indigenous languages and has many regional varieties, reflecting the country’s diverse cultural landscape.
Mexican Spanish is known for its relatively consistent pronunciation of single phonemes, a characteristic that makes it one of the clearest varieties of Spanish, especially for those learning Spanish as a second language.
In Mexican Spanish, the letter X can be pronounced differently, depending on its historical and geographic context — sometimes as S and other times as J, particularly in words of indigenous origin. In contrast, Puerto Rican Spanish generally doesn’t have this variation with the X, adhering more closely to the standard S sound.
Unlike some Caribbean and coastal dialects where the S sound is often aspirated or dropped, in Mexican Spanish, the S sound is consistently pronounced, making it easier to distinguish words and maintain clarity in speech.
Mexican Spanish tends to fully pronounce consonants, including those at the end of words. This contrasts with dialects like Puerto Rican Spanish that might soften or skip consonants in final positions or before certain sounds. The clear articulation of consonants in Mexican Spanish contributes to its perceived clarity and ease of understanding.
Mexican Spanish is as diverse as the country’s geography, with regional accents that reflect the unique history, culture, and influences of each area. From the central valleys to the northern deserts, the coastal areas, and the Yucatán Peninsula, each region adds its flavor to the linguistic diversity of Mexico. Let’s take a look at some of the phonetic variations within Mexican Spanish:
The Central Mexican accent, particularly from the Mexico City area, is often considered the standard or neutral accent in the country. It’s characterized by clear pronunciation and the tendency to speak at a moderate pace. This accent is widely understood across Mexico due to the influence of media and entertainment centered in the capital. The central accent is known for its careful articulation of S sounds and the full pronunciation of consonants.
The Northern accent reflects the vast, rugged landscapes of states like Nuevo León, Chihuahua, and Sonora. It’s distinguished by a stronger, more emphatic intonation and the clipping of certain word endings, which can make speech sound more abrupt. Northern speakers may also use unique vocabulary influenced by their proximity to the US. The accent can vary significantly within the North itself, further emphasizing the territorial vastness of the Mexican North.
Coastal regions, including Veracruz on the Gulf Coast and parts of the Pacific Coast, exhibit accents that incorporate a melodious intonation, influences by the area’s Afro-Caribbean heritage. Known as the Jarocho accent, its speech may be faster, with a more rhythmic flow and the softening of consonants. The aspiration or dropping of S sounds at the end of syllables is more common, similar to Puerto Rican Spanish. Of all Mexican Spanish variations, this is undoubtedly the most similar to Puerto Rico’s.
The Yucatán Peninsula, with its rich Mayan heritage, offers a distinct Spanish accent that is heavily influenced by Mayan languages. This accent is noted for its unique intonation patterns and the pronunciation of certain consonants, such as a stronger, almost guttural X sound — a legacy of Mayan phonetics. The Yucatán accent also includes specific vocabulary and expressions derived from the Mayan language, including common words like cacao, hamaca, and chicle.
Mexico and Puerto Rican Spanish share the same grammatical foundation as other Spanish varieties, but have a few unique characteristics in grammar and syntax.
One area where Mexican and Puerto Rican Spanish differ is in the use of verb forms, particularly in the second-person singular. Mexican Spanish often uses “tú” for informal situations, with its corresponding verb conjugations. In contrast, Puerto Rican Spanish often uses “tú” but can also use “usted” in informal contexts more than in other Spanish dialects, reflecting a nuanced approach to formality and familiarity.
Both dialects follow standard Spanish rules for pronoun placement before conjugated verbs or attached to infinitives, gerunds, and affirmative commands. However, in rapid, colloquial speech, Puerto Rican Spanish often shows more flexibility in pronoun placement within the flow of spoken language. For example, in the standard “Voy a hacerlo,” the pronoun “a” might be skipped altogether in Puerto Rican Spanish: “Voy hacerlo.”
Puerto Rican Spanish has incorporated English syntax more noticeably due to the island’s status as a U.S. territory and the bilingual nature of many of its inhabitants. This influence can sometimes lead to direct translations that affect sentence structure, such as the placement of adjectives after nouns more frequently than in traditional Spanish syntax.
Mexican Spanish, while also exposed to English, especially near the U.S. border, shows a lesser degree of syntactic borrowing, maintaining more traditional Spanish syntax in everyday use.
Despite the differences we just covered, Mexican and Puerto Rican Spanish have very similar grammar and syntax. They are almost identical when it comes to:
The cultural background of both Mexico and Puerto Rico deeply influences the language today. Each region’s food, music, religion, and social customs leave a distinct mark on the language, enriching the local vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Here are some of the palpable effects:
![\"Cultural](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt7fb18d03e189c48b/6607ecec071375675ac419f7/pexels-becerra-govea-photo-5768554.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Puerto Rican cuisine, a blend of Spanish, African, and Taino influences, impacts its Spanish through words like “mofongo” (mashed plantains with garlic and pork) and “lechón” (roast pork). Expressions such as “Darle con el tostonero” (to insist on something) reference food in metaphorical ways, showcasing the island’s culinary heritage.
Mexican cuisine, recognized globally for its flavors and diversity, contributes extensively to Mexican Spanish. Words like “tacos” and “salsa” aren’t just culinary exports but part of the everyday vocabulary, emphasizing the importance of food in Mexican culture. Expressions like “Estar como agua para chocolate” (to be extremely angry) reflect how deeply food is intertwined with expression.
Music is a cornerstone of Puerto Rican identity, with genres like salsa and reggaeton contributing terms like “perreo” (a type of dance associated with reggaeton) to the local and international Spanish.
Mexico, on the other hand, has the influence of many musical traditions, from mariachi to norteño. Words like “corrido” and “banda” are integral to discussing Mexican culture, and expressions like “echar un palomazo” (to sing a song or have an impromptu performance) derive directly from Mexico’s musical contexts.
Predominantly Catholic, Mexico’s religious traditions have deeply influenced its language. Phrases like “Si Dios quiere” (God willing) and “Vaya con Dios” (Go with God) are common in conversation, reflecting a tendency to acknowledge the divine in daily life.
Puerto Rico, while also overwhelmingly Catholic, the convergence of Christianity with African and indigenous beliefs has enriched the local dialect with references to spirits, saints, and sacred practices unique to the island. Phrases like “Ay bendito” (Oh blessed) reflect a blend of piety, compassion, and cultural identity.
The importance of community and social connections in Puerto Rico is mirrored in its language, with terms like “compai” and “comai” (short for compadre and comadre, used to refer to friends or godparents) highlighting informal social bonds that are considered family.
Mexican Spanish incorporates expressions that reflect the values of respect, family, and community. Terms of endearment like “mijo” (my son) and “mija” (my daughter), used widely beyond biological relationships, underscore the importance of close familial bonds.
Beyond the phonetic and grammar differences, Mexico and Puerto Rico also have a wide range of local vocabulary words that would take some getting used to. Here are some of the most common differences between Mexican and Puerto Rican vocabulary:
| English | Mexico | Pronunciation | IPA | Puerto Rico | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Shoelaces | Agujetas | ah-goo-heh-tahs | aɣuˈxetas | Gabetes | gah-beh-tess | ɡaˈβetes |
| Squished | Apachurrado | ah-pah-choo-rah-doe | apaʧuˈraðo | Espacharrado | ess-pah-chah-rah-doe | espaʧaˈraðo |
| Shoeshine person | Bolero | boh-leh-roh | boˈleɾo | Limpiabotas | lim-pee-ah-bo-tah | limpjaˈβotas |
| Trashcan | Bote de basura | boh-teh deh bah-soo-rah | ˈbote ðe βaˈsuɾa | Zafacón | sah-fa-cohn | safaˈkon |
| To jump rope | Brincar la cuerda | bren-car la coo-air-da | bɾinˈkaɾ la ˈkweɾða | Brincar cuica | breen-cahr coo-e-cah | bɾinˈkaɾ ˈkwika |
| Peanut | Cacahuate | ca-ca-ooh-ah-teh | kakaˈwate | Maní | ma-knee | maˈni |
| A slap | Cachetada | cah-cheh-tah-dah | kaʧeˈtaða | Galleta | gah-yeh-tah | ɡaˈʝeta |
| Drawer | Cajón | cah-hohn | kaˈxon | Gaveta | gah-veh-tah | ɡaˈβeta |
| Grasshoper | Chapulín | cha-poo-leen | ʧapuˈlin | Grillo | gree-yo | ˈɡɾiʝo |
| Young boy | Chavo | cha-vo | ˈʧaβo | Niño | nee-nyoh | ˈniɲo |
| Crazy | Chiflado | chee-flah-doe | ʧiˈflaðo | Loco | lo-co | ˈloko |
| To share | Convidar | con-vee-dahr | kombiˈðaɾ | Compartir | com-pahr-teehr | kompaɾˈtiɾ |
| Sack | Costal | coss-tall | kosˈtal | Saco | sah-coh | ˈsako |
| Bucket | Balde | bahl-deh | ˈbalde | Cubo | coo-boh | ˈkuβo |
| To throw someone out | Correr | coh-rehr | koˈreɾ | Botar | boh-tahr | boˈtaɾ |
| To scatter | Desparramar | des-pah-rah-mahr | desparaˈmaɾ | Escarramar | es-cah-rah-mahr | eskaraˈmaɾ |
| To watch something | Echar un ojo | eh-char oon oh-ho | eˈʧaɾ un ˈoxo | Velar | veh-lar | beˈlaɾ |
| To be mad | Enojar | eh-no-hahr | enoˈxaɾ | Enfogonar | ehn-fo-gahr | emfoɣoˈnaɾ |
| Balloon | Globo | glo-bo | ˈɡloβo | Bomba | bom-bah | ˈbomba |
| Candy | Golosinas | goh-loh-see-nahs | ɡoloˈsinas | Dulces | dool-sehs | ˈdulses |
| Chest (furniture) | Cómoda | coh-moh-dah | ˈkomoða | Gavetero | gah-veh-teh-roh | ɡaβeˈteɾo |
| Bubblegum | Goma de mascar | goh-mah deh mass-cahr | ˈɡoma ðe masˈkaɾ | Chicle | chee-cleh | ˈʧikle |
| Swear words | Groserías | groh-seh-ree-ahs | ɡɾoseˈɾias | Falta de respeto | fall-tah deh ress-peh-toe | ˈfalta ðe resˈpeto |
| Turkey | Guajolote | goo-ah-hoh-lo-teh | ɡwaxoˈlote | Pavo | pah-vo | ˈpaβo |
| Medicine syrup | Jarabe | hah-rah-beh | xaˈɾaβe | Medicina | meh-dee-see-nah | meðiˈsina |
| Tomato | Jitomate | he-toe-ma-teh | xitoˈmate | Tomate | toe-mah-teh | toˈmate |
| Lizard | Lagartija | la-gar-tee-hah | laɣaɾˈtixa | Lagartijo | la-gar-tee-ho | laɣaɾˈtixo |
| Eye glasses | Lentes | lehn-tess | ˈlentes | Espejuelos | ess-peh-who-ell-oss | espeˈxwelos |
| Pot | Maceta | ma-seh-tah | maˈseta | Tiesto | tee-ess-toe | ˈtjesto |
| To pinch your fingers | Machucarse los dedos | ma-choo-car-seh loss deh-dos | maʧuˈkaɾse loz ˈðeðos | Pincharse los dedos | peen-char-seh loss deh-dos | pinˈʧaɾse loz ˈðeðos |
| Female pig | Marrana | ma-rah-nah | maˈrana | Cerda | sehr-dah | ˈseɾða |
| Silk handkerchief | Mascada | mass-cah-dah | masˈkaða | Pañuelo | pah-nyooh-elle-oh | paˈɲwelo |
| I give up | Me doy | meh doy | me ˈðoj | Me rindo | meh reen-doe | me ˈrindo |
| Fool | Menso | mehn-soh | ˈmenso | Bruto | broo-toe | ˈbɾuto |
| Ice cream | Nieve | nee-eh-veh | ˈnjeβe | Helado | eh-la-doe | eˈlaðo |
| Gift | Obsequio | ob-seh-key-oh | oβˈsekjo | Regalo | reh-gah-lo | reˈɣalo |
| A beating | Una paliza | oo-nah pah-lee-za | ˈuna paˈlisa | Una pela | oo-nah peh-leh-ah | ˈuna ˈpela |
| Belly | Panza | pahn-za | ˈpansa | Barriga | ba-ree-gah | baˈriɣa |
| Cake | Pastel | pass-tell | pasˈtel | Bizcocho | beez-co-cho | bisˈkoʧo |
| Glue | Pegamento | peh-ga-mehn-toe | peɣaˈmento | Pega | peh-gah | ˈpeɣa |
| Plants | Plantas | plahn-tass | ˈplantas | Matas | ma-tass | ˈmatas |
| A fight | Un pleito | oon pleh-e-toe | um ˈplejto | Una pelea | oo-nah peh-leh-ah | ˈuna peˈlea |
| A thief | Un ratero | oon rah-teh-ro | un raˈteɾo | Un pillo | oon pee-yo | um ˈpiʝo |
| Room | Recámara | reh-cah-mah-rah | reˈkamaɾa | Cuarto | coo-ahr-toe | ˈkwaɾto |
| Shower | Regadera | reh-gah-deh-rah | reɣaˈðeɾa | Ducha | doo-cha | ˈduʧa |
| To flunk | Reprobar | reh-pro-bahr | repɾoˈβaɾ | Colgarse | coll-gar-seh | kolˈɣaɾse |
| Slingshot | Resortera | reh-sor-teh-rah | resoɾˈteɾa | Resorte | reh-sor-teh | reˈsoɾte |
| To explode | Reventar | reh-vehn-tahr | reβenˈtaɾ | Explotar | ex-ploh-tar | eksploˈtaɾ |
| Closet | Ropero | ro-peh-roh | roˈpeɾo | Closet | cloh-set | kloˈset |
| Unfriendly | Sangrón | sahn-grohn | sanˈɡɾon | Antipático | ahn-tee-pah-tee-coe | antiˈpatiko |
| Floor | Suelo | soo-eh-lo | ˈswelo | Piso | pee-so | ˈpiso |
| Sandwich | Torta | tor-tah | ˈtoɾta | Sandwich | sand-wich | sanˈdwiʧ |
| Butt | Trasero | trah-seh-ro | tɾaˈseɾo | Culo | coo-lo | ˈkulo |
| Tricycle | Triciclo | tre-see-cloh | tɾiˈsiklo | Velocípedo | veh-lo-see-peh-doe | beloˈsipeðo |
| School supplies | Útiles | oo-tee-less | ˈutiles | Materiales | ma-teh-ree-ah-less | mateˈɾjales |
| Luggage | Valija | vah-lee-hah | baˈlixa | Maleta | mah-leh-tah | maˈleta |
| Neighborhood | Vecindad | veh-see-nee-dahd | besinˈdað | Vecindario | veh-seen-dah-ree-oh | besinˈdaɾjo |
| Banana | Plátano | pla-tah-no | ˈplatano | Guineo | gee-neh-oh | ɡiˈneo |
| Seed | Semilla | seh-me-yah | seˈmiʝa | Pepa | peh-pah | ˈpepa |
| Plastic bag | Bolsa | boll-sah | ˈbolsa | Funda | foon-dah | ˈfunda |
If you’ve been learning languages for a while, then you may have heard about cognates. These are words that look or sound the same and mean the same thing across languages. For example, there are thousands of English and Spanish cognates, making it relatively easy for speakers of either language to learn the other.
However, you also have to be aware of false friends. These are words that sound or look the same but don’t mean the same thing. And although Mexico and Puerto Rico speak the same language, there are a few false friends to be aware of. Here are some of the most common:
| Spanish | Meaning in Mexican Spanish | Meaning in Puerto Rican Spanish |
| Bolero | Shoeshine boy | Short vest or slow romantic music |
| Chabacano | Apricot | Something in poor taste |
| Chavo | Young boy | One penny |
| Coche | Car | Stroller |
| Cola | Glue, butt, line | Tail |
| Cómoda | Chest | Comfortable |
| Departamento | Apartment | Department (such as the complaint department) |
| Lentes | Eyeglasses | Contact lenses or camera lenses |
| Maceta | Pot | A stingy person |
| Nieve | Ice cream | Snow |
| Pastel | Cake | Local food similar to tamales |
| Pegar | To hit | To glue something |
| Peso | Mexican peso (coin) | One US dollar (bill) |
| Profesor | School teacher (any level) | Professor at university level |
| Torta | Sandwich | Construction term for roof |
Reading about Mexican vs. Puerto Rican Spanish isn’t the same as seeing some real world examples. Here are 50 example sentences of how Mexican and Puerto Rican Spanish are different, along with English translations:
![\"Two](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt6970df8cdbd4ac26/6607f019fa138c87b787d5b6/istock-813554074.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
This refers to a person who eats too much, either all the time or in a specific instance.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
This refers to a person who makes promises or claims but fails to follow through.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
This refers to a person who is clever or quick-witted. There are variations like “listo” or “inteligente” that are more universally understood, but “abuzado” and “aguazo” carry more colloquial tones.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
This term refers to an individual who frequently consumes alcohol, possibly to excess. The term “borracho” is quite common in many Spanish-speaking regions, while “ajuma’o” is more specific to Puerto Rican slang.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
This describes someone who receives a lot of attention and care, often more than necessary. “Chiqueado” in Mexico conveys pampering, while “añoñao” in Puerto Rico suggests being coddled.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
This phrase is used when someone is out of money. While “estar en la ruina” is a more general term, “arranca’o” is uniquely Puerto Rican.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
This phrase describes someone putting effort into their appearance to look attractive or elegant.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Refers to showing courage or fearlessness. “Valiente” is widely used throughout the Spanish-speaking world, but “babilloso” offers a unique Puerto Rican twist to describing someone daring.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
A casual term for referring to beer in a social context. “Chelas” is common in Mexican slang, while “birras” is used in Puerto Rican Spanish.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Describes the act of engaging in labor or employment. “Chambear” is a colloquial Mexican term, whereas “bregar” is used primarily in Puerto Rican Spanish.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
This phrase characterizes a person exploiting others’ kindness for their own benefit. “Abusón” in Mexico and “cachetero” in Puerto Rico convey this behavior with a critical tone.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Refers to a person displaying rude or uncivil behavior. “Grosero” is used in Mexico, while “cafre” is used in Puerto Rico.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Someone who deceives or acts dishonestly, especially to gain an advantage. “Tramposo” is the term in Mexican Spanish, and “chanchullero” is used in Puerto Rican Spanish.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
In Mexican slang, “lana” is often used for money, whereas Puerto Rican slang often uses “chavos.”
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
“Naranja” is the standard term for the citrus fruit orange in most Spanish-speaking countries, while “china” is a colloquial term in Puerto Rico.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Describes a lack of concentration or focus. “Distraído” is used in Mexico, while “elembao” is a term in Puerto Rican Spanish.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Someone who tells falsehoods. “Mentiroso” is common in Mexico, while “embustero” is used in Puerto Rico.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Describes a person who owes a significant amount of money. While “endeudado” is widely understood, “embrolla’o” adds local color in Puerto Rican Spanish.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Describes the deep affection one feels towards another person. “Enamorado” is universally used, while “enchulado” is a unique expression in Puerto Rico.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
A situation involving excessive excitement, controversy or activity. “Escándalo” is common in both regions, but “escarseo” is local to Puerto Rico.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Feeling weary and uninterested due to a lack of entertainment or excitement. “Aburrido” is the standard term, while “ensorra’o” offers a colloquial twist in Puerto Rico.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Someone who is intellectually focused, often with strong interests in specific academic or cultural topics. “Ñoño” in Mexico and “estofón” in Puerto Rico both capture this essence.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Exhibiting playful behavior aimed at attracting someone romantically. “Picarón” in Mexico and “fresco” in Puerto Rico describe someone who is flirtatious.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Boasting about oneself or one’s achievements, often when it’s just a façade. “Fanfarronear” and “frontear” reflect the act of showing off in both Mexican and Puerto Rican contexts, respectively.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
“Garganta” is the standard term for the throat, whereas “galillo” is Puerto Rican slang.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Refers to employment or a task one is hired to perform. “Chamba” in Mexico and “guiso” in Puerto Rico both denote work, often in an informal sense.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Something that is funny or enjoyable. The term “chistoso” can imply someone or something funny in Mexico, while “gufea’o” describes a state of having fun or joking around in Puerto Rico.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Someone who betrays trust or is disloyal. “Traidor” is universally understood, while “insecto” is a more pejorative term used in Puerto Rico to describe a betrayer.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
To annoy or cause discomfort to someone. “Fregar” in Mexico and “jorobar” in Puerto Rico both convey the act of bothering or irritating someone.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
A severe physical attack or beating. “Paliza” is used in Mexico, while “katimba” is a Puerto Rican slang.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Someone who flatters or ingratiates themselves with others for personal gain. “Lamebotas” in Mexico and “lambón” in Puerto Rico both describe such individuals.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Misfortune or an unfortunate state. “Mala suerte” is commonly used, while “macacoa” is a uniquely Puerto Rican slang for bad luck.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Lacking maturity or behaving in a way that’s not age-appropriate. “Inmaduro” is widely understood, while “mandulete” is colloquial in Puerto Rico.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Unwilling to work or use energy. “Huevón” in Mexico and “mongo” in Puerto Rico describe someone who is lazy.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Someone who is reluctant to spend or share. “Codo” in Mexico and “mazeta” in Puerto Rico are used to describe stingy individuals.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Provoking mistrust or skepticism. “Sospechoso” is universally used, while “nebuloso” captures a sense of being unclear or dubious in Puerto Rican slang.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
This refers to a person who uses their influence or connections to help someone else secure employment. “Palanca” in Mexico and “pala” in Puerto Rico describe this facilitator.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Refers to companions or people with whom one shares a bond of mutual affection. “Compas” is a slang term in Mexico, while “panas” is used in Puerto Rico.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Who doesn’t like to party? In Mexico, we use “enfiestar” or “salir de fiesta,” while Puerto Ricans use “parisear” as an anglicism (to party!).
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Parking a vehicle is called “estacionarse” in all the Spanish-speaking world, and Puerto Rico also uses the colloquial “parquear.”
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Describes someone who is overly curious about others’ affairs. “Metiche” is common in Mexico and “presentao” is common in Puerto Rico.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Characterizes someone who is innocent or lacks experience. “Inocente” is widely used, whereas “sángano” is a Puerto Rican term implying naivety.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Describes a lack of intelligence or common sense. “Estúpido” is a direct term, while “soplaote” is an insulting slang in Puerto Rico.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Describing someone or something that is insane or not in one’s right mind. “Chiflado” is used in Mexico, while “tostado” is colloquial in Puerto Rico.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Refers to someone who is dishonest or engages in illegal activities. “Trácala” in Mexico and “tráfala” in Puerto Rico both describe such a person.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
The act of taking something without permission. “Ratear” is a slang term in Mexico, while “tumbe” is used in Puerto Rico.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
A container for waste and garbage. “Basurero” is the standard term in Mexico, while “zafacón” is uniquely used in Puerto Rico.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
Describes a child who is playful but naughty or troublesome. “Travieso” is universally used, while “pillo” is more common in Puerto Rico.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
A point of congestion in traffic. “Trafical” is commonly used in Mexico, while “tapón” is commonly used in Puerto Rico.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
A thin tube used to sip drinks. “Popote” is used in Mexico, while “sorbeto” is the term in Puerto Rico.
Mexican Spanish
Puerto Rican Spanish
You could read about the differences between Mexican and Puerto Rican Spanish all day, but a quick video can help clearly and easily demonstrate the differences between the two dialects:
There is no definite number of Spanish dialects, as what is and isn’t considered a dialect is generally subjective. In theory, there are hundreds if not thousands of dialects of Spanish if we consider each variation to constitute a new dialect. However, we can appreciate 10 or so broad dialects of Spanish:
It’s worth noting that Catalan isn’t a dialect of Spanish. Instead, Catalan is considered a unique language with its own vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. Check our guide on Spanish vs. Catalan for more info.
Yes, Puerto Rican Spanish is considered a dialect of Spanish. In linguistics, a dialect refers to a variation of a language spoken by a particular group of people, characterized by differences in vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar from other forms of the same language.
Puerto Rican Spanish has developed its own unique characteristics due to the island’s history, which have shaped Puerto Rican Spanish into its own distinct dialect with its own set of phonetic, lexical, and syntactic traits.
Yes, Mexican Spanish is considered a dialect of Spanish. Mexican Spanish has evolved with distinctive features due to the country’s complex history, including pre-Columbian civilizations, Spanish colonization, and interactions with other cultures. It incorporates many indigenous words from languages like Nahuatl and Maya, enriching its vocabulary and phonetics.
Speaking Spanish in Puerto Rico would be incredibly helpful, albeit not entirely necessary. Although Spanish is by far the most common language in Puerto Rico, English is also widely spoken and understood. Especially if you’ll be staying at hotels and visiting popular tourist attractions, you can rest easy knowing that most people will be able to speak and understand Spanish to a certain degree. However, learning some basic Spanish phrases would be a great way to truely immerse yourself in the culture.
We’ve taken a deep dive into the colorful world of Mexican and Puerto Rican Spanish, exploring the quirks and charms of each. While geographically, they’re not worlds apart, their Spanish dialects tell their very distinct stories of indigenous civilizations, conquest, and resistance. Whether you’re navigating the vibrant streets of Mexico City or the colorful corners of San Juan, understanding these differences enhances your appreciation of each culture.
Hooked on Spanish culture? There’s so much more to learn! We’ve published over 100 Spanish blogs about culture and learning the language. Check out our latest guide to Spanish culture or our guide for telling when to use tú vs usted in Spanish to learn more!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Mexican traditions","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"50 Mexican traditions, holidays & festivals to discover & embrace","url":"/blog/mexican-traditions-celebrations-holidays","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt3e96a23deffd9d2b/660407d66f2eed05fcc2fc6f/pexels-gerardo-manzano-18338285.jpg"},"post_content":"The article outlines key Mexican traditions and holidays, emphasizing their cultural significance, unique customs, and the vibrant celebrations that characterize Mexican heritage.
If you’re learning Spanish, you’ve probably already realized that learning a new language will take you much farther than the classroom. Beyond learning about Spanish grammar and vocabulary, you’ll also have to learn about a new country's traditions, customs, and culture if you hope to communicate effectively.
If you’re learning Spanish, you will invariably encounter Mexican culture, as Mexico is the Spanish-speaking country with the most speakers. Although Spanish culture has a significant impact on Mexican traditions, Mexico combines indigenous religions and practices with the European influence of the colonial period.
This results in countless beautiful and unique traditions that you’ll only find in Mexico, and that you definitely don’t want to miss when you visit the country.
Let’s take a look at some of the most important Mexican holidays, festivals and traditions.
Mexican traditions are so unique that many of them are recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Here are some of the most noteworthy Mexican traditions recognized by UNESCO:
![\"Mexican](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt3a88a7682d909fd1/6604028a6f7fa7a96eeadf4d/Day-of-the-dead-Mexico.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Celebrated: November 2
You might be used to honoring the dead in a somber way. After all, missing a loved one who’s passed away is extremely sad, so paying respects to them typically isn’t a time to rejoice — unless you’re in Mexico.
Mexico’s Día de los Muertos celebration is a vibrant and colorful tradition that can help reframe your relationship with your friends and family who have passed. It is believed that, on this day alone, the spirits of the dead can come back to Earth, giving us a unique chance to spend time with them once again. So, think about it: if you had a chance to spend more time with a friend or family member, wouldn’t you want to throw a party and have a fabulous time?
That’s the idea behind Día de los Muertos celebrations. That’s why people set up altars with photos, fruits, flowers, food, some of their favorite items, and even some alcoholic drinks like tequila or mezcal! Setting up their altar in a colorful and personalized way will ensure they have a pleasant time when they come back to visit, if only briefly.
The weeks leading up to Día de los Muertos are a great time to visit Mexico. The weather is great, and you’ll also enjoy unique decorations on the streets of cities like Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca. Deep-orange marigolds known as cempazúchitl are central to this season, so you’ll see them beautifully decorating the streets. Remember, though, Día de los Muertos isn’t Mexican Halloween, although the holiday is also commonly celebrated in Mexico.
Celebrated: June 15
Imagine four men, spiraling down from a 30-meter pole (almost 100 feet!), mesmerizing onlookers as they imitate the flight of birds. This is the Dance of the Papantla Flyers, a breathtaking ritual to thank the gods for fertility and harvest.
Originating from the Totonac people of Veracruz, this ancient ceremony combines courage, grace, and spirituality, showcasing harmony between man and the universe. Although it is traditionally performed in the town of Papantla in Veracruz, voladores de Papantla are performed all over Mexico at fairs and city squares on special occasions.
Celebrated: May 1st
La Peña de Bernal is the world’s third-largest monolith, after the Rock of Gibraltar and Brazil’s Sugarloaf Mountain. Every year, the Otomí-Chichimeca people who live in the town of Bernal climb to the top of the Peñal, carrying large crosses with them to pray for rain and divine protection. Upon their return, the city welcomes the pilgrims with a party, referred to as la fiesta de Santa Cruz, that includes dances, prayers, singing, and fireworks.
Celebrated: Year-round, but especially on Purépecha New Year (February 1st) and the Festival of the Purépecha Race (October 17 and 18).
This musical performance from the p'urhépecha communities in Michoacán consists of songs, poetry, and dance. These performances originated in the 16th century as a blend of Native American, European, and African traditions, including many sounds and melodies imported from outside Michoacán.
This traditional music is better appreciated by… well, listening to it! So, here’s an informative video from UNESCO that showcases several Pirekua purépecha performances and features a helpful narrator, sharing more details about the music and its cultural significance.
Celebrated: January 15-23
In the colonial city of Chiapa de Corzo, the Danza de los Parachicos takes place every January. This vibrant celebration fills the streets with music, dance, and elaborate costumes as a tribute to the patron saints, combining indigenous and Spanish influences. Dancers, or Parachicos, wear masks of bearded Europeans carrying maracas, creating a festive atmosphere that unites the community and celebrates their shared heritage.
Celebrated: Year-round!
Mexican cuisine is world-famous for its tacos, guacamole, and even beverages like margaritas and micheladas. However, did you know this was the first cuisine to be recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (along with French cuisine) in 2010? This shows just how valued Mexico’s rich cultural traditions are all over the world, with complex dishes like mole, tamales, and chile relleno.
We wrote an entire article dedicated exclusively to Mexico’s culinary traditions, so make sure to check it out for an in-depth review of Mexico’s traditional and contemporary landscape. Be warned, though: do not read without a snack!
Celebrated: Year-round, although January 21 is Mariachi Day.
Mariachi music is, simply put, the heart and soul of Mexico. With its trumpets, violins, and guitars, this vibrant music genre tells passionate love stories, often infused with nationalism. Originating from Jalisco, mariachi bands now symbolize Mexican culture worldwide, bringing people together with their lively performances and passionate songs.
When you visit Mexico, you can expect to see mariachi bands at some of the more traditional restaurants — just give them a good tip, and they’ll serenade you tableside. You may also hire a mariachi band for special occasions, like a wedding, birthday or, any party, really! There are very few occasions when a mariachi band isn’t a welcome addition.
If you’re curious as to what mariachi sounds like, check out the following song by Luis Miguel, one of Mexico’s most famous singers of all time:
Celebrated: Year-round, although September 14 is Charro Day
Charrería, Mexico’s only national sport, is an exhilarating display of horsemanship that dates back to the 16th century. It involves a series of equestrian events that test the skill and bravery of the charros (cowboys), including roping and riding. Beyond the competition, charrería celebrates Mexican cowboy culture and heritage, glorifying the way of life of Mexican people hundreds of years ago.
Check out the following TEDx talk for a demonstration as well as an illustrative talk on the complete background of this fascinating sport:
Mexico is an incredibly diverse country with dozens of pre-Columbian indigenous communities. According to Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), there are 68 indigenous communities and 364 indigenous languages in the country. Indigenous people in Mexico represent around 10% of the population or about 14 million people.
These are some of the largest indigenous cultures in Mexico:
Population: ~3 million
Nahuas are the largest indigenous group in Mexico, descendants of the Aztecs. Their language, Nahuatl, is also Mexico's most common indigenous language, with about 1.5 million speakers. They have colorful celebrations, like those dedicated to the corn harvest, and a strong culinary heritage that has shaped Mexican cuisine. The Nahua people are also skilled in creating amate paper and intricate beadwork — crafts that embody their artistic heritage. This culture values community, earth, and the preservation of their ancient traditions.
Population: ~10 million
The Maya civilization spans the entire Yucatán Peninsula and the neighboring countries of Belize and Guatemala. Known for their achievements in astronomy, writing, and architecture, the Maya continue to celebrate their heritage through traditional ceremonies, language, and dress. The Mayans' deep respect for nature and their ancestral knowledge offer a fascinating insight into one of the world’s most sophisticated ancient cultures still thriving today.
Population: ~500,000
The Zapotec culture is indigenous to the valleys of Oaxaca. With a history of architectural achievements like Monte Albán, the Zapotec people maintain a close connection to their ancestors through language, traditional dress, and festivals.
You can taste Zapotec culture by attending the Guelaguetza festival, where Zapotec dances and crafts are proudly displayed. The Zapotecs are also known for their weaving and pottery, which tell stories of their heritage.
Population: ~450,000
The Mixtec culture is known for its exceptional goldsmithing and codices that narrate their history and cosmology. Inhabiting the states of Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Puebla, the Mixtecs deeply respect their land, honoring it via agricultural rituals and vibrant textiles. Today, their traditional celebrations blend indigenous and Catholic beliefs and showcase a community deeply connected to its roots and ancestors.
Population: ~600,000
The P'urhépecha is an indigenous culture with a rich history in Michoacán. Their language, unique and unrelated to others in Mexico, carries the soul of their traditions. Known for their incredible craftsmanship in copper and woodworking, vibrant community festivals, and colorful celebrations of the Day of the Dead, the P'urhépecha have a strong spirit that is a testament to their enduring culture and deep pride.
Visit the quaint town of Patzcuaro next time you visit Mexico, as this stunning town built on a hilly island in a lake will showcase the P'urhépecha culture like nothing else.
Celebrated: July
The Guelaguetza festival in Oaxaca is a phenomenal display of indigenous culture and creation, showcasing traditional dances, music, and attire from the state’s diverse communities. The festival’s name means “reciprocal exchanges of gifts and services” in Zapotec, showing why this event strengthens communal bonds while celebrating the cultural heritage of the indigenous communities of Oaxaca. If you visit during this time, you’ll find a series of street performances, street markets, and a magnificent display of local traditions!
Celebrated: December 23rd
Without a shadow of a doubt, this is one of the quirkiest festivals in Mexico. Night of the Radishes, as its name implies, is a celebration in Oaxaca during which people make elaborate sculptures from radishes that represent Mexican folklore, religion, and daily life.
This event is a competition where artists and farmers showcase their creativity and talent, attracting people from all over the country to see these mind-boggling works of art. On this day, radishes aren’t just vegetables but true pieces of art, making this holiday a testament to the agricultural bounty of Oaxaca and the imaginative spirit of its people.
Mexico is a very religious country. According to the latest census, just under 80% of Mexicans identify as Catholic. If you add other Christian religions like Protestants and Evangelicals, the figure rises to about 90%. That means virtually everyone holds similar religious beliefs, so religious traditions are extremely important.
Most of these traditions and festivities center around gathering family members and close friends. And if you’re not religious, do not worry. Many non-religious Mexicans consider themselves “culturally Catholic,” meaning that they’ll participate in these celebrations without minding the religious aspect.
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Celebrated: 6–12 months old
These ceremonies aren’t just religious milestones but rather significant family events, marking a child’s introduction to the Christian faith. In fact, these are so common in Mexico that it’s the second country with the most baptisms in the world, second only to the Philippines. The ceremony in a church involves sprinkling holy water on the child’s head, signifying purification and rebirth.
Families celebrate this milestone with a gathering, where godparents, chosen to guide the child in their spiritual journey, play a crucial role. The celebration is often followed by a large meal at a venue, a family member’s backyard, or a restaurant, often turning into a long party. Close friends and family members are invited to attend both the religious event and the after-party, and non-Christians are welcome to attend the religious event and observe or just attend the after-party if they prefer.
Celebrated: 7–12 years old
A child’s First Communion is an extremely important milestone in Mexican culture. It symbolizes the child’s first acceptance of the body of Christ through the Eucharist. This ceremony represents a rite of passage for children in Mexico, deepening the child’s commitment to the Catholic faith.
As with baptisms, first communions are highly social events, as the mass is followed by a festive gathering. As always, extended family members and close friends are invited, and these festivities usually start with a late lunch and end well after dinner.
Celebrated: 14–16 years old
This is another significant milestone in every Catholic’s life, as it is the time when teenagers confirm their decision to commit to the Catholic Church’s teachings. These are usually celebrated when the children are 14–16 years old and are seen as an important coming-of-age ceremony.
Confirmación is celebrated with a special mass, which involves a ritual of laying on hands and anointing with chrism. Families celebrate this milestone with gatherings and — you guessed it — big parties after the ceremony
Celebrated: Between mid-March and mid-April
Holy Week is observed with profound reverence in Mexico, commemorating the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This week features processions, reenactments of the Via Crucis (the Way of the Cross), and dramatic representations of the Last Supper and Crucifixion.
This is a period of deep reflection for the most devout Catholics, making it a great time to spend time at home with the family. School is out, and most jobs tend to have Good Friday off. However, this is also one of the peak vacation periods in Mexico, as many people take advantage of this time off to see family and travel to vacation destinations like Cancún or Los Cabos.
Celebrated: September 20
Celebrated in the town of Cholula, Puebla, this festival is an homage to Saint Matthew, combining religious ceremonies with indigenous rituals. This event includes traditional dances, parades, and the unique “voladores de Papantla” performance. It encapsulates the fusion of pre-Hispanic and Christian traditions, showcasing the strength of indigenous cultural practices within the contemporary religious framework in Mexico.
Celebrated: December 12
The pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City is one of Mexico's most important religious events, drawing millions of devotees each December 12th. This tradition honors Mexico’s patron saint, la Virgen de Guadalupe, who is believed to have appeared to Saint Juan Diego in 1531 on the hill of Tepeyac in Mexico City. Her image, miraculously imprinted on Juan Diego’s cloak, became a powerful symbol of faith and identity.
Pilgrims from across the country, many on foot, undertake this journey to pay respect to la Virgen as a profound expression of faith and devotion. This event is a moving testament to her significance in Mexican spirituality and cultural identity. However, la Virgen’s importance transcends religion, as she embodies the combination of Mexican and Spanish cultures. She is seen as the “Mother of Mexico,” providing comfort and hope to her people.
Celebrated: December 24
If you ever have the chance to celebrate Christmas in Mexico, you might be surprised to learn that most celebrations happen on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day. This is a very special time for everyone in Mexico, as families get together to have a big dinner, often consisting of turkey, sweet potatoes, tamales, cod stew, apple salad, and buñuelos for dessert. Gifts are often exchanged, and many families also partake in a white elephant game, although spending time with family is the main focus of this day.
Some of the most religious families in Mexico also attend the Vigil Mass, the mass service at midnight on Christmas Eve — officially the beginning of Christmas Day.
Celebrated: December 16 – 24
Posadas start nine days before Christmas, representing the time Mary and Joseph spent going from inn to inn, searching for a place to stay before Mary gave birth. Each of the nine days represents a different value: humility, strength, detachment, charity, trust, justice, purity, joy, and generosity. So, families traditionally come together to sing Christmas songs and celebrate the night's theme.
This tradition is actually a great example of a combination of indigenous Mexican practices and European religion. In pre-Columbian times, the Aztecs celebrated Panquetzaliztli, a 20-day celebration of Huitzilopochtli, the God of the Sun, which coincidentally culminated on December 19. After the conquest, the Spanish church instituted the posadas tradition to make Catholicism more relatable to these Aztec religious practices.
Today, posadas refer to any party or gathering happening before Christmas, both religious and non-religious. It is customary for schools and workplaces to organize at least one posada in the weeks before Christmas to create bonds and celebrate the holidays. Note that posadas typically only include people you wouldn’t normally spend Christmas with, so you wouldn’t host a posada for your family members.
Celebrated: January 6
The importance of Epiphany varies from country to country, and even within states in Mexico. In some states like Puebla and San Luis Potosí, this day is a major holiday, especially for children, who leave a shoe on their window sill in exchange for presents.
In most of the country, however, el día de los reyes magos is observed simply by eating a rosca de reyes with friends and family. This oval-shaped pastry includes dried fruits and sugar and is typically sliced and served like cake. Coffee, hot chocolate, and atole are common companion beverages.
The special part about rosca de reyes, though, is that a Baby Jesus figurine is hidden somewhere in the pastry. If your slice happens to have the figurine, then you’re supposed to host a party with tamales on Día de la Candelaria (February 2)!
Celebrated: December 12 – January 6
If you’ve been paying attention, you’ve probably realized something by now: Mexicans love to celebrate and throw parties. That’s why the term Guadalupe Reyes was coined to refer to the holiday season, which runs from December 12 through January 6.
This is a period of mass celebrations around the country, and almost everyone uses this time to relax, celebrate, and enjoy friends and family. So, even if there aren’t too many bank holidays during this period, you can expect everyone’s productivity to plummet. This is something to remember if you’re learning business Spanish and will be working in Mexico over the holidays.
Although Mexico isn’t a particularly nationalistic country on a global scale, most Mexicans are extremely proud of their country and heritage. The month of September is especially patriotic, as you’ll see countless decorations in public in preparation for Mexican Independence Day. Here are some of the most noteworthy national holidays.
Celebrated: September 16
Mexican Independence Day involves a couple of days of intense celebrations and several weeks of festive, cheerful, and nationalistic pride. Although the 16th of September is the official Independence Day, the big celebration actually happens on the night of the 15th, known as “Grito de Dolores” or “Grito de la Independencia.” This commemorates the night when Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, the father of the Mexican Independence movement, rang a church bell in the middle of the night as a call of arms that kicked off the independence.
Today, the President of Mexico recreates this from the balcony of the Presidential Palace in Mexico City, often to crowds of hundreds of thousands of people and with millions of televised spectators across the country. The President yells “¡Viva ____!” listing the most important people from the independence movement and culminating with “¡Viva México!” three times.
Here’s a video demonstration of a recent Grito de Dolores:
Celebrated: The week leading up to Lent (February/March)
A carnaval is a dazzling celebration filled with parades, costumes, and dancing, particularly famous in the coastal cities of Mazatlán and Veracruz. Although each city that celebrates it has its own traditions, the essence of carnaval features elaborate floats, masked balls, and street parties, showcasing a blend of indigenous and European traditions.
Celebrated: 3rd Monday of November
Mexican Revolution Day marks the start of the 1910 revolution against the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz. This was the world’s first social revolution, as it preceded those in Russia (1917), China (1949), and others that followed. The revolutionaries, mostly peasants from the rural countryside, successfully defeated the oppressive Díaz regime and ended its 35-year rule. Some Revolution leaders include Francisco Madero, Alvaro Obregón, Emiliano Zapata, and Pancho Villa.
Today, this Mexican holiday is celebrated with parades, ceremonies, and reenactments that honor the brave revolutionaries who fought for these social and economic reforms. Schools and communities across Mexico commemorate this day with patriotic programs, speeches, and presentations reflecting on the revolution’s impact on Mexican society.
Celebrated: December 28
You might be used to celebrating April Fool’s Day in… well, April. However, the day to make pranks in Mexico is actually December 28, right before New Year’s. This is a day of pranks in remembrance of the biblical story of King Herod’s decree to kill all newborn boys. It has evolved into a lighthearted tradition where people play practical jokes on each other, and the media often publish false stories. It’s a day filled with laughter and fun, showcasing the Mexican people’s love for humor and camaraderie. Don’t get mad if your friends play a prank on you!
Celebrated: April – May
The Feria Nacional de San Marcos, held annually in Aguascalientes City, is one of Mexico’s oldest and most traditional fairs, dating back to the 19th century. It features cultural events, concerts, rodeos, bullfights, and a colorful artisan market, attracting visitors from all over the country.
The highlight is the “corrida de toros” (bullfighting), which is a historical practice that involves a matador (a bull killer) repeatedly taunting and eventually killing a bull. Many animal rights activists have protested this practice, and several states have already outlawed bullfighting.
Celebrated: Late November to early December
The Feria Internacional del Libro de Guadalajara, colloquially known as FIL, is the largest book fair in the Spanish-speaking world, attracting publishers, authors, and readers globally. It celebrates literature and culture, offering activities like book signings, academic discussions, and cultural performances. This event not only promotes reading and publishing but also fosters dialogue and cultural understanding across cultures, highlighting the power of books to connect societies.
Celebrated: October
Popularly referred to as El Cervantino, this festival is one of Latin America's most important cultural events. Held in Guanajuato, El Cervantino celebrates the legacy of Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes, who drew artists and performers from all over the world. Guests will be able to appreciate countless art forms, including dance, painting, sculptures, music, cinematography, opera, and much more.
Family holds a central place in Mexican culture, and certain milestones are unmissable family events. If you marry into a Mexican family or choose to start your own in the country, you’ll definitely end up celebrating one (or all) of the following traditions for yourself or your family members:
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Celebrated: On 15th birthday
A Quinceañera marks a girl’s transition into womanhood at 15. It’s a deeply rooted tradition in Mexican culture, celebrated with a religious ceremony and an evening reception. The event includes the presentation of a doll to symbolize childhood and high-heeled shoes to signify stepping into adulthood. This celebration isn’t just a lavish party, but a meaningful rite of passage that symbolizes a significant milestone in a young woman’s readiness to take on new responsibilities.
Celebrated: Upon marriage
If you’ve never been to a Mexican wedding, you must brace yourself for what’s to come. Mexican weddings are usually three-day affairs, with massive parties and extreme displays of joy that blend religious customs with local cultural traditions.
Generally, Mexican weddings start with a Catholic mass where the couple exchange vows, followed by a lively party with music, dance, and lots and lots of food. A unique Mexican wedding tradition is the “lazo del amor,” a symbolic lasso placed around the couple to signify their union.
But that’s not all; Mexican weddings are long and extremely fun events. That’s why we put together an entire guide to Mexican wedding traditions, so check it out to learn more!
Celebrated: Yearly, on birthday
You’ve probably heard of a piñata before, the papier-mâché figure shaped into stars, animals, or famous characters and stuffed with candies and toys. Blindfolded participants take turns hitting the piñata until it breaks, releasing the treasures stuffed within. This activity is an essential part of any child’s birthday party, to the point where piñatas are synonymous with a child’s birthday party!
Birthday parties in Mexico are typically held in the birthday kid’s house, a family member’s house, or a rented venue. They always include a piñata and music, dances, and games. They sometimes include entertainment from magicians, clowns, or a live music band. Kids usually take “bolos” with them on their way out, which are bags full of goodies as a way to thank them for coming.
Celebrated: May 10
While Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May in the United States, Mexico has a fixed date for the holiday: May 10. This is an extremely important day in Mexico, as the role of mothers in Mexican culture cannot be overstated. Although every day is a great day to show your mom that you appreciate her, this is the one day of the year when you absolutely cannot miss an opportunity to tell her how much she means to you.
People in Mexico typically show appreciation to their mothers by giving them flowers, taking them out to eat, and giving them presents. Schools often host events where children perform songs and dances for their mothers, making it a day of celebration, gratitude, and familial bonds. And don’t forget about celebrating your grandma as well! Although grandparents have their own holiday, it’s important to celebrate grandmas on this day, since they too are mothers.
Celebrated: June 20
Again, while Father’s Day is on the third Sunday of June in the United States, Mexico has a fixed date: June 20th. It’s a day of appreciation when families express their gratitude to fathers for everything they do for the family. There aren’t many specific Father’s Day traditions, so just try doing something special for your dad on this day!
Celebrated: April 30
Although International Children’s Day is celebrated in August, Mexico has had its own Children’s Day tradition since 1924, which is celebrated on April 30. This day is dedicated to appreciating the joy and importance of children in Mexican society. Schools organize parties, games, and activities, allowing children to be the center of attention with performances, candy, and presents.
Celebrated: August 28
Día del Abuelo honors grandparents by celebrating them for their wisdom, love, and contributions to the family. In Mexican culture, grandparents often play an active role in raising their grandchildren, offering guidance, care, and emotional support. This day allows grandchildren to express their gratitude and honor their grandparents’ contributions.
Mexican artistry is known all over the world for its colorful perspectives and intricate designs. From the delicate beauty of the talavera Poblana to the mind-boggling designs of alebrijes, these crafts represent Mexico’s history and identity. Here are some of the most popular ones:
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Imagine creatures from your wildest dreams, with vibrant colors and a mix of animal features — that’s alebrijes for you! Originating from the imagination of Mexican artists, these fantastical figures are carved from paper or wood and painted in bright, eye-catching colors.
They’re more than just decorations; they’re symbols of creativity and personal expression. So, next time you see an alebrije, remember it represents Mexico's infinite imagination and cultural richness. Who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired to dream up your own fantastical creature!
Barro cocido might, in theory, be nothing but baked clay. But in practice, this nimble material is transformed into beautiful pottery and sculptures, thanks to this ancient technique of baking clay to perfection. Whether it’s pots, plates, or decorative items, each piece carries the warmth of the hands that made it. It’s a reminder of the beauty in simplicity and the enduring relationship between people and the earth.
When it comes to the talavera poblana, every tile tells a story. This exquisite ceramic art from Puebla is known for its intricate designs and vibrant blue hues. Each piece is hand-painted with patterns that blend indigenous and Spanish influences, be it a vase, a plate, or even a mural. So, when you come across some talavera poblana, you’ll know that what you’re seeing is the result of a cultural blend with hundreds of years of history.
It is said that when you wrap yourself in the warmth of a sarape, you’ll feel the spirit of Mexico. Also known as zarape or jorongo, these colorful, striped blankets are iconic symbols of Mexican culture. Originating from Northern Mexico, sarapes are known for their bright colors and intricate patterns, often seen draped over shoulders at festivals or adorning homes. They represent the colorfulness and artistry of Mexico, making them perfect souvenirs for tourists as they carry the essence of the warm and fun Mexican spirit.
Platería is shimmering silver from the heart of Mexico, one of the country’s most historically important resources. This exquisite silverwork, especially from towns like Taxco, showcases the unmatched skill of Mexican artisans. From jewelry to utensils, each piece is a work of art, reflecting centuries of tradition and the natural beauty of Mexico’s landscape. Wearing or using platería is more than a statement of style; it’s a reminder of the beauty of the natural resources found in Mexico and the skill and artistry of its jewelry.
Music and dance are the heart and soul of Mexican culture. As you’ve probably realized by now, if there’s something Mexican people like, it’s a good party — and you can’t have a good party without music and dance. From the soulful Mariachi to the exhilarating Jarabe Tapaío, Mexican music somehow embodies joy, sorrow, and celebration all at once, inviting everyone to feel the rhythm and connect with Mexican culture. Here are some types of Mexican music that you can’t miss:
Jarabe Tapatío is probably what you’d think of if you were to picture yourself at a Mexican fiesta. This folk dance is a playful courtship dance where the man is tasked with wooing the woman as they both dance around a sombrero. Its lively rhythm and colorful attitude capture the spirit of Mexico, making it an unforgettable show.
Next time you visit Mexico, make sure you include a stop in Guadalajara to experience some authentic Jarabe Tapatío dances, especially if you can visit the town of Tlaquepaque. Until then, take a look at the following video to start getting excited about your next trip:
Moving on to the Yucatán Peninsula, the jarana is a lively dance that represents the rhythms of Yucatán. With quick feet and swirling dresses, dancers move to the upbeat melodies of this traditional dance, celebrating the Peninsula’s Mayan and Spanish heritage. The Jarana Yucateca is a joyful expression of identity and community, where every step and note brings people closer. Make sure to attend a jarana performance next time you visit Mérida, Cancún or Tulum, and let the music sweep you away to a world of rhythm, color, and unity.
Until then, here’s a video of a lively performance to whet your appetite.
Coming back to Central Mexico in the state of Michoacán, La Danza de los Viejitos is a dance that will charm you with its humor and significance. It’s almost exactly what it sounds like: it’s performed by dancers disguised as playful, old men, who suddenly transform from frail to vigorous, leaping energetically to the music.
Thisdance is beautiful satire, symbolizing the wisdom and vitality of the elderly. As you watch or partake in La Danza de los Viejitos, you’re embracing a celebration of life, age, and the spirit of the Purepecha people of Michoacán.
El huapango comes from the Huasteca region in the eastern states of Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Puebla, Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí, Querétaro and Guanajuato. This genre features intricate footwork and powerful violin, guitar, and jarana melodies. More than a dance, el huapango is an artistic duel, where performers express passion, skill, and cultural pride.
No matter where you’re from, you’ve probably heard this classic song before. However, what you might not know is that what you’ve likely heard is actually a cover of a Mexican song by an unknown artist. Originating from Veracruz, this folk song combines indigenous Mexican, European, and African cultures. The word “Bamba” is believed to come from the Republic of Congo, as it was the name of an old duchess in the old Kingdom of Kongo.
This song celebrates freedom and community, inviting everyone to join and dance, regardless of skill. No matter how well you can dance, you can easily incorporate yourself into the dance and have a good time. But if you want to see how the pros do it, check out this performance from Veracruz:
La Danza del Venado, or the Deer Dance, is a captivating and profound ritual performed by the indigenous Yaqui and Mayo tribes of Northwestern Mexico, particularly in Sonora. This dance reenacts the hunt of the deer, a symbol of grace and spiritual significance, portraying the delicate balance between hunters and nature. Dancers wear elaborate costumes, including antlers to embody the deer, while others represent the hunters.
The rhythmic beats of drums and rattles accompany the dance, creating an immersive experience that honors the sacredness of life and the respect for the earth. La Danza del Venado creates a profound connection to nature and the spiritual world, offering insight into Mexico's indigenous cultures' deep-rooted beliefs and values.
Celebrated: November 22nd
Mexican people are so passionate about music, in fact, that they have a whole festival dedicated to it. La Fiesta de Santa Cecilia honors the patron saint of musicians, Santa Cecilia. In Mexico, this day is especially vibrant in areas with strong musical heritage, such as Plaza Garibaldi in Mexico City, where the mariachi bands gather to perform. The celebration emphasizes how important music is in Mexican culture, bringing together the entire community to revel in the joy of music.
Yes and no. Although this is the most popular Mexican holiday in the United States and around the world, the truth is that an overwhelming majority of Mexicans don’t celebrate it.
This holiday commemorates Mexico’s victory against the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Although the French eventually did defeat the Mexican army in what was known as the Second French Intervention, the battle in Puebla represented a very big win for the Mexican army, as they defeated the world’s most powerful army at the time. This is why Cinco de Mayo is a source of pride for people from Puebla, although people from the rest of the country don’t really celebrate it.
Mexican Independence Day is on September 16, although the main celebration happens the night before on September 15. Millions of Mexicans will watch “El Grito” on television, while hundreds of thousands will watch it in person in Mexico City. In this event, the president will recite the traditional “Grito de Dolores” from the Presidential Palace’s balcony, concluding with passionately proclaiming ‘¡Viva México!” three times. This is an excellent time to be in Mexico and enjoy a fun and patriotic Mexican fiesta.
Thanksgiving is not traditionally celebrated in Mexico. However, the younger generations have picked up this holiday from their northern neighbors, with “Friendsgiving” becoming more and more popular. If you celebrate Thanksgiving and find yourself in Mexico during this holiday, don’t hesitate to host a Thanksgiving party and invite your Mexican friends — no Mexican would ever turn down an excuse for a good meal and a little celebration!
The three most popular holidays in Mexico are:
Now that you’ve learned all about traditions in Mexico, you’ll be much more prepared to appreciate the beauty and historical significance of Mexican culture next time you visit. Although visiting the tourist hotspots of Cancún and Los Cabos is great, you can now use your new knowledge about Mexican festivities to enjoy a different, more authentic side of Mexico.
Another thing you can do to maximize your time in Mexico is improve your Spanish. In addition to online and in-person Spanish lessons, we have a completely free Spanish blog where we constantly publish helpful cultural and grammar blogs to help you improve your Spanish. Some recent topics include when to use tú vs. usted and how to use the upside down question mark in Spanish. Neat, ¿no?
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What are some key benefits of expanding sports-related language skills?
Expanding sports-related language skills enables you to actively participate in various sports activities, deepen their appreciation for athletic endeavors, and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow enthusiasts. It also provides insights into different traditions, values, and societal practices associated with specific sports, fostering a well-rounded understanding of diverse cultures.
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"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Mexican food culture","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"Mexican cuisine: 87+ iconic Mexican food dishes you need to try","url":"/blog/mexican-food-cuisine-dishes-desserts-appetizers","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt4f92df9ac6b31ff0/65fe9ed4cddae04574b00ae0/adults-enjoying-mexican-food.jpg"},"post_content":"Everyone knows (and loves!) Mexican food for its tacos, salsa, and guacamole, but have you ever wondered what its origins are and how this magical fusion of flavors came to be?
\nMexican fare is as complex and diverse as Mexican culture, reflecting the richness of hundreds of indigenous cultures as well as the influence of three centuries of Spanish occupation. This blend is evident in the way Mexican cuisine integrates pre-Hispanic ingredients like corn, chilies, and tomatoes with ingredients introduced from Europe, like sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
\nAs you can probably imagine, we have an entire buffet of yummy dishes to cover, so let’s get right to it!
\n\nMexican cuisine is a testament to the fusion of indigenous traditions and Spanish colonial influence. Not only did pre-Hispanic Mexican food contribute tremendously to the global culinary scene (thanks for giving us tomatoes, corn, and chocolate!) but the arrival of European products created an incredibly unique combination of flavors and textures — something truly never seen before.
\nThe foundation of Mexican food dates back to the great civilizations of the Aztecs, Mayas, and Olmecs, who cultivated a deep relationship with their land. They developed sophisticated agricultural techniques to grow staples such as maíz (corn), beans, squash, avocados, tomatoes, and chili peppers, all central to Mexican cuisine today.
\nThe Spanish conquest of Mexico in the 16th century introduced new ingredients and cooking methods that would forever change the landscape of food in Mexico. The Spaniards brought livestock such as pigs, cattle, chickens, dairy products, rice, wheat, and spices like cinnamon and cloves.
\nThe Spaniards also introduced sugarcane, which led to the development of sweet confections and desserts in Mexican cuisine. Introducing European techniques, such as frying and baking, combined with indigenous ingredients and know-how, gave rise to an innovative and diverse culinary culture. Over the centuries, this melding of cultures and flavors has continued to evolve, making Mexican cuisine one of the most beloved and celebrated worldwide.
\n\nMexican dishes are rich in distinctive staples like corn, beans, and chile peppers that make it so outstanding. Some of those ingredients are pre-Columbian, while the Spaniards introduced others in the 16th century.
\nCorn, or maíz, isn’t just a crop in Mexico; it’s the lifeblood of cuisine. Originating in Mexico over 9,000 years ago, maíz is deeply embedded in Mexico’s culinary and cultural identity, from ancient times to the present.
\n![\"Corn](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltd5e6419a1d9c364e/65ff9e84c340ad3df5f66fe6/corn.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
This witchcraft-sounding word is just the process of soaking and cooking corn in an alkaline solution — usually limewater — and then hulling it. Thanks to this, the indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica were able to extract the full nutritional value of corn, making niacin (vitamin B3) available for absorption, thus improving the protein quality. It transforms the corn into masa, a dough that is the foundation for making tortillas, tamales, and many other Mexican staples.
\nDerived from masa, atoles are traditional corn-based beverages, thickened and often flavored with fruits, chocolate, or nuts. This comforting drink dates back to pre-Columbian times, serving as both a daily staple and a ceremonial offering.
\nTamales, another profound use of masa, are a quintessential Mexican dish with pre-Columbian roots. Corn dough is filled with meats, cheeses, fruits, or chilies, then wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed. This ancient dish is an emblem of Mexican food tradition, embodying the importance of corn.
\nChile peppers are an essential part of Mexican dishes, infusing dishes with depth, flavor, and heat. Originating from Mexico, chiles are celebrated for their diverse varieties, each offering unique tastes ranging from mild to intensely spicy.
\nThey’re utilized in various forms — fresh, dried, ground, and smoked — to create salsas, moles, marinades, and sauces foundational to Mexican cooking. Their incorporation into nearly every aspect of Mexican cuisine reflects the country’s rich biodiversity and the integral role of spice in expressing Mexico’s complex culinary identity.
\n![\"Chile](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blte36fd580fd00e28d/65ffaf0b949724544ef62a64/chile.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Besides chile, Mexican fare depends on a few key ingredients, like:
\nNative to Mexico, cacao holds profound cultural and culinary significance. Ancient Mexican civilizations revered it both as a divine beverage and a currency. In modern Mexican dishes, cacao is essential in desserts and mole and is still popularly consumed as a beverage.
\nBeans are a cornerstone of Mexican fare, providing a great source of protein and nutrition — which also makes Mexican food very vegan-friendly, but more on that later. They’ve been a staple of Mexico since ancient times, cultivated by pre-Columbian civilizations along with corn and squash using a technique called Tres Hermanas (three sisters).
\n\nMexico doesn’t have an official national dish, but if you ask Mexicans what they think the most emblematic Mexican dish is, you’ll likely get three answers: tacos, chile en nogada, and mole poblano. Tacos are — by far — the most iconic Mexican dish, so we’ve dedicated an entire section to them in this article. For now, let’s explore the other two dishes and why they’re so emblematic.
\n![\"Chile](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb53a5d16aaadea3a/65ffa4bf6f7fa7a0baeacd2b/Chile-en-nogada.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
This dish is deeply rooted in Mexican history and is traditionally only eaten during the weeks leading up to Mexico’s Independence Day, September 16. It was created in Puebla around 1821 to honor Agustín de Iturbide, featuring poblano chiles stuffed with minced meat, draped in a walnut-based cream sauce, and garnished with pomegranate seeds, mirroring the colors of the Mexican flag.
\nMole poblano is often considered the national dish because it blends pre-Columbian and European culinary traditions, representing Mexico’s blended cultural heritage. Originating in Puebla, this dish consists of a complex sauce that blends chile peppers and chocolate to create a rich, savory flavor. It’s traditionally served over chicken or turkey, although it’s also commonly used in enchiladas. Mole sauce is then topped generously with sesame seeds, giving the dish a nutty and crunchy element.
\nMexican cuisine is incredibly diverse, but there are a few iconic dishes that everyone should know about (and taste!). Here are 20 traditional regional dishes in Mexican culture:
\n![\"Chile](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt20c4b53a4ca10117/65ffa5b5db68ba173539dda5/Chile-relleno.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
This dish consists of a stuffed Poblano pepper that is battered and fried. The filling almost always includes cheese, ground beef, or vegetables. The fried chile is then covered in a mildly spicy salsa. You heard that right: it’s a pepper covered in a sauce made from more peppers! But don’t worry, though. Poblano chiles aren’t typically very spicy, and the cheese in the filling helps break up the spice for a well-balanced flavor.
\nThis isn’t a dish, but a cooking method that’s become extremely popular nationwide and has an incredible story. This pre-Hispanic cooking method uses agave leaves to cook meats like armadillos, rabbits, and deer in holes in the ground, with other meats like lamb, goat, and beef introduced during the colonial era. This slow-cooking method produces tender and smokey meat, making it a popular dish nationwide.
\nThis hearty soup mixes pork, corn, and a red sauce to create a filling and nutritious meal. It is garnished with lettuce, radishes, onions, and lime, giving it a fresh crunch that perfectly complements the warm broth of the soup. This soup is traditionally served during Mexican holidays, especially around Mexican Independence Day in September.
\nAnother hearty soup, menudo, is made with beef stomach (tripe) in a broth with a red chili pepper base. You typically garnish menudo with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and onions. This spicy and nutritious soup is known as a hangover cure, so you can expect your friends to invite you for some menudo the morning after a big party!
\nThis dish originally comes from Jalisco, although it can now be found anywhere in Mexico due to its massive popularity. Birria is a spicy stew made from goat or beef that is served with an adobo sauce and topped with onions, cilantro, and lime. It can be enjoyed alone or in a tortilla to make birria tacos. You can also add cheese to your birria tacos to turn them into a quesabirria – a birria quesadilla!
\nThis dish is usually accompanied by birria consomé, either along with the birria as a stew or in a separate bowl for dipping your tacos into!
\nThese corn dishes are named after Mexican sandals because of their shape. The corn is turned into a dough, shaped into a flat oval, and topped with beans, meat, cheese, and salsa. This iconic street food originates from Mexico City and can be easily found in many of the city’s street vendors, perfect for a quick meal.
\nIf you were wondering if Mexican food had an equivalent of a pizza, then this might be it. Tlayudas are round, flat, toasted tortillas used as a base for beans, cheese, lettuce, avocado, and meat. They are traditionally eaten in Oaxaca, although they can now be found around the country.
\nThese are some of the most diverse Mexican dishes, and they’ve been around since pre-Columbian times. They are made with corn dough and stuffed with meats, vegetables, sauces, and other ingredients. Tamales are typically wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed, resulting in a soft corn paste that blends perfectly with the filling. They are typically savory, although some tamales in Oaxaca are sweet, with fruit fillings like guayaba, pineapple, and raspberry.
\nThese are some of the most popular Mexican dishes worldwide, known for their comforting flavor and slight spice kick. In short, enchiladas are rolled tortillas filled with meat, cheese, beans, or veggies, covered in cheese and salsa, and then baked. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also extremely versatile, as they can be stuffed with:
\nThe best part? You have almost complete freedom over what salsa to use! You can use salsa roja, salsa verde, or even mole, a Pueblan specialty sauce made with chocolate. One of the most popular varieties of enchiladas is enchiladas suizas, which mixes cream with salsa verde to create a very rich and creamy sauce.
\nEvery country has a quick and easy meal that people rely on when they’re short on time or don’t feel like cooking. In Mexico, it’s quesadillas. This simple meal only requires two ingredients and a stovetop. You can choose between a corn or a flour tortilla, and then use your favorite cheese as filling. Caution, though: not all cheeses in Mexico melt, so you’ll want to use something like Oaxaca, Chihuahua, mozzarella, or manchego cheese.
\nOptionally, you can also add your favorite filling to your quesadilla, including grilled chicken, beans, beef, mushrooms, or vegetables. Some common quesadilla fillings in Mexico include huitlacoche, which is corn fungus (much more delicious than it sounds!) and flor de calabaza, which is a pumpkin flower.
\nNote that even though the word quesadilla implies that it comes with cheese (queso), you must specifically request queso in your quesadilla in Mexico City. So, if you want a chicken quesadilla with cheese, you must ask for a “quesadilla de pollo con queso.” This only applies to Mexico City, as the rest of the country understands that the word quesadilla means it comes with cheese — a source of ridicule for all chilangos (people from Mexico City).
\nCeviche is one of the most colorful and flavorful Mexican dishes. It is cubed raw fish marinated in lime juice and spiced with chili peppers. Other seafood like shrimp, scallops, octopus, and clams may also be used — or a combination of them all! Fresh diced onions, cilantro, tomatoes, and cucumbers are also mixed in, resulting in an extremely fresh dish that is a perfect way to cool down on a day at the beach. You can eat ceviche with totopos (corn chips), tostadas or saltines.
\nTostadas are crispy fried, toasted, or baked corn tortillas that are topped with many ingredients. Depending on where you are, you’ll find two very different types of tostadas: meat tostadas and seafood tostadas.
\nIf you happen to be inland, then you’ll almost invariably find meat tostadas. These are topped with a base layer of refried beans, then a layer of ground or shredded beef, and finally, a layer of fresh chopped lettuce, tomato, fresh cheese, sour cream, avocado, and salsa. In some cases, these may also be covered in a tomato-based salsa to make them tostadas ahogadas.
\nThese tostadas rely on the freshness of seafood and the creaminess of mayonnaise to create a beautiful combination of flavors. These tostadas start with a mayonnaise base, often a spicy chipotle mayo. You can find this at any supermarket in Mexico, or you can make your own by blending some chipotles into regular mayonnaise.
\nSlabs of fresh seafood like tuna, tilapia, shrimp, or scallops are added, along with fresh veggies like cucumbers, red onion, and avocado. Finally, the whole thing is bathed in plenty of salsas negras, which is a spicy and tangy combination of soy sauce, Maggi sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, Valentina sauce, lime juice, and sliced serrano peppers. This sauce will help cure the raw seafood and give these tostadas an explosive flavor.
\nThis dish is a staple of Mayan cuisine in the Yucatán Peninsula. It consists of slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus juice and achiote peppers, wrapped in banana leaves, and cooked in an underground oven known as a píib. The result is tender meat with a complex, smokey, and citrusy flavor. It’s then topped with pickled red onion and habanero sauce and is commonly eaten in a corn tortilla as a taco.
\nThis dish consists of sliced poblano peppers sautéed with onions and cream. The cream helps break down the peppers' spiciness, creating a complex flavor with simple ingredients. This dish is usually eaten in a tortilla as a corn or flour taco.
\nIf you’ve been to a Mexican restaurant before, then you already know about fajitas. These are strips of grilled meat and sautéed red bell peppers, green bell peppers, and onions. This is a very easy and healthy recipe to make, and it is commonly eaten with flour tortillas and toppings like guacamole and pico de gallo. Want to make it vegetarian or vegan? Simply swap out the meat for some extra-firm stir-fried tofu!
\nKnown as “taquitos” in the United States, flautas are rolled, and fried corn tortillas filled with chicken, beef, potatoes, or cheese. They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside and are usually topped with chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, fresh cheese, and salsa. They can also be fully submerged in tomato-based salsa to make flautas ahogadas.
\nThese sandwiches are a classic example of the blend between Mexican and Spanish cuisine. They’re named after the “pan bazo,” a type of round, salty bread created in Spain and brought to Mexico during the colonial era. It has since virtually disappeared from Spain’s cuisine but is still prevalent in Mexico thanks to this sandwich. It is filled with chorizo and potatoes, submerged in guajillo chili sauce, and lightly fried on a griddle.
\nAlthough empanadas are much more popular in other Hispanic countries like Spain, Argentina, and Colombia, Mexico has its own distinct types of traditional empanadas. Known as pastes, these traditional empanadas from Hidalgo are typically filled with ground beef and potatoes. Some coastal states also make seafood empanadas stuffed with tuna, marlin, shrimp, or lobster.
\nA molcajete typically refers to the Mexican version of the mortar and pestle. It is large and made from basalt rock, used to crush ingredients to make a paste, namely crushing avocado to make guacamole and crushing chili peppers to make salsa.
\nHowever, in the context of a restaurant, a molcajete is a hearty meal that includes a sizzling salsa base with grilled beef, shrimp, sausages, and other meats on top, along with grilled vegetables like nopales (cactus) and mushrooms and grilled slabs of cheese. You can eat directly from the molcajete or make some tacos with fresh, warm tortillas.
\nThis soup is one of the most common dishes of Yucatán. It is made from a turkey or chicken broth base and includes plenty of lime — the star of the show. It also includes lightly sautéed onions, tomatoes, tortilla strips, and habanero sauce.
\nTacos are such an important part of Mexico’s food culture that they deserve their own article and perhaps even an entire university course to cover the vastness of their world. However, the best way to learn about tacos is to travel through Mexico to experience them, as each city has its own way of making tacos, resulting in hundreds or even thousands of unique tacos. That’s why shows like Netflix’s The Taco Chronicles focus on exploring Mexico to taste all the different types of tacos.
\nTo get you started, here are 15 of the most common types of tacos in Mexico:
\n![\"Taco](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt09025227c4765a09/65ffa652bdfec37edb58252c/Taco-al-pastor.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
These are some of the most iconic types of tacos in Mexico, native to Puebla. They were created by Lebanese immigrants in the 1930s as a variation of the classic shawarma. They’re made with slow-cooked marinated pork on a vertical split — much like a shawarma. Thin pork slices are then served on small corn tortillas with pineapple and topped with fresh onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salsa.
\nSuadero tacos feature tender, slow-cooked brisket. Cooked until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, suadero is chopped and served on soft corn tortillas with a simple garnish of onion and cilantro. If you’re in Mexico City, you can expect to find these tacos anywhere, 24/7. From formal restaurants to street vendors, these are some of the most common tacos in Mexico — excellent news because they’re delicious!
\nOriginally from Michoacán, these tacos are made with fried shredded pork and topped with fresh onion and cilantro. Legend has it that Hernán Cortés was the first person to try these tacos back in the 16th century, as he wanted fried pork with bread but was offered tortillas instead as they had run out of bread.
\nIf you read the section above, then you already know that barbacoa is made by slow-braising meat in an underground oven. This cooking method creates the most tender, juicy meat with a smokey taste.
\nOriginating from Jalisco, birria tacos are made with goat or beef stewed in a rich, spicy sauce. They are typically served with consommé, where you dip your tacos to enjoy the juiciest bite ever.
\nBistec tacos consist of grilled or pan-fried beef steak, usually thinly sliced or chopped, and served on corn tortillas. They’re typically garnished with onion and cilantro, offering a simple yet satisfying taco that can be found in taco stands all over the country.
\nThese tacos are filled with spicy chorizo sausage that’s been minced and cooked until crisp. They’re typically served on soft corn tortillas and left on the skillet for a little while, so the chorizo grease cooks the tortillas a little bit. They’re served with potatoes, onions, and cilantro, as well as some fresh salsa, of course.
\nThese delicacies are made with the slow-cooked head of a cow, including most of the meat in the cheeks and lips. Cooking them slowly results in tender and flavorful meat served on corn tortillas with — you guessed it — onions, cilantro, and salsa.
\nFish tacos, which are very popular in the United States, come from the seaside town of Ensenada. This town, which famously invented the margarita as we know it, also invented the famous Baja-style fish taco. These tacos consist of strips of battered fish served on a soft corn tortilla and topped with chopped cabbage and creamy chipotle sauce.
\nThese tacos are especially popular in Northern Mexico, where the art of grilling meat is almost a sacred social activity. Beef cuts like arrachera (skirt steak), rib eye, and diezmillo (sirloin) are some of the most popular. They are grilled on a barbecue and then chopped into bite-sized pieces before being placed on a flour tortilla that’s also been slightly grilled on the same barbecue as the meat. They are topped with guacamole, pico de gallo, and salsa.
\nThese tacos are very versatile, very tasty, and very inexpensive. They are soft corn tortilla tacos with fillings like potatoes, refried beans, chicharrón, and adobo steamed inside baskets, resulting in soft and juicy tacos. They are topped with pickled onions and a mild green salsa. Originally from Tlaxcala, you can now find street vendors in most cities in Central Mexico.
\nThese are crispy rolled tacos filled with chicken, beef, potatoes, refried beans, or pork. If this sounds familiar to you, it’s because they’re very similar to flautas, which we covered earlier. The main difference is that tacos dorados are made with regular-sized corn tortillas, while flautas are made with much bigger tortillas. Tacos dorados are also typically eaten as an appetizer or snack, while flautas tend to be a whole meal.
\nFrom the coastal state of Sinaloa, these tacos combine grilled shrimp or another grilled seafood with melted cheese in a corn tortilla. Once the taco is assembled, it’s cooked on a stove for a crunchy texture and a tender filling. They’re typically garnished with fresh lime juice and a creamy chipotle sauce.
\nCochinita pibil is one of the most iconic dishes of Yucatán cuisine, and tacos de cochinita are popular all over the country. These tacos are made with slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus and achiote. They’re served in soft corn tortillas and topped with pickled red onions and habanero sauce.
\nA recent trend in Mexican street food, quesatacos are just tacos with melted cheese. The cheese is grilled until crispy and folded into the tortilla, adding a complex layer of flavor to an already delicious taco.
\nIf there’s something Mexico is fantastic at, it’s snacks and appetizers. According to Forbes, Mexico is the country with the highest rate of snack consumption in the world. That means Mexicans are all about snacks, side dishes, and appetizers! Here are some of the most common:
\n![\"Guacamole](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt41c160165482568a/65ffa70c3caa57e55fcfbab0/Guacamole.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Loved all over the world, this avocado-based dip combines mashed avocado with lime juice, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and chili peppers. Guacamole is a staple in Mexican cuisine that can be eaten with chips as a snack or added as a topping to tacos, enchiladas, flautas, and a multitude of dishes.
\nAlthough known as Spanish rice in the United States, this classic side dish is originally from Mexico. It’s made by simmering tomatoes, garlic, onions, and broth until fluffy and flavorful. It’s eaten as a side dish to various dishes, particularly those with plenty of sauce, like mole, enchiladas, and stews. It’s normally accompanied by refried beans.
\nThis side dish involves cooked and mashed beans, often pinto or black, refried with onions and spices in lard. They’re a creamy staple of Mexican meals, serving both as a filling or base to many dishes and as a side dish
\nIf you’ve been to a Mexican restaurant before, then you’ve probably been welcomed by a basket of totopos (corn chips) and various salsas or dips. You can expect most Mexican restaurants to offer this as a complimentary appetizer, served right as you eat.
\nWhen you visit Mexico, you’ll notice that Mexicans have a very particular way of eating potato chips. Not only do chips come in spicy flavors already, but they’re almost invariably put in a bowl and mixed with different hot sauces, Maggi sauce, lime juice, powdered chili, and more. This creates an explosive flavor that is certainly not for the faint of heart. You can make these at home or find them at concerts and sporting events across the country.
\nThis cheese dip is often flavored with chorizo, mushrooms, or poblano peppers and is always served bubbling hot. Queso fundido is a communal appetizer, enjoyed with tortilla chips or soft tortillas to maximize the gooey texture of melted cheese.
\nAlthough chicharrones are originally from Spain and eaten all throughout Latin America, Mexico has a few unique ways of eating chicharrones:
\nMade from diced nopal cactus pads, this fresh and nutritious salad is mixed with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. The salad can be eaten on its own, on a corn tortilla, with totopos, or as a topping for a variety of dishes, like tlacoyos and huaraches.
\nThis is a flavorful broth made with tomatoes, garlic, onion, and chili peppers and garnished with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and sour cream. The combination of the rich broth with the sour cream creates a deliciously creamy soup that is beautifully complimented by the crunchiness of the crispy tortilla strips.
\nAlso known as “cowboy beans,” this hearty stew is made with pinto beans, bacon, chorizo, and sometimes beer, simmered down with onions, garlic, and chili peppers. This is a rustic, flavorful dish, often served as an appetizer but also hearty enough to be enjoyed as a meal on its own, especially when topped with avocado, cheese, and sour cream.
\n\nBreakfast in Mexico is no joke. As far as hearty meals go, Mexican breakfast dishes spare no calories, generally including pastries, fruit, juices, a hearty main, and some delicious Mexican coffee. Here are some of the most common Mexican breakfast dishes:
\n![\"Chilaquiles.\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt122f1fcb8e18115a/65ffb1c23caa572efbcfbab6/Chilaquiles.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
My personal favorite, chilaquiles, are some of Mexico’s most iconic breakfast dishes. They are made with corn tortillas cut into small pieces, lightly fried, and cooked in a spicy green or red salsa. They are garnished with sour cream, cheese, onions, and avocado and can be served with shredded chicken or fried eggs.
\nThese are open-faced sandwiches that consist of bolillo or telera bread cut in half and topped with refried beans, cheese, and sometimes pico de gallo, chorizo, fried eggs, or avocado. Baked until the cheese melts, molletes offer a very satisfying, delicious, and easy-to-make breakfast option to start the day.
\nMexican smoothies, known as licuados, are a very common way to start the day. You’ll find licuado stands on busy sidewalks, making fresh smoothies with fruits, vegetables, milk, flaxseed, chia seeds, and other healthy ingredients. A perfect way to start the day with plenty of energy and fiber!
\nA classic and hearty breakfast plate, “cowboy eggs” are another fan favorite. They consist of fried corn tortillas topped with fried eggs and bathed in tomato and chili salsa. They are typically accompanied by refried beans, guacamole, and pico de gallo.
\nThey’re very similar to huevos rancheros, except they use two different sauces: green and red. The sauce separates the eggs, hence “divorced” eggs. They’re served with refried beans and tortillas, offering a delicious contrast of flavors in one dish.
\nEnmoladas are tortillas dipped in mole sauce, filled with chicken or cheese, and then rolled up. They’re so versatile that they’re served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and their simplicity lets you enjoy the complex flavors of mole. They’re typically garnished with sesame seeds, onions, and sour cream.
\nIf you’re not from Mexico City, you might find this one of the more bizarre Mexican breakfasts. Guajolotas consist of a tamal stuffed inside a bolillo (a bread roll) with green salsa. This carb-heavy dish is a popular and super cheap breakfast you can find on almost any street corner on a busy morning in Mexico City.
\nHuevos a la mexicana, or Mexican scrambled eggs, include veggies that resemble the colors of the Mexican flag: tomatoes, onions, green chili pepper, and sometimes ham or chorizo. They're typically eaten with soft corn tortillas and fresh salsa.
\nThis is a traditional breakfast of Yucatán cuisine, consisting of fried eggs on tortillas topped with black beans, cheese, ham, peas, and plantains. Everything is then covered in a tomato sauce, offering a rich blend of flavors perfect for starting your day.
\nOne of the most beautiful things about Mexican cuisine is that you’re fully able to start your day with some delicious tacos. Tacos de carnitas are common breakfast meals, made of slow-cooked pork served on corn tortillas with onions, cilantro, and salsa.
\n\nMexican pastries, known as pan dulce (sweet bread), are massive parts of Mexican food culture and traditions. Not only does a traditional Mexican breakfast always start with a basket of pan dulce, but panaderías (bakeries) sell fresh bread all day to make perfect snacks or accompaniments to a cup of coffee.
\nIf you’re familiar with Mexican traditions and festivals, then you know that we never skip a chance to celebrate. Among the many traditions and rites, some festivals involve special holiday Mexican bread that is only consumed during the festival or in the weeks leading up to it. Here are some of the most common:
\n![\"Pan](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt369a05e419f4c31c/65ffaa5cdb68babafd39ddab/Pan-de-muerto.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
This round Mexican sweet bread is consumed in October and November, leading up to Día de los Muertos. It’s characterized by its soft, brioche-like texture and is topped with sugar. It also includes bone-shaped bread fixtures that symbolize the deceased. This bread is a key element of the ofrendas (altars) laid out to celebrate deceased loved ones, but they can also be enjoyed with hot chocolate.
\nThis wreath-shaped bread is eaten on January 6th to celebrate Epiphany, right after Christmas and New Year's Day. It symbolizes the crowns of the Three Wise Men and has a small plastic baby figurine hidden inside, representing Baby Jesus. This bread is meant to be shared with friends, coworkers, classmates, and family, and whoever finds the Baby Jesus figurine in their slice is responsible for bringing tamales for everyone on Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas) in February.
\nPan de feria, which translates to “fair bread,” is a variety of artisanal bread that is commonly sold during local fairs and festivals across Mexico. These breads can range from sweet to savory, often featuring unique shapes and flavors that reflect the region’s culinary specialties and local ingredients. You can generally only find these breads at these special events, so you’ll have to attend to get a taste!
\nThese crispy, thin, fried dough wafers are typically enjoyed during Mexico's Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. They’re drizzled with syrup made with piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar) and cinnamon and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Buñuelos are known for their light, crunchy texture, offering a sweet end to festive meals.
\nA traditional Mexican confection, yemitas are made from egg yolks and sugar and resemble a small marzipan. They’re often brightly colored and are popular snacks during Easter celebrations, symbolizing a decadent treat rooted in Spanish traditions.
\nBesides special occasions, pan dulce is also abundantly popular in everyday life. These are 10 of the most popular Mexican pan dulce:
\n![\"Concha.\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb391dca3329c8389/65ffab7ec340ada7fdf66feb/concha.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
These popular pan dulce are round and brioche-like, with a crunchy sugar shell that resembles a seashell, hence the name. They’re staples in Mexican bakeries and are perfect for dipping in your coffee or hot chocolate.
\nNamed for their ear-like shapes, orejas are flaky, crispy pastries that are similar to a French palmier. Orejas taste buttery and sweet and come with a satisfying crunch, making them popular choices in bakeries all over Mexico.
\nThese upside-down cupcakes are named after the Italian general Giuseppe Garibaldi, as they were invented by the Italian family that founded the iconic bakery El Globo. Garibaldis are coated with apricot jam and nonpareil seeds, creating a unique texture with a crunchy exterior, soft interior, and delicious taste.
\nTranslating to “kiss,” these are small, round pastries made by joining two pieces of puff pastry with a sweet filling. Most besos are filled with jam or dulce de leche in the middle, symbolizing a kiss between the two pastries.
\nThis pan dulce is proof that pastries don’t need to be overly complicated to be effective. In essence, rebanadas are essentially slices of sweet bread with butter and sugar. This simple yet effective combo makes them a great option for a comforting snack.
\nAlso known as Mexican wedding cookies, these crumbly shortbread-like cookies are made with flour, butter and powdered sugar. They typically come in three colors — pink, brown, and yellow — and sometimes have crushed walnuts on top.
\nThese “bow-tie” pastries are made from puff pastry, shaped like a bow, and coated with sugar. Moños are known for their light, airy texture and sweet, crisp bite, making them a perfect companion for tea or coffee.
\nThese soft, molasses-flavored cookies are called puerquitos (little pigs) because, well, they’re shaped like little pigs! Not only are they adorable, but they are also tasty and comforting, reminiscent of a gingerbread cookie.
\nThese flaky, golden pastries are topped with a sugary glaze, making for a crunchy and delicious bite. They are prized for their crisp texture and sweet taste, making them popular snacks among bakeries.
\nA moist, sweet bread made from fresh corn. This loaf is similar to cornbread but much sweeter and denser, often enjoyed as a dessert rather than as a savory side or appetizer.
\n\nYou’ve probably already heard about Mexico’s legendary street food culture. Not only is this a fast and convenient way to find food, but some of the most delicious meals you’ll ever have will be from informal street food stands in Mexico.
\nMost stands sell garnachas, which a type of food that involves fried corn dough, and are almost invariably sold as street food. Meals like gorditas, huaraches, sopes, tostadas, tlacoyos, and more are called garnachas and are usually grouped together, since they involve almost the exact same ingredients but in different presentations.
\nIn fact, Mexican comedian Sofía Niño de Rivera famously made fun of the repetitiveness of Mexican food on her Netflix special Expuesta. Here’s a snippet of the joke about it, but check out the entire Netflix special for lots of hilarious content on Mexican culture!
\n\nIn addition to garnachas, the streets of Mexico are packed with countless treasures. Here are some of the most iconic Mexican street foods that you should look for next time you visit the country:
\nWe’ve already dug deep into Mexico’s taco culture, but it bears repeating: tacos are phenomenal! Not only is there no such thing as “too many tacos,” but there’s also an almost endless supply of different taco types. So, as the quintessential Mexican street food, prepare to enjoy
\nElotes, or grilled corn on the cob, are some of the most popular street foods — which should be no surprise here, as you now know just how important corn is in Mexican food. They’re slathered with mayonnaise, rolled in cotija cheese, and sprinkled with chili powder and lime juice, creating a beautifully tangy and mildly spicy taste.
\nThe same stands that sell elotes usually also sell esquites, which are made from corn kernels sautéed in butter and cooked with onions, chili pepper, and epazote, then served in a cup and topped with the same toppings as elotes. Think of them as getting your ice cream on a cone versus in a cup!
\nThese sandwiches are a staple of Mexico’s street food, particularly in Mexico City, where the emblematic hand-painted art on torta stands has become a pop culture phenomenon. Just like tacos, these sandwiches are incredibly versatile, and some of the most common are:
\n![\"Ricas](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt9675bf0db81db887/65fe9d676f3127111294e99c/ricas-tortas-calientes.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
A healthy and refreshing street food option, this consists of various fruits like mango, pineapple, watermelon, oranges, and cucumber cut into pieces and sprinkled with chili powder, salt, and lime juice. You can also find whole peeled mangos on skewers, cut skillfully to resemble a beautiful flower when mangos are in season!
\nKnown as “camotes,” these are sweet potatoes baked in a wood-fired oven and served as a warm, comforting snack. Often drizzled with condensed milk or sprinkled with cinnamon, they’re a sweet treat that highlights the natural flavors of the sweet potato. In Mexico City, you’ll hear these from a deep, distinctive whistle that the salespeople blow to let residents know that a warm, gooey sweet potato is near!
\nTlacoyos are thick corn dough patties filled with beans, cheese, chorizo, or other ingredients and grilled on a comal. They’re topped with salsa, cheese, and nopalitos and are very commonly sold by street vendors.
\nThis word means “stews,” and what you’ll find is salespeople with several large bowls of different stews, including meat, vegetables, and spices. You’ll pick your favorites and have them on soft tortillas as simple tacos, providing a varied and colorful meal.
\nUnlike the fried pork rinds we’ve talked about, this “chicharrón” is actually made from flour. Its large, flat, and rectangular shape makes it the perfect vessel for toppings like mayonnaise, sour cream, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and many spices, creating a delicious street snack.
\nOriginating from Puebla, chalupas are small corn tortillas lightly fried and topped with salsa, shredded meat, chopped onion, and cheese. They’re a delicious snack known for the tortilla's crispy crunch and the toppings' freshness.
\nSopes are thick corn tortillas with pinched sides to hold their toppings, such as beans, cheese, lettuce, and salsa. This street food is a staple thanks to its soft yet crispy texture and the ability to customize the toppings.
\n\n![\"Salsa](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt8c9d1a5942ac7135/65ffb2516f2eed3ac5c2e90e/Salsa.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
One of the most common questions you’ll get asked when you order a Mexican dish is: ¿Salsa verde o roja? (red salsa or green salsa?). Salsa roja is made from tomatoes, chili peppers, onions, and garlic. It varies in spiciness level, but salsa roja is typically slightly spicier than salsa verde.
\nSalsa verde has a milder and tangier taste than ralsa roja. It is made with tomatillos (green tomatoes) and chili peppers. It’s used as a dip for chips, a topping for meat, a sauce for enchiladas, and so on. Pretty much anything that can go with salsa roja can also go with salsa verde, it’s up to your preference!
\nMole, as discussed at the beginning of this article, is a rich sauce made with chili peppers, spices, fruits, nuts, and chocolate. However, mole is also incredibly versatile, as it comes in many variations, including:
\nAdobos are rich, reddish marinades made of chili peppers, vinegar, herbs, and spices. They have a smokey and spicy flavor, making them an excellent condiment for all kinds of meats, fish, and vegetables.
\nThis fresh, uncooked salsa combines chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, fresh chili peppers like serrano or jalapeño, and lime juice. Some variations may also include avocado, cucumber, mango, or other fresh fruits or vegetables. This versatile salsa is a perfect topping for seafood, tacos, and grilled meats, adding a refreshing and crunchy texture to the dish. Or, you can just eat it by itself with some chips!
\nAs implied by its name, you’ll be able to find this salsa in most taquerías (taco shops) in Mexico. It blends chili peppers, garlic, and vinegar. It is smooth and spicy, making it a favorite for tacos as it offers a fiery kick that perfectly compliments the meat's flavor. Just go easy on it, as it tends to be quite spicy!
\nThis cooked tomato-based salsa features chili peppers, onions, and garlic. It’s thicker than salsa roja and is often very well seasoned with spices, giving it an earthy and multidimensional taste. Its complexity makes it a perfect salsa for simple dishes, like scrambled or fried eggs, bean burritos, or… anything you’d like, really!
\nAsk any Mexican what the spiciest salsa is, and they’ll surely agree: la salsa de habanero. This yellow-orange salsa is made from the small-yet-mighty chile habanero, which is known for its potent flavor and harsh kick. You should definitely give it a try, but start with just a couple of drops!
\nA pipián is a variation of mole made with pumpkin seeds that give it a distinctive green or orange color and nutty flavor. They’re used in sauces for chicken or vegetables, giving the dish a creamy and rich consistency.
\nTranslating to “drunken salsa,” this salsa includes beer, chili peppers, onions, and cilantro. The beer gives this salsa a light and airy taste, making it perfect for chips or to balance out heartier tacos, like barbacoa tacos.
\n\nContemporary Mexican cuisine is a vibrant fusion of traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques. Chefs nationwide and abroad are reinterpreting classic dishes, and experimenting with local and international ingredients to create innovative menus. This modern approach maintains the essence of Mexican gastronomy at its core yet expands the horizons of Mexican fare.
\nIn a globalized world, it's no surprise that we’ve found unlikely combinations of two cuisines, resulting in beautiful combinations of flavors and cultures. These are just a few of the most popular fusion Mexican dishes.
\nTacos al pastor are the perfect blend of Lebanese and Mexican culture, featuring marinated pork roasted vertically like a shawarma. This is known as a trompo in Mexico, from which the meat is thinly sliced and served on corn tortillas. This fusion highlights the rich history of Middle Eastern immigrants in Mexico, especially in Puebla.
\nBirriamen — or birria ramen — is the combination of Mexico’s birria stew and Japan’s ramen noodle soup. Just as the creamy pork tonkatsu broth adds a rich layer of flavor to the Japanese ramen we all know and love, the juicy and
\nSushi in Mexico is in a world of its own. While you may expect a fresh fatty tuna roll or maybe a beautiful salmon nigiri, Mexican sushi involves ingredients you would expect to find at a sports bar. Most sushi rolls in Mexico are deep-fried, include cream cheese, and contain jalapeños or hot sauce. You also shouldn’t be surprised if you find grilled chicken, steak, or even bacon in some of these rolls. Definitely not authentic, but something worth trying if you’re a fan of Mexican and Japanese cuisine!
\nMexico City has a significant Korean diaspora population, with a section of the Zona Rosa neighborhood known as Pequeño Seúl (Little Seoul). This has led to all kinds of fun Mexi-Korean fusion dishes, with Kimchiladas becoming one of the most popular. This is a mix between kimchi and the michelada, which is an alcoholic beverage including beer, lime juice, and spices, creating a tangy and spicy drink reminiscent of both Korean and Mexican traditional dishes.
\nWe’ve already covered that tacos al pastor use meat inspired by Lebanese shawarma, but what about the vessel? These “tacos” use pita bread instead of tortillas to hold the meat, which is topped with cucumber, yogurt, and chipotle sauce, showcasing another case of seamless integration between Mexican and Arabic cuisine.
\nMexican cuisine has integrated well into the global world, with Mexican restaurants in countries all over the world. This sometimes results in tacos that are… less than authentic, let’s say. While most Mexicans would find these tacos questionable, they do have some redeeming qualities, and some of the best dishes out there are fusions of two cuisines, like tacos al pastor.
\nHere are some of the most common international versions of tacos:
\nBy far the most popular non-Mexican version of tacos, American tacos are hard shell tacos with ground beef. These U-shaped hard shells are the standard in the United States, although Mexico doesn’t have anything similar.
\nThe closest would be a tostada, although this is completely flat and the ingredients are layered on top. These types of tacos are so alien to Mexico that an “American-style taco shop” recently opened up in Mexico City and made national headlines, as most people were shocked to see American-style tacos on Mexican soil. However, these tacos are popular all over the world, so people clearly enjoy them!
\nFrench tacos are perhaps the furthest thing away from an authentic taco on this list. They’re folded flour tortillas filled with various types of meat, including chicken, turkey or beef. They’re also stuffed with french fries, cheese, sauces or relish, and vegetables. They are then grilled like a panini and served warm.
\nThey’re a unique twist on the Mexican classic, having become a beloved Friday night ritual known as “Taco Fredag.” People all over Norway — and Scandinavia — buy taco kits from the grocery store that include hard taco shells and taco seasoning. They then cook ground beef with the taco seasoning and dice vegetables like lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber, and avocado, placing each vegetable into its own bowl. Then, each person grabs a shell and assembles their own tacos.
\nTacos in China take a clever solution to the hard shell versus soft tortilla debate: they use both. On the outside, you’ll have a hard shell tortilla followed by a layer of cheese sauce or refried beans. Then, you’ll have a soft corn or flour tortilla with the meat and the rest of the fillings. Fried chicken tacos are also extremely popular in China, especially due to the popularity of chains like KFC and Dico’s.
\nGoing against the grain, Malaysia has adopted the birria taco as the most popular taco. Particularly in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur and neighboring Petaling Jaya, this dish has become extremely popular, with plenty of taquerías selling birria tacos with consommé. It’s also become a popular late-night snack, with many birria taco trucks popping up in areas with plenty of nightlife.
\n\nMexicans love to eat, and dessert is no exception. Lunches and dinners, in particular, are susceptible to “la sobremesa,” which refers to the time spent after the main course just enjoying a drink, some dessert, and the company of those you’re sharing a meal with. There’s an abundance of delicious Mexican desserts to enjoy, but some of the most common are:
\n![\"Mexican](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt46376b8db2385c4b/65ffb2b601e3118573cb069c/flan.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
This is a creamy caramel custard dessert, popular all over Mexico for its rich flavor and creamy texture. Mexico pioneered the chocoflan, which is a layered dessert that includes a chocolate cake base topped with creamy caramel flan.
\nThis creamy Mexican rice pudding is made with milk, cinnamon, and sugar and is often garnished with raisins and cinnamon sticks. This traditional dessert is a favorite for its creamy texture and warmth, making it an excellent choice for a rainy winter day.
\nThis is a traditional Mexican bread pudding that layers bolillo (bread) with cheese, banana, raisins, nuts, guayaba, peanuts, and syrup. It’s spiced with cloves, cinnamon, and other spices to create a warm and comforting flavor.
\nThe crispy, deep-fried dough pastries you surely already know and love have a special Mexican version you don’t want to miss. Although churros originally come from the Iberian Peninsula, Mexico has added a yummy layer to this dessert: hot chocolate. You’ll get your regular churros with cinnamon, sugar, and a cup of thick hot chocolate. You can dip your churros into the chocolate and drink the rest once you’re done!
\nMexican helado (ice cream) and paletas (popsicles) come in dozens and dozens of flavors. You can find them at a nevería (ice cream shop) or even on the street from a paletero (paleta man). Flavors include local fruits like mamey, garambullo, tamarindo, aguacate, and other creative flavors like leche quemada (burnt milk), cajeta, and beso de ángel (mamey with cherries and nuts). You should also keep an eye out for nieve de garrafa, which is often referred to as Mexican sorbet, as it’s a lighter, hand-made ice cream – delicious!
\nThis moist cake is soaked in a mixture of three kinds of milk: evaporated, condensed, and heavy cream. This dessert is beloved for its rich, creamy texture and is often topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. It’s also a common birthday cake in Mexico — most of my birthday cakes were tres leches growing up!
\nThis thick, warm beverage is made from mashed corn, dark chocolate, water, and cinnamon. It’s a type of atole, a pre-Hispanic beverage made of corn. Champurrado is sweetened with piloncillo (unrefined sugar) and comes in many flavors, including strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, pineapple, mango, and more.
\nThis is a thick caramel sauce made from sweetened caramelized goat’s milk. It’s a versatile dessert topping and a common flavor of ice cream, cookies, and cakes. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy it on its own with a spoon.
\nThis is a traditional jelly-like Mexican candy made from fruit, usually guava, tamarind, pear, mango, and apple. It is often paired with a salty spread or cheese to create a delicious sweet and savory combo.
\nThese are coconut-based confections that usually have a crunchy exterior and soft interior. They’re very sweet and versatile, often with nuts or dried fruit. They’re also very patriotic, as the white coconut is often dyed red and green to symbolize the Mexican flag, which is called banderitas.
\n\nMexican food, in general, is very vegetarian-friendly, as meat tends to be just one ingredient in a complex combination of vegetables, grains, and spices. Many dishes are de-facto vegetarian-friendly, such as quesadillas, rajas con crema, queso fundido, elotes and esquites, guacamole, and more.
\nOthers come in vegetarian versions, like tamales, tlacoyos, flautas, enchiladas, and more. And, in most cases, removing the meat can easily make a dish vegetarian-friendly without majorly compromising the flavor profile.
\nFinding vegan Mexican food dishes can be a little trickier, especially since almost every dish uses at least a bit of cheese. Other ingredients like refried beans are often fried in lard, making it difficult to guarantee that a dish has no animal products, even if it isn’t apparent.
\nFortunately, there is a strong vegan movement in Mexico, and most people understand what it means for something to be vegan or otherwise. So, you can always ask if something is vegan-friendly, and they’ll let you know if there is a vegan alternative. You can also find all kinds of strictly vegan restaurants in Mexico now, from formal restaurants to taco stands on the street to bakeries.
\nAnd if you’re cooking at home, there are plenty of ways to veganize or vegetarianize your meal.
\nThere’s no way you’re not hungry by now, as we’ve covered a grand total of 112 Mexican dishes, including appetizers, salsas, desserts, pastries, and more. So, what’s the best course of action now? Pack your bags and head to Mexico to eat lots of yummy food and learn some Spanish! And if that’s not feasible for now, then you can surely give any of these dishes a try at home — cooking Mexican meals is not as complicated as it may seem!
\nMake sure to check out our Spanish blog if you want to learn more about Mexican culture and learning Spanish. We regularly publish helpful guides to learning Spanish and understanding Hispanic culture, like knowing when to use formal vs. informal pronouns, how to write an email in Spanish, and how to wish someone happy holidays in Spanish.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Mexican culture","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"Mexican culture: A giant guide to heritage, people, arts & more","url":"/blog/mexican-culture","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt067ab114863528e7/65f3a4035a287def25f2df0b/pexels-photo-14561930.jpg"},"post_content":"This post offers insights into various aspects of Mexican culture, including traditions, cuisine, and social norms, enriching readers' understanding of this vibrant society.
\n\nLearning a new language is so much more than just learning vocabulary and grammar. In order to fully understand how to speak Spanish, you will also need to be familiar with the local culture, customs, and traditions.
\nThis is one of the most exciting parts of learning a new language, as you will acquire a new lens through which you can see life. No matter where you’re from, learning about culture in Mexico will allow you to glimpse into the everyday lives of Mexican people and their way of seeing the world.
\nIn this guide, we’ll cover some of the most important parts of Mexican culture, including its history, cuisine, traditions, art, and more, so you can walk away with a clear picture of it.
\nTo begin understanding Mexican culture, you first need to understand the vastness and geographical diversity of the country. What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a Mexican landscape? Perhaps it’s a paradisiacal beach or maybe an arid desert. However, Mexico also has lush forests, frigid mountains, deep rainforests, fiery volcanoes, snowy mountains, and so much more. After all, Mexico is the 14th largest country by land area, with 761,600 square miles of territory, or just shy of two million square kilometers.
\nThis geographic diversity is reflected in Mexican society. Mexico has cosmopolitan urban centers, idyllic beach towns, and many other geographical formations, so not all Mexicans experience the country in the same way. Let’s take a look at how these regional differences impact culture.
\n![\"Beach](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt4e46de13ae2eac3f/65f3a8b0f2a2928e3abf4a0b/Mexico-beach-holiday.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
With 32 states, it’s safe to say that Mexico has many distinct regional cultures. Going into each regional culture would not only merit its own article but may actually be an impossible task as regional cultures often blend into each other. However, there’s one major regional difference all Mexicans can agree on: the North-South divide.
\nThe North-South divide splits Mexico geographically roughly down the middle along its horizontal axis. These are rough generalizations, but the following table shows some of the differences between Northern Mexicans and Southern Mexicans:
\n| \n | Northern Mexico | \nSouthern Mexico | \n
| Tortillas | \nFlour | \nCorn | \n
| Chilies | \nVerde | \nSerrano | \n
| Music | \nBanda | \nMariachi | \n
| Demographics | \nMore European ancestry | \nLess European ancestry | \n
| Accent | \nCantadito (“singsongy”) and loud | \nStandard Mexican | \n
| Climate | \nHot and dry | \nTemperate and rainy | \n
| Work culture | \nHigh-stress | \nRelaxed | \n
| Architecture | \nModern | \nColonial | \n
| Most popular sport | \nBaseball | \nSoccer | \n
\n
If you visit places like Mexico City, Monterrey or Guadalajara, you might think that Mexico is full of glitzy cosmopolitan cities with super-tall skyscrapers. However, Mexico has both large cities and rural towns. In fact, 21% of Mexicans live in rural communities, which means almost 30 million people inhabit Mexico’s most remote mountains, deserts, jungles, and forests.
\nCity life is very similar to many other cities in the world. In Mexico City, millions of people take the Metro every day to move around the city, which is North America's second-busiest rapid transit system, right behind the New York City Subway. On the other hand, people who live in rural communities have little to no infrastructure, and kids often have to walk miles just to get to the nearest school.
\n![\"Rural](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt18616507d9d42691/65f3aa5f73d0bc138bf3b6d7/Rural-Mexico.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Mexico is a multicultural country with dozens of unique indigenous groups. In fact, the Mexican Constitution defines Mexico as a “pluricultural nation” as a way to emphasize the country’s ethnic diversity. However, the Mexican census stopped gathering data on ethnicities in the 1930s, so there are disputed figures on the actual breakdown of ethnicities in Mexico.
\nTo understand the indigenous influences of Mexico, you must first understand the term “mestizo.” This term was used to describe those of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry, although it is rarely used outside academic circles today. As a rule of thumb, Mexico’s population consists of around 70% mestizos — people who share varying degrees of both European and indigenous ancestry — plus around 10% indigenous, 10% European, and 10% afrodescendant and Asian.
\n\n
Mexican history is extremely rich, dating back to ancient civilizations from thousands of years ago. The Spanish conquest in the 16th century introduced European cultural elements, creating a unique blend of indigenous and Spanish influences that define Mexico today. The country’s cultural heritage, from the majestic pyramids of Teotihuacan to the Baroque churches of its colonial cities and the revolutionary murals of Diego Rivera, tells the story of a people’s struggle and resilience.
\nAncient Mexico was the home of some of the world’s most fascinating civilizations, including the Aztecs and the Maya, alongside others like the Olmecs, Toltecs, and Zapotecs. These societies were renowned for their monumental architecture, complex calendars, and significant advances in math and astronomy. Here is a quick overview of some of Mexico’s most noteworthy ancient civilizations:
\nLocation: Southeastern Mexico, mostly Veracruz and Tabasco.
\nLanguage: Unknown, as no written traces were left behind.
\nFamous for its huge stone heads, showing impressive artistry and believed to depict ancient rulers. Often called the “Mother Culture” of Mesoamerica, the Olmecs laid the groundwork for future societies like the Maya and the Aztec, introducing urban planning, agriculture, and fun activities like the Mesoamerican ballgame, which is considered to be the world’s earliest ball game.
\nLocation: North of present-day Mexico City.
\nLanguage: Unknown.
\nTeotihuacan was an ancient metropolis known for its vast and orderly grid layout and monumental structures, like the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. It was one of the largest cities in the world at its peak, influencing Mesoamerican culture and politics beyond its valley. The mystery of who built it adds to the allure, as it was already ancient when the Aztecs named it “the place where gods were born.”
\nLocation: Tula, in the present-day state of Hidalgo.
\nLanguage: Nahuatl.
\nThey are known for their outstanding warrior culture and significant contributions to Mesoamerican art, notably their capital, Tula. They’re often credited with influencing the cultural and religious life of subsequent civilizations, including the Aztecs, who regarded the Toltecs as their intellectual predecessors. Their legacy includes the introduction of the feathered serpent deity, Quetzalcoatl, who played a central role in the pantheon of later Mesoamerican societies.
\nLocation: Principalmente en el Valle de Oaxaca.
\nLanguage: Lenguas zapotecas.
\nThe Zapotecs, known for their engineering and architectural feats, built Monte Albán, one of the earliest cities of Mesoamerica, which was strategically located on a mountaintop overlooking the Valley of Oaxaca. They are known for their early use of a writing system and the development of a calendar system, showing sophisticated knowledge of astronomy and timekeeping.
\nLocation: Spans most of the Yucatán peninsula as well as parts of Chiapas, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador.
\nLanguage: Mayan languages.
\nThey are known for their unparalleled achievements in writing, astronomy, and calendar development, including the creation of one of the few fully developed writing systems in the pre-Columbian Americas. They built majestic cities like Tikal in Guatemala and Chichen Itza in Mexico, which is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World! The Maya civilization never disappeared, as many descendants still live in the region today, maintaining their linguistic and cultural heritage.
\nLocation: Valley of Mexico, particularly in Lake Texcoco in present-day Mexico City.
\nLanguage: Nahuatl.
\nThey were known for their powerful military and complex religious practices. They built the city of Tenochtitlan, which was built on top of Lake Texcoco and featured grand temples, bustling markets, and intricate canals. In fact, the coat of arms of Mexico reflects the legend that founded Tenochtitlan, where the gods told the Aztecs to establish their city where they found an eagle perched on a nopal cactus, devouring a serpent. As this happened on a small island in the middle of the lake, they had to build a city that was mostly water-borne!
\nLocation: Primarily Oaxaca and parts of Guerrero and Puebla.
\nLanguage: Mixtecan languages.
\nThey were celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship in gold and their production of colorful picture books. They were skilled artisans and traders who created a vibrant culture noted for its achievements in astronomy, the calendar system, and unique hieroglyphic writing. Their society was composed of city-states, each with its own rules, which led to many local histories and alliances.
\nLocation: Northern Mexico, particularly in the arid regions of the Mexican Plateau.
\nLanguage: Unknown.
\nThey were a group of nomadic or semi-nomadic peoples that inhabited the Northern Mexican plateau before the rise of the Aztec Empire. Historically depicted as hunters and gatherers, the Chichimecs played a critical role in the development of Mesoamerican culture, particularly in the migration and cultural exchange that shaped the late pre-Columbian era.
\nThe Spanish colonial period began after the fall of the Aztec Empire in 1521 and ended after the Mexican Independence movement in 1821, making it three centuries of continuous Spanish rule over Mexico. During this period, Mexico was known as the Viceroyalty of New Spain and ruled over a much larger territory, including much of the Southwestern United States, Central America, parts of Venezuela, Cuba, and even the Philippines. This vast territory was rich in resources like silver, which the Spanish mined and shipped back to Spain, setting up the colonial economy that characterized much of the 15th through 19th centuries.
\nPolitically, colonial Mexico had a very tight hierarchy that placed people in the following categories:
\nThe Spanish crown ruled the colony through a viceroy, who governed in the king’s name from Mexico City, the capital of New Spain. This period was characterized by trying to convert the indigenous peoples to Christianity, establishing missions and ranches, and creating major urban centers. Despite the oppressive colonial system, cultural exchange between Europeans and the indigenous communities flourished, leading to a unique blend of traditions that continue to influence Mexican culture today.
\nIf you spend a week in Spain followed by a week in Mexico, you’ll notice that these two countries share much more than just a language. Mexican culture today is a mix of indigenous and Spanish influences, which you can see in many ways:
\n\n
Art plays a key role in Mexico’s national identity, with artists like Diego Rivera and José Clemente Orozco using murals to explore Mexico’s social and political narratives. Along with muralism, Mexican handicrafts, or artesanías (are-teh-sah-nee-as), represent Mexico by showcasing its history, culture, and traditions through pottery, textiles, and figurines.
\nOn the architectural front, Mexico is known for its ancient pyramids and colonial-era buildings, which showcase the country’s historical depth. Modern Mexican architects like Luis Barragán have further solidified Mexico’s status as an architectural pioneer by integrating traditional elements with uniquely modern design principles.
\n![\"Mexican](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt8af4b8377a83f86a/65f3b1dff4a4cf657f14e1eb/Mexican_art.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
They say all art is political, and there is no better example of this than Mexican muralism. It emerged as a powerful artistic movement in the early 20th century, unifying the nation and redefining Mexican identity following the Mexican Revolution. Muralism was revolutionary because of how easily accessible it was to the public, as opposed to paintings or sculptures that typically hid behind museum walls.
\nDiego Rivera, the most prominent figure of this movement, played a pivotal role in using public spaces to narrate social, political, and historical stories. His murals in key locations in Mexico and the United States are celebrated for depicting people’s struggles and achievements, highlighting themes of revolution, class struggle, and human rights. His legacy extends beyond his murals, influencing generations of artists worldwide. His techniques, themes, and commitment to social values made him an enduring figure in the art world and inspired artists to use their work as a tool for social change and cultural expression.
\nHandicrafts, known as artesanías, encompass various materials and techniques, from pottery and textiles to metalwork and woodcarving. They’re vibrant representations of Mexico’s rich cultural heritage and diversity. These crafts aren’t merely decorative items; they carry deep cultural significance and embody centuries of tradition. Each region in Mexico is known for specific crafts that reflect its unique history. For example, the intricate silver jewelry of Taxco, the colorful woven textiles of Oaxaca, and the pottery of Puebla’s talavera.
\nThe cultural importance of these artesanías extends beyond their aesthetic value, as they play a crucial role in sustaining local economies and preserving traditional lifestyles in the face of globalization. Artisans and their communities rely on producing and selling these items for their livelihood, making artesanías a vital link between Mexico’s past and its present-day economy. Furthermore, Mexican handicrafts have become famous worldwide for their quality and beauty, drawing tourists and collectors and fostering a global appreciation for Mexico’s cultural richness.
\n\n
Mexico has countless architectural marvels that are worth seeing when you visit. From pre-Columbian to modern structures, Mexico’s diverse architectural heritage includes marvels like:
\n![\"Pyramid](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt8bd465d631acba47/65f3b26f96251bc55871f267/Pyramid-of-the-Sun.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
\n
When you think of Mexican cuisine, the first things that come to mind are probably tacos, burritos, and guacamole. However, Mexican cuisine is incredibly diverse thanks to the country’s rich cultural heritage and varied geography. From the fresh seafood dishes of the coastal regions to the hearty stews and meats of the inland areas, each corner of Mexico has its own distinct flavor. This unique blend earned Mexican cuisine a spot on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, making it the first UNESCO-protected cuisine in the world.
\n![\"Mexican](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltf0b5ce5ab7201b09/65f3a0590c744d65737c0837/mexican-food.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Mexican cuisine tells a story of creativity and tradition, showing off a wide array of flavors that change from one region to another. It’s more than just food — it’s a celebration of Mexico’s natural diversity and its people’s ability to create delicious dishes from local ingredients. The centrality of cuisine to Mexican culture is one of the main themes of Laura Esquivel’s Como Agua Para Chocolate, one of the most iconic Mexican novels of the 20th century.
\nYou can taste this intense cultural tradition in dishes like Chiles en Nogada, which were created by nuns in Puebla in 1821 after the signing of Mexico’s Treaty of Independence. This dish proudly displays the colors of the Mexican flag — green, white, and red — as a celebration of Mexico’s independence, which is why you’ll find it everywhere in the country in August and September. This dish truly embodies the Mexican passion for cuisine – I mean, what other country puts its flag on a national dish to celebrate its independence?
\nMexican cuisine varies drastically from region to region, as each area offers dishes that reflect its unique climate and cultural heritage. In the hot and dry north, beef and goat dishes like carne asada and birria are very popular, while seafood dominates coastal areas with dishes like ceviche and aguachile. The central region is famous for its complex sauces, like mole poblano, which is a rich blend of chili peppers, spices, and chocolate. The Yucatán Peninsula is known for its Mayan dishes like cochinita pibil, which is shredded pork marinated in citrus juice and achiote. This regional diversity not only highlights the varied ingredients and flavors across Mexico but also tells the story of the country’s rich cultural heritage through food.
\nMexican cuisine stands out for its explosive flavors, thanks to its extensive use of local ingredients. If there were a maximalist cuisine, then Mexican would surely be it. While there are thousands and thousands of unique Mexican ingredients, we’ll take a look at just five of the most important below:
\n\n
If you’re not from Mexico, you might think there is an unreasonable number of celebrations and festivals. Almost every other day is a special occasion, from historic events to religious holidays. Even honoring the dead involves a celebration, as with Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). This unique festival blends indigenous beliefs with Catholic traditions, honoring deceased loved ones with colorful altars, marigold flowers, sugar skulls, and lots of food. The idea is, if your loved ones were able to come back from the dead for a day, you’d surely want to throw a party and celebrate, right? So, set up an altar with all their favorite food and drinks, and start celebrating! In short, Mexican traditions are all about finding excuses to throw a party!
\n![\"Day](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltf05a079c9046f6e8/65f3a0ac5fa1c679474bd29f/day-of-the-dead.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
\n
Mexican music and dances are as diverse as the country’s landscape, with each region offering its own unique sound and style. In the North, you’ll find lively rhythms of banda, norteño, and corridos. These styles feature instruments like the accordion and bajo sexto, reflecting the cultural fusion of Mexican and European influences. Meanwhile, the coastal regions are known for the romantic sounds of mariachi and ranchera music, with their iconic trumpets, violins, and guitars serenading listeners with tales of Mexican heritage and heartache.
\nIndigenous music and dances remain prominent in the south, especially in states like Oaxaca and Chiapas. The marimba plays a central role here, accompanied by traditional dances that often involve elaborate costumes and communal participation. Across all these regions, music and dance aren’t just entertainment — they’re vital expressions of identity, history, and communal spirit, bringing people together to celebrate their joys, sorrows, and cultural milestones.
\nMariachi music is a quintessential element of Mexican culture, originating in the 18th century in the western regions of Mexico, particularly in Jalisco. Characterized by its vibrant blend of stringed instruments, trumpets, and powerful vocals, mariachi bands perform a wide repertoire, including traditional, ballad, and modern songs. The music is generally deeply emotional, often touching on themes of love, nationalism, and nature. The traditional mariachi ensemble includes violins, trumpets, a vihuela, a guitar, and a guitarrón, creating a rich sound synonymous with the Mexican national identity.
\nMariachi’s cultural roots are deeply intertwined with Mexican celebrations and social gatherings, from weddings and birthdays to religious events and national holidays. The presence of a mariachi band brings a sense of festivity and pride, elevating any occasion with their charro outfits and engaging performance. Over time, mariachi has gained international recognition, symbolizing Mexican culture worldwide. UNESCO has even declared it an Intangible Cultural Heritage, acknowledging its role in fostering social cohesion and cultural heritage across generations.
\nIf you want to see firsthand just how powerful mariachi music can be, then take a look at the music video for Luis Miguel’s “México en la Piel,” one of the most iconic mariachi songs that can only be described as a love song to Mexico and the pride of being Mexican:
\n\nMexican traditional folk dances are vibrant expressions of each region’s cultural heritage. Some notable examples are:
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nRegion | \nDescription | \n
| Mexican Hot Dance | \nJarabe Tapatío | \nJalisco | \nConsidered the national dance of Mexico, it symbolizes courtship with the man performing around a sombrero, which the woman eventually picks up as a sign of acceptance. | \n
| Dance of the Little Old Men | \nDanza de los Viejitos | \nMichoacán | \nPerformed by dancers wearing masks of old men, this dance is a satirical representation of the elderly, symbolizing the wisdom and joy that come with age. | \n
| Deer Dance | \nLa Danza del Venado | \nSonora | \nThis dance represents the relationship between humans and nature, specifically the hunting process, showcasing respect for the animal kingdom and the cycle of life. | \n
| The Flying Men | \nLos Voladores de Papantla | \nVeracruz | \nOriginating from a ritual to ask the gods to end a severe drought, performers climb onto a pole and “fly” around it as they dangle from it from ropes, symbolizing the link between the earth and the divine. | \n
| Dance of the Devils | \nLa Danza de los Diablos | \nGuerrero | \nStemming from the Afro-Mexican community, this dance symbolizes the rebellion against colonial oppression, with the devils representing the Spanish conquerors. | \n
\n
Mexico’s contemporary music scene is a vibrant blend of traditional sounds and modern influences, reflecting the country’s ability to evolve while staying rooted in its rich cultural heritage. Genres like pop, rock, and hip-hop have found a fervent audience among the Mexican youth, with artists and bands mixing elements of traditional Mexican music to create something unique. Bands like Café Tacvba and Molotov have gained international acclaim by mixing rock with folkloric tunes, while pop stars like Thalia and Paulina Rubio have gained international fame by incorporating regional sounds into their music.
\nMexican artists have had a significant impact around the world, bringing Mexico’s unique blend of sounds to far-away audiences. The rise of reggaeton and Latin trap worldwide has opened many doors for new Mexican artists. Peso Pluma has recently been topping Spotify charts, with his song “Ella Baila Sola” becoming the first regional Mexican song to reach the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.
\n\n\n
Religious influences run deep in Mexican culture, as over 70% of the population identifies as Catholic. The Spanish originally introduced this religion during the colonial period, when it was blended with pre-Hispanic beliefs and religious systems. Catholic saints are venerated alongside indigenous deities in some regions, showcasing just how intertwined these European and pre-Hispanic beliefs are in Mexico. The Virgin of Guadalupe, for example, is an emblematic figure who represents this blend, being both a Catholic icon and a symbol of Mexican identity. Some believe the Virgin of Guadalupe embodies aspects of the indigenous goddess Tonantzin.
\nFestivals and celebrations throughout the year showcase the depth of religious influence in Mexican society. The Day of the Dead, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, exemplifies this as it blends indigenous Aztec traditions with the Catholic All Souls’ and All Saints’ Days, creating a unique festival that honors the dead. Holy Week (Semana Santa) and Christmas festivities are major holidays across the country, highlighting the role of faith in daily life. These traditions reflect the nation's religious history and play a vital role in maintaining the social fabric and cultural identity of Mexican communities. Even those who aren’t religiously Catholic tend to be “socially Catholic,” often observing holidays and traditions for social purposes.
\n\n
Mexico’s linguistic landscape is as diverse as its cultural and geographical one, with Spanish as the dominant lingua franca. Mexico has 68 national languages, 63 of which are indigenous. About 9 million people in Mexico speak indigenous languages, with Nahuatl, Maya, Zapotec, and Mixtec being the dominant ones. These languages carry distinct worldviews, traditions, and histories, contributing to Mexico’s vibrant linguistic heritage. The coexistence of Spanish with these indigenous languages reflects ongoing efforts to honor and integrate the profound cultural significance of these languages.
\nEven with this wide diversity of languages, Spanish is still the most spoken language in Mexico – by far. About 94% of the Mexican population only speaks Spanish natively, with another 5% speaking both Spanish and an indigenous language natively. Less than 1% of the population only speaks an indigenous language natively.
\nThis makes Spanish the dominant language in Mexico, serving as the country’s primary form of communication, education, and media. As the largest Spanish-speaking country, Mexican Spanish has evolved into its own variety with distinct accents, vocabulary, slang, and expressions, reflecting the country's diversity. This linguistic cohesion helps create a strong shared identity among Mexicans while allowing for the expression of regional identities through various dialects and colloquialisms unique to each region of Mexico.
\nDespite its dominance, Spanish in Mexico is more than just a colonial legacy – it’s a living language that absorbs and reflects the country’s culture. Mexican Spanish is a product of the country’s centuries of history, indigenous influences, and contemporary innovations through literature, music, and everyday conversation. This is why it’s worth studying Mexican Spanish if you plan to spend some time in the country — it’s mutually intelligible with other variations of Spanish, but it has its own distinct flavor.
\nPreserving indigenous languages is a critical aspect of the country’s cultural policy, recognizing these languages as essential components of Mexico’s history and culture. The Instituto Nacional de Lenguas Indígenas (INALI) is the government entity in charge of preserving indigenous languages through initiatives like establishing bilingual education programs, including indigenous languages in public signage, and promoting media content in these languages.
\nThese preservation efforts emphasize just how central diversity is to the Mexican identity. Indigenous languages in Mexico are not merely communication tools but are deeply intertwined with traditional knowledge, including cuisine, medicine, and religion. Their continued vitality is essential to indigenous communities' cultural autonomy and historical continuity, reflecting a broader commitment to upholding Mexico’s multifaceted identity.
\nLanguage is a powerful marker of cultural identity in Mexico. As the dominant language, Spanish provides a common framework for national identity, uniting the country’s diverse populations. However, the multitude of indigenous languages spoken across Mexico adds complexity and richness to this national identity, reflecting the country’s deep historical roots and multicultural composition.
\n\n
Mexican attire is modern and relaxed for everyday life. In the city, you’ll find that traditional clothing is typically reserved for holidays and special occasions. In the countryside, however, you’ll find that many people wear traditional garments like the huipil or the sarape in their everyday lives. Here’s what you should know about Mexican attire and fashion.
\n![\"Woman](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt530ed8150c1f26e0/65f3b36a6119727dcf645a76/mexico-costume.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Traditional Mexican clothing varies widely across the country. These garments aren’t just attire but carry deep-rooted cultural significances, often indicating one’s social status, community, and even marital status. From the huipil, a loose-fitting tunic worn by indigenous women, to the charro suit worn by Mexican cowboys, each piece tells a story of Mexico’s rich history and traditions. These vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and unique designs have been influenced by both indigenous cultures and Spanish colonialism, creating a distinct style.
\nSome of the most common pieces of traditional Mexican clothing are:
\nTraditional Mexican attire goes beyond simple aesthetics, often embedding social, political, and spiritual meanings. The colors, patterns, and materials used in garments often have specific meanings. For example, the charro suit isn’t just ceremonial wear but a symbol of national pride and masculinity, deeply connected to the Mexican identity and the cultural heritage of the charreada. These traditional garments are integral to Mexico’s cultural ceremonies and festivities.
\nMexican fashion has evolved while retaining strong ties to its traditional roots. Contemporary Mexican designers draw inspiration from Mexico’s indigenous and colonial past, integrating these traditional elements into modern designs. This fusion has led to the international recognition of Mexican fashion, with brands like Pineda Covalín and Julio garnering international acclaim.
\nHowever, local designers remain the biggest stars, as international travelers love visiting local boutiques and shops in Mexico. This helps fuel the local economy while supporting local artisans, allowing them to share their heritage with the world and impact the global fashion and style scene.
\n\n
Mexican culture has significantly contributed to the global arts scene, from literature and film to contemporary art. In recent decades, Mexico has witnessed a flourishing of its cultural expressions, reflecting the country’s rich traditions and modern realities. Mexican literature, cinema, and art have gained international acclaim, showcasing the depth and diversity of Mexican creativity and thought.
\nMexican literature has a long and vibrant history, with contemporary authors continuing to make significant contributions to the global literary world. Authors like Octavio Paz, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1990, have set the stage for modern writers to explore themes of identity, politics, and social justice.
\nMore recent voices, such as Valeria Luiselli and Juan Pablo Villalobos, delve into issues of migration, border culture, and the complexities of life in Mexico. These authors, among others, use their narratives to weave together the traditional and the contemporary, offering insights into the human condition while reflecting the nuances of Mexican society.
\n![\"Mexican](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt1cbd3ba6e8ce0f2e/65f3a5acd3267649687e52c0/Mexican_authors.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Mexican cinema has experienced a renaissance, gaining international recognition and acclaim. The Golden Age of Mexican Cinema, from the 1930s to the 1960s, was a period of unprecedented artistic and commercial success for the Mexican film industry. During these decades, Mexico produced many films that achieved critical acclaim both domestically and internationally. Iconic actors like Pedro Infante, Dolores del Río, and María Félix became symbols of Mexican culture and cinema worldwide. Directors like Emilio “El Indio” Fernández and cinematographer Gabriel Figueroa helped forge a distinct Mexican cinematic style marked by its dramatic storytelling and deep national pride.
\nSince then, directors like Alfonso Cuarón, Guillermo del Toro, and Alejandro González Iñárritu have become household names, winning numerous awards and showcasing Mexican talent on the global stage. Their films often blend magical realism with social commentary, offering a view into Mexican society while being entertaining for global audiences.
\n![\"Mexican](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltf09693204ebca342/65f3a7a6d9576056c950594f/Mexican_films.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Contemporary Mexican art is dynamic and diverse. Artists like Gabriel Orozco, Teresa Margolles, and Minerva Cuevas reflect on contemporary issues like globalization, social inequality, and environmental concerns. Mexico City, in particular, has emerged as a center for contemporary art, hosting international events like Mexico City Art Week and Zona MACO, the largest art fair in Latin America. These events demonstrate Mexico’s ongoing efforts to support local art internationally.
\n\n
Whether you’re considering moving to Mexico to learn Spanish or simply want to better appreciate the country next time you visit, this guide will help you cover all your bases. Of course, there’s no way just one guide will be enough to cover centuries of Mexican history and culture. So, make sure to check out our dedicated guides to learn more about Mexico’s food, traditions, and more!
\nDon’t forget to also check out our Spanish blog, where we routinely publish articles on learning Spanish that will also help you when you visit Mexico, like knowing about Spanish cognates and when to use tú vs. usted.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Horoscope signs in Chinese","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"A giant guide to Chinese zodiac signs, animals and vocabulary","url":"/blog/chinese-zodiac-signs-animals","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt8c9cdc8b54e32b50/65d857f70f3225fe4e0a219b/pexels-angela-roma-7364196.jpg"},"post_content":"Whether you cannot wait to read your daily horoscope first thing in the morning or are simply keen on seeing what your Zodiac says about you and your potential partner, knowing some Zodiac vocabulary in Chinese is an excellent conversation starter.
If you were raised in the West, then you’re probably already familiar with Zodiac signs like Aquarius, Cancer, and Scorpio. But are you familiar with the Year of the Rat, the Year of the Ox or the Year of the Dragon?
The Chinese Zodiac has an incredibly rich history with many levels that you’ll want to consider beyond just your year of birth. For example, if you’re into Western Astrology, you know that your ascendant and your moon are important components of understanding someone’s birth chart in addition to your sun sign. Similarly, the Chinese Zodiac incorporates more than just your birth year, as you’ll want to know your element and other things like your lucky colors and lucky numbers.
Fortunately, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you understand the Chinese Zodiac and speak about the Western Zodiac in Chinese. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to navigate the Chinese and Western Zodiacs expertly.
If you’re already familiar with the Western horoscope, then you already know that we have a lot of ground to cover. Each Zodiac sign has associated animals, symbols, planets, elements, and more that affect their personalities and ways of interacting with the world. We’ll cover each sign individually and show you how to discuss all aspects of it, but for now, let’s focus on the basics: how to say each Western Zodiac sign in Chinese.
| English | Date range | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Aries | March 21 – April 19 | 白羊座 | bái yáng zuò | bair yang tzuoh |
| Taurus | April 20 – May 20 | 金牛座 | jīn niú zuò | jin niou tzuoh |
| Gemini | May 21 – June 20 | 双子座 | shuāng zǐ zuò | shuang tzyy tzuoh |
| Cancer | June 21 – July 22 | 巨蟹座 | jù xiè zuò | jiuh shieh tzuoh |
| Leo | July 23 – August 22 | 狮子座 | shī zi zuò | shy tzy tzuoh |
| Virgo | August 23 – September 22 | 处女座 | chǔ nǚ zuò | chuu neu tzuoh |
| Libra | September 23 – October 22 | 天秤座 | tiān chèng zuò | tian chenq tzuoh |
| Scorpio | October 23 – November 21 | 天蝎座 | tiān xiē zuò | tian shie tzuoh |
| Sagittarius | November 22 – December 21 | 射手座 | shè shǒu zuò | sheh shoou tzuoh |
| Capricorn | December 22 – January 19 | 摩羯座 | mó jié zuò | mo jye tzuoh |
| Aquarius | January 20 – February 18 | 水瓶座 | shuǐ píng zuò | shoei pyng tzuoh |
| Pisces | February 19 – March 20 | 双鱼座 | shuāng yú zuò | shuang yu tzuoh |
![\"Aries.png\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt9a5f48c19677ef5b/65d9435c033eb0798e25892e/Aries.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Aries signs are known for their leadership, courage, and enthusiasm. They are often adventurous and dynamic but can be competitive or aggressive. Their fiery energy drives them to take initiative and embrace challenges.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | |
| Dates | March 21 – April 19 | 3月21日 — 4月19日 | sān yuè èr shí yī rì – sì yuè shí jiǔ rì | san yueh ell shyr i ryh syh yueh shyr jeou ryh |
| Element | Fire | 火 | huǒ | huoo |
| Planet | Mars | 火星 | huǒ xīng | huoo shing |
| Symbol | The ram | 公羊 | gōng yáng | gong yang |
| Polarity | Positive | 阳性 | yáng xìng | yang shinq |
| Modality | Cardinal | 本位 | běn wèi | been wey |
| Characteristics | Determined | 意志坚定 | yì zhì jiān dìng | yih jyh jian dinq |
| Characteristics | Confident | 自信 | zì xìn | tzyh shinn |
| Characteristics | Aggressive | 咄咄逼人 | duō duō bī rén | duo duo bi ren |
![\"Taurus.png\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb8e84a2001672de6/65d94399f2cea020313c2e1f/Taurus.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Tauruses are known for their reliability and practicality. Loyalty and dedication define their relationships. They are patient, persistent, and enjoy life’s pleasures. However, they can be stubborn and resistant to change.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | |
| Dates | April 20 – May 20 | 4月20日 — 5月20日 | sì yuè èr shí rì – wǔ yuè èr shí rì | syh yueh ell shyr ryh – wuu yueh ell shyr ryh |
| Element | Earth | 土 | tǔ | tuu |
| Planet | Venus | 金星 | jīn xīng | jin shing |
| Symbol | The bull | 公牛 | gōng niú | gong niou |
| Polarity | Negative | 阴性 | yīn xìng | in shinq |
| Modality | Fixed | 固定 | gù dìng | guh dinq |
| Characteristics | Reliable | 可靠 | kě kào | kee kaw |
| Characteristics | Stubborn | 固执 | gù zhí | guh jyr |
| Characteristics | Possessive | 占有欲强 | zhàn yǒu yù qiáng | jann yeou yuh chyang |
![\"Gemini.png\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltf64b9d305e1c4d77/65d943d651e1cecb8cd93007/Gemini.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Gemini signs are known for their duality. They are adaptable, outgoing, and intellectually curious. They thrive on communication and social interaction and can be indecisive and restless. Their versatility and wit make them engaging companions.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | |
| Dates | May 21 – June 20 | 5月21日 — 6月20日 | wǔ yuè èr shí yī rì – liù yuè èr shí rì | wuu yueh ell shyr i ryh – liow yueh ell shyr ryh |
| Element | Air | 空气 | kōng qì | kong chih |
| Planet | Mercury | 水星 | shuǐ xīng | shoei shing |
| Symbol | The twins | 双胞胎 | shuāng bāo tāi | shuang bau tai |
| Polarity | Positive | 阳性 | yáng xìng | yang shinq |
| Modality | Mutable | 变动 | biàn dòng | biann donq |
| Characteristics | Gentle | 温柔 | wēn róu | uen rou |
| Characteristics | Curious | 好奇 | hào qí | haw chyi |
| Characteristics | Inconsistent | 善变 | shàn biàn | shann biann |
![\"Cancer.png\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt40bdad7adcb1ff63/65d94430700fb20053e875c1/Cancer.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Cancer signs are known for being emotional and sensitive. Cancers are nurturing and empathetic, often putting others' needs first. They value family and home, providing a comforting presence. However, they can be moody and clingy, with a strong tendency towards sentimentality.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | |
| Dates | June 21 – July 22 | 6月21日 — 7月22日 | liù yuè èr shí yī rì – qī yuè èr shí èr rì | liow yueh ell shyr i ryh – chi yueh ell shyr ell ryh |
| Element | Water | 水 | shuǐ | shoei |
| Planet | The moon | 月亮 | yuè liang | yueh lianq |
| Symbol | The crab | 螃蟹 | páng xiè | parng shieh |
| Polarity | Negative | 阴性 | yīn xìng | in shinq |
| Modality | Cardinal | 本位 | běn wèi | been wey |
| Characteristics | Tenacious | 顽强 | wán qiáng | wan chyang |
| Characteristics | Imaginative | 富有想象力 | fù yǒu xiǎng xiàng lì | fuh yeou sheang shianq lih |
| Characteristics | Pessimistic | 悲观 | bēi guān | bei guan |
![\"Leo.png\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt8c8b25898ca77061/65d949f6aaf155a12e44e01f/Leo.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Leos are confident, charismatic, and natural leaders who tend to take the spotlight. They are generous and loyal and have a flair for drama and creativity. However, they can be prone to arrogance and stubbornness, so they need to be careful not to give in to these impulses.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | |
| Dates | July 23 – August 22 | 7月23日 — 8月22日 | qī yuè èr shí sān rì – bā yuè èr shí èr rì | chi yueh ell shyr san ryh – ba yueh ell shyr ell ryh |
| Element | Fire | 火 | huǒ | huoo |
| Planet | The sun | 太阳 | tài yáng | tay yang |
| Symbol | The lion | 狮子 | shī zi | shy tzy |
| Polarity | Positive | 阳性 | yáng xìng | yang shinq |
| Modality | Fixed | 固定 | gù dìng | guh dinq |
| Characteristics | Creative | 有创造力 | yǒu chuàng zào lì | yeou chuanq tzaw lih |
| Characteristics | Passionate | 热情 | rè qíng | reh chyng |
| Characteristics | Arrogant | 傲慢 | ào màn | aw mann |
![\"Virgo.png\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltd97f5e135027fa35/65d94a8a82fb303e15eddf79/Virgo.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Virgos are characterized by their detail-oriented approach to everything. They are analytical, methodical, and diligent and tend to strive for perfection in everything they do. They are reliable and helpful but can be overly critical and worry-prone.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | |
| Dates | August 23 – September 22 | 8月23日 — 9月22日 | bā yuè èr shí sān rì – jiǔ yuè èr shí èr rì | ba yueh ell shyr san ryh – jeou yueh ell shyr ell ryh |
| Element | Earth | 土 | tǔ | tuu |
| Planet | Mercury | 水星 | shuǐ xīng | shoei shing |
| Symbol | The virgin | 处女 | chǔ nǚ | chuu neu |
| Polarity | Negative | 阴性 | yīn xìng | in shinq |
| Modality | Mutable | 变动 | biàn dòng | biann donq |
| Characteristics | Loyal | 忠诚 | zhōng chéng | jong cherng |
| Characteristics | Hardworking | 努力 | nǔ lì | nuu lih |
| Characteristics | Shy | 害羞 | hài xiū | hay shiou |
![\"Libra.png\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltfaf95abbe20e24e3/65d94aff214c3a2362d16131/Libra.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Libras, represented by the scales, are diplomatic and sociable. They seek justice and fairness in all aspects of life, have a strong aesthetic sense, and love beauty. However, they can be indecisive and avoid confrontations as they seek to maintain peace.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | |
| Dates | September 23 – October 22 | 9月23日 — 10月22日 | jiǔ yuè èr shí sān rì – shí yuè èr shí èr rì | jeou yueh ell shyr san ryh – shyr yueh ell shyr ell ryh |
| Element | Air | 空气 | kōng qì | kong chih |
| Planet | Venus | 金星 | jīn xīng | jin shing |
| Symbol | The scales | 秤 | chèng | chenq |
| Polarity | Positive | 阳性 | yáng xìng | yang shinq |
| Modality | Cardinal | 本位 | běn wèi | been wey |
| Characteristics | Cooperative | 乐于合作 | lè yú hé zuò | leh yu her tzuoh |
| Characteristics | Indecisive | 优柔寡断 | yōu róu guǎ duàn | iou rou goa duann |
| Characteristics | Social | 善于交际 | shàn yú jiāo jì | shann yu jiau jih |
![\"Scorpio.png\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt528620a054ee544d/65d94bc35c28c15730b60e20/Scorpio.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Scorpios are known for their intensity and depth. They are passionate, determined, and resourceful and often delve deep into the heart of the matter. They are loyal and brave but can be secretive and prone to jealousy. Their strong will is unmatched.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | |
| Dates | October 23 – November 21 | 10月23日 — 11月21日 | shí yuè èr shí sān rì – shí yī yuè èr shí yī rì | shyr yueh ell shyr san ryh – shyr i yueh ell shyr i ryh |
| Element | Water | 水 | shuǐ | shoei |
| Planet | Pluto | 冥王星 | míng wáng xīng | ming wang shing |
| Symbol | The scorpion | 蝎 | xiē | shie |
| Polarity | Negative | 阴性 | yīn xìng | in shinq |
| Modality | Fixed | 固定 | gù dìng | guh dinq |
| Characteristics | Passionate | 热情 | rè qíng | reh chyng |
| Characteristics | Brave | 勇敢 | yǒng gǎn | yeong gaan |
| Characteristics | Secretive | 神秘 | shén mì | shern mih |
![\"Sagittarius.png\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt5c1f239a4b129dfb/65d94c8eaaf155690944e023/Sagittarius.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Sagittarius signs are known for their adventurous and optimistic spirit. Sagittarians are freedom-loving, honest, and have a thirst for knowledge. They are enthusiastic and have a great sense of humor but can be impatient and tactless. Their love for exploration defines them.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | |
| Dates | November 22 – December 21 | 11月22日 — 12月21日 | shí yī yuè èr shí èr rì – shí èr yuè èr shí yī rì | shyr i yueh ell shyr ell ryh – shyr ell yueh ell shyr i ryh |
| Element | Fire | 火 | huǒ | huoo |
| Planet | Jupiter | 木星 | mù xīng | muh shing |
| Symbol | The archer | 射手 | shè shǒu | sheh shoou |
| Polarity | Positive | 阳性 | yáng xìng | yang shinq |
| Modality | Mutable | 变动 | biàn dòng | biann donq |
| Characteristics | Idealistic | 理想主义 | lǐ xiǎng zhǔ yì | lii sheang juu yih |
| Characteristics | Generous | 慷慨 | kāng kǎi | kang kae |
| Characteristics | Shallow | 肤浅 | fū qiǎn | fu chean |
![\"Capricorn.png\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt62efe3a7154cba38/65d94d10d5fcf4f2b9dc60de/Capricorn.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Capricorns are known for their discipline and ambition. Capricorns are practical, responsible, and value structure and achievement. They are hardworking and patient, which makes them excel in managerial roles. However, they can be stubborn and overly cautious, which can make them seem distant or cold.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | |
| Dates | December 22 – January 19 | 12月22日 — 1月19日 | shí èr yuè èr shí èr rì – yī yuè shí jiǔ rì | shyr ell yueh ell shyr ell ryh – i yueh shyr jeou ryh |
| Element | Earth | 土 | tǔ | tuu |
| Planet | Saturn | 土星 | tǔ xīng | tuu shing |
| Symbol | The sea goat | 海山羊 | hǎi shān yáng | hae shan yang |
| Polarity | Negative | 阴性 | yīn xìng | in shinq |
| Modality | Cardinal | 本位 | běn wèi | been wey |
| Characteristics | Responsible | 负责任 | fù zé rèn | fuh tzer renn |
| Characteristics | Disciplined | 有纪律 | yǒu jì lǜ | yeou jih liuh |
| Characteristics | Unforgiving | 不宽容 | bù kuān róng | buh kuan rong |
![\"Aquarius.png\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blta86d5a699c4b95f4/65d94d84ab7c794ccd3889ca/Aquarius.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Aquarians are known for their progressive and independent nature. Aquarians are innovative, intellectual, and humanitarian. They value freedom and individuality but can be unpredictable and emotionally detached. Their vision often makes them unconventional yet visionary thinkers.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | |
| Dates | January 20 – February 18 | 1月20日 — 2月18日 | yī yuè èr shí rì – èr yuè shí bā rì | i yueh ell shyr ryh – ell yueh shyr ba ryh |
| Element | Air | 空气 | kōng qì | kong chih |
| Planet | Uranus | 天王星 | tiān wáng xīng | tian wang shing |
| Symbol | The water bearer | 持水者 | chí shuǐ zhě | chyr shoei jee |
| Polarity | Positive | 阳性 | yáng xìng | yang shinq |
| Modality | Fixed | 固定 | gù dìng | guh dinq |
| Characteristics | Original | 独创性 | dú chuàng xìng | dwu chuanq shinq |
| Characteristics | Independent | 独立 | dú lì | dwu lih |
| Characteristics | Temperamental | 情绪化 | qínɡ xù huà | chyn shiuh huah |
![\"Pisces.png\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt40f349d6f4689826/65d94e2cd5fcf483e1dc60e3/Pisces.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Pisces are known for their empathetic and artistic nature. They are intuitive, sensitive, and compassionate, which makes them deeply connected to their emotions and the emotions of those around them. They are imaginative dreamers but can be overly idealistic and escapist.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | |
| Dates | February 19 – March 20 | 2月19日 — 3月20日 | èr yuè shí jiǔ rì – sān yuè èr shí rì | ell yueh shyr jeou ryh – san yueh ell shyr ryh |
| Element | Water | 水 | shuǐ | shoei |
| Planet | Neptune | 海王星 | hǎi wáng xīng | hae wang shing |
| Symbol | The fish | 鱼 | yú | yu |
| Polarity | Negative | 阴性 | yīn xìng | in shinq |
| Modality | Mutable | 变动 | biàn dòng | biann donq |
| Characteristics | Compassionate | 富有同情心 | fù yǒu tóng qíng xīn | fuh yeou torng chyng shin |
| Characteristics | Artistic | 艺术性 | yì shù xìng | yih shuh shinq |
| Characteristics | Fearful | 胆小 | dǎn xiǎo | daan sheau |
If you’re just starting to delve into Chinese culture, then get ready because we’ve got a treat for you. The Chinese Zodiac signs are completely different from the Western ones, and they come with a history just as rich and meaningful.
The most obvious difference between the Western and Chinese Zodiac is that the Chinese zodiac is based on animals. Each sign is named after one of the 12 animals of the Zodiac. They are also assigned based on the year of birth rather than the month of birth. So, each sign is commonly known as “the Year of the ____”, such as the Year of the Ox or the Year of the Rabbit.
The Chinese Zodiac follows the lunar calendar, which doesn’t match the Gregorian calendar exactly. So, the year of each Zodiac sign changes during Chinese New Year, which happens somewhere between late January and mid-February.
Here are the 12 Chinese Zodiac signs in English and Chinese, along with pinyin and a handy pronunciation guide.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Rat | 鼠 | shǔ | shuu |
| Ox | 牛 | niú | niou |
| Tiger | 虎 | hǔ | huu |
| Rabbit | 兔 | tù | tuh |
| Dragon | 龙 | lóng | long |
| Snake | 蛇 | shé | sher |
| Horse | 马 | mǎ | maa |
| Sheep | 羊 | yáng | yang |
| Monkey | 猴 | hóu | hour |
| Rooster | 鸡 | jī | ji |
| Dog | 狗 | gǒu | goou |
| Pig | 猪 | zhū | ju |
![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt3c4b8ecc6e2d7803/65d84d8d5cfee3ee3b47fa97/Chinese_rat.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Those born in the Year of the Rat, according to the Chinese Zodiac, are known for their intelligence, resourcefulness, and adaptability. Rats are quick-witted, charming, and sociable, with a keen eye for detail. They are ambitious and thrifty but can sometimes be seen as opportunistic and secretive.
Here are some of the most common characteristics of those born in the Year of the Rat and idioms related to rat:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Forthright | 豪爽 | háo shuǎng | haur shoang |
| Adaptable | 适应性强 | shì yìng xìng qiáng | shyh yinq shinq chyang |
| Neat | 有条理 | yǒu tiáo lǐ | yeou tyau lii |
| Curious | 好奇的 | hào qí de | haw chyi de |
| Outgoing | 外向 | wài xiàng | way shianq |
| Loves money | 爱财 | ài cái | ay tsair |
| Rat’s belly and chicken intestines; narrow-minded. | 鼠肚鸡肠 | shǔ dù jī cháng | shuu duh ji charng |
| As timid as a rat. | 胆小如鼠 | dǎn xiǎo rú shǔ | daan sheau ru shuu |
| As short-sighted as a rat. | 鼠目寸光 | shǔ mù cùn guāng | shuu muh tsuenn guang |
![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt5baa6742cdd2772d/65d854e6db0cb4819687cf70/Chinese_ox.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
People born in the Year of the Ox in the Chinese Zodiac are characterized by their strength, reliability, and diligence. Oxen are known for their steadfastness, patience, and methodical approach. They are typically honest and hardworking, valuing tradition and family. However, they can also be stubborn and less adept at socializing.
These are some of the most common traits of people born in the Year of the Ox and idioms related to ox.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Calm | 冷静 | lěng jìng | leeng jinq |
| Dependable | 可信 | kě xìn | kee shinn |
| Obstinate | 固执 | gù zhí | guh jyr |
| Reliable | 可靠 | kě kào | kee kaw |
| Uncompromising | 不妥协 | bù tuǒ xié | buh tuoo shye |
| Upright | 正直 | zhèng zhí | jenq jyr |
| An old cow licking her calf; parents loving their children. | 老牛舐犊 | lǎo niú shì dú | lao niou shyh dwu |
| One hair from nine oxen; negligible. | 九牛一毛 | jiǔ niú yì máo | jeou niou i mau |
| Newborn calves are not afraid of tigers; fearless. | 初生牛犊不怕虎 | chū shēng niú dú bú pà hǔ | chu sheng niou dwu buh pah huu |
![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt6ca583de62e5c1ea/65d8503656b7e10442b91140/Chinese_tiger.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
People born in the Year of the Tiger, as per the Chinese Zodiac, are recognized for their bravery, confidence, and competitive nature. Tigers are charismatic and adventurous, often taking on leadership roles. They possess a strong sense of justice and are not afraid of challenges, but can be impulsive and aggressive.
Here are some other common traits of those born in the Year of the Tiger and idioms related to the tiger.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Giving | 乐于给予 | lè yú jǐ yǔ | leh yu jii yeu |
| Optimistic | 开朗 | kāi lǎng | kai laang |
| Resolute | 坚决 | jiān jué | jian jyue |
| Rebellious | 叛逆 | pàn nì | pann nih |
| Self-centered | 自我中心 | zì wǒ zhōng xīn | tzyh woo jong shin |
| Emotional | 感性 | gǎn xìng | gaan shinq |
| Careless or so-so | 马马虎虎 | mǎ mǎ hū hū | maa maa huu huu |
| To escape the tiger’s mouth; survive from great danger. | 虎口余生 | hǔ kǒu yú shēng | huu koou yu sheng |
| Watch someone very closely. | 虎视眈眈 | hǔ shì dān dān | huu shyh dan dan |
| A fox borrowing the Tiger’s might; borrowing other people’s power to achieve goals. | 狐假虎威 | hú jiǎ hǔ wēi | hwu jea huu uei |
| Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; hidden undiscovered talent. | 卧虎藏龙 | wò hǔ cáng lóng | woh huu tsang long |
![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt68ed2d42d992d5e5/65d850040283ce42f69e0e1b/Chinese_rabbit.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
People born in the Year of the Rabbit, according to the Chinese Zodiac, are known for their gentle, compassionate, and refined nature. Rabbits are graceful, peaceful, and possess good judgment. They seek harmony and are often artistic and diplomatic, but can be risk-averse and somewhat detached in emotional expression.
These are some of the most common traits and idioms related to those born in the Year of the Rabbit:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Careful | 仔细 | zǐ xì | tzyy shih |
| Considerate | 体贴 | tǐ tiē | tii tie |
| Hospitable | 好客 | hào kè | haw keh |
| Temperamental | 喜怒无常 | xǐ nù wú cháng | shii nuh wu charng |
| Shrewd | 精明 | jīng míng | jing ming |
| A cunning rabbit has many burrows; cunning. | 狡兔三窟 | jiǎo tù sān kū | jeau tuh san ku |
| Rabbits rise, falcons descend; agile. | 兔起鹘落 | tù qǐ hú luò | tuh chii hwu luoh |
| Wait for gains without pains. | 守株待兔 | shǒu zhū dài tù | shoou ju day tuh |
![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb4bf2119ec02670e/65d8507161590e0c84dc95da/Chinese_dragon.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Those born in the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese Zodiac are known for their charisma, intelligence, and confidence. Dragons are natural leaders, ambitious and driven, with a flair for the dramatic. They are innovative and courageous but can also be perceived as arrogant and prone to impulsive decisions.
Some common characteristics of people born in the Year of the Dragon and dragon-related idioms are:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Strong | 坚决的 | jiān jué de | jian jyue de |
| Energetic | 精力充沛 | jīng lì chōng pèi | jing lih chong pey |
| Proud | 骄傲 | jiāo ào | jiau aw |
| Confident | 自信 | zì xìn | tzyh shinn |
| Perfectionist | 完美主义 | wán měi zhǔ yì | wan meei juu yih |
| Irritable | 易怒 | yì nù | yih nuh |
| Dragon horse vitality; old but still full of vitality. | 龙马精神 | lóng mǎ jīng shén | long maa jing shern |
| Dragon wars, tiger battles; a fierce battle between giants. | 龙争虎斗 | lóng zhēng hǔ dòu | long jeng huu dow |
| The dragon among men; a metaphor for a hero. | 人中之龙 | rén zhōng zhī lóng | ren jong jy long |
| The rise and fall of the terrain; the ins and outs of something. | 来龙去脉 | lái lóng qù mài | lai long chiuh may |
| Dragon flies, phoenix dances; calligraphy being powerful and lively. | 龙飞凤舞 | lóng fēi fèng wǔ | long fei fenq wuu |
| No leader in a host of dragons; used to describe leaderless situations. | 群龙无首 | qún lóng wú shǒu | chyun long wu shoou |
| To hope one’s son becomes a dragon; parents want their kids to succeed. | 望子成龙 | wàng zǐ chéng lóng | wanq tzyy cherng long |
![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltcc1efce6f4560580/65d85135bd247c7fd24503af/Chinese_snake.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Individuals born in the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese Zodiac, are seen as wise, intuitive, and enigmatic. Snakes are charming and sophisticated with a calm demeanor. They are deep thinkers, often introspective, but can also be possessive and distrustful. Their mysterious nature hides a strategic and analytical mind.
Snakes are often portrayed in dark yet nuanced ways in Chinese culture. For example, the story of the white snake is one of the most popular romance stories in Chinese, which showcases the mystical nature of these animals in Chinese culture.
Some of the top traits and idioms related to those born in the Year of the Snake are:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Insightful | 有洞察力的 | yǒu dòng chá lì de | yeou donq char lih de |
| Mysterious | 神秘 | shén mì | shern mih |
| Independent | 独立 | dú lì | dwu lih |
| Private | 不愿吐露心思的 | bú yuàn tǔ lù xīn sī de | buh yuann tuu luh shin sy de |
| Cautious | 仔细 | zǐ xì | tzyy shih |
| Suspicious | 多疑 | duō yí | duo yi |
| To draw legs on a snake; to overdo something. | 画蛇添足 | huà shé tiān zú | huah sher tian tzwu |
| Once bitten by a snake, ten years in fear of a well rope; once bitten, twice shy. | 一朝被蛇咬，十年怕井绳 | yì zhāo bèi shé yǎo, shí nián pà jǐng shéng | i jau bey sher yeau shyr nian pah jiing sherng |
| Tiger's head, snake's tail; a strong start but weak finish. | 虎头蛇尾 | hǔ tóu shé wěi | huu tour sher woei |
| A man who is never content is like a snake trying to swallow an elephant. | 人心不足蛇吞象 | rén xīn bù zú shé tūn xiàng | ren shin buh tzwu sher tuen shianq |
| Viper scorpion heart; a vicious heart. | 蛇蝎心肠 | shé xiē xīn cháng | sher shie shin charng |
![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt841c1fe95766da1d/65d85192421dd332c7ebcf4f/Chinese_horse.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Born in the Year of the Horse, these individuals are recognized in the Chinese Zodiac for their energy, independence, and enthusiasm. Horses are outgoing and sociable and love freedom. They are quick-witted and adventurous but can be impulsive and restless. Their free-spirited nature often leads them to seek new experiences.
Here are some characteristics and idioms related to those born in the Year of the Horse:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Cheerful | 开朗 | kāi lǎng | kai laang |
| Lively | 生气勃勃 | shēng qì bó bó | sheng chih bor bor |
| Impulsive | 鲁莽 | lǔ mǎng | luu maang |
| Friendly | 友好 | yǒu hǎo | yeou hao |
| uncompromising | 不妥协的 | bù tuǒ xié de | buh tuoo shye de |
| To win instant success | 马到成功 | mǎ dào chéng gōng | maa daw cherng gong |
| Looking at flowers from horseback; to make a quick judgment based on inadequate information. | 走马观花 | zǒu mǎ guān huā | tzoou maa guan hua |
| The horse doesn’t stop galloping; to do something without stopping. | 马不停蹄 | mǎ bù tíng tí | maa buh tyng tyi |
| To spur the horse to full speed; to go as fast as possible. | 快马加鞭 | kuài mǎ jiā biān | kuay maa jia bian |
| An old horse knows the way; an experienced person that can share their expertise. | 老马识途 | lǎo mǎ shí tú | lao maa shyr twu |
| A blind person riding a blind horse; acting blindly can have very dangerous consequences. | 盲人瞎马 | máng rén xiā mǎ | mang ren shia maa |
| A horse does not know its face; a person who is unaware of their own faults or shortcomings. | 马不知脸长 | mǎ bù zhī liǎn cháng | maa buh jy lean charng |
| Trying to heal a dead horse; trying to salvage a hopeless situation. | 死马当作活马医 | sǐ mǎ dāng zuò huó mǎ yī | syy maa danq tzuoh hwo maa i |
| To take the head of the general's horse as guide; to follow blindly. | 马首是瞻 | mǎ shǒu shì zhān | maa shoou shyh jan |
![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt25e8b5ef6751e0cc/65d851d450a7492e0aa9b06b/Chinese_goat.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Individuals born in the Year of the Sheep (or Goat) in the Chinese Zodiac are known for their gentle, thoughtful, and compassionate nature. Sheep are creative, artistic, and have a strong sense of justice. They prefer peace and quiet and are sympathetic but can be shy, indecisive, and over-sensitive at times.
These are some of the top traits and idioms related to those born in the Year of the Sheep:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Good-natured | 脾气好 | pí qì hǎo | pyi chih hao |
| Timid | 胆怯 | dǎn qiè | daan chieh |
| Emotional | 感性 | gǎn xìng | gaan shinq |
| Pessimistic | 悲观 | bēi guān | bei guan |
| Mild | 平和 | píng hé | pyng her |
| Forgiving | 宽容 | kuān róng | kuan rong |
| Mend the fence after sheep are lost; making amends after a loss to avoid suffering future losses. | 亡羊补牢 | wáng yáng bǔ láo | wang yang buu lau |
| A sheep in the skin of a tiger; someone who is impressive in appearance but lacks substance. | 羊质虎皮 | yáng zhì hǔ pí | yang jyh huu pyi |
| To hang a sheep’s head but sell dog meat; to be dishonest. | 挂羊头卖狗肉 | guà yáng tóu mài gǒu ròu | guah yang tour may goou row |
| A wolf in sheep’s clothing; outwardly kind but inwardly vicious | 披着羊皮的狼 | pī zhe yáng pí de láng | pi je yang pyi de lang |
| Wool comes from the sheep’s back; nothing is free. | 羊毛出在羊身上 | yáng máo chū zài yáng shēn shang | yang mau chu tzay yang shen shanq |
![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltdb52c682ed2a6049/65d8522f0283ce51b59e0e2c/Chinese_monkey.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
People born in the Year of the Monkey are known for their cleverness, curiosity, and wit. Monkeys are innovative, adaptable, and quick learners, which makes them skillful problem-solvers. However, they can also be mischievous and sometimes break rules or lack respect for tradition.
Here are some of the top characteristics of those born in the Year of the Monkey and monkey-related idioms:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Opportunistic | 投机的 | tóu jī de | tour ji de |
| Charming | 迷人 | mí rén | mi ren |
| Crafty | 狡猾 | jiǎo huá | jeau hwa |
| Dishonest | 不诚实 | bù chéng shí | buh cherng shyr |
| Showy | 招摇 | zhāo yáo | jau yau |
| Inquisitive | 好奇 | hào qí | haw chyi |
| When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter; when a powerful person falls, those who depend on him will disperse. | 树倒猢狲散 | shù dǎo hú sūn sàn | shuh dao hwu suen sann |
| Monkey picking up the moon; a useless attempt. | 猴子捞月 | hóu zi lāo yuè | hour tzy lhau yueh |
| When the tigers are not in the mountains, the monkey becomes the king; when the cat’s away, the mice play. | 山中无老虎，猴子称大王 | shān zhōng wú lǎo hǔ, hóu zi chēng dài wang | shan jong wu lao huu hour tzy cheng day uang |
| Monkey year, horse month; used to describe something that won’t happen in the foreseeable future or a task that will never be finished. | 猴年马月 | hóu nián mǎ yuè | hour nian maa yueh |
![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt052aa1b121f8a88a/65d8525fee1d166782aa3733/Chinese_rooster.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Those born in the Year of the Rooster, as per the Chinese Zodiac, are recognized for their confidence, honesty, and hardworking nature. Roosters are observant, sharp, and practical. They enjoy being in the spotlight and can be flamboyant but also boast strong organizational skills. However, they can be blunt and boastful.
Some of the most common traits and idioms about the Year of the Rooster are:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Disciplined | 守规矩 | shǒu guī ju | shoou guei jeu |
| Arrogant | 嚣张 | xiāo zhāng | shiau jang |
| Decisive | 果断 | guǒ duàn | guoo duann |
| Logical | 有逻辑 | yǒu luó jí | yeou luo jyi |
| Critical | 批判主义 | pī pàn zhǔ yì | pi pann juu yih |
| To find a bone in an egg; to be picky on purpose. | 鸡蛋里挑骨头 | jī dàn lǐ tiāo gǔ tou | ji dann lhi tiau guu tou |
| Chickens flying and dogs jumping; something very messy. | 鸡飞狗跳 | jī fēi gǒu tiào | ji fei goou tiaw |
| Rather be a chicken head than a rooster tail; better be a leader in a small place than a follower in a big place. | 宁做鸡头，不做凤尾 | nìng zuò jī tóu, bú zuò fèng wěi | ninq tzuoh ji tour buh tzuoh fenq woei |
| Hands don’t even have the strength to tie up a chicken; used to describe people being physically weak. | 手无缚鸡之力 | shǒu wú fù jī zhī lì | shoou wu fuh ji jy lih |
| Chicken feathers and garlic skin; trivial things. | 鸡毛蒜皮 | jī máo suàn pí | ji mau suann pyi |
| To steal chicken and touch dogs; to be sneaky. | 偷鸡摸狗 | tōu jī mō gǒu | tou ji mho goou |
![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt5ccfa99b5c5ae080/65d853ba2cb8e72afceda896/Chinese_dog.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
These individuals are known for their loyalty, honesty, and trustworthiness. Dogs are faithful, sincere, and kind-hearted creatures who often act selflessly. They are reliable and have a strong sense of duty, but can also be stubborn, worrisome, and overly cautious at times.
These are some of the most common traits and idioms related to the Year of the Dog:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Clever | 聪明 | cōng míng | tsong ming |
| Quick-minded | 思维敏捷 | sī wéi mǐn jié | sy wei miin jye |
| Faithful | 忠诚 | zhōng chéng | jong cherng |
| Belligerent | 好斗 | hào dòu | haw dow |
| A desperate dog tries to jump over the wall; to be driven to desperate action. | 狗急跳墙 | gǒu jí tiào qiáng | goou jyi tiaw chyang |
| To add dog’s hair to a mink decoration; make an unworthy continuation of a great work. | 狗尾续貂 | gǒu wěi xù diāo | goou woei shiuh diau |
| An adviser with a dog’s head; a good-for-nothing adviser. | 狗头军师 | gǒu tóu jūn shī | goou tour jiun shy |
| A dog threatening someone on the authority of its masters; relying on others’ power to oppress people. | 狗仗人势 | gǒu zhàng rén shì | goou janq ren shyh |
| A dog trying to catch mice; used in situations when someone is minding other people’s business. | 狗拿耗子 | gǒu ná hào zi | goou na haw tzy |
| Having foxes and dogs as friends; having friends with bad influence. | 狐朋狗友 | hú péng gǒu yǒu | hwu perng goou yeou |
![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltc112c138d0bcc222/65d854605cfee37afc47fab5/Chinese_pig.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
People born in the Year of the Pig are known for their generosity, diligence, and compassion. Pigs are sincere, peace-loving, and possess a strong sense of responsibility. They enjoy life's pleasures and are often lucky and affluent, but can also be naive and overly trusting.
Here’s what to expect from people born in the Year of the Pig and pig-related idioms:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Innocent | 单纯 | dān chún | dan chwen |
| Trustworthy | 可靠 | kě kào | kee kaw |
| Patient | 耐心 | nài xīn | nay shin |
| Philanthropic | 乐善好施 | lè shàn hào shī | leh shann haw shy |
| Hot-tempered | 脾气暴躁 | pí qì bào zào | pyi chih baw tzaw |
| Worse than pigs and dogs; someone who is willing to commit heinous acts. | 猪狗不如 | zhū gǒu bù rú | ju goou buh ru |
| Pig and dog friends; friends with misbehavior and moral issues. | 猪朋狗友 | zhū péng gǒu yǒu | ju perng goou yeou |
| One dragon, one pig; two people with obviously discernable superiority and inferiority . | 一龙一猪 | yì lóng yì zhū | i long i ju |
Another thing to keep in mind about the Chinese Zodiac is that each sign comes with its lucky (and unlucky!) symbols. Things like days and months can be especially lucky for you depending on your sign, so you can choose to take these symbols into consideration when you plan big events or consider major life decisions.
| Zodiac | Lucky days | Lucky months | Lucky numbers | Lucky colors | Lucky flowers | Lucky directions |
| Rat | 4th and 13th of each lunar month | 2nd, 5th, and 9th lunar months | 2 and 3 | Blue, gold, and green | Lily, African violet, and orchid | West, northwest, and southwest |
| Ox | 13th and 27th of each lunar month | 7th and 9th lunar months | 1 and 4 | White, yellow, and green | Morning glory, tulip, and peach blossom | North and south |
| Tiger | 16h and 27th of each lunar month | 3rd, 7th, and 10th lunar months | 1, 3, and 4 | Blue, gray, orange, and white | Yellow lily and cineraria | East, south, and southeast |
| Rabbit | 26th, 27th, and 29th of each lunar month | 1st, 4th, 8th, and 11th lunar months | 3, 4, and 6 | Red, pink, purple, and blue | Plantain lily, jasmine | East, south, and northwest |
| Dragon | 1st and 16th of each lunar month | 3rd, 4th, and 7th lunar months | 1, 6, and 7 | Gold, silver, and grayish white | Bleeding heart vine and larkspur | East, north, and south |
| Snake | 1st and 23rd of each lunar month | 1st, 3rd, and 9th lunar months | 2, 8, and 9 | Black, red, and yellow | Orchid and cactus | East, west, and southwest |
| Horse | 5th and 20th of each lunar month | 4th, 9th, and 12th lunar months | 2, 3, and 7 | Yellow and green | Calla lily and jasmine | East, west, and south |
| Sheep | 7th and 30th of each lunar month | 1st, 6th, and 9th lunar months | 2 and 7 | Green, red, and purple | Carnations and primroses | North, west, and southwest |
| Monkey | 14th and 28th of each lunar month | 2nd, 5th, and 9th lunar months | 1, 7, and 8 | White, blue, and gold | Chrysanthemums and crape myrtle | North, northwest, and west |
| Rooster | 4th and 26th of each lunar month | 2nd, 5th, and 11th lunar months | 5, 7, and 8 | Gold, brown, and yellow | Gladiola, cockscomb, and daisy | East, southeast, and south |
| Dog | 7th and 28th of each lunar month | 6th, 10th, and 12th lunar months | 3, 4, and 9 | Red, green, and purple | Roses and cymbidium orchids | East, south, and northeast |
| Pig | 17th and 24th of each lunar month | 2nd, 7th, and 10th lunar months | 2, 5, and 8 | Yellow, gray, brown, and gold | Hydrangeas and daisies | East and southwest |
Knowing all this Zodiac vocabulary won’t be useful if you don’t know how to naturally weave it into conversations. The following are some great questions and responses you can use to naturally talk about Chinese and Western Zodiacs with your friends.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| What’s your sign? | 你的星座是什么？ | nǐ de xīng zuò shì shén me ？ | nii de shing tzuoh shyh shern me |
| What’s your sign? | 你的生肖/属相是什么？ | nǐ de shēng xiào / shǔ xiàng shì shén me ? | nii de sheng shiaw / shuu shianq shyh shern me |
| I am a Cancer. | 我是巨蟹座 | wǒ shì jù xiè zuò | woo shyh jiuh shieh tzuoh |
| I am a Rat. | 我属鼠 | wǒ shǔ shǔ | woo shuu shuu |
| When is your birthday? | 你的生日是什么时候？ | nǐ de shēng rì shì shén me shí hòu ？ | nii de sheng ryh shyh shern me shyr how |
| My birthday is July 17. | 我的生日是七月十七日 | wǒ de shēng rì shì qī yuè shí qī rì | woo de sheng ryh shyh chi yueh shyr chi ryh |
| I was born in 1995. | 我是1995年出生的 | wǒ shì yī jiǔ jiǔ wǔ nián chū shēng de | woo shyh i jeou jeou wuu nian chu sheng de |
| What’s your rising sign? | 你的上升星座是什么？ | nǐ de shàng shēng xīng zuò shì shén me ？ | nii de shanq sheng shing tzuoh shyh shern me |
| Do you read the horoscope often? | 你经常看星座运势吗？ | nǐ jīng cháng kàn xīng zuò yùn shì ma ？ | nii jing charng kann shing tzuoh yunn shyh mha |
| Our signs are very compatible | 我们的星座/属相/生肖很合 | wǒ men de xīng zuò / shǔ xiàng / shēng xiào hěn hé | woo mhen de shing tzuoh / shuu shianq / sheng shiaw heen her |
There are many versions of the origin of the twelve Zodiac animals. The most common version is that the Jade Emperor organized a race for all the animals, but only the first twelve animals to arrive would win. They had to cross a tumultuous river before getting to the finish line, and the order of the Zodiac signs represents the order of the winners. In the end, the rat was the first to cross the finish line, and the pig was the last winner.
Like the legend of the origin of the twelve Zodiac animals, there are a few different stories explaining why there isn’t a cat in the Chinese Zodiac. One story says that the rat and the cat, both bad swimmers, teamed up to cross the river in the Jade Emperor’s race. However, the rat ended up deceiving the cat, which is why the rat was the first one to make it to the finish line while the cat didn’t even arrive.
So, you might be wondering what happens every 12 years when it is your year of the Zodiac again. Although it might sound like it would be a year of good luck (almost like your birthday!), your 本命年 (běn mìng nián) is actually considered unlucky. That’s because it’s thought that you offend Tai Sui (犯太岁), the god of age in Chinese mythology, in your 本命年, which is why you’re more likely to face obstacles and challenges in your life during this year.
Although Chinese and Western zodiac signs are different, there are some overlaps between them. If you want to draw a parallel between the two to get a better idea of how the Chinese Zodiac signs equate to the Western signs, you can think of the following:
However, remember that these are just approximations and there isn’t a real equivalent between the two Zodiacs.
Now that you have so many new vocabulary words, phrases, and questions about the Western and Chinese Zodiac, you’ll be able to speak confidently about the Zodiac. Who knows, maybe you’ll even get to know yourself a little bit better as you look into the characteristics of your Western and Chinese Zodiac!
Whatever the stars may say, don’t forget to check out our Mandarin Chinese blog, where we routinely publish helpful cultural and vocabulary content for learning Chinese, such as our guide to political words in Chinese and our guide to all things marketing in Chinese.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Chinese foreign policy","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"The ultimate guide to political words and vocabulary in Chinese","url":"/blog/politics-government-vocabulary-chinese","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt2a5e6429f73d5890/65bc9c18d6cf046af4150452/pexels-kindel-media-7651743.jpg"},"post_content":"Being able to connect with over a billion people is one of the biggest benefits of learning Chinese. In addition to unlocking hundreds of millions of possible new friends, this also allows you to keep up with Chinese news broadcasts, reports, magazines, and the latest thought leaders in Chinese society.
\nThis is important for several reasons, with almost too many benefits to mention. Some of the most significant are:
\nSo, whether you’re trying to elevate your diplomatic skills or simply want to become a more well-rounded person, take a look at this helpful Chinese vocabulary about politics and international relations!
\n![\"Learning](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blte474fbc1512dbd5f/65bdbd56ce84ad2d7fe3379c/government-in-chinese.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Before you get started, we should warn you: there is a lot of vocabulary about politics and government in Chinese. There are not only many words that you need to learn to understand the functions of the government itself (president, voting, laws, etc.) but also philosophical and political words that you can learn to have deep, thought-provoking debates.
\nHowever, do not attempt to learn all of these words at once. Not only is mass memorization a bad way to learn Chinese characters, but it’s also highly unlikely that you’ll need to use all or even most of these words in day-to-day conversations.
\nInstead, make personalized lists with words that you find interesting or think you’re going to use frequently. And, if you’re a real political junkie, the best way to rapidly acquire all this new vocabulary is by watching more political TV shows and reading more political books in Chinese, but more on that below!
\nNow, let’s get into the Chinese politics vocabulary!
\n![\"Studying](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt551cb899587e6fdd/65bdbe81f0270555b9ea5acf/international-relations-in-chinese.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
If you’re just looking for a quick refresher or want to find the few words that will pack the biggest punch, then we’ve got just the list for you. These are the 10 essential Chinese words for politics and government that you need to know if you want to follow along interesting conversations about policy and governance:
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Government | \n政府 | \nzhèng fǔ | \njenq fuu | \n
| Politics | \n政治 | \nzhèng zhì | \njenq jyh | \n
| Policy | \n政策 | \nzhèng cè | \njenq tseh | \n
| Country/Nation | \n国家 | \nguó jiā | \ngwo jia | \n
| Territory | \n领土 | \nlǐng tǔ | \nliing tuu | \n
| Law | \n法律 | \nfǎ lǜ | \nfaa liuh | \n
| Regulation | \n法规 | \nfǎ guī | \nfaa guei | \n
| Military | \n军事 | \njūn shì | \njiun duey | \n
| System | \n制度 | \nzhì dù | \njyh duh | \n
| Political party | \n政党 | \nzhèng dǎng | \njenq daang | \n
The following list will be perfect for anyone looking to work in government or is simply passionate about it. These are just some of the most common features of governments around the world:
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Coalition government | \n联合政府 | \nlián hé zhèng fǔ | \nlian her jenq fuu | \n
| Government department | \n政府部门 | \nzhèng fǔ bù mén | \njenq fuu buh men | \n
| Central government | \n中央政府 | \nzhōng yāng zhèng fǔ | \njong iang jenq fuu | \n
| Local government | \n地方政府 | \ndì fāng zhèng fǔ | \ndih fang jenq fuu | \n
| Federal government | \n联邦政府 | \nlián bāng zhèng fǔ | \nlian bang jenq fuu | \n
| System reform | \n体制改革 | \ntǐ zhì gǎi gé | \ntii jyh gae ger | \n
| Constitutional system | \n宪政制度 | \nxiàn zhèng zhì dù | \nshiann jenq jyh duh | \n
| Administrative institutions | \n行政机构 | \nxíng zhèng jī gòu | \nshyng jenq ji gow | \n
| Legislative institutions | \n立法机构 | \nlì fǎ jī gòu | \nlih faa ji gow | \n
| Judicial institutions | \n司法机构 | \nsī fǎ jī gòu | \nsy faa ji gow | \n
| Congress | \n国会 | \nguó huì | \ngwo huey | \n
| Senate | \n参议院 | \ncān yì yuàn | \ntsan yih yuann | \n
| House of Representatives | \n众议院 | \nzhòng yì yuàn | \njonq yih yuann | \n
| The cabinet | \n内阁 | \nnèi gé | \nney ger | \n
If you love politics, philosophy, and deep, thought-provoking discussions about societal issues, then the following list is for you. Here are some common types of political systems, each with its own merits and downsides. Debate away!
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Political system | \n政体 | \nzhèng tǐ | \njenq tii | \n
| Political power/regime | \n政权 | \nzhèng quán | \njenq chyuan | \n
| Centralization | \n中央集权 | \nzhōng yāng jí quán | \njong iang jyi chyuan | \n
| Decentralization | \n分权 | \nfēn quán | \nfen chyuan | \n
| Democracy | \n民主 | \nmín zhǔ | \nmin juu | \n
| Democratic centralism | \n民主集中制 | \nmín zhǔ jí zhōng zhì | \nmin juu jyi jong jyh | \n
| Republic | \n共和国 | \ngòng hé guó | \ngonq her gwo | \n
| Monarchy | \n君主制 | \njūn zhǔ zhì | \njiun juu jyh | \n
| Constitutional monarchy | \n君主立宪制 | \njūn zhǔ lì xiàn zhì | \njiun juu lih shiann jyh | \n
| Autocracy | \n独裁 | \ndú cái | \ndwu tsair | \n
| Authoritarianism | \n专制 | \nzhuān zhì | \njuan jyh | \n
| Totalitarianism | \n专政 | \nzhuān zhèng | \njuan jenq | \n
| Socialism | \n社会主义 | \nshè huì zhǔ yì | \nsheh huey juu yih | \n
| Communism | \n共产主义 | \ngòng chǎn zhǔ yì | \ngonq chaan juu yih | \n
| Capitalism | \n资本主义 | \nzī běn zhǔ yì | \ntzy been juu yih | \n
| Federalism | \n联邦制 | \nlián bāng zhì | \nlian bang jyh | \n
| Unitarianism | \n单一制 | \ndān yī zhì | \ndan i jyh | \n
| Multi-party system | \n多党制 | \nduō dǎng zhì | \nduo daang jyh | \n
| One-party system | \n一党制 | \nyì dǎng zhì | \ni daang jyh | \n
| Electorate | \n选民 | \nxuǎn mín | \nsheuan min | \n
| Universal suffrage | \n普选 | \npǔ xuǎn | \npuu sheuan | \n
To understand what’s going on in the news, you’ll need to understand the roles of the key decision-makers. If you were raised in the United States, then you’re probably used to hearing about the president, senators, and congresspeople, but each country has a different system with different key roles, so you’ll want to get familiar with them.
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Leader | \n领导 | \nlǐng dǎo | \nliing dao | \n
| Statesman | \n政治家 | \nzhèng zhì jiā | \njenq jyh jia | \n
| Politician | \n政治人物 | \nzhèng zhì rén wù | \njenq jyh ren wuh | \n
| Chairman | \n主席 | \nzhǔ xí | \njuu shyi | \n
| General secretary | \n总书记 | \nzǒng shū jì | \ntzoong shu jih | \n
| President | \n总统 | \nzǒng tǒng | \ntzoong toong | \n
| Minister | \n部长 | \nbù zhǎng | \nbuh jaang | \n
| Premier | \n总理 | \nzǒng lǐ | \ntzoong lii | \n
| Prime minister | \n首相 | \nshǒu xiàng | \nshoou shianq | \n
| Legislator | \n立法者 | \nlì fǎ zhě | \nlih faa jee | \n
| Mayor | \n市长 | \nshì zhǎng | \nshyh jaang | \n
| Governor | \n州长 | \nzhōu zhǎng | \njou jaang | \n
| Governor of province | \n省长 | \nshěng zhǎng | \nsheeng jaang | \n
| Commander | \n司令官 | \nsī lìng guān | \nsy linq guan | \n
| Head of state | \n元首 | \nyuán shǒu | \nyuan shoou | \n
| Ambassador | \n大使 | \ndà shǐ | \ndah shyy | \n
| Party leader | \n政党领袖 | \nzhèng dǎng lǐng xiù | \njenq daang liing shiow | \n
| Committee chairman | \n委员会主席 | \nwěi yuán huì zhǔ xí | \nwoei yuan huey juu shyi | \n
| Candidate | \n候选人 | \nhòu xuǎn rén | \nhow sheuan ren | \n
| Representative | \n代表 | \ndài biǎo | \nday beau | \n
At the end of the day, politics impacts all of us. Even if you’re not particularly interested in the government or how decisions are made, you probably do want to stay informed about how these policies will affect your business and even personal life. Here are some of the most important vocabulary words about government and political decisions in Chinese:
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Economic policy | \n经济政策 | \njīng jì zhèng cè | \njing jih jenq tseh | \n
| Political ideology | \n政治意识形态 | \nzhèng zhì yì shí xíng tài | \njenq jyh yih shyr shyng tay | \n
| National sovereignty | \n国家主权 | \nguó jiā zhǔ quán | \ngwo jia juu chyuan | \n
| Political order | \n政治秩序 | \nzhèng zhì zhì xù | \njenq jyh jyh shiuh | \n
| Decision-making | \n决策 | \njué cè | \njyue tseh | \n
| Civil rights | \n公民权利 | \ngōng mín quán lì | \ngong min chyuan lih | \n
| Election | \n选举 | \nxuǎn jǔ | \nsheuan jeu | \n
| Election Day | \n选举日 | \nxuǎn jǔ rì | \nsheuan jeu ryh | \n
| Appointment | \n任命 | \nrèn mìng | \nrenn minq | \n
| Political reform | \n政治改革 | \nzhèng zhì gǎi gé | \njenq jyh gae ger | \n
| Legal bill | \n议案 | \nyì àn | \nyih ann | \n
| Vote | \n投票 | \ntóu piào | \ntour piaw | \n
| Political crisis | \n政治危机 | \nzhèng zhì wēi jī | \njenq jyh uei ji | \n
| Legislative hearing | \n听证会 | \ntīng zhèng huì | \nting jenq huey | \n
| To impeach | \n弹劾 | \ntán hé | \ntarn her | \n
| Anti-corruption | \n反腐 | \nfǎn fǔ | \nfaan fuu | \n
| Constitutional | \n立宪 | \nlì xiàn | \nlih shiann | \n
| Legal system | \n法律体系 | \nfǎ lǜ tǐ xì | \nfaa liuh tii shih | \n
| Government functions | \n政府职能 | \nzhèng fǔ zhí néng | \njenq fuu jyr neng | \n
| Policy agenda | \n施政纲领 | \nshī zhèng gāng lǐng | \nshy jenq gang liing | \n
| Administrative decision | \n行政决定 | \nxíng zhèng jué dìng | \nshyng jenq jyue dinq | \n
| Legislative resolution | \n立法决议 | \nlì fǎ jué yì | \nlih faa jyue yih | \n
| Military decision | \n军事决策 | \njūn shì jué cè | \njiun shyh jyue tseh | \n
Compared to absolute individual freedom, China prioritizes collective interests and social stability. While peaceful protests and demonstrations are legally allowed, they are not encouraged in practice. As a foreigner in mainland China, you should think carefully before deciding to get involved with any type of political activism. Additionally, you should try to avoid getting involved with political activities without prior authorization from the Chinese authorities.
\nHere is some vocabulary around political activity in Chinese:
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Lobby | \n游说 | \nyóu shuì | \nyou shuey | \n
| Revolution | \n革命 | \ngé mìng | \nger minq | \n
| Demonstration | \n示威 | \nshì wēi | \nshyh uei | \n
| Assembly | \n集会 | \njí huì | \njyi huey | \n
| Association | \n结社 | \njié shè | \njye sheh | \n
| Press/Publishing | \n出版 | \nchū bǎn | \nchu baan | \n
| Speech | \n言论 | \nyán lùn | \nyan luenn | \n
| Ideological trend | \n思潮 | \nsī cháo | \nsy chaur | \n
| Put into practice | \n实践 | \nshí jiàn | \nshyr jiann | \n
| To resist | \n抗争 | \nkàng zhēng | \nkanq jeng | \n
| To protest | \n抗议 | \nkàng yì | \nkanq yih | \n
| To proclaim | \n公布 | \ngōng bù | \ngong buh | \n
| To issue | \n发布 | \nfā bù | \nfa buh | \n
| To declare | \n宣布 | \nxuān bù | \nshiuan buh | \n
| To negotiate | \n协商 | \nxié shāng | \nshye shang | \n
| Party in power | \n执政党 | \nzhí zhèng dǎng | \njyr jenq daang | \n
| Opposition party | \n在野党 | \nzài yě dǎng | \ntzay yee daang | \n
| Participating party | \n参政党 | \ncān zhèng dǎng | \ntsan jenq daang | \n
| Train of thought | \n思路 | \nsī lù | \nsy luh | \n
| Administer | \n治理 | \nzhì lǐ | \njyh lii | \n
| Empirical theory | \n经验理论 | \njīng yàn lǐ lùn | \njing yann lii luenn | \n
| Conflict | \n冲突 | \nchōng tū | \nchong twu | \n
| Backward | \n落后 | \nluò hòu | \nluoh how | \n
| Trend | \n趋势 | \nqū shì | \nchiu shyh | \n
| Turning point | \n拐点 | \nguǎi diǎn | \ngoai dean | \n
| Ballot | \n选票 | \nxuǎn piào | \nsheuan piaw | \n
| To nominate | \n提名 | \ntí míng | \ntyi ming | \n
| Poll | \n民意调查 | \nmín yì diào chá | \nmin yih diaw char | \n
| To campaign | \n竞选 | \njìng xuǎn | \njinq sheuan | \n
| Appeal | \n诉求 | \nsù qiú | \nsuh chyou | \n
| Propaganda | \n政治宣传 | \nzhèng zhì xuān chuán | \njenq jyh shiuan chwan | \n
Chinese domestic politics are most likely very different from your home country, no matter where you come from. Not only are domestic policies and mechanisms different, but China faces unique political and economic struggles. Here are some of the vocabulary words you should be familiar with:
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Combat Corruption | \n治理腐败 | \nzhì lǐ fǔ bài | \njyh lii fuu bay | \n
| United front | \n统一战线 | \ntǒng yī zhàn xiàn | \ntoong i jann shiann | \n
| Maintain social stability | \n维护社会稳定 | \nwéi hù shè huì wěn dìng | \nwei huh sheh huey woen dinq | \n
| Economic miracle | \n经济奇迹 | \njīng jì qí jì | \njing jih chyi ji | \n
| Common prosperity | \n共同富裕 | \ngòng tóng fù yù | \ngonq torng fuh yuh | \n
| Harmonious society | \n和谐社会 | \nhé xié shè huì | \nher shye sheh huey | \n
| Central Committee of the Communist Party | \n中央委员会 | \nzhōng yāng wěi yuán huì | \njong iang woei yuan huey | \n
| Politburo of the Communist Party | \n中央政治局 | \nzhōng yāng zhèng zhì jú | \njong iang jenq jyh jyu | \n
| Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Communist Party | \n中央政治局常务委员会 | \nzhōng yāng zhèng zhì jú cháng wù wěi yuán huì | \njong iang jenq jyh jyu charng wuh woei yuan huey | \n
| Communist Party | \n共产党 | \ngòng chǎn dǎng | \ngonq chaan daang | \n
| National Congress of the Communist Party | \n全国代表大会 | \nquán guó dài biǎo dà huì | \nchyuan gwo day beau dah huey | \n
| Multi-party Cooperation | \n多党合作 | \nduō dǎng hé zuò | \nduo daang her tzuoh | \n
| The Chinese Dream | \n中国梦 | \nzhōng guó mèng | \njong gwo menq | \n
| One Country, Two Systems | \n一国两制 | \nyì guó liǎng zhì | \ni gwo leang jyh | \n
| Put an end to “face” projects | \n杜绝面子工程 | \ndù jué miàn zi gōng chéng | \nduh jyue miann tzy gong cherng | \n
| National rejuvenation | \n民族复兴 | \nmín zú fù xīng | \nmin tzwu fuh shing | \n
| Cultural confidence | \n文化自信 | \nwén huà zì xìn | \nwen huah tzyh shinn | \n
| Socialism with Chinese characteristics | \n中国特色社会主义 | \nzhōng guó tè sè shè huì zhǔ yì | \njong gwo teh seh sheh huey juu yih | \n
| Collective action | \n集体行动 | \njí tǐ xíng dòng | \njyi tii shyng donq | \n
| Petition / compliant letter | \n请愿书/投诉信 | \nqǐng yuàn shū / tóu sù xìn | \nchiing yuann shu / tour suh shinn | \n
| Middle class | \n中产阶级 | \nzhōng chǎn jiē jí | \njong chaan jie jyi | \n
| Proletariat | \n无产阶级 | \nwú chǎn jiē jí | \nwu chaan jie jyi | \n
| Patriotism | \n爱国主义 | \nài guó zhǔ yì | \nay gwo juu yih | \n
| Political centralization | \n政治集权 | \nzhèng zhì jí quán | \njenq jyh jyi chyuan | \n
| Political decentralization | \n政治分权 | \nzhèng zhì fēn quán | \njenq jyh fen chyuan | \n
| Planned economy | \n计划经济 | \njì huà jīng jì | \njih huah jing jih | \n
| Common Program | \n《共同纲领》 | \ngòng tóng gāng lǐng | \ngonq torng gang liing | \n
At the end of the day, it’s the laws and regulations of a country or municipality that have the biggest impact on our daily lives. If you are living or doing business in China, then you definitely want to keep up with any new laws, guidelines, and regulations.
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Amend constitution | \n修宪 | \nxiū xiàn | \nshiou shiann | \n
| Draft | \n草案 | \ncǎo'àn | \ntsao ann | \n
| Amendment | \n修正案 | \nxiū zhèng àn | \nshiou jenq ann | \n
| Legal rights | \n合法权益 | \nhé fǎ quán yì | \nher faa chyuan yih | \n
| Civil rights | \n民事权利 | \nmín shì quán lì | \nmin shyh chyuan lih | \n
| Civil obligations | \n民事义务 | \nmín shì yì wù | \nmin shyh yih wuh | \n
| Decree | \n判令 | \npàn lìng | \npann linq | \n
| Jurisdiction | \n审判权 | \nshěn pàn quán | \nsheen pann chyuan | \n
| Power of supervision | \n监察权 | \njiān chá quán | \njian char chyuan | \n
| To authorize | \n授权 | \nshòu quán | \nshow chyuan | \n
| Legislation | \n立法 | \nlì fǎ | \nlih faa | \n
| Common understanding | \n共识 | \ngòng shí | \ngonq shyh | \n
| Administrative regulations | \n行政法规 | \nxíng zhèng fǎ guī | \nshyng jenq faa guei | \n
| Local regulations | \n地方性法规 | \ndì fāng xìng fǎ guī | \ndih fang shinq faa guei | \n
| Constitution | \n宪法 | \nxiàn fǎ | \nshiann faa | \n
| Legality | \n合法性 | \nhé fǎ xìng | \nher faa shinq | \n
| Autonomy | \n自治 | \nzì zhì | \ntzyh jyh | \n
| General provision | \n总则 | \nzǒng zé | \ntzoong tzer | \n
Over the past few decades, China has grown into the world’s largest economy by some metrics. This was, in part, thanks to its ability to forge commercial relationships with countries all over the world. Today, China’s foreign policy objectives generally revolve around establishing and securing trade routes to create mutually beneficial trade relationships, like the Belt and Road Initiative (more on that below!).
\nWe’ll give you all the vocabulary words you’ll need to know to fully understand Chinese foreign policy and international relations, but first, we’ll show you how to talk about bilateral relations in Chinese.
\n![\"Chinese](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt59306625e8c9ac9a/65bdbedaa3c202364c25029a/chinese-foreign-policy.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
If you’ve already studied how to say country names in Chinese, then you already know that China is 中国 (zhōng guó), the United States is 美国 (měi guó), the United Kingdom is 英国 (yīng guó), and Japan is日本 (rì běn), just to name a few. If you wanted to talk about bilateral relations between China and any of these countries, you would need to put both country names together, followed by 关系 (guān xì), which is the word for relations.
\nHowever, there’s a neat abbreviation that you can use that only includes one character from each of the two countries. Here’s what we mean:
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| China–United States relations | \n中美关系 | \nzhōng měi guān xì | \njong meei guan shih | \n
| China-United Kingdom relations | \n中英关系 | \nzhōng yīng guān xì | \njong ing guan shih | \n
| China-Japan relations | \n中日关系 | \nzhōng rì guān xì | \njong ryh guan shih | \n
Any good diplomat knows the importance of learning at least a few words in the language of your host nation. So, whether you’re learning Chinese from scratch or simply want a few words to keep under your belt, here are some of the top Chinese words on diplomacy and foreign relations:
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Diplomacy | \n外交 | \nwài jiāo | \nway jiau | \n
| Diplomat | \n外交官 | \nwài jiāo guān | \nway jiau guan | \n
| Foreign policy | \n外交政策 | \nwài jiāo zhèng cè | \nway jiau jenq tseh | \n
| Foreign relations | \n外交关系 | \nwài jiāo guān xì | \nway jiau guan shih | \n
| Diplomatic language | \n外交辞令 | \nwài jiāo cí lìng | \nway jiau tsyr linq | \n
| Trade war | \n贸易战 | \nmào yì zhàn | \nmaw yih jann | \n
| Trade agreement | \n贸易协定 | \nmào yì xié dìng | \nmaw yih shye dinq | \n
| International cooperation | \n国际合作 | \nguó jì hé zuò | \ngwo jih her tzuoh | \n
| Sovereign state | \n主权国家 | \nzhǔ quán guó jiā | \njuu chyuan gwo jia | \n
| Strategic partnership | \n战略伙伴关系 | \nzhàn lüè huǒ bàn guān xì | \njann liueh huoo bann guan shih | \n
| Globalization | \n全球化 | \nquán qiú huà | \nchyuan chyou huah | \n
| Embassy | \n使馆 | \nshǐ guǎn | \nshyy goan | \n
| Consulate | \n领事馆 | \nlǐng shì guǎn | \nliing shyh goan | \n
| Negotiation | \n谈判 | \ntán pàn | \ntarn pann | \n
| Arbitration | \n裁决 | \ncái jué | \ntsair jyue | \n
| Summit | \n峰会 | \nfēng huì | \nfeng huey | \n
| Bilateral | \n双边 | \nshuāng biān | \nshuang bian | \n
| Multilateral | \n多边 | \nduō biān | \nduo bian | \n
| Economic aid | \n经援 | \njīng yuán | \njing yuan | \n
| Arms control | \n军控 | \njūn kòng | \njiun konq | \n
| To form an alliance | \n结盟 | \njié méng | \njye meng | \n
| Ally | \n盟友 | \nméng yǒu | \nmeng yeou | \n
| Trade partner | \n贸易伙伴 | \nmào yì huǒ bàn | \nmaw yih huoo bann | \n
| In a mess domestically and abroad | \n内忧外患 | \nnèi yōu wài huàn | \nney iou way huann | \n
| Soft power | \n软实力 | \nruǎn shí lì | \nroan shyr lih | \n
| Colony | \n殖民地 | \nzhí mín dì | \njyr min dih | \n
| Imperialism | \n帝国主义 | \ndì guó zhǔ yì | \ndih gwo juu yih | \n
| Anti-terrorism | \n反恐 | \nfǎn kǒng | \nfaan koong | \n
| Maritime Silk Road | \n海上丝绸之路 | \nhǎi shàng sī chóu zhī lù | \nhae shanq sy chour jy luh | \n
| One Belt, One Road/The Belt and Road Initiative | \n一带一路 | \nyí dài yí lù | \ni day i luh | \n
| To meddle, to interfere | \n干涉 | \ngān shè | \ngan sheh | \n
| Balance of power | \n均势 | \njūn shì | \njiun shyh | \n
| Hegemony | \n霸权 | \nbà quán | \nbah chyuan | \n
| Leading | \n主导 | \nzhǔ dǎo | \njuu dao | \n
As the world becomes more and more connected politically, economically, and culturally, international organizations and unions play an increasingly crucial role. These organizations are responsible for global governance and coordination, from economic integration to ecological conservation. Here are some of the largest international organizations that you might come across as you study international relations in Chinese.
\nIn English, we typically use initials and acronyms to abbreviate the names of these organizations. For example, the International Monetary Fund is commonly referred to as the IMF and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is known as UNESCO. Chinese uses a less straightforward abbreviation method, though it generally keeps only one of the two characters in each word of the name.
\nFor example, the full name of the World Health Organization is 世界卫生组织, made up of the words 世界 (World), 卫生 (Health), and 组织 (Organization). Its abbreviation is 世卫组织, dropping the second character of 世界 (world) and 卫生 (health). On the other hand, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is 亚洲基础设施投资银行, made up of the words 亚洲 (Asia) 基础设施 (Infrastructure), 投资(Investment), and 银行 (Bank). Its abbreviation is simply 亚投行, which completely excludes the “infrastructure” component, so there’s no way to standardize abbreviations. Not to worry, though, we’ve included the full names of organizations and their abbreviations below!
\nKeep in mind that you don’t need to memorize or even learn all of these organizations, as you likely won’t come across all of them very often (if at all). For example, if your career or interests are in the field of international economics, then you’ll likely be hearing about organizations like the WTO or APEC, but likely won’t hear from environmental agencies like the IOC or the WFP. So, focus on learning the names of the orgs you’re most likely to need!
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| United Nations | \n联合国 | \nlián hé guó | \nlian her gwo | \n
| World Bank | \n世界银行 | \nshì jiè yín háng | \nshyh jieh yn harng | \n
| International Monetary Fund (IMF) | \n国际货币基金组织 | \nguó jì huò bì jī jīn zǔ zhī | \ngwo jih huoh bih ji jin tzuu jy | \n
| Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) | \n亚洲基础设施投资银行（亚投行） | \nyà zhōu jī chǔ shè shī tóu zī yín háng (yà tóu háng) | \nyah jou ji chuu sheh shy tour tzy yn harng (yah tour harng) | \n
| International Finance Corporation (IFC) | \n国际金融公司 | \nguó jì jīn róng gōng sī | \ngwo jih jin rong gong sy | \n
| World Health Organization (WHO) | \n世界卫生组织（世卫组织） | \nshì jiè wèi shēng zǔ zhī (shì wèi zǔ zhī) | \nshyh jieh wey sheng tzuu jy (shyh wey tzuu jy) | \n
| United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) | \n联合国教育、科学及文化组织（联合国教科文组织） | \nlián hé guó jiào yù, kē xué jí wén huà zǔ zhī (lián hé guó jiào kē wén zǔ zhī) | \nlian her gwo jiaw yuh ke shyue jyi wen huah tzuu jy (lian her gwo jiaw ke wen tzuu jy) | \n
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | \n世界贸易组织（世贸组织） | \nshì jiè mào yì zǔ zhī (shì mào zǔ zhī) | \nshyh jieh maw yih tzuu jy (shyh maw tzuu jy) | \n
| Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) | \n亚太经济合作组织（亚太经合组织） | \nyà tài jīng jì hé zuò zǔ zhī (yà tài jīng hé zǔ zhī) | \nyah tay jing jih her tzuoh tzuu jy (yah tay jing her tzuu jy) | \n
| United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) | \n联合国儿童基金会 | \nlián hé guó ér tóng jī jīn huì | \nlian her gwo erl torng ji jin huey | \n
| International Red Cross | \n国际红十字会 | \nguó jì hóng shí zì huì | \ngwo jih horng shyr tzyh huey | \n
| International Maritime Organization (IMO) | \n国际海洋组织 | \nguó jì hǎi yáng zǔ zhī | \ngwo jih hae yang tzuu jy | \n
| Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) | \n联合国粮食及农业组织（粮农组织） | \nlián hé guó liáng shí jí nóng yè zǔ zhī (liáng nóng zǔ zhī) | \nlian her gwo liang shyr jyi nong yeh tzuu jy (liang nong tzuu jy) | \n
| International Air Transport Association (IATA) | \n国际航空运输协会 | \nguó jì háng kōng yùn shū xié huì | \ngwo jih harng kong yunn shu shye huey | \n
| International Telecommunication Union (ITU) | \n国际电信联盟 | \nguó jì diàn xìn lián méng | \ngwo jih diann shinn lian meng | \n
| International Olympic Committee (IOC) | \n国际奥林匹克委员会 （国际奥委会） | \nguó jì ào lín pǐ kè wěi yuán huì (guó jì ào wěi huì) | \ngwo jih aw lin pii keh woei yuan huey (gwo jih aw woei huey) | \n
| World Food Programme (WFP) | \n世界粮食计划署 | \nshì jiè liáng shí jì huà shǔ | \nshyh jieh liang shyr jih huah shuu | \n
| International Labour Organization (ILO) | \n国际劳工组织 | \nguó jì láo gōng zǔ zhī | \ngwo jih lau gong tzuu jy | \n
| World Meteorological Organization (WMO) | \n世界气象组织 | \nshì jiè qì xiàng zǔ zhī | \nshyh jieh chih shianq tzuu jy | \n
| International Energy Agency (IEA) | \n国际能源署 | \nguó jì néng yuán shǔ | \ngwo jih neng yuan shuu | \n
| International Criminal Court (ICC) | \n国际刑事法院 | \nguó jì xíng shì fǎ yuàn | \ngwo jih shyng shyh faa yuann | \n
| United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) | \n联合国难民事务高级专员办事处（联合国难民署） | \nlián hé guó nàn mín shì wù gāo jí zhuān yuán bàn shì chù (lián hé guó nàn mín shǔ) | \nlian her gwo nann min shyh wuh gau jyi juan yuan bann shyh chuh (lian her gwo nann min shuu) | \n
| International Organization for Standardization (ISO) | \n国际标准化组织 | \nguó jì biāo zhǔn huà zǔ zhī | \ngwo jih biau joen huah tzuu jy | \n
| Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) | \n石油输出国组织（欧佩克） | \nshí yóu shū chū guó zǔ zhī (ōu pèi kè) | \nshyr you shu chu gwo tzuu jy (ou pey keh) | \n
| BRICS | \n金砖国家 | \njīn zhuān guó jiā | \njin juan gwo jia | \n
| Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) | \n东南亚国家联盟（东盟） | \ndōng nán yà guó jiā lián méng (dōng méng) | \ndong nan yah gwo jia lian meng (dong meng) | \n
| European Union (EU) | \n欧洲联盟（欧盟） | \nōu zhōu lián méng (ōu méng) | \nou jou lian meng (ou meng) | \n
| Five Eyes Alliance (FVEY) | \n五眼联盟（五眼） | \nwǔ yǎn lián méng (wǔ yǎn) | \nwuu yean lian meng (wuu yean) | \n
| North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) | \n北大西洋公约组织（北约） | \nběi dà xī yáng gōng yuē zǔ zhī (běi yuē) | \nbeei dah shi yang gong iue tzuu jy (beei iue) | \n
| African Union | \n非洲联盟（非盟） | \nfēi zhōu lián méng (fēi méng) | \nfei jou lian meng (fei meng) | \n
| Group of Twenty (G20) | \n二十国集团 | \nèr shí guó jí tuán | \nell shyr gwo jyi twan | \n
| Group of Seven (G7) | \n七国集团 | \nqī guó jí tuán | \nchi gwo jyi twan | \n
Although countries all over the world face unique challenges, there are many things that humanity needs to work on as a whole. Issues like climate change, pandemics, and transnational crime need to be resolved across borders, and here’s the vocabulary you’re gonna need to contribute to the solution:
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Climate Change | \n气候变化 | \nqì hòu biàn huà | \nchih how biann huah | \n
| Sustainable Development | \n可持续发展 | \nkě chí xù fā zhǎn | \nkee chyr shiuh fa jaan | \n
| Income Inequality | \n贫富差距 | \npín fù chā jù | \npyn fuh cha jiuh | \n
| Environmental Protection | \n环境保护 | \nhuán jìng bǎo hù | \nhwan jinq bao huh | \n
| Transnational Crime | \n跨国犯罪 | \nkuà guó fàn zuì | \nkuah gwo fann tzuey | \n
| Terrorism | \n恐怖主义 | \nkǒng bù zhǔ yì | \nkoong buh juu yih | \n
| Immigration | \n移民 | \nyí mín | \nyi min | \n
| Refugee | \n难民 | \nnàn mín | \nnann min | \n
| Food Security | \n粮食安全 | \nliáng shí ān quán | \nliang shyr an chyuan | \n
| Pandemics | \n流行病 | \nliú xíng bìng | \nliou shyng binq | \n
| Energy Security | \n能源安全 | \nnéng yuán ān quán | \nneng yuan an chyuan | \n
| International Development | \n国际发展 | \nguó jì fā zhǎn | \ngwo jih fa jaan | \n
| Global Governance | \n全球治理 | \nquán qiú zhì lǐ | \nchyuan chyou jyh lii | \n
| Population Issues | \n人口问题 | \nrén kǒu wèn tí | \nren koou wenn tyi | \n
| Cultural Diversity | \n文化多样性 | \nwén huà duō yàng xìng | \nwen huah duo yanq shinq | \n
| Digital Divide | \n数字鸿沟 | \nshù zì hóng gōu | \nshuh tzyh horng gou | \n
In a world with a globalized economy, knowing how to discuss international economics is more important than ever. Fortunately, you don’t need an MBA to understand how to talk about international economics in Chinese. Just take a look at the following list!
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Macroeconomics | \n宏观经济 | \nhóng guān jīng jì | \nhorng guan jing jih | \n
| Microeconomics | \n微观经济 | \nwēi guān jīng jì | \nuei guan jing jih | \n
| Currency | \n货币 | \nhuò bì | \nhuoh bih | \n
| Capital | \n资本 | \nzī běn | \ntzy been | \n
| Investment | \n投资 | \ntóu zī | \ntour tzy | \n
| Savings | \n储蓄 | \nchǔ xù | \nchwu shiuh | \n
| Labor | \n劳工 | \nláo gōng | \nlau gong | \n
| Wages | \n工资 | \ngōng zī | \ngong tzy | \n
| Service industry | \n服务业 | \nfú wù yè | \nfwu wuh yeh | \n
| Skilled labor | \n技术劳工 | \njì shù láo gōng | \njih shuh lau gong | \n
| Labor productivity rate | \n劳动生产率 | \nláo dòng shēng chǎn lǜ | \nlau donq sheng chaan liuh | \n
| Labor-intensive | \n劳动密集型 | \nláo dòng mì jí xíng | \nlau donq mih jyi shinq | \n
| Capital-intensive | \n资本密集型 | \nzī běn mì jí xíng | \ntzy been mih jyi shinq | \n
| Supply | \n供给 | \ngōng jǐ | \ngong jii | \n
| Demand | \n需求 | \nxū qiú | \nshiu chyou | \n
| Cost | \n成本 | \nchéng běn | \ncherng been | \n
| Price | \n价格 | \njià gé | \njiah ger | \n
| Marginal cost | \n边际成本 | \nbiān jì chéng běn | \nbian jih cherng been | \n
| Monetary value | \n金额 | \njīn’é | \njin er | \n
| Profit | \n利润 | \nlì rùn | \nlih ruenn | \n
| Interest | \n利益 | \nlì yì | \nlih yih | \n
| Enterprise | \n企业 | \nqǐ yè | \nchii yeh | \n
| Industry/Sector | \n行业 | \nháng yè | \nharng yeh | \n
| Externality | \n外部性 | \nwài bù xìng | \nway buh shinq | \n
| Economy of scale | \n规模经济 | \nguī mó jīng jì | \nguei mo jing jih | \n
| Income and expenses | \n收支 | \nshōu zhī | \nshou jy | \n
| GDP per capita | \n人均收入 | \nrén jūn shōu rù | \nren jiun shou ruh | \n
| Income distribution | \n收入分配 | \nshōu rù fēn pèi | \nshou ruh fen pey | \n
| Central bank | \n中央银行 | \nzhōng yāng yín háng | \njong iang yn harng | \n
| Government purchasing | \n政府采购 | \nzhèng fǔ cǎi gòu | \njenq fuu tsae gow | \n
| Finance (public) | \n财政 | \ncái zhèng | \ntsair jenq | \n
| Interest rate | \n利率 | \nlì lǜ | \nlih liuh | \n
| Debt exemption | \n债务豁免 | \nzhài wù huò miǎn | \njay wuh huoh mean | \n
Countries around the world employ all kinds of economic policies to optimize their economy and wealth distribution. Here is some helpful vocabulary about economic policies in Chinese:
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Mercantilism | \n重商主义 | \nzhòng shāng zhǔ yì | \njonq shang juu yih | \n
| Absolute advantage | \n绝对优势 | \njué duì yōu shì | \njyue duey iou shyh | \n
| Comparative advantage | \n比较优势 | \nbǐ jiào yōu shì | \nbii jiaw iou shyh | \n
| Relative price | \n相对价格 | \nxiāng duì jià gé | \nshiang duey jiah ger | \n
| Division of labor | \n分工 | \nfēn gōng | \nfen gong | \n
| Protectionism | \n保护主义 | \nbǎo hù zhǔ yì | \nbao huh juu yih | \n
| Infant industry protection | \n新兴产业保护 | \nxīn xīng chǎn yè bǎo hù | \nshin shing chaan yeh bao huh | \n
| Monopoly | \n垄断 | \nlǒng duàn | \nloong duann | \n
| Duopoly | \n双寡头垄断 | \nshuāng guǎ tóu lǒng duàn | \nshuang goa tour loong duann | \n
| Price-setting power | \n定价权 | \ndìng jià quán | \ndinq jiah chyuan | \n
| Price scissors | \n剪刀差 | \njiǎn dāo chā | \njean dau cha | \n
| Demand reversal | \n需求逆转 | \nxū qiú nì zhuǎn | \nshiu chyou nih joan | \n
| Demand-similarity hypothesis | \n需求相似假设 | \nxū qiú xiāng sì jiǎ shè | \nshiu chyou shiang syh jea sheh | \n
| Product life cycle | \n产品生命周期 | \nchǎn pǐn shēng mìng zhōu qī | \nchaan piin sheng minq jou chi | \n
| Gold standard system | \n金本位制 | \njīn běn wèi zhì | \njin been wey jyh | \n
| Bretton Woods system | \n布雷顿森林体系 | \nbù léi dùn sēn lín tǐ xì | \nbuh lei duenn sen lin tii shih | \n
| Trilemma | \n三元悖论 | \nsān yuán bèi lùn | \nsan yuan bey luenn | \n
One of the centerpieces of Chinese foreign policy is fostering international trade. As you’ll see in the section below, China is embarking on many ambitious projects to take its international trade to a whole new level. Here are some of the most common international trade terms in Chinese:
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Trade | \n贸易 | \nmào yì | \nmaw yih | \n
| Closed economy | \n封闭经济 | \nfēng bì jīng jì | \nfeng bih jing jih | \n
| Open economy | \n开放经济 | \nkāi fàng jīng jì | \nkai fanq jing jih | \n
| Export | \n出口 | \nchū kǒu | \nchu koou | \n
| Balance of trade | \n贸易余额 | \nmào yì yú’é | \nmaw yih yu er | \n
| Trade barriers | \n贸易壁垒 | \nmào yì bì lěi | \nmaw yih bih leei | \n
| Terms of trade | \n贸易条件 | \nmào yì tiáo jiàn | \nmaw yih tyau jiann | \n
| Tariff | \n关税 | \nguān shuì | \nguan shuey | \n
| Levy | \n征收 | \nzhēng shōu | \njeng shou | \n
| Subsidy | \n补贴 | \nbǔ tiē | \nbuu tie | \n
| To sell | \n销售 | \nxiāo shòu | \nshiau show | \n
| Output | \n产量 | \nchǎn liàng | \nchaan lianq | \n
| Dumping | \n倾销 | \nqīng xiāo | \nching shiau | \n
| Rent | \n租金 | \nzū jīn | \ntzu jin | \n
| Quota | \n配额 | \npèi’é | \npey er | \n
| Consumer surplus | \n消费者剩余 | \nxiāo fèi zhě shèng yú | \nshiau fey jee shenq yu | \n
| Producer surplus | \n生产者剩余 | \nshēng chǎn zhě shèng yú | \nsheng chaan jee shenq yu | \n
| Import license | \n进口许可证 | \njìn kǒu xǔ kě zhèng | \njinn koou sheu kee jenq | \n
| Voluntary export restraint | \n自愿出口限制 | \nzì yuàn chū kǒu xiàn zhì | \ntzyh yuann chu koou shean jyh | \n
| Effective rate of protection | \n有效保护率 | \nyǒu xiào bǎo hù lǜ | \nyeou shiaw bao huh liuh | \n
| First-mover advantage | \n先发优势 | \nxiān fā yōu shì | \nshian fa iou shyh | \n
| Purchasing power parity | \n购买力平价 | \ngòu mǎi lì píng jià | \ngow mae lih pyng jiah | \n
| Interest rate parity | \n利率平价 | \nlì lǜ píng jià | \nlih liuh pyng jiah | \n
| Untradeable goods | \n不可贸易品 | \nbù kě mào yì pǐn | \nbuh kee maw yih piin | \n
| Exchange rate | \n汇率 | \nhuì lǜ | \nhuey liuh | \n
| Foreign exchange | \n外汇 | \nwài huì | \nway huey | \n
| Capital flows | \n资本流动 | \nzī běn liú dòng | \ntzy been liou donq | \n
| Freely convertible currency | \n自由兑换货币 | \nzì yóu duì huàn huò bì | \ntzyh you duey huann huoh bih | \n
![\"Discovering](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt838488157bdee6b3/65bdbf3890c22c829dd02750/policies-in-chinese.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
One of the most misunderstood and frequently cited aspects of Chinese politics is the concept of “socialism with Chinese characteristics.” This concept was first introduced by Deng Xiaoping, the leader of China who ushered in the period of opening and reform known as 改革开放 (gǎi gé kāi fàng) starting in 1978.
\nThese reforms attempted to adapt traditional Marxist values to the realities of China’s socio-economic conditions. Concretely, they implemented some aspects of market economies to encourage the development of industry and capital, foreign investment, and private ownership.
\nHowever, this doesn’t mean that China has abandoned socialism. The state still maintains control over the “commanding heights” of the economy. For example, some key industries and sectors are mainly operated by state-owned enterprises. Many private companies also establish party branches, which can affect how the business acts. This means that, unlike in many Western countries, the Chinese government still exerts heavy influence over key industries instead of letting it all up to the free market.
\nYou probably already know that China is a massive manufacturing powerhouse. In fact, chances are that you’re currently wearing or using something made in China, especially since most computers and smartphones include components that were made in China. That’s because one of China’s biggest foreign policy objectives over the past few decades has been to increase trade with countries around the world.
\nThe Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is one of the flagship projects of China in the 21st century. Introduced in 2013, this initiative aims to fund key infrastructure projects around the world to facilitate trade and commerce, including ports, railways, and highways. By developing this key infrastructure, China hopes to foster mutually beneficial relationships with countries around the world to improve economic integration and connectivity.
\nAs of January 2024, approximately 150 countries from all continents have joined the BRI.
\nMost recently, China’s foreign policy direction can be understood by the concept of “A community with a shared future for mankind.” This is a diplomatic framework put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping, which emphasizes cooperation, mutual respect, and shared benefits.
\nAt its core, the concept stresses the importance of dialogue and cooperation instead of confrontation and zero-sum competition. The idea is to create a global community that understands that common prosperity is the only way to create sustainable global peace and resolve global conflicts like climate change and world hunger.
\nYou’ll see this concept in China’s international diplomacy and foreign policy projects, such as the Belt and Road Initiative. This aligns with China’s push for a multipolar world and increased levels of global governance.
\n\nLearning Chinese doesn’t have to be all about reading textbooks, taking classes, and memorizing flashcards. Once you progress past the beginner level and become an intermediate speaker, you’ll be delighted to learn that one of the best things you can do to improve your Chinese is simply kick back and enjoy some Chinese movies and TV shows.
\nIf you want to target a particular area of Chinese, such as political language, then you can curate your movies and shows to acquire this type of vocabulary. Here are some of our top suggestions:
\n| English | \nChinese | \nTheme | \nDescription | \n
| In the Name of the People | \n人民的名义 | \nAnti-corruption | \nCenters on anti-corruption efforts in contemporary China, following a prosecutor as he investigates corruption cases. | \n
| Minning Town | \n山海情 | \nPoverty eradication | \nIt depicts the transformative journey of a poverty-stricken village in Ningxia, focusing on poverty alleviation efforts, rural revitalization, and the lives affected by these initiatives. | \n
| Like A Flowing River | \n大江大河 | \nReform and opening-up | \nTells the story of three men navigating the significant economic and social transformations in China between the 1970s and 1990s. | \n
Chinese politics and international relations objectives are deeply interesting and unique, especially if you come from a Western country. Whether you’re looking to work in China or simply want to learn more about the political system of this beautiful country, the vocabulary words in this article will help you expand your horizons by engaging in captivating political conversations in Chinese.
\nIf you enjoyed this article, then check out the rest of our Mandarin blog entries! We publish all kinds of fun Mandarin content to help you learn, from our guide to Chinese grammar to marketing vocabulary in Chinese.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Chinese new year greetings","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"A splendid guide to happy Chinese New Year greetings for 2026","url":"/blog/happy-chinese-new-year-greetings-chinese","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt08ea6c48d2f75940/65c2e907f02705e82dea7772/china_182789611.jpg"},"post_content":"You’ve probably heard of Chinese New Year and maybe wonder why it’s different from the New Year we celebrate on January 1st. Although not celebrated everywhere in the world, this tradition is the most important holiday of the year for hundreds of millions of people. If you’re studying Mandarin Chinese, then you must learn about Chinese New Year.
\nThis Chinese tradition dates back to around 3,500 years ago, sometime during the Shang Dynasty. Since then, Chinese New Year has become the single most important celebration in the Chinese-speaking world. If you find yourself in China during January or February or are otherwise keen to celebrate Chinese New Year, then you need to take a look at this guide to everything about Chinese New Year.
\nBelow, we’ll cover essential vocabulary, common New Year’s greetings as well as greetings that go far beyond how to say Happy New Year in Chinese, plus plenty of cultural tidbits. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to wish your friends and family a prosperous new year.
\n\n
Before we get into all the festivities, let’s take a look at some Chinese New Year vocabulary. If you’re learning Mandarin, then this section will arm you with plenty of helpful vocabulary that you’ll surely use year after year. We’ll break down all the vocabulary into different sections including dates, traditional activities, and more.
\n![\"People](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt8af6105d97158c52/65c325d17998daa9886b48bf/Chinese-new-year-pray.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
We’ll cover a wide range of vocabulary words, from how to say happy new year in Chinese, traditional New Year's activities to the most common New Year's foods. However, we’ll start with the basics. If you’ve got a Chinese New Year celebration coming up, then these are the words that you’ll absolutely need to kick off the new year to a great start.
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Spring Festival | \n春节 | \nchūn jié | \nchuen jye | \n
| Red envelope | \n红包 | \nhóng bāo | \nhorng bau | \n
| Happy New Year | \n新年快乐 | \nxīn nián kuài lè | \nshin nian kuay leh | \n
| May you have a prosperous New Year! | \n恭喜发财 | \ngōng xǐ fā cái | \ngong shii fa tsair | \n
| To return to your hometown | \n回老家 | \nhuí lǎo jiā | \nhwei lao jia | \n
| To make dumplings | \n包饺子 | \nbāo jiǎo zi | \nbau jeau tzy | \n
| Lion dance | \n舞狮 | \nwǔ shī | \nwuu shy | \n
| Dragon dance | \n舞龙 | \nwǔ lóng | \nwuu long | \n
| To wish others a happy New Year | \n拜年 | \nbài nián | \nbay nian | \n
| Chinese zodiac | \n生肖 | \nshēng xiào | \nsheng shiaw | \n
\n
Celebrating New Year's in the West is a one-and-done deal, but that’s not the case with Chinese New Year. The extended celebration period lasts around two weeks, and there are a few important milestone dates and events before and along the way. Here are some of the common dates and events to keep in mind:
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Lunar New Year | \n农历新年 | \nnóng lì xīn nián | \nnong lih shin nian | \n
| Chinese New Year’s Eve | \n除夕 | \nchú xī | \nchwu shi | \n
| New Year’s Day | \n大年初一 | \ndà nián chū yī | \ndah nian chu i | \n
| Day After New Year’s Day | \n初二 | \nchū èr | \nchu ell | \n
| Lantern Festival | \n元宵节/正月十五 | \nyuán xiāo jié/zhēng yuè shí wǔ | \nyuan shiau jye/jeng yueh shyr wuu | \n
| First month of the year | \n正月 | \nzhēng yuè | \njeng yueh | \n
| Spring Festival Migration | \n春运 | \nchūn yùn | \nchuen yunn | \n
| Family reunion dinner | \n团圆饭 | \ntuán yuán fàn | \ntwan yuan fann | \n
| Chinese New Year Gala | \n春节晚会 | \nchūn jié wǎn huì | \nchuen jye woan huey | \n
| Temple fairs | \n庙会 | \nmiào huì | \nmiaw huey | \n
| New Year's Eve dinner | \n年夜饭 | \nnián yè fàn | \nnian yeh fann | \n
| Celebrate the New Year | \n过年 | \nguò nián | \nguoh nian | \n
\n
Just as Western New Year celebrations come with their own traditions, Chinese New Year also has special celebratory activities and objects. Notably, making dumplings as a family is one of the most popular New Year's Eve traditions, as doing so is said to attract wealth in the coming year. Here are some of the top Chinese New Year activities and objects:
\n![\"Money](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt54ea966a96ff3ffa/65c3204b65d14309457d6e0b/Chinese-new-year-money.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Money given to children/the younger members of the family as a New Year gift | \n压岁钱 | \nyā suì qián | \nia suey chyan | \n
| Gift | \n礼物 | \nlǐ wù | \nlii wuh | \n
| Fireworks | \n烟花 | \nyān huā | \nian hua | \n
| Firecrackers | \n鞭炮 | \nbiān pào | \nbian paw | \n
| To set off firecrackers | \n放鞭炮 | \nfàng biān pào | \nfanq bian paw | \n
| Lantern | \n灯笼 | \ndēng long | \ndeng long | \n
| Skit | \n小品 | \nxiǎo pǐn | \nsheau piin | \n
| Crosstalk | \n相声 | \nxiàng sheng | \nshianq sheng | \n
| Acrobatics | \n杂技 | \nzá jì | \ntzar jih | \n
| To stay up until midnight | \n守夜 | \nshǒu yè | \nshoou yeh | \n
| Spring Festival couplets, typically put outside doors. | \n春联 | \nchūn lián | \nchuen lian | \n
| Traditional paper cuttings | \n窗花 | \nchuāng huā | \nchuang hua | \n
\n
Just as turkey is a traditional Thanksgiving dinner staple, Chinese New Year celebrations also have unmissable foods. Perhaps the most common tradition is to make dumplings as a family on New Year’s Eve. Why? Because dumplings look like an ancient version of Chinese money, known as silver Chinese ingots. Although no longer in circulation, these ingots looked a lot like dumplings, which is why it’s believed that making dumplings as a family will bring financial success in the new year.
\n![\"Traditional](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt878c2fa82f6f3a86/65c328207998da51566b48d4/Chinese-new-year-food.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Dumplings | \n饺子 | \njiǎo zi | \njeau tzy | \n
| Glutinous rice dumplings | \n汤圆/元宵 | \ntāng yuán/yuán xiāo | \ntang yuan/yuan shiau | \n
| Fish | \n鱼 | \nyú | \nyu | \n
| New Year cake | \n年糕 | \nnián gāo | \nnian gau | \n
| Longevity noodles | \n长寿面 | \ncháng shòu miàn | \ncharng show miann | \n
| Spring rolls | \n春卷 | \nchūn juǎn | \nchuen jeuan | \n
| Fruits | \n水果 | \nshuǐ guǒ | \nshoei guoo | \n
| Eight treasures rice | \n八宝饭 | \nbā bǎo fàn | \nba bao fann | \n
| Glutinous rice cake | \n糍粑 | \ncí bā | \ntsyr ba | \n
| Cured meats | \n腊味 | \nlà wèi | \nlah wey | \n
\n
The Chinese zodiac is just as extensive and interesting as the Western zodiac. If you’re a devout reader of your horoscope, then you’ll be delighted to learn that your Western zodiac sign won’t interfere with your Chinese zodiac. That’s because Chinese zodiac signs are based on the year you were born, not the month. For more information on this endlessly fascinating topic, check out our full guide to the Chinese zodiac.
\n![\"Berlitz](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb993142243cfd795/65c3239668e923cc49e57697/Chinese-zodiac.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Years | \nEnglish | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 | \nRat | \n鼠 | \nshǔ | \nshuu | \n
| 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 | \nOx | \n牛 | \nniú | \nniou | \n
| 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 | \nTiger | \n虎 | \nhǔ | \nhuu | \n
| 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 | \nRabbit | \n兔 | \ntù | \ntuh | \n
| 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 | \nDragon | \n龙 | \nlóng | \nlong | \n
| 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 | \nSnake | \n蛇 | \nshé | \nsher | \n
| 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 | \nHorse | \n马 | \nmǎ | \nmaa | \n
| 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 | \nSheep | \n羊 | \nyáng | \nyang | \n
| 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 | \nMonkey | \n猴 | \nhóu | \nhour | \n
| 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 | \nRooster | \n鸡 | \njī | \nji | \n
| 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 | \nDog | \n狗 | \ngǒu | \ngoou | \n
| 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019 | \nPig | \n猪 | \nzhū | \nju | \n
\n
If you want to make a great impression on your Chinese friends and relatives, then this is the section for you. Using one of the following common CNY greetings is sure to impress your friends. You can also craft your own greeting by using 祝你 (zhù nǐ) — or 祝您 (zhù nín) when addressing older people or those you want to show respect to — followed by your wishes for the new year.
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Wishing you… | \n祝你 | \nzhù nǐ | \njuh nii | \n
| Wishing you… (formal) | \n祝您 | \nzhù nín | \njuh nin | \n
| Favorable wind throughout the journey | \n一帆风顺 | \nyì fān fēng shùn | \nyih fan feng shuenn | \n
| To be promoted and gain wealth | \n升官发财 | \nshēng guān fā cái | \nsheng guan fa tsair | \n
| Great luck and prosperity | \n大吉大利 | \ndà jí dà lì | \ndah jyi dah lih | \n
| To be successful in one's studies | \n学业有成 | \nxué yè yǒu chéng | \nshyue yeh yeou cherng | \n
| To rapidly go up in the world | \n平步青云 | \npíng bù qīng yún | \npyng buh ching yun | \n
| To have abundance year after year | \n年年有余 | \nnián nián yǒu yú | \nnian nian yeou yu | \n
| To have one's wishes come true | \n心想事成 | \nxīn xiǎng shì chéng | \nshin sheang shyh cherng | \n
| To climb step by step/to rise steadily | \n步步高升 | \nbù bù gāo shēng | \nbuh buh gau sheng | \n
| Thriving and prosperous business or trade | \n生意兴隆 | \nshēng yì xīng lóng | \nsheng yih shing long | \n
| To be successful in business | \n事业有成 | \nshì yè yǒu chéng | \nshyh yeh yeou cherng | \n
| To win top marks in examinations | \n金榜题名 | \njīn bǎng tí míng | \njin baang tyi ming | \n
| To win instant success | \n马到成功 | \nmǎ dào chéng gōng | \nmaa daw cherng gong | \n
| To wish work goes smoothly | \n工作顺利 | \ngōng zuò shùn lì | \ngong tzuoh shuenn lih | \n
| To earn a lot of money | \n财源广进 | \ncái yuán guǎng jìn | \ntsair yuan goang jinn | \n
| A healthy body | \n身体健康 | \nshēn tǐ jiàn kāng | \nshen tii jiann kang | \n
| Good luck and happiness | \n吉祥如意 | \njí xiáng rú yì | \njyi shyang ru yih | \n
| To progress with your studies | \n学习进步 | \nxué xí jìn bù | \nshyue shyi jinn buh | \n
| To wish happiness to the entire family | \n合家欢乐 | \nhé jiā huān lè | \nher jia huan leh | \n
| To wish happiness to the entire family | \n合家幸福 | \nhé jiā xìng fú | \nher jia shinq fwu | \n
| Gold and jade fill the halls | \n金玉满堂 | \njīn yù mǎn táng | \njin yuh maan tarng | \n
| Red luck is upon you | \n红运当头 | \nhóng yùn dāng tóu | \nhorng yunn dang tour | \n
| Purple air comes from the east; a traditional wish of good fortune. | \n紫气东来 | \nzǐ qì dōng lái | \ntzyy chih dong lai | \n
In 2025, the festivities begin on January 29th, marking the start of the Year of the Wood Snake. The snake, the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac, symbolizes wisdom, transformation, and intuition. The wood element further emphasizes growth and renewal, suggesting a year ripe for personal development and new opportunities.
\nAs families prepare for the New Year, it's customary to clean and decorate homes to usher in good fortune. Incorporating the color red, which symbolizes luck and protection, is a common practice. Feng Shui experts recommend decluttering spaces and rearranging furniture to promote positive energy flow, aligning with the transformative spirit of the Wood Snake.
\n\n\n
![\"snake-chinese-zodiac-emblem.webp\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt7832b7ea1d72c3d1/679bc37d025d43ff5573118d/snake-chinese-zodiac-emblem.webp?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
\n
Watching a Chinese New Year movie is a favorite holiday activity of many. If you want to spend some quality time with your Chinese friends and family during this time of year or if you want to practice your Chinese skills with a cheerful holiday movie, then you should take a look at the following Chinese New Year classics:
\n![\"Movies](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt1785ca10399e9ce8/65c312f0554798eaca809a7f/Chinese_new_years_movies.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Chinese: 人在囧途
Pinyin: rén zài jiǒng tú
Description: This comedy film follows a businessman and a migrant worker as they encounter numerous misadventures while traveling home for the Chinese New Year. Their journey highlights the contrast between their social statuses and personal experiences, offering both humor and social commentary.
Great for: Intermediate and advanced learners.
\n
Chinese: 甲方乙方
Pinyin: jiǎ fāng yǐ fāng
Description: This comedy film revolves around four friends who start a business fulfilling people's fantasies for a fee. The film explores various human desires and dreams while also offering touching insights into contemporary Chinese society and its ever-changing values.
Great for: Intermediate and advanced learners.
\n
Chinese: 唐人街探案
Pinyin: táng rén jiē tàn àn
Description: This action-comedy movie follows a brilliant detective and his eager nephew as they solve a complex murder mystery in Bangkok's Chinatown. The film blends humor, suspense, and action, showcasing a diverse cast of characters and a vivid portrayal of Bangkok’s bustling Chinatown.
Great for: Intermediate and advanced learners.
\n
Chinese: 家有喜事
Pinyin: jiā yǒu xǐ shì
Description: This is a classic Hong Kong comedy film that focuses on the romantic misadventures of three brothers. It explores themes of love and family and is known for its humor and star-studded cast. It intertwines various storylines to a climactic and humorous resolution, emphasizing the importance of happiness and family unity.
Great for: Intermediate and advanced learners.
\n
Chinese: 压岁钱
Pinyin: yā suì qián
Description: For cinema aficionados, this is a classic black-and-white Chinese film from 1937. The story revolves around a piece of New Year lucky money, initially gifted to a girl, which subsequently passes through various hands. The film provides a glimpse into different social classes and their lifestyles, reflecting the diverse societal fabric of the time.
Great for: Intermediate and advanced learners.
\n
Chinese: 饮食男女
Pinyin: yǐn shí nán nǚ
Description: This Taiwanese film is a heartwarming drama about a master chef and his three unmarried daughters in Taipei. The film explores the complexities of modern relationships and traditional values, using elaborate meals as a metaphor for their changing lives and emotional journeys.
Great for: All levels.
\n
Chinese: 团圆饭
Pinyin: tuán yuán fàn
Description: This movie focuses on the importance of having a family dinner for Chinese New Year. It follows the story of a soon-to-be-married couple, but the boyfriend hires a fake family because of his lack of a relationship with his mother. The film beautifully intertwines humor, family values, and emotional depth.
Great for: Beginner and intermediate learners.
Listening to music is a great way to celebrate Chinese New Year and enjoy time with your loved ones. And it also happens to be a fantastic way to study Chinese! Here are three great songs that you can play during your CNY celebrations or during a festive study sesh.
\nAndy Lau is a massively popular singer from Hong Kong. He released this Chinese New Year classic in 2005, which has since become one of the most popular songs to listen to on Chinese New Year. This is an excellent song for beginners and intermediate speakers alike to listen to.
\n\n\n
This vibrant and festive song embodies the joyous spirit of Chinese New Year. With its upbeat melody and cheerful lyrics, the song is a popular choice during Chinese New Year celebrations.
\n\n\n
This classic Chinese New Year song is known for its sweet melody and joyful lyrics. Sung by the legendary Teresa Teng, 新年好 (xīn nián hǎo) combines traditional sentiments with her iconic vocal style, making it a timeless favorite for Chinese New Year.
\n\nGiving gifts isn’t particularly characteristic of Western New Year’s, but it is an important part of Chinese New Year celebrations. Not only is it common to exchange gifts with your loved ones, but you should also pay close attention to gift-giving etiquette. Here are some guidelines on what to gift (and what not to gift!) during Chinese New Year’s:
\nOne last note, you should try to avoid opening a present in public or in front of the person who gave it to you. You know the saying, “it’s the thought that counts,” so opening the present in public takes away from the thought and focuses on the object.
\n![\"Chinese](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt1546a367511d4227/65c315ff25aa943867350265/Chinese-new-year-gift-giving.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
\n
Chinese New Year is celebrated according to the end of the lunar calendar (also known as a lunisolar calendar), which does not correspond to the Gregorian calendar. This holiday always falls on the second moon after the winter solstice, which happens sometime between January 21 and February 20.
\nBesides Mainland China and Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, Chinese/Lunar New Year is celebrated extensively in:
\nAdditionally, countries with a significant Chinese diaspora population like Canada, the United States, Australia, Mauritius, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa, and the United Kingdom also have extensive celebrations for Chinese/Lunar New Year.
\nBoth Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year are celebrated on the same day each year. Chinese New Year is a festivity that has a history of about 3,500 years. As such, it comes with its own set of customs and traditions. Likewise, cultures that celebrate Lunar New Year may do so according to their own traditions.
\nChinese New Year celebrations start on the second new moon of the lunar calendar and end on the following full moon, lasting 15 or 16 days. They start with Chinese New Year’s Eve and end with the Lantern Festival.
\nPicking your outfit for Chinese New Year’s celebrations is extremely important, as the clothes you wear symbolize a fresh start. Red, the most popular color, symbolizes good luck, while gold represents wealth. Women can choose a traditional Qipao (旗袍), and men might opt for a Tang suit (唐装), normally made of silk featuring bright colors and intricate designs. You can also accessorize with gold jewelry for an added touch of prosperity. Avoid white and black, as they are traditionally associated with mourning. Wearing traditional Chinese New Year outfits isn’t required, though, so you can also wear modern attire in these colors.
\nAt the end of the day, the most important part of Chinese New Year celebrations is spending time with your family and close friends. If you can, try to partake in some of the Chinese New Year traditional activities to enjoy an authentic Chinese New Year’s celebration.
\nIf you enjoyed this article and would like to learn more about the Chinese language and Chinese culture, then check out our Mandarin Chinese blog. We regularly publish new content about learning Chinese, such as asking for directions in Chinese and writing a formal letter in Chinese.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Chinese sentence structure","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"A helpful guide to basic Chinese sentence structures & grammar","url":"/blog/chinese-sentence-structure-grammar","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt42f44aed5c709b57/657060d9f57b9e53aaef7625/istock-1203080777.jpg"},"post_content":"If you’ve just started learning Chinese or are only thinking about signing up for your first Chinese class, you’re probably wondering if Chinese is hard to learn. While Chinese does have some challenging aspects, like learning the characters and getting the tones right, we’re happy to report that grammar isn’t one of them.
In fact, Chinese grammar is often cited as the easiest part of learning the language by non-native speakers. That’s because Chinese has a very lenient sentence structure, no verb conjugations, and no gender agreement. In fact, if you translated Chinese to English word for word, it may sound like you’re just deciding to ignore all grammar rules.
However, that doesn’t mean that there is no Chinese grammar or that you can get away with stringing sentences together as you see fit. There are many Chinese grammar structures that you can learn to express yourself more clearly, especially as you get more advanced.
And if you’re just getting started with Chinese, then following some grammar structures can help you figure out the language while you start understanding it. Just plug in any verb/subject/object into the sentence structure, and voilà! You’ve got yourself a fully coherent Chinese sentence.
Want to see what we mean? Let’s start with the basics!
![\"Man](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltf91e08af1a4e186a/65705f32fb0c65772522af5d/istock-517676300.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The most basic grammar structures are some of the clearest examples of why Chinese grammar is so easy to learn. Here are some of the most important things you need to know about Chinese grammar:
If you’ve studied a Romance language like French or Spanish, then you already know how troublesome verb conjugations can be. The good news about Chinese is that you won’t have to conjugate verbs — ever. There is no need to conjugate based on pronouns or even verb tense as the verb stays the same no matter what.
Part of the reason verbs don’t need to be conjugated in Chinese is that the time something happened always goes at the beginning of the sentence, either before or immediately after the subject. This will make it abundantly clear when the action happened right off the bat, making it easy for people to follow your story.
You can choose to be as specific or as general as you want. If you already know how to tell the time in Chinese, then feel free to be as specific as you wish! Otherwise, here are some common time words in Chinese.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Today | 今天 | jīn tiān | jin tian |
| Tomorrow | 明天 | míng tiān | ming tian |
| Yesterday | 昨天 | zuó tiān | tzwo tian |
| Morning | 早上 | zǎo shàng | tzao shang |
| Noon | 中午 | zhōng wǔ | jong wuu |
| Afternoon | 下午 | xià wǔ | shiah wuu |
| Evening | 晚上 | wǎn shàng | woan shanq |
| Last week | 上个星期 | shàng gè xīng qī | shanq geh shing chyi |
| Next week | 下个星期 | xià gè xīng qī | shiah geh shing chyi |
| Last month | 上个月 | shàng gè yuè | shanq geh yueh |
| Next month | 下个月 | xià gè yuè | shiah geh yueh |
| Last year | 去年 | qù nián | chiuh nian |
| Next year | 明年 | míng nián | ming nian |
Pluralizing words can be messy in some languages, but Chinese isn’t one of them. Let’s start with the basics. The auxiliary word 们 (men) will help you pluralize pronouns and human nouns. All you need to do is put it immediately after the pronoun or noun to pluralize.
For example:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Me/I | 我 | wǒ | woo |
| Us/we | 我们 | wǒ men | woo mhen |
| You (singular) | 你 | nǐ | nii |
| You (plural) | 你们 | nǐ men | nii mhen |
| He | 他 | tā | ta |
| Them | 他们 | tā men | ta mhen |
| Friend | 朋友 | péng yǒu | perng yeou |
| Friends | 朋友们 | péng yǒu men | perng yeou mhen |
| Teacher | 老师 | lǎo shī | lao shy |
| Teachers | 老师们 | lǎo shī men | lao shy mhen |
See, simple as that! And want to hear the best part? It gets even easier! Besides pronouns and human nouns, all other nouns don’t need to be changed to be pluralized. But how can that be? Well, all you need to do is add the Chinese number along with the correct Chinese measure word in front of it, and that will be enough pluralization.
Here are some examples:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| I will buy one ticket | 我要买一张票 | wǒ yào mǎi yì zhāng piào | woo iau mae i jang piaw |
| I will buy three tickets | 我要买三张票 | wǒ yào mǎi sān zhāng piào | woo iau mae san jang piaw |
| Today, I took one train | 我今天坐了一辆火车 | wǒ jīn tiān zuò le yí liàng huǒ chē | woo jin tian tzuoh lhe i lianq huoo che |
| Today, I took four trains | 我今天坐了四辆火车 | wǒ jīn tiān zuò le sì liàng huǒ chē | woo jin tian tzuoh lhe syh lianq huoo che |
| The bag has one book inside | 包里面有一本书 | bāo lǐ miàn yǒu yì běn shū | bau lii miann yeou i been shu |
| The bag has five books inside | 包里面有五本书 | bāo lǐ miàn yǒu wú běn shū | bau lii miann yeou wuu been shu |
English is a genderless language, which means that nouns don’t have gender. If you’ve studied German before, you know that getting nouns to agree in gender with adjectives and articles can be extremely difficult. Luckily, you won’t have to worry about this in Chinese as nouns have no gender!
Indicating possession in Chinese is extremely easy thanks to the particle 的 (de). This nifty particle is used to modify nouns and has many uses, one of which is to indicate possession. It’s very similar to the ’s in English, as it is added after a noun to show the possession of another noun. The general structure is:
In these situations, noun 1 owns noun 2. Here are some examples:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| My bedroom | 我的卧室 | wǒ de wò shì | woo de woh shyh |
| Mom’s car | 妈妈的车 | mā ma de chē | mha mha de che |
| Your friend | 你的朋友 | nǐ de péng yǒu | nii de perng yeou |
Measure words are a critical component of Chinese grammar. As an English speaker, you’re already familiar with measure words, which are used to count uncountable nouns. For example, you might say you want two apples and two glasses of juice, since saying “two juices” wouldn’t be specific enough.
In Chinese, however, all nouns require a measure word, even if they’re countable. There is no English equivalent for many of these words, as they’re simply measure words that don’t have any other meanings. There are also over 200 Chinese measure words, and each noun has a corresponding measure word. That means that you will have to learn the appropriate measure word for each noun.
Here are some examples of measure words in action:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| There are three cars on the road. | 路上有三辆车 | lù shàng yǒu sān liàng chē | luh shanq yeou san lianq che |
| He bought two computers. | 他买了两台电脑 | tā mǎi le liǎng tái diàn nǎo | ta mae lhe leang tair diann nao |
| I want to order a bottle of soda. | 给我来一瓶汽水 | gěi wǒ lái yì píng qì shuǐ | geei woo lai i pyng chih shoei |
Now that you’re familiar with the essentials of Chinese grammar, let’s take a look at some of the most common sentence structures in Chinese along with a few examples.
![\"Woman](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt6ca8ea57de99eb11/65705f9d20f21feea8a6be68/istock-1041040428.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The most basic grammar structure in English also happens to be the most basic grammar structure in Chinese. You’re used to starting your sentences with the subject, followed by a verb, and then the object. In other words, sentences are structured in a “Who does what” way.
Here are some examples:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| I study Chinese | 我学习中文 | wǒ xué xí zhōng wén | woo shyue shyi jong wen |
| Mom eats fruit | 妈妈吃水果 | mā ma chī shuí guǒ | mha mha chy shoei guoo |
| I love Shanghai | 我爱上海 | wǒ ài shàng hǎi | woo ay shanq hae |
The next sentence type adds an element of time into the mix. As you learned earlier in this article, time always comes towards the beginning of the sentence, usually right after the subject. This will help you immediately establish when something happened, thus removing the need to conjugate the verb.
Here are some examples:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| I will rest today | 我今天会休息 | wǒ jīn tiān huì xiū xi | woo jin tian huey shiou shyi |
| She studies Chinese in the mornings | 她早上学习中文 | tā zǎo shàng xué xí zhōng wén | ta tzao shang shyue shyi jong wen |
| I watched a movie yesterday | 我昨天看了一部电影 | wǒ zuó tiān kàn le yí bù diàn yǐng | woo tzwo tian kann lhe i buh diann yiing |
Now things are getting a bit spicier! You can add the location of an action by using the preposition 在 (zài) followed by the location right before the main verb of the sentence.
Here’s what that looks like:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| I studied abroad in Guangzhou last year. | 我去年在广州留学。 | wǒ qù nián zài guǎng zhōu liú xué | woo chiuh nian tzay goang jou liou shyue |
| We will meet at the door tomorrow. | 我们明天在门口见面。 | wǒ men míng tiān zài mén kǒu jiàn miàn | woo mhen ming tian tzay men koou jiann miann |
| My sister will compete in the sports field today. | 我妹妹今天在运动场比赛。 | wǒ mèi mei jīn tiān zài yùn dòng chǎng bǐ sài | woo mey mhei jin tian tzay yunn donq chaang bii say |
This is the longest of the elementary sentence structures, and it will allow you to express a tremendous amount of information without using any complicated grammar structures.
Here are a few examples:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| I studied in the library for six hours yesterday. | 我昨天在图书馆学了六个小时。 | wǒ zuó tiān zài tú shū guǎn xué le liù gè xiǎo shí. | woo tzwo tian tzay twu shu goan shyue lhe liow geh sheau shyr |
| Dad will work ten hours in the office tomorrow. | 爸爸明天在办公室会工作十个小时。 | bà ba míng tiān zài bàn gōng shì huì gōng zuò shí gè xiǎo shí. | bah ba ming tian tzay bann gong shyh huey gong tzuoh shyr geh sheau shyr |
| I exercise in the gym for forty-five minutes every day. | 我每天在健身房锻炼四十五分钟。 | wǒ měi tiān zài jiàn shēn fáng duàn liàn sì shí wǔ fēn zhōng. | woo meei tian tzay jiann shen farng duann liann syh shyr wuu fen jong |
Most Chinese sentence structures follow modified versions of the essential sentence structures covered above. If you don’t know when or how to start modifying them, we’ve put together a simple guide for some of the most common (and useful!) sentence structures in Chinese:
![\"Man](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt1a60796e02710c5a/65705fffca4d290c639ed28d/istock-1129183614-copy.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
There are two main ways to express negations in Chinese: 不 (bù) and 没有 (méi yǒu). Although they both form negations, they are almost never interchangeable, so you need to learn how to use the right negation in the right circumstance. Let’s take a look:
This is likely the first type of negation you will learn in your Chinese class as it helps us negate the most basic types of sentences: present and future tense. It is placed immediately before a verb or adjective to negate it. Some of the most common uses of 不 (bù) include:
Let’s take a look at some examples:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| I am not American. | 我不是美国人。 | wǒ bú shì měi guó rén. | woo buh shyh meei gwo ren |
| I will not give up! | 我不会放弃！ | wǒ bú huì fàng qì! | woo buh huey fanq chih |
| I don’t drink beer. | 我不喝啤酒。 | wǒ bù hē pí jiǔ. | woo buh he pyi jeou |
| I don't eat meat. | 我不吃肉。 | wǒ bù chī ròu. | woo buh chy row |
| I'm not satisfied. | 我不满意。 | wǒ bù mǎn yì. | woo buh maan yih |
| Are you Chinese? | 你是不是中国人？ | nǐ shì bú shì zhōng guó rén? | nii shyh buh shyh jong gwo ren |
The other common negation is 没有 (méi yǒu), which is commonly abbreviated as simply 没. It is generally used to:
Here are some examples:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| I didn’t see your message. | 我没看到你的短信。 | wǒ méi kàn dào nǐ de duǎn xìn. | woo mei kann daw nii de doan shinn |
| I have never seen that movie before. | 我从来没看过那部电影。 | wǒ cóng lái méi kàn guò nà bù diàn yǐng. | woo tsorng lai mei kann guoh nah buh diann yiing |
| I have no money. | 我没有钱。 | wǒ méi yǒu qián. | woo mei yeou chyan |
| China isn’t as big as Russia. | 中国没有俄罗斯那么大。 | zhōng guó méi yǒu é luó sī nà me dà. | jong gwo mei yeou eh luo sy nah me dah |
| Shenzhen isn’t as cold as Beijing. | 深圳没有北京冷。 | shēn zhèn méi yǒu běi jīng lěng. | shen jenn mei yeou beei jing leeng |
There are two main ways to ask questions in Chinese, and both are extremely easy. The first and most common way is to simply add the question particle 吗 (ma) at the end of what would otherwise be a statement to turn it into a question. Here are some examples:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | |
| Statement | He knows how to ski. | 他会滑雪 | tā huì huá xuě | ta huey hwa sheue |
| Question | Does he know how to ski? | 他会滑雪吗? | tā huì huá xuě ma? | ta huey hwa sheue mha |
| Statement | It will rain tomorrow. | 明天会下雨 | míng tiān huì xià yǔ | ming tian huey shiah yeu |
| Question | Will it rain tomorrow? | 明天会下雨吗? | míng tiān huì xià yǔ ma? | ming tian huey shiah yeu mha |
| Statement | He is your friend. | 他是你的朋友 | tā shì nǐ de péng yǒu | ta shyh nii de perng yeou |
| Question | Is he your friend? | 他是你的朋友吗? | tā shì nǐ de péng yǒu ma? | ta shyh nii de perng yeou mha |
The second way to ask questions in Chinese is to use a question word. In English, these are the “what, where how, why” words. If you use one of these words in Chinese, then you no longer need to use 吗 (ma) at the end of the sentence. Here are some of the most common question sentences in Chinese:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Who | 谁 | shéi | sheir |
| What | 什么 | shén me | shern me |
| Where | 哪里 | nǎ lǐ | naa lii |
| Why | 为什么 | wèi shén me | wey shern me |
| When | 什么时候 | shén me shí hòu | shern me shyr how |
| Which one | 哪个 | nǎ ge | naa ge |
| What time | 什么时候 | shén me shí hou | shern me shyr hou |
| What time (precise) | 几点 | jí diǎn | jii dean |
| How | 怎么 | zěn me | tzeen me |
| How much | 多少 | duō shǎo | duo shao |
| How many | 几 | jǐ | jii |
Here are some examples of questions using question words:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| What time do we start? | 我们几点开始？ | wǒ men jí diǎn kāi shǐ? | woo mhen jii dean kai shyy |
| Who gave me this present? | 这个礼物是谁给我的？ | zhè ge lǐ wù shì shéi gěi wǒ de? | jeh ge lii wuh shyh sheir geei woo de |
| Where are you from? | 你从哪里来？ | nǐ cóng nǎ lǐ lái？ | nii tsorng naa lii lai |
The most common way to express “and” in Chinese is with 和 (hé). However, keep in mind that there are several ways to express “and” in Chinese, so you can’t always rely on it. You will want to use this structure when listing out two or more nouns, such as:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| He and his friend are also coming. | 他和他的朋友也会来。 | tā hé tā de péng yǒu yě huì lái. | ta her ta de perng yeou yee huey lai |
| I have been to Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Chengdu. | 我去过上海、北京、香港和成都。 | wǒ qù guò shàng hǎi, běi jīng, xiāng gǎng hé chéng dū. | woo chiuh guoh shanq hae beei jing shiang gaang her cherng du |
| I can speak English and Chinese. | 我会说英文和中文。 | wǒ huì shuō yīng wén hé zhōng wén. | woo huey shuo ing wen her jong wen |
The Chinese adverb 也 (yě) works similarly to the English “also” and “too.” It always comes before a verb or adjective, as opposed to 和 (hé), which comes before nouns. You can use 也 (yě) to compare your behaviors
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| I can also speak Chinese. | 我也会说中文。 | wǒ yě huì shuō zhōng wén | woo yee huey shuo jong wen |
| I also like to eat spicy food. | 我也喜欢吃辣。 | wǒ yě xǐ huān chī là. | woo yee shii huan chy lah |
| She is also a teacher. | 她也是老师。 | tā yě shì lǎo shī. | ta yee shyh lao shy |
This is undoubtedly one of the most helpful Chinese verbs. This sentence structure, though simple, will help you express what you have, both physical and abstract. For example, if you’ve just started taking online group Mandarin classes, you can use this sentence to say you have a question!
Here are some examples:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| I have a question. | 我有一个问题。 | wǒ yǒu yí gè wèn tí. | woo yeou i geh wenn tyi |
| He has one car. | 他有一辆车。 | tā yǒu yí liàng chē. | ta yeou i lianq che |
| We have a lot of time. | 我们有很多时间。 | wǒ men yǒu hěn duō shí jiān. | woo mhen yeou heen duo shyr jian |
So far, so good? If you’ve gotten through the previous sentence structures with no trouble, then it’s time to introduce you to some advanced Chinese grammar structures. These are just some of the most common sentence structures you’ll run into:
![\"Berlitz](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt0d437f177f5de523/6570628357c74cecf528ccce/istock-628792792-copy.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The 把 (bǎ) structure is one of the hardest for non-native speakers to grasp because it doesn’t have a direct English equivalent. Its closest equivalent would be something like “[subject] took [object] and [verb],” such as “I took the keys and put them on the table.” However, you don’t necessarily have to physically take something to use the 把 (bǎ) structure. Don’t worry, though, this sentence structure becomes quite intuitive after some practice.
The 把 (bǎ) structure places the object before the verb (as opposed to a normal SVO structure) to emphasize the movement of the object:
Here are some examples:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| I put your phone on the table. | 我把你的手机放在桌子上。 | wǒ bǎ nǐ de shǒu jī fàng zài zhuō zi shàng. | woo baa nii de shoou ji fanq tzay juo tzy shanq |
| I gave her the gift. | 我把礼物送给她了。 | wǒ bǎ lǐ wù sòng gěi tā le. | woo baa lii wuh sonq geei ta lhe |
| I finished my water. | 我把水喝完了。 | wǒ bǎ shuǐ hē wán le. | woo baa shoei he wan lhe |
This structure isn’t as common as the 把 (bǎ) structure, but it’s still very helpful to know. Fortunately, the 被 (bèi) structure does have an English equivalent: the passive voice. It works by putting the receiver of the action before 被 and following it with the doer of the action. This is the general structure:
Here are some examples:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| The sandwich was eaten by the cat. | 三明治被猫吃了。 | sān míng zhì bèi māo chī le. | san ming jyh bey mhau chy lhe |
| The sweater was ruined by the rain. | 毛衣被雨水弄坏了。 | máo yī bèi yú shuǐ nòng huài le. | mau i bey yu shoei nonq huay lhe |
| He was beaten by a thief. | 他被小偷打了。 | tā bèi xiǎo tōu dǎ le. | ta bey sheau tou daa lhe |
The 看来 construction is extremely helpful when you want to express perspectives, be it your own or someone else’s. It can help you put yourself in other people’s shoes, and describe what your friends and family are thinking. You can even use it to hypothesize about what another person might be thinking and what led them to behave a certain way! The basic construction is:
Here are some examples:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| In my opinion, dandan noodles are the best noodles. | 在我看来，担担面是最好吃的面。 | zài wǒ kàn lái, dàn dàn miàn shì zuì hǎo chī de miàn. | tzay woo kann lai dann dann miann shyh tzuey haw chy de miann |
| In the teacher's opinion, my argument was not strong enough. | 在老师看来，我的论点不够有力。 | zài lǎo shī kàn lái, wǒ de lùn diǎn bú gòu yǒu lì. | tzay lao shy kann lai woo de luenn dean buh gow yeou lih |
| From the boss's point of view, this matter is very important. | 在老板看来，这件事情很重要。 | zài láo bǎn kàn lái, zhè jiàn shì qíng hěn zhòng yào. | tzay lao baan kann lai jeh jiann shyh chyng heen jonq yaw |
Another nifty verb structure in Chinese is the use of 随着 to express changing trends or circumstances. The English equivalent would be “As [trend], [result]” as in “As the sun went down, the temperature dropped.” The structure in Chinese is the following:
Here are some examples:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| As the weather changed, we decided to wait at home. | 随着天气的改变，我们决定在家里等。 | suí zhe tiān qì de gǎi biàn ， wǒ men jué dìng zài jiā lǐ děng. | swei je tian chih de gae biann woo mhen jyue dinq tzay jia lii deeng |
| As China's economy improves, Chinese people are becoming happier. | 随着中国经济的提高，中国人也变得越来越开心。 | suí zhe zhōng guó jīng jì de tí gāo, zhōng guó rén yě biàn dé yuè lái yuè kāi xīn. | swei je jong gwo jing jih de tyi gau jong gwo ren yee biann der yueh lai yueh kai shin |
| As the population continues to increase, housing prices will not stop rising. | 随着人口不断增加，房价不会停止上涨。 | suí zhe rén kǒu bú duàn zēng jiā, fáng jià bú huì tíng zhǐ shàng zhǎng. | swei je ren koou buh duann tzeng jia farng jiah buh huey tyng jyy shanq jaang |
并 (bìng) / 并且 (bìngqiě) can help you express complex sentences by taking things even further with “moreover.” This will help you expand on your ideas by adding subordinate clauses expanding on your first action.
There are three main ways to use this word:
Here are some examples:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| I passed the exam and got top marks too. | 我通过考试并且也得到最高的成绩。 | wǒ tōng guò kǎo shì bìng qiě yě dé dào zuì gāo de chéng jì. | woo tong guoh kao shyh binq chiee yee der daw tzuey gau de cherng ji |
| I called them and emailed them too. | 我给他们打了电话并且也发了邮件。 | wó gěi tā men dǎ le diàn huà bìng qiě yě fā le yóu jiàn. | wo geei ta mhen daa lhe diann huah binq chye yee fa lhe you jiann |
| Dad not only works, but also studies as a graduate student. | 爸爸不但工作，并且还读研究生。 | bà ba bú dàn gōng zuò, bìng qiě hái dú yán jiū shēng. | bah ba buh dann gong tzuoh binq chiee hair dwu yan jiou sheng |
This is a very useful phrase that can help you express that you ought to do something. It works similar to the English equivalent of “have to + verb,” as in “I have to leave.” It’s relatively easy to use once you’re familiar with this comparison and its sentence structure:
Here are some examples:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| It started raining outside, so I have to stay home. | 外面下雨了，我只好呆在家里面。 | wài miàn xià yǔ le, wǒ zhí hǎo dāi zài jiā lǐ miàn. | way miann shiah yeu lhe, woo jyr hao dai tzay jia lii miann |
| The exam is coming soon, so I have to start studying. | 考试快到了，我只好开始学习。 | kǎo shì kuài dào le, wǒ zhí hǎo kāi shǐ xué xí. | kao shyh kuay daw lhe, woo jyr hao kai shyy shyue shyi |
| Dinner was ready, so I had to start eating. | 晚餐做好了，我只好开始吃饭。 | wǎn cān zuò hǎo le, wǒ zhí hǎo kāi shǐ chī fàn. | woan tsan tzuoh hao lhe, woo jyr hao kai shyy chy fann |
This structure is very similar to the one above, but it expresses a higher degree of necessity. It emphasizes that the subject had no choice but to do the action immediately after 不得不 (bù dé bù), as it was out of the subject’s hands.
Here are some examples:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| The restaurant is closed and we are not allowed to order takeout. | 餐厅已经关门了，我们得不得点外卖。 | cān tīng yǐ jīng guān mén le, wǒ men bù dé bù diǎn wài mài. | tsan ting yii jing guan men lhe, woo mhen buh der buh dean way may |
| My phone is out of battery so I have to pay with cash. | 我的手机没电了，我不得不用现金支付。 | wǒ de shǒu jī méi diàn le, wǒ bù dé bù yòng xiàn jīn zhī fù. | woo de shoou ji mei diann lhe, woo buh der buh yonq shiann jin jy fuh |
| He is sick, he has no choice but to rest. | 他生病了，他不得不休息。 | tā shēng bìng le, tā bù dé bù xiū xí. | ta sheng binq lhe, ta buh der buh shiou shyi |
Although learning grammar can be a grueling process in many languages, that doesn't have to be the case with Chinese. No matter how many Chinese lessons you’ve taken, you can use one of the sentence structures above, insert some vocabulary words, and start speaking right away!
Not sure where you can find the vocabulary words to fill in your sentence structures? Take a look at our Mandarin blog! We regularly publish helpful vocabulary and grammar blogs to propel your learning, like our guide to over 200 drinks in Chinese and 186 ways to say I love you in Chinese.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Spanish cognates","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"An epic guide to Spanish cognates & 1111 easy examples","url":"/blog/spanish-cognates-examples","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt1b0948ea0ca50d06/65b3a0cdd791ca7d6d7656f6/istock-1360624697.jpg"},"post_content":"That’s right! Even if you’ve only just started taking Spanish lessons, you already know many words in Spanish — thousands of them, in fact.
That’s because, although English is a Germanic language, it has heavy grammar and vocabulary influences from Latin. That means that English has very similar vocabulary and grammar structures to the Romance languages, including French, Portuguese, and Spanish.
So, if you’re wondering how it is that you don’t understand Spanish already if it’s so similar to English, then you’ve come to the right place. Although many words are identical, most words have slight variations that make them not exactly the same as English. In this handy guide, we’ll go over the different types of Spanish cognates and how you can make educated guesses on words you don’t already know.
So, are you ready to get started? Once you’ve worked your way through this list, you’ll understand why Spanish isn’t hard to learn for English speakers!
Spanish cognates are words that have the same root as English words. Because of this common origin, you should be able to identify these words even if you’ve never studied them before.
There are three types of cognates:
Identifying each of the three comments is crucial for making good use of them, especially since they’re not all identical. Below, we’ll show you everything you need to know about Spanish cognates.
![\"Identifying](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt584afd578f53d517/65b3a24c5f12edd1a3e21138/istock-1365749419.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
If you’re looking for a quick way to supercharge your Spanish vocabulary, look no further than this list. Here are 100 common Spanish cognates that you can start using right away since you already know them!
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Absolutely | Absolutamente | ab-so-loo-ta-mehn-teh | aβsolutaˈmente |
| Accidental | Accidental | ac-see-dehn-tall | akθiðenˈtal |
| Action | Acción | ac-see-ohn | akˈθjon |
| Activity | Actividad | ac-tee-vee-dahd | aktiβiˈðað |
| Adorable | Adorable | ah-doh-rah-bleh | aðoˈɾaβle |
| Fortunately | Afortunadamente | ah-fore-too-nah-dah-mehn-teh | afoɾtunaðaˈmente |
| Animal | Animal | ah-nee-mall | aniˈmal |
| Anniversary | Aniversario | ah-nee-vehr-sah-ree-oh | aniβeɾˈsaɾjo |
| Argument | Argumento | ar-goo-mehn-toe | aɾɣuˈmento |
| Artificial | Artificial | are-tee-fee-see-all | aɾtifiˈθjal |
| Artist | Artista | ar-tees-ta | aɾˈtista |
| Automobile | Automóvil | ah-ooh-toe-mo-veel | awtoˈmoβil |
| Author | Autor / Autora | ah-oo-tohr / ah-oo-toe-rah | awˈtoɾ / awˈtoɾa |
| Basically | Básicamente | ba-see-ca-mehn-teh | ˈbasikamente |
| Basic | Básico / Básica | ba-see-co / ba-see-cah | ˈbasiko / ˈbasika |
| Capitalism | Capitalismo | ca-pee-ta-lees-mo | kapitaˈlizmo |
| Casual | Casual | cah-sue-all | kaˈswal |
| Central | Central | sehn-trall | θenˈtɾal |
| Science | Ciencia | see-ehn-see-ah | ˈθjenθja |
| Classic | Clásico / Clásica | cla-see-co / cla-see-cah | ˈklasiko / ˈklasika |
| Completely | Completamente | com-pleh-tah-mehn-teh | kompletaˈmente |
| Community | Comunidad | coh-moo-nee-dahd | komuniˈðað |
| Conclusion | Conclusión | con-cloo-see-ohn | konkluˈsjon |
| Constantly | Constantemente | cons-tahn-teh-mehn-teh | konstanteˈmente |
| Contact | Contacto | con-tac-toe | konˈtakto |
| Creativity | Creatividad | creh-ah-tee-vee-dahd | kɾeatiβiˈðað |
| Criminal | Criminal | cree-me-nall | kɾimiˈnal |
| Curiosity | Curiosidad | coo-ree-oh-see-dahd | kuɾjosiˈðað |
| Decision | Decisión | deh-see-see-ohn | deθiˈsjon |
| Delicious | Delicioso | deh-lee-see-oh-so | deliˈθjoso |
| Digital | Digital | dee-he-tall | dixiˈtal |
| Direct | Directo / Directa | dee-rec-toe / dee-rec-tah | diˈɾekto / diˈɾekta |
| Diversity | Diversidad | dee-vehr-see-dahd | diβeɾsiˈðað |
| Double | Doble | doh-bleh | ˈdoβle |
| Doctor | Doctor / Doctora | doc-tohr / doc-toh-rah | dokˈtoɾ / dokˈtoɾa |
| Document | Documento | do-coo-mehn-toe | dokuˈmento |
| Efficient | Eficiente | eh-fee-see-ehn-teh | efiˈθjente |
| Electronic | Electrónico / Electrónica | eh-lec-tro-nee-co / eh-lec-tro-nee-cah | elekˈtɾoniko / elekˈtɾonika |
| Essential | Esencial | eh-sehn-see-all | esenˈθjal |
| Special | Especial | ess-peh-see-all | espeˈθjal |
| Specific | Específico / Específica | ess-peh-see-fee-co / ess-peh-see-fee-cah | espeˈθifiko / espeˈθifika |
| Exact | Exacto / Exacta | ex-ac-toe | ekˈsakto |
| Famous | Famoso / Famosa | fa-moh-soh / fa-moh-sah | faˈmoso / faˈmosa |
| Feminist | Feminista | feh-me-nees-ta | femiˈnista |
| Festive | Festivo / Festiva | fess-tee-voh / fes-tee-vah | fesˈtiβo / fesˈtiβa |
| Fragile | Frágil | frah-heel | ˈfɾaxil |
| General | General | heh-neh-rall | xeneˈɾal |
| Giant | Gigante | he-gahn-teh | xiˈɣante |
| Global | Global | gloh-ball | ɡloˈβal |
| Ability | Habilidad | ah-bee-lee-dahd | aβiliˈðað |
| Horrible | Horrible | oh-ree-bleh | oˈriβle |
| Hospital | Hospital | oss-pee-tall | ospiˈtal |
| Humanity | Humanidad | ooh-ma-nee-dahd | umaniˈðað |
| Idenfify | Identificar | e-dehn-tee-fee-car | iðentifiˈkaɾ |
| Equality | Igualdad | e-goo-all-dahd | iɣwalˈdað |
| Impossible | Imposible | eem-poh-see-bles | impoˈsiβle |
| Incredible | Increíble | een-creh-ee-bleh | inkɾeˈiβle |
| Individual | Individual | een-dee-vee-doo-all | indiβiˈðwal |
| Insect | Insecto | een-sec-toe | inˈsekto |
| Intelligence | Inteligencia | een-teh-lee-hehn-see-ah | inteliˈxenθja |
| Interesting | Interesante | in-teh-reh-sahn-teh | inteɾeˈsante |
| Legal | Legal | leh-gall | leˈɣal |
| Liquid | Líquido / Líquida | lee-key-doe / lee-key-da | ˈlikiðo / ˈlikiða |
| List | Lista | lees-ta | ˈlista |
| Local | Local | loh-call | loˈkal |
| Modify | Modificar | mo-dee-fee-car | moðifiˈkaɾ |
| National | Nacional | nah-see-oh-nall | naθjoˈnal |
| Nationality | Nacionalidad | nah-see-oh-nah-lee-dahd | naθjonaliˈðað |
| Necessary | Necesario / Necesaria | neh-seh-sah-ree-oh / neh-seh-sah-ree-ah | neθeˈsaɾjo / neθeˈsaɾja |
| Negative | Negativo / Negativa | neh-ga-tee-voh / neh-ga-tee-vah | neɣaˈtiβo / neɣaˈtiβa |
| Normal | Normal | nor-mall | noɾˈmal |
| Notify | Notificar | no-tee-fee-car | notifiˈkaɾ |
| Object | Objeto | ob-heh-toe | oβˈxeto |
| Obviously | Obviamente | oh-bee-ah-mehn-teh | oβjaˈmente |
| Patience | Paciencia | pah-see-ehn-see-ah | paˈθjenθja |
| Passion | Pasión | pah-see-ohn | paˈsjon |
| Perfect | Perfecto / Perfecta | pehr-fec-toe / pehr-fec-tah | peɾˈfekto / peɾˈfekta |
| Personal | Personal | pehr-soh-nall | peɾsoˈnal |
| Plural | Plural | ploo-rall | pluˈɾal |
| Popular | Popular | poh-poo-lar | popuˈlaɾ |
| Possible | Posible | poh-see-bleh | poˈsiβle |
| Positive | Positivo / Positiva | po-see-tee-voh / po-see-tee-vah | posiˈtiβo / posiˈtiβa |
| President | Presidente | preh-see-dehn-teh | pɾesiˈðente |
| Primary | Primario / Primaria | pre-ma-ree-oh / pre-ma-ree-ah | pɾiˈmaɾjo / pɾiˈmaɾja |
| Product | Producto | pro-dooc-toe | pɾoˈðukto |
| Profession | Profesión | pro-feh-see-ohn | pɾofeˈsjon |
| Professional | Profesional | pro-feh-see-oh-nall | pɾofesjoˈnal |
| Professor | Profesor / Profesora | pro-feh-sohr / pro-feh-soh-rah | pɾofeˈsoɾ / pɾofeˈsoɾa |
| Project | Proyecto | pro-yec-toe | pɾoˈʝekto |
| Public | Público / Pública | poo-blee-co / poo-blee-cah | ˈpuβliko / ˈpuβlika |
| Rapid | Rápido / Rápida | rah-pee-doe / rah-pee-dah | ˈrapiðo / ˈrapiða |
| Reality | Realidad | reh-ah-lee-dahd | realiˈðað |
| Singular | Singular | seen-goo-lar | sinɡuˈlaɾ |
| Solid | Sólido / Sólida | soh-lee-doe / soh-lee-dah | ˈsoliðo / ˈsoliða |
| Television | Televisión | teh-leh-vee-see-ohn | teleβiˈsjon |
| Toxic | Tóxico / Tóxica | tox-e-co / tox-e-cah | ˈtoksiko / ˈtoksika |
| Traffic | Tráfico | trah-fee-co | ˈtɾafiko |
| Tourist | Turista | too-rees-tah | tuˈɾista |
| University | Universidad | ooh-nee-vehr-see-dahd | uniβeɾsiˈðað |
| Vocabulary | Vocabulario | vo-cah-boo-lah-ree-oh | bokaβuˈlaɾjo |
Spanish cognates generally look a lot like English words, so it’s not very difficult to spot them. However, there are a few dozen patterns that you can turn towards to have a higher chance of matching these cognates. In the sections below, we’ll delve into some of the most common patterns of Spanish cognates so you know what to look for.
Plus, we’ll include the pronunciation and IPA spelling of each word. This is especially important because similar spellings don’t mean similar pronunciations, so you can’t assume that Spanish words will be pronounced the same just because they are spelled the same. So, go make a cup of coffee or tea and take your time working through the following list of 1,111 Spanish cognates!
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Generally, English words that end in –al also end in –al in Spanish. This results in many words that stay exactly the same in Spanish, such as “animal.” In other cases, the root of the word might change slightly to fit Spanish orthography, as “abysmal” changes to abismal.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Abdominal | Abdominal | ab-doh-me-nall | aβðomiˈnal |
| Abysmal | Abismal | ah-bees-mall | aβizˈmal |
| Accidental | Accidental | ac-see-dehn-tall | akθiðenˈtal |
| Actual | Actual | ac-too-all | akˈtwal |
| Additional | Adicional | ah-dee-see-oh-nall | aðiθjoˈnal |
| Animal | Animal | ah-nee-mall | aniˈmal |
| Abnormal | Anormal | ah-nor-mall | anoɾˈmal |
| Artificial | Artificial | are-tee-fee-see-all | aɾtifiˈθjal |
| Brutal | Brutal | broo-tall | bɾuˈtal |
| Canal | Canal | cah-nall | kaˈnal |
| Capital | Capital | cah-pee-tall | kapiˈtal |
| Casual | Casual | cah-sue-all | kaˈswal |
| Central | Central | sehn-trall | θenˈtɾal |
| Cerebral | Cerebral | se-reh-brall | θeɾeˈβɾal |
| Colonial | Colonial | coh-lo-nee-all | koloˈnjal |
| Commercial | Comercial | co-mehr-see-all | komeɾˈθjal |
| Computational | Computacional | com-poo-tah-see-oh-nall | komputaθjoˈnal |
| Conditional | Condicional | cohn-dee-see-oh-nall | kondiθjoˈnal |
| Conventional | Convencional | cohn-vehn-see-oh-nall | kombenθjoˈnal |
| Cordial | Cordial | core-dee-nall | koɾˈðjal |
| Criminal | Criminal | cree-me-nall | kɾimiˈnal |
| Cultural | Cultural | cool-too-rall | kultuˈɾal |
| Diagonal | Diagonal | dee-ah-goh-nall | djaɣoˈnal |
| Differential | Diferencial | dee-feh-rehn-see-all | difeɾenˈθjal |
| Digital | Digital | dee-he-tall | dixiˈtal |
| Editorial | Editorial | eh-dee-toe-ree-all | eðitoˈɾjal |
| Educational | Educacional | eh-doo-cah-see-oh-nall | eðukaθjoˈnal |
| Electoral | Electoral | eh-lec-tore-all | elektoˈɾal |
| Elemental | Elemental | eh-leh-mehn-tall | elemenˈtal |
| Emotional | Emocional | eh-moh-see-oh-nall | emoθjoˈnal |
| Essential | Esencial | eh-sehn-see-all | esenˈθjal |
| Special | Especial | ess-peh-see-all | espeˈθjal |
| Spiral | Espiral | ess-pee-rall | espiˈɾal |
| Exceptional | Excepcional | ex-ehp-see-oh-nall | eksepθjoˈnal |
| Experimental | Experimental | ex-peh-ree-mehn-tall | ekspeɾimenˈtal |
| Exponential | Exponencial | ex-poh-nehn-see-all | eksponenˈθjal |
| Fatal | Fatal | fa-tall | faˈtal |
| Federal | Federal | feh-deh-rall | feðeˈɾal |
| Festival | Festival | fess-tee-vall | festiˈβal |
| Final | Final | fee-nall | fiˈnal |
| Formal | Formal | fore-mall | foɾˈmal |
| Frontal | Frontal | frohn-tall | fɾonˈtal |
| Functional | Funcional | foon-see-oh-nall | funθjoˈnal |
| Fundamental | Fundamental | foon-dah-mehn-tall | fundamenˈtal |
| General | General | heh-neh-rall | xeneˈɾal |
| Global | Global | gloh-ball | ɡloˈβal |
| Gradual | Gradual | grah-doo-all | ɡɾaˈðwal |
| Habitual | Habitual | ah-bee-too-all | aβiˈtwal |
| Horizontal | Horizontal | oh-re-zohn-tall | oɾiθonˈtal |
| Hospital | Hospital | oss-pee-tall | ospiˈtal |
| Ideal | Ideal | e-deh-all | iðeˈal |
| Impartial | Imparcial | eem-par-see-all | impaɾˈθjal |
| Imperial | Imperial | eem-peh-ree-all | impeˈɾjal |
| Individual | Individual | een-dee-vee-doo-all | indiβiˈðwal |
| Industrial | Industrial | een-doos-tree-all | indusˈtɾjal |
| Informal | Informal | een-fore-mall | imfoɾˈmal |
| Immortal | Inmortal | een-more-tall | immoɾˈtal |
| Integral | Integral | een-teh-grall | inteˈɣɾal |
| International | Internacional | een-tehr-nah-see-oh-nall | inteɾnaθjoˈnal |
| Judicial | Judicial | who-dee-see-all | xuðiˈθjal |
| Lateral | Lateral | la-teh-rall | lateˈɾal |
| Legal | Legal | leh-gall | leˈɣal |
| Liberal | Liberal | lee-beh-rall | liβeˈɾal |
| Literal | Literal | lee-teh-rall | liteˈɾal |
| Local | Local | loh-call | loˈkal |
| Manual | Manual | mah-noo-all | maˈnwal |
| Marginal | Marginal | mar-he-nall | maɾxiˈnal |
| Material | Material | ma-teh-ree-all | mateˈɾjal |
| Medieval | Medieval | meh-dee-eh-vall | meðjeˈβal |
| Mental | Mental | mehn-tall | menˈtal |
| Metal | Metal | meh-tall | meˈtal |
| Moral | Moral | mor-all | moˈɾal |
| Mortal | Mortal | mor-tall | moɾˈtal |
| Municipal | Municipal | moo-nee-see-pall | muniθiˈpal |
| Musical | Musical | moo-see-call | musiˈkal |
| National | Nacional | nah-see-oh-nall | naθjoˈnal |
| Natural | Natural | nah-too-rall | natuˈɾal |
| Normal | Normal | nor-mall | noɾˈmal |
| Oral | Oral | oh-rall | oˈɾal |
| Oriental | Oriental | oh-ree-ehn-tall | oɾjenˈtal |
| Original | Original | oh-re-he-nall | oɾixiˈnal |
| Parental | Parental | pah-rehn-tall | paɾenˈtal |
| Penal | Penal | peh-nall | peˈnal |
| Personal | Personal | pehr-soh-nall | peɾsoˈnal |
| Plural | Plural | ploo-rall | pluˈɾal |
| Principal | Principal | preen-see-pall | pɾinθiˈpal |
| Professional | Profesional | pro-feh-see-oh-nall | pɾofesjoˈnal |
| Provincial | Provincial | pro-veen-see-all | pɾoβinˈθjal |
| Radical | Radical | ra-dee-call | raðiˈkal |
| Regional | Regional | reh-he-oh-nall | rexjoˈnal |
| Ritual | Ritual | ree-too-all | riˈtwal |
| Rural | Rural | roo-rall | ruˈɾal |
| Sentimental | Sentimental | sehn-tee-mehn-tall | sentimenˈtal |
| Serial | Serial | seh-ree-all | seˈɾjal |
| Sexual | Sexual | sex-ooh-all | sekˈswal |
| Social | Social | soh-see-all | soˈθjal |
| Superficial | Superficial | soo-pehr-fee-see-all | supeɾfiˈθjal |
| Temporal | Temporal | tehm-pore-all | tempoˈɾal |
| Total | Total | toe-tall | toˈtal |
| Traditional | Tradicional | tra-dee-see-oh-nall | tɾaðiθjoˈnal |
| Transcendental | Transcendental | tran-sehn-dehn-tall | tɾansendenˈtal |
| Tropical | Tropical | tro-pee-call | tɾopiˈkal |
| Universal | Universal | oo-nee-vehr-sall | uniβeɾˈsal |
| Usual | Usual | oo-soo-all | uˈswal |
| Verbal | Verbal | ver-ball | beɾˈβal |
| Vertical | Vertical | ver-tee-call | beɾtiˈkal |
| Visual | Visual | vee-soo-all | biˈswal |
| Vital | Vital | vee-tall | biˈtal |
Spanish words almost never end in –t, which is why most English words that end in –ant end in –ante or –ente in Spanish.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Assistant | Asistente | ah-sees-tehn-teh | asisˈtente |
| Brilliant | Brillante | bree-yahn-teh | bɾiˈʎante |
| Constant | Constante | cons-tahn-teh | konsˈtante |
| Distant | Distante | dees-tahn-teh | disˈtante |
| Dominant | Dominante | doh-me-nahn-teh | domiˈnante |
| Elegant | Elegante | eh-leh-gahn-teh | eleˈɣante |
| Extravagant | Extravagante | ex-tra-va-gahn-teh | ekstɾaβaˈɣante |
| Exuberant | Exuberante | ex-ooh-beh-rahn-teh | eksuβeˈɾante |
| Fragrant | Fragante | fra-gahn-teh | fɾaˈɣante |
| Giant | Gigante | he-gahn-teh | xiˈɣante |
| Ignorant | Ignorante | eeg-no-rahn-teh | iɣnoˈɾante |
| Immigrant | Inmigrante | een-me-gran-teh | immiˈɣɾante |
| Important | Importante | eem-pore-tahn-teh | impoɾˈtante |
| Inhabitant | Habitante | ah-bee-tahn-teh | aβiˈtante |
| Instant | Instante | een-stan-teh | insˈtante |
| Militant | Militante | me-le-tahn-teh | miliˈtante |
| Occupant | Ocupante | oh-coo-pahn-teh | okuˈpante |
| Participant | Participante | par-tee-see-pahn-teh | paɾtiθiˈpante |
| Rampant | Rampante | ram-pahn-teh | ramˈpante |
| Relevant | Relevante | reh-leh-vahn-teh | releˈβante |
| Tolerant | Tolerante | toe-leh-rahn-teh | toleˈɾante |
| Vacant | Vacante | vah-cahn-teh | baˈkante |
Words that end in –ar in English tend to stay the same in Spanish, also ending in –ar.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Altar | Altar | all-tar | alˈtaɾ |
| Angular | Angular | ahn-goo-lar | anɡuˈlaɾ |
| Bar | Bar | bar | ˈbaɾ |
| Cellular | Celular | seh-loo-lar | θeluˈlaɾ |
| Circular | Circular | seer-coo-lar | θiɾkuˈlaɾ |
| Collar | Collar | coh-yar | koˈʎaɾ |
| Spectacular | Espectacular | ess-pec-tah-coo-lar | espektakuˈlaɾ |
| Stellar | Estelar | ess-teh-lar | esteˈlaɾ |
| Familiar | Familiar | fa-me-lee-ar | famiˈljaɾ |
| Irregular | Irregular | e-reh-goo-lar | ireɣuˈlaɾ |
| Lunar | Lunar | loo-nar | luˈnaɾ |
| Molecular | Molecular | mo-le-coo-lar | molekuˈlaɾ |
| Muscular | Muscular | moos-coo-lar | muskuˈlaɾ |
| Particular | Particular | par-tee-coo-lar | paɾtikuˈlaɾ |
| Peculiar | Peculiar | peh-coo-lee-ar | pekuˈljaɾ |
| Perpendicular | Perpendicular | pehr-pehn-dee-coo-lar | peɾpendikuˈlaɾ |
| Polar | Polar | poh-lar | poˈlaɾ |
| Popular | Popular | poh-poo-lar | popuˈlaɾ |
| Rectangular | Rectangular | rec-tahn-goo-lar | rektanɡuˈlaɾ |
| Registrar | Registrar | reh-hees-trar | rexisˈtɾaɾ |
| Regular | Regular | reh-goo-lar | reɣuˈlaɾ |
| Secular | Secular | seh-cooh-lar | sekuˈlaɾ |
| Similar | Similar | see-me-lar | simiˈlaɾ |
| Singular | Singular | seen-goo-lar | sinɡuˈlaɾ |
| Solar | Solar | so-lar | soˈlaɾ |
| Vascular | Vascular | vas-coo-lar | baskuˈlaɾ |
| Vulgar | Vulgar | vool-gar | bulˈɣaɾ |
Words almost never end in –y in Spanish, which is why most words that end in –ary in English change to –ario in Spanish. Keep in mind that many of these words could also change to –aria in Spanish when they are modifying a female noun.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Actuary | Actuario / Actuaria | ac-too-ah-ree-oh / ac-too-ah-ree-ah | akˈtwaɾjo / akˈtwaɾja |
| Adversary | Adversario / Adversaria | ad-vehr-sah-ree-oh / ad-vehr-sah-ree-oh | aðβeɾˈsaɾjo / aðβeɾˈsaɾja |
| Anniversary | Aniversario | ah-nee-vehr-sah-ree-oh | aniβeɾˈsaɾjo |
| Arbitrary | Arbitrario / Arbitraria | are-bee-tra-ree-oh / are-bee-tra-ree-ah | aɾβiˈtɾaɾjo / aɾβiˈtɾaɾja |
| Calvary | Calvario | call-va-ree-oh | kalˈβaɾjo |
| Canary | Canario / Canaria | ca-nah-ree-oh / ca-nah-ree-ah | kaˈnaɾjo / kaˈnaɾja |
| Commentary | Comentario | co-mehn-tah-ree-oh | komenˈtaɾjo |
| Complementary | Complementario | com-pleh-mehn-tah-ree-oh | komplemenˈtaɾjo |
| Contrary | Contrario | cohn-trah-ree-oh | konˈtɾaɾjo |
| Diary | Diario | dee-ah-ree-oh | ˈdjaɾjo |
| Estuary | Estuario | ess-too-ah-ree-oh | esˈtwaɾjo |
| Extraordinary | Extraordinario / Extraordinaria | ex-tra-ore-dee-nah-ree-oh / ex-tra-ore-dee-nah-ree-ah | ekstɾaoɾðiˈnaɾjo / ekstɾaoɾðiˈnaɾja |
| Glossary | Glosario | glo-sah-ree-oh | ɡloˈsaɾjo |
| Hereditary | Hereditario / Hereditaria | eh-reh-dee-tah-ree-oh / eh-reh-dee-tah-ree-ah | eɾeðiˈtaɾjo / eɾeðiˈtaɾja |
| Honorary | Honorario / Honoraria | oh-no-rah-ree-oh / oh-no-rah-ree-ah | onoˈɾaɾjo / onoˈɾaɾja |
| Imaginary | Imaginario / Imaginaria | e-ma-he-na-ree-oh / e-ma-he-na-ree-ah | imaxiˈnaɾjo / imaxiˈnaɾja |
| Involuntary | Involuntario / Involuntaria | een-voh-loon-tah-ree-oh / een-voh-loon-tah-ree-ah | imbolunˈtaɾjo / imbolunˈtaɾja |
| Judiciary | Judiciario / Judiciaria | who-dee-see-ah-ree-oh / who-dee-see-ah-ree-ah | xuðiˈθjaɾjo / xuðiˈθjaɾja |
| Literary | Literario / Literaria | lee-teh-rah-ree-oh / lee-teh-rah-ree-ah | liteˈɾaɾjo / liteˈɾaɾja |
| Necessary | Necesario / Necesaria | neh-seh-sah-ree-oh / neh-seh-sah-ree-ah | neθeˈsaɾjo / neθeˈsaɾja |
| Ordinary | Ordinario / Ordinaria | ore-dee-nah-ree-oh / ore-dee-nah-ree-ah | oɾðiˈnaɾjo / oɾðiˈnaɾja |
| Primary | Primario / Primaria | pre-ma-ree-oh / pre-ma-ree-ah | pɾiˈmaɾjo / pɾiˈmaɾja |
| Rosary | Rosario | ro-sah-ree-oh | roˈsaɾjo |
| Salary | Salario | sa-la-ree-oh | saˈlaɾjo |
| Secretary | Secretario / Secretaria | seh-creh-tah-ree-oh / seh-creh-tah-ree-ah | sekɾeˈtaɾjo / sekɾeˈtaɾja |
| Solitary | Solitario / Solitaria | so-lee-tah-ree-oh / so-lee-tah-ree-ah | soliˈtaɾjo / soliˈtaɾja |
| Stationary | Estacionario / Estacionaria | ess-tah-see-oh-nah-ree-oh / ess-tah-see-oh-nah-ree-ah | estaθjoˈnaɾjo / estaθjoˈnaɾja |
| Temporary | Temporario / Temporaria | tem-por-ah-ree-oh / tem-por-ah-ree-ah | tempoˈɾaɾjo / tempoˈɾaɾja |
| Vocabulary | Vocabulario | vo-cah-boo-lah-ree-oh | bokaβuˈlaɾjo |
All verbs in Spanish end in –ar, –er, or –ir. Almost all English verbs that end in –ate end in –ar in Spanish, so you can use this as an easy tool to translate your verbs.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| To abdicate | Abdicar | ab-dee-car | aβðiˈkaɾ |
| To abbreviate | Abreviar | ah-breh-vee-ar | aβðiˈkaɾ |
| To accelerate | Acelerar | ah-seh-leh-rar | aθeleˈɾaɾ |
| To accentuate | Acentuar | ah-sehn-too-ar | aθenˈtwaɾ |
| To activate | Activar | ac-tee-var | aktiˈβaɾ |
| To administrate | Administrar | ad-me-niece-trar | aðminisˈtɾaɾ |
| To aggregate | Agregar | ah-greh-gar | aɣɾeˈɣaɾ |
| To assimilate | Asimilar | ah-see-me-lar | asimiˈlaɾ |
| To associate | Asociar | ah-soh-see-ar | asoˈθjaɾ |
| To calculate | Calcular | cal-coo-lar | kalkuˈlaɾ |
| To celebrate | Celebrar | seh-leh-brar | θeleˈβɾaɾ |
| To collaborate | Colaborar | coh-la-boh-rar | kolaβoˈɾaɾ |
| To complicate | Complicar | com-plee-car | kompliˈkaɾ |
| To communicate | Comunicar | coh-moo-nee-car | komuniˈkaɾ |
| To consolidate | Consolidar | cohn-so-lee-dar | konsoliˈðaɾ |
| To cooperate | Cooperar | coh-peh-rar | koopeˈɾaɾ |
| To coordinate | Coordinar | coor-dee-nar | kooɾðiˈnaɾ |
| To create | Crear | creh-ar | kɾeˈaɾ |
| To debilitate | Debilitar | deh-bee-lee-tar | deβiliˈtaɾ |
| To decorate | Decorar | deh-coh-rar | dekoˈɾaɾ |
| To dedicate | Dedicar | deh-dee-car | deðiˈkaɾ |
| To demonstrate | Demostrar | deh-moss-trar | demosˈtɾaɾ |
| To depreciate | Depreciar | deh-preh-see-ar | depɾeˈθjaɾ |
| To designate | Designar | deh-seeg-nar | desiɣˈnaɾ |
| To dilate | Dilatar | dee-la-tar | dilaˈtaɾ |
| To duplicate | Duplicar | doo-ple-car | dupliˈkaɾ |
| To elevate | Elevar | eh-leh-var | eleˈβaɾ |
| To eliminate | Eliminar | eh-lee-me-nar | elimiˈnaɾ |
| To enumerate | Enumerar | eh-noo-meh-rar | enumeˈɾaɾ |
| To estimate | Estimar | ess-tee-mar | estiˈmaɾ |
| To evacuate | Evacuar | eh-vah-coo-ar | eβaˈkwaɾ |
| To evaluate | Evaluar | eh-va-loo-ar | eβaˈlwaɾ |
| To exaggerate | Exagerar | ex-ah-heh-rar | eksaxeˈɾaɾ |
| To fabricate | Fabricar | fa-bree-car | faβɾiˈkaɾ |
| To facilitate | Facilitar | fa-see-lee-tar | faθiliˈtaɾ |
| To fascinate | Fascinar | fa-see-nar | fasiˈnaɾ |
| To fluctuate | Fluctuar | fluc-too-ar | flukˈtwaɾ |
| To formulate | Formular | for-moo-lar | foɾmuˈlaɾ |
| To illuminate | Iluminar | e-loo-me-nar | ilumiˈnaɾ |
| To illustrate | Ilustrar | e-loos-trar | ilusˈtɾaɾ |
| To integrate | Integrar | een-teh-grar | inteˈɣɾaɾ |
| To investigate | Investigar | een-vess-tee-gar | imbestiˈɣaɾ |
| To liquidate | Liquidar | lee-key-dar | likiˈðaɾ |
| To locate | Localizar | lo-cah-lee-zar | lokaliˈθaɾ |
| To lubricate | Lubricar | loo-bree-car | luβɾiˈkaɾ |
| To manipulate | Manipular | ma-nee-poo-lar | manipuˈlaɾ |
| To mediate | Mediar | meh-dee-tar | meˈðjaɾ |
| To multiply | Multiplicar | mool-tee-plee-car | multipliˈkaɾ |
| To narrate | Narrar | nah-rar | naˈraɾ |
| To necessitate | Necesitar | neh-seh-see-tar | neθesiˈtaɾ |
| To negotiate | Negociar | neh-goh-see-ar | neɣoˈθjaɾ |
| To enumerate | Numerar | noo-meh-rar | numeˈɾaɾ |
| To operate | Operar | oh-peh-rar | opeˈɾaɾ |
| To participate | Participar | par-tee-see-par | paɾtiθiˈpaɾ |
| To terminate | Terminar | ter-me-nar | teɾmiˈnaɾ |
Most English words that end in –ble don’t change much in Spanish. Easy win!
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Abominable | Abominable | ah-boh-me-nah-bleh | aβomiˈnaβle |
| Admirable | Admirable | add-me-rah-bleh | aðmiˈɾaβle |
| Adorable | Adorable | ah-doh-rah-bleh | aðoˈɾaβle |
| Adjustable | Ajustable | ah-whose-tah-bleh | axusˈtaβle |
| Amiable | Amable | ah-mah-bleh | aˈmaβle |
| Audible | Audible | ah-ooh-dee-bleh | awˈðiβle |
| Cable | Cable | cah-bleh | ˈkaβle |
| Combustible | Combustible | com-boos-tee-bleh | kombusˈtiβle |
| Edible | Comestible | coh-mess-tee-bleh | komesˈtiβle |
| Compatible | Compatible | com-pah-tee-bleh | kompaˈtiβle |
| Considerable | Considerable | con-see-deh-rah-bleh | konsiðeˈɾaβle |
| Questionable | Cuestionable | coo-ess-tee-oh-nah-bleh | kwestjoˈnaβle |
| Double | Doble | doh-bleh | ˈdoβle |
| Durable | Durable | doo-rah-bleh | duˈɾaβle |
| Eligible | Elegible | eh-leh-he-bleh | eleˈxiβle |
| Feasible | Factible | fac-tee-bleh | fakˈtiβle |
| Favorable | Favorable | fah-voh-rah-bleh | faβoˈɾaβle |
| Flexible | Flexible | flex-e-bleh | flekˈsiβle |
| Honorable | Honorable | oh-noh-rah-bleh | onoˈɾaβle |
| Horrible | Horrible | oh-ree-bleh | oˈriβle |
| Implacable | Implacable | eem-pla-cah-bleh | implaˈkaβle |
| Impossible | Imposible | eem-poh-see-bles | impoˈsiβle |
| Incredible | Increíble | een-creh-ee-bleh | inkɾeˈiβle |
| Unstable | Inestable | een-tess-tah-bleh | inesˈtaβle |
| Inevitable | Inevitable | ee-neh-vee-tah-bleh | ineβiˈtaβle |
| Inseparable | Inseparable | een-seh-pah-rah-bleh | insepaˈɾaβle |
| Interminable | Interminable | een-tehr-mee-nah-bleh | inteɾmiˈnaβle |
| Invincible | Invencible | een-vehn-see-bleh | imbenˈθiβle |
| Invisible | Invisible | een-vee-seeh-bleh | imbiˈsiβle |
| Lamentable | Lamentable | la-mehn-tah-bleh | lamenˈtaβle |
| Memorable | Memorable | meh-moh-rah-bleh | memoˈɾaβle |
| Miserable | Miserable | me-seh-rah-bleh | miseˈɾaβle |
| Noble | Noble | no-bleh | ˈnoβle |
| Plausible | Plausible | pla-ooh-see-bleh | plawˈsiβle |
| Possible | Posible | poh-see-bleh | poˈsiβle |
| Probable | Probable | pro-bah-bleh | pɾoˈβaβle |
| Reasonable | Razonable | ra-zoh-nah-bleh | raθoˈnaβle |
| Responsible | Responsable | ress-pohn-sah-bleh | responˈsaβle |
| Sensible | Sensible | sehn-see-bleh | senˈsiβle |
| Sociable | Sociable | soh-see-ah-bleh | soˈθjaβle |
| Susceptible | Susceptible | soo-sep-tee-bleh | susepˈtiβle |
| Tangible | Tangible | tan-he-bleh | tanˈxiβle |
| Terrible | Terrible | teh-ree-bleh | teˈriβle |
| Tolerable | Tolerable | to-leh-rah-bleh | toleˈɾaβle |
| Visible | Visible | vee-see-bleh | biˈsiβle |
| Vulnerable | Vulnerable | vool-neh-rah-bleh | bulneˈɾaβle |
As mentioned earlier, Spanish words don’t like to end in –t, so English words that end in –ct end in –cto or –to in Spanish.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Abstract | Abstracto / Abstracta | abs-trac-toe / abs-trac-tah | aβsˈtɾakto / aβsˈtɾakta |
| Act | Acto | ac-toe | ˈakto |
| Architect | Arquitecto / Arquitecta | ar-key-tec-toe / ar-key-tec-tah | aɾkiˈtekto / aɾkiˈtekta |
| Artefact | Artefacto | ar-teh-fac-toe | aɾteˈfakto |
| Aspect | Aspecto | as-pec-toe | asˈpekto |
| Compact | Compacto / Compacta | com-pac-toe / com-pac-tah | komˈpakto / komˈpakta |
| Conflict | Conflicto | con-flick-toe | komˈflikto |
| Contact | Contacto | con-tac-toe | konˈtakto |
| Contract | Contrato | con-trah-toe | konˈtɾato |
| Correct | Correcto / Correcta | coh-rec-toe / coh-rec-tah | koˈrekto / koˈrekta |
| Defect | Defecto | deh-fec-toe | deˈfekto |
| Derelict | Derelicto | deh-reh-lick-toe | deɾeˈlikto |
| Dialect | Dialecto | dee-ah-lec-toe | djaˈlekto |
| Direct | Directo / Directa | dee-rec-toe / dee-rec-tah | diˈɾekto / diˈɾekta |
| Distinct | Distinto / Distinta | diss-teen-toe / diss-teen-tah | disˈtinto / disˈtinta |
| Edict | Edicto | eh-dic-toe | eˈðikto |
| Effect | Efecto | eh-fec-toe | eˈfekto |
| Strict | Estricto / Estricta | ess-trick-toe / ess-trick-tah | esˈtɾikto / esˈtɾikta |
| Exact | Exacto / Exacta | ex-ac-toe / ex-ac-tah | ekˈsakto / ekˈsakta |
| Except | Excepto | ex-sep-toe | ekˈsepto |
| Imperfect | Imperfecto / Imperfecta | eem-pehr-fec-toe / eem-pehr-fec-tah | impeɾˈfekto / impeɾˈfekta |
| Indirect | Indirecto / Indirecta | een-dee-rec-toe / een-dee-rec-tah | indiˈɾekto / indiˈɾekta |
| Insect | Insecto | een-sec-toe | inˈsekto |
| Instinct | Instinto | eens-teen-toe | insˈtinto |
| Intact | Intacto / Intacta | een-tac-toe / een-tac-tah | inˈtakto / inˈtakta |
| Object | Objeto | ob-heh-toe | oβˈxeto |
| Pact | Pacto | pac-toe | ˈpakto |
| Perfect | Perfecto / Perfecta | pehr-fec-toe / pehr-fec-tah | peɾˈfekto / peɾˈfekta |
| Product | Producto | pro-dooc-toe | pɾoˈðukto |
| Prospect | Prospecto | pros-pec-toe | pɾosˈpekto |
| Project | Proyecto | pro-yec-toe | pɾoˈʝekto |
| Respect | Respeto | res-peh-toe | resˈpeto |
| Subject | Sujeto | soo-heh-toe | suˈxeto |
English words that end in –nce typically end in –ncia in Spanish.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Abundance | Abundancia | ah-boon-dahn-see-ah | aβunˈdanθja |
| Adolescence | Adolescencia | ah-doh-leh-sehn-see-ah | aðoleˈsenθja |
| Ambulance | Ambulancia | am-boo-lahn-see-ah | ambuˈlanθja |
| Appearance | Apariencia | ah-pah-ree-ehn-see-ah | apaˈɾjenθja |
| Arrogance | Arrogancia | ah-ro-gahn-see-ah | aroˈɣanθja |
| Assistance | Asistencia | ah-sees-tehn-see-ah | asisˈtenθja |
| Audience | Audiencia | ah-ooh-dee-ehn-see-ah | awˈðjenθja |
| Benevolence | Benevolencia | beh-neh-voh-lehn-see-ah | beneβoˈlenθja |
| Science | Ciencia | see-ehn-see-ah | ˈθjenθja |
| Circumference | Circunferencia | seer-coon-feh-rehn-see-ah | θiɾkumfeˈɾenθja |
| Coincidence | Coincidencia | coh-een-see-dehn-see-ah | kojnθiˈðenθja |
| Competence | Competencia | com-peh-tehn-see-ah | kompeˈtenθja |
| Conscience | Conciencia | con-see-ehn-see-ah | konˈθjenθja |
| Condescendence | Condescendencia | con-deh-sehn-dehn-see-ah | kondesenˈdenθja |
| Congruence | Congruencia | con-groo-ehn-see-ah | konˈɡɾwenθja |
| Consequence | Consecuencia | con-seh-coo-ehn-see-ah | konseˈkwenθja |
| Correspondence | Correspondencia | coh-ress-pohn-dehn-see-ah | koresponˈdenθja |
| Decadence | Decadencia | deh-cah-dehn-see-ah | dekaˈðenθja |
| Difference | Diferencia | dee-feh-rehn-see-ah | difeˈɾenθja |
| Distance | Distancia | dees-tahn-see-ah | disˈtanθja |
| Divergence | Divergencia | dee-vehr-hehn-see-ah | diβeɾˈxenθja |
| Elegance | Elegancia | eh-leh-gahn-see-ah | eleˈɣanθja |
| Equivalence | Equivalencia | eh-key-vah-lehn-see-ah | ekiβaˈlenθja |
| Essence | Esencia | eh-sehn-see-ah | eˈsenθja |
| Evidence | Evidencia | eh-vee-dehn-see-ah | eβiˈðenθja |
| Excellence | Excelencia | ex-eh-lehn-see-ah | ekseˈlenθja |
| Existence | Existencia | ex-is-tehn-see-ah | eksisˈtenθja |
| Experience | Experiencia | ex-peh-ree-ehn-see-ah | ekspeˈɾjenθja |
| Illuminance | Iluminancia | e-loo-me-nah-see-ohn | ilumiˈnanθja |
| Importance | Importancia | eem-pore-tahn-see-ah | impoɾˈtanθja |
| Independence | Independencia | een-deh-pehn-dehn-see-ah | indepenˈdenθja |
| Influence | Influencia | een-floo-ehn-see-ah | imˈflwenθja |
| Intelligence | Inteligencia | een-teh-lee-hehn-see-ah | inteliˈxenθja |
| Interference | Interferencia | een-tehr-feh-rehn-see-ah | inteɾfeˈɾenθja |
| Negligence | Negligencia | neh-glee-hehn-see-ah | neɣliˈxenθja |
| Obedience | Obediencia | oh-beh-dee-ehn-see-ah | oβeˈðjenθja |
| Patience | Paciencia | pah-see-ehn-see-ah | paˈθjenθja |
| Presence | Presencia | preh-sehn-see-ah | pɾeˈsenθja |
| Reference | Referencia | reh-feh-rehn-see-ah | refeˈɾenθja |
| Reminiscence | Reminiscencia | reh-me-nee-sehn-see-ah | reminiˈsenθja |
| Resistance | Resistencia | reh-sees-tehn-see-ah | resisˈtenθja |
| Subsistence | Subsistencia | soob-sees-tehn-see-ah | suβsisˈtenθja |
| Substance | Substancia | soobs-tahn-see-ah | suβsˈtanθja |
| Teleconference | Teleconferencia | teh-leh-cohn-feh-rehn-see-ah | telekomfeˈɾenθja |
| Tolerance | Tolerancia | toe-leh-rahn-see-ah | toleˈɾanθja |
| Transparency | Transparencia | trans-pah-rehn-see-ah | tɾanspaˈɾenθja |
| Urgency | Urgencia | oor-hehn-see-ah | uɾˈxenθja |
| Violence | Violencia | vee-oh-lehn-see-ah | bjoˈlenθja |
Words that end in –ic in English change to –ico or –ica in Spanish, depending on the gender of the noun they are modifying.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Academic | Académico / Académica | ah-cah-deh-me-co / ah-cah-deh-me-cah | akaˈðemiko / akaˈðemika |
| Acrobatic | Acrobático / Acrobática | ah-croh-bah-tee-co / ah-croh-bah-tee-cah | akɾoˈβatiko / akɾoˈβatika |
| Alcoholic | Alcohólico / Alcohólica | all-coh-lee-co / all-coh-lee-cah | alkoˈoliko / alkoˈolika |
| Allergic | Alérgico / Alérgica | ah-lehr-he-co / ah-lehr-he-cah | aˈleɾxiko / aˈleɾxika |
| Harmonic | Armónico / Armónica | ar-mo-nee-co / ar-mo-nee-cah | aɾˈmoniko / aɾˈmonika |
| Artistic | Artístico / Artística | ar-tees-tee-co / ar-tees-tee-cah | aɾˈtistiko / aɾˈtistika |
| Athletic | Atlético / Atlética | ah-tleh-tee-co / ah-tleh-tee-cah | atˈletiko / atˈletika |
| Atmospheric | Atmosférico / Atmosférica | at-moss-feh-ree-co / at-moss-feh-ree-cah | atmosˈfeɾiko / atmosˈfeɾika |
| Atomic | Atómico / Atómica | ah-toe-me-co / ah-toe-me-cah | aˈtomiko / aˈtomika |
| Authentic | Auténtico / Auténtica | ah-ooh-tehn-tee-co / ah-ooh-tehn-tee-cah | awˈtentiko / awˈtentika |
| Automatic | Automático / Automática | ah-ooh-toe-ma-tee-co / ah-ooh-toe-ma-tee-cah | awtoˈmatiko / awtoˈmatika |
| Basic | Básico / Báscia | bah-see-co / bah-see-cah | ˈbasiko / ˈbasja |
| Chaotic | Caótico / Caótica | ca-oh-tee-co / ca-oh-tee-cah | kaˈotiko / kaˈotika |
| Characteristic | Característico / Característica | ca-rac-teh-rees-tee-co / ca-rac-teh-rees-tee-cah | kaɾakteˈɾistiko / kaɾakteˈɾistika |
| Scientific | Científico / Científica | see-ehn-tee-fee-co / see-ehn-tee-fee-cah | θjenˈtifiko / θjenˈtifika |
| Classic | Clásico / Clásica | cla-see-co / cla-see-cah | ˈklasiko / ˈklasika |
| Comic | Cómico / Cómica | coh-me-coh / coh-me--cah | ˈkomiko / ˈkomika |
| Concentric | Concéntrico / Concéntrica | con-sehn-tree-co / con-sehn-tree-cah | konˈθentɾiko / konˈθentɾika |
| Chronologic | Cronológico / Cronolócia | cro-no-lo-he-co / cro-no-lo-he-cah | kɾonoˈloxiko / Cronolócia |
| Cubic | Cúbico / Cúbica | coo-be-co / coo-be-cah | ˈkuβiko / ˈkuβika |
| Democratic | Democrático / Democrática | deh-mo-crah-tee-co / deh-mo-crah-tee-cah | demoˈkɾatiko / demoˈkɾatika |
| Dynamic | Dinámico / Dinámica | dee-nah-me-co / dee-nah-me-cah | diˈnamiko / diˈnamika |
| Diplomatic | Diplomático / Diplomática | dee-plo-ma-tee-co / dee-plo-ma-tee-cah | diploˈmatiko / diploˈmatika |
| Domestic | Doméstico / Doméstica | doh-mess-tee-co / doh-mess-tee-cah | doˈmestiko / doˈmestika |
| Dramatic | Dramático / Dramática | dra-ma-tee-co / dra-ma-tee-cah | dɾaˈmatiko / dɾaˈmatika |
| Economic | Económico / Económica | eh-co-noh-me-co / eh-co-noh-me-cah | ekoˈnomiko / ekoˈnomika |
| Electric | Eléctrico / Eléctrica | eh-lec-tree-co / eh-lec-tree-cah | eˈlektɾiko / eˈlektɾika |
| Electronic | Electrónico / Electrónica | eh-lec-tro-nee-co / eh-lec-tro-nee-cah | elekˈtɾoniko / elekˈtɾonika |
| Erotic | Erótico / Erótica | eh-ro-tee-co / eh-ro-tee-cah | eˈɾotiko / eˈɾotika |
| Erratic | Errático / Errática | eh-rah-tee-co / eh-rah-tee-cah | eˈratiko / eˈratika |
| Esoteric | Esotérico / Esotérica | eh-soh-teh-ree-coh / eh-so-teh-ree-cah | esoˈteɾiko / esoˈteɾika |
| Specific | Específico / Específica | ess-peh-see-fee-co / ess-peh-se-fee-cah | espeˈθifiko / espeˈθifika |
| Ethnic | Étnico / Étnica | et-nee-coh / et-nee-cah | ˈetniko / ˈetnika |
| Eccentric | Excéntrico / Excéntrica | ex-ehn-tree-co / ex-ehn-tree-cah | ekˈsentɾiko / ekˈsentɾika |
| Exotic | Exótico / Exótica | ex-oh-tee-co / ex-oh-tee-cah | ekˈsotiko / ekˈsotika |
| Fantastic | Fantástico / Fantástica | fan-tass-tee-co / fan-tass-tee-cah | fanˈtastiko / fanˈtastika |
| Generic | Genérico / Genérica | heh-neh-ree-co / heh-neh-ree-cah | xeˈneɾiko / xeˈneɾika |
| Genetic | Genético / Genética | heh-neh-tee-co / heh-neh-tee-cah | xeˈnetiko / xeˈnetika |
| Geometric | Geométrico / Geométrica | heh-oh-meh-tree-co / heh-oh-meh-tree-cah | xeoˈmetɾiko / xeoˈmetɾika |
| Heroic | Heroico / Heroica | eh-roh-e-co / eh-roh-e-cah | eˈɾojko / eˈɾojka |
| Ironic | Irónico / Irónica | e-roh-nee-co / e-roh-nee-cah | iˈɾoniko / iˈɾonika |
| Lyric | Lírico / Lírica | lee-re-co / lee-re-cah | ˈliɾiko / ˈliɾika |
| Lunatic | Lunático / Lunática | loo-nah-tee-co / loo-nah-tee-cah | luˈnatiko / luˈnatika |
| Magic | Mágico / Mágica | ma-he-co / ma-he-cah | ˈmaxiko / ˈmaxika |
| Magnetic | Magnético / Magnética | mag-neh-tee-co / mag-neh-tee-cah | maɣˈnetiko / maɣˈnetika |
| Medic | Médico / Médica | meh-dee-co / meh-dee-cah | ˈmeðiko / ˈmeðika |
| Mosaic | Mosaico | mo-sah-e-co | moˈsajko |
| Narcotic | Narcótico / Narcótica | nar-co-tee-co / nar-co-tee-cah | naɾˈkotiko / naɾˈkotika |
| Organic | Orgánico / Orgánica | or-gah-nee-co / or-gah-nee-cah | oɾˈɣaniko / oɾˈɣanika |
| Panic | Pánico | pah-nee-co | ˈpaniko |
| Plastic | Plástico / Plástica | plass-tee-co / plass-tee-cah | ˈplastiko / ˈplastika |
| Poetic | Poético / Poética | poh-eh-tee-co / poh-eh-tee-cah | poˈetiko / poˈetika |
| Public | Público / Pública | poo-blee-co / poo-blee-cah | ˈpuβliko / ˈpuβlika |
| Romantic | Romántico / Romántica | roh-mahn-tee-co / roh-mahn-tee-cah | roˈmantiko / roˈmantika |
| Systematic | Sistemático / Sistemática | sees-teh-mah-tee-co / sees-teh-mah-tee-cah | sisteˈmatiko / sisteˈmatika |
| Toxic | Tóxico / Tóxica | tox-e-co / tox-e-cah | ˈtoksiko / ˈtoksika |
| Traffic | Tráfico | trah-fee-co | ˈtɾafiko |
| Tragic | Trágico / Trágica | trah-he-co / trah-he-cah | ˈtɾaxiko / ˈtɾaxika |
| Tropic | Trópico | troh-pe-co | ˈtɾopiko |
English words that end in –id end in –ido or –ida in Spanish, depending on the gender of the noun they are modifying.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Acid | Ácido / Ácida | ah-see-doe / ah-see-dah | ˈaθiðo / ˈaθiða |
| Avid | Ávido / Ávida | ah-vee-doe / ah-vee-dah | ˈaβiðo / ˈaβiða |
| Splendid | Espléndido / Espléndida | ess-plehn-dee-doe / ess-plehn-dee-dah | esˈplendiðo / esˈplendiða |
| Stupid | Estúpido / Estúpida | ess-too-pee-doe / ess-too-pee-dah | esˈtupiðo / esˈtupiða |
| Fluid | Fluido / Fluida | floo-e-doe / floo-e-dah | ˈflwiðo / ˈflwiða |
| Intrepid | Intrépido / Intrépida | een-treh-pee-doe / een-treh-pee-dah | inˈtɾepiðo / inˈtɾepiða |
| Liquid | Líquido / Líquida | lee-key-doe / lee-key-dah | ˈlikiðo / ˈlikiða |
| Lucid | Lúcido / Lúcida | loo-see-doe / loo-see-dah | ˈluθiðo / ˈluθiða |
| Rapid | Rápido / Rápida | rah-pee-doe / rah-pee-dah | ˈrapiðo / ˈrapiða |
| Solid | Sólido / Sólida | soh-lee-doe / soh-lee-dah | ˈsoliðo / ˈsoliða |
| Timid | Tímido / Tímida | tee-me-doe / tee-me-dah | ˈtimiðo / ˈtimiða |
| Valid | Válido / Válida | vah-lee-doe / vah-lee-dah | ˈbaliðo / ˈbaliða |
| Vivid | Vívido / Vívida | vee-ve-doe / vee-ve-dah | ˈbiβiðo / ˈbiβiða |
English words that end in –ify change to –ificar in Spanish.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Amplify | Amplificar | am-plee-fee-car | amplifiˈkaɾ |
| Certify | Certificar | sehr-tee-fee-car | θeɾtifiˈkaɾ |
| Clarify | Clarificar | cla-ree-fee-car | klaɾifiˈkaɾ |
| Classify | Clasificar | cla-see-fee-car | klasifiˈkaɾ |
| Codify | Codificar | co-dee-fee-car | koðifiˈkaɾ |
| Crucify | Crucificar | croo-see-fee-car | kɾuθifiˈkaɾ |
| Quantify | Cuantificar | coo-ahn-tee-fee-car | kwantifiˈkaɾ |
| Dignify | Dignificar | dig-nee-fee-car | diɣnifiˈkaɾ |
| Diversify | Diversificar | dee-vehr-see-fee-car | diβeɾsifiˈkaɾ |
| Exemplify | Ejemplificar | eh-hem-plee-fee-car | exemplifiˈkaɾ |
| Electrify | Electrificar | eh-lec-tree-fee-car | elektɾifiˈkaɾ |
| Emulsify | Emulsionar | eh-mool-see-oh-nar | emulsjoˈnaɾ |
| Specify | Especificar | ess-peh-see-fee-car | espeθifiˈkaɾ |
| Falsify | Falsificar | fal-see-fee-car | falsifiˈkaɾ |
| Glorify | Glorificar | glo-ree-fee-car | ɡloɾifiˈkaɾ |
| Gratify | Gratificar | gra-tee-fee-car | ɡɾatifiˈkaɾ |
| Identify | Identificar | e-dehn-tee-fee-car | iðentifiˈkaɾ |
| Intensify | Intensificar | een-tehn-see-fee-car | intensifiˈkaɾ |
| Justify | Justificar | whos-tee-fee-car | xustifiˈkaɾ |
| Modify | Modificar | mo-dee-fee-car | moðifiˈkaɾ |
| Notify | Notificar | no-tee-fee-car | notifiˈkaɾ |
| Pacify | Pacificar | pah-see-fee-car | paθifiˈkaɾ |
| Petrify | Petrificar | peh-tree-fee-car | petɾifiˈkaɾ |
| Rectify | Rectificar | rec-tee-fee-car | rektifiˈkaɾ |
| Simplify | Simplificar | seem-plee-fee-car | simplifiˈkaɾ |
| Solidify | Solidificar | soh-lee-dee-fee-car | soliðifiˈkaɾ |
| Unify | Unificar | ooh-nee-fee-car | unifiˈkaɾ |
| Verify | Verificar | veh-ree-fee-car | beɾifiˈkaɾ |
English words that end in –ile in English end in –il in Spanish.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Agile | Ágil | ah-heel | ˈaxil |
| Automobile | Automóvil | ah-ooh-toe-mo-veel | awtoˈmoβil |
| Quartile | Cuartil | coo-ar-teel | kwaɾˈtil |
| Docile | Dócil | doh-seel | ˈdoθil |
| Sterile | Estéril | ess-teh-reel | esˈteɾil |
| Fragile | Frágil | frah-heel | ˈfɾaxil |
| Hostile | Hostil | oss-teel | osˈtil |
| Juvenile | Juvenil | who-veh-neel | xuβeˈnil |
| Mobile | Móvil | mo-veel | ˈmoβil |
| Textile | Textil | tex-teel | teksˈtil |
Spanish words don’t like ending in –m, so English words that end in –ism typically end in –ismo in Spanish.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Abolitionism | Abolicionismo | ah-boh-lee-see-oh-nees-mo | aβoliθjoˈnizmo |
| Absolutism | Absolutismo | abs-oh-loo-tees-mo | aβsoluˈtizmo |
| Alarmism | Alarmismo | ah-lar-mees-mo | alaɾˈmizmo |
| Albinism | Albinismo | al-bee-nees-mo | alβiˈnizmo |
| Alpinism | Alpinismo | al-pee-nees-mo | alpiˈnizmo |
| Astigmatism | Astigmatismo | ass-teeg-ma-tees-mo | astiɣmaˈtizmo |
| Baptism | Bautismo | bah-ooh-tees-mo | bawˈtizmo |
| Brutalism | Brutalismo | broo-tah-lees-mo | bɾutaˈlizmo |
| Capitalism | Capitalismo | ca-pee-ta-lees-mo | kapitaˈlizmo |
| Communism | Comunismo | co-moo-nees-mo | komuˈnizmo |
| Constitutionalism | Constitucionalismo | cons-tee-too-see-oh-nah-lees-mo | konstituθjonaˈlizmo |
| Constructivism | Constructivismo | cons-trooc-tee-vees-mo | konstɾuktiˈβizmo |
| Christianism | Cristianismo | crees-tee-ah-nees-mo | kɾistjaˈnizmo |
| Despotism | Despotismo | des-poh-tees-mo | despoˈtizmo |
| Egoism | Egoísmo | eh-goh-ees-mo | eɣoˈizmo |
| Structuralism | Estructuralismo | ess-trooc-too-rah-lees-mo | estɾuktuɾaˈlizmo |
| Ethnocentrism | Etnocentrismo | eht-no-sehn-trees-mo | etnoθenˈtɾizmo |
| Euphemism | Eufemismo | eh-ooh-feh-mees-mo | ewfeˈmizmo |
| Exceptionalism | Excepcionalismo | ex-ehp-see-oh-nah-lees-mo | eksepθjonaˈlizmo |
| Existentialism | Existencialismo | ex-ees-tehn-see-ah-lees-mo | eksistenθjaˈlizmo |
| Exorcism | Exorcismo | ex-or-sees-mo | eksoɾˈθizmo |
| Expressionism | Expresionismo | ex-preh-see-oh-nees-mo | ekspɾesjoˈnizmo |
| Extremism | Extremismo | ex-treh-mees-mo | ekstɾeˈmizmo |
| Fatalism | Fatalismo | fa-tah-lees-mo | fataˈlizmo |
| Federalism | Federalismo | feh-deh-ra-lees-mo | feðeɾaˈlizmo |
| Feminism | Feminismo | feh-me-nees-mo | femiˈnizmo |
| Hedonism | Hedonismo | eh-doh-nees-mo | eðoˈnizmo |
| Humanism | Humanismo | ooh-ma-nees-mo | umaˈnizmo |
| Idealism | Idealismo | e-deh-ah-lees-mo | iðeaˈlizmo |
| Individualism | Individualismo | een-dee-vee-doo-ah-lees-mo | indiβiðwaˈlizmo |
| Liberalism | Liberalismo | lee-beh-rah-lees-mo | liβeɾaˈlizmo |
| Masochism | Masoquismo | ma-so-kiss-mo | masoˈkizmo |
| Mechanism | Mecanismo | meh-ca-nees-mo | mekaˈnizmo |
| Modernism | Modernismo | mo-dehr-nees-mo | moðeɾˈnizmo |
| Narcissism | Narcisismo | nar-see-sees-mo | neoɾeaˈlizmo |
| Optimism | Optimismo | op-tee-mees-mo | oɾɣaˈnizmo |
| Organism | Organismo | or-ga-nees-mo | paθiˈfizmo |
| Pacifism | Pacifismo | pa-see-fees-mo | patɾjoˈtizmo |
| Patriotism | Patriotismo | pa-tree-oh-tees-mo | pesiˈmizmo |
| Pessimism | Pesimismo | peh-see-mees-mo | pɾaɣmaˈtizmo |
| Pragmatism | Pragmatismo | prag-ma-tees-mo | pɾaɣmaˈtizmo |
| Rationalism | Racionalismo | ra-see-oh-nah-lees-mo | raθjonaˈlizmo |
| Racism | Racismo | rah-sees-mo | raˈθizmo |
| Realism | Realismo | reh-ah-lees-mo | reaˈlizmo |
| Relativism | Relativismo | reh-la-tee-vee-smo | relatiˈβizmo |
| Romanticism | Romanticismo | ro-mahn-tee-sees-mo | romantiˈθizmo |
| Socialism | Socialismo | so-see-ah-lees-mo | soθjaˈlizmo |
| Surrealism | Surrealismo | soo-reh-ah-lees-mo | sureaˈlizmo |
| Taoism | Taoísmo | ta-oh-ees-mo | taoˈizmo |
| Terrorism | Terrorismo | teh-ro-rees-mo | teroˈɾizmo |
Again, Spanish really doesn’t like words that end in –t. That’s why English words that end in –ist typically change to –ista in Spanish.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Abolitionist | Abolicionista | ah-boh-lee-see-oh-nees-ta | aβoliθjoˈnista |
| Artist | Artista | ar-tees-ta | aɾˈtista |
| Contortionist | Contorsionista | cohn-tore-see-oh-nees-ta | kontoɾsjoˈnista |
| Dentist | Dentista | dehn-tees-ta | denˈtista |
| Egoist | Egoísta | eh-go-ees-ta | eɣoˈista |
| Feminist | Feminista | feh-me-nees-ta | femiˈnista |
| List | Lista | lees-ta | ˈlista |
| Optimist | Optimista | op-tee-mees-ta | optiˈmista |
| Pianist | Pianista | pee-ah-nees-ta | pjaˈnista |
| Protagonist | Protagonista | pro-ta-go-nees-ta | pɾotaɣoˈnista |
| Realist | Realista | reh-ah-lees-tah | reaˈlista |
| Socialist | Socialista | soh-see-ah-lees-tah | soθjaˈlista |
| Tourist | Turista | too-rees-tah | tuˈɾista |
Words that end in –ity change to –idad in Spanish.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Activity | Actividad | ac-tee-vee-dahd | aktiβiˈðað |
| Adversity | Adversidad | ad-vehr-see-dahd | aðβeɾsiˈðað |
| Anxiety | Ansiedad | ahn-see-eh-dahd | ansjeˈðað |
| Atrocity | Atrocidad | ah-troh-see-dahd | atɾoθiˈðað |
| Authority | Autoridad | ah-ooh-toh-ree-dahd | awtoɾiˈðað |
| Quality | Calidad | cah-lee-dahd | kaliˈðað |
| Capacity | Capacidad | cah-pah-see-dahd | kapaθiˈðað |
| Community | Comunidad | coh-moo-nee-dahd | komuniˈðað |
| Continuity | Continuidad | cohn-tee-noo-e-dahd | kontinwiˈðað |
| Creativity | Creatividad | creh-ah-tee-vee-dahd | kɾeatiβiˈðað |
| Curiosity | Curiosidad | coo-ree-oh-see-dahd | kuɾjosiˈðað |
| Density | Densidad | dehn-see-dahd | densiˈðað |
| Difficulty | Dificultad | dee-fee-cool-tahd | difikulˈtað |
| Dignity | Dignidad | dig-nee-dahd | diɣniˈðað |
| Diversity | Diversidad | dee-vehr-see-dahd | diβeɾsiˈðað |
| Electricity | Electricidad | eh-lec-tree-see-dahd | elektɾiθiˈðað |
| Entity | Entidad | ehn-tee-dahd | entiˈðað |
| Eternity | Eternidad | eh-tehr-nee-dahd | eteɾniˈðað |
| Ethnicity | Etnicidad | et-nee-see-dahd | etniθiˈðað |
| Eccentricity | Excentricidad | ex-ehn-tree-see-dahd | eksentɾiθiˈðað |
| Generosity | Generosidad | heh-neh-roh-see-dahd | xeneɾosiˈðað |
| Ability | Habilidad | ah-bee-lee-dahd | aβiliˈðað |
| Hospitality | Hospitalidad | oss-pee-ta-lee-dahd | ospitaliˈðað |
| Humanity | Humanidad | ooh-ma-nee-dahd | umaniˈðað |
| Identity | Identidad | e-dehn-tee-dahd | iðentiˈðað |
| Equality | Igualdad | e-goo-all-dahd | iɣwalˈdað |
| Locality | Localidad | loh-cah-lee-dahd | lokaliˈðað |
| Nationality | Nacionalidad | nah-see-oh-nah-lee-dahd | naθjonaliˈðað |
| Necessity | Necesidad | neh-seh-see-dahd | neθesiˈðað |
| Novelty | Novedad | no-veh-dahd | noβeˈðað |
| Possibility | Posibilidad | po-see-bee-lee-dahd | posiβiliˈðað |
| Reality | Realidad | reh-ah-lee-dahd | realiˈðað |
| Security | Seguridad | seh-goo-ree-dahd | seɣuɾiˈðað |
| Simplicity | Simplicidad | seem-plee-see-dahd | simpliθiˈðað |
| Tranquility | Tranquilidad | trahn-key-lee-dahd | tɾankiliˈðað |
| Unity | Unidad | ooh-nee-dahd | uniˈðað |
| University | Universidad | ooh-nee-vehr-see-dahd | uniβeɾsiˈðað |
| Utility | Utilidad | ooh-tee-lee-dahd | utiliˈðað |
| Vanity | Vanidad | vah-nee-dahd | baniˈðað |
| Variety | Variedad | vah-ree-eh-dahd | baɾjeˈðað |
| Velocity | Velocidad | veh-lo-see-dahd | beloθiˈðað |
Words that end in –ive in English change to –ivo or –iva in Spanish, depending on the gender of the noun they are modifying.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Active | Activo / Activa | ac-tee-voh / ac-tee-vah | akˈtiβo / akˈtiβa |
| Adhesive | Adhesivo / Adhesiva | ah-deh-see-voh / ah-deh-see-vah | aðeˈsiβo / aðeˈsiβa |
| Additive | Aditivo / Aditiva | ah-dee-tee-voh / ah-dee-tee-vah | aðiˈtiβo / aðiˈtiβa |
| Affirmative | Afirmativo / Afirmativa | ah-feer-ma-tee-voh / ah-feer-ma-tee-vah | afiɾmaˈtiβo / afiɾmaˈtiβa |
| Attractive | Atractivo / Atractiva | ah-trac-tee-voh / ah-trac-tee-vah | atɾakˈtiβo / atɾakˈtiβa |
| Competitive | Competitivo / Competitiva | com-peh-tee-tee-voh / com-peh-tee-tee-voh | kompetiˈtiβo / kompetiˈtiβa |
| Consecutive | Consecutivo / Consecutiva | cohn-seh-coo-tee-voh / cohn-seh-coo-tee-vah | konsekuˈtiβo / konsekuˈtiβa |
| Constructive | Constructivo / Constructiva | cohn-strook-tee-voh / cohn-strook-tee-vah | konstɾukˈtiβo / konstɾukˈtiβa |
| Creative | Creativo / Creativa | kreh-ah-tee-voh / kreh-ah-tee-vah | kɾeaˈtiβo / kɾeaˈtiβa |
| Quantitative | Cuantitativo / Cuantitativa | coo-ahn-tee-tah-tee-voh / coo-ahn-tee-tah-tee-vah | kwantitaˈtiβo / kwantitaˈtiβa |
| Decisive | Decisivo / Decisiva | deh-see-see-voh / deh-see-see-vah | deθiˈsiβo / deθiˈsiβa |
| Deductive | Deductivo / Deductiva | deh-dooc-tee-voh / deh-dooc-tee-vah | deðukˈtiβo / deðukˈtiβa |
| Defensive | Defensivo / Defensiva | deh-fehn-see-voh / deh-fehn-see-vah | defenˈsiβo / defenˈsiβa |
| Definitive | Definitivo / Definitiva | deh-fee-nee-tee-voh / deh-fee-nee-tee-vah | definiˈtiβo / definiˈtiβa |
| Distributive | Distributivo / Distributiva | diss-tree-boo-tee-voh / diss-tree-boo-tee-vah | distɾiβuˈtiβo / distɾiβuˈtiβa |
| Effective | Efectivo / Efectiva | eh-fec-tee-voh / eh-fec-tee-vah | efekˈtiβo / efekˈtiβa |
| Speculative | Especulativo / Especulativa | ess-peh-coo-la-tee-voh / ess-peh-coo-la-tee-vah | espekulaˈtiβo / espekulaˈtiβa |
| Exclusive | Exclusivo / Exclusiva | ex-cloo-see-voh / ex-cloo-see-vah | ekskluˈsiβo / ekskluˈsiβa |
| Festive | Festivo / Festiva | fess-tee-voh / fess-tee-vah | fesˈtiβo / fesˈtiβa |
| Hyperactive | Hiperactivo / Hiperactiva | e-pehr-ac-tee-voh / e-pehr-ac-tee-vah | ipeɾakˈtiβo / ipeɾakˈtiβa |
| Imaginative | Imaginativo / Imaginativa | e-ma-he-na-tee-voh / e-ma-he-na-tee-vah | imaxinaˈtiβo / imaxinaˈtiβa |
| Indicative | Indicativo / Indicativa | een-dee-cah-tee-voh / een-dee-cah-tee-vah | indikaˈtiβo / indikaˈtiβa |
| Instinctive | Instintivo / Instintiva | eens-teen-tee-voh / eens-teen-tee-vah | instinˈtiβo / instinˈtiβa |
| Massive | Masivo / Masiva | ma-see-voh / ma-see-vah | maˈsiβo / maˈsiβa |
| Native | Nativo / Nativa | na-tee-voh / na-tee-vah | naˈtiβo / naˈtiβa |
| Negative | Negativo / Negativa | neh-ga-tee-voh / neh-ga-tee-vah | neɣaˈtiβo / neɣaˈtiβa |
| Objective | Objetivo / Objetiva | ob-heh-tee-voh / ob-heh-tee-vah | oβxeˈtiβo / oβxeˈtiβa |
| Passive | Pasivo / Pasiva | pa-see-voh pa-see-vah | paˈsiβo / paˈsiβa |
| Positive | Positivo / Positiva | po-see-tee-voh / po-see-tee-vah | posiˈtiβo / posiˈtiβa |
| Progressive | Progresivo / Progresiva | pro-greh-see-voh / pro-greh-see-vah | pɾoɣɾeˈsiβo / pɾoɣɾeˈsiβa |
| Reflective | Reflexivo / Reflexiva | reh-flex-e-voh / reh-flex-e-vah | reflekˈsiβo / reflekˈsiβa |
Perhaps one of the most drastic changes on this list, English words that end in –ly change to –mente in Spanish. Once you know this rule, you’ll be able to identify some of the sneakier Spanish cognates.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Absolutely | Absolutamente | ab-so-loo-ta-mehn-teh | aβsolutaˈmente |
| Abundantly | Abundantemente | ah-boon-dahn-teh-mehn-teh | aβundanteˈmente |
| Additionally | Adicionalmente | ah-dee-see-oh-nall-mehn-teh | aðiθjonalˈmente |
| Fortunately | Afortunadamente | ah-fore-too-nah-dah-mehn-teh | afoɾtunaðaˈmente |
| Attentively | Atentamente | ah-tehn-ta-mehn-teh | atentaˈmente |
| Basically | Básicamente | ba-see-ca-mehn-teh | ˈbasikamente |
| Clearly | Claramente | cla-ra-mehn-teh | klaɾaˈmente |
| Completely | Completamente | com-pleh-tah-mehn-teh | kompletaˈmente |
| Constantly | Constantemente | cons-tahn-teh-mehn-teh | konstanteˈmente |
| Correctly | Correctamente | coh-rec-tah-mehn-teh | korektaˈmente |
| Directly | Directamente | dee-rec-tah-mehn-teh | diɾektaˈmente |
| Especially | Especialmente | ess-peh-see-all-mehn-teh | espeθjalˈmente |
| Eventually | Eventualmente | eh-vehn-too-all-mehn-teh | eβentwalˈmente |
| Evidently | Evidentemente | eh-vee-dehn-teh-mehn-teh | eβiðenteˈmente |
| Exactly | Exactamente | ex-act-tah-mehn-teh | eksaktaˈmente |
| Finally | Finalmente | fee-nall-mehn-teh | finalˈmente |
| Generally | Generalmente | heh-neh-rall-mehn-teh | xeneɾalˈmente |
| Horizontally | Horizontalmente | oh-ree-zohn-tall-mehn-teh | oɾiθontalˈmente |
| Immediately | Inmediatamente | een-meh-dee-ah-tah-mehn-teh | immeðjataˈmente |
| Naturally | Naturalmente | nah-too-rall-mehn-teh | natuɾalˈmente |
| Normally | Normalmente | nor-mall-mehn-teh | noɾmalˈmente |
| Obviously | Obviamente | oh-bee-ah-mehn-teh | oβjaˈmente |
| Originally | Originalmente | oh-re-he-nall-mehn-teh | oɾixinalˈmente |
| Perfectly | Perfectamente | pehr-fec-tah-mehn-teh | peɾfektaˈmente |
| Personally | Personalmente | pehr-so-nall-mehn-teh | peɾsonalˈmente |
| Possibly | Posiblemente | po-see-bleh-mehn-teh | posiβleˈmente |
| Practically | Prácticamente | prac-tee-ca-mehn-teh | ˈpɾaktikamente |
| Principally | Principalmente | preen-see-pall-mehn-teh | pɾinθipalˈmente |
| Rapidly | Rápidamente | ra-pee-dah-mehn-teh | ˈrapiðamente |
| Really | Realmente | reh-all-mehn-teh | realˈmente |
| Recently | Recientemente | reh-see-ehn-teh-mehn-teh | reθjenteˈmente |
| Relatively | Relativamente | reh-la-tee-vah-mehn-teh | relatiβaˈmente |
| Secretly | Secretamente | seh-creh-tah-mehn-teh | sekɾetaˈmente |
| Seriously | Seriamente | seh-ree-ah-mehn-teh | seɾjaˈmente |
| Simply | Simplemente | seem-pleh-mehn-teh | simpleˈmente |
| Sincerely | Sinceramente | seen-seh-ra-mehn-teh | sinθeɾaˈmente |
| Socially | Socialmente | soh-see-all-mehn-teh | soθjalˈmente |
| Solely | Solamente | soh-la-mehn-teh | solaˈmente |
| Typically | Típicamente | tee-pee-ca-mehn-teh | ˈtipikamente |
| Totally | Totalmente | toh-tall-mehn-teh | totalˈmente |
Once again, ending a word in –t is a big no in Spanish. That’s why English words that end in –ment change to –mento in Spanish.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Argument | Argumento | ar-goo-mehn-toe | aɾɣuˈmento |
| Cement | Cemento | seh-mehn-toe | θeˈmento |
| Complement | Complemento | com-pleh-mehm-toe | kompleˈmento |
| Department | Departamento | deh-par-ta-mehn-toe | depaɾtaˈmento |
| Document | Documento | do-coo-mehn-toe | dokuˈmento |
| Element | Elemento | eh-leh-mehn-toe | eleˈmento |
| Experiment | Experimento | ex-peh-ree-mehn-toe | ekspeɾiˈmento |
| Fundament | Fundamento | foon-da-mehn-toe | fundaˈmento |
| Instrument | Instrumento | ins-true-mehn-toe | instɾuˈmento |
| Ligament | Ligamento | lee-gah-mehn-toe | liɣaˈmento |
| Moment | Momento | mo-mehn-toe | moˈmento |
| Monument | Monumento | mo-nu-mehn-toe | monuˈmento |
| Movement | Movimiento | mo-vee-mee-ehn-toe | moβiˈmjento |
| Parliament | Parlamento | par-la-mehn-toe | paɾlaˈmento |
| Pavement | Pavimento | pa-vee-mehn-toe | paβiˈmento |
| Pigment | Pigmento | pig-mehn-toe | piɣˈmento |
| Sediment | Sedimento | seh-dee-mehn-toe | seðiˈmento |
| Sentiment | Sentimiento | sehn-tee-me-ehn-toe | sentiˈmjento |
| Treatment | Tratamiento | tra-tah-me-ehn-toe | tɾataˈmjento |
Last time for our biggest offender (words ending in –t!), English words ending in –nt in English change to –nte in Spanish.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Abundant | Abundante | ah-boon-dahn-teh | aβunˈdante |
| Accident | Accidente | acc-see-dehn-teh | akθiˈðente |
| Adjacent | Adyacente | ad-ya-sehn-teh | aðʝaˈθente |
| Agent | Agente | ah-hehn-teh | aˈxente |
| Arrogant | Arrogante | ah-roh-gahn-teh | aroˈɣante |
| Aspirant | Aspirante | ass-pee-rahn-teh | aspiˈɾante |
| Quotient | Cociente | coh-see-ehn-teh | koˈθjente |
| Coefficient | Coeficiente | coh-eh-fee-see-ehn-teh | koefiˈθjente |
| Coherent | Coherente | coh-eh-rehn-teh | koeˈɾente |
| Coincident | Coincidente | coh-een-see-dehn-teh | kojnθiˈðente |
| Competent | Competente | com-peh-tehn-teh | kompeˈtente |
| Component | Componente | com-po-nehn-teh | kompoˈnente |
| Congruent | Congruente | con-groo-ehn-teh | konˈɡɾwente |
| Consistent | Consistente | con-sees-tehn-teh | konsisˈtente |
| Continent | Continente | con-tee-nehn-teh | kontiˈnente |
| Convergent | Convergente | con-vehr-hehn-teh | kombeɾˈxente |
| Decent | Decente | deh-sehn-teh | deˈθente |
| Deficient | Deficiente | deh-fee-see-ehn-teh | defiˈθjente |
| Discriminant | Discriminante | dees-cree-me-nahn-teh | diskɾimiˈnante |
| Divergent | Divergente | dee-vehr-hehn-teh | diβeɾˈxente |
| Efficient | Eficiente | eh-fee-see-ehn-teh | efiˈθjente |
| Elephant | Elefante | eh-leh-fahn-teh | eleˈfante |
| Emigrant | Emigrante | eh-me-grahn-teh | emiˈɣɾante |
| Equivalent | Equivalente | eh-key-va-lehn-teh | ekiβaˈlente |
| Evident | Evidente | eh-ve-dehn-teh | eβiˈðente |
| Excellent | Excelente | ex-eh-lehn-teh | ekseˈlente |
| Exponent | Exponente | ex-po-nehn-teh | ekspoˈnente |
| Gallant | Galante | ga-lahn-teh | ɡaˈlante |
| Intelligent | Inteligente | in-teh-le-hehn-teh | inteliˈxente |
| Interesting | Interesante | in-teh-reh-sahn-teh | inteɾeˈsante |
| Obedient | Obediente | oh-beh-dee-ehn-teh | oβeˈðjente |
| Patient | Paciente | pah-see-ehn-teh | paˈθjente |
| Permanent | Permanente | pehr-ma-nehn-teh | peɾmaˈnente |
| President | Presidente | preh-see-dehn-teh | pɾesiˈðente |
| Radiant | Radiante | ra-dee-ahn-teh | raˈðjante |
| Restaurant | Restaurante | ress-tah-ooh-rahn-teh | restawˈɾante |
| Significant | Significante | sig-nee-fee-cahn-teh | siɣnifiˈkante |
| Sufficient | Suficiente | soo-fee-see-ehn-teh | sufiˈθjente |
| Tint | Tinte | teen-teh | ˈtinte |
| Triumphant | Triunfante | tree-oohn-fahn-teh | tɾjumˈfante |
| Urgent | Urgente | oor-hehn-teh | uɾˈxente |
| Valiant | Valiente | va-lee-ehn-teh | baˈljente |
| Vibrant | Vibrante | vee-brahn-teh | biˈβɾante |
English words that end in –or typically stay the same in Spanish as long as they’re modifying a masculine noun. If they’re modifying a feminine noun, then they normally end in –ora. However, keep in mind that there are notable exceptions to this rule, such as “actor” that changes to “actriz” when referring to an actress.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Accelerator | Acelerador / Aceleradora | ah-seh-leh-rah-door / ah-seh-leh-rah-door-ah | aθeleɾaˈðoɾ / aθeleɾaˈðoɾa |
| Actor | Actor / Actriz | ac-torhr / ac-trees | akˈtoɾ / akˈtɾiθ |
| Accumulator | Acumulador / Acumuladora | ah-coo-moo-la-door / ah-coo-moo-la-door-ah | akumulaˈðoɾ / akumulaˈðoɾa |
| Author | Autor / Autora | ah-oo-tohr / ah-oo-tohr-ah | awˈtoɾ / awˈtoɾa |
| Commentator | Comentador / Comentadora | co-mehn-ta-door / co-mehn-ta-door-ah | komentaˈðoɾ / komentaˈðoɾa |
| Competitor | Competidor / Competidora | com-peh-tee-door / com-peh-tee-door-ah | kompetiˈðoɾ / kompetiˈðoɾa |
| Conservator | Conservador / Conservadora | con-sehr-va-door / con-sehr-va-door-ah | konseɾβaˈðoɾ / konseɾβaˈðoɾa |
| Conspirator | Conspirador / Conspiradora | cons-pee-ra-door / cons-pee-ra-door-ah | konspiɾaˈðoɾ / konspiɾaˈðoɾa |
| Coprocessor | Coprocesador / Coprocesadora | co-pro-seh-sah-door / co-pro-seh-sah-door-ah | kopɾoθesaˈðoɾ / kopɾoθesaˈðoɾa |
| Denominator | Denominador / Denominadora | deh-no-me-na-door / deh-no-me-na-door-ah | denominaˈðoɾ / denominaˈðoɾa |
| Dictator | Dictador / Dictadora | dic-ta-door / dic-ta-door-ah | diktaˈðoɾ / diktaˈðoɾa |
| Director | Director / Directora | dee-rec-tohr / dee-rec-toh-rah | diɾekˈtoɾ / diɾekˈtoɾa |
| Distributor | Distribuidor / Distribuidora | dis-tree-boo-e-door / dis-tree-boo-e-door-ah | distɾiβwiˈðoɾ / distɾiβwiˈðoɾa |
| Doctor | Doctor / Doctora | doc-toor / doc-toor-ah | dokˈtoɾ / dokˈtoɾa |
| Editor | Editor / Editora | eh-de-toor / eh-de-toor-ah | eðiˈtoɾ / eðiˈtoɾa |
| Spectator | Espectador / Espectadora | ess-pec-ta-door / es-pec-tah-door-ah | espektaˈðoɾ / espektaˈðoɾa |
| Favor | Favor | fa-vohr | faˈβoɾ |
| Illuminator | Iluminador / Iluminadora | e-loo-me-na-door / e-loo-me-na-door | iluminaˈðoɾ / iluminaˈðoɾa |
| Interceptor | Interceptor / Interceptora | in-tehr-sep-toor / in-tehr-sep-toor-ah | inteɾθepˈtoɾ / inteɾθepˈtoɾa |
| Inventor | Inventor / Inventora | in-vehn-toor / in-vehn-toor-ah | imbenˈtoɾ / imbenˈtoɾa |
| Investor | Inversor / Inversora | in-ver-sohr / in-ver-soh-rah | imbeɾˈsoɾ / imbeɾˈsoɾa |
| Legislator | Legislador / Legisladora | leh-his-lah-door / leh-his-lah-door-ah | lexizlaˈðoɾ / lexizlaˈðoɾa |
| Liquor | Licor | lee-cohr | liˈkoɾ |
| Moderator | Moderador / Moderadora | mo-deh-ra-door / mo-deh-ra-door-ah | moðeɾaˈðoɾ / moðeɾaˈðoɾa |
| Motor | Motor | mo-tohr | moˈtoɾ |
| Numerator | Numerador | noo-meh-ra-door | numeɾaˈðoɾ |
| Precursor | Precursor / Precursora | preh-coor-sohr / preh-coor-soh-rah | pɾekuɾˈsoɾ / pɾekuɾˈsoɾa |
| Predecessor | Predecesor / Predecesora | preh-deh-seh-sohr / preh-deh-seh-soh-rah | pɾeðeθeˈsoɾ / pɾeðeθeˈsoɾa |
| Professor | Profesor / Profesora | pro-feh-sohr / pro-feh-soh-rah | pɾofeˈsoɾ / pɾofeˈsoɾa |
| Radiator | Radiador | ra-dee-ah-door | raðjaˈðoɾ |
| Rumor | Rumor | roo-mohr | ruˈmoɾ |
| Traitor | Traidor / Traidora | tra-e-door / tra-e-doh-rah | tɾajˈðoɾ / tɾajˈðoɾa |
English words that end in –ous change to –oso when modifying masculine nouns and –osa when modifying feminine nouns.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Ambitious | Ambicioso / Ambiciosa | ahm-bee-see-oh-so / am-bee-see-oh-sah | ambiˈθjoso / ambiˈθjosa |
| Harmonious | Armonioso / Armoniosa | ar-mo-nee-oh-so / ar-mo-nee-oh-sah | aɾmoˈnjoso / aɾmoˈnjosa |
| Capricious | Caprichoso / Caprichosa | cah-pre-cho-so / cah-pre-cho-sah | kapɾiˈʧoso / kapɾiˈʧosa |
| Contagious | Contagioso / Contagiosa | con-ta-he-oh-so / con-ta-he-oh-sah | kontaˈxjoso / kontaˈxjosa |
| Curious | Curioso / Curiosa | coo-re-oh-so / coo-re-oh-sah | kuˈɾjoso / kuˈɾjosa |
| Delicious | Delicioso / Deliciosa | deh-lee-see-oh-so / deh-lee-see-oh-sa | deliˈθjoso / deliˈθjosa |
| Dubious | Dudoso / Dudosa | doo-doh-soh / doo-doh-sah | duˈðoso / duˈðosa |
| Spacious | Espacioso / Espaciosa | ess-pah-see-oh-soh / ess-pah-see-oh-sah | espaˈθjoso / espaˈθjosa |
| Fabulous | Fabuloso / Fabulosa | fah-boo-lo-soh / fah-boo-lo-sah | faβuˈloso / faβuˈlosa |
| Famous | Famoso / Famosa | fa-mo-soh / fa-mo-sah | faˈmoso / faˈmosa |
| Furious | Furioso / Furiosa | foo-ree-oh-soh / foo-ree-oh-sah | fuˈɾjoso / fuˈɾjosa |
| Generous | Generoso / Generosa | heh-neh-ro-soh / heh-neh-ro-sah | xeneˈɾoso / xeneˈɾosa |
| Glamorous | Glamoroso / Glamorosa | glah-mo-ro-soh / glah-mo-ro-sah | ɡlamoˈɾoso / ɡlamoˈɾosa |
| Glorious | Glorioso / Gloriosa | glo-ree-oh-soh / glo-ree-oh-sah | ɡloˈɾjoso / ɡloˈɾjosa |
| Gracious | Gracioso / Graciosa | gra-see-oh-soh / gra-see-oh-sah | ɡɾaˈθjoso / ɡɾaˈθjosa |
| Ingenious | Ingenioso / Ingeniosa | in-heh-nee-oh-soh / in-heh-nee-oh-sah | inxeˈnjoso / inxeˈnjosa |
| Laborious | Laborioso / Laboriosa | lah-boh-ree-oh-soh / lah-boh-ree-oh-sah | laβoˈɾjoso / laβoˈɾjosa |
| Luminous | Luminoso / Luminosa | loo-me-noh-soh / loo-me-noh-sah | lumiˈnoso / lumiˈnosa |
| Malicious | Malicioso / Maliciosa | ma-lee-see-oh-soh / ma-lee-see-oh-sah | maliˈθjoso / maliˈθjosa |
| Marvelous | Maravilloso / Maravillosa | ma-ra-vee-yo-soh / ma-ra-vee-yo-sah | maɾaβiˈʎoso / maɾaβiˈʎosa |
| Mysterious | Misterioso / Misteriosa | miss-teh-re-oh-soh / miss-teh-re-oh-sah | misteˈɾjoso / misteˈɾjosa |
| Nervous | Nervioso / Nerviosa | nehr-ve-oh-soh / nehr-ve-oh-sah | neɾˈβjoso / neɾˈβjosa |
| Numerous | Numeroso / Numerosa | noo-meh-ro-soh / noo-meh-ro-sah | numeˈɾoso / numeˈɾosa |
| Odious | Odioso / Odiosa | oh-dee-oh-soh / oh-dee-oh-sah | oˈðjoso / oˈðjosa |
| Precious | Precioso / Preciosa | preh-see-oh-soh / preh-see-oh-sah | pɾeˈθjoso / pɾeˈθjosa |
| Prestigious | Prestigioso / Prestigiosa | press-tee-he-oh-soh / press-tee-he-oh-sah | pɾestiˈxjoso / pɾestiˈxjosa |
| Religious | Religioso / Religiosa | reh-lee-he-oh-soh / reh-lee-he-oh-sah | reliˈxjoso / reliˈxjosa |
| Suspicious | Sospechoso / Sospechosa | sos-peh-cho-soh / sos-peh-cho-sah | sospeˈʧoso / sospeˈʧosa |
| Timorous | Temeroso / Temerosa | teh-meh-ro-soh / teh-meh-ro-sah | temeˈɾoso / temeˈɾosa |
| Venomous | Venenoso / Venenosa | veh-neh-no-soh / veh-neh-no-sah | beneˈnoso / beneˈnosa |
| Advantageous | Ventajoso / Ventajosa | vehn-tah-hoh-soh / vehn-tah-hoh-sah | bentaˈxoso / bentaˈxosa |
| Virtuous | Virtuoso / Virtuosa | veer-too-oh-soh / veer-too-oh-sah | biɾˈtwoso / biɾˈtwosa |
These are almost identical, except that the Spanish ending –sión goes with an accent mark. Not sure why? Then check out our ultimate guide to Spanish accent marks.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Abrasion | Abrasión | ah-bra-see-ohnz | aβɾaˈsjon |
| Abscission | Abscisión | ab-see-see-ohn | aβsiˈsjon |
| Adhesion | Adhesión | ah-deh-see-ohn | aðeˈsjon |
| Admission | Admisión | ad-me-see-ohn | aðmiˈsjon |
| Aggression | Agresión | ah-greh-see-ohn | aɣɾeˈsjon |
| Ascension | Ascensión | ah-sehn-see-ohn | asenˈsjon |
| Aversion | Aversión | ah-vehr-see-ohn | aβeɾˈsjon |
| Cohesion | Cohesión | co-eh-see-ohn | koeˈsjon |
| Commission | Comisión | co-me-see-ohn | komiˈsjon |
| Compassion | Compasión | com-pah-rah-see-ohn | kompaˈsjon |
| Comprehension | Comprensión | com-prehn-see-ohn | kompɾenˈsjon |
| Compression | Compresión | com-preh-see-ohn | kompɾeˈsjon |
| Compulsion | Compulsión | com-pool-see-ohn | kompulˈsjon |
| Concession | Concesión | con-seh-see-ohn | konθeˈsjon |
| Conclusion | Conclusión | con-cloo-see-ohn | konkluˈsjon |
| Confession | Confesión | con-feh-see-ohn | komfeˈsjon |
| Confusion | Confusión | con-foo-see-ohn | komfuˈsjon |
| Conversion | Conversión | con-vehr-see-ohn | kombeɾˈsjon |
| Convulsion | Convulsión | con-vool-see-ohn | kombulˈsjon |
| Correlation | Correlación | coh-reh-la-see-ohn | korelaˈθjon |
| Decision | Decisión | deh-see-see-ohn | deθiˈsjon |
| Depression | Depresión | deh-preh-see-ohn | depɾeˈsjon |
| Dimension | Dimensión | dee-mehn-see-ohn | dimenˈsjon |
| Demission | Dimisión | dee-me-see-ohn | dimiˈsjon |
| Dispassion | Dispensación | dees-pehn-sah-see-ohn | dispensaˈθjon |
| Discussion | Discusión | dees-coo-see-ohn | diskuˈsjon |
| Digression | Digresión | dee-greh-see-ohn | diɣɾeˈsjon |
| Dispersion | Dispersión | dees-pehr-see-ohn | dispeɾˈsjon |
| Distension | Distensión | dees-tehn-see-ohn | distenˈsjon |
| Distortion | Distorsión | dees-tohr-see-ohn | distoɾˈsjon |
| Dissuasion | Disuasión | dee-soo-ah-see-ohn | diswaˈsjon |
| Diversion | Diversión | dee-vehr-see-ohn | diβeɾˈsjon |
| Division | División | dee-vee-see-ohn | diβiˈsjon |
| Emission | Emisión | eh-me-see-ohn | emiˈsjon |
| Evasion | Evasión | eh-vah-see-ohn | eβaˈsjon |
| Exclusion | Exclusión | ex-cloo-see-ohn | ekskluˈsjon |
| Excursion | Excursión | ex-coohr-see-ohn | ekskuɾˈsjon |
| Expansion | Expansión | ex-pahn-see-ohn | ekspanˈsjon |
| Explosion | Explosión | ex-ploh-see-ohn | eksploˈsjon |
| Expression | Expresión | ex-preh-see-ohn | ekspɾeˈsjon |
| Extension | Extensión | ex-tehn-see-ohn | ekstenˈsjon |
| Illusion | Ilusión | e-loo-see-ohn | iluˈsjon |
| Impression | Impresión | im-preh-see-ohn | impɾeˈsjon |
| Incision | Incisión | in-see-see-ohn | inθiˈsjon |
| Inclusion | Inclusión | in-cloo-see-ohn | inkluˈsjon |
| Indecision | Indecisión | in-deh-see-see-ohn | indeθiˈsjon |
| Immersion | Inmersión | in-mehr-see-ohn | immeɾˈsjon |
| Intercession | Intercesión | in-tehr-seh-see-ohn | inteɾθeˈsjon |
| Intermission | Intermisión | in-tehr-me-see-ohn | inteɾmiˈsjon |
| Invasion | Invasión | in-vah-see-ohn | imbaˈsjon |
| Inversion | Inversión | in-vehr-see-ohn | imbeɾˈsjon |
| Mansion | Mansión | mahn-see-ohn | manˈsjon |
| Mission | Misión | me-see-ohn | miˈsjon |
| Obsession | Obsesión | ob-seh-see-ohn | oβseˈsjon |
| Occasion | Ocasión | oh-cah-see-ohn | okaˈsjon |
| Omission | Omisión | oh-me-see-ohn | omiˈsjon |
| Oppression | Opresión | oh-preh-see-ohn | opɾeˈsjon |
| Passion | Pasión | pah-see-ohn | paˈsjon |
| Pension | Pensión | pehn-see-ohn | penˈsjon |
| Percussion | Percusión | per-coo-see-ohn | peɾkuˈsjon |
| Persuasion | Persuasión | per-soo-ah-see-ohn | peɾswaˈsjon |
| Perversion | Perversión | pehr-vehr-see-ohn | peɾβeɾˈsjon |
| Possession | Posesión | poh-seh-see-ohn | poseˈsjon |
| Precision | Precisión | preh-see-see-ohn | pɾeθiˈsjon |
| Pretension | Pretensión | preh-tehn-see-ohn | pɾetenˈsjon |
| Procession | Procesión | pro-seh-see-ohn | pɾoθeˈsjon |
| Profession | Profesión | pro-feh-see-ohn | pɾofeˈsjon |
| Profusion | Profusión | pro-foo-see-ohn | pɾofuˈsjon |
| Propulsion | Propulsión | pro-pool-see-ohn | pɾopulˈsjon |
| Recession | Recesión | reh-seh-see-ohn | reθeˈsjon |
| Regression | Regresión | reh-greh-see-ohn | reɣɾeˈsjon |
| Reinvasion | Reinvasión | reh-in-vah-see-ohn | rejmbaˈsjon |
| Repression | Represión | reh-preh-see-ohn | repɾeˈsjon |
| Revision | Revisión | reh-vee-see-ohn | reβiˈsjon |
| Revulsion | Revulsión | reh-vool-see-ohn | reβulˈsjon |
| Session | Sesión | seh-see-ohn | seˈsjon |
| Subversion | Subversión | soob-vehr-see-ohn | suβeɾˈsjon |
| Succession | Sucesión | soo-seh-see-ohn | suθeˈsjon |
| Submersion | Sumersión | soo-mehr-see-ohn | sumeɾˈsjon |
| Suspension | Suspensión | soos-pehn-see-ohn | suspenˈsjon |
| Television | Televisión | teh-leh-vee-see-ohn | teleβiˈsjon |
| Tension | Tensión | tehn-see-ohn | tenˈsjon |
| Transfusion | Transfusión | trans-foo-see-ohn | tɾansfuˈsjon |
| Transgression | Transgresión | trans-greh-see-ohn | tɾanzɣɾeˈsjon |
| Transmission | Transmisión | trans-me-see-ohn | tɾanzmiˈsjon |
| Version | Versión | vehr-see-ohn | beɾˈsjon |
| Vision | Visión | vee-see-ohn | biˈsjon |
English words that end in –tion change to –ción in Spanish. Be careful not to confuse them with the words that end in –sión!
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Abolition | Abolición | ah-boh-lee-see-ohn | aβoliˈθjon |
| Abbreviation | Abreviación | ah-breh-vee-ah-see-ohn | aβɾeβjaˈθjon |
| Abstraction | Abstracción | abs-trac-see-ohn | aβstɾakˈθjon |
| Action | Acción | ac-see-ohn | akˈθjon |
| Acceleration | Aceleración | ah-seh-leh-rah-see-ohn | aθeleɾaˈθjon |
| Accommodation | Acomodación | ah-co-mo-dah-see-ohn | akomoðaˈθjon |
| Accreditation | Acreditación | ah-creh-dee-tah-see-ohn | akɾeðitaˈθjon |
| Accumulation | Acumulación | ah-coo-moo-la-see-ohn | akumulaˈθjon |
| Addiction | Adicción | ah-dic-see-ohn | aðikˈθjon |
| Addition | Adición | ah-de-see-ohn | aðiˈθjon |
| Adoption | Adopción | ah-dop-see-ohn | aðopˈθjon |
| Affirmation | Afirmación | ah-feer-ma-see-ohn | afiɾmaˈθjon |
| Amplification | Amplificación | am-ple-fee-cah-see-ohn | amplifikaˈθjon |
| Appropriation | Apropiación | ah-pro-pee-ah-see-ohn | apɾopjaˈθjon |
| Association | Asociación | ah-soh-see-ah-see-ohn | asoθjaˈθjon |
| Attention | Atención | ah-tehn-see-ohn | atenˈθjon |
| Attraction | Atracción | ah-trac-see-ohn | atɾakˈθjon |
| Authorization | Autorización | ah-ooh-toe-re-za-see-ohn | awtoɾiθaˈθjon |
| Cancellation | Cancelación | cahn-seh-lah-see-ohn | kanθelaˈθjon |
| Qualification | Capacitación | cah-pah-see-tah-see-ohn | kapaθitaˈθjon |
| Celebration | Celebración | seh-leh-brah-see-ohn | θeleβɾaˈθjon |
| Certification | Certificación | sehr-tee-fee-cah-see-ohn | θeɾtifikaˈθjon |
| Classification | Clasificación | cla-see-fee-cah-see-ohn | klasifikaˈθjon |
| Collaboration | Colaboración | co-la-boh-rah-see-ohn | kolaβoɾaˈθjon |
| Collection | Colección | co-lec-see-ohn | kolekˈθjon |
| Combination | Combinación | com-be-nah-see-ohn | kombinaˈθjon |
| Compensation | Compensación | com-pen-sa-see-ohn | kompensaˈθjon |
| Complication | Complicación | com-ple-cah-see-ohn | komplikaˈθjon |
| Composition | Composición | com-po-see-see-ohn | komposiˈθjon |
| Communication | Comunicación | co-moo-nee-ca-see-ohn | komunikaˈθjon |
| Concentration | Concentración | con-sehn-tra-see-ohn | konθentɾaˈθjon |
| Condition | Condición | con-dee-see-ohn | kondiˈθjon |
| Configuration | Configuración | con-fee-goo-ra-see-ohn | komfiɣuɾaˈθjon |
| Confrontation | Confrontación | con-foo-see-ohn | komfɾontaˈθjon |
| Conservation | Conservación | con-sehr-va-see-ohn | konseɾβaˈθjon |
| Consideration | Consideración | con-see-deh-ra-see-ohn | konsiðeɾaˈθjon |
| Consolidation | Consolidación | con-so-lee-da-see-ohn | konsoliðaˈθjon |
| Construction | Construcción | cons-trooc-see-ohn | konstɾukˈθjon |
| Contamination | Contaminación | con-ta-me-nah-see-ohn | kontaminaˈθjon |
| Continuation | Continuación | con-tee-noo-ah-see-ohn | kontinwaˈθjon |
| Contraception | Contracepción | con-tra-sep-see-ohn | kontɾaθepˈθjon |
| Contradiction | Contradicción | cohn-tra-deec-see-ohn | kontɾaðikˈθjon |
| Contribution | Contribución | con-tree-boo-see-ohn | kontɾiβuˈθjon |
| Convention | Convención | con-vehn-see-ohn | kombenˈθjon |
| Conversation | Conversación | con-vehr-sa-see-ohn | kombeɾsaˈθjon |
| Correction | Corrección | coh-rec-see-ohn | korekˈθjon |
| Declaration | Declaración | deh-cla-ra-see-ohn | deklaɾaˈθjon |
| Decoration | Decoración | deh-coh-ra-see-ohn | dekoɾaˈθjon |
| Deduction | Deducción | deh-dooc-see-ohn | deðukˈθjon |
| Definition | Definición | deh-fee-nee-see-ohn | definiˈθjon |
| Demonstration | Demostración | deh-moss-trah-see-ohn | demostɾaˈθjon |
| Discontinuation | Descontinuación | dess-cohn-tee-noo-ah-see-ohn | deskontinwaˈθjon |
| Determination | Determinación | deh-tehr-me-nah-see-ohn | deteɾminaˈθjon |
| Differentiation | Diferenciación | dee-feh-rehn-see-ah-see-ohn | difeɾenθjaˈθjon |
| Direction | Dirección | dee-rec-see-ohn | diɾekˈθjon |
| Discrimination | Discriminación | diss-cree-me-nah-see-ohn | diskɾiminaˈθjon |
| Distinction | Distinción | diss-tin-see-ohn | distinˈθjon |
| Distribution | Distribución | diss-tree-boo-see-ohn | distɾiβuˈθjon |
| Documentation | Documentación | doh-coo-mehn-tah-see-ohn | dokumentaˈθjon |
| Education | Educación | eh-do-cah-see-ohn | eðukaˈθjon |
| Election | Elección | eh-lec-see-ohn | elekˈθjon |
| Elevation | Elevación | eh-leh-vah-see-ohn | eleβaˈθjon |
| Elimination | Eliminación | eh-lee-me-na-see-ohn | eliminaˈθjon |
| Enumeration | Enumeración | eh-noo-meh-ra-see-ohn | enumeɾaˈθjon |
| Eruption | Erupción | eh-roop-see-ohn | eɾupˈθjon |
| Specification | Especificación | ess-peh-see-fee-cah-see-ohn | espeθifikaˈθjon |
| Stabilization | Estabilización | ess-tah-be-lee-sah-see-ohn | estaβiliθaˈθjon |
| Standardization | Estandarización | ess-tahn-dah-ree-sah-see-ohn | estandaɾiθaˈθjon |
| Estimation | Estimación | es-tee-ma-see-ohn | estimaˈθjon |
| Evaluation | Evaluación | eh-va-loo-ah-see-ohn | eβalwaˈθjon |
| Evaporation | Evaporación | eh-va-po-rah-see-ohn | eβapoɾaˈθjon |
| Examination | Examinación | ex-ah-me-nah-see-ohn | eksaminaˈθjon |
| Exception | Excepción | ex-ep-see-ohn | eksepˈθjon |
| Exhalation | Exhalación | ex-ah-la-see-ohn | eksalaˈθjon |
| Expectation | Expectación | ex-pec-ta-see-ohn | ekspektaˈθjon |
| Expedition | Expedición | ex-peh-dee-see-ohn | ekspeðiˈθjon |
| Experimentation | Experimentación | ex-peh-re-mehn-tah-see-ohn | ekspeɾimentaˈθjon |
| Explanation | Explicación | ex-plee-cah-see-ohn | eksplikaˈθjon |
| Exploitation | Explotación | ex-plo-tah-see-ohn | eksplotaˈθjon |
| Exposition | Exposición | ex-po-see-see-ohn | eksposiˈθjon |
| Fabrication | Fabricación | fa-bre-cah-see-ohn | faβɾikaˈθjon |
| Fraction | Fracción | frac-see-ohn | fɾakˈθjon |
| Fragmentation | Fragmentación | frag-mehn-tah-see-ohn | fɾaɣmentaˈθjon |
| Function | Función | foon-see-ohn | funˈθjon |
| Generation | Generación | heh-neh-ra-see-ohn | xeneɾaˈθjon |
| Hospitalization | Hospitalización | oss-pee-ta-lee-sa-see-ohn | ospitaliθaˈθjon |
| Identification | Identificación | e-dehn-tee-fee-cah-see-ohn | iðentifikaˈθjon |
| Illumination | Iluminación | e-loo-me-nah-see-ohn | iluminaˈθjon |
| Imagination | Imaginación | e-ma-he-nah-see-ohn | imaxinaˈθjon |
| Infection | Infección | in-fec-see-ohn | imfekˈθjon |
| Information | Información | in-for-ma-see-ohn | imfoɾmaˈθjon |
| Inspection | Inspección | ins-pec-see-ohn | inspekˈθjon |
| Instruction | Instrucción | ins-trooc-see-ohn | instɾukˈθjon |
| Interpretation | Interpretación | in-tehr-preh-ta-see-ohn | inteɾpɾetaˈθjon |
| Introduction | Introducción | in-tro-dooc-see-ohn | intɾoðukˈθjon |
| Investigation | Investigación | in-vess-tee-ga-see-ohn | imbestiɣaˈθjon |
| Invitation | Invitación | in-vee-tah-see-ohn | imbitaˈθjon |
| Justification | Justificación | whos-tee-fee-cah-see-ohn | xustifikaˈθjon |
| Manifestation | Manifestación | mah-nee-fess-tah-see-ohn | manifestaˈθjon |
| Nation | Nación | nah-see-ohn | naˈθjon |
| Notion | Noción | noh-see-ohn | noˈθjon |
| Observation | Observación | obs-ehr-vah-see-ohn | oβseɾβaˈθjon |
| Operation | Operación | oh-peh-rah-see-ohn | opeɾaˈθjon |
| Organization | Organización | or-ga-nee-sa-see-ohn | oɾɣaniθaˈθjon |
| Participation | Participación | par-tee-see-pa-see-ohn | paɾtiθipaˈθjon |
| Personification | Personificación | pehr-so-nee-fee-cah-see-ohn | peɾsonifikaˈθjon |
| Population | Población | po-blah-see-ohn | poβlaˈθjon |
| Position | Posición | po-see-see-ohn | posiˈθjon |
| Preoccupation | Preocupación | preh-oh-coo-pa-see-ohn | pɾeokupaˈθjon |
| Preparation | Preparación | preh-pa-ra-see-ohn | pɾepaɾaˈθjon |
| Presentation | Presentación | preh-sehn-tah-see-ohn | pɾesentaˈθjon |
| Prevention | Prevención | preh-vehn-see-ohn | pɾeβenˈθjon |
| Promotion | Promoción | pro-mo-see-ohn | pɾomoˈθjon |
| Pronunciation | Pronunciación | pro-noon-see-ah-see-ohn | pɾonunθjaˈθjon |
| Protection | Protección | pro-tec-see-ohn | pɾotekˈθjon |
| Punctuation | Puntuación | poon-too-ah-see-ohn | puntwaˈθjon |
| Ration | Ración | ra-see-ohn | raˈθjon |
| Rationalization | Racionalización | ra-see-oh-nah-lee-sah-see-ohn | raθjonaliθaˈθjon |
| Recommendation | Recomendación | reh-co-mehn-dah-see-ohn | rekomendaˈθjon |
| Relaxation | Relajación | reh-la-hah-see-ohn | relaxaˈθjon |
| Respiration | Respiración | ress-pee-rah-see-ohn | respiɾaˈθjon |
| Segregation | Segregación | seh-greh-ga-see-ohn | seɣɾeɣaˈθjon |
| Selection | Selección | seh-lec-see-ohn | selekˈθjon |
| Situation | Situación | see-too-ah-see-ohn | sitwaˈθjon |
| Solution | Solución | so-loo-see-ohn | soluˈθjon |
| Tradition | Tradición | tra-dee-see-ohn | tɾaðiˈθjon |
| Transcription | Transcripción | trans-crip-see-ohn | tɾanskɾipˈθjon |
| Transfiguration | Transfiguración | trans-fee-goo-rah-see-ohn | tɾansfiɣuɾaˈθjon |
| Vacation | Vacación | vah-ca-see-ohn | bakaˈθjon |
| Variation | Variación | vah-ree-ah-see-ohn | baɾjaˈθjon |
| Vibration | Vibración | vee-brah-see-ohn | biβɾaˈθjon |
Many English words that end in –y change to –ia or –io in Spanish, depending on the gender of the noun they’re modifying.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Academy | Academia | ah-ca-deh-me-ah | akaˈðemja |
| Accessory | Accesorio | acc-seh-so-ree-oh | akθeˈsoɾjo |
| Agency | Agencia | ah-hehn-see-ah | aˈxenθja |
| Agony | Agonía | ah-goh-nee-ah | aɣoˈnia |
| Harmony | Armonía | ar-mo-nee-ah | aɾmoˈnia |
| Archaeology | Arqueología | ar-keh-oh-lo-he-ah | aɾkeoloˈxia |
| Asymmetry | Asimetría | ah-see-meh-tree-ah | asimeˈtɾia |
| Astronomy | Astronomía | as-troh-no-me-ah | astɾonoˈmia |
| Audacity | Audacia | ah-ooh-da-see-ah | awˈðaθja |
| Autonomy | Autonomía | ah-ooh-toh-no-me-ah | awtonoˈmia |
| Battery | Batería | ba-teh-ree-ah | bateˈɾia |
| Binary | Binario / Binaria | be-na-re-oh / be-na-re-ah | biˈnaɾjo / biˈnaɾja |
| Biography | Biografía | be-oh-gra-fee-ah | bjoɣɾaˈfia |
| Biology | Biología | be-oh-lo-he-ah | bjoloˈxia |
| Blasphemy | Blasfemia | blass-feh-me-ah | blasˈfemja |
| Ceremony | Ceremonia | seh-reh-mo-nee-ah | θeɾeˈmonja |
| Colony | Colonia | co-lo-nee-ah | koˈlonja |
| Company | Compañía | com-pah-nyee-ah | kompaˈɲia |
| Contradictory | Contradictorio | con-tra-dic-toh-ree-oh | kontɾaðikˈtoɾjo |
| Copy | Copia | co-pee-ah | ˈkopja |
| Corollary | Corolario | co-ro-la-ree-oh | koɾoˈlaɾjo |
| Dictionary | Diccionario | dic-see-oh-na-ree-oh | dikθjoˈnaɾjo |
| Efficacy | Eficacia | eh-fee-cah-see-ah | efiˈkaθja |
| Efficiency | Eficiencia | eh-fee-see-ehn-see-ah | efiˈθjenθja |
| Energy | Energía | eh-nehr-he-ah | eneɾˈxia |
| Envy | Envidia | ehn-ve-de-ah | emˈbiðja |
| Fallacy | Falacia | fa-la-see-ah | faˈlaθja |
| Family | Familia | fa-me-lee-ah | faˈmilja |
| Photography | Fotografía | fo-to-gra-fee-ah | fotoɣɾaˈfia |
| Frequency | Frecuencia | freh-coo-ehn-see-ah | fɾeˈkwenθja |
| Galaxy | Galaxia | ga-lax-e-ah | ɡaˈlaksja |
| Glory | Gloria | glo-re-ah | ˈɡloɾja |
| History | Historia | iss-toh-re-ah | isˈtoɾja |
| Laboratory | Laboratorio | la-bo-ra-toh-re-oh | laβoɾaˈtoɾjo |
| Matrimony | Matrimonio | ma-tree-mo-nee-oh | matɾiˈmonjo |
| Memory | Memoria | meh-mo-ree-ah | meˈmoɾja |
| Mercury | Mercurio | mer-coo-re-oh | meɾˈkuɾjo |
| Observatory | Observatorio | obs-ehr-vah-toh-ree-oh | oβseɾβaˈtoɾjo |
| Psychology | Psicología | see-co-lo-he-ah | sikoloˈxia |
| Remedy | Remedio | reh-meh-dee-oh | reˈmeðjo |
| Technology | Tecnología | tec-no-lo-he-ah | teknoloˈxia |
| Testimony | Testimonio | tess-tee-mo-ne-oh | testiˈmonjo |
| Toxicology | Toxicología | tox-e-co-lo-he-ah | toksikoloˈxia |
| Tragedy | Tragedia | tra-heh-dee-ah | tɾaˈxeðja |
| Victory | Victoria | vic-to-re-ah | bikˈtoɾja |
| Zoology | Zoología | zo-oh-lo-he-ah | θooloˈxia |
Verbs in Spanish always end in –ar, –er, or –ir. Because of that, many English verbs stay the same plus an –ar or –ir ending.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| To abandon | Abandonar | ah-bahn-doh-nar | aβandoˈnaɾ |
| To adapt | Adaptar | ah-dop-tar | aðapˈtaɾ |
| To admit | Admitir | ad-me-teer | aðmiˈtiɾ |
| To adopt | Adoptar | ah-dop-tar | aðopˈtaɾ |
| To affect | Afectar | ah-fec-tar | afekˈtaɾ |
| To affirm | Afirmar | ah-feer-mahr | afiɾˈmaɾ |
| To adjust | Ajustar | ah-whose-tar | axusˈtaɾ |
| To appreciate | Apreciar | ah-preh-see-ar | apɾeˈθjaɾ |
| To assign | Asignar | ah-sig-nahr | asiɣˈnaɾ |
| To augment | Aumentar | ah-ooh-mehn-tar | awmenˈtaɾ |
| To calm | Calmar | cal-mar | kalˈmaɾ |
| To cancel | Cancelar | can-seh-lar | kanθeˈlaɾ |
| To collect | Colectar | co-lec-tar | kolekˈtaɾ |
| To comfort | Confortar | con-fron-tar | komfoɾˈtaɾ |
| To comment | Comentar | co-men-tar | komenˈtaɾ |
| To complement | Complementar | com-pleh-mehn-tar | komplemenˈtaɾ |
| To comport | Comportar | com-por-tar | kompoɾˈtaɾ |
| To confirm | Confirmar | con-feer-mar | komfiɾˈmaɾ |
| To connect | Conectar | co-nec-tar | konekˈtaɾ |
| To consider | Considerar | con-see-deh-rar | konsiðeˈɾaɾ |
| To consist | Consistir | con-sees-teer | konsisˈtiɾ |
| To consult | Consultar | con-sool-tar | konsulˈtaɾ |
| To contrast | Contrastar | con-tras-tar | kontɾasˈtaɾ |
| To control | Controlar | con-troh-lar | kontɾoˈlaɾ |
| To cost | Costar | cos-tar | kosˈtaɾ |
| To deform | Deformar | deh-for-mar | defoɾˈmaɾ |
| To deport | Deportar | deh-por-tar | depoɾˈtaɾ |
| To educate | Educar | eh-doo-car | eðuˈkaɾ |
| To enlist | Enlistar | ehn-lis-tar | enlisˈtaɾ |
| To exalt | Exaltar | ex-al-tar | eksalˈtaɾ |
| To exist | Existir | ex-is-teer | eksisˈtiɾ |
| To experiment | Experimentar | ex-peh-re-mehn-tar | ekspeɾimenˈtaɾ |
| To export | Exportar | ex-por-tar | ekspoɾˈtaɾ |
| To ferment | Fermentar | fer-mehn-tar | feɾmenˈtaɾ |
| To import | Importar | im-por-tahr | impoɾˈtaɾ |
| To insist | Insistir | in-sis-teer | insisˈtiɾ |
| To invent | Inventar | in-vehn-tar | imbenˈtaɾ |
| To invest | Invertir | in-vehr-teer | imbeɾˈtiɾ |
| To labor | Laborar | la-bo-rar | laβoˈɾaɾ |
| To lament | Lamentar | la-mehn-tar | lamenˈtaɾ |
| To limit | Limitar | lee-me-tahr | limiˈtaɾ |
| To march | Marchar | mar-char | maɾˈʧaɾ |
| To present | Presentar | preh-sehn-tar | pɾesenˈtaɾ |
| To protest | Protestar | pro-tess-tar | pɾotesˈtaɾ |
| To repeat | Repetir | reh-peh-teer | repeˈtiɾ |
| To represent | Representar | reh-preh-sehn-tar | repɾesenˈtaɾ |
| To rest | Restar | ress-tar | resˈtaɾ |
Some verbs change slightly and have the added –ar ending.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| To accept | Aceptar | ah-sep-tar | aθepˈtaɾ |
| To accompany | Acompañar | ah-com-pah-nyar | akompaˈɲaɾ |
| To accustom | Acostumbrar | ah-coss-toom-brar | akostumˈbɾaɾ |
| To amass | Amasar | ah-ma-sar | amaˈsaɾ |
| To animate | Animar | ah-nee-mar | aniˈmaɾ |
| To appropriate | Apropiar | ah-pro-pee-ah | apɾoˈpjaɾ |
| To civilize | Civilizar | see-vee-lee-sahr | θiβiliˈθaɾ |
| To colonize | Colonizar | co-lo-nee-sahr | koloniˈθaɾ |
| To color | Colorear | co-lo-reh-ar | koloɾeˈaɾ |
| To commence | Comenzar | co-mehn-sahr | komenˈθaɾ |
| To complete | Completar | com-pleh-tar | kompleˈtaɾ |
| To count | Contar | con-tar | konˈtaɾ |
| To copy | Copiar | co-pee-ar | koˈpjaɾ |
| To express | Expresar | ex-preh-sar | ekspɾeˈsaɾ |
| To fortify | Fortificar | for-tee-fee-car | foɾtifiˈkaɾ |
| To govern | Gobernar | go-behr-nar | ɡoβeɾˈnaɾ |
| To imagine | Imaginar | e-ma-he-nar | imaxiˈnaɾ |
| To observe | Observar | ob-sehr-var | oβseɾˈβaɾ |
| To pass | Pasar | pa-sar | paˈsaɾ |
| To repair | Reparar | reh-pa-sar | repaˈɾaɾ |
| To telephone | Telefonear | teh-leh-fo-neh-ar | telefoneˈaɾ |
Well, the question is, are Spanish cognates really new vocabulary words if you already know them? Our perspective is that it doesn’t really matter how you acquire the vocabulary, as long as you can use it naturally and confidently! That’s why spending a little time learning tips and tricks like noun cognates can take you a long way, as you’ve now acquired well over 1,000 new words in a matter of minutes. How awesome is that!?
For more helpful tips, tricks, and vocabulary guides, check out our Spanish blog. We routinely publish new content that will help you improve all aspects of your Spanish, including our latest guide to upside-down question marks in Spanish and our fun guide to Spanglish vocabulary words and phrases.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Tu vs Usted","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"Tu vs. Usted in Spanish: Big key differences & how to use them","url":"/blog/tu-vs-usted-differences","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blta1a6554123ea2b55/659fb0d35a14f20d281826e5/d742a6da-3ad6-41bd-9696-04e7a9ca9e05.jpeg"},"post_content":"You might have already heard that Spanish differentiates between formal and informal pronouns. They’re both used the same way the singular “you” is used in English, except that one is used when addressing people you want to show respect to, while the other is used in casual settings and people you’ve already built rapport with.
Learning how to use tú vs. usted in Spanish is actually quite easy, as all you need to do is swap the pronoun and use a different conjugation that you already know (more on that below!). The hard part is knowing when to use formal vs. informal, as using the wrong one could be embarrassing or even rude.
This is why using tú vs. usted is one of the reasons Spanish can be difficult to learn for English speakers. Learning the language requires more than just memorizing a few grammar rules, as you’ll have to understand the cultural context to navigate any situation.
Below, we’ll show you how to conjugate these verbs as well as when to use which of the two pronouns. ¡Disfrute usted!
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Tú and usted are both Spanish pronouns for the second-person singular (you). The difference is that tú is an informal pronoun, whereas usted is a formal pronoun. When learning Spanish, you will have to learn how to use both of them in different situations so you can address people appropriately.
Using tú vs. usted involves more than just swapping out the pronoun. The conjugation of the verb will also change when you use a different pronoun, as will the sentence structure in some cases. That’s why it’s important to learn how to use the informal tú and the formal usted, as it’s not as simple as just using another pronoun.
Ustedes and vosotros are both second-person plural pronouns. You use them to address two or more people directly, like the English pronoun you (plural).
Technically, ustedes is the formal version of the pronoun and vosotros is the informal version. However, in practice, ustedes is used as both formal and informal throughout most of Latin America. Vosotros is used as the informal version of the pronoun only in Spain and Equatorial Guinea.
So, unless you are eager to learn Spanish from one of these two countries, you don’t have to worry about differentiating between formal and informal when addressing two or more people!
Tú and vos are both second-person singular pronouns, like the English pronoun ‘you’ (singular). While they are both used for the same purpose, different regions use different pronouns. Most of the Spanish-speaking world uses tú, while only Argentina, Costa Rica, and Uruguay use vos exclusively.
However, certain regions of many Latin American countries also use vos to varying degrees. In some cases, the use of vos might be associated with class status, as it used to be considered incorrect and uncultured. Some countries that use vos in certain regions are:
It’s also worth noting that there are three types of voseo:
You might’ve noticed that Spanish sometimes uses tú and sometimes tu. So, what’s the difference? If you’ve read our ultimate guide to Spanish accent marks, then you know that a single accent mark can change a word completely. And that’s precisely what’s going on here:
Using these two pronouns will change the verb conjugation. Fortunately for you, you won’t have to learn any new or special conjugations when using usted, as it simply uses the third-person singular conjugation (él or ella).
Below, we’ll do a refresher on the general conjugation rules for the second-person pronouns we covered in the previous section. Of course, irregular verbs in Spanish are everywhere, so we’ll also take a look at a few of the most common conjugations at the end.
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Conjugating the second-person tú is one of the most important skills in Spanish. This is likely the person you’ll use most often as you make friends and even start conversations with strangers.
If you’ve already learned the basics of conjugating regular verbs in Spanish, then you already know that there are three types of infinitive verbs in Spanish: -ar, -er, and -ir. Each of these is conjugated slightly differently. To conjugate them in the tú person, you must:
Here are some examples:
| English | Verb in infinitive | Pronoun | Conjugated verb |
| To think | Pasar | Tú | Pasas |
| To ask | Preguntar | Tú | Preguntas |
| To take | Tomar | Tú | Tomas |
| To eat | Comer | Tú | Comes |
| To decide | Decidir | Tú | Decides |
Conjugating in the usted person is quite easy if you already know how to conjugate verbs in the third-person singular (él or ella). All you need to do is use the pronoun usted and the conjugation of the third-person singular! Here are the general rules:
| English | Verb in infinitive | Pronoun | Conjugated verb |
| To think | Pasar | Usted | Pasa |
| To ask | Preguntar | Usted | Pregunta |
| To take | Tomar | Usted | Toma |
| To eat | Comer | Usted | Come |
| To decide | Decidir | Usted | Decide |
Ustedes is the second-person plural pronoun. To conjugate verbs in this person, you will need to follow these rules:
| English | Verb in infinitive | Pronoun | Conjugated verb |
| To think | Pasar | Ustedes | Pasan |
| To ask | Preguntar | Ustedes | Preguntan |
| To take | Tomar | Ustedes | Toman |
| To eat | Comer | Ustedes | Comen |
| To decide | Decidir | Ustedes | Deciden |
Vosotros is the other second-person plural adjective, which is mostly only used in Spain as an informal version of usted. However, if you’re learning Latin American Spanish, then you won’t need to worry too much about this pronoun as it is never used in Latin America.
Note that conjugating for the vosotros pronoun usually requires an accent mark. If you’re still getting used to accent marks, then we recommend giving out our guide to accent marks in Spanish a quick look.
To conjugate verbs with vosotros, you’ll want to:
| English | Verb in infinitive | Pronoun | Conjugated verb |
| To think | Pasar | Vosotros | Pasáis |
| To ask | Preguntar | Vosotros | Preguntáis |
| To take | Tomar | Vosotros | Tomáis |
| To eat | Comer | Vosotros | Coméis |
| To decide | Decidir | Vosotros | Decidís |
Vos is another second-person singular pronoun, so you might think to look for the verb conjugation of tú for some guidance on conjugating this. However, vos is a variation of vosotros, so you’ll want to look to that conjugation for guidance. Want an expert tip? For -ar and -er verbs, all you have to do is remove the i from the conjugation of vosotros!
Here are the guidelines for conjugating for vos:
| English | Verb in infinitive | Pronoun | Conjugated verb |
| To think | Pasar | Vos | Pasás |
| To ask | Preguntar | Vos | Preguntás |
| To take | Tomar | Vos | Tomás |
| To eat | Comer | Vos | Comés |
| To decide | Decidir | Vos | Decidís |
Many of the most common Spanish verbs are irregular, so you won’t be able to use tú and usted appropriately if you don’t know how to conjugate them. Fortunately, just mastering a handful of irregular verbs will take you far! Here are some of the most common.
| English | Spanish | Tú | Usted |
| To be | Ser | Eres | Es |
| To be | Estar | Estás | Está |
| To say | Decir | Dices | Dice |
| To have | Tener | Tienes | Tiene |
| To want | Querer | Quieres | Quiere |
| To go | Ir | Vas | Va |
Now that you have the basics of conjugating verbs with each of the second-person pronouns, let’s take a side-by-side look to see how they compare to each other.
| English | Tú | Usted | Ustedes | Vosotros | Vos |
| Can you pick me up? | ¿Pasas por mí? | ¿Pasa usted por mí? | ¿Ustedes pasan por mí? | ¿Vosotros pasáis por mí? | ¿Vos pasás por mí? |
| What you’re asking about cannot be answered. | Lo que preguntas no se puede responder. | Lo que usted pregunta no se puede responder. | Lo que ustedes preguntan no se puede responder. | Lo que vosotros preguntáis no se puede responder. | Lo que vos preguntás no se puede responder. |
| I think you eat very healthy. | A mí me parece que comes muy saludable. | A mí me parece que usted come muy saludable. | A mí me parece que ustedes comen muy saludable. | A mí me parece que vosotros coméis muy saludable. | A mí me parece que vos comés muy saludable. |
| Do you take any medication? | ¿Tomas algún medicamento? | ¿Toma usted algún medicamento? | ¿Ustedes toman algún medicamento? | ¿Vosotros tomáis algún medicamento? | ¿Vos tomás algún medicamento? |
| You decide what we’re going to eat. | Tú decides qué vamos a comer. | Usted decide qué vamos a comer. | Ustedes deciden qué vamos a comer. | Vosotros decidís qué vamos a comer. | Vos decidís qué vamos a comer. |
Knowing how to use tú vs. usted is only one part of the problem. You also need to know when using formal vs. informal is appropriate, as being too casual can be rude and being too formal can be awkward.
Here are some situations when you can use the informal tú:
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Of course, the people you should feel most comfortable using tú with are your friends and family members. Anyone you feel a close relationship with and is also on the same social or bureaucratic level as you is probably safe to refer to as tú.
Note that some parts of Latin America will use the formal usted to refer to older family members, particularly in rural communities. This is a tradition that has been passed on as a way to show respect, so don’t be surprised if you see people refer to their parents by usted.
You can generally use tú to refer to your:
Here are some example sentences. Note that the pronoun tú is often skipped as Spanish is a null-subject language. So, you can infer that the tú pronoun is being used based on the conjugation of the verb.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| What do you want for breakfast? | ¿Qué quieres desayunar? | keh key-air-ess dess-ah-yoo-nahr? | ˈke ˈkjeɾez ðesaʝuˈnaɾ ‖ |
| Tell my mom that I’m going out to the store. | Dile a mi mamá que voy a salir a la tienda. | dee-leh ah me mah-mah keh voy ah sah-leer ah lah tee-ehn-dah | ˈdile a mi maˈma ˈke ˈβoj a saˈliɾ a la ˈtjenda ‖ |
| Do you know what was assigned for homework? | ¿Sabes qué nos dejaron de tarea? | sah-bess keh noss deh-hah-rohn deh tah-reh-ah? | ˈsaβes ˈke noz ðeˈxaɾon de taˈɾea ‖ |
You can use tú when talking to children and, by extension, anyone younger than you. The only exception is if you’d like to use formal pronouns ironically or as a term of endearment for your nieces and nephews or any small children you interact with.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Hi little one, how are you? | Hola pequeñito, ¿cómo estás? | oh-lah peh-keh-nyee-toe, co-mo ess-tass? | ˈola pekeˈɲito | ˈkomo esˈtas ‖ |
| Where is your mom? | ¿Dónde está tu mamá? | don-deh ess-tah too mah-mah? | ˈdonde esˈta tu maˈma ‖ |
| Who’s your favorite superhero? | ¿Cuál es tu superhéroe favorito? | coo-all ess too soo-pehr-eh-ro-eh fah-vo-ree-toe | ˈkwal ˈes tu supeˈɾeɾoe faβoˈɾito ‖ |
As you’ll see below, formal language is expected when addressing your superiors at work, like your boss or the CEO. However, you’re not expected to use formal pronouns when addressing people on the same organizational level or below. In other words, just because you’re in a formal setting doesn’t mean you must use formal pronouns with everyone. In general, only use formal pronouns for people you answer to — you can use informal pronouns for everyone else.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Hey, do you know if this meeting’s canceled? | Oye, ¿sabes si esta junta se canceló? | oh-yeh sah-bess see ess-tah hoon-tah seh cahn-seh-lo? | ˈoʝe | ˈsaβes sj ˈesta ˈxunta se kanθeˈlo ‖ |
| I have already finished my report, so let me know if you need me to help you with yours. | Ya terminé mi reporte, así que avísame si necesitas que te ayude con el tuyo. | ya tehr-me-neh me reh-pore-teh, ah-see keh ah-vee-sah-meh see neh-seh-see-tass keh teh ah-yoo-deh cohn elle too-yo | ʝa teɾmiˈne mi reˈpoɾte | aˈsi ˈke aˈβisame si neθeˈsitas ˈke te aˈʝuðe kon el ˈtuʝo ‖ |
| I’m going to grab a coffee, do you want one? | Voy a ir por un café, ¿quieres uno? | voy ah eer pore oon cah-feh, key-air-ess oo-noh? | ˈboj a ˈiɾ poɾ un kaˈfe | ˈkjeɾes ˈuno ‖ |
Okay, sure, animals can’t speak Spanish, and they probably don’t mind how you refer to them. But those with pets know that a strong connection trumps any linguistic barrier. So, when you talk to your furry friends, which pronouns should you use? Informal!
Of course, you’re welcome to use the formal usted occasionally if you want to be cute or ironic, but the informal tú will be perfectly fine.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Do you want to go out for a walk? | ¿Quieres salir a pasear? | key-air-ess sah-leer ah pah-seh-are? | ˈkjeɾes saˈliɾ a paseˈaɾ ‖ |
| Michi, don’t go on the table! | Michi, ¡no te subas a la mesa! | mee-chee, noh teh soo-bass ah la meh-sah! | ˈmiʧi | ˈno te ˈsuβas a la ˈmesa ‖ |
| Nala, was it who who bit the rug? | Nala, ¿fuiste tú la que mordió el tapete? | nah-la, foo-ees-teh too lah keh more-dee-oh elle ta-peh-teh? | ˈnala | ˈfwiste ˈtu la ˈke moɾˈðjo el taˈpete ‖ |
This one’s quite controversial, as you’re gonna have to make a judgment call any time you address a stranger. You may use usted if you want to be extra polite or when dealing with older people, but you’ll want to use the informal tú when addressing people around your same age or younger.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Hello, how can I help you? | Hola, ¿en qué te puedo ayudar? | oh-lah, ehn keh teh poo-eh-doe ah-yoo-dahr? | ˈola | en ˈke te ˈpweðo aʝuˈðaɾ ‖ |
| Welcome! Right this way, please. | ¡Bienvenido! Pasa por aquí, por favor. | bee-ehn-veh-nee-doe! pah-sah, pore fah-vore | bjembeˈniðo ‖ ˈpasa poɾ aˈki | poɾ faˈβoɾ ‖ |
| Excuse me, do you know what time it is? | Disculpa, ¿sabes qué hora es? | dees-cool-pah, sah-bess keh oh-rah ess? | disˈkulpa | ˈsaβes ˈke ˈoɾa ˈes ‖ |
Now, using usted may seem a bit intimidating at first, but now you know that all you need is a new pronoun and the conjugation for él or ella. Using usted isn’t difficult, per se, but it can be tricky to figure out when the pronoun is necessary. Below, we’ll cover some of the most common situations when you might be expected to use usted.
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You should use formal pronouns when addressing persons over 65 in pretty much all circumstances.
The only exceptions are your own parents, grandparents, and any other older people you’re directly related to. Just note that you’re still expected to use formal pronouns with your in-laws unless they explicitly request you not to!
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Good morning, Mrs. Imelda, how are you? | Buenos días, Doña Imelda, ¿cómo está usted? | boo-eh-noss dee-ass, doh-nyah e-mell-dah, coh-mo ess-tah oos-tehd? | ˈbwenoz ˈðias | ˈdoɲa jˈmelda | ˈkomo esˈta wsˈteð ‖ |
| Excuse me, may I help you cross the street? | Disculpe, ¿le puedo ayudar a cruzar la calle? | dees-cool-peh, leh poo-eh-doh ah-yoo-dahr ah croo-zahr la cah-yeh? | disˈkulpe | le ˈpweðo aʝuˈðaɾ a kɾuˈθaɾ la ˈkaʎe ‖ |
| I’m so happy to hear that you’re doing well, Mr. Fernando. | Qué gusto me da escuchar que se encuentre bien, Don Fernando. | keh goose-toe meh dah ess-coo-char keh seh ehn-coo-ehn-treh bee-ehn, dohn fehr-nahn-doe | ˈke ˈɣusto me ˈða eskuˈʧaɾ ˈke se enˈkwentɾe ˈβjen | ˈdom feɾˈnando ‖ |
Although Spanish business culture can be a bit more relaxed, you should still use formal pronouns when addressing your superiors. In many cases, they will ask you to use informal pronouns as your relationship gets closer, but you should stick to formal pronouns until and unless they specifically say informal pronouns are fine. Here are some examples:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Would you like to reschedule the meeting for a different day? | ¿Le gustaría cambiar la junta para otro día? | leh goose-tah-ree-ah cahm-bee-are la hoon-tah pah-rah oh-troh dee-ah? | le ɣustaˈɾia kamˈbjaɾ la ˈxunta ˈpaɾa ˈotɾo ˈðia ‖ |
| Here’s the sales report for the month. | Aquí tiene el reporte de ventas del mes. | ah-key tee-eh-neh elle reh-pore-teh deh vehn-tass delle mess | aˈki ˈtjene el reˈpoɾte ðe ˈβentaz ðel ˈmes ‖ |
| Our sales team has managed to exceed the most important goals of the month thanks to your instructions. | Nuestro equipo de ventas ha logrado superar las metas más importantes del mes gracias a sus indicaciones. | noo-ess-troh eh-key-poh deh vehn-tass ah loh-grah-doe soo-peh-rahr lass meh-tass mahs eem-pore-tahn-tess dell mess grah-see-ass ah soos in-dee-cah-see-oh-ness | ˈnwestɾo eˈkipo ðe ˈβentas ˈa loˈɣɾaðo supeˈɾaɾ laz ˈmetaz ˈmas impoɾˈtantez ðel ˈmez ˈɣɾaθjas a sus indikaˈθjones ‖ |
Bureaucratic situations are never fun, but being extra polite can make them go a bit smoother. When you go to apply for a visa, residence permit, driver's license, or any other document, being extra polite and using the formal usted can help you save some time and avoid many headaches!
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Excuse me, is this the office to apply for the voter registration card? | Disculpe, ¿esta es la oficina para el trámite de la credencial de elector? | dees-cool-peh, ess-tah ess la oh-fee-see-nah pah-rah elle trah-me-teh deh la creh-dehn-see-all deh eh-lec-toor? | disˈkulpe | ˈesta ˈez la ofiˈθina ˈpaɾa el ˈtɾamite ðe la kɾeðenˈθjal de elekˈtoɾ ‖ |
| Excuse me, do you know if these are all the required documents for the visa application? | Disculpe, ¿sabe si estos son todos los documentos necesarios para el trámite de la visa? | dees-cool-peh, sah-beh see ess-toes sohn toe-doss loss doh-coo-mehn-toss pah-rah elle trah-me-teh deh la vee-sah? | disˈkulpe | ˈsaβe sj ˈestos ˈson ˈtoðoz loz ðokuˈmentoz neθeˈsaɾjos ˈpaɾa el ˈtɾamite ðe la ˈβisa ‖ |
| Hello, my name is Fernando. I am getting in touch with you to ask about the admission application requirements. | Hola, mi nombre es Fernando. Me comunico con usted para preguntar por los requisitos para la solicitud de admisión. | oh-la, me nohm-breh ess fehr-nahn-doe. meh co-moo-nee-co cohn oos-tehd pah-rah preh-goon-tar pore loss reh-key-see-toss pah-rah la soh-lee-see-tood deh ad-me-see-ohn | ˈola | mi ˈnombɾe ˈes feɾˈnando ‖ me komuˈniko kon usˈteð ˈpaɾa pɾeɣunˈtaɾ poɾ loz rekiˈsitos ˈpaɾa la soliθiˈtuð ðe aðmiˈsjon ‖ |
In most situations, you’ll want to address your clients with the formal usted. That goes for very high-level clients if you’re making multi-million dollar deals and also for customers at your store, like a coffee shop or a restaurant. Here are some examples:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Good afternoon, my dear Mr. Rosales, how are you? | Buenas tardes, estimado Señor Rosales, ¿cómo está usted? | boo-eh-nas tar-dess, ess-tee-mah-doh seh-nyor ro-sah-less, coh-mo ess-tah oos-tehd? | ˈbwenas ˈtaɾðes | estiˈmaðo seˈɲoɾ roˈsales | ˈkomo esˈta wsˈteð ‖ |
| Good morning, I’m getting in touch with you on behalf of your phone company to offer you our most recent deal. | Buenos días, me comunico de parte de su compañía telefónica para ofrecerle nuestra más reciente promoción. | boo-eh-noss dee-ass, meh co-moo-nee-co deh par-teh deh soo com-pah-nyee-ah teh-leh-foh-nee-cah pah-rah oh-freh-sehr-leh noo-ess-trah mass reh-see-ehn-teh pro-mo-see-ohn. | ˈbwenoz ˈðias | me komuˈniko ðe ˈpaɾte ðe su kompaˈɲia teleˈfonika ˈpaɾa ofɾeˈθeɾle ˈnwestɾa ˈmaz reˈθjente pɾomoˈθjon ‖ |
| Hello Jorge, how are you? I’m getting in touch with you to confirm your most recent order number 3848. | Hola Jorge, ¿qué tal? Me comunico para confirmar su más reciente pedido número 3848. | oh-la hor-heh, keh tall? meh co-moo-nee-co pah-rah cohn-feer-mahr soo mahs reh-see-ehn-teh peh-dee-doe noo-meh-ro tress oh-cho coo-ah-tro oh-cho. | ˈola ˈxoɾxe | ˈke ˈtal ‖ me komuˈniko ˈpaɾa komfiɾˈmaɾ su ˈmaz reˈθjente peˈðiðo ˈnumeɾo ˈtɾes ˈoʧo ˈkwatɾo ˈoʧo ‖ |
Finally, when in doubt, stick to formal pronouns! In most situations, it will be less embarrassing to be extra formal than to be a bit too casual. Plus, if the other person is comfortable with informal pronouns, they will let you know!
It’s also common to use formal pronouns when the identity of the other person is unknown, such as when making or answering a phone call. For example, if you call an unknown number, you might want to use formal pronouns until you confirm who you’re speaking to.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Professor Roberta, can you explain this one more time, please? | Profesora Roberta, ¿me puede explicar esto una vez más, por favor? | pro-feh-so-rah ro-behr-tah, meh poo-eh-deh ex-plee-car ess-toe oo-nah vehs mas, pore fah-vore? | pɾofeˈsoɾa roˈβeɾta | me ˈpweðe ekspliˈkaɾ ˈesto ˈuna ˈβeð ˈmas | poɾ faˈβoɾ ‖ |
| Good morning, Miss Yolanda, how are you? | Buenos días Señorita Yolanda, ¿cómo está? | boo-eh-noss dee-ass, seh-nyor-e-tah yo-lahn-dah, koh-mo ess-tah? | ˈbwenoz ˈðias seɲoˈɾita ʝoˈlanda | ˈkomo esˈta ‖ |
| Hello? Who would you like to speak to? | ¿Bueno? ¿Con quién se quiere comunicar? | boo-eh-no? cohn key-ehn seh key-air-eh co-moo-nee-car | ˈbweno ‖ kon ˈkjen se ˈkjeɾe komuniˈkaɾ ‖ |
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There is no hard-and-fast rule on when to use formal vs. informal language in Spanish. You will have to make a judgment call based on factors like age, relationship, and social standing. Different countries also have different customs (as do different regions within the same country!), so you’ll also have to take clues from locals.
The best way to become an expert in formal vs. informal Spanish is to immerse yourself in the language. If you have the chance, travel to or even move to one of the Spanish-speaking countries to get the experience necessary to navigate cultural situations like these. Will you make a few mistakes along the way? Of course! But don’t let that stop you — each faux pas is getting you closer to Spanish mastery.
As you communicate more and more with Spanish speakers, you will invariably end up in a situation where someone addresses you with formal pronouns. You may ask them to address you informally if you feel like your relationship has developed enough trust or if you’re simply a more laid-back person and don’t wanna bother with formalities. Whatever the case, you may use any of the following expressions to ask someone to use informal pronouns when referring to you.
There’s also a common expression used to refer to the act of using informal pronouns: tutear. It just takes the pronoun tú and modifies it to act as a noun.
Note that it’s generally frowned upon to ask if you may use informal pronouns to refer to someone. If you use formal pronouns to refer to someone, you should continue doing so until and unless they ask you to stop.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Speak of me by “tú” | Háblame de “tú” | ah-blah-meh deh too | ˈaβlame ðe ˈtu |
| Don’t speak to me by “usted” | No me hables de “usted” | noh meh ah-bless deh oos-tehd | ˈno me ˈaβlez ðe usˈteð |
| You can “tutearme” | Puedes tutearme. | poo-eh-dess too-teh-are-meh | ˈpweðes tuteˈaɾme |
Asking ¿Cómo está? is the most common formal way of asking asking “How are you?” in Spanish. It is actually short for ¿Cómo está usted?, but the adjective can be omitted since Spanish is a null-subject language.
At the end of the day, using the formal vs. the informal pronoun in Spanish shouldn’t be that big of a deal. Of course, getting the pronoun right is important, but remember: when in doubt, use the formal pronoun! If you’ve already built a relationship with the other person, then they won’t hesitate to ask you to use the informal pronoun. Simple as that!
For more helpful tips about learning Spanish, check out our Spanish blog. We publish all kinds of helpful guides in Spanish, like our guide to using the upside-down question mark and our guide to demonstrative adjectives in Spanish. We have dozens of (free!) articles, so browse our library and choose the ones you like best!
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\n\n\nNo matter what language you grew up speaking, you probably remember learning a few tongue twisters when you were younger. You might also remember having a good laugh with your friends as you all struggled to get through the toughest tongue twisters, even in your native language. Although it might be a bit embarrassing to get tripped up with a silly tongue twister, the absurdity of the situation is what makes tongue twisters so much fun!
\nI mean, really, when and why would you need to know how much wood would a woodchuck chuck? Or how many pecks of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked? Who cares! But that’s not the point, and messing around with tongue twisters and making silly mistakes has an essential place in any language learner’s journey. It’s a different skill than, say, knowing how to write a letter in Chinese.
\nPracticing how to say a few tongue twisters will help you practice your pronunciation and nail down tricky sounds. Even if you butcher entirely the tones the first few times, laughing about it will also help you improve your language skills. A 2023 study found evidence of the benefits of using tongue twisters, which can help you enjoy the learning process!
\nSo, are you ready to learn your first 绕口令 (rào kǒu lìng), or tongue twister in Chinese? We’ll break them down into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, so you’ll be able to find something at your level, no matter where you’re at.
\nAnd don’t think about leaving this page halfway through if you find that they’re all too hard! We’re including five expert tips for learning Chinese tongue twisters at the very end, so make sure you read all the way through.
\nLet’s jump right in!
\n![\"Friends](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltf579beb39b8b02c0/65656dc06a14191dd2415f30/pexels-photo-7490850.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
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Some of the simplest Chinese tongue twisters are just words. Because of the sounds of the characters, a simple word like taxi (出租车) can sound like a little tongue twister! Here are some of the most common tongue twisters for beginners:
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Taxi | \n出租车 | \nchū zū chē | \nchu tzu che | \n
| Red carp and green carp and donkey | \n红鲤鱼与绿鲤鱼与驴 | \nhóng lǐ yú yǔ lǜ lǐ yú yǔ lǘ | \nhorng lii yu yeu liuh lii yu yeu liu | \n
| Four is four Ten is ten Fourteen is fourteen Forty is forty. | \n 四是四 十是十 十四是十四 四十是四十. | \n sì shì sì shí shì shí shí sì shì shí sì sì shí shì sì shí. | \n syh shyh syh shyr shyh shyr shyr syh shyh shyr syh syh shyr shyh syh shyr. | \n
| Xi Shi died at 44 | \n西施死时四十四 | \nxī shī sǐ shí sì shí sì | \nshi shy syy shyr syh shyr syh | \n
| Eat grapes without spitting out the grape skins, don’t eat grapes and spit out the grape skins. | \n 吃葡萄不吐葡萄皮， 不吃葡萄倒吐葡萄皮。 | \n chī pú táo bù tǔ pú táo pí, bù chī pú táo dào tǔ pú táo pí. | \n chy pwu taur buh tuu pwu taur pyi, buh chy pwu taur daw tuu pwu taur pyi. | \n
| The old man brought the soup to the tower, and poured the soup on the tower to scald the tower. | \n 老头端汤上塔， 塔滑汤洒汤烫塔。 | \n lǎo tóu duān tāng shàng tǎ, tǎ huá tāng sǎ tāng tàng tǎ. | \n lao tour duan tang shanq taa, taa hwa tang saa tang tanq taa. | \n
| Black butterflies fly, Gray butterflies fly, The black butterflies have finished flying, Gray butterflies fly. | \n 黑蝴蝶飞， 灰蝴蝶飞， 黑蝴蝶飞完， 灰蝴蝶飞。 | \n hēi hú dié fēi, hūi hú dié fēi, hēi hú dié fēi wán, hūi hú dié fēi. | \n hei hwu dye fei, hu hwu dye fei hei hwu dye fei wan, hu hwu dye fei. | \n
| Red phoenix, pink phoenix, pink-red phoenix Flowery phoenix | \n 红凤凰， 粉凤凰， 粉红凤凰 花凤凰 | \n hóng fèng huáng, fěn fèng huáng, fěn hóng fèng huáng huā fèng huáng | \n horng fenq hwang, feen fenq hwang, feen horng fenq hwang hua fenq hwang | \n
| If you know say you know, if you don’t know say you don’t know, don’t say you don’t know when you know, and don’t say you know when you don’t know, do you know? | \n 知道就说知道, 不知道就说不知道, 不要知道说不知道, 也不要不知道说知道, 你知道不知道？ | \n zhī dào jiù shuō zhī dào, bù zhī dào jiù shuō bù zhī dào, bù yào zhī dào shuō bù zhī dào, yě bù yào bù zhī dào shuō zhī dào, nǐ zhī dào bù zhī dào? | \n jy daw jiow shuo jy daw, buh jy daw jiow shuo bu jy daw, buh yaw jy daw shuo bu jy daw, yee buh yaw buh jy daw shuo jy daw, nii jy daw buh jy daw? | \n
| On the tree is a pear On the ground is mud The wind knocks off the pear The pear falls to the ground The pear rolls in the mud The mud moistens the pear. | \n 树上有梨 地上有泥 风刮梨 梨落地 梨滚泥 泥沾梨. | \n shù shàng yǒu lí dì shàng yǒu ní fēng guā lí lí luò dì lí gǔn ní ní zhān lí. | \n shuh shanq yeou li dih shanq yeou ni feng gua li li luoh dih li goen ni ni jan li. | \n
| There is a child named Qiaoqiao, and Qiaoqiao's brother named Qiaoqiao. Qiaoqiao takes Qiaoqiao boating, Qiaoqiao and Qiaoqiao visit their grandma. | \n 有个小孩叫巧巧， 巧巧哥哥叫乔乔， 乔乔划船带巧巧， 巧巧乔乔看姥姥。 | \n yǒu gè xiǎo hái jiào qiǎo qiao, qiǎo qiao gē ge jiào qiáo qiao, qiáo qiao huá chuán dài qiǎo qiao, qiǎo qiao qiáo qiao kàn lǎo lao. | \n yeou geh sheau hair jiaw cheau chiau, cheau chiau ge ge jiaw chyau chiau, chyau chiau hwa chwan day cheau chiau, cheau chiau chyau chiau kann lao lhau. | \n
| The flowers of the yellow flowers are yellow, The flowers are yellow, every blossom of the yellow flowers is yellow. Every yellow flower is both yellow and fragrant, The flowers of the yellow flowers are very fragrant, they grow towards the sun. | \n 黄花花黄黄花黄， 花黄黄花朵朵黄。 朵朵黄花黄又香， 黄花花香向太阳。 | \n huáng huā huā huáng huáng huā huáng, huā huáng huáng huā duǒ duǒ huáng. duǒ duǒ huáng huā huáng yòu xiāng, huáng huā huā xiāng xiàng tài yáng. | \n hwang hua hua hwang hwang hua hwang, hua hwang hwang hua duoo duoo hwang. duoo duoo hwang hua hwang yow shiang, hwang hua hua shiang shianq tay yang. | \n
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If you’re a step above a beginner speaker, then you might be up for a slightly bigger challenge. The following tongue twisters are much more challenging than the one above, and even native speakers might struggle to get through them!
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Black fertilizer turns gray, Gray fertilizer turns black. If the black fertilizer turns gray, it will volatilize. If the gray fertilizer volatilizes, it will turn black. | \n 黑化肥发灰， 灰化肥发黑。 黑化肥发灰会挥发， 灰化肥挥发会发黑。 | \n hēi huà féi fā huī, huī huà féi fā hēi. Hēi huà féi fā huī huì huī fā, huī huà féi huī fā huì fā hēi. | \n hei huah feir fa huei huei huah feir fa hei hei huah feir fa huei huey huei fa huei huah feir huei fa huey fa hei. | \n
| On the pink wall, a Phoenix was painted, A Phoenix was painted on the pink wall. Red phoenix, pink phoenix, red-pink phoenix and flowery phoenix. | \n 粉红墙上画凤凰， 凤凰画在粉红墙。 红凤凰，粉凤凰， 红粉凤凰花凤凰。 | \n fěn hóng qiáng shàng huà fèng huáng, fèng huáng huà zài fěn hóng qiáng. Hóng fèng huáng, fěn fèng huáng, hóng fěn fèng huáng huā fèng huáng. | \n feen horng chyang shanq huah fenq hwang fenq hwang huah tzay feen horng chyang horng fenq hwang feen fenq hwang horng feen fenq hwang hua fenq hwang. | \n
| Eight hundred pacesetters rush to the north slope On the north slope, eight hundred artillerymen have cannons. The pacesetter is afraid of touching the artilleryman's cannons Artillerymen are afraid of hitting the pacesetters. | \n 八百标兵奔北坡， 北坡八百炮兵炮， 标兵怕碰炮兵炮， 炮兵怕把标兵碰。 | \n bā bǎi biāo bīng bèn běi pō, běi pō bā bǎi pào bīng pào, biāo bīng pà pèng pào bīng pào, pào bīng pà bǎ biāo bīng pèng. | \n ba bae biau bing ben beei po, beei po ba bae paw bing paw, biau bing pah penq paw bing paw, paw bing pah baa biau bing penq. | \n
| Grandma Liu is looking for Grandma Niu to buy milk. Grandma Niu gives Grandma Liu some milk. Grandma Liu says that Grandma Niu's milk isn't as good as Grandma Liu's milk. | \n刘奶奶找牛奶奶买牛奶， 牛奶奶给刘奶奶拿牛奶， 刘奶奶说牛奶奶的牛奶不如柳奶奶的牛奶。 | \n liú nǎi nai zhǎo niú nǎi nai mǎi niú nǎi, niú nǎi nai gěi liú nǎi nai ná niú nǎi, liú nǎi nai shuō niú nǎi nai de niú nǎi bù rú liǔ nǎi nai de niú nǎi. | \n liou nae nhai jao niou nae nhai mae niou nae, liou nae nhai shuo niou nae nhai de niou nae buh ru leou nae nhai de niou nae. | \n
| Cowherd loves Maid Liu, Maid Liu yearns for Cowherd. Year after year, Cowherd loves Maid Liu. Year after year, Maid Liu yearns for Cowherd. Cowherd loves Maid, Maid yearns for Cowherd. Yearning Maid loving Maid, yearning Cowherd, loving Cowherd. Yearning, loving the Maid and the Cowherd. | \n 牛郎恋刘娘， 刘娘念牛郎。 牛郎年年恋刘娘，刘娘年年念牛郎。 郎恋娘来娘念郎， 念娘恋娘念郎恋郎， 念恋娘郎。 | \n niú láng liàn liú niáng, liú niáng niàn niú láng. niú láng nián nián liàn liú niáng, liú niáng nián nián niàn niú láng. láng liàn niáng lái niáng niàn láng, niàn niáng liàn niáng niàn láng liàn láng, niàn liàn niáng láng. | \n niou lang liann liou niang, liou niang niann niou lang. niou lang nian nian liann liou niang, liou niang nian nian niann niou lang. lang liann niang lai niang niann lang, niann niang liann niang niann lang liann lang, niann liann niang lang. | \n
| There is a goose standing at the bottom of the slope, and there is a river at the bottom of the slope. The river is wide, the goose is fat… The goose has to cross the river, and the river has to cross the goose. Don’t know whether the goose crosses the river or the river crosses the goose. | \n 坡下立着一只鹅， 坡下就是一条河 宽宽的河， 肥肥的鹅，鹅要过河，河要渡鹅，不知是鹅过河，还是河渡鹅。 | \n pō xià lì zhe yì zhī é, pō xià jiù shì yì tiáo hé. kuān kuān de hé, féi féi de é, é yào guò hé, hé yào dù é, bù zhī shì é guò hé, hái shì hé dù é. | \n po shiah lih je i jyy er, po shiah jiow shyh i tyau her. kuan kuan de her, feir feir de er, er yaw guoh her, her yaw duh er, buh jy shyh er guoh her, hair shyh her duh er. | \n
| There is a painter in the seventh lane and a tinsmith in the west lane. The painter in the seventh lane used the tin from the tinsmith in the west lane, and the tinsmith in the west lane used the paint from the painter in the seventh lane. The painter in the seventh lane was angry that the tinsmith in the west lane used paint, and the tinsmith in the west lane ridiculed the painter in the seventh lane for taking tin. | \n 七巷一个漆匠， 西巷一个锡匠。 七巷漆匠用了西巷锡匠的锡， 西巷锡匠拿了七巷漆匠的漆。 七巷漆匠气西巷锡匠用了漆， 西巷锡匠讥七巷漆匠拿了锡。 | \n qī xiàng yí gè qī jiàng, xī xiàng yí gè xī jiàng. qī xiàng qī jiàng yòng le xī xiàng xī jiàng de xī, xī xiàng xī jiàng ná le qī xiàng qī jiàng de qī. qī xiàng qī jiàng qì xī xiàng xī jiàng yòng le qī, xī xiàng xī jiàng jī qī xiàng qī jiàng ná le xī. | \n chi shianq i geh chi jianq, shi shianq i geh shi jianq. chi shianq chi jianq yonq lhe shi shianq shi jianq de shi, shi shianq shi jianq na lhe chi shianq chi jianq de chi. chi shianq chi jianq chih shi shianq shi jianq yonq lhe chi, shi shianq shi jianq ji chi shianq chi jianq na lhe shi. | \n
| After going out of the south gate and walking six steps, I met my sixth uncle and my sixth uncle, who lent me six buckets and six liters of good mung beans. After autumn, I harvested the beans and returned to my sixth uncle and my sixth uncle sixty-six buckets and six liters of good mung beans. | \n 出南门，走六步， 见着六叔和六舅， 借我六斗六升好绿豆； 过了秋，打了豆， 还我六叔六舅六十六斗六升好绿豆。 | \n chū nán mén, zǒu liù bù, jiàn zhe liù shū hé liù jiù, jiè wǒ liù dǒu liù shēng hǎo lǜ dòu; guò le qiū, dǎ le dòu, huán wǒ liù shū liù jiù liù shí liù dǒu liù shēng hǎo lǜ dòu. | \n chu nan men, tzoou liow buh, jiann je liow shu her liow jiow, jieh woo liow dow liow sheng hao liuh dow; guoh lhe chiou daa lhe dow, hwan woo liow shu liow jiow liow shyr liow dow liow sheng hao liuh dow. | \n
| Mom rides a horse, the horse is slow, Mom scolds the horse. A girl wants to drive the cow away, the cow resists, and the girl wrestles with the cow. Uncle catches pigeons, Pigeons fly, and Uncle grabs the pigeons. Grandma drinks buttermilk, Buttermilk spills, and Grandma scoops up the buttermilk. | \n 妈妈骑马， 马慢妈妈骂马。 妞妞轰牛， 牛拗妞妞拧牛。 舅舅捉鸠， 鸠飞舅舅揪鸠。 姥姥喝酪， 酪落姥姥捞酪。 | \n mā ma qí mǎ, mǎ màn mā ma mà mǎ. niū niu hōng niú, niú niù niū niū níng niú. jiù jiu zhuō jiū, jiū fēi jiù jiù jiū jiū. lǎo lao hē lào, lào lào lǎo lao lāo lào. | \n mha mha chyi maa, maa mann mha mha mah maa. nhiou nhiou hong niou, niou niow nhiou nhiou niing niou. jiow jiou juo jiou, jiou fei jiow jiow jiou jiou. lao lhau he law, law law lao lao lhau law. | \n
| There's a basin in the sky, and a shed underground. The basin bumps into the shed, and the shed bumps into the basin. The shed falls over, and the basin shatters. Should the shed compensate the basin, or should the basin compensate the shed? | \n 天上一个盆，地下一个棚。 盆碰棚，棚碰盆。 棚倒了，盆碎了。 是棚赔盆，还是盆赔棚？ | \n tiān shàng yí gè pén, dì xià yí gè péng. pén pèng péng, péng pèng pén. péng dǎo le, pén suì le. shì péng péi pén, hái shì pén péi péng? | \n tian shanq i geh pern dih shiah i geh perng. pern penq perng perng penq pern. perng dao lhe pern suey lhe. shyh perng peir pern hair shyh pern peir perng? | \n
| Jingjing and Xinxin, Look at the stars together. The stars in the sky are bright, Jingjing and Xinxin happily count the stars. | \n 晶晶和欣欣， 一起看星星。 天上星星亮晶晶， 晶晶欣欣数星星。 | \n jīng jīng hé xīn xīn, yì qǐ kàn xīng xing. tiān shàng xīng xing liàng jīng jīng, jīng jīng xīn xīn shǔ xīng xing. | \n jing jing her shin shin, i chii kann shing shing. tian shanq shing shing lianq jing jing, jing jing shin shin shuu shing shing. | \n
| Tianjin and Beijing, Jin and Jing have two pronunciations. One is the front nasal sound, the other is the back nasal sound. If you can't tell the difference, please listen carefully. | \n 天津和北京， 津京两个音。 一是前鼻音， 一是后鼻音。 如果分不清， 请你认真听。 | \n tiān jīn hé běi jīng, jīn jīng liǎng gè yīn. yí shì qián bí yīn, yí shì hòu bí yīn. rú guǒ fēn bù qīng, qǐng nǐ rèn zhēn tīng. | \n tian jin her beei jing, jin jing leang geh in. i shyh chyan byi in, i shyh how byi in. ru guoo fenn bwu ching, chiing nii renn jen ting. | \n
| A pair of trousers has eight seams, with vertical seams above the horizontal seams. After sewing the horizontal seams, sew the vertical seams. After sewing the vertical seams, sew the horizontal seams. | \n 一条裤子八条缝， 横缝上面有竖缝。 缝了横缝缝竖缝， 缝了竖缝缝横缝。 | \n yì tiáo kù zi bā tiáo fèng, héng fèng shàng miàn yǒu shù fèng, féng le héng fèng féng shù fèng, féng le shù fèng féng héng fèng. | \n i tyau kuh tzy ba tyau fenq, herng fenq shanq miann yeou shuh fenq, ferng lhe herng fenq ferng shuh fenq, ferng lhe shuh fenq ferng herng fenq. | \n
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Lastly, if you consider yourself an expert Chinese speaker, the following tongue twisters might help you find even more respect for the language. These are some of the hardest tongue twisters in Chinese, and even highly educated Chinese native speakers will have a hard time (and a laugh!) trying to read these out loud. Give them a shot!
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| The pole is long and the bench is wide The bench is not as long as the pole The pole is not as wide as the bench The pole wants to be tied to the bench The bench does not want the poles to be tied to the bench The pole stubbornly wants to be tied to the bench. | \n 扁担长，板凳宽 板凳没有扁担长 扁担没有板凳宽 扁担要绑在板凳上 板凳不让扁担绑在板凳上 扁担偏要扁担绑在板凳上 | \n biǎn dan cháng, bǎn dèng kuān bǎn dèng méi yǒu biǎn dan cháng biǎn dan méi yǒu bǎn dèng kuān biǎn dan yào bǎng zài bǎn dèng shàng bǎn dèng bú ràng biǎn dan bǎng zài bǎn dèng shàng biǎn dan piān yào biǎn dan bǎng zài bǎn dèng shàng. | \n bean dan jaang baan denq kuan baan denq mei yeou bean dan jaang biǎn dan méi yǒu bǎn dèng kuān bean dan yaw baang tzay baan denq shanq baan denq buh ranq bean dan baang tzay baan denq shanq bean dan pian yaw bean dan baang tzay baan denq shanq. | \n
| Your grandmother lent my grandmother a bowl, My grandmother broke your grandmother's bowl. My grandmother bought a new bowl And returned it to your grandmother. Your grandmother said she didn't want my grandmother to compensate for the bowl, But my grandmother insisted on returning the newly bought bowl to your grandmother. | \n 你婆婆借给我婆婆一个钵钵， 我婆婆打烂了你婆婆的钵钵。 我婆婆买来一个钵钵， 还给你婆婆。 你婆婆说什么也不要我婆婆赔钵钵， 我婆婆硬要把买来的钵钵还给你婆婆。 | \n nǐ pó po jiè gěi wǒ pó po yí gè bō bō, wǒ pó po dǎ làn le nǐ pó po de bō bō. wǒ pó po mǎi lái yí gè bō bō, huán gěi nǐ pó po. nǐ pó po shuō shén me yě bú yào wǒ pó po péi bō bō, wǒ pó po yìng yào bǎ mǎi lái de bō bō huán gěi nǐ pó po. | \n nii por po jieh geei woo por po i geh bo bo, woo por po daa lann lhe nii por po de bo bo, woo por po mae lai i geh bo bo, hair geei nii por po. nii por po shuo shern me yee buh yaw woo por po peir bo bo, woo por po yinq yaw baa mae lai de bo bo hair geei nii por po. | \n
| Xiaoguang and Xiaogang came to work carrying a water tank. Go up the hill, take a rest, pick up the bamboo poles and play fighting. Ping ping ping, pang pong pong, hitting it back and forth and smashing the water tank. Xiaoguang blames Xiaogang, Xiaogang blames Xiaoguang, Xiaoguang and Xiaogang both blame the bamboo pole and the water tank. | \n 小光和小刚， 抬着水桶上岗。 上山岗，歇歇凉， 拿起竹竿玩打仗。 乒乒乒，乓乓乓， 打来打去砸了缸。 小光怪小刚，小刚怪小光， 小光小刚都怪竹竿和水缸。 | \n xiǎo guāng hé xiǎo gāng, tái zhe shuǐ tǒng shàng gǎng. shàng shān gǎng, xiē xiē liáng, ná qǐ zhú gān wán dǎ zhàng. pīng pīng pīng, pāng pāng pāng, dǎ lái dǎ qù zá le gāng. xiǎo guāng guài xiǎo gāng, xiǎo gāng guài xiǎo guāng, xiǎo guāng xiǎo gāng dōu guài zhú gān hé shuǐ gāng. | \n sheau guang her sheau gang, tair je shoei toong shanq gaang. shanq shan gaang shie shie liang, na chii jwu gan wan daa janq. ping ping ping, pang pang pang, daa lai daa chiuh tzar lhe gang. sheau guang guay sheau gang sheau gang guay sheau guang, sheau guang sheau gang dou guay jwu gan her shoei gang. | \n
| Coach Lan is a female coach and Coach Lv is a male coach. Coach Lan is not a male coach, and Coach Lv is not a female coach. Lan Nan is the main player of the men's basketball team, and Lv Nan is the main player of the women's basketball team. Coach Lv trains Lan Nan on the men's basketball team, and Coach Lan trains Lv Nan on the women's basketball team. | \n 蓝教练是女教练， 吕教练是男教练。 蓝教练不是男教练， 吕教练不是女教练。 蓝南是男篮主力， 吕楠是女篮主力。 吕教练在男篮训练蓝南， 蓝教练在女篮训练吕楠。 | \n lán jiào liàn shì nǚ jiào liàn, lǚ jiào liàn shì nán jiào liàn. lán jiào liàn bú shì nán jiào liàn, lǚ jiào liàn bú shì nǚ jiào liàn. lán nán shì nán lán zhǔ lì, lǚ nán shì nǚ lán zhǔ lì. lǚ jiào liàn zài nán lán xùn liàn lán nán, lán jiào liàn zài nǚ lán xùn liàn lǚ nán. | \n lan jiaw liann shyh neu jiaw liann, leu jiaw liann shyh nan jiaw liann. lan jiaw liann bwu shyh nan jiaw liann, leu jiaw liann bwu shyh neu jiaw liann. lan nan shyh nan lan juu lih, leu nan shyh neu lan juu lih. leu jiaw liann tzay nan lan shiunn liann lan nan, lan jiaw liann tzay neu lan shiunn liann leu nan. | \n
| There are forty-four stone lions in front of the Shishi Temple, and there are forty-four astringent persimmons on the trees in front of the temple. The forty-four stone lions did not eat the forty-four astringent persimmons, but the forty-four astringent persimmons ate the forty-four stone lions instead. | \n 石狮寺前有四十四个石狮子， 寺前树上结了四十四个涩柿子。 四十四个石狮子不吃四十四个涩柿子， 四十四个涩柿子倒吃四十四个石狮子。 | \n shí shī sì qián yǒu sì shí sì gè shí shī zi, sì qián shù shàng jié le sì shí sì gè sè shì zi. sì shí sì gè shí shī zi bú chī sì shí sì gè sè shì zi, sì shí sì gè sè shì zi dào chī sì shí sì gè shí shī zi. | \n shyr shy syh chyan yeou syh shyr syh geh shyr shy tzy, syh chyan shuh shanq jye lhe syh shyr syh geh seh shyh tzy. syh shyr syh geh shyr shy tzy bwu chy syh shyr syh geh seh shyh tzy, syh shyr syh geh seh shyh tzy daw chy syh shyr syh geh shyr shy tzy. | \n
| Old Luo pulled a cart of pears, Old Li pulled a cart of chestnuts. Old Luo is known as Strong Luo, Old Li is known as Li Strong. Old Luo pulled pears to make pear wine, and Old Li pulled chestnuts to exchange for pears. | \n 老罗拉了一车梨， 老李拉了一车栗。 老罗人称大力罗， 老李人称李大力。 老罗拉梨做梨酒， 老李拉栗去换梨。 | \n lǎo luó lā le yì chē lí, lǎo lǐ lā le yì chē lì. lǎo luó rén chēng dà lì luó, lǎo lǐ rén chēng lǐ dà lì. lǎo luó lā lí zuò lí jiǔ, lǎo lǐ lā lì qù huàn lí. | \n lao luo lha lhe i che li, lao lii lha lhe i che lih. lao luo ren cheng dah lih luo, lao lii ren cheng lii dah lih. lao luo lha li tzuoh li jeou, lao lii lha lih chiuh huann li. | \n
\n
Some topics are better explained in a video, and few are clearer examples of this than tongue twisters. If you’d like to see a video of someone else giving a tongue twister a go before trying it yourself, we don’t blame you! Here are a couple of tongue twister videos that we think are pretty helpful:
\nIf you’d just like a quick overview of how a native speaker approaches some of these tongue twisters, then take a look at the following under-one-minute-long video from the University of Western Australia:
\n\nFor a longer video with a closer look at a handful of tongue twisters, then check out this video from Chinese with Jessie. She goes over a few tongue twisters and gives you some insightful advice to get them right!
\n\n\n
Practicing tongue twisters doesn’t have to be a mindless repetition of tricky phrases. Even if you do struggle with tongue twisters, there’s no honor in just failing over and over again. The point is to face the challenge head-on (as silly as the tongue twister may be!) and try your best to master the pronunciation. Here are five expert tips to help you master Chinese tongue twisters.
\nOne of the biggest mistakes foreign speakers make is to try to get through the tongue twister as quickly as possible. Taking your time as you slowly make your way through a complicated tongue twister will let you better understand the meaning and sound out each phoneme more clearly. Remember to breathe and take your time!
\nParsing words is one of the most important skills to nail in Chinese. That is, being able to separate characters into separate words since Chinese doesn’t use spaces between words like English does. When reciting a Chinese tongue twister, you need to know when words start and end so you don’t mix up the sounds.
\nFor example, in the line 十四是十四 (shí sì shì shí sì), it’s helpful to know that you’re dealing with the following words:
\nBreaking it up into three words can make it easier to pronounce each word correctly. This will be even more evident as you deal with longer and more complicated tongue twisters.
\nWhile pinyin can be an essential tool as you start practicing your tongue twisters, they can quickly become a crutch as pinyin might become repetitive, which can easily confuse your brain into thinking you’re saying the same thing over and over. This can make you lose track of where in the tongue twister you are, which can make you get tripped up. Reading the characters instead of pinyin will help you sound more natural.
\nIf you’re having trouble remembering the characters, then writing them down could help you memorize them. This could be a great strategy if you need to memorize a tongue twister for your Chinese class or just really want to impress your friends.
\nHowever, if you’ve read our guide to learning Chinese characters, you already know that thoughtless writing won’t be constructive. Instead, you should focus on being extremely mindful as you write each character, thoroughly repeating the pronunciation in your brain as you write. Bonus points if you can actually say the character out loud!
\nWe get it, the thought of recording yourself while saying a Chinese tongue twister can feel incredibly intimidating. However, it’s important to remember that there’s no shame in learning a new language, especially when trying to learn a tongue twister! Just remember that tongue twisters are designed to be challenging to pronounce, and even native speakers will make silly mistakes when saying them out loud. That’s the whole point!
\nSo, if you have a private Chinese tutor or a close friend willing to help you, you can record yourself making your best attempt at saying a tongue twister and get feedback from a native. That way, you’ll be able to pinpoint precisely where you need to improve (and what you’re doing well!).
\n\n
The best part about tongue twisters is making silly mistakes. But what’s fun in that if there’s no one else around? Invite your Chinese-speaking (and learning!) friends to have a fun afternoon reading some of these tongue twisters out loud.
\nStill want more Chinese content? Then check out our Chinese blog for even more fun and exciting (and free!) Chinese articles. Some of our latest entries include a guide to marketing in Chinese and a quick way to never get lost in Chinese.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"How to write a letter in Chinese","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"How to start, write and end a letter in Chinese [formal + informal]","url":"/blog/how-to-write-letter-chinese-mandarin","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltccc4591e1a37170d/6549cf99a1a3d4040a751783/istock-1314904268-2.jpg"},"post_content":"Writing any formal correspondence can be daunting, especially when doing it in a foreign language. However, writing a formal email or letter in Chinese doesn’t have to be super complicated — it’s not much different from writing a letter in English! As you’ll see in this article, Chinese emails and letters use much of the same formatting and structure as English and other languages.
That said, you should be aware of some unique features of letters and emails in Chinese. In the following article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to expertly write letters and emails in Chinese, whether you’re writing to your business colleagues, family, or teachers. You could even use these strategies to write a romantic love letter in Chinese!
We’ll walk you through every step of the way, from writing the initial greeting all the way through your sign-off and signature. No matter how long you’ve been learning Chinese, you’ll be able to write a letter or email by the end of this article!
Let’s jump right in!
![\"Learning](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt645cda9b363fa00c/6549d03da6e009040a7413ea/istock-1408517140-2.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Most conversations in China take place on WeChat, which is the most popular instant messaging app in China. This includes professional and business conversations, so you may find yourself messaging your professors or business partners on WeChat. This is viewed as the most convenient form of communication and is used by virtually everyone in China.
With that said, you will still want to learn how to write a letter or email in Chinese if you hope to foster healthy business or professional relationships. Some topics are better addressed via email, especially at the beginning of a new relationship, where texting or calling may be less appropriate. Thus, to set yourself up for success in China, you must make the right impression by sending the perfect introductory email in Chinese.
Here are some of the essential phrases you’ll need to navigate an email in Chinese:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Recipient/To | 收件人 | shōu jiàn rén | shou jiann ren |
| Sender/From | 发件人 | fā jiàn rén | fa jiann ren |
| CC | 抄送 | chāo sòng | chau sonq |
| BCC | 密送 | mì sòng | mi sonq |
| Subject | 主题 | zhǔ tí | juu tyi |
| Date | 日期 | rì qī | ryh chyi |
| Email address | 邮件地址 | yóu jiàn dì zhǐ | you jiann dih jyy |
| Address | 地址 | dì zhǐ | dih jyy |
| Envelope | 信封 | xìn fēng | shinn feng |
| Letterhead | 抬头 | tái tóu | tair tour |
| 邮箱 | yóu xiāng | you shiang | |
| Compose | 写信 | xiě xìn | shiee shinn |
| To get new messages | 收信 | shōu xìn | shou shinn |
| Contacts (person/people) | 联系人 | lián xì rén | lian shih ren |
| Contacts (list) | 通讯录 | tōng xùn lù | tong shiunn luh |
| Inbox | 收件箱 | shōu jiàn xiāng | shou jiann shiang |
| Folder | 资料夹 | zī liào jiā | tzy liaw jia |
| Sent | 已发送 | yǐ fā sòng | yii fa sonq |
| Junk folder | 垃圾箱 | lā jī xiāng | lha ji shiang |
| Send | 发送 | fā sòng | fa sonq |
| Save draft | 存草稿 | cún cǎo gǎo | tswen tsao gao |
| Attachment | 附件 | fù jiàn | fuh jiann |
| Main body | 正文 | zhèng wén | jenq wen |
| Content | 内容 | nèi róng | ney rong |
| Delete | 删除 | shān chú | shan chwu |
| Forward | 转发 | zhuǎn fā | joan fa |
Chinese letters and emails follow similar formats to English letters and emails. You’ll generally want your letter to follow a standard format with a salutation, an initial greeting, a body, and a sign-off. We’ll cover all sections individually in the following sections.
Letters in Chinese follow a very similar format to English letters. The most significant difference is that the date comes at the end instead of at the top. Let’s review an example of a letter in Chinese.
中国江苏省南京市鼓楼区金银街16号
邮编：210093
王立华（收）
电话： 130-2121-3340
尊敬的XX先生：
您好！
我代表贝立兹大学奖学金委员会给您写信。很高兴通知您，您已获得杰出学生奖学金。希望这笔奖学金能帮助您取得更大的成功。有关奖学金的更多详细信息，请您登录本大学的学术网站查看。再次恭喜您！
如果您需要了解任何其他信息，请随时联系我。
祝好！
刘老师
贝立兹大学奖学金委员会
2023年10月20日
![\"How](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt5551750d60e73761/65572b093500af75e79fa2f1/Formal_letter_formatting_in_Chinese.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
A Chinese address will have many elements you’re used to, but they’ll be organized differently. Generally, Chinese goes from big to small, such as when writing dates (2023-10-25) and names (Surname-Given name). Addresses are no exception, so they always start with the largest unit and move progressively to the smallest.
This is almost the diametrical opposite of American addresses, where we start with the house number followed by the street name, then city, state, and zipcode. In China, however, you go the other way:
Country → Province → City → District → Street → Street number → Floor → Apartment number →
So, when formatting a Chinese address, it should look something like this:
中国江苏省南京市鼓楼区金银街16号
邮编：210093
收件人：(recipient’s name in Chinese)
电话： (recipient’s Chinese mobile phone number)
By the way, here’s some helpful address vocabulary in Chinese:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Zipcode | 邮编 | yóu biān | you bian |
| Country | 国家 | guó jiā | gwo jia |
| Province | 省 | shěng | sheeng |
| County | 县 | xiàn | shiann |
| City | 市 | shì | shyh |
| District | 区 | qū | chiu |
| Avenue | 大街 | dà jiē | dah jie |
| Street | 路 | lù | luh |
| Alley | 街 | jiē | jie |
| Number | 号 | hào | haw |
| Floor | 楼 | lóu | lou |
| Apartment number | 室 | shì | shyh |
Similar to letters in Chinese, emails in Chinese follow a very similar format to English letters, except that the date goes all the way at the end. Let’s take a look at an example:
主题：2023年贝立玆大学秋季选课通知
各位同学好，
2023年贝立兹大学秋季学期选课时间为北京时间9月15日（周五）上午8:00-下午3:00，请各位同学准时登录大学教务系统选课。
请大家在选课之前务必填写好登记表。
如果有任何问题，请随时联系我们。
祝好！
刘老师
贝立兹大学教学办公室
地址：江苏省南京市鼓楼区金银街16号
电话：130-2445-4321
邮箱：liu@blz.edu.cn
2023年10月20日
![\"Example](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltf2478cb24f91a11f/65572b1f88cbda2a0285864a/Formal_email_formatting_in_Chinese.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Starting your Chinese email or letter correctly is one of the most important things you can do. This will help you start with a bang and set the right expectations for your communication, whether you’re addressing someone for the first time or communicating with a longtime colleague. Let’s take a look at the most important things to consider.
![\"Woman](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt53aa4bd284a0ec26/6549d1a01e4a0a040a9fa635/istock-1419184114_72dpi.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Writing your email’s subject line is no joke. Not only can it be the difference between someone’s anti-spam system filtering out your email or not, but it will also be the recipient’s first impression of your email. A well-written email subject line can be the best way to start an award-worthy email.
After writing your subject line, you will want to open your email by addressing the recipient. If you’re writing a letter in Chinese, then this will be the very first thing you write. Finding the appropriate address for the recipient is extremely important, as this will ensure that you’re not disrespectful by being too casual with people you should be more respectful to.
In that spirit, we’ve compiled 15 greetings you can use in your emails and letters to address anyone, from your colleagues all the way to heads of state!
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Notes |
| Dear Sir, | 尊敬的先生： | zūn jìng de xiān shēng, | tzuen jinq de shian sheng, | Formal greeting for a male recipient whose name is unknown. |
| Dear Madam, | 尊敬的女士： | zūn jìng de nǚ shì, | tzuen jinq de neu shyh | Formal greeting for a female recipient whose name is unknown. |
| Dear Sir/Madam, | 尊敬的先生/女士： | zūn jìng de xiān shēng / nǚ shì, | tzuen jinq .de shian sheng neu shyh | Formal greeting for a recipient whose name and gender are unknown. |
| Dear Sirs, | 尊敬的先生们： | zūn jìng de xiān shēng men, | tzuen jinq de shian sheng mhen | Formal greeting for addressing several unknown people or a whole department |
| Dear Madams, | 尊敬的女士们： | zūn jìng de nǚ shì men, | tzuen jinq de neu shyh mhen | Formal greeting used for addressing several female recipients whose names you may or may not know. |
| To whomever it may concern, | 尊敬的收信人： | zūn jìng de shōu xìn rén, | tzuen jinq de shou shinn ren | Formal greeting for when you don’t know who or how many people you’re addressing. |
| To whom it may concern | 致相关人士： | zhì xiāng guān rén shì | jyh shiang guan ren shyh | Formal greeting for when you don’t know who or how many people you’re addressing. |
| Dear Mr. Biden, | 尊敬的拜登先生： | zūn jìng de bài dēng xiān shēng, | tzuen jinq de bay deng shian sheng | Formal greeting for a male recipient whose name you know. |
| Dear Mrs. Biden, | 尊敬的拜登女士： | zūn jìng de bài dēng nǚ shì, | tzuen jinq de bay deng neu shyh | Formal greeting for addressing a married female recipient whose name you know. |
| Dear Miss Biden, | 尊敬的拜登女士： | zūn jìng de bài dēng nǚ shì, | tzuen jinq de bay deng neu shyh | Formal greeting for addressing a single female recipient whose name you know. |
| Dear Ms. Biden, | 尊敬的拜登女士： | zūn jìng de bài dēng nǚ shì, | tzuen jinq de bay deng neu shyh | Formal greeting for a female recipient whose name you know. |
| Dear Joe Biden, | 亲爱的乔·拜登： | qīn ài de qiáo·bài dēng, | chin ay de iue chyau deng | Less formal greeting for someone you’ve done business with before. |
| Dear Joe, | 亲爱的乔： | qīn'ài de qiáo, | chin ay de chyau | Informal greeting used for close friends. |
| Hello everyone | 各位好： | gè wèi hǎo | geh wey hao | Informal greeting used for addressing many people. |
| Hello friends | 朋友们好： | péng yǒu men hǎo, | perng yeou mhen hao | Most informal greeting used only when addressing friends. |
Once you’ve created an expert subject line and found the perfect address for your recipient, it’s time to start with your email or letter. Although the way you start the body will vary drastically depending on the type of letter you’re writing, there are a few common starting points that will help you get started.
Sometimes, you must kindly request something from your recipient, or you may have a question to ask them. You may also write to communicate something that happened or that your recipient should know. Here are 19 ways to begin the body of your email or letter and a notes column to give you more context on when each phrase might be appropriate.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Note |
| We are writing to you regarding ____ | 我们就____一事给您写信 | wǒ men jiù ____ yī shì gěi nín xiě xìn | woo mhen jiow ____ i shyh geei nin shiee shinn | Formal, to open on behalf of the whole company |
| We are writing in connection with ____ | 我们因____写这封信 | wǒ men yīn____xiě zhè fēng xìn | woo mhen in ____ shiee jeh feng shinn | Formal, to open on behalf of the whole company |
| Further to____ | 因贵公司____ | yīn guì gōng sī____ | in guey gong sy ____ | Formal, to open regarding something you have seen from the company you are contacting |
| With reference to ____ | 鉴于贵公司____ | jiàn yú guì gōng sī ____ | jiann yu guey gong sy ____ | Formal, to open regarding something you have seen from the company you are contacting |
| I am writing to you on behalf of ____ | 我代表____给您写信 | wǒ dài biǎo ____ gěi nín xiě xìn | woo day beau ____ geei nin shiee shinn | Formal, when writing for someone else |
| Would you mind if ____ | 请问您是否介意 ____ | qǐng wèn nín shì fǒu jiè yì ____ | chiing wenn nin shyh foou jieh yih ____ | Formal request, tentative |
| Would you be so kind as to ____ | 您是否能够 ____ | nín shì fǒu néng gòu ____ | nin shyh foou neng gow ____ | Formal request, tentative |
| I would be most obliged if ____ | 如果您能____，我将不胜感激 | rú guǒ nín néng ____ wǒ jiāng bù shèng gǎn jī | ru guoo nin neng ____ woo jiang buh sheng gaan ji | Formal request, tentative |
| We would appreciate it if you could send us more detailed information about ____ | 如果您能给我们发送更多有关____的详细信息，我们将不胜感激 | rú guǒ nín néng gěi wǒ men fā sòng gèng duō yǒu guān ____ de xiáng xì xìn xī, wǒ men jiāng bù shèng gǎn jī | ru guoo nin neng geei woo mhen fa sonq genq duo yeou guan ____ de shyang shih shinn shi woo mhen jiang buh sheng gaan ji | Formal request, very polite |
| I would be grateful if you could ____ | 如果您能____，我将非常感激 | rú guǒ nín néng ____, wǒ jiāng fēi cháng gǎn jī | ru guoo nin neng ____, woo jiang fei charng gaan ji | Formal request, very polite |
| Would you please send me ____ | 您能将____发送给我吗？ | nín néng jiāng ____ fā sòng gěi wǒ ma? | nin neng jiang ____ sonq geei woo mha | Formal request, polite |
| We are interested in obtaining/receiving ____ | 我们对获得/接受____很有兴趣 | wǒ men duì huò dé/jiē shòu ____ hěn yǒu xìng qù | woo mhen duey huoh der / jie show heen ____ yeou shinq chiuh | Formal request, polite |
| I must ask you whether ____ | 我必须问您是否____ | wǒ bì xū wèn nín shì fǒu ____ | woo bih shiu wenn nin shyh foou ____ | Formal request, polite |
| Could you recommend ____ | 您能推荐____吗？ | nín néng tuī jiàn ____ ma? | nin neng tuei jiann ____ mha | Formal request, direct |
| Would you please send me ____ | 您能将____发送给我吗？ | nín néng jiāng ____ fā sòng gěi wǒ ma? | nin neng jiang ____ fa sonq geei woo mha | Formal request, direct |
| You are urgently requested to ____ | 请您尽快按要求将 ____ | qǐng nín jǐn kuài àn yāo qiú jiāng ____ | chiing nin jiin kuay ann iau chyou jiang ____ | Formal request, very direct |
| We would be grateful if ____ | 如果您能____，我们将不胜感激 | rú guǒ nín néng ____, wǒ men jiāng bù shèng gǎn jī | ru guoo nin neng ____, woo mhen jiang buh sheng gaan ji | Formal request, polite, on behalf of the company |
| What is your current list price for ____ | 您目前针对____的价格清单是什么样的？ | nín mù qián zhēn duì ____ de jià gé qīng dān shì shén me yàng de? | nin muh chyan jen duey ____ de jiah ger ching dan shyh shern me yanq de | Formal specific request, direct |
| We are sorry to inform you that ____ | 很抱歉地通知您____ | hěn bào qiàn de tōng zhī nín ____ | heen baw chiann de tong jy nin ____ | Formal inquiry, direct |
Finally, you’ll want a solid way to close your email or letter in Chinese. After you’ve made your requests or communicated everything you needed to share in your email, it’s customary to include a line expressing your gratitude for their time, offering any assistance if required, or simply wishing them a great rest of the week. Here are some great examples, along with individual notes, so you know how and when to use them.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Notes |
| If you need any additional assistance, please contact me. | 如果您需要任何其他帮助，请联系我。 | rú guǒ nín xū yào rèn hé qí tā bāng zhù, qǐng lián xì wǒ. | ru guoo nin shiu yaw renn her chyi ta bang juh chiing lian shih woo | Formal, very polite |
| If we can be of any further assistance, please let us know. | 如果我们能提供任何进一步的帮助，请告诉我们。 | rú guǒ wǒ men néng tí gōng rèn hé jìn yī bù de bāng zhù, qǐng gào sù wǒ men. | ru guoo woo mhen neng tyi gong renn her jinn i buh de bang juh chiing gaw suh woo mhen | Formal, very polite |
| Thank you in advance | 提前谢谢您 | tí qián xiè xiè nín | tyi chyan shieh shieh nin | Formal, very polite |
| Sincerely wishing you well | 敬祝商祺 | jìng zhù shāng qí | jinq juh shang chyi | Formal, very polite, only in business relationships |
| Should you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. | 如果您需要任何进一步的信息，请随时联系我。 | rú guǒ nín xū yào rèn hé jìn yī bù de xìn xī, qǐng suí shí lián xì wǒ | ru guoo nin shiu yaw renn her jinn i buh de shinn shi chiing swei shyr lian shih woo | Formal, very polite |
| I would be most grateful if you would look into this matter as soon as possible. | 如果您能尽快查看相关问题，我将不胜感激。 | rú guǒ nín néng jǐn kuài chá kàn xiàng guān wèn tí, wǒ jiāng bù shèng gǎn jī. | ru guoo nin neng jiin kuay char kann shianq guan wenn tyi woo jiang buh sheng gaan ji | Formal, very polite |
| Please reply as soon as possible because ____ | 麻烦请您尽快回复，因为____ | má fan qǐng nín jǐn kuài huí fù, yīn wèi ____ | ma fan chiing nin jiin kuay hwei fuh in wey ____ | Formal, polite |
| If you require any further information, feel free to contact me. | 如果您需要任何进一步的信息，请直接联系我。 | rú guǒ nín xū yào rèn hé jìn yī bù de xìn xī, qǐng zhí jiē lián xì wǒ. | ru guoo nin shiu yaw renn her jinn i buh de shinn shi chiing jyr jie lian shih woo | Formal, polite |
| I look forward to the possibility of working together. | 我很期待将来有合作的可能性。 | wǒ hěn qī dài jiāng lái yǒu hé zuò de kě néng xìng | woo heen chyi day jiang lai yeou her tzuoh de kee neng shinq | Formal, polite |
| Thank you for your help in this matter. | 谢谢您在这件事上的帮忙。 | xiè xiè nín zài zhè jiàn shì shàng de bāng máng | shieh shieh nin tzay jeh jiann shyh shanq de bang mang | Formal, polite |
| I look forward to discussing this with you. | 我期待着和您就此事进行进一步的商讨。 | wǒ qī dài zhe hé nín jiù cǐ shì jìn xíng jìn yī bù de shāng tǎo | woo chyi day je her nin jiow tsyy shyh jinn shyng jinn i buh de shang tao | Formal, direct |
| If you require more information ____ | 如果您需要更多信息____ | rú guǒ nín xū yào gèng duō xìn xī ____ | ru guoo nin shiu yaw genq duo shinn shi ____ | Formal, direct |
| We appreciate your business. | 和您做生意，我们觉得很愉快。 | hé nín zuò shēng yì, wǒ men jué dé hěn yú kuài | her nin tzuoh sheng yih woo mhen jyue der heen yu kuay | Formal, direct |
| Please contact me - my direct telephone number is ____ | 请联系我，我的电话号码是____ | qǐng lián xì wǒ, wǒ de diàn huà hào mǎ shì ____ | chiing lian shih woo woo de diann huah haw maa shyh ____ | Formal, very direct |
| I look forward to hearing from you soon. | 期待着尽快得到您的回复。 | qí dài zhe jǐn kuài dé dào nín de huí fù. | chyi day je jiin kuay der daw nin de hwei fuh | Less formal, polite |
| We apologize for any inconvenience | 如有不便之处，敬请见谅 | rú yǒu bù biàn zhī chù, jìng qǐng jiàn liàng | ru yeou buh biann jy chuh jinq chiing jiann lianq | Formal polite |
| Sorry for bothering you! | 麻烦您了! | má fán nín le | ma farn nin lhe | Informal polite |
| Thanks a lot! | 多谢 ! | duō xiè | duo shieh | Informal polite |
| Yours faithfully, | 此致 | cǐ zhì | tsyy jyh | Formal, recipient name unknown |
| Yours sincerely, | 此致 | cǐ zhì | tsyy jyh | Formal, widely used, recipient known |
| Respectfully, | 敬礼 | jìng lǐ | jinq lii | Formal, widely used, recipient known |
| Respectfully yours, | 此致 | cǐ zhì | tsyy jyh | Formal, widely used, recipient known |
| Sincerely wishing you well, | 敬祝安好 | jìng zhù ān hǎo | jinq juh an hao | Formal |
| Kind/Best regards, | 祝好 | zhù hǎo | juh hao | Informal, between business partners who work together often |
| Thank you | 感谢 | gǎn xiè | gaan shieh | Informal, polite |
| Thank you | 谢谢 | xiè xie | shieh shie | Informal, very casual |
| Goodbye | 再见 | zài jiàn | tzay jiann | Informal, best reserved for signoffs with close friends |
Signatures in Chinese are generally much simpler than signatures in the United States. All you have to include is your essential contact information, such as your name, job title, phone number, address, etc. No need to worry about formatting or adding a headshot — providing your info clearly and concisely should be the main priority. Here are a few things you can include in your signature:
![\"Learning](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt22c1317458c2b5b0/6549d3f87cdbb0040a13d57f/istock-500427322.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Notes |
| Name | 名字 | míng zì | ming tzyh | You may include your Chinese name along with your real name |
| Company name | 公司 | gōng sī | gong sy | |
| Position | 职业 | zhí yè | jyr yeh | You can check out our guide to writing the perfect Chinese resume to see a list of professions. |
| Address | 地址 | dì zhǐ | dih jyy | |
| Phone number | 电话 | diàn huà | diann huah | |
| Email address | 邮箱 | yóu xiāng | you shiang |
Whether you’re looking to express your true romantic love with the perfect letter or take over the marketing industry with enticing emails, this guide has everything you need. With enough practice and the right guidance, you’ll find that learning how to write Chinese isn’t hard, even if you’re dealing with professional documents like letters and emails.
If you enjoyed this guide, then you’ll surely find some other helpful Mandarin Chinese articles in our blog. We regularly publish helpful guides to help you navigate life in Chinese, like our ultimate guide to asking and giving directions in Chinese.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Is Spanish hard to learn?","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"Learning Spanish in 2026: How Hard or Easy Is It for English Speakers?","url":"/blog/is-spanish-hard-easy-to-learn","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt75a0de1102b0219a/6566f557ec7994b958969455/pexels-julia-m-cameron-4144144.jpg"},"post_content":"Every year, millions of English speakers start learning a new language. Yet many struggle to maintain consistency and achieve a basic level of fluency, even after years of classes. This has led some to think that learning a new language is nearly impossible, so they put their dream of becoming bilingual on hold.
In most cases, though, people don’t fail to learn a language because of the difficulty level. After all, more than half of the world’s population is bilingual, so picking up a new language isn’t an overwhelmingly difficult skill to acquire. Instead, inexperienced students may not know how to approach a new language, which can make learning it seem hard to figure out.
So, if you feel like you’re holding yourself back from learning Spanish because you think it’s a difficult language to learn, then keep reading. We’ll go into the details of whether learning Spanish is as hard as it seems, what makes it difficult (or not), and how to learn Spanish the easy way.
Spanish is not a hard language to learn for English speakers. In fact, Spanish is one of the easiest languages for English speakers to learn, along with other romance languages like French and Italian. According to the U.S. Foreign Service Institute, Spanish is a “Category 1” language, which is the easiest category of language for English native speakers. This means that you can learn Spanish faster than Category 2–5 languages.
![\"Spanish](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt3c481b9b1cb26b74/6566f97c4c0b9a4087d54d1d/istock-1080426746.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
If you’re looking to learn a new language that won’t require too much effort, then Spanish just might be your best bet. Not only is Spanish one of the easiest languages for English speakers to learn but there is also an abundance of study resources and options available. You can learn Spanish from the comfort of your home with online lessons or self-paced online courses, which can make learning Spanish easier than ever.
If you haven’t taken Spanish classes before, you might not be aware of just how similar Spanish and English are. Although English comes from the family of Germanic languages and Spanish comes from the family of Romance languages, they’re both part of the Indo-European languages. Because of that, there are some pretty significant similarities between the two languages. Here are some of the main ones:
![\"Man](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blta1e0e8ef5b406d06/6566fa1a36b545bfd2cd7cba/istock-1130460048-copy.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The Spanish alphabet is almost exactly the same as the English alphabet. The only difference is that Spanish has one extra letter: Ñ/ñ. This letter makes the ɲ sound, which is similar to the gn in “lasagna.” This is a very common letter in Spanish, and it’s even in the name of the language: Español!
Even if you’ve never studied Spanish before, you already know many words in Spanish. How could that be, you might ask? Well, that’s because Spanish and English have thousands of cognates, which are words that sound very similar in both languages. In many cases, the words are exactly the same and will be instantly recognizable, such as animal or actor.
These noun cognates can give you a significant head start on your Spanish learning journey, as you will have to spend no time adding them to your vocabulary. Here are some of the most common Spanish and English noun cognates:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Actor | Actor | ahc-toor | akˈtoɾ |
| Adorable | Adorable | ah-door-ah-bleh | aðoˈɾaβle |
| Alcohol | Alcohol | all-call | alkoˈol |
| Animal | Animal | ah-nee-mal | aniˈmal |
| Bank | Banco | bahn-coh | ˈbanko |
| Car | Carro | cah-ro | ˈkaro |
| Climate | Clima | clee-mah | ˈklima |
| Color | Color | coh-lore | koˈloɾ |
| Education | Educación | eh-doo-cah-see-ohn | eðukaˈθjon |
| Emotions | Emociones | eh-moh-see-oh-ness | emoˈθjones |
| Event | Evento | eh-vehn-toe | eˈβento |
| Family | Familia | fah-me-lee-ah | faˈmilja |
| Fruit | Fruta | froo-tah | ˈfɾuta |
| Global | Global | gloh-balll | ɡloˈβal |
| Group | Grupo | groo-poe | ˈɡɾupo |
| Hospital | Hospital | os-pee-tall | ospiˈtal |
| Ideal | Ideal | e-deh-all | iðeˈal |
| Insect | Insecto | in-sec-toe | inˈsekto |
| Internacional | Internacional | in-tehr-nah-see-oh-nall | inteɾnaθjoˈnal |
| Legal | Legal | leh-gall | leˈɣal |
| Music | Música | moo-see-cah | ˈmusika |
| National | Nacional | nah-see-oh-nall | naθjoˈnal |
| Ocean | Océano | oh-seh-ah-no | oˈθeano |
| Original | Original | oh-re-he-nall | oɾixiˈnal |
| Part | Parte | par-teh | ˈpaɾte |
| Plant | Planta | plahn-tah | ˈplanta |
| Poem | Poema | poh-eh-mah | poˈema |
| President | Presidente | preh-see-dehn-teh | pɾesiˈðente |
| Problem | Problema | pro-bleh-mah | pɾoˈβlema |
| Radio | Radio | rah-dee-oh | ˈraðjo |
| Religion | Religión | reh-lee-he-ohn | reliˈxjon |
| Secret | Secreto | seh-creh-toe | seˈkɾeto |
| Silence | Silencio | see-lehn-see-oh | siˈlenθjo |
| Special | Especial | ess-peh-see-all | espeˈθjal |
| Temperature | Temperatura | tem-peh-rah-too-rah | tempeɾaˈtuɾa |
| Total | Total | toe-tall | toˈtal |
| Tropical | Tropical | tro-pee-call | tɾopiˈkal |
English and Spanish share very similar punctuation and capitalization rules. In general, only proper names of people, places, and things are capitalized in both languages. This is different from other languages, like German, that capitalize all nouns and have distinct capitalization rules.
Punctuation in Spanish is also similar to English, albeit with one interesting difference: inverted question and exclamation marks. Spanish questions and exclamation sentences start with an upside-down question or exclamation mark, mostly because asking questions in Spanish doesn’t change the general structure of the sentence. Questions in English always start with question words, while Spanish sentences don’t have to. That means that the inverted exclamation point at the beginning of the sentence is your first sign that you’re about to read a question.
Still have questions about Spanish question marks? Check out our guide with 111 interesting Spanish questions to ask if you’re looking for more examples.
Both English and Spanish follow very similar sentence structures. Namely, both languages revolve around the Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) sentence structure, so Spanish grammar isn’t too different from English grammar. For example:
| Subject | Verb | Object | |
| Spanish | El niño | come | helado. |
| English | The child | eats | ice cream. |
| Spanish | El perro | muerde | la pelota. |
| English | The dog | bites | the ball. |
| Spanish | Los pasajeros | abordaron | el avión. |
| English | The passengers | boarded | the airplane. |
As you can see from the sample sentences above, Spanish follows the same general pattern as English. Of course, there are some sentence structures in Spanish that don’t exist in English, but the most basic structures are the same.
English and Spanish pluralize nouns by adding an -s or -es at the end. This makes it very intuitive for English speakers to turn single nouns into plural nouns. Although this might sound like a minor similarity, pluralizing nouns can be complicated in many languages.
The only difference is that Spanish articles change when the noun is plural, whereas the English article “the” stays the same regardless. Here are some examples:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA | |
| Singular | The tree | El árbol | are-bohl | ˈaɾβol |
| Plural | The trees | Los árboles | are-boh-less | ˈaɾβoles |
| Singular | The apple | La manzana | mahn-zah-nah | manˈθana |
| Plural | The apples | Las manzanas | mahn-zah-nass | manˈθanas |
| Singular | The book | El libro | lee-bro | ˈliβɾo |
| Plural | The books | Los libros | lee-bross | ˈliβɾos |
Despite all these similarities between English and Spanish, they are still significantly different languages. Learning Spanish is still a significant commitment that will require many hours of study — and one or two headaches along the way. Although learning Spanish (or any language!) can be challenging at times, overcoming these difficulties is part of why becoming fluent in a foreign language is so rewarding.
Here are some of the most common difficulties native English speakers face when learning Spanish.
![\"Man](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt77cd90e23a1be4f3/6566fa36f4150478ab12668e/istock-1093907276.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Spanish verb conjugations are often cited as the hardest part of learning the language. If you’re a native English speaker, then you’re not completely unfamiliar with verb conjugations. You know that you eat, but someone else eats. You know that you ate breakfast this morning and have eaten many delicious things on your travels through Latin America. The way verbs change according to the person doing the action and the verb tense is what verb conjugation means.
However, Spanish verb conjugation is among the most comprehensive in the world. Verbs can take on dozens of forms depending on the verb tense and person, which means you’ll have to memorize dozens of different versions of each verb you study. While regular verbs follow predictable patterns that can make this much easier, there are hundreds of irregular verbs in Spanish that will require individual attention.
To get a more complete example of what we mean, check out our guide to conjugating “decir” in all tenses.
Spanish pronunciation can be one of the trickiest things to nail for non-native speakers. Let’s start with the positives. Unlike English, Spanish only has one phoneme per letter. That means that all letters are pronounced the same regardless of their location in the word.
For example, have you noticed how the “a” in ball and cactus sound very different in English? That’s because the letter “a” alone can have up to nine phonemes in English! Well, that’s not the case in Spanish, as each letter only has one phoneme! There are very few exceptions to this rule, namely diphthongs and triphthongs, but those don’t take a lot of effort to master.
Now, for the bad part. Spanish has hundreds of difficult words to pronounce. Nailing the Spanish accent can be difficult for native English speakers, especially since many phonemes don’t exist in English, like Ñ/ñ and the rolled R. This can make it notably difficult for English speakers to achieve native-like pronunciation.
Native English speakers won’t be too familiar with accent marks. Perhaps you’ve used them before in borrowed words like résumé or fiancée, but English doesn’t have an accent mark system. That can make Spanish accent marks a bit intimidating at first since the accent mark can change the entire meaning of certain words.
However, once you’ve gotten a hang of how the Spanish accent mark system works, you’ll be very grateful for it. Unlike other languages that require you to memorize which words have an accent mark and in which letter, Spanish uses a very logical system to determine which words get one and where it goes.
First, you should know that only vowels can get an accent mark in Spanish. Second, there can only be one accent mark per word, as only the stressed syllable gets it. Third, there is a system for establishing which stressed syllables get an accent mark and which ones don’t. So, as long as you know how to parse words into syllables, you will know how to pronounce any word as long as you can read it because you will be able to tell which syllable is stressed — whether it has an accent mark or not!
You may have heard before that Spanish is a gendered language, which means that all nouns have a linguistic gender. For example, in Spanish, chairs are female and couches are male. If you’re a native speaker, you might be wondering: who cares? After all, you’re not going to hurt the feelings of inanimate objects if you don’t get the gender right. Well, it’s a bit more tricky than that.
Not getting the gender of a noun right is one of the clearest giveaways that someone isn’t a native speaker. That’s because articles, pronouns, and adjectives must all agree with the noun's gender. For example:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| The flower is pretty. | La flor es bonita. | la flohr ess bo-nee-ta | la ˈfloɾ ˈez βoˈnita |
| The tree is pretty. | El árbol es bonito. | elle are-boll ess bo-nee-toe | el ˈaɾβol ˈez βoˈnito |
As you can see in the example above, there are two important differences here according to the gender:
As you might imagine by now, most nouns that end in -a are feminine and most that end in -o are masculine. However, many nouns break this rule and don’t fall into either category, so you will have to memorize the gender of most nouns.
Spanish has two forms of addressing people: formal and informal. When addressing most people, you will use the informal “tú” form, but you’ll want to use the formal “usted” when addressing people you owe deference to or want to show respect to. Simple enough, right? The problem is that the type of pronoun you use will also affect the sentence structure as well as the verb conjugations.
Let’s take a look at some examples:
| Spanish casual | English casual | Spanish formal | English formal |
| ¿Cómo estás? | How are you? | ¿Cómo está usted? | How are you? |
| ¿Quieres agua? | Do you want water? | ¿Le puedo ofrecer un vaso con agua? | May I offer you a glass of water? |
| Qué bien te ves. | You look so good. | Qué bien se ve usted. | You look so good. |
As you can see in the above examples, using the formal mode involves more than just swapping out the pronouns. Sometimes, you’ll have to use different verbs and even a completely different sentence structure to address someone formally. On top of that, there are also the cultural considerations of when addressing someone formally is appropriate and when it might be overkill. That’s why this is often a tricky topic for non-native speakers.
The verb “to be” is such an essential part of any language that it must be one of the first things people dominate when they start studying Spanish, right? Well, not quite. Spanish is unique in that it uses two verbs to express the verb “to be”: ser and estar. The difference is quite subjective and could easily become the topic of a philosophical discussion.
In general, you want to use the verb “ser” for things that are difficult to change or integral to one’s character. For example:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| I am Mexican. | Soy mexicano. | soy meh-he-cah-noh | ˈsoj mexiˈkano |
| We are architects. | Somos arquitectos. | soh-moss are-key-tec-toes | ˈsomos aɾkiˈtektos |
| Arizona is hot. | Arizona es caluroso. | ah-ree-zo-nah ess cah-loo-roh-soh | aɾiˈθona ˈes kaluˈɾoso |
The verb “estar,” on the other hand, is used to describe things that could change relatively quickly, like mood, the weather, and locations. Here are some examples:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| I am sick. | Estoy enfermo. | ess-toy ehn-fehr-mo | esˈtoj emˈfeɾmo |
| We are in the library. | Estamos en la biblioteca. | ess-tah-moss ehn la bee-blee-oh-teh-cah | esˈtamos en la βiβljoˈteka |
| It is raining. | Está lloviendo. | ess-tah yo-vee-ehn-doh | esˈta ʎoˈβjendo |
These are just a few differences between these two verbs, so make sure to check out our guide to “ser” vs. “estar” for a full breakdown of these fascinating Spanish verbs!
Dominating the subjunctive mood is one of the hardest parts of learning Spanish — even for native speakers. It is used to express things that could happen, you wish would happen, or doubt would happen. English also has a subjunctive mood, such as when you say, “I wish I were taller” or “If I had a dime every time I heard that,” but it’s much less common and much more straightforward.
In fact, the Spanish subjunctive is used in many ways, which can confuse speakers. Some of the most common uses of the subjunctive include:
The subjunctive form changes the conjugation of the verb and modifies the sentence structure. Most Spanish subjunctive sentence structures follow the “que + [verb]” pattern. Here are some examples:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| I don’t want you to go to work. | No quiero que vayas a trabajar. | noh key-air-oh keh vah-yahs ah tra-bah-hahr | ˈno ˈkjeɾo ˈke ˈβaʝas a tɾaβaˈxaɾ |
| I hope they have tasty food in the cafeteria. | Espero que haya comida rica en la cafeteria. | ess-peh-roh keh ah-yah coh-me-da ree-cah ehn la cah-feh-teh-ree-ah | esˈpeɾo ˈke ˈaʝa koˈmiða ˈrika en la kafeˈteɾja |
| I don’t think it’s her. | No creo que sea ella. | noh kreh-oh keh seh-ah eh-ya | ˈno ˈkɾeo ˈke ˈsea ˈeʎa |
Spanish slang can be one of the hardest or one of the best things about Spanish, depending on who you ask. With hundreds of millions of speakers across dozens of Spanish-speaking countries, it’s no surprise that there’s such a rich slang vocabulary.
Here are some Spanish slang words that you likely won’t find in your Spanish textbooks:
So, what’s the best way to learn Spanish slang? By immersing yourself in the language! If possible, go to a Spanish-speaking country and make as many friends as you can. You’ll learn some fun slang in no time. Otherwise, watch movies and TV shows from different countries! Netflix has a wide selection of movies and shows from Spain and many Latin American countries, so don’t let your geographical location stop you from learning slang!
While it’s definitely a good thing that English and Spanish have so many cognates, it can also be deceiving. Some words in Spanish appear to be very similar to English words, but they actually don’t mean the same thing. This could result in embarrassing mistakes, such as saying you’re “embarazada” (pregnant) when you mean you’re embarrassed!
Here are some of the most common false friends between English and Spanish:
| English | Spanish | English translation | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Library | Librería | Bookstore | lee-breh-ree-ah | liβɾeˈɾia |
| Lecture | Lectura | Reading | lec-tooh-rah | lekˈtuɾa |
| Actual | Actual | Current | ac-too-all | akˈtwal |
| Bald | Balde | Bucket | ball-deh | ˈbalde |
| Bigot | Bigote | Mustache | bee-goh-teh | biˈɣote |
| Casualty | Casualidad | Coincidence | cah-soo-ah-lee-dahd | kaswaliˈðað |
| College | Colegio | Private school | coh-leh-he-oh | koˈlexjo |
| Camp | Campo | Countryside | cam-poh | ˈkampo |
| Bomber | Bombero | Firefighter | bom-beh-roe | bomˈbeɾo |
| Carpet | Carpeta | File | car-peh-tah | kaɾˈpeta |
| City | Cita | Appointment | see-tah | ˈθita |
| Code | Codo | Elbow | co-doh | ˈkoðo |
| Gripe | Gripa | The flu | gree-pah | ˈɡɾipa |
| To assist | Asistir | To attend | ah-sees-teer | asisˈtiɾ |
| To contest | Contestar | To reply | con-tess-tar | kontesˈtaɾ |
| To be embarrassed | Estar embarazada | To be pregnant | ess-tar ehm-bah-rah-zah-dah | esˈtaɾ embaɾaˈθaða |
| To molest | Molestar | To annoy | moh-less-tar | molesˈtaɾ |
| To realize | Realizar | To complete something | reh-ah-lee-zar | realiˈθaɾ |
| Gang | Ganga | A great deal | gan-gah | ˈɡanɡa |
| Card | Carta | Letter | car-tah | ˈkaɾta |
Spanish is an official language in more than 20 countries, from Europe to South America and even Africa. As such, there are many different Spanish accents that you will have to learn to recognize and understand. Some accents sound similar enough that you won’t have to pay too much attention to the differences, while others will use different pronouns and verb conjugations.
For example, people in Spain use the second-person plural pronoun “vosotros,” while most people in Latin America use the pronoun “ustedes.” On the other hand, Argentina uses the second-person singular pronoun “vos,” while almost everyone else uses the pronoun “tú.” These changes will result in different verb conjugations, which can make it tricky for a non-native speaker to follow.
If you’ve considered all the similarities and differences between English and Spanish and feel like you’re ready to start learning, we’ve got the best tips to help you learn Spanish in no time.
![\"Learn](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt66c1749cc4c1aa9a/6566fae452b29b1dd55c1302/istock-1020484368.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Increasing your comprehensible input is one of the best things you can do to learn a new language quickly. What this means is simply exposing yourself to more Spanish at a level that you can understand. The beauty of this is that there are many ways to increase your comprehensible input, like reading graded readers, watching TV shows and movies for learners, and listening to podcasts.
A study published in the education journal System compared groups of students who used graded readers to study with those who didn’t. It found that the group that used graded reading as a study strategy had significantly outperformed the other group in vocabulary tests.
The fastest way to pick up a new language is to take the plunge and immerse yourself in the culture. If at all possible, consider relocating to a Spanish-speaking country, if only temporarily. Although making such an important move can be scary, having the courage to immerse yourself in a foreign environment will pay off tremendously.
At Berlitz, we understand the importance of immersion in any language learning program. That’s why our main teaching philosophy, the Berlitz Method, has centered language immersion since 1878. For close to 150 years, we have helped countless language learners attain fluency through our three main principles:
Once you get started with Spanish, you might never want to stop. It can be easy to get a little too excited and want to devour all your vocabulary and grammar textbooks, leaving no stone unturned. However, you must not forget that even native speakers don’t know everything, and there’s no shame in being selective with what you study.
For example, if you’re looking to do business in Spanish, then you should focus on learning business terms and skills, like how to write an email in Spanish. If you’re a medical professional looking to serve your Spanish patients better, then learning the parts of the body and some medical terminology will be essential.
There was a time when making flashcards was one of the most effective vocabulary acquisition methods. Today, we have spaced repetition software (SRS). There are many apps and online tools that work essentially as a smart flashcard system.
You first make your own flashcard deck (or import one from the internet!) and then study as you normally would with a regular flashcard deck. The difference is that the SRS will ask you to grade how well you can remember a word, and it will magically sort the deck so you study the cards you have a harder time remembering.
That way, you’ll spend less time working on words you already know and maximize the time you spend hammering out those difficult words! Anki is one of the most popular SRS apps among language learners everywhere, and it’s completely free!
As you now know, Spanish isn’t a hard language to learn. However, as with all languages, it does require a significant time commitment. That’s why the biggest reason why people stop learning Spanish isn’t that it’s too hard for them but rather because they don’t want to put in the hours required to learn it.
So, how can you make sure you stay the course? By making studying fun!
Here are some examples of helpful and fun study strategies:
![\"A](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltd7f6f8df69d036e9/6566fcb68d10922c3556c2ab/dance-lessons.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Upside down question mark Spanish","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"How to use upside down question marks in Spanish: A top guide","url":"/blog/upside-down-question-mark-spanish-exclamation-mark","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt6d43a2a584d861ba/65654b377539117b49d0579f/istock-1193882322-2.jpg"},"post_content":"
If you’re learning Spanish, you might have noticed that questions start with an upside-down question mark. ¿Huh?
If you don’t speak Spanish, this little grammar quirk might seem silly or even redundant. After all, isn’t one question mark enough? Well, while that might be the case for languages like English, there’s a pretty good reason why inverted question marks are helpful in Spanish.
Not only are they helpful, but they’re strictly required. Not using an inverted question mark at the beginning of an interrogative sentence or clause would be considered a grammatical mistake and something you definitely want to avoid during Spanish class or when speaking Spanish for business.
So, how do upside-down interrogation marks work in Spanish? Let us tell you all about them!
![\"What](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltd482f883bb3c148f/656551db1204cd2f6dca5bc0/upsidedownquestion.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The upside-down question mark indicates that an interrogative sentence or clause is about to begin. Just as English questions end in a question mark, Spanish questions both start and end in a question mark. That makes it even easier to figure out when a question begins and ends in Spanish.
Using this mark correctly will help you ask all kinds of questions in Spanish, such as:
And so much more!
Spanish uses an upside-down question mark because the Spanish question structure doesn’t change from an indicative (or statement) structure. This means that the reader would have no indication that a sentence is a question until reaching the question mark at the end of the sentence. So, the inverted question mark at the beginning of the sentence lets you know from the start that you’re dealing with a question.
Check out the following comparisons between English and Spanish statements and questions. You’ll notice that English doesn’t need an upside-down question mark since the sentence structure is different, which will let readers know that what they’re about to read is a question.
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| You have food. | Tienes comida. | ˈtjenes koˈmiða ‖ | tee-ehn-ness co-me-da |
| Do you have food? | ¿Tienes comida? | ˈtjenes koˈmiða ‖ | tee-ehn-ness co-me-da |
| She has graduated from college already. | Ella ya se graduó de la universidad. | ˈeʎa ʝa se ɣɾaˈðwo ðe la wniβeɾsiˈðað ‖ | eh-yah ya seh grah-do-oh deh la oo-nee-vehr-see-dahd |
| Has she graduated from college already? | ¿Ella ya se graduó de la universidad? | ˈeʎa ʝa se ɣɾaˈðwo ðe la wniβeɾsiˈðað ‖ | eh-yah ya seh grah-do-oh deh la oo-nee-vehr-see-dahd |
| They’re all going to Juliana’s party on Saturday. | Todos ellos van a ir a la fiesta de Juliana el sábado. | ˈtoðos ˈeʎoz ˈβan a ˈiɾ a la ˈfjesta ðe xuˈljana el ˈsaβaðo ‖ | toe-dos eh-yos vahn ah eer ah la fee-ess-tah deh who-lee-ah-na elle sah-bah-doh |
| Are they all going to Juliana’s party on Saturday? | ¿Todos ellos van a ir a la fiesta de Juliana el sábado? | ˈtoðos ˈeʎoz ˈβan a ˈiɾ a la ˈfjesta ðe xuˈljana el ˈsaβaðo ‖ | toe-dos eh-yos vahn ah eer ah la fee-ess-tah deh who-lee-ah-na elle sah-bah-doh |
As you can see from the example sentences above, the Spanish examples don’t change at all from indicative to interrogative mode. Without the correct punctuation, you’d have no way to figure out if you’re dealing with a question!
If you’ve already seen our guide to question words in Spanish, then you might be wondering if question words impact the use of the upside-down question mark or if it makes it redundant. The answer is, ¡no!
That’s because question words like qué, cuál, and cómo are also used as exclamation words. So, without the inverted question mark (or inverted exclamation mark, more on that below), you wouldn’t know if you’re dealing with a question or an exclamation. So, the Spanish inverted question mark is always necessary with or without question words!
Using the inverted question mark is extremely easy. If you’re already used to using a question mark at the end of a sentence, then you won’t have any trouble understanding how to use an inverted question mark in Spanish. Simply add one at the beginning of a question, and that’s it!
Here are some examples:
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| What’s your name? | ¿Cómo te llamas? | ˈkomo te ˈʎamas ‖ | koh-mo teh yah-mass? |
| How are you? | ¿Cómo estás? | ˈkomo esˈtas ‖ | koh-mo ess-tass? |
| Who is she? | ¿Quién es ella? | ˈkjen ˈes ˈeʎa ‖ | key-ehn ess eh-yah? |
If you’re more experienced with Spanish, you might’ve seen some sentences that turn into questions halfway through. When that’s the case, you can use the upside-down exclamation point after you’ve started your sentence.
This is very common when only one clause within a sentence is a question. A clause is a part of a sentence that contains a subject and a predicate, and may be independent or combined with other clauses in a single sentence. Let’s take a look at the following example:
We have two clauses in this example: Yo me llamo Marco (My name is Marco) and ¿tú cómo te llamas? (What’s your name?). Note that the first class is simply a statement, while the second clause is a question. Therefore, it would be incorrect to use an upside-down interrogation mark at the very beginning of the sentence, as the first clause is indicative rather than interrogative.
Here are some other examples:
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| I want to go to the store to buy something to eat, do you want me to bring you anything? | Quiero ir a la tienda a comprar algo de comer, ¿quieres que te traiga algo? | ˈkjeɾo ˈiɾ a la ˈtjenda a komˈpɾaɾ ˈalɣo ðe koˈmeɾ | ˈkjeɾes ˈke te ˈtɾajɣa ˈalɣo ‖ | key-air-oh eer ah la tee-ehn-dah a com-prahr all-go deh koh-mehr, key-air-ess keh teh trah-e-gah all-go? |
| We’re going to dinner at a restaurant, where do you recommend we should go? | Vamos a ir a cenar a un restaurante, ¿a dónde nos recomiendas ir? | ˈbamos a ˈiɾ a θeˈnaɾ a wn restawˈɾante | a ˈðonde noz rekoˈmjendas ˈiɾ ‖ | vah-moss ah eer ah seh-nahr ah oon ress-tah-ooh-rahn-teh, ah dohn-deh noss reh-coh-me-ehn-dass eer? |
| Last time we came to Bogota, we went to a really good contemporary art museum, do you remember what it was called? | La vez pasada que vinimos a Bogotá fuimos a un museo de arte contemporánea muy bueno, ¿te acuerdas cómo se llama? | la ˈβeθ paˈsaða ˈke βiˈnimos a βoɣoˈta ˈfwimos a wm muˈseo ðe ˈaɾte kontempoˈɾanea muj ˈβweno | te aˈkweɾðas ˈkomo se ˈʎama ‖ | la vehs pah-sah-dah keh vee-nee-moss ah bo-go-tah foo-eh-moss ah oon moo-seh-oh deh ar-teh con-tem-poh-rah-neh-ah mooy boo-eh-noh, teh ah-coo-air-dass koh-mo seh ya-mah? |
In some cases, you may also use exclamation points around single words. This is common when making statements that are more like suggestions or facts to be double-checked. English uses this quite often too, so you’re probably already familiar with this structure. Just take a look at the following examples and you’ll see what we mean:
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| You’re coming to my birthday party, right? | Vas a venir a mi fiesta de cumpleaños, ¿verdad? | ˈbas a βeˈniɾ a mi ˈfjesta ðe kumpleˈaɲos | beɾˈðað ‖ | vas ah veh-neer a mi fee-ess-tah deh coom-pleh-ah-nyoss, vehr-dahd? |
| Let’s eat at home instead, no? | Mejor hay que comer aquí en la casa, ¿no? | meˈxoɾ ˈaj ˈke koˈmeɾ aˈki en la ˈkasa | ˈno ‖ | meh-hohr I keh koh-mehr ah-key ehn la ca-sah, noh? |
| Are we staying here all night or what? | Vamos a quedarnos aquí toda la noche, ¿o qué? | ˈbamos a keˈðaɾnos aˈki ˈtoða la ˈnoʧe | o ˈke ‖ | vah-moss ah keh-dahr-noss ah-key toe-dah la noh-che, oh keh? |
![\"What](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt99db27b11306d69b/656551eedd398676261445b8/upsidedownexclamation.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Upside-down exclamation points are also used in Spanish, and they follow the exact same rules as inverted question marks! You use them to start exclamation clauses, which means that the inverted exclamation mark may or may not be at the beginning of the sentence.
Here are some examples of exclamation sentences in Spanish.
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| Maria, it’s so nice to see you! | ¡María! ¡Qué gusto verte! | maˈɾia ‖ ˈke ˈɣusto ˈβeɾte ‖ | mah-ree-ah! keh goose-toe vehr-teh! |
| We will miss you a lot! | ¡Te vamos a extrañar muchísimo! | te ˈβamos a ekstɾaˈɲaɾ muˈʧisimo ‖ | teh vah-moss ah ex-trah-nyar moo-chee-see-mo! |
| I can’t believe it! | ¡No lo puedo creer! | ˈno lo ˈpweðo kɾeˈeɾ ‖ | Noh loh poo-eh-doh kreh-ehr! |
Of course! Just combine both the interrogation and exclamation points in the same sentence or clause. Most people use both pairs when asking a question that is also an exclamation (¿¡Qué!?), although the Real Academia Española states that you can also choose to open with the exclamation mark and close with the question mark (¡Qué?) or vice versa (¿Qué!). However, using both pairs is infinitely more common, so it’s best to stick to those rather than mixing and matching.
Here are some examples:
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| How dare you!? | ¿¡Cómo te atreves!? | ˈkomo te aˈtɾeβes ‖ | koh-mo teh ah-treh-vess!? |
| What!? What do you mean Felipe told Maritza that I’m dating Fernando!? | ¡¿Qué?! ¡¿Cómo que Felipe le dijo a Maritza que estoy saliendo con Fernando?! | ˈke ‖ ˈkomo ˈke feˈlipe le ˈðixo a maˈɾitθa ˈke esˈtoj saˈljendo kom feɾˈnando ‖ | keh!? koh-mo keh feh-lee-peh leh dee-ho ah mah-ree-tza keh ess-toy sah-lee-ehn-doe cohn fehr-nahn-doe?! |
| I studied art in college, how could I not know who Henri Matisse was!? | Estudié arte en la universidad, ¿¡cómo no iba a saber quién es Henri Matisse!? | estuˈðje ˈaɾte en la wniβeɾsiˈðað | ˈkomo ˈno ˈiβa a saˈβeɾ ˈkjen ˈes ˈenri maˈtisse ‖ | ess-too-dee-eh ahr-teh ehn la oo-nee-vehr-see-dahd, koh-moh no ee-bah ah sah-behr key-ehn ess Henri Matisse!? |
So, at this point, you might be thinking, “Okay, that’s great, but I don’t see an upside-down question mark on my keyboard?” Well, the good news is, you won’t have to buy a whole new device just to use them! Here’s how to type them on most devices:
Using upside-down punctuation in iPhones is remarkably easy. The following shortcuts work across iOS devices, so you can also use these to find these Spanish punctuations on your iPad.
Simply tap and hold the normal question mark and you’ll see a pop-up with the upside-down question mark.
You can find the upside-down exclamation mark on your iPhone in the exact same way as the upside-down exclamation mark. Simply find the normal exclamation mark, tap and hold, and you’ll see a pop-up with an upside-down exclamation mark.
You can find upside-down question and exclamation marks in the same place on Android devices. First, you’ll need to navigate to the “sym” tab in your mobile keyboard. Then, go to the second page. You’ll be able to find both punctuations there.
You can use keyboard shortcuts to type upside-down punctuation on a Mac. Keep in mind that your computer’s keyboard will have different shortcuts depending on the country of purchase. Here are the shortcuts for Macs with a US keyboard:
Finding the upside-down punctuation marks is a bit tricky on a PC. There are a few different shortcuts that may not work for all computers. Here are some of the most common:
Although using upside-down punctuation is always grammatically necessary, it isn’t always used. If you’re texting with your friends or just writing Spanish informally, you don’t really need to worry about using inverted punctuation. Especially when using Spanish slang, most people just ignore the inverted punctuation.
In fact, it might come across as a bit formal and cold if you use inverted exclamation or question marks when speaking to your friends. So, if you’re texting your friends, don’t be afraid to break this grammar rule!
English doesn’t use them because the question sentence structure is different from the indicative sentence structure. That means that you’ll be able to tell right away that you’re dealing with a question rather than a statement, which would make the upside-down question mark redundant.
Yes! All Spanish-speaking countries use inverted question marks and exclamation marks. So, no matter where you are, you’ll need to be familiar with the inverted punctuations.
Yes and no. Spanish is the only major language that uses inverted punctuation. Other languages closely related to Spanish, like Asturian, Galician, and Samarenian also use it. Other languages like Catalan make using the inverted question mark entirely optional for their users.
Now that you know why inverted question marks are a thing in Spanish, you probably wish that more languages used it, ¿no? Not only are inverted question marks easy to use, but they also help you identify questions right off the bat so you don’t miss a beat when reading in Spanish. ¿¡What’s not to like about them!?
For more helpful tips about Spanish grammar and vocabulary, check out our Spanish blog. We regularly upload blog posts on a wide range of topics, from using demonstrative adjectives in Spanish to useful business topics like our guide to acing a Spanish job interview.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Spanish vs. Portuguese","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"Spanish vs. Portuguese: What are the similarities & differences?","url":"/blog/spanish-vs-portuguese","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt3d4c011c136a046e/655599c5a255e28ac62118c6/istock-1390718158.jpg"},"post_content":"Deciding to learn a new language is an admirable goal, but how exactly do you decide which one to learn? With so many exciting and useful languages out there, it can be hard to choose a language to master. After all, starting to learn a new language from scratch is a significant commitment that will require hours and hours of study.
\nHowever, learning a new language is also an unimaginably fulfilling experience, as becoming fluent in a language other than your own will open doors that you never even knew existed. If you’ve got your eyes set on Spanish and Portuguese, just imagine yourself ordering a sangría in perfect Spanish in the streets of Valencia or navigating a beautiful Brazilian beach. These experiences are only available to those who go through the extensive yet rewarding process of learning a new language.
\nSo, how do you know which language is for you? Below, we’ll cover the similarities and differences between Spanish and Portuguese to give you the most complete idea of what it’s like to learn either of these languages. By the end, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision as to which language to pick up.
\n\n
Portuguese and Spanish are relatively similar languages. According to a journal article by the Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, the estimated level of mutual intelligibility between Portuguese and Spanish is around 50% to 60%. That means that speaking one of the two languages will allow you to understand a little over half of the other language.
\n![\"istock-1320992752.jpg\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltf06df44b286447d1/65559a4b38b52abf66584c68/istock-1320992752.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
One of the biggest similarities between Portuguese and Spanish is the alphabet. Both the Portuguese and Spanish alphabets are based on the Latin alphabet, which is the same alphabet used in English. However, Spanish has one more consonant with the letter ñ. Portuguese also has this sound, but it uses nh instead.
\nThis makes reading much easier than listening as both languages share a very similar written form, with many words having identical or near-identical spellings. So, if you speak one of the two languages, you’ll be able to read the other language without much trouble.
\nBoth Portuguese and Spanish have comprehensive conjugation rules. Although the conjugation patterns are different, they work in very similar ways. Verb forms change depending on who is doing the action and the verb tense.
\nRegular verbs follow a predictable pattern. These verbs have a part made up of one or more syllables that remain unchanged through the conjugations. This part is known as the verb stem, and the rest is known as a verb ending. Here are the conjugations for the verb “to run” in Portuguese and Spanish.
\n| English | \nPortuguese pronoun | \nConjugated verb | \nSpanish pronoun | \nConjugated verb | \n
| I eat | \nEu | \nCorro | \nYo | \nCorro | \n
| You eat | \nTu | \nCorres | \nTú | \nCorres | \n
| He/she eats | \nEle / Ela | \nCorre | \nÉl / ella | \nCorre | \n
| We eat | \nNós | \nCorremos | \nNosotros | \nCorremos | \n
| You eat | \nVós | \nCorreis | \nUstedes | \nCorren | \n
| They eat | \nEles / Elas | \nCorrem | \nEllos / ellas | \nCorren | \n
\n
Notice how they’re both very similar? You won’t struggle too much to understand the conjugation rules of the other language if you’re already familiar with one of them.
\nIrregular verbs, however, are a different story. As you can probably tell by their name, these verbs do not follow a conjugation pattern. Instead, you will have to memorize their conjugations. Here are the conjugations for the verb “to be” in both languages:
\n| English | \nPortuguese pronoun | \nConjugated verb | \nSpanish pronoun | \nConjugated verb | \n
| I am | \nEu | \nsou | \nYo | \nsoy | \n
| You are | \nTu | \nés | \nTú | \neres | \n
| He/she is | \nEle / Ela | \né | \nÉl / ella | \nes | \n
| We are | \nNós | \nsomos | \nNosotros | \nsomos | \n
| You are | \nVós | \nestais | \nUstedes | \nestán | \n
| They are | \nEles / Elas | \nsão | \nEllos / ellas | \nson | \n
\n
\n
Both languages have a relatively complex verb tense structure. Spanish has 23 verb tenses and 4 moods, while Portuguese has 20 verb tenses and 4 moods. In comparison, English only has 12 verb tenses, so you’ll have to get more comfortable with verb tenses if you’re looking to learn either of these languages.
\nBoth Spanish and Portuguese are null-subject languages. This means you can drop the subject, which is the person doing the action, and the sentence would still make sense. That’s because the conjugated verb has the information of who is doing the action, so there is no need to repeat it with the subject.
\nEnglish isn’t a null-subject language, so we can’t just say, “Are American.” We have to say, “You are Mexican,” because we wouldn’t otherwise know who is American. In Spanish, however, you can say, “Tú eres americano” or “Eres americano.” Both are perfectly fine. The same is true in Portuguese, as you can say, “Você é americano” or “És americano.”
\n\n
Portuguese and Spanish are, of course, different languages, so it’s not all similarities between the two. Since they’re not mutually intelligible, there are certain things that you have to keep in mind as you compare and contrast both languages. Let’s take a look at some of these differences.
\n![\"istock-486076091.jpg\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt6dc46262538063af/65559b9ae9c23cce6c2752c0/istock-486076091.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The most significant difference between Spanish and Portuguese is that Portuguese has a far richer phonology, meaning it has more sounds than Spanish. For example, Spanish has only five vowels, while Portuguese has nine.
\nIn Spanish, almost every single phoneme is tied to a single letter. That means that almost all letters are pronounced exactly the same, regardless of the letter around it or the local accent. In Portuguese, however, this is not the case, as several phonemes can be assigned to many letters. This means that the sound a letter makes will vary depending on the letter before and also depending on the location. Notably, Portuguese pronunciation rules are very different from Brazilian pronunciation rules.
\nThere are a few grammar differences between Spanish and Portuguese worth pointing out, but none are particularly significant. Here are some of the biggest grammatical differences between these two languages:
\nSpanish and Portuguese have deeply intertwined histories. As romance languages, they both come from Latin, which is one of the reasons they’re so similar. However, modern Spanish comes from the Castillian family of languages, while modern Portuguese comes from the Old Galician-Portuguese family.
\nPortuguese as we know it today — or resembling what we know today — started popping up by the 12th century. It then started to spread worldwide in the 15th century as Portuguese explorers began to sail the seas. At the same time, Spanish started to spread around the world as Spanish explorers began making their way around the world, thus also expanding the reach of their language.
\nAt this point, Iberian Portuguese and Iberian Spanish began distancing themselves from the versions spoken elsewhere. That’s why Brazilian Portuguese today is so different from Portugal’s Portuguese, just as Spain’s Spanish is so different from Latin American Spanish.
\n\n
If a small part of you is still worried about picking up a new language, we have great news for you. Both Spanish and Portuguese are considered some of the easiest languages to learn for English speakers. According to the U.S. Foreign Service Institute, these two languages are classified in the “super-easy” category for English speakers.
\n![\"istock-1389976867.jpg\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blta01918ab72bc0667/65559bbfa8c641f80ee81012/istock-1389976867.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Each language requires 24 weeks of full-time study to attain proficiency, assuming 25 weekly class hours. That comes out to 600 class hours to become fluent in these languages, just under two semesters of full-time studying. Keep in mind that this is assuming full-time, uninterrupted studying. So, if you’re taking online Spanish lessons after school or taking a corporate language course, it might take a little longer.
\nWith that said, if you’re feeling ambitious and want to reach your language goals even faster, an immersive program could help you learn Spanish or Portuguese in no time. The Berlitz Method is our foundational principle as a language school. We’ve helped countless students learn dozens of languages for over a hundred years through immersive, goal-oriented language programs.
\n\n
If you want a promising career boost from your language-learning efforts, then you’re on the right track. Studies have repeatedly shown that being bilingual can lead to a higher wage, regardless of the specific language you speak. That’s because people with the ability to speak more than one language are often better problem solvers, more creative, and even better multitaskers, according to aptitude tests. These skills make bilingual speakers super attractive hires and even eligible for higher positions!
\nThat said, the language you choose to learn will definitely impact your career. Let’s take a look at our two languages to see what unique advantages they offer.
\n\n
Okay, now that you’re familiar with the biggest similarities and differences between Portuguese and Spanish, it’s time to see how that works in practice. Below, we’ll explore plenty of examples of how these two languages compare.
\n\n
First up, we’ll look at similar words in Portuguese and Spanish. As you’ll notice, there’s a relatively easy way to translate words from one language to the other by simply modifying the ending. This makes it easy for Portuguese and Spanish speakers to communicate with each other, as it’s not too difficult to figure out the meaning of most words once you’re familiar with these endings.
\n![\"usa_1152914634.jpg\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt0b046c9e085a648f/65559ed17326a21d601dc920/usa_1152914634.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
You can even take it one step further and attempt to speak Portuñol — a portmanteau of Portuguese and Español. This is when Spanish or Portuguese speakers try to speak the other language by guessing the translation of words based on patterns. Note that this isn’t an actual language and doesn’t require any studying. Instead, it’s just guesswork that is often accurate! How fun is that?
\nLet’s jump into the most common words that are very similar in Spanish and Portuguese.
\nSpanish speakers will joke that Portuguese nouns are just the same as Spanish nouns but with a –são ending, but is the stereotype really true? There is certainly some truth to it! As you’ll see below, there is an easy way to translate most Spanish verbs into Portuguese and vice-versa. Simply take the ending, replace it with the corresponding ending, and voilà! You’re very likely to guess the corresponding noun accurately.
\nIf you’re ready to unlock this major key between these two languages, here are some of the most common Spanish and Portuguese noun endings:
\n| Spanish ending | \nPortuguese ending | \nExamples | \n
| –ción | \n–çao | \nResolución → Resoluçao, Condición → Condiçao, Relación → Relaçao | \n
| –sión | \n–são | \nPrecisión → Precisão, Decisión → Decisão, Confusión → Confusão | \n
| –grama | \n–grama | \nTelegrama → Telegrama, Programa → Programa, Diagrama → Diagrama | \n
| –dad | \n–dade | \nCiudad → Cidade, Curiosidad → Curiosidade, Caridad → Caridade | \n
| –aje | \n–gem | \nViaje → Viagem, Paisaje → Paisagem, Mensaje → Mensagem | \n
| –ismo | \n–ismo | \nMoralismo → Moralismo, Activismo → Ativismo, Pesimismo → Pessimismo | \n
\n
Not too complicated, right? Let’s take a look at a few dozen noun cognates in Spanish and Portuguese to help you see just how similar these two languages are:
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nSpanish IPA | \nPortuguese | \nPortuguese IPA | \n
| Seat | \nAsiento | \naˈsjento | \nAssento | \naˈsẽtu | \n
| Accessory | \nAccesorio | \nakθeˈsoɾjo | \nAcessório | \naseˈsɔɾiu | \n
| Concert | \nConcierto | \nkonˈθjeɾto | \nConcerto | \nkõˈsɛʁtu | \n
| Bed | \nCama | \nˈkama | \nCama | \nˈkɐmɐ | \n
| Sofa | \nSofá | \nsoˈfa | \nSofá | \nsoˈfa | \n
| Afternoon | \nTarde | \nˈtaɾðe | \nTarde | \nˈtaʁdʒi | \n
| Water | \nAgua | \nˈaɣwa | \nÁgua | \nˈaɡwɐ | \n
| Sun | \nSol | \nˈsol | \nSol | \nˈsɔw | \n
| Hour | \nHora | \nˈoɾa | \nHora | \nˈɔɾɐ | \n
| House | \nCasa | \nˈkasa | \nCasa | \nˈkazɐ | \n
| Day | \nDía | \nˈdia | \nDia | \nˈdʒiɐ | \n
| Month | \nMes | \nˈmes | \nMês | \nˈmes | \n
| Taxi | \nTaxi | \nˈtaksi | \nTaxi | \ntakˈsi | \n
| Airport | \nAeropuerto | \naeɾoˈpweɾto | \nAeroporto | \naeɾoˈpɔʁtu | \n
| Bridge | \nPuente | \nˈpwente | \nPonte | \nˈpõtʃi | \n
| Train | \nTren | \nˈtɾen | \nTrem | \nˈtɾẽj̃ | \n
| Milk | \nLeche | \nˈleʧe | \nLeite | \nˈlejtʃi | \n
| Hotel | \nHotel | \noˈtel | \nHotel | \noˈtɛw | \n
| Shoe | \nZapato | \nθaˈpato | \nSapato | \nsaˈpatu | \n
| Calendar | \nCalendario | \nkalenˈdaɾjo | \nCalendário | \nkalẽˈdaɾiu | \n
| Coffee | \nCafé | \nkaˈfe | \nCafé | \nkaˈfɛ | \n
| Leg | \nPierna | \nˈpjeɾna | \nPerna | \nˈpɛʁnɐ | \n
| Head | \nCabeza | \nkaˈβeθa | \nCabeça | \nkaˈbɛsɐ | \n
| Arm | \nBrazo | \nˈbɾaθo | \nBraço | \nˈbɾasu | \n
| Finger | \nDedo | \nˈdeðo | \nDedo | \nˈdɛdu | \n
| Stomach | \nEstómago | \nesˈtomaɣo | \nEstômago | \nisˈtomaɡu | \n
| Doctor | \nMédico | \nˈmeðiko | \nMédico | \nˈmɛdʒiku | \n
| Manager | \nGerente | \nxeˈɾente | \nGerente | \nʒeˈɾẽtʃi | \n
| Television | \nTelevisión | \nteleβiˈsjon | \nTelevisão | \nteleviˈzɐ̃w̃ | \n
| Husband | \nMarido | \nmaˈɾiðo | \nMarido | \nmaˈɾidu | \n
| Nose | \nNariz | \nnaˈɾiθ | \nNariz | \nnaˈɾiʃ | \n
| Expert | \nExperto | \neksˈpeɾto | \nExperto | \niʃˈpɛʁtu | \n
| Computer | \nComputadora | \nkomputaˈðoɾa | \nComputador | \nkõputaˈdoʁ | \n
| Snow | \nNieve | \nˈnjeβe | \nNeve | \nˈnɛvi | \n
| Cloud | \nNuve | \nˈnuβe | \nNuvem | \nˈnuvẽj̃ | \n
| Shirt | \nCamisa | \nkaˈmisa | \nCamisa | \nkɐˈmizɐ | \n
| Friend | \nAmigo | \naˈmiɣo | \nAmigo | \nɐˈmiɡu | \n
| Adult | \nAdulto | \naˈðulto | \nAdulto | \naˈduwtu | \n
| Professor | \nProfesor | \npɾofeˈsoɾ | \nProfessor | \npɾofeˈsɔʁ | \n
| Man | \nHombre | \nˈombɾe | \nHomem | \nˈɔmẽj̃ | \n
| Nurse | \nEnfermera | \nemfeɾˈmeɾa | \nEnfermeira | \nẽfeʁˈmejɾɐ | \n
\n
You might’ve thought that noun cognates were as similar as this would get, but verbs are here to show you otherwise. In fact, verbs in Spanish and Portuguese are so similar that the three main infinitive form endings are exactly the same!
\n| Spanish ending | \nPortuguese ending | \nExamples | \n
| –ar | \n–ar | \nAmar → Amar, Respirar → Respirar, Nadar → Nadar | \n
| –er | \n–er | \nComer → Comer, Beber → Beber. Hacer → Fazer | \n
| –ir | \n–ir | \nDormir → Dormir, Abrir → Abrir, Salir → Sair | \n
\n
As you can see, all three verb groups have the same ending in their infinitive form. This should make it extremely easy for speakers of either language to recognize verbs in the other language. Let’s take a look at some examples:
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nSpanish IPA | \nPortuguese | \nPortuguese IPA | \n
| To hunt | \nCazar | \nkaˈθaɾ | \nCaçar | \nkaˈsaʁ | \n
| To close | \nCerrar | \nθeˈraɾ | \nCerrar | \nseˈʁaʁ | \n
| To sow | \nCoser | \nkoˈseɾ | \nCoser | \nkoˈzeʁ | \n
| To boil | \nCocer | \nkoˈθeɾ | \nCozer | \nkoˈzeʁ | \n
| To spy | \nEspiar | \nesˈpjaɾ | \nEspiar | \nispiˈaʁ | \n
| To ear | \nComer | \nkoˈmeɾ | \nComer | \nkoˈmeʁ | \n
| To be | \nSer | \nˈseɾ | \nSer | \nˈseʁ | \n
| To be | \nEstar | \nesˈtaɾ | \nEstar | \nisˈtaʁ | \n
| To go | \nIr | \nˈiɾ | \nIr | \nˈiʁ | \n
| To give | \nDar | \nˈdaɾ | \nDar | \nˈdaʁ | \n
| To say | \nDecir | \ndeˈθiɾ | \nDizer | \ndʒiˈzeʁ | \n
| To bring | \nTraer | \ntɾaˈeɾ | \nTrazer | \ntɾaˈzeʁ | \n
| To be able to | \nPoder | \npoˈðeɾ | \nPoder | \npoˈdeʁ | \n
| To use | \nUsar | \nuˈsaɾ | \nUsar | \nuˈzaʁ | \n
| To see | \nVer | \nˈbeɾ | \nVer | \nˈveʁ | \n
| To be | \nHaber | \naˈβeɾ | \nHaver | \naˈveʁ | \n
| To owe | \nDeber | \ndeˈβeɾ | \nDever | \ndeˈveʁ | \n
| To want | \nQuerer | \nkeˈɾeɾ | \nQuerer | \nkeˈɾeʁ | \n
| To pass | \nPasar | \npaˈsaɾ | \nPassar | \npaˈsaʁ | \n
| To arrive | \nLlegar | \nʎeˈɣaɾ | \nChegar | \nʃeˈɡaʁ | \n
| To find | \nEncontrar | \nenkonˈtɾaɾ | \nEncontrar | \nẽkõˈtɾaʁ | \n
| To appear | \nParecer | \npaɾeˈθeɾ | \nParecer | \npaɾeˈseʁ | \n
| To ask | \nPedir | \npeˈðiɾ | \nPedir | \npeˈdʒiʁ | \n
| To open | \nAbrir | \naˈβɾiɾ | \nAbrir | \naˈbɾiʁ | \n
| To finish | \nAcabar | \nakaˈβaɾ | \nAcabar | \nakaˈbaʁ | \n
| To help | \nAyudar | \naʝuˈðaɾ | \nAjudar | \naʒuˈdaʁ | \n
| To begin | \nComenzar | \nkomenˈθaɾ | \nComençar | \nkomẽˈsaʁ | \n
| To continue | \nContinuar | \nkontiˈnwaɾ | \nContinuar | \nkõtʃinuˈaʁ | \n
| To explain | \nExplicar | \nekspliˈkaɾ | \nTo pretend | \npɾeˈtẽd | \n
| To pay | \nPagar | \npaˈɣaɾ | \nTo pay | \nˈtɔ ˈpa | \n
| To publish | \nPublicar | \npuβliˈkaɾ | \nPublicar | \npubliˈkaʁ | \n
| To live | \nVivir | \nbiˈβiɾ | \nViver | \nviˈveʁ | \n
\n
You’ll find plenty of Spanish and Portuguese cognates in adjectives. In fact, most of them have very similar if not identical endings, making it very easy to pick them out in the other language. Here are some of the most common adjective endings:
\n| Spanish ending | \nPortuguese ending | \nExamples | \n
| –ista | \n–ista | \nEgoísta → Egoísta, Pesimista → Pessimista, Altruista → Altruísta | \n
| –ente | \n–ente | \nPrudente → Prudente, Suficiente → Suficiente, Impaciente → impaciente | \n
| –ble | \n–vel | \nAmable → Amável, Insoportable → Insuportável, Probable → Provável | \n
| –ar | \n–ar | \nPopular → Popular, Espectacular → Espectacular, Singular → Singular | \n
| –ico/–ica | \n–ico/–ica | \nHeróico → Heróico, Romántico → Romântico, Ecléctico → Eclético | \n
| –ivo/–iva | \n–ivo/–iva | \nMasivo → Massivo, Invasivo → Invasivo, Competitivo → Competitivo | \n
| –oso/–oso | \n–oso/–oso | \nMisterioso → Misterioso, Curioso → Curioso, Silencioso → Silencioso | \n
\n
So, how similar are Spanish and Portuguese adjectives, then? Take a look at the following list and let us know what you think!
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nSpanish IPA | \nPortuguese | \nPortuguese IPA | \n
| Happy | \nFeliz | \nfeˈliθ | \nFeliz | \nfeˈliʃ | \n
| Tall | \nAlto | \nˈalto | \nAlto | \nˈawtu | \n
| Cold | \nFrío | \nˈfɾjo | \nFrio | \nˈfɾiu | \n
| Small | \nPequeño | \npeˈkeɲo | \nPequeno | \npeˈkenu | \n
| Pretty | \nBonito | \nboˈnito | \nBonito | \nboˈnitu | \n
| Ugly | \nFeo | \nˈfeo | \nFeio | \nˈfeju | \n
| Easy | \nFácil | \nˈfaθil | \nFácil | \nˈfasiw | \n
| Hard | \nDifícil | \ndiˈfiθil | \nDifícil | \ndʒiˈfisiw | \n
| Delicious | \nDelicioso | \ndeliˈθjoso | \nDelicioso | \ndelisiˈɔzu | \n
| Sad | \nTriste | \nˈtɾiste | \nTriste | \nˈtɾistʃi | \n
| Uncertain | \nIncierto | \ninˈθjeɾto | \nIncerto | \nĩˈsɛʁtu | \n
| Educated | \nEducado | \neðuˈkaðo | \nEducado | \niduˈkadu | \n
| Honest | \nHonesto | \noˈnesto | \nHonesto | \noˈnɛstu | \n
| Irritating | \nIrritante | \niriˈtante | \nIrritante | \niʁiˈtɐ̃tʃi | \n
| Proud | \nOrgulloso | \noɾɣuˈʎoso | \nOrgulhoso | \noʁɡuˈʎɔzu | \n
| Hard | \nDuro | \nˈduɾo | \nDuro | \nˈduɾu | \n
| Expensive | \nCaro | \nˈkaɾo | \nCaro | \nˈkaɾu | \n
| Busy | \nOcupado | \nokuˈpaðo | \nOcupado | \nokuˈpadu | \n
| Cloudy | \nNublado | \nnuˈβlaðo | \nNublado | \nnuˈbladu | \n
| Cold | \nFrío | \nˈfɾio | \nFrio | \nˈfɾiu | \n
| Ugly | \nFeo | \nˈfeo | \nFeio | \nˈfeju | \n
| Clean | \nLimpio | \nˈlimpjo | \nLimpo | \nˈlĩpu | \n
| Strong | \nFuerte | \nˈfweɾte | \nForte | \nˈfɔʁtʃi | \n
| Low | \nBajo | \nˈbaxo | \nBaixo | \nˈbajʃu | \n
| Tired | \nCansado | \nkanˈsaðo | \nCansado | \nkɐ̃ˈsadu | \n
| Fresh | \nFresco | \nˈfɾesko | \nFresco | \nˈfɾɛsku | \n
| Rich | \nRico | \nˈriko | \nRico | \nˈʁiku | \n
| Poor | \nPobre | \nˈpoβɾe | \nPobre | \nˈpɔbɾi | \n
| Friendly | \nAmable | \naˈmaβle | \nAmável | \nɐˈmavɛw | \n
| Interesting | \nInteresante | \ninteɾeˈsante | \nInteressante | \nĩteɾeˈsɐ̃tʃi | \n
| Famous | \nFamoso | \nfaˈmoso | \nFamoso | \nfɐˈmɔzu | \n
\n
Now, Spanish and Portuguese aren’t always super similar. If that were the case, then maybe they wouldn’t be considered separate languages. So, let’s take a look at some words that aren’t similar at all in Spanish and Portuguese.
\n![\"istock-1391054420.jpg\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt8b12217a9d1bf00a/65559eec9984b8d4415aa95a/istock-1391054420.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Just as many words look and sound similar, hundreds look nothing alike. That’s what makes these two languages worth studying! Here are 40 words that are completely different in Spanish and Portuguese:
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nSpanish IPA | \nPortuguese | \nPortuguese IPA | \n
| Store | \nTienda | \nˈtjenda | \nLoja | \nˈlɔʒɐ | \n
| Knee | \nRodilla | \nroˈðiʎa | \nJoelho | \nʒoˈeʎu | \n
| Street | \nCalle | \nˈkaʎe | \nRua | \nˈʁuɐ | \n
| Window | \nVentana | \nbenˈtana | \nJanela | \nʒɐˈnɛlɐ | \n
| To forget | \nOlvidar | \nolβiˈðaɾ | \nEsquecer | \niskeˈseʁ | \n
| Sales | \nRebajas | \nreˈβaxas | \nSaldos | \nˈsawdus | \n
| To throw | \nEchar | \neˈʧaɾ | \nAtirar | \natʃiˈɾaʁ | \n
| Dog | \nPerro | \nˈpero | \nCão | \nˈkɐ̃w̃ | \n
| Thanks | \nGracias | \nˈɡɾaθjas | \nObrigado | \nobɾiˈɡadu | \n
| Railroad | \nFerrocarril | \nferokaˈril | \nChemin de fer | \nʃeˈmĩ dʒi ˈfeʁ | \n
| Juice | \nJugo | \nˈxuɣo | \nSuco | \nˈsuku | \n
| Breakfast | \nDesayuno | \ndesaˈʝuno | \nCafé da manhã | \nkaˈfɛ dɐ mɐˈɲɐ̃ | \n
| Cake | \nPastel | \npasˈtel | \nBolo | \nˈbɔlu | \n
| Near | \nCerca | \nˈθeɾka | \nPerto | \nˈpɛʁtu | \n
| Thin | \nDelgado | \ndelˈɣaðo | \nMagro | \nˈmaɡɾu | \n
| Yesterday | \nAyer | \naˈʝeɾ | \nOntem | \nˈõtẽj̃ | \n
| Tea | \nTé | \nˈte | \nChá | \nˈʃa | \n
| Chicken | \nPollo | \nˈpoʎo | \nFrango | \nˈfɾɐ̃ɡu | \n
| Fish | \nPescado | \npesˈkaðo | \nPeixe | \nˈpejʃi | \n
| To stay | \nQuedarse | \nkeˈðaɾse | \nFicar | \nfiˈkaʁ | \n
| To talk | \nHablar | \naˈβlaɾ | \nFalar | \nfaˈlaʁ | \n
| To need | \nNecesitar | \nneθesiˈtaɾ | \nPrecisar | \npɾesiˈzaʁ | \n
| Mother | \nMadre | \nˈmaðɾe | \nMãe | \nˈmɐ̃j̃ | \n
| Little girl | \nNiña | \nˈniɲa | \nMenina | \nmeˈninɐ | \n
| Black | \nNegro | \nˈneɣɾo | \nPreto | \nˈpɾɛtu | \n
| Father | \nPadre | \nˈpaðɾe | \nPai | \nˈpaj | \n
| Corn | \nElote | \neˈlote | \nMilho | \nˈmiʎu | \n
| To live | \nVivir | \nbiˈβiɾ | \nMorar | \nmoˈɾaʁ | \n
| Difficulty | \nDificultad | \ndifikulˈtað | \nPerrengue | \npeˈʁẽɡi | \n
| Glass | \nVaso | \nˈbaso | \nCopo | \nˈkɔpu | \n
| Soft | \nSuave | \nˈswaβe | \nMacio | \nmaˈsiu | \n
| Hot | \nCaliente | \nkaˈljente | \nQuente | \nˈkẽtʃi | \n
| Dirty | \nSucio | \nˈsuθjo | \nSujo | \nˈsuʒu | \n
| Sick | \nEnfermo | \nemˈfeɾmo | \nDocente | \ndoˈsẽtʃi | \n
| Son | \nHijo | \nˈixo | \nFilho | \nˈfiʎu | \n
| Boyfriend | \nNovio | \nˈnoβjo | \nNamorado | \nnɐmoˈɾadu | \n
| Tomorrow | \nMañana | \nmaˈɲana | \nAmanhã | \nɐmɐˈɲɐ̃ | \n
| Rain | \nLluvia | \nˈʎuβja | \nChuva | \nˈʃuvɐ | \n
| Sock | \nCalcetín | \nkalθeˈtin | \nMeia | \nˈmejɐ | \n
| Pants | \nPantalones | \npantaˈlones | \nCalça | \nˈkawsɐ | \n
\n
Perhaps you weren’t expecting the days of the week to be starkly different between Spanish and Portuguese. After all, the days of the week were named after the Roman gods in Latin, so most romance languages have very similar names for them today. However, Portuguese is the exception.
\nThat’s because Martin of Braga, a 6th-century archbishop, disagreed with the Roman custom of naming the days of the week after pagan Roman gods. Instead, he numbered the days of the week except for Saturday and Sunday since they weren’t named after pagan gods.
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nSpanish IPA | \nPortuguese | \nPortuguese IPA | \n
| Monday | \nLunes | \nˈlunes | \nSegunda-feira | \nseɡũdaˈfejɾɐ | \n
| Tuesday | \nMartes | \nˈmaɾtes | \nTerça-feira | \nteʁsaˈfejɾɐ | \n
| Wednesday | \nMiércoles | \nˈmjeɾkoles | \nQuarta-feira | \nkwaʁtaˈfejɾɐ | \n
| Thursday | \nJueves | \nˈxweβes | \nQuinta-feira | \nkĩtaˈfejɾɐ | \n
| Friday | \nViernes | \nˈbjeɾnes | \nSexta-feira | \nseʃtaˈfejɾɐ | \n
| Saturday | \nSábado | \nˈsaβaðo | \nSábado | \nˈsabadu | \n
| Sunday | \nDomingo | \ndoˈminɡo | \nDomingo | \ndoˈmĩɡu | \n
\n
This is an area all language learners should always pay close attention to. Also known as “false friends,” these are words that sound dangerously similar to words in a different language but have completely different meanings. This can cause lots of confusion at best and painfully embarrassing situations at worst, so watch out!
\n| Spanish | \nSpanish IPA | \nSpanish meaning | \nPortuguese | \nPortuguese IPA | \nPortuguese meaning | \n
| Salsa | \nˈsalsa | \nSalsa | \nSalsa | \nˈsawsɐ | \nParsley | \n
| Compañero | \nkompaˈɲeɾo | \nColleague | \nCompanheiro | \nkõpɐˈɲejɾu | \nRomantic partner | \n
| Prenda | \nˈpɾenda | \nClothing item | \nPrenda | \nˈpɾẽdɐ | \nGift | \n
| Barata | \nbaˈɾata | \nCheap | \nBarata | \nbaˈɾatɐ | \nCockroach | \n
| Escritorio | \neskɾiˈtoɾjo | \nDesk | \nEscritorio | \niskɾitoˈɾiu | \nOffice | \n
| Oficina | \nofiˈθina | \nOffice | \nOficina | \nofiˈsinɐ | \nBody shop | \n
| Secretaria | \nofiˈθina | \nSecretary | \nSecretaria | \nsekɾetaˈɾiɐ | \nDesk | \n
| Ligar | \nliˈɣaɾ | \nTi flirt | \nLigar | \nliˈɡaʁ | \nTo call someone | \n
| Salada | \nsaˈlaða | \nSalty | \nSalada | \nsaˈladɐ | \nSalad | \n
| Espantoso | \nespanˈtoso | \nHorrible | \nEspantoso | \nispɐ̃ˈtɔzu | \nAmazing | \n
| Exquisito | \nekskiˈsito | \nExquisite | \nEsquisito | \niskiˈzitu | \nWeird | \n
| Gozar | \nɡoˈθaɾ | \nTo enjoy | \nGozar | \nɡoˈzaʁ | \nTo make fun of | \n
| Propina | \npɾoˈpina | \nTip | \nPropina | \npɾoˈpinɐ | \nTuition | \n
| Polvo | \nˈpolβo | \nDust | \nPolvo | \nˈpɔwvu | \nOctopus | \n
| Nota | \nˈnota | \nNote | \nNota | \nˈnɔtɐ | \nBill | \n
| Ano | \nˈano | \nAnus | \nAno | \nˈɐnu | \nYear | \n
| Billetera | \nbiʎeˈteɾa | \nWallet | \nBilheteira | \nbiʎeˈtejɾɐ | \nTicket office | \n
| Brincar | \nbɾinˈkaɾ | \nTo jump | \nBrincar | \nbɾĩˈkaʁ | \nTo joke | \n
| Despido | \ndesˈpiðo | \nA farewell | \nDespido | \ndesˈpidu | \nNaked | \n
| Cena | \nˈθena | \nDinner | \nCena | \nˈsɛnɐ | \nScene | \n
| Embarazada | \nembaɾaˈθaða | \nPregnant | \nEmbaraçada | \nẽbaɾaˈsadɐ | \nEmbarrassed | \n
| Largo | \nˈlaɾɣo | \nLong | \nLargo | \nˈlaʁɡu | \nLarge | \n
| Rato | \nˈrato | \nA short while | \nRato | \nˈʁatu | \nMouse | \n
| Rojo | \nˈroxo | \nRed | \nRoxo | \nˈʁɔʃu | \nPurple | \n
| Borrar | \nboˈraɾ | \nTo erase | \nBorrar | \nboˈʁaʁ | \nTo dirty up | \n
| Apagar | \napaˈɣaɾ | \nTo turn off | \nApagar | \napaˈɡaʁ | \nTo erase | \n
| Cadera | \nkaˈðeɾa | \nHip | \nCadeira | \nkaˈdejɾɐ | \nChair | \n
| Chata | \nˈʧata | \nShort | \nChata | \nˈʃatɐ | \nHeavy | \n
| Chulo | \nˈʧulo | \nCute | \nChulo | \nˈʃulu | \nVulgar | \n
| Cartón | \nkaɾˈton | \nCarton | \nCartão | \nkaʁˈtɐ̃w̃ | \nCard | \n
\n
Although they both come from the Iberian Peninsula, Spanish-speaking countries and Portuguese-speaking countries have different cultures. In fact, there are major cultural differences within countries that speak the same language! Here are some of the broad cultural differences between Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries.
\n![\"pexels-helena-lopes-708440.jpg\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt088b502076923995/65559fd72e0ea1d1be178f73/pexels-helena-lopes-708440.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
In Portugal and Brazil, it’s very common for men to greet each other with a warm, big hug. In Spain and most of Latin America, however, most men greet each other with a firm handshake. Hugs are reserved for family members and close friends.
\nWomen typically kiss when greeting each other in both cultures, often with two kisses. There’s one big difference, though. In Spain and Latin America, the kisses go from left to right, while they go from right to left in Portugal and Brazil. If only one kiss is the norm, then Portuguese speakers will typically go for the right while Spanish speakers will go for the left.
\nIf you’ve traveled to Spain before, then you already know that they run a bit late when it comes to mealtimes. Lunch isn’t usually served until 3 p.m. and forget about dinner until after 9 p.m. This might be a little too late for most of the world, including Portugal, where Lunch is at 1 p.m. and dinner is at 8 p.m.
\nSpain and Latin America follow a very strict surname pattern: paternal surname first, followed by maternal surname. That means children inherit both their parents’ surnames, although the father’s always comes first.
\nPortuguese naming patterns are similar, except they’re much more flexible. Historically, daughters would receive their mother’s surname, while sons would receive their father’s surname. Nowadays, most people in Portugal and Brazil inherit both surnames, except that the mother’s surname usually comes first.
\n\n
Both Portuguese and Spanish are incredibly fascinating and beautiful languages. As if that wasn’t a good enough reason to learn either one of them, they’re both extremely helpful languages in the business world. With hundreds of millions of speakers around the world, you’ll find no shortage of people to speak and practice with.
\nChoosing to study one over the other is a very personal decision, as you’ll have to consider your interests, goals, and circumstances. Spanish might be a better choice if you live in an area with a significant Spanish-speaking population. Alternatively, Portuguese might be a smart career move if you work for a company headquartered in Brazil.
\nAnd if you can’t decide? Learn both! As you now know, Spanish and Portuguese are very similar, so why not make a plan to tackle both? If you want to go this route, the best way would be to learn one first and then the other. That way, you won’t get the different grammar and pronunciation rules mixed up while you’re still in the early stages of learning. And don’t worry, the second language will be much easier to learn once you’ve got one under your belt!
\nStill trying to figure out where to begin? Then start by taking a look at our Spanish and Portuguese blogs! We regularly publish helpful articles about learning the language and culture, so reading a few of these can give you a better idea of which one to learn. Some examples include our introductory guide to saying hello in Portuguese and our guide to writing an email in Spanish.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false}],"hidden":false}},{"cards":{"large_cards":false,"row":false,"flat":false,"join_block_below":true,"cta_as_link":true,"cards":[{"call_to_action_text":"Is Chinese hard to learn?","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"Is Chinese hard to learn? We reveal a possibly surprising answer","url":"/blog/is-mandarin-chinese-hard-to-learn","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltabcb120102e31d07/6524a4e90264da216947903a/istock-1130519292.jpeg"},"post_content":"Chinese is a famously difficult language to learn, but how much truth is there to it? After all, Mandarin is the world's most spoken language, so it can’t be much more challenging to learn than other languages. Well, the answer is a little more complicated than that.
\nFirst of all, it’s important to note that Chinese is a very unique language. While many languages use the Latin alphabet, Chinese doesn’t. In fact, there is no such thing as the Chinese alphabet. Instead, Chinese uses thousands of logographic characters that have a meaning — rather than a sound — attached to them.
\nHowever, that also gives Chinese many advantages over Germanic languages like English. Namely, grammar is much simpler, and reading is much faster once you’ve mastered the characters.
\nSo, just how hard is it to learn Chinese? That’s precisely what we’ll cover in great detail in this article. Let’s get started!
\n![\"Learn](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltbb8ce00d0e31e1ad/6524a8966c37481d804da9f8/istock-1366415101.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Learning Chinese is generally harder than learning any other language. However, it’s not an impossibly difficult language to learn. If you’ve just started learning Mandarin or are thinking about signing up for some online Mandarin classes, you might be struggling to understand how you could possibly learn to speak, read, and write Chinese.
\nThat’s because Chinese has a very steep initial learning curve. As it introduces English speakers to brand-new writing and speaking systems, it’s no surprise that many of us feel utterly intimidated by picking up something completely different from our native language. That’s why learning other languages that use the Latin alphabet feels easier because the differences aren’t as obvious.
\nHowever, many don’t know that learning Chinese gets progressively easier once you get past that initial steep learning curve. Learning Chinese becomes more straightforward once you get comfortable with characters and pronunciation. This is around the same time when other languages start getting more challenging, as you must keep learning more complex verb tenses with equally mind-boggling conjugations.
\nA great example of this is the use of two or more characters to create a word. When you first start learning Chinese, every new word comes with one or two new characters. However, once you’ve got a few hundred characters under your belt, you’ll learn new words that are made up of characters you already know.
\nFor example, the word for lipstick in Chinese is 口红 (kǒu hóng), which is made up of 口 (kǒu), which means mouth, and 红 (hóng), which means red. Makes sense! Since you’ll probably learn some elementary body parts and colors in Chinese early on, you should have no problem understanding this advanced word. There are many similar examples, showing that Chinese can get progressively easier the more you learn.
\n![\"Chinese](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltecc77aa06389391d/6524a966ab414e90cd6cb0b6/istock-1200947514_low_res.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
So, what exactly makes Chinese such a challenging language to learn? If you’re a native English speaker, then you might find the following areas of the language a bit difficult:
\nOf course, the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Chinese being a difficult language is the Chinese characters. With over 50,000 unique characters, it can feel overwhelming to even think about learning so many characters just to acquire a new language. Each character represents a syllable and a meaning, and words can be made up of one, two, or more characters.
\nHowever, you have a few things on your side when it comes to radicals:
\nWith that said, learning the characters will likely be the single thing that will take up most of your study time. Don’t want to spend countless hours memorizing characters? Then check out these 10 expert tips for learning Chinese characters.
\nChinese is a tonal language, which means that words vary depending on the tone. This is different from English, where almost all words mean the same regardless of how they’re pronounced. Chinese has four tones plus a fifth neutral tone. Accent marks represent the first four tones, while the absence of an accent mark represents the last tone.
\n| Tone | \nSound | \nExample | \nPinyin | \nMeaning | \n
| 1 | \nFlat | \n妈 | \nmā | \nMom | \n
| 2 | \nRising | \n麻 | \nmá | \nNumb | \n
| 3 | \nFalling and rising | \n马 | \nmǎ | \nHorse | \n
| 4 | \nRising | \n骂 | \nmà | \nTo scold | \n
| No tone | \nNone | \n吗 | \nma | \nQuestion particle | \n
![\"Berlitz](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt270fb686ce1b2e57/6525f7d66b6b83121876c0e7/Chinese_tones.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
This can be problematic because you can make some very easy mistakes if you use the wrong tone. For example, 我想问你 (wǒ xiǎng wèn nǐ) 我想吻你 (wǒ xiǎng wěn nǐ) are two completely different things: the first means I want to ask you while the second means I want to kiss you!
\nAlthough the words may all sound the same when you start learning the language, enough practice will help you easily distinguish between the tones.
\nFinally, even when you think you’ve mastered enough Chinese vocabulary to carry you through any conversation, you must deal with the world of chengyu. These are Chinese idioms that are generally made up of four characters that summarize a story or idea. While many of these are self-explanatory, most chengyu can be challenging to understand if you don’t know the background.
\nFor example, a common chengyu is 爱屋及乌 (ài wū jí wū), whose literal translation is “The love for a person extends even to the crows of the roof of their house.” If you are not used to this, then you might be confused as to why crows were even brought up mid-conversation. However, it means that loving someone extends to everything related to them, similar to the English idiom “Love me, love my dog.”
\n\nThink about it: Chinese is the most spoken language in the world. Of course, it’s not impossible to learn! Even if it seems impossible, learning Chinese is feasible with enough dedication and commitment. Here are some things about learning Chinese that might put you at ease, especially if you’re used to studying Romance languages like French and Spanish.
\n![\"Learning](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt334a1c342876c24b/6524aa3841a180b983a48543/istock-1180668507.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Yup, you heard that right! There are no conjugations at all in Chinese, so you won’t have to memorize more than one version of each verb in Chinese. Just add the correct pronoun and the verb in infinitive, and you’re good to go!
\nCompared to languages like German and Italian, Chinese grammar is a piece of cake. On top of not having conjugations, Chinese also doesn’t have a complicated tense structure. Simple modal particles can express different tenses without altering the verb.
\nPinyin will undoubtedly be your best friend on your Chinese learning journey. This romanization system will help you pronounce new characters and, perhaps most importantly, type them on your phone and computer. Since handwriting isn’t all that common these days, you can easily type Chinese characters without memorizing how to write them all from scratch.
\nTo learn more about pinyin, check out our complete guide to pinyin for free!
\n\nAccording to the U.S. Foreign Language Institute, becoming proficient in Chinese takes 88 weeks of full-time study. This places Chinese squarely in the “super-hard” languages category, along with others like Arabic, Korean, and Japanese.
\nThese calculations consider full-time study to include 25 class hours per week or 5 class hours per day, five days a week. That’s a total of 2,200 class hours to learn Chinese. Adding in time for homework, review, and self-study, the total number of hours required to learn Chinese can easily balloon to well over 3,500.
\n![\"Becoming](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt4125036d53c83849/6524aaad5ee09e12e1aa43c1/istock-1177940082.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Looking at some of the most complex words in a language can be an excellent way to gauge its difficulty. The thing about Chinese is that, unlike languages like English or German, it doesn’t have any extremely long words that are more difficult to spell or pronounce than others. However, it does have some sounds that may be hard for non-native speakers to nail and some characters that may be extraordinarily difficult to write by hand. Let’s take a look.
\nChinese has a minimal phonetic range, with a total number of around 1,300 possible syllables. By comparison, English has a total of 15,831 syllables, so you won’t have to worry about learning too many different sounds. With that said, a few syllables will take some time to nail as a non-native speaker. Here are the ten hardest Chinese words to pronounce:
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| To go | \n去 | \nqù | \nchiuh | \n
| 44 | \n四十四 | \nsì shí sì | \nsyh shyr syh | \n
| Inch | \n寸 | \ncùn | \ntsuenn | \n
| Taxi | \n出租车 | \nchū zū chē | \nchu tzu che | \n
| Bicycle | \n自行车 | \nzì xíng chē | \ntzyh shyng che | \n
| Skirt | \n裙子 | \nqún zi | \nchyun tzy | \n
| To resign | \n辞职 | \ncí zhí | \ntsyr jyr | \n
| Seven pairs of shoes | \n七双鞋子 | \nqī shuāng xié zi | \nchi shuang shye tzy | \n
| Moon | \n月亮 | \nyuè liàng | \nyueh lianq | \n
| Day | \n日 | \nrì | \nryh | \n
Chinese characters used to be much more complicated in the past. However, after the adoption of simplified characters in 1949, simpler versions replaced most complex characters. For example, the traditional character 個 (gè) was replaced by 个, making writing this extremely common character much easier.
\nBecause of that, you won’t run into any scary-looking characters in everyday conversations. However, if you’re curious to see what some of the hardest Chinese characters look like, take a look at the following extreme and uncommon characters:
\n| English | \nThe Hard Characters | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Rough | \n麤 | \ncū | \ntsu | \n
| The odor of sheep or goats | \n羴 | \nshān | \nshan | \n
| Fresh | \n鱻 | \nxiān | \nshian | \n
| Fine animal hair | \n毳 | \ncuì | \ntsuey | \n
| Pickpocket | \n掱 | \npá | \nshoou | \n
| Doubt | \n惢 | \nsuǒ | \nsuoo | \n
| Stuffy nose | \n齉 | \nnàng | \nnanq | \n
| Roar of thunder | \n䨻 | \nbèng | \nbenq | \n
| The appearance of a dragon flying | \n龘 | \ndá | \ndar | \n
By this point, you’ve either decided that Chinese is a hard language and you’re up for the challenge or realized that it isn’t as hard as you previously thought and are ready to dive head-first. Whatever the case, we want you to have all the tools you need to succeed on your path toward Chinese fluency. Here are some of our best tips to easily learn Chinese:
\n![\"Learning](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltce57b3fc58fa84cf/6524abac121eba5d3b2ab688/istock-1209009998.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Chinese characters are an integral part of the language; you will eventually have to read them to attain working fluency. However, when starting out, it’s a good idea to entirely ignore the characters while getting used to this brand-new language. The last thing you want is to get discouraged while getting acquainted with a new language.
\nInstead, take advantage of pinyin and focus on getting used to the rhythm and logic of Chinese before you start paying serious attention to the characters. Once you’re more comfortable with a few basic phrases, you can start working on learning the characters.
\nWhen you’re first getting started, picking up a handful of helpful phrases can be more useful than spending time learning countless new grammar patterns and rules. While you will eventually need to learn grammar and patterns, there’s nothing wrong with taking a shortcut at the very beginning to get a few helpful phrases under your belt.
\nFor example, you could learn a few ways to say hello in Chinese or some romantic Chinese phrases that you can use with your partner. At this point, anything to get you started having conversations — as simple as they may be — will help propel you along your journey.
\nThe fastest way to increase your fluency in any language is to increase your comprehensible input. This means consuming media you can mostly understand, regardless of the content. The beauty of this is that you can spend your free time reading books, watching TV shows, or listening to podcasts, all while working on your Chinese fluency!
\nAn SRS is the 21st-century version of flashcards. It works the same way as a flashcard, except that you tell the system how well you can recall a word (if at all). The system takes this information and keeps feeding you the same words until you’ve remembered them correctly enough times in a row. That way, you’ll keep studying the words you have a hard time remembering and not waste time reviewing words you already know pretty well.
\nIn fact, studies show that this is the most effective way to learn vocabulary in a foreign language. So, as you work through all the new vocabulary, you’ll want to have a good SRS app on your side. Anki is a popular SRS app among language learners, and it’s available for free.
\nOne of the biggest misconceptions about learning a new language is that you need to know everything to become fluent. However, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, you don’t even know everything in your native language, and that doesn’t make you any less fluent. For example, you may not be familiar with all the medical or legal terms if you don’t use them regularly.
\nThe same is true for Chinese. Think about why you want to learn Chinese and tailor your vocabulary around it. Perhaps you work for a multinational business and need to learn some marketing terms in Chinese. Or maybe you’re in the restaurant industry and need to use Chinese food names regularly. There’s nothing wrong with prioritizing (and deprioritizing!) certain vocabulary sets.
\n\nBoth Chinese and Japanese are considered “super-hard” languages to learn for English speakers. However, Chinese is generally considered a bit harder to learn than Japanese because of the number of characters. While the Japanese writing system uses characters as well, they also use two additional sets of alphabets: Hiragana and Katakana. These alphabets work similarly to the alphabet we use in English, where one symbol, or “letter,” represents a sound and is strung together to form a word. This makes Japanese slightly easier to learn.
\nBy far, the biggest Chinese character is biáng from biáng biáng miàn, a type of noodle dish served in Xi’an. In fact, it’s so complicated that computer character input programs cannot handle it, which is why you’ll see the name of this dish written in pinyin on menus. With 58 strokes, this is the hardest Chinese character out there!
\n![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt42955dd5e5f3884c/6524ae7a0b91ccec45c185fb/Biáng_(regular_script).svg.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Chinese is considered one of the hardest languages in the world to learn. We’ve ranked Chinese as the second-hardest language to learn for English speakers, only behind Arabic. Within Chinese, Cantonese is generally harder to learn than Mandarin because of the extra tones. Check out our guide for more info on the differences between Cantonese and Mandarin.
\nLearning Chinese is significantly harder to learn than Spanish for native English speakers. According to the U.S. Foreign Service Institute, learning Chinese takes 88 weeks of full-time study. On the other hand, learning Spanish takes 24 weeks of full-time study. That’s just 600 class hours to attain fluency, compared to 2,200 class hours for Chinese.
\nHowever, you must also consider any personal circumstances that could make it easier or harder for you to learn either language. For example,
\nThe answers to these questions can help you determine if you have any personal advantages that could make learning one language easier.
\n![\"Practicing](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltf2a7d61ef7a55384/6524acae0b91ccc715c185f5/istock-518830912.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
So, yes, according to all metrics, Chinese is a hard language to learn. However, that doesn’t mean you should shy away from giving it a shot. After all, it is one of the top languages to learn for international business, and with over a billion speakers, there are countless reasons to spend the time required to master this wonderful language.
\nWant some more hints as to what the language is like before getting started? Then, take a look at some of the fun and free articles on our Mandarin blog. You can get started with essential guides, like how to talk about months, days, and years in Chinese or drinks in Chinese.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Spanish vs. Catalan","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"Spanish vs. Catalan: A top guide to language & culture differences","url":"/blog/spanish-vs-catalan-language","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt47d34e681f9e1a34/65308dc1d5a1c4193eb4a6a9/istock-481387842.jpeg"},"post_content":"You’re not the only one if you thought everyone in Spain spoke Spanish. After all, the language is named after the country. However, Spain isn’t just a monolith — there are many different subcultures within Spain, and many speak their own language. The largest of them is in Catalonia, where natives use Catalan to communicate with each other.
And if you’ve never heard of Catalonia, don’t worry; you’ve definitely heard of its capital: Barcelona! Residents of this city speak Catalan, which often surprises tourists who visit and expect to hear Spanish on the street.
So, just how different (or similar?) are Spanish and Catalan? Let’s find out!
Catalan and Spanish are very similar languages. They’re both part of the Western Romance languages and, as such, have a high degree of mutual intelligibility. Here are some of the most significant similarities between Spanish and Catalan:
![\"Discover](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltc4ba6180a6151012/6530a1d28620946807af33fb/istock-1006518802.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Catalan and Spanish both use modified versions of the Latin alphabet, much like English. The Spanish alphabet includes an extra letter — Ñ/ñ — which is absent from the Catalan alphabet. Catalan uses the letters ny to make this phoneme, such as in Catalunya . On the other hand, the Catalan alphabet uses the ç as a diacritical mark to change the pronunciation of the letter c.
Besides these two differences, the Spanish and Catalan alphabets are virtually identical.
Both Spanish and Catalan are very conjugation-heavy languages. If you’re not a fan of conjugations, then neither of these languages will be for you. In both languages, you will have to modify the ending of verbs to match the verb tense as well as the person and number of the subject.
However, there is a major upside to languages with extensive verb conjugations, and that is that you can often omit the subject from your sentences. For example, instead of saying, “We went to eat,” you can drop the subject (we) and just start with the verb, as the conjugated verb includes the information about who went to eat. Here’s the same sentence in both Spanish and Catalan:
Both Spanish and Catalan have four verb modes:
Spanish and Catalan have very similar phonologies, and picking up the correct pronunciation won’t be too much of a problem for speakers of any language. One of the biggest similarities is that Catalan has eight vowel sounds while Spanish only has one. In addition to a , i , and u , Catalan also has sounds for an open e , a closed e , a neutral vowel , an open o , and a closed o .
Besides the vowels, there are some minor variations in pronouncing certain consonants. For example, check out the following short video for an expert demonstration of the difference between the g / j sounds in Spanish and Catalan:
While Catalan and Spanish are closely related languages, they’re still not identical. On top of very diverse vocabularies, there are several grammatical and historical differences that you should take a look at.
There aren’t too many significant differences between Spanish and Catalan grammar. Both languages follow a subject-verb-object (SVO) structure, just like English. However, here are some grammatical differences worth pointing out:
Although Catalan and Spanish are both Romance languages , they developed independently after the fall of the Roman Empire. Catalan developed with the Gallo-Romance languages, while Spanish developed with the West Iberian group of languages. It wasn’t until the 15th century, when the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon got together, that Spanish started to have a greater influence over Catalonia.
Intellectually, both languages are equally easy to learn because of their similarities in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Spanish is rated as a “super-easy” language to learn for English speakers, according to the U.S. Foreign Service Institute . That means it only takes 600 class hours to learn Spanish from scratch, equating to less than two semesters worth of classes if studying full time. Although the FSI doesn’t rate Catalan, we can expect a similar learning timeline based on the overlap between Spanish and Catalan, making them both some of the easiest languages to learn for English speakers.
However, one thing worth pointing out is that there is an abundance of high-quality Spanish study materials available online and in person around the world. For example, you can sign up for Spanish lessons online and choose from group lessons, private lessons, and even self-study + private lessons programs . Catalan resources are much more scarce, so this might be something to consider when figuring out which language to learn.
Spanish will be much more useful to learn than Catalan in almost any scenario. First, Spanish is spoken by nearly 550 million people in more than 20 countries, whereas Catalan is only spoken by about 8 million people, most of whom live in Catalonia. Plus, most people in Catalonia speak Spanish in addition to Catalan, so you won’t struggle too much to communicate without speaking Catalan. So, Spanish will be the most versatile language without a shadow of a doubt.
However, learning Catalan may be a good idea if you plan to settle in Catalonia long-term. Locals prefer speaking Catalan to each other and, even if their Spanish proficiency is high, will appreciate you speaking Catalan with them. In other words, if you want to truly fit in and become a Catalonia local, you must learn to speak Catalan.
![\"Antoni](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt0159946c0fb59665/6530a199701ffe837b39d9f5/pexels-mehmet-turgut-kirkgoz-13426112.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Now that you’re familiar with the differences between Spanish and Catalan, let’s look at some concrete examples. How different (or similar?) do they actually look when it comes down to it? We’ll show you right below!
Let’s start with the big fish: words that are similar between Spanish and Catalan. If you still have doubts about these languages being similar, here are 132 similar words in Spanish and Catalan.
Few feelings in this world are as great as understanding a word in a language you don’t know. These are known as word cognates, which are words that sound similar enough in different languages to be mutually intelligible. These words can give you a big leg-up when learning a new language, as they will save you a lot of time when memorizing new vocabulary.
These are some of the most common noun cognates between Catalan and Spanish:
| English | Spanish | Spanish IPA | Catalan | Catalan IPA |
| Grapefruit | Toronja | toˈɾonxa | Toronja | toˈɾonxa |
| Week | Semana | seˈmana | Setmana | setˈmana |
| Banana | Plátano | ˈplatano | Plàtan | ˈpltan |
| Car | Coche | ˈkoʧe | Cotxe | ˈkotkse |
| Building | Edificio | eðiˈfiθjo | Edifici | eðiˈfiθi |
| Fresh | Fresco | ˈfɾesko | Fresc | ˈfɾesk |
| Spicy | Picante | piˈkante | Picant | piˈkant |
| Three | Tres | ˈtɾes | Tres | ˈtɾes |
| Fifteen | Quince | ˈkinθe | Quinze | ˈkinθe |
| Water bottle | Cantimplora | kantimˈploɾa | Cantimplora | kantimˈploɾa |
| Carnation | Clavel | klaˈβel | Clavell | klaˈβeʎ |
| Rocket | Cohete | koˈete | Coet | koˈet |
| Staple | Grapa | ˈɡɾapa | Grapa | ˈɡɾapa |
| Glove | Guante | ˈɡwante | Guant | ˈɡwant |
| Paella | Paella | paˈeʎa | Paella | paˈeʎa |
| Paper | Papel | paˈpel | Paper | paˈpeɾ |
| Brush | Pincel | pinˈθel | Pinzell | pinˈθeʎ |
| Press | Prensa | ˈpɾensa | Premsa | ˈpɾemsa |
| Watch | Reloj | reˈlox | Rellotge | reˈʎotxe |
| Toilet | Retrete | reˈtɾete | Retret | reˈtɾet |
| Tailor | Sastre | ˈsastɾe | Sartre | ˈsaɾtɾe |
| Face | Semblante | semˈblante | Semblant | semˈblant |
| Clover | Trébol | ˈtɾeβol | Viaje | ˈbjaxe |
| Beard | Barba | ˈbaɾβa | Barbeta | baɾˈβeta |
| Ear | Oreja | oˈɾexa | Orella | oˈɾeʎa |
| Face | Cara | ˈkaɾa | Cara | ˈkaɾa |
| Mouth | Boca | ˈboka | Boca | ˈboka |
| Back | Espalda | esˈpalda | Espatlla | esˈpatʎa |
| Teeth | Dientes | ˈdjentes | Dents | ˈdents |
| Tongue | Lengua | ˈlenɡwa | Llengua | ˈʎenɡwa |
| Cat | Gato | ˈɡato | Gat | ˈɡat |
| Wall | Muro | ˈmuɾo | Mur | ˈmuɾ |
| Door | Puerta | ˈpweɾta | Porta | ˈpoɾta |
| Lawyer | Abogado | aβoˈɣaðo | Abogat | aβoˈɣat |
| Anniversary | Aniversario | aniβeɾˈsaɾjo | Aniversari | aniβeɾˈsaɾi |
| Antidote | Antídoto | anˈtiðoto | Antídot | anˈtiðot |
| Baby | Bebé | beˈβe | Bebé | beˈβe |
| Camp | Campamento | kampaˈmento | Campament | kampaˈment |
| Day | Día | ˈdia | Dia | ˈdja |
| Businessman | Empresario | empɾeˈsaɾjo | Empresari | empɾeˈsaɾi |
| Railroad | Ferrocarril | ferokaˈril | Ferrocarril | ferokaˈril |
| Genius | Genio | ˈxenjo | Geni | ˈxeni |
| Glove | Guante | ˈɡwante | Guant | ˈɡwant |
| Hospital | Hospital | ospiˈtal | Hospital | ospiˈtal |
| Individual | Individuo | indiˈβiðwo | Individu | indiˈβiðu |
Verbs in Spanish and Catalan have one key commonality: they have almost the exact same endings. The only exception are Spanish verbs ending in -er , since their Catalunian counterparts end in -re . Same letters, different order. So, it’s no surprise that countless verbs sound almost identical in these two languages. Here are some of them:
| English | Spanish | Spanish IPA | Catalan | Catalan IPA |
| To accept | Aceptar | aθepˈtaɾ | Acceptar | akθepˈtaɾ |
| To be | Ser | ˈseɾ | Ser | ˈseɾ |
| To be | Haber | aˈβeɾ | Haver | aˈβeɾ |
| To have | Tener | teˈneɾ | Tenir | teˈniɾ |
| To come | Venir | beˈniɾ | Venir | beˈniɾ |
| To know | Saber | saˈβeɾ | Saber | saˈβeɾ |
| To be able to | Poder | poˈðeɾ | Poder | poˈðeɾ |
| To fit | Caber | kaˈβeɾ | Cabre | ˈkaβɾe |
| To run | Correr | koˈreɾ | Córrer | ˈkoreɾ |
| To maintain | Mantener | manteˈneɾ | Mantenir | manteˈniɾ |
| To understand | Entender | entenˈdeɾ | Entendre | enˈtendɾe |
| To die | Morir | moˈɾiɾ | Morir | moˈɾiɾ |
| To open | Abrir | aˈβɾiɾ | Obrir | oˈβɾiɾ |
| To obtain | Obtener | oβteˈneɾ | Obtenir | oβteˈniɾ |
| To achieve | Cumplir | kumˈpliɾ | Complir | komˈpliɾ |
| To offer | Ofrecer | ofɾeˈθeɾ | Oferir | ofeˈɾiɾ |
| To promise | Prometer | pɾomeˈteɾ | Prometre | pɾoˈmetɾe |
| To sing | Cantar | kanˈtaɾ | Cantar | kanˈtaɾ |
| To be worth | Valer | baˈleɾ | Valer | baˈleɾ |
| To pay | Pagar | paˈɣaɾ | Pagar | paˈɣaɾ |
| To look at | Mirar | miˈɾaɾ | Mirar | miˈɾaɾ |
| To study | Estudiar | estuˈðjaɾ | Estudiar | estuˈðjaɾ |
| To ask | Preguntar | pɾeɣunˈtaɾ | Preguntar | pɾeɣunˈtaɾ |
| To utilize | Utilizar | utiliˈθaɾ | Utilizar | utiliˈθaɾ |
| To need | Necesitar | neθesiˈtaɾ | Necessitar | neθessiˈtaɾ |
| To try | Intentar | intenˈtaɾ | Intentar | intenˈtaɾ |
| To enter | Entrar | enˈtɾaɾ | Entrar | enˈtɾaɾ |
| To teach | Enseñar | enseˈɲaɾ | Enseyar | enseˈʝaɾ |
| To debate | Debatir | deβaˈtiɾ | Debatre | deˈβatɾe |
| To lose | Perder | peɾˈðeɾ | Perdre | ˈpeɾðɾe |
| To be afraid | Temer | teˈmeɾ | Temer | teˈmeɾ |
| To break | Romper | romˈpeɾ | Rompre | ˈrompɾe |
| To decide | Decidir | deθiˈðiɾ | Decidir | deθiˈðiɾ |
| To sleep | Dormir | doɾˈmiɾ | Dormir | tɾaˈðwiɾ |
| To translate | Traducir | tɾaðuˈθiɾ | Traduir | diskuˈtiɾ |
| To discuss | Discutir | diskuˈtiɾ | Discutir | kompaɾˈtiɾ |
| To share | Compartir | kompaɾˈtiɾ | Compartir | ˈbendɾe |
| To sell | Vender | benˈdeɾ | Vendre | esˈkɾjuɾe |
| To write | Escribir | eskɾiˈβiɾ | Escriure | konikˈseɾ |
| To know | Conocer | konoˈθeɾ | Conèixer | konikˈseɾ |
| To move | Conmover | kommoˈβeɾ | Commoure | komˈmowɾe |
| To hurt | Doler | doˈleɾ | Doldre | ˈdoldɾe |
| To fall | Caer | kaˈeɾ | Caure | ˈkawɾe |
| To conclude | Concluir | konˈklwiɾ | Concloure | konˈklowɾe |
| To please | Complacer | komplaˈθeɾ | Complaure | komˈplawɾe |
| To beat | Vencer | benˈθeɾ | Vèncer | ˈbnθeɾ |
| To estimate | Estimar | estiˈmaɾ | Estimar | estiˈmaɾ |
| To touch | Tocar | toˈkaɾ | Tocar | toˈkaɾ |
| To hope | Esperar | espeˈɾaɾ | Esperar | espeˈɾaɾ |
| To work | Trabajar | tɾaβaˈxaɾ | Treballar | tɾeβaˈʎaɾ |
| To win | Ganar | ɡaˈnaɾ | Guanyar | ɡwanˈʝaɾ |
Spanish and Catalan have many adjective cognates, which is one of the reasons why these languages are so similar. Here are some of the most common adjectives that sound the same in Spanish and Catalan.
| English | Spanish | Spanish IPA | Catalan | Catalan IPA |
| Tall | Alto | ˈalto | Alt | ˈalt |
| Long | Largo | ˈlaɾɣo | Llarg | ˈʎaɾɣ |
| Handsome | Guapo | ˈɡwapo | Guapo | ˈɡwapo |
| Able | Capaz | kaˈpaθ | Capaç | ˈkapas |
| Happy | Feliz | feˈliθ | Feliç | ˈfelis |
| Fast | Veloz | beˈloθ | Veloç | ˈbelos |
| Slow | Lento | ˈlento | Lent | ˈlent |
| Quick | Rápido | ˈrapiðo | Ràpid | ˈrpið |
| Strong | Fuerte | ˈfweɾte | Fort | ˈfoɾt |
| Hard | Duro | ˈduɾo | Dur | ˈduɾ |
| Correct | Correcto | koˈrekto | Correcte | koˈrekte |
| Tranquil | Tranquilo | tɾanˈkilo | Tranquil | tɾanˈkil |
| Incorrect | Incorrecto | inkoˈrekto | Incorrecte | inkoˈrekte |
| Heavy | Pesado | peˈsaðo | Pesat | peˈsat |
| Easy | Fácil | ˈfaθil | Fàcil | ˈfθil |
| Salty | Salado | saˈlaðo | Salat | saˈlat |
| Spicy | Picante | piˈkante | Picant | piˈkant |
| Sweet | Dulce | ˈdulθe | Dolç | ˈdols |
| Complete | Completo | komˈpleto | Complet | komˈplet |
| Local | Local | loˈkal | Local | loˈkal |
| Powerful | Poderoso | poðeˈɾoso | Poderós | poðeˈɾos |
| Young | Joven | ˈxoβen | Jove | ˈxoβe |
| Boring | Aburrido | aβuˈriðo | Avorrit | aβoˈrit |
| Affectionate | Afectuoso | afekˈtwoso | Afectuós | afekˈtwos |
| Agile | Ágil | ˈaxil | Àgil | ˈxil |
| Generous | Generoso | xeneˈɾoso | Generós | xeneˈɾos |
| Honest | Honesto | oˈnesto | Honest | oˈnest |
| Mature | Maduro | maˈðuɾo | Madur | maˈðuɾ |
| Nervous | Nervioso | neɾˈβjoso | Nerviós | neɾˈβjos |
| Passionate | Pasional | pasjoˈnal | Passional | passjoˈnal |
| Punctual | Puntual | punˈtwal | Puntual | punˈtwal |
| Realistic | Realista | reaˈlista | Realista | reaˈlista |
| Sincere | Sincero | sinˈθeɾo | Sincer | sinˈθeɾ |
| Solitary | Solitario | soliˈtaɾjo | Solitari | soliˈtaɾi |
| Talented | Talentoso | talenˈtoso | Talentós | talenˈtos |
| Sad | Triste | ˈtɾiste | Trist | ˈtɾist |
Believe it or not, there are many differences between Spanish and Catalan. Despite all the similarities, these are still separate languages with different histories, so there are many words that you won’t be able to understand just by speaking one of the two. Let’s take a look.
First, we’ll go over 34 completely different words in Spanish and Catalan. Even if you’re an expert speaker of one of the two, you most likely won’t understand any of these words. By the way, if you’ve studied French before, you might be able to pick up on the French influence on Catalan from the following words!
| English | Spanish | Spanish IPA | Catalan | Catalan IPA |
| Apple | Manzana | manˈθana | Poma | ˈpoma |
| Pork | Cerdo | ˈθeɾðo | Porc | ˈpoɾk |
| Cheese | Queso | ˈkeso | Formatge | foɾˈmatxe |
| Egg | Huevo | ˈweβo | Ou | ˈow |
| Small | Pequeño | peˈkeɲo | Petit | peˈtit |
| Red | Rojo | ˈroxo | Vermell | beɾˈmeʎ |
| Blue | Azúl | aˈθul | Blau | ˈblaw |
| Weak | Débil | ˈdeβil | Feble | ˈfeβle |
| Wet | Mojado | moˈxaðo | Net | ˈnet |
| Woman | Mujer | muˈxeɾ | Dona | ˈdona |
| Uncle | Tío | ˈtio | Oncle | ˈonkle |
| Boss | Jefe | ˈxefe | Cap | ˈkap |
| Still | Todavía | toðaˈβia | Encara | enˈkaɾa |
| Strawberry | Fresa | ˈfɾesa | Maduixa | maˈðwiksa |
| Grape | Uva | ˈuβa | Raïm | ˈram |
| Yellow | Amarillo | amaˈɾiʎo | Groc | ˈɡɾok |
| Bad | Malo | ˈmalo | Dolent | doˈlent |
| Dirty | Sucio | ˈsuθjo | Brut | ˈbɾut |
| Sick | Enfermo | emˈfeɾmo | Malalt | maˈlalt |
| Dog | Perro | ˈpero | Gos | ˈɡos |
| Bird | Pájaro | ˈpaxaɾo | Ocell | oˈθeʎ |
| To close | Cerrar | θeˈraɾ | Tancar | tanˈkaɾ |
| To grab | Coger | koˈxeɾ | Agafar | aɣaˈfaɾ |
| To mix | Mezclar | meθˈklaɾ | Barrejar | bareˈxaɾ |
| To make | Hacer | aˈθeɾ | Fer | ˈfeɾ |
| To drink | Tomar | toˈmaɾ | Beure | ˈbewɾe |
| To escape | Escapar | eskaˈpaɾ | Fugir | fuˈxiɾ |
| To load | Cargar | kaɾˈɣaɾ | Dur | ˈduɾ |
| To melt | Derretir | dereˈtiɾ | Fondre | ˈfondɾe |
| To shine | Brillar | bɾiˈʎaɾ | Lluir | ˈʎwiɾ |
| To listen | Escuchar | eskuˈʧaɾ | Escoltar | eskolˈtaɾ |
| To talk | Hablar | aˈβlaɾ | Parlar | paɾˈlaɾ |
| To return | Regresar | reɣɾeˈsaɾ | Tornar | toɾˈnaɾ |
| To eat | Comer | koˈmeɾ | Manjar | manˈxaɾ |
Another thing to pay close attention to is the relatively high number of false cognates between Spanish and Catalan. For example, Toronja means grapefruit in Spanish. And, just like that, there’s a word in Catalan that’s just the same: toronja . So, it must also mean grapefruit, right? Nope! It actually means orange in Catalan! As you can imagine, these words can be real headaches for speakers of either language. Here are some you should be aware of to avoid making an embarrassing mistake!
| Spanish | Spanish IPA | Spanish meaning | Catalan | Catalan IPA | Catalan meaning |
| Toronja | toˈɾonxa | Grapefruit | Taronja | toˈɾonxa | Orange |
| Alejar | aleˈxaɾ | To move away | Aletejar | aleteˈxaɾ | To flutter |
| Boleto | boˈleto | Ticket | Bolet | boˈlet | Mushroom |
| Cama | ˈkama | Bed | Cama | ˈkama | Leg |
| Cabello | kaˈβeʎo | Hair | Capell | kaˈpeʎ | Hat |
| Cocina | koˈθina | Kitchen | Cosina | koˈsina | Cousin |
| Dato | ˈdato | Data | Data | ˈdata | Date |
| Escoltar | eskolˈtaɾ | To escort | Escoltar | eskolˈtaɾ | To listen |
| Espalda | esˈpalda | Back | Espatla | esˈpatla | Shoulder |
| Foco | ˈfoko | Lightbulb | Foc | ˈfok | Fire |
| Galleta | ɡaˈʎeta | Cookie | Gallet | ɡaˈʎet | Trigger |
| Joya | ˈxoʝa | Gem | Joia | ˈxoja | Joy |
| Jueves | ˈxweβes | Thursday | Jueves | ˈxweβes | Jews |
| Llevar | ʎeˈβaɾ | To take | Llevar | ʎeˈβaɾ | To take away |
| Mora | ˈmoɾa | Berry | Mora | ˈmoɾa | Delay |
| Músculo | ˈmuskulo | Muscle | Musclo | ˈmusklo | Mussel |
| Nombre | ˈnombɾe | Name | Nombre | ˈnombɾe | Number |
| Oreja | oˈɾexa | Ear | Oreja | oˈɾexa | To air |
| Pastel | pasˈtel | Cake | Pastell | pasˈteʎ | A mess up |
| Por | poɾ | For | Por | poɾ | Fear |
| Pudor | puˈðoɾ | Modesty | Pudor | puˈðoɾ | Stench |
| Rentar | renˈtaɾ | To rent | Rentar | renˈtaɾ | To wash |
| Rosa | ˈrosa | Pink | Rossa | ˈrossa | Blonde |
| Cerradura | θeraˈðuɾa | Lock | Serradura | seraˈðuɾa | Sawmill |
| Atender | atenˈdeɾ | To attend | Attendre | atˈtendɾe | To pay attention to |
You might think there aren’t many differences between Spanish and Catalan because they’re both spoken in the same country. However, Catalonia has a distinct identity with its own culture and traditions.
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No, Catalan isn’t a Spanish dialect. It is its own language with its own regulatory organisms, the Institute for Catalan Studies (IEC) and the Acadèmia Valenciana de la Llengua (AVL).
Catalan is spoken in the Spanish regions of Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, the Aragonese Strip, and the Valencian Community, as well as the French region of Roussillon, the Italian city of Alghero, and the country of Andorra.
A dialect is usually an informal, regional variation of a language, whereas a language is a fully defined formal language with its own regulatory organisms. In general, you can think of a dialect as a local way of engaging with a bigger language that often changes the parent language’s grammar, spelling, and pronunciation.
However, they also say that a language is a dialect with an army and a navy, which points out the often arbitrary distinctions between languages and dialects. For example, Russian and Belarusian are largely mutually intelligible, but Belarusian remains a separate language thanks to being one of the official languages of Belarus. On the other hand, Mandarin and Cantonese aren’t mutually intelligible at all in spoken form, yet they’re both considered dialects of Chinese.
Spanish and Castellano are often used interchangeably, although they’re not exactly the same thing. The Castilian dialect of Spanish — known in Spanish as Castellano — developed in the Middle Ages during the Kingdom of Castile in central and northern Spain. This was the kingdom that launched expeditions to the Americas, which is ultimately why this is the version of Spanish that got popularized around the world.
The Real Academia Española, the agency that governs the language, considers both Castellano and Spanish to be synonymous. In practice, however, Spanish is often used to refer to the language spoken all over the world, while Castellano is used to refer to the specific version of Spanish spoken in Spain.
Hello in Catalan is exactly the same as Spanish: hola . The pronunciation is slightly different from Spanish, although pronouncing it with a Spanish accent will get you close enough. If you’re looking for other greetings in Catalan, you can try the following:
Catalonia is sandwiched right in between Spain and France. It borders France’s region of Occitanie, whose local language, Occitan, resembles Catalan very closely. Since all of these languages have a common origin, you can think of them as a continuum where, in general, geographical proximity translates into linguistic proximity. Since Catalonia is right in the middle of Spain and France, Catalan resembles Spanish and French. It’s perhaps a bit more similar to Spanish, however, since Catalonia has been a part of the Spanish State for centuries.
Yes! Although Barcelona natives will speak Catalan to each other, everyone speaks Spanish in addition to Catalan. So, don’t be alarmed if you walk into a store and someone greets you using Catalan. Barcelona is a very cosmopolitan city with people from all over Spain and all over the world, so natives are used to speaking Spanish with other people in Barcelona.
Ultimately, choosing which language to learn is a very personal decision that should be made with not just the brain but the heart. You will spend a lot of time learning either language, so choose the one you feel more passionate about. The important thing is learning the language to a usable level, as neither will be very helpful if you don’t learn it all the way.
Still unsure which language to study? Then consider taking a sample lesson from each language to see which you like best! It’s now easier than ever to learn Spanish or Catalan, whether in-person or online . And if you want to learn more about Spanish, take a look at our Spanish blog ! We regularly publish helpful Spanish guides, from how to say hello in Spanish to how to wish a Merry Christmas in Spanish !
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If you find yourself in a Spanish-speaking country during Christmas, then you’ll definitely want to learn a few ways of wishing someone a Merry Christmas. Even if you don’t partake in the celebrations yourself, you’re bound to be wished a Merry Christmas every now and then, so you’ll want to know how to respond.
In this festive article, we’ll be covering 43 unique ways of wishing someone a Merry Christmas in Spanish, plus several inclusive ways of wishing someone a happy holiday regardless of religion.
First things first, let’s talk about how to actually say Merry Christmas in Spanish: ¡ Feliz Navidad! You may have heard this Christmas greeting before, as it’s the most common one, but it’s not the only one. There are many ways of wishing someone a Merry Christmas in Spanish, and you can choose the best one depending on the level of closeness and what your Christmas wishes are. Below, we’ll cover dozens of ways to wish someone a Merry Christmas in Spanish so you can go beyond the simple ¡Feliz Navidad!
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So, although “¡Feliz Navidad!” can do the trick in most situations, we don’t want you to simply get by: we want you to thrive. Especially during the holidays! Making a great impression on your loved ones during the holidays is very important, as it’s a time to show your friends and family that you care for them and wish them well. Since New Year’s Day comes so close after Christmas, many Christmas wishes include some Spanish happy New Year’s wishes as well.
Check out the following Spanish Christmas greetings with various levels of cheer and love so you always have the right greeting.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Merry Christmas! | ¡Feliz Navidad! | feh-lees nah-vee-dahd | feˈlið naβiˈðað |
| Merry Christmas Eve! | ¡Feliz Nochebuena! | feh-lees no-che-boo-eh-nah | feˈlið noʧeˈβwena |
| I wish you a Merry Christmas! | ¡Te deseo una feliz Navidad! | teh deh-seh-oh oo-nah feh-lees nah-vee-dahd | te ðeˈseo ˈuna feˈlið naβiˈðað |
| My best wishes to you this Christmas! | ¡Mis mejores deseos para esta Navidad! | mees meh-hoh-ress deh-seh-oss pah-rah ess-tah nah-vee-dahd | miz meˈxoɾez ðeˈseos ˈpaɾa ˈesta naβiˈðað |
| I hope you have a beautiful time this Christmas. | Que pases lindo esta Navidad. | keh pah-sess leen-doe ess-tah nah-vee-dahd | miz meˈxoɾez ðeˈseos ˈpaɾa ˈesta naβiˈðað |
| Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. | ¡Feliz Navidad y próspero Año Nuevo! | feh-lees nah-vee-dahd e pross-peh-roh ah-nyoh noo-eh-voh | feˈlið naβiˈðað i ˈpɾospeɾo ˈaɲo ˈnweβo |
| I hope you have a merry Christmas. | Que pases una feliz Navidad. | keh pah-sehs oo-nah feh-lees nah-vee-dahd | ˈke ˈpases ˈuna feˈlið naβiˈðað |
| We wish you a Merry Christmas from my family to yours. | Te deseamos una feliz Navidad de mi familia a la tuya. | teh deh-seh-ah-moss oo-nah feh-lees nah-vee-dahd deh me fah-me-lee-ah ah la too-yah | te ðeseˈamos ˈuna feˈlið naβiˈðað ðe mi faˈmilja a la ˈtuʝa |
| I wish you the best Christmas of them all. | Te deseo la mejor Navidad de todas. | teh deh-seh-oh la meh-hor nah-vee-dahd deh toh-dass | te ðeˈseo la meˈxoɾ naβiˈðað ðe ˈtoðas |
| I hope you have an extraordinary Christmas. | Que tengas una Navidad extraordinaria. | keh ten-gass oo-nah nah-vee-dahd ex-trah-or-dee-nah-ree-ah | ˈke ˈtenɡas ˈuna naβiˈðað ekstɾaoɾðiˈnaɾja |
| I hope you enjoy your Christmas with your family and loved ones. | Que disfrutes de tu Navidad con tu familia y seres queridos. | keh dees-froo-tess deh too nah-vee-dahd cohn too fa-me-lee-ah e seh-ress keh-ree-doss | ˈke ðisˈfɾutez ðe tu naβiˈðað kon tu faˈmilja j ˈseɾes keˈɾiðos |
| I hope you have an excellent Christmas and have a very nice dinner. | Que pases una excelente Navidad y cenes muy rico. | keh pah-sess oo-nah ex-eh-lehn-teh e seh-ness mooy ree-coh | ˈke ˈpases ˈuna ekseˈlente naβiˈðað i ˈθenez muj ˈriko |
| I hope you have a Christmas filled with love, happiness, and health. | Que tengas una Navidad llena de amor, alegría y salud. | keh tehn-gass oo-nah nah-vee-dahd yeh-nah deh ah-moor, ah-leh-gree-ah e sah-lood | ˈke ˈtenɡas ˈuna naβiˈðað ˈʎena ðe aˈmoɾ | aleˈɣɾia j saˈluð |
| I hope your Christmas is wonderful, white, happy, calm, and healthy. | Que tu Navidad sea maravillosa, blanca, alegre, tranquila y saludable. | keh too nah-vee-dahd seh-ah mah-rah-vee-yoh-sah, blahn-cah, trahn-key-lah e sah-loo-dah-bleh | ˈke tu naβiˈðað ˈsea maɾaβiˈʎosa | ˈblanka | aˈleɣɾe | tɾanˈkila j saluˈðaβle |
| I wish you a Merry Christmas and many happy moments in the upcoming year. | Feliz Navidad y muchos momentos felices en el año que viene. | feh-lees-nah-vee-dahd e moo-choss moh-mehn-toss feh-lee-sehs ehn ell ah-nyoh keh vee-eh-neh | feˈlið naβiˈðað i ˈmuʧoz moˈmentos feˈliθes en el ˈaɲo ˈke ˈβjene |
| I hope the tenderness and hope of Christmass fills your hearts with love, peace, joy, and happiness. | Que la ternura y la esperanza de la Navidad llene vuestros corazones de amor, paz, alegría y felicidad. | keh la tehr-noo-rah e la ess-peh-rahn-sah deh la nah-vee-dahd yeh-neh noo-ess-tross coh-rah-zoh-ness deh ah-moor, pas, ah-leh-gree-ah e feh-lee-see-dahd | ˈke la teɾˈnuɾa j la espeˈɾanθa ðe la naβiˈðað ˈʎene ˈβwestɾos koɾaˈθonez ðe aˈmoɾ | ˈpaθ | aleˈɣɾia j feliθiˈðað |
| Mery Christmas and prosperous new year! Don’t forget to decorate the Christmas tree! | ¡Feliz Navidad y próspero año nuevo! ¡No te olvides de decorar el árbol de Navidad! | feh-lees nah-vee-dahd e pross-peh-roh ah-nyoh noo-eh-voh! no teh ohl-vee-dess deh deh-coh-rahr elle ar-boll deh nah-vee-dahd | feˈlið naβiˈðað i ˈpɾospeɾo ˈaɲo ˈnweβo ‖ ˈno te olˈβiðez ðe ðekoˈɾaɾ el ˈaɾβol de naβiˈðað |
| Much love for you and your family this Christmas. | Mucho cariño para ti y tu familia esta Navidad. | moo-cho cah-ree-nyoh pah-rah tee e too fah-me-lee-ah ess-tah nah-vee-dahd | ˈmuʧo kaˈɾiɲo ˈpaɾa ˈti i tu faˈmilja ˈesta naβiˈðað |
| I hope that the best gift you receive this Christmas is to be next to your loved ones sharing peace, hope, and joy. | Que en esta Navidad el mejor regalo que recibas sea estar junto a tus seres queridos compartiendo paz, esperanza y alegría. | keh ehn ess-tah nah-vee-dahd elle meh-hor reh-gah-loh keh reh-see-bass seh-ah ess-tahr whoon-toe ah toos seh-ress keh-ree-doss com-pare-tee-ehn-doh pas, ess-peh-rahn-sah e ah-leh-gree-ah | ˈke en ˈesta naβiˈðað el meˈxoɾ reˈɣalo ˈke reˈθiβas ˈsea esˈtaɾ ˈxunto a tus ˈseɾes keˈɾiðos kompaɾˈtjendo ˈpaθ | espeˈɾanθa j aleˈɣɾia |
| I hope that Bethlehem’s Star shines upon your life this Christmas. | Que la estrella de Belén ilumine tu vida esta Navidad. | keh la ess-treh-yah deh beh-lehn e-loo-me-neh too vee-dah ess-tah nah-vee-dahd | ˈke la esˈtɾeʎa ðe βeˈlen iluˈmine tu ˈβiða ˈesta naβiˈðað |
| This Christmas, I’m toasting to our friendship. | En esta Navidad brindo por nuestra amistad. | ehn ess-tah nah-vee-dahd breen-doe pore noo-ess-trah ah-mees-tahd | en ˈesta naβiˈðað ˈβɾindo poɾ ˈnwestɾa amisˈtað |
| I hope that this Christmas is bright, brings joy and love and ignites a new year full of light and hope for you. | Que esta Navidad sea brillante, traiga alegría y amor y encienda un Año Nuevo de luz y esperanza para ti. | keh ess-tah nah-vee-dahd seh-ah bree-yahn-teh, trah-e-gah ah-leh-gree-ah e ah-moor e ehn-see-ehn-dah oon ah-nyoh noo-eh-voh deh looz e ess-peh-rahn-sah pah-rah tee. | ˈke ˈesta naβiˈðað ˈsea βɾiˈʎante | ˈtɾajɣa aleˈɣɾia j aˈmoɾ j enˈθjenda wn ˈaɲo ˈnweβo ðe ˈluθ j espeˈɾanθa ˈpaɾa ˈti |
| I wish that your Christmas is bright, brings you joy, love, peace, and harmony. | Te deseo que tu Navidad sea luminosa, te traiga alegría, amor, paz y armonía. | teh deh-seh-oh keh too nah-ve-dahd seh-ah loo-me-no-sah, teh trah-e-gah ah-leh-gree-ah, ah-moore, paz e are-moh-nee-ah | te ðeˈseo ˈke tu naβiˈðað ˈsea lumiˈnosa | te ˈtɾajɣa aleˈɣɾia | aˈmoɾ | ˈpaθ j aɾmoˈnia |
| I hope you spend a warm Christmas with the company of those you love. | Que pases una cálida Navidad en compañía de los que amas. | keh pah-sehs oo-nah cah-lee-dah nah-vee-dahd ehn com-pah-nyee-ah deh loss keh ah-mass | ˈke ˈpases ˈuna ˈkaliða naβiˈðað en kompaˈɲia ðe los ˈke ˈamas. |
| I hope that the peace and harmony celebrated during Christmas are present every day of your new year. | Que la paz y la armonía celebrada en Navidad estén presentes todos los días de tu año nuevo. | keh la pas e la are-mo-nee-ah seh-leh-brah-dah ehn nah-vee-dahd ess-tehn preh-sehn-tess toh-doss los dee-ass deh too ah-nyoh noo-eh-voh | ˈke la ˈpaθ i la aɾmoˈnia θeleˈβɾaða en naβiˈðað esˈtem pɾeˈsentes ˈtoðoz loz ˈðiaz ðe tw ˈaɲo ˈnweβo |
| I wish you the most happiness in a unique and special Christmas. | Te deseo la mayor felicidad en una Navidad única y especial. | teh deh-seh-oh la mah-yoor feh-lee-see-dahd ehn oo-nah nah-vee-dahd oo-nee-cah e ess-peh-see-all | te ðeˈseo la maˈʝoɾ feliθiˈðað en ˈuna naβiˈðað ˈunika j espeˈθja |
| I wish you immense happiness this Christmas for you and your family. | Te deseo una felicidad inmensa en esta Navidad para ti y tu familia. | teh deh-seh-oh oo-nah feh-lee-see-dahd een-mehn-sah ess-tah nah-vee-dahd pah-rah tee e too fah-me-lee-ah | te ðeˈseo ˈuna feliθiˈðað imˈmensa en ˈesta naβiˈðað ˈpaɾa ˈti i tu faˈmilja |
| I hope this Christmas is full of happiness for you and your family. | Que esta Navidad te llena de felicidad a ti y a toda tu familia | keh ess-tah nah-ve-dahd teh yeh-neh deh feh-lee-see-dahd ah tee e ah toh-dah too fah-mee-lee-ah | ˈke ˈesta naβiˈðað te ˈʎena ðe feliθiˈðað a ˈti j a ˈtoða tu faˈmilja |
| I hope that the divine light lights your way during this and all the Christmases that are yet to come. | Que la luz divina ilumine tu camino en esta y todas las Navidades que están por venir. | keh la looz dee-vee-nah e-loo-me-neh too ca-me-noh ehn ess-tah e to-dass las nah-vee-dah-dess keh ess-tahn pore veh-neer | ˈke la ˈluð ðiˈβina jluˈmine tu kaˈmino en ˈesta j ˈtoðaz laz naβiˈðaðes ˈke esˈtam poɾ βeˈniɾ |
| I hope that this Christmas helps you reach all of your heart’s dreams, that it brings you joy for every day of the new year, and that you can share all of this with the special people who are a part of your life. | Que la Navidad te ayude a cumplir todos los sueños de tu corazón, que te traiga alegría para cada día del año nuevo y que puedas compartir todo esto con las personas especiales que forman parte de tu vida. | keh la nah-vee-dahd teh ah-you-deh ah coom-pleer loss soo-eh-nyoss deh too coh-rah-zohn, keh teh trah-e-gah ah-leh-gree-ah pah-rah cah-dah dee-ah dell ah-nyoh noo-eh-voh e keh poo-eh-dass com-par-teer toh-doh ess-toe cohn las pehr-soh-nass keh fore-mahn par-teh deh soo vee-dah | ˈke la naβiˈðað te aˈʝuðe a kumˈpliɾ ˈtoðoz los ˈsweɲoz ðe tu koɾaˈθon | ˈke te ˈtɾajɣa aleˈɣɾia ˈpaɾa ˈkaða ˈðia ðel ˈaɲo ˈnweβo j ˈke ˈpweðas kompaɾˈtiɾ ˈtoðo ˈesto kon las peɾˈsonas espeˈθjales ˈke ˈfoɾmam ˈpaɾte ðe su ˈβiða |
As Spanish continues to climb the list of the best languages for business , so does the number of people learning Spanish for business. As such, you’ll want to foster a positive relationship with your clients, colleagues, and business partners — and that includes the holiday season. Here are some greetings you can use to wish a Merry Christmas to those you work with!
![\"Spanish](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt60dc75e47efc1a05/64e42a3aea7fb37b9312d796/pexels-pavel-danilyuk-6405769.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| We hope that all of your wishes come true this Christmas. We will continue helping you make them come true! | Esperamos que todos tus deseos se vuelvan realidad esta Navidad. ¡Nosotros seguiremos ayudándote a cumplirlos! | ehs-peh-rah-moss keh toh-doss toos deh-seh-oss seh voo-ehl-vahn reh-ah-lee-dahd. ¡Noh-soh-tross seh-gee-reh-moss ah-you-dahn-doh-teh ah coom-pleer-loss! | espeˈɾamos ˈke ˈtoðos tuz ðeˈseos se ˈβwelβan realiˈðað ˈesta naβiˈðað ‖ noˈsotɾos seɣiˈɾemos aʝuˈðandote a kumˈpliɾlos |
| You’re the reason why we celebrate. We hope you have an excellent Christmas! | Eres la razón por la que celebramos. ¡Que pases una excelente Navidad! | eh-ress lah rah-zohn pore lah keh seh-leh-brah-moss. ¡Keh pah-sehs oo-nah ex-eh-lehn-teh nah-vee-dahd! | ˈeɾez la raˈθom poɾ la ˈke θeleˈβɾamos ‖ ˈke ˈpases ˈuna ekseˈlente naβiˈðað |
| Merry Christmas! Thank you for everything we’ve shared this year. | ¡Feliz Navidad! Gracias por todo lo que hemos compartido este año. | ¡feh-lees nah-vee-dahd! grah-see-ahs pore toe-doh loh keh eh-moss com-par-tee-doh whon-toss ess-teh ah-nyoh. | feˈlið naβiˈðað ‖ ˈɡɾaθjas poɾ ˈtoðo lo ˈke ˈemos kompaɾˈtiðo ˈeste ˈaɲo |
| Happy holidays! We hope that this Christmas, there is nothing more urgent than being with the people who matter to you. | ¡Felices fiestas! Que en esta Navidad, nada sea más urgente que estar con quienes más te importan. | ¡feh-lee-sehs-fee-ess-tass! keh ess-tah nah-vee-dahd, nah-dah seh-ah mass oor-hehn-teh keh ess-tar con key-eh-ness mahs teh eem-pore-tahn | feˈliθes ˈfjestas ‖ ˈke en ˈestaz naβiˈðaðes | ˈnaða ˈsea ˈmas uɾˈxente ˈke esˈtaɾ kon ˈkjenez ˈmas te jmˈpoɾtan |
| Ho, ho, ho! Christmas is coming and we want to let you know how happy we are to have you by our side. We hope you spend a beautiful Christmas! | ¡Jo, Jo, Jo! Se acerca la época navideña y queremos decirte lo feliz que nos hace tenerte a nuestro lado. ¡Esperamos que pases una hermosa Navidad! | ¡ho, ho, ho! seh ah-sehr-cah la eh-poh-cah nah-vee-deh-nyah e keh-reh-moss deh-seehr-teh loh feh-lees keh noss ah-seh teh-nehr-teh ah noo-ess-troh la-doh. ¡ess-peh-rah-moss keh pah-sehs oo-nah air-moh-sah nah-vee-dahd! | ˈxo | ˈxo | ˈxo ‖ se aˈθeɾka la ˈepoka naβiˈðeɲa j keˈɾemoz ðeˈθiɾte lo feˈliθ ˈke nos ˈaθe teˈneɾte a ˈnwestɾo ˈlaðo ‖ espeˈɾamos ˈke ˈpases ˈuna eɾˈmosa naβiˈðað |
| You’re the most valuable to us. We hope we can count on you for many more Christmases! | Eres lo más valioso para nosotros. ¡Esperamos contar contigo durante muchas Navidades más! | eh-ress lo mahs vah-lee-oh-soh pah-rah noh-soh-tross. ¡ess-peh-rah-moss con-tahr con-tee-goh doo-rahn-teh moo-chas nah-vee-dah-dess mas! | ˈeɾez lo ˈmaz βaˈljoso ˈpaɾa noˈsotɾos ‖ espeˈɾamos konˈtaɾ konˈtiɣo ðuˈɾante ˈmuʧaz naβiˈðaðez ˈmas |
| The fact that you’re by our side is one of our greatest satisfactions. We hope you can spend a holiday season filled with joy. | Que estén a nuestro lado es una de las mejores satisfacciones. Esperamos que pasen una época llena de alegría. | keh ess-tehn ah noo-ess-troh la-doh ess oo-nah deh lass meh-hoh-ress sah-tees-fac-see-oh-ness. Es-peh-rah-moss keh pah-sehn oo-nah eh-poh-cah yeh-nah deh ah-leh-gree-ah | ˈke esˈten a ˈnwestɾo ˈlaðo ˈes ˈuna ðe laz meˈxoɾes satisfakˈθjones ‖ espeˈɾamos ˈke ˈpasen ˈuna ˈepoka ˈʎena ðe aleˈɣɾia |
| A new year of collaboration, challenges, successes, and learnings has come to an end. Thank you for making it all possible, and Merry Christmas! | Termina un nuevo año de colaboración, desafíos, éxitos y aprendizajes. Gracias por haberlo hecho posible y, ¡feliz Navidad! | tehr-me-nah oon noo-eh-voh ah-nyoh deh coh-lah-boh-rah-see-ohn, deh-sah-fee-ohs, ex-e-toss e ah-prehn-dee-sah-hess. grah-see-ass pore ah-behr-lo eh-cho poh-see-bleh e, ¡feh-leez nah-vee-dahd! | teɾˈmina wn ˈnweβo ˈaɲo ðe kolaβoɾaˈθjon | desaˈfios | ˈeksitos j apɾendiˈθaxes ‖ ˈɡɾaθjas poɾ aˈβeɾlo ˈeʧo poˈsiβle j | feˈlið naβiˈðað |
| Our biggest wish is to help you meet your goals for next year and every one thereafter. Merry Christmas! | Nuestro mayor deseo es ayudarte a realizar tus metas para el próximo año y los que le siguen. ¡Feliz Navidad! | noo-ess-troh mah-yohr deh-seh-oh ess ah-you-dahr-teh ah reh-ah-lee-zahr toos meh-tass pah-rah elle prox-e-moh ah-nyoh e los keh leh see-gehn. ¡feh-leez nah-vee-dahd! | ˈnwestɾo maˈʝoɾ ðeˈseo ˈes aʝuˈðaɾte a realiˈθaɾ tuz ˈmetas ˈpaɾa el ˈpɾoksimo ˈaɲo j los ˈke le ˈsiɣen |
| One of our 12 wishes is that our collaboration remains strong and keeps growing. | Uno de nuestros 12 deseos es que nuestra colaboración se mantenga y crezca. | oo-noh deh noo-ess-trohs doh-seh deh-seh-oss ehs keh noo-ess-trah coh-lah-boh-rah-see-ohn seh mahn-tehn-gah e crehs-kah | ˈuno ðe ˈnwestɾoz ˈðoθe ðeˈseos ˈes ˈke ˈnwestɾa kolaβoɾaˈθjon se manˈtenɡa j ˈkɾeθka |
| Happy holidays! Thank you for trusting us to make your projects come true! | ¡Felices fiestas! ¡Gracias por confiar en nosotros para hacer realidad tus proyectos! | ¡feh-lee-sehs fee-ess-tass! grah-see-ass pore con-fee-are ehn nos-oh-tross pah-rah ah-sehr reh-ah-lee-dahd toos pro-yec-toss | feˈliθes ˈfjestas ‖ ˈɡɾaθjas poɾ komˈfjaɾ en noˈsotɾos ˈpaɾa aˈθeɾ realiˈðað tus pɾoˈʝektos |
| We wish you health, prosperity, and realized dreams. For us, we wish that we can continue accompanying you on your success. | A ti te deseamos salud, prosperidad y sueños cumplidos. A nosotros, que sigamos acompañando tu éxito. | ah tee teh deh-seh-ah-moss sah-lood, pros-peh-ree-dahd e soo-eh-nyoss coom-plee-doss. Ah noss-oh-tross, keh see-gah-moss ah-com-pah-nyahn-doh too ex-e-toe | a ˈti te ðeseˈamos saˈluð | pɾospeɾiˈðað i ˈsweɲos kumˈpliðos ‖ a noˈsotɾos | ˈke siˈɣamos akompaˈɲando tw ˈeksito |
| Enjoy the celebrations, we’ll be waiting for you with open arms. Merry Christmas! | Disfruta las fiestas; estaremos esperándote con los brazos abiertos. ¡Feliz Navidad! | dees-foo-tah las fee-ess-tass; ess-tah-reh-moss ess-peh-rahn-doe-teh cohn los ah-brah-zos ah-bee-air-toes. ¡feh-leez nah-vee-dahd! | disˈfɾuta las ˈfjestas | estaˈɾemos espeˈɾandote kon loz ˈβɾaθos aˈβjeɾtos ‖ feˈlið naβiˈðað |
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Christmas time offers a great opportunity to learn some fun new Spanish vocabulary. From special food, drinks, flowers, and much more, you can take this as an opportunity to supercharge your Spanish knowledge. Plus, knowing these words will help you be even more festive so you can enjoy the holidays to the max. That’s a win-win in my book!
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| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Christmas Day | El día de Navidad | dee-ah deh nah-vee-dahd | ˈdia ðe naβiˈðað |
| Christmas Eve | La Nochebuena | noh-cheh-boo-eh-nah | noʧeˈβwena |
| Christmas party | La fiesta de Navidad | fee-ess-tah deh nah-vee-dad | ˈfjesta ðe naβiˈðað |
| Midnight mass | La misa del gallo | mee-sah dell gah-yoh | ˈmisa ðel ˈɣaʎo |
| Christmas lights | Las luces navideñas | loo-sehs nah-vee-deh-nyahs | ˈluθez naβiˈðeɲas |
| Christmas stockings | Los calcetines navideños | call-seh-tee-ness nah-vee-deh-nyoss | kalθeˈtinez naβiˈðeɲos |
| Mistletoe | El muérdago | moo-ehr-dah-goh | ˈmweɾðaɣo |
| Candle | La vela | veh-lah | ˈβela |
| Christmas card | La carta de Navidad | car-tah deh nah-vee-dahd | ˈkaɾta ðe naβiˈðað |
| Christmas carols | Los villancicos | vee-yahn-see-coss | βiʎanˈθikos |
| Santa Clause | Papá Noel | pah-pah noh-ell | paˈpa noˈel |
| Santa Clause | Santa Claus | santa closs | ˈsanta ˈklaws |
| Santa Clause | San Nicolás | sahn nee-coh-lass | ˈsan nikoˈlas |
| Sled | El trineo | tree-neh-oh | tɾiˈneo |
| Sleigh bells | Los cascabeles | cass-cah-beh-less | kaskaˈβeles |
| Reindeer | Los renos | reh-noss | ˈrenos |
| Snowman | El hombre de nieve | ohm-breh deh lass nee-eh-vess | ˈombɾe ðe ˈnjeβe |
| Advent calendar | El calendario de adviento | cah-lehn-dah-ree-oh deh ad-vee-ehn-toh | kalenˈdaɾjo ðe aðˈβjento |
| The Christmas spirit | El espíritu navideño | ess-pee-ree-too nah-vee-deh-nyoh | esˈpiɾitu naβiˈðeɲo |
| Fireworks | Los fuegos artificiales | foo-eh-goss are-tee-fee-see-ah-less | fweˈɣoes aɾtifiˈθjales |
| Christmas tree | El árbol de Navidad | are-boll deh nah-vee-dad | ˈaɾβol de naβiˈðað |
| Christmas ornaments (spheres) | Las esferas | ess-feh-ras | esˈfeɾas |
| Christmas ornaments | Los adornos | ah-dore-noss | aˈðoɾnos |
| Angel | El ángel | ahn-hell | ˈanxel |
| Star | La estrella | ehs-treh-yah | esˈtɾeʎa |
| Christmas gift | El regalo de Navidad | reh-gah-loh deh nah-vee-dahd | reˈɣalo ðe naβiˈðað |
| Chirstmas cake | El pastel de Navidad | pass-tehl deh nah-vee-dahd | pasˈtel de naβiˈðað |
| Cookies | Las galletas | gah-yeh-tass | ɣaˈʎetas |
| Candy cane | El bastón de caramelo | bass-tohn deh car-meh-loh | βasˈton de kaɾaˈmelo |
| Chestnuts | Las castañas | cas-tah-nyass | kasˈtaɲas |
| Nougat | El turrón | too-rohn | tuˈron |
| Turkey | El pavo | pah-voh | ˈpaβo |
| Hot chocolate | El chocolate caliente | cho-coh-lah-teh cah-lee-ehn-teh | ʧokoˈlate kaˈljente |
| Champagne | La champaña | cham-pah-nyah | ʧamˈpaɲa |
| Baby Jesus | El Niño Dios | neeh-nyoh dee-oss | ˈniɲo ˈðjos |
| Punch | El ponche | pohn-che | ˈponʧe |
| To toast | Brindar | breen-dahr | bɾinˈdaɾ |
| To celebrate | Celebrar | seh-leh-brahr | θeleˈβɾaɾ |
| To decorate | Decorar | deh-coh-rahs | dekoˈɾaɾ |
| To wish | Desear | deh-seh-ahr | deseˈaɾ |
| To gift | Regalar | reh-gah-lahr | reɣaˈlaɾ |
| To wrap | Envolver | ehn-voll-vehr | embolˈβeɾ |
| To open a present | Abrir un regalo | ah-breer oohn reh-gah-loh | aˈβɾiɾ un reˈɣalo |
| The inns | Las posadas | poh-sah-dass | poˈsaðas |
The holidays are the time to enjoy blissful moments with friends and family. And what brings more joy than singing along to some festive songs? If you’re looking for your new favorite Merry Christmas song in Spanish, here are ten excellent choices for all kinds of people, from children to teenagers and adults!
While Christmas is celebrated in many countries all over the world, there are many differences in how it’s celebrated across cultures. There are many variations among Spanish-speaking countries too, and many regions will have local customs, so not all traditions will be the same everywhere. Here are some of the most common traditions in Spanish-speaking countries:
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If you’re from the U.S. and celebrate Christmas, then you’re probably used to celebrating it on the 25th of December. However, most Spanish-speaking countries have a big Christmas celebration on Christmas Eve — the 24th of December. Typically, you’ll have a large dinner with your family on the 24th and spend the 25th with your friends and extended family.
For about a month before Christmas and a couple of weeks after, you’ll find nativity scenes — known in Spanish as “nascimientos” — everywhere in Spain and Latin America. These are depictions of the day Jesus was born, with figurines of the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, a donkey, a hay crib, and other characters. You’ll notice that the crib will be left empty until the 25th of December when Baby Jesus is placed on it to signify his birth. You’ll find nascimientos both in public settings and in private homes.
Traditionally, Catholics will go to mass exactly at midnight on the evening of December 24th. However, more and more people now choose to go to mass during the day on December 25th instead so as to not interrupt the Christmas Eve celebrations.
Finding yourself in a Spanish-speaking country in December can be a really fun time. Starting around the 10th of December, you’ll be invited to plenty of pre-Christmas parties known as “las posadas.” Traditionally, these parties signify the struggles Mary and Joseph faced when they got turned away from inns in Bethlehem before Jesus’s birth. Today, posadas are fun parties meant to be
Piñatas are world-famous festivities, most often associated with Mexico. However, they were originally introduced to Mexico from Europe, which had been brought over from China. The modern take on piñatas, however, stems from a Maya tradition that involved blindfolding the person hitting the piñata. The Aztecs also used piñatas to commemorate the god Huitzilopochtli, so it’s no surprise why they’re so common in Mexico to this date.
Today, piñatas are commonly used in posadas right before Christmas and for birthday celebrations. They are shaped in the form of a star with seven spikes, each representing one of the seven deadly sins. The piñata is then hit with a stick until it’s broken, which is meant to represent an act of purification so that the participants are better able to receive Jesus on the 25th. Oh, and did I mention that piñatas are usually filled with candy? No wonder everyone loves them!
You’re probably familiar with April Fool’s Day, a day for pranksters to pull out their best stunts and nobody can get mad about it (within reason!). The Spanish-speaking world’s equivalent of April Fool’s doesn’t happen in April, and it’s actually tied to the Christmas season. El Día de los Santos Inocentes (The Day of the Holy Innocents) commemorates all the children who were murdered because of Herod I the Great. He ordered that all children under the age of two had to be murdered in order to kill off Jesus, who he presumed was going to attempt to overthrow him.
Today, however, the holiday is taken as a day to pull off pranks on unsuspecting “ inocentes” (gullible people). So, remember to be on the lookout every December 28 and to take everything with a grain of salt!
You didn’t think the holiday celebrations would be over just after New Year’s, right? Spanish speakers love to celebrate, which is why the holiday season is extra long. In fact, one of the biggest holidays happens on January 6th, which is the day of the Reyes Magos (the three wise men). It commemorates the arrival of the three wise men, who traveled to Bethlehem to give Jesus three presents: oro (gold), mirra (myrrh) e incienso (incense).
This holiday varies in importance and traditions depending on the country. Here’s what you can expect for Día de Reyes in a few Spanish-speaking countries:
Celebrations in Spain begin the night of September 5th, which commemorates the galloping of the three wise men, Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar, to Bethlehem. This often involves a parade in the streets with different representations of the wise men making their triumphant arrival into town. Before going to bed, children will polish a pair of shoes and leave them out in a place the three wise men can get to, like the window sill, along with a glass of milk and some food like turrones (Spanish nougat).
In turn, the wise men will bring presents to children. That’s right, that means kids in Spain get presents twice: once from Santa and once from the wise men! In fact, most children get better presents from the wise men, with Santa Claus only bringing a small token or candy. That’s why most children in Spain actually prefer celebrating el Día de Reyes over Christmas!
On January 6th, most people will share a Roscón de Reyes (King’s Ring), which is a brioche-style sweet bread with dried and candied fruit. It’s often stuffed with cream and covered in sugar for extra flavor. Yum!
Mexico has different traditions regarding this holiday, with some children receiving some gifts from the wise men and others receiving all of their gifts from Santa Claus. One thing that is universal, though, is the tradition of eating a Rosca de Reyes. It’s very similar to the Roscón de Reyes in Spain, with one twist: there’s a figurine of baby Jesus hidden in the bread.
People will gather around at home, school, or the office and take turns to cut a piece of the rosca . Whoever cuts into baby Jesus will get to keep the figurine, which is often referred to as el monito. The one who finds el monito will earn the privilege of treating everyone to tamales and atole, which is a corn-based warm beverage typically drank during the holidays.
Children in Argentina will leave their shoes by the nascimento the night before January 6th in anticipation of some presents. They will also leave some food and water out for the wise men as and their camels. On January 6th, families will get together for a meal and some Rosca de Reyes.
Unlike other countries, Perú refers tot his holiday as la Bajada de Reyes , which means the descent of the kings. Families tend to get together to enjoy a family meal and then spend time together taking down the Christmas decorations.
This holiday is called las Promesas de los Reyes (the kings’ promises) in Puerto Rico. The nigh before, children go out and cut up some grass so they can leave it overnight for the wise men’s camels to eat. In return, the wise men will leave presents for the children.
This holiday has a special meaning in Cuba, where it’s referred to as la Pascua de los Negros y Día de San Baltazar (the Easter of Black people and the Day of Saint Balthazaar). It commemorates the day off slaves used to have back in the colonial era, when many of them went out into the streets to dance and celebrate. This holiday is celebrated in several countries in Latin America, including the Dominican Republic, Paraguay, Chile, Puerto Rico, and Uruguay.
Although many people consider Christmas to be less of a religious celebration and more of a cultural holiday, its religious elements could understandably make some people uncomfortable. If you wish to send someone your best holiday wishes without bringing in the religious element, here are 11 inclusive ways of wishing someone happy holidays in Spanish:
![\"Happy](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt0681b27cd0c53250/64e42f8404539bee735aafbf/pexels-rdne-stock-project-6224647.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Happy holidays! | ¡Felices Fiestas! | feh-lee-sehs fee-ess-tass | feˈliθes ˈfjestas |
| Happy holidays to you and your family | Felices fiestas a ti y a tu familia. | feh-lee-sehs fee-ess-tass ah tee e ah too fah-me-lee-ah | feˈliθes ˈfjestas a ˈti j a tu faˈmilja |
| Happy holidays to you and yours. | Felices fiestas para ti y los tuyos. | feh-lee-sehs fee-ess-tass pah-rah tee e too fa-me-lee-ah | feˈliθes ˈfjestas ˈpaɾa ˈti i los ˈtuʝos |
| I hope you have fantastic winter vacations. | Que tengas unas vacaciones de invierno fantásticas | keh ten-gass oo-nass vah-cah-see-oh-ness deh een-vee-air-noh fahn-tass-tee-cass | ˈke ˈtenɡas ˈunaz βakaˈθjonez ðe jmˈbjeɾno fanˈtastikas |
| Happy vacations! | ¡Felices vacaciones! | feh-lee-sehs vah-cah-see-oh-ness | feˈliθez βakaˈθjones |
| Happy holidays and I hope we find many more celebrations along our way. | Felices fiestas y que haya muchas celebraciones más en nuestro camino | feh-lee-sehs fee-ess-tass e keh ah-yah moo-chas seh-leh-brah-see-oh-ness mahs ehn noo-ess-troh cah-me-noh | feˈliθes ˈfjestas i ˈke ˈaʝa ˈmuʧas θeleβɾaˈθjonez ˈmas en ˈnwestɾo kaˈmino |
| I hope that the joy of the holidays accompanies you each day of next year. | Que la alegría de las fiestas te acompañe cada día del próximo año. | keh la ah-leh-gree-ah deh lass fee-ess-tas teh ah-com-pah-nyeh cah-dah dee-ah dell prox-e-moh ah-nyoh | ˈke la aleˈɣɾia ðe las ˈfjestas te akomˈpaɲe ˈkaða ˈðia ðel ˈpɾoksimo ˈaɲo |
| I wish you a lot of joy and happiness these holidays. | Te deseo mucha alegría y felicidad estas fiestas. | teh deh-seh-oh moo-cha ah-leh-gree-ah e feh-lee-see-dahd ess-tass fee-ess-tass | te ðeˈseo ˈmuʧa aleˈɣɾia j feliθiˈðað ˈestas ˈfjestas |
| I hope you enjoy all of your family traditions. | Que disfruten todas sus tradiciones familiares. | keh dees-froo-tehn toh-dass soos trah-dee-see-oh-ness fah-me-lee-ah-ress | ˈke ðisˈfɾuten ˈtoðas sus tɾaðiˈθjones famiˈljaɾes |
| I wish that you spend this season filled with love and happiness. | Te deseo que pases esta temporada lleno de amor y felicidad. | teh deh-seh-oh keh pah-sehs ess-tah tehm-poh-rah-dah yeh-noh deh ah-moor e feh-lee-see-dahd | te ðeˈseo ˈke ˈpases ˈesta tempoˈɾaða ˈʎeno ðe aˈmoɾ i feliθiˈðað |
| My best wishes for you and your family on these dates. | Mis mejores deseos para ti y tu familia en estas fechas. | mees meh-hoh-ress deh-seh-oss pah-rah tee e too fah-me-lee-ah ehn ess-tass feh-chas | miz meˈxoɾez ðeˈseos ˈpaɾa ˈti i tu faˈmilja en ˈestas ˈfeʧas |
Holidays are special all over the world, and some of history’s greatest thinkers have come up with some very insightful quotes about them. Here are some thought-provoking thoughts from writers, politicians, and actors that you can include in your holiday cards this season.
| English | Spanish | Author | Pronunciation | IPA |
| I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. | Honraré la Navidad en mi corazón y procuraré conservarla durante todo el año. | Charles Dickens | oh-noh-rah-reh la nah-vee-dahd ehn me coh-rah-zohn e proh-cooh-rah-reh cohn-sehr-vahr-lah doo-rahn-teh toe-doh elle ah-nyoh | onraˈɾe la naβiˈðað em mi koɾaˈθon i pɾokuɾaˈɾe konseɾˈβaɾla ðuˈɾante ˈtoðo el ˈaɲo |
| Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love. | Bendita sea la fecha que une a todo el mundo en una conspiración de amor. | Hamilton Wright Mabi | behn-dee-tah seh-ah la feh-cha keh oo-neh ah toe-doe elle moon-doh ehn oo-nah cons-pee-rah-see-ohn deh ah-more | benˈdita ˈsea la ˈfeʧa ˈke ˈune a ˈtoðo el ˈmundo en ˈuna konspiɾaˈθjon de aˈmoɾ |
| Christmas is the season when people run out of money before they run out of friends. | La Navidad es la época del año en que se nos acaba el dinero antes que los amigos. | Larry Wilde | la nah-vee-dahd ess la eh-poh-kah dell ah-nyoh ehn keh seh noss ah-cah-bah elle dee-neh-roh ahn-tess keh loss ah-me-goss | la naβiˈðað ˈez la ˈepoka ðel ˈaɲo en ˈke se nos aˈkaβa el diˈneɾo ˈantes ˈke los aˈmiɣos |
| There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions. | No existe la Navidad ideal, solo la Navidad que usted decida crear como reflejo de sus valores, deseos, queridos y tradiciones. | Bill McKibben | noh ex-ees-teh la nah-vee-dahd e-deh-all, soh-loh la nah-vee-dahd keh oos-tehd deh-see-dah kreh-ahr coh-moh reh-fleh-hoh deh soos vah-loh-ress, deh-seh-oss, keh-ree-doss e trah-dee-see-oh-ness. | ˈno ekˈsiste la naβiˈðað iðeˈal | ˈsolo la naβiˈðað ˈke wsˈteð ðeˈθiða kɾeˈaɾ ˈkomo reˈflexo ðe suz βaˈloɾes | deˈseos | keˈɾiðos i tɾaðiˈθjones |
| Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood days, recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth, and transport the traveler back to his own fireside and quiet home! | ¡Feliz, feliz Navidad, la que hace que nos acordemos de las ilusiones de nuestra infancia, le recuerde al abuelo las alegrías de su juventud, y le transporte al viajero a su chimenea y a su dulce hogar! | Charles Dickens | feh-leez, feh-leez nah-vee-dahd, la keh ah-seh keh noss ah-core-deh-moss deh lass e-loo-see-oh-ness deh noo-ess-trah een-fahn-see-ah, leh reh-coo-air-deh all ah-boo-eh-loh lass ah-leh-gre-ahs deh soo who-vehn-toohd | feˈliθ | feˈlið naβiˈðað | la ˈke ˈaθe ˈke nos akoɾˈðemoz ðe las iluˈsjonez ðe ˈnwestɾa jmˈfanθja | le reˈkweɾðe al aˈβwelo las aleˈɣɾiaz ðe su xuβenˈtuð | i le tɾansˈpoɾte al βjaˈxeɾo a su ʧimeˈnea j a su ˈðulθe oˈɣaɾ |
| Whatever else be lost among the years, let us keep Christmas still a shining thing. Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears, let us hold close one day, remembering its poignant meaning for the hearts of men. Let us get back our childlike faith again. | De todo lo que se pueda perder a lo largo de los años, que la Navidad siga siendo algo deslumbrante. Cualquier duda que nos preocupe, o cualquier miedo que podamos tener, debemos tomar fuertemente tan solo un día, recordando su importante significado para los corazones del hombre. Volvamos a nuestra esperanza de la juventud otra vez. | Grace Noll Crowell | deh toh-doe loh keh seh poo-eh-dah ah-prehn-dehr ah lo lar-goh deh loss ah-nyoss, keh la nah-vee-dahd see-gah see-ehn-doh all-goh dess-loom-brahn-teh. coo-all-key-air doo-dah keh noss preh-oh-coo-peh, oh coo-all-key-air doo-dah oh me-eh-doe keh poh-dah-moss teh-nehr, deh-beh-moss toe-mahr foo-air-teh-mehn-teh tahn soh-loh oon dee-ah, reh-core-dahn-doh soo eem-pore-tahn-teh seeg-nee-fee-cah-doh pah-rah loss coh-rah-zoh-ness dell ohm-breh. voll-vah-moss ah noo-ess-trah es-peh-rahn-za deh la who-vehn-tood. | de ˈtoðo lo ˈke se ˈpweða peɾˈðeɾ a lo ˈlaɾɣo ðe los ˈaɲos | ˈke la naβiˈðað ˈsiɣa ˈsjendo ˈalɣo ðezlumˈbɾante ‖ kwalˈkjeɾ ˈðuða ˈke nos pɾeoˈkupe | o kwalˈkjeɾ ˈmjeðo ˈke poˈðamos teˈneɾ | deˈβemos toˈmaɾ fweɾteˈmente ˈtan ˈsolo wn ˈdia | rekoɾˈðando sw impoɾˈtante siɣnifiˈkaðo ˈpaɾa los koɾaˈθonez ðel ˈombɾe ‖ bolˈβamos a ˈnwestɾa espeˈɾanθa ðe la xuβenˈtuð ˈotɾa ˈβeθ |
| Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. | La Navidad agita una varita mágica sobre el mundo, y por eso, todo es mas suave y mas hermoso. | Norman Vincent Peale | la nah-vee-dahd ah-he-tah oo-nah vah-ree-tah mah-he-cah soh-breh elle moon-doe, e pore ess-oh, toe-doh ess mahs soo-ah-veh e mahs air-moh-soh | la naβiˈðað aˈxita ˈuna βaˈɾita ˈmaxika ˈsoβɾe el ˈmundo | i poɾ ˈeso | ˈtoðo ˈez ˈmas ˈswaβe j ˈmas eɾˈmoso |
| The only real blind person at Christmas-time is he who has not Christmas in his heart. | Las únicas personas realmente ciegas en la época de Navidad son las que no tienen la Navidad en su corazón. | Hellen Keller | lass oo-nee-cass pehr-soh-nass reh-all-mehn-teh see-eh-gass ehn lah eh-poh-cah deh nah-vee-dahd sohn lass keh no tee-eh-nehn la nah-vee-dahd ehn soo coh-rah-zohn | las ˈunikas peɾˈsonaz realˈmente ˈθjeɣas en la ˈepoka ðe naβiˈðað ˈson las ˈke ˈno ˈtjenen la naβiˈðað en su koɾaˈθon |
| I don't think Christmas is necessarily about things. It's about being good to one another. | No creo que la Navidad se trate necesariamente de cosas. Se trata de ser buenos unos con otros. | Carrie Fisher | noh kreh-oh keh la nah-vee-dahd seh trah-teh neh-seh-sah-ree-ah-mehn-teh deh coh-sahs. Seh trah-tah deh sehr boo-eh-noss oo-noss cohn oh-tross | ˈno ˈkɾeo ˈke la naβiˈðað se ˈtɾate neθesaɾjaˈmente ðe ˈkosas ‖ se ˈtɾata ðe ˈseɾ ˈβwenos ˈunos kon ˈotɾos |
| At Christmas I no more desire a rose. Than wish a snow in May's new-fangled mirth. | No apetezco en Navidad más una rosa, que deseo la nieve en las risueñas y presumidas festividades de mayo. | William Shakespeare | noh ah-peh-tess-coh ehn nah-vee-dahd mahs oo-nah roh-sah, keh deh-seh-oh la nee-eh-veh ehn lass ree-soo-eh-nyass e preh-soo-mee-dass fess-tee-vee-dah-dess deh mah-yoh | ˈno apeˈteθko en naβiˈðað ˈmas ˈuna ˈrosa | ˈke ðeˈseo la ˈnjeβe en laz riˈsweɲas i pɾesuˈmiðas festiβiˈðaðez ðe ˈmaʝo |
| Yo recibía los regalos y yo pensaba que no era más que un chico y que no había hecho nada, absolutamente nada para merecerlos. Por supuesto, nunca lo dije: la niñez es tímida | Jorge Luis Borges | yoh reh-see-bee-ah loss reh-gah-loss e yoh pehn-sah-bah keh no eh-rah mahs keh oon chee-coh e keh no ah-bee-ah eh-cho nah-dah, ab-soh-loo-tah-mehn-teh nah-dah pah-rah meh-reh-sehr-loss. Pore soo-poo-ess-toe, noon-cah lo dee-heh: la nee-nyess ess tee-mee-dah | ˈʝo reθiˈβia loz reˈɣalos i ˈʝo penˈsaβa ˈke ˈno ˈeɾa ˈmas ˈke wn ˈʧiko j ˈke ˈno aˈβia ˈeʧo ˈnaða | aβsolutaˈmente ˈnaða ˈpaɾa meɾeˈθeɾlos ‖ poɾ suˈpwesto | ˈnunka lo ˈðixe | la niˈɲeθ ˈes ˈtimiða | |
| There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions. | No existe la Navidad ideal, solo la Navidad que usted decida crear como reflejo de sus valores, deseos, queridos y tradiciones | Bill McKibben | no ex-ees-teh la nah-vee-dahd e-deh-all, soh-loh la nah-vee-dahd keh oos-tehd deh-see-dah creh-are coh-moh reh-fleh-hoh deh soos vah-loh-ress, deh-seh-oss, keh-ree-doss e trah-dee-see-oh-ness | ˈno ekˈsiste la naβiˈðað iðeˈal | ˈsolo la naβiˈðað ˈke wsˈteð ðeˈθiða kɾeˈaɾ ˈkomo reˈflexo ðe suz βaˈloɾes | deˈseos | keˈɾiðos i tɾaðiˈθjones |
| My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that? | Mi idea de Navidad, tanto pasada de moda como moderna, es muy simple: amar a los demás. Pensémoslo, ¿por que tenemos que esperar a Navidad para hacerlo? | Bob Hope | me e-deh-ah deh nah-ve-dahd, tahn-toe pah-sah-dah deh moh-dah coh-moh moh-dehr-nah, ess mooy seem-pleh: ah-mahr ah loss deh-mass. Pehn-seh-moss-loh, pore keh teh-neh-moss keh ess-peh-rahr ah nah-vee-dahd pah-rah ah-sehr-loh? | mi iˈðea ðe naβiˈðað | ˈtanto paˈsaða ðe ˈmoða ˈkomo moˈðeɾna | ˈez muj ˈsimple | aˈmaɾ a loz ðeˈmas ‖ penˈsemozlo | poɾ ˈke teˈnemos ˈke espeˈɾaɾ a naβiˈðað ˈpaɾa aˈθeɾlo |
| Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart. | La Navidad es la temporada para encender el fuego de la hospitalidad en el salón, la llama genial de la caridad en el corazón | Washington Irving | la nah-vee-dahd ess la tem-poh-rah-dah pah-rah ehn-sehn dehr elle foo-eh-goh deh la oss-pee-tah-lee-dahd ehn elle sah-lohn, la yah-mah heh-nee-all deh la cah-ree-dahd ehn elle coh-rah-sohn | la naβiˈðað ˈez la tempoˈɾaða ˈpaɾa enθenˈdeɾ el ˈfweɣo ðe la ospitaliˈðað en el saˈlon | la ˈʎama xeˈnjal de la kaɾiˈðað en el koɾaˈθon |
| Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves. | La Navidad es una necesidad. Tiene que haber al menos un día en el año para recordarnos que estamos aquí para algo más que nosotros mismos. | Arnold Eric Sevareid | la nah-vee-dahd ess oo-nah neh-seh-see-dahd. tee-eh-neh keh ah-behr all-meh-noss oon dee-ah all ah-nyoh pah-rah reh-core-dahr-noss keh ess-tah-moss ah-key pah-rah all-goh mahs grahn-deh eh noh-soh-tross mees-moss | la naβiˈðað ˈes ˈuna neθesiˈðað ‖ ˈtjene ˈke aˈβeɾ al ˈmenos un ˈdia en el ˈaɲo ˈpaɾa rekoɾˈðaɾnos ˈke esˈtamos aˈki ˈpaɾa ˈalɣo ˈmas ˈke noˈsotɾoz ˈmizmos |
Sending a heartfelt Merry Christmas message is one of the best ways to make an excellent impression on your loved ones during the holidays. If you already know how to write a letter in Spanish , then you can employ some of those tactics to write a full letter that encompasses everything you want to share over the holidays.
![\"How](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt265e53cee6d913fe/64e430ad4275cf38d809b8d2/pexels-anna-tarazevich-6146624.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
If you’re still in the beginner Spanish or perhaps early intermediate Spanish levels, then there’s no shame in writing a shorter Christmas message that gets right to the point. The following messages are all brief and festive. Some of them are witty, and some of them are emotional. Feel free to pick the one you like best, put your best penmanship forward, and write it down on a cute Christmas card. Your loved ones are sure to feel the love from you this season!
| English | Spanish |
| I hope that this Christmas, your heart lights up when you think of those who are no longer with us. Rest assured that they will forever live within you. | Espero que esta Navidad tu corazón se ilumine cuando te acuerdes de los que ya no están aquí. Ten por seguro que ellos siempre vivirán dentro de ti. |
| The reason Christmas is so magical is because of people like you, who make everything so much more special. | La culpa de que la Navidad sea tan sumamente mágica la tienen personas como tú, que haces que todo sea muchísimo más especial. |
| For Christmas, happiness. For New Year, prosperity. And forever: our friendship! | Para Navidad, felicidad. Para Año Nuevo, prosperidad. Y para siempre: ¡nuestra amistad! |
| I just ran into Christmas and I’ve asked her to pass by your house with a sack full of health and love for this coming year. | Me acabo de cruzar con la Navidad y le he pedido que pase por tu casa con un saco lleno de salud y amor para este nuevo año. |
| Your smile is, without a doubt, the best Christmas decoration. | Tu sonrisa es, sin lugar a dudas, el mejor de los adornos navideños. |
| You know what gift I’ve asked Santa Claus for? To spend another year next to you. | ¿Sabes qué regalo le he pedido a Papá Noel estas Navidades? Pasar otro año más a tu lado. |
| I hope that these Christmas days are filled with paper made of happiness and wrapped with a bow of love. | Que estas navidades estén envueltas con papel de felicidad y atadas con una cinta de amor. |
| Place your right hand on your left shoulder and your left hand on your right shoulder. There’s my hug! Enjoy it! | Coloca tu mano derecha en tu hombro izquierdo y tu mano izquierda en tu hombro derecho. ¡Ahí tienes mi abrazo! ¡Disfrútalo! |
| With al my love, I wish that the magic of Christmas shines upon you and helps you achieve all of your dreams. | Con todo mi cariño, deseo que la magia de la Navidad te ilumine y te ayude a conseguir todos tus sueños. |
| This Christmas, you’re my star. | Esta Navidad, tú eres mi estrella. |
| The best things in life are never on their own, and this Christmas I’ve confirmed that… they live with you! Merry Christmas! | Las mejores cosas de la vida nunca vienen solas, y en estas Navidades lo confirmé… ¡vienen contigo! ¡Feliz Navidad! |
| Merry Christmas, and I hope that the joy of the holidays repeats every day of the new year that is to come. | Feliz Navidad, y que la alegría de las fiestas se repita todos los días del nuevo año que está por venir. |
| Sometimes, someone shows up in your life and you know immediately that they were born to be there… that’s why I’m so happy this Christmas. | A veces alguien llega a tu vida y sabes de inmediato que nació para estar allí… por eso estoy tan feliz esta Navidad. |
| I hope that this Christmas turns every with into a flower, every pain into a star, and every tear into a smile. | Que esta Navidad convierta cada deseo en flor, cada dolor en estrella, y cada lágrima en sonrisas. |
| Christmas isn’t necessary to live, but with you its value increases a thousand times… | La Navidad no es necesaria para vivir, pero contigo aumenta su valor mil veces… |
| Christmas is synonymous with magic and hope. These holidays wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t spend them all together. | La Navidad es sinónimo de magia y de ilusión. Estas fiestas no serían lo mismo si no las pasáramos todos juntos. |
| Christmas is the time of ornaments, but there is no better complement than a great smile. | La Navidad es la época de los adornos, pero no hay mejor complemento que una gran sonrisa. |
| I hope that the Christmas ghost of love and peace accompanies you for the rest of the year. | Que el espíritu de amor y paz de la Navidad te acompañe durante todo el año. |
| Even if we lose other things throughout the year, let’s keep Christmas as something bright. | Aunque se pierdan otras cosas a lo largo de los años, mantengamos la Navidad como algo brillante. |
| I will honor Christmas in my heart and will try to keep it through the rest of the year. | Honraré la Navidad en mi corazón y procuraré conservarla durante todo el año. |
| There’s nothing like Christmas to reconnect with loved ones. MY biggest wishes of happiness and union for you. | No hay nada como la Navidad para el reencuentro con los seres queridos. Mis mayores deseos de felicidad y unión para ti. |
| Christmas isn’t a season, it’s a feeling. | La Navidad no es una temporada, es un sentimiento. |
| Merry Christmas, I wish you have the kind that makes us remember the illusions of our childhood, reminds our grandpa of the joys of his childhood and transports the traveler through his chimney back home sweet home. | Feliz Navidad, la que hace que nos acordemos de las ilusiones de nuestra infancia, le recuerde al abuelo las alegrías de su juventud y transporte al viajero a su chimenea y a su dulce hogar. |
| Christmas isn’t an event, but a part of home that one always carries within their heart. | La Navidad no es un acontecimiento, sino una parte del hogar que uno lleva siempre en su corazón. |
| I wish that the spirit of Santa Claus fills your home and life with magic. | Te deseo que el espíritu de Papá Noel llene de magia tu hogar y tu vida. |
| To value peace and generosity and to have mercy is to understand the true meaning of Christmas. | Valorar la paz y la generosidad y tener merced es comprender el verdadero significado de Navidad. |
| Christmas isn’t a date, it’s a state of mind. | La Navidad no es una fecha, es un estado en la mente. |
| Christmas is a season filled with magic of which the best part aren’t the presents, but rather the beautiful moments that we live by the side of our loved ones. | La Navidad es una época repleta de magia en la que lo mejor no son los regalos, sino los momentos tan bellos que vivimos al lado de nuestros seres queridos. |
| I wish we could put the spirit of Christmas in a pint glass and to open a new one each month of the year. | Ojalá pudiésemos meter el espíritu de la Navidad en tarros y abrir uno cada mes del año. |
| Christmas is the best time of the year to remember that the year can be filled with beautiful moments if we don’t lose the Christmas spirit. | La Navidad es la mejor época para recordar que el año puede estar lleno de momentos felices si no perdemos el espíritu navideño. |
| The best wishes and Christmas presents aren’t material, but personal. | Los mejores deseos y regalos de la Navidad no son materiales, sino personales. |
| Your happiness is my biggest wish this Christmas, I wholeheartedly send my promise that all of your wishes will come true this holiday season. | Tu felicidad es mi mayor deseo para esta Navidad, te envío de todo corazón la promesa de que tus sueños se harán realidad en estas fechas. |
| Christmas is the hope of the years yet to come, with all the possible and imaginable achievements. | La Navidad es la esperanza de los años por venir, con todos los posibles e imaginarios logros. |
| Better than all the gifts under the Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family. | Mejor que todos los regalos debajo del árbol de Navidad, es la presencia de una familia feliz. |
| A great Christmas is made with dreams filled with peace and happiness. | Una gran Navidad se hace con sueños llenos de paz y felicidad. |
| The magic of Christmas night is to be able to make our wishes come true. | La magia de la noche de Navidad es poder convertir nuestros sueños en realidad. |
| Being next to you this Christmas transforms cold days into warm days and sadness into joy. | Estar a tu lado esta Navidad transforma los días fríos en cálidos y las tristezas en alegrías. |
| Give yourself a Christmas present: forgive someone who has hurt you. Let your heart go of that weight and allow yourself to smile again. | Regálate un regalo para Navidad: perdona a alguien que te ha hecho daño. Libera tu corazón de este peso y déjate sonreír de nuevo. |
| The magic of Christmas is the magic of people like you who make a year go by in a jiffy. | La magia de la Navidad es la magia de las personas como tú, que haces que un año pase volando. |
| The best Christmas message is the one that comes from the silence of our hearts and warms up with tenderness the hearts of those who accompany us on our journey through life. | El mejor mensaje de Navidad es el que sale del silencio de nuestros corazones y calienta con ternura los corazones de los que nos acompañan en nuestro viaje por la vida. |
| I hope that Christmas gives you back all your illusions from childhood, the pleasures of childhood, and the tranquility of a home. Merry Christmas! | Que la Navidad te devuelva las ilusiones de la infancia, los placeres de la juventud y la tranquilidad del hogar. ¡Feliz Navidad! |
| The best message of Christmas faith and hope is the one of renewing our strength to continue fighting in the new year that is coming up. | El mejor mensaje de fe y esperanza de la Navidad, es el de renovar nuestras fuerzas y energías para seguir luchando en el Año Nuevo que se acerca. |
| Christmas isn’t about opening up presents, it’s about opening up our heart. | La Navidad no se trata de abrir regalos, se trata de abrir nuestro corazón. |
| Christmas is that sweet spot where the memories, hugs, and laughs rule radiantly. | La Navidad es ese dulce espacio donde los recuerdos, los abrazos y las risas imperan radiantes. |
Christmas time is meant to be enjoyed with your loved ones, no matter where you are. If you find yourself in a Spanish-speaking country this Christmas or want to share your love and appreciation with your Spanish-speaking friends, then learning some of these festive ways to say Merry Christmas in Spanish is a great place to start.
For more cultural and grammatical Spanish content, check out our Spanish blog . We regularly publish thematic guides like this one, as well as vocabulary and grammar guides to help you level up your Spanish.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Directions in Chinese","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"How to ask for & give directions in Chinese so you'll never be lost","url":"/blog/directions-chinese-mandarin-words","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt985b3b78ef733abe/65123b754e27a0174c4f61fb/istock-1557210661_72dpi.jpeg"},"post_content":"Getting lost anywhere can be a stressful situation, especially when you’re in a foreign country. While navigation apps are getting more and more precise, they can only take us so far. Sometimes, finding the exact location of a store or building can be beyond the scope of any app, so we’ll have to rely on locals to help us get there. When that happens, your best bet is to be prepared with a few ways to ask for directions in Chinese.
\nIn this article, we’ll show you not only how to ask for directions in Chinese, but also everything you need to know to understand them. From the names of buildings to parts of the road and public transit, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get to where you need regardless of your mode of transport.
\nSo, if you have places to go and people to see, let’s get started right away to get you on your way!
\n\n\nFirst things first, we have to talk about the cardinal points in Chinese. Not just because they’re the basic blocks of directions, but because they’re a critical part of Chinese culture. The cardinal points were hugely influential in helping ancient Chinese civilizations make sense of the universe and organize their life. They are an integral part of the Theory of the Five Elements, which explains the constantly changing nature of the universe.
\nYou’ll notice that many city and province names in China have a cardinal point in them, like 北京 (běi jīng) and 湖南 (hú nán). Then, Feng Shui places a lot of emphasis on the cardinal directions, but more on that below!
\nFor now, let’s get started with the basics about directions in Chinese.
\n![\"How](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltd4c483ad2bfa3c52/65123d00c9f9dcbd497ba2f9/istock-827250976.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| East | \n东 | \ndōng | \ndong | \n
| South | \n南 | \nnán | \nnan | \n
| West | \n西 | \nxī | \nshi | \n
| North | \n北 | \nběi | \nbeei | \n
| Northeast | \n东北 | \ndōng běi | \ndong beei | \n
| Southeast | \n东南 | \ndōng nán | \ndong nan | \n
| Southwest | \n西南 | \nxī nán | \nshi nan | \n
| Northwest | \n西北 | \nxī běi | \nshi beei | \n
| Eastern | \n东方的 | \ndōng fāng de | \ndong fang de | \n
| Southern | \n南方的 | \nnán fāng de | \nnan fang de | \n
| Western | \n西方的 | \nxī fāng de | \nshi fang de | \n
| Northern | \n北方的 | \nběi fāng de | \nbeei fang de | \n
| Eastern part | \n东部 | \ndōng bù | \ndong buh | \n
| Southern part | \n南部 | \nnán bù | \nnan buh | \n
| Western part | \n西部 | \nxī bù | \nshi buh | \n
| Northern part | \n北部 | \nběi bù | \nbeei buh | \n
| Eastern side | \n东边 | \ndōng bian | \ndong bian | \n
| Southern side | \n南边 | \nnán bian | \nnan bian | \n
| Western side | \n西边 | \nxī bian | \nshi bian | \n
| Northern side | \n北边 | \nběi bian | \nbeei bian | \n
Position directions are those that only tell us the position of an object relative to the position of another object. They’re words like above, below, left, right, and toward that use another object as a reference to help guide us closer to our destination. Unless you’re a pirate navigating the high seas, these will be much more useful to you on a day-to-day basis than the cardinal directions. It’s generally easier to understand “turn left at the pharmacy” than “turn east at the pharmacy,” so choose wisely!
\n![\"Give](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt8ff1a870461d3a71/65123eb7c9f9dc503f7ba30e/china_chengdu_1015776230.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| On, above | \n上 | \nshàng | \nshanq | \n
| Under, below | \n下 | \nxià | \nshiah | \n
| In front of | \n前 | \nqián | \nchyan | \n
| Behind | \n后 | \nhòu | \nhow | \n
| Left | \n左 | \nzuǒ | \ntzuoo | \n
| Right | \n右 | \nyòu | \nyow | \n
| Toward | \n向 | \nxiàng | \nshianq | \n
| In, inside | \n里 | \nlǐ | \nlii | \n
| Out, outside | \n外 | \nwài | \nway | \n
| Next to | \n旁 | \npáng | \nparng | \n
| Middle | \n中 | \nzhōng | \njong | \n
| On top / above | \n上边 | \nshàng bian | \nshanq bian | \n
| Below / under | \n下边 | \nxià bian | \nshiah bian | \n
| Above | \n之上 | \nzhī shàng | \njy shanq | \n
| Before | \n之前 | \nzhī qián | \njy chyan | \n
| Inside | \n里面 | \nlǐ miàn | \nlii miann | \n
| Outside | \n外边 | \nwài bian | \nway bian | \n
| Behind | \n后头 | \nhòu tou | \nhow tou | \n
| Front | \n前头 | \nqián tou | \nchyan tou | \n
| In the front | \n在前方 | \nzài qián fāng | \ntzay chyan fang | \n
| In the back | \n在后方 | \nzài hòu fāng | \ntzay how fang | \n
Besides direction words, you should also dedicate some time to learning some vocabulary words about navigation and locations. In particular, we’ll cover vocabulary words for places, buildings, and traffic to help you reach your destination, no matter where you are.
\nLet’s start with general words about navigation and locations. While these may not come up on a daily basis, being familiar with them is still important if you’re interested in geography or navigation in general.
\n![\"Yangshuo,](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltf21a76e9a2bd886f/651240fca9968bbc8c369c0f/china_yangshuo_1138458148.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Compass | \n指南针 | \nzhǐ nán zhēn | \njyy nan jen | \n
| Compass | \n罗盘 | \nluó pán | \nluo parn | \n
| World map | \n世界地图 | \nshì jiè dì tú | \nshyh jieh dih twu | \n
| Direction | \n方向 | \nfāng xiàng | \nfang shianq | \n
| Position | \n位置 | \nwèi zhì | \nwey jyh | \n
| Geography | \n地理 | \ndì lǐ | \ndih lii | \n
| Geographic position | \n地理位置 | \ndì lǐ wèi zhì | \ndih lii wey jyh | \n
| Region | \n地区 | \ndì qū | \ndih chiu | \n
| Place | \n地方 | \ndì fāng | \ndih fang | \n
| Located | \n位于 | \nwèi yú | \nwey yu | \n
Directions will often involve the locations of other buildings, like “turn right at the gas station” or “walk past the park to get to the train station.” That’s why we’re going to cover 23 location places below, so you always know how to reach your destination.
\n![\"Man](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt86c9111f937f6373/65123e2369060ab437fc1d9b/china_beijing_temple_of_heaven_857278564.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Airport | \n机场 | \njī chǎng | \nji chaang | \n
| Railway station | \n火车站 | \nhuǒ chē zhàn | \nhuoo che jann | \n
| Metro station | \n地铁站 | \ndì tiě zhàn | \ndih tiee jann | \n
| Bus station | \n公交车站 | \ngōng jiāo chē zhàn | \ngong jiau che jann | \n
| Downtown | \n市中心 | \nshì zhōng xīn | \nshyh jong shin | \n
| Park | \n公园 | \ngōng yuán | \ngong yuan | \n
| Garden | \n花园 | \nhuā yuán | \nhua yuan | \n
| Hospital | \n医院 | \nyī yuàn | \ni yuann | \n
| Bank | \n银行 | \nyín háng | \nyn harng | \n
| Hotel | \n酒店 | \njiǔ diàn | \njeou diann | \n
| Mall | \n商场 | \nshāng chǎng | \nshang chaang | \n
| Museum | \n博物馆 | \nbó wù guǎn | \nbor wuh goan | \n
| City hall | \n市政厅 | \nshì zhèng tīng | \nshyh jenq ting | \n
| College | \n学院 | \nxué yuàn | \nshyue yuann | \n
| Pharmacy | \n药房 | \nyào fáng | \nyaw farng | \n
| Embassy | \n大使馆 | \ndà shǐ guǎn | \ndah shyy goan | \n
| Library | \n图书馆 | \ntú shū guǎn | \ntwu shu goan | \n
| Movie theater | \n电影院 | \ndiàn yǐng yuàn | \ndiann yiing yuann | \n
| Restaurant | \n餐厅 | \ncān tīng | \ntsan ting | \n
| Store | \n商店 | \nshāng diàn | \nshang diann | \n
| University | \n大学 | \ndà xué | \ndah shyue | \n
| Zoo | \n动物园 | \ndòng wù yuán | \ndonq wuh yuan | \n
| Church | \n教堂 | \njiào táng | \n
Sometimes, you’ll need to find a location of a specific room within a building, like a shop at the mall or a classroom in a school building. Most notably, knowing the numbers in Chinese will come in handy here, as you’ll be able to tell what floor you should be on. Doing so is extremely easy, as you just place the number right before 楼 (lóu) to specify a floor. So, the third floor becomes 三楼 (sān lóu) and the seventh floor becomes 七楼 (qī lóu), and so on.
\n![\"Man](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt0a2c384d09c0642e/65123f586fefa78813c422ea/china_shanghai_536783854.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Building | \n大楼 | \ndà lóu | \ndah lou | \n
| House | \n房子 | \nfáng zi | \nfarng tzy | \n
| Apartment | \n公寓 | \ngōng yù | \ngong yuh | \n
| Skyscraper | \n摩天大楼 | \nmó tiān dà lóu | \nmo tian dah lou | \n
| Tower | \n塔 | \ntǎ | \ntaa | \n
| Main gate | \n大门 | \ndà mén | \ndah men | \n
| Elevator/escalator | \n电梯 | \ndiàn tī | \ndiann ti | \n
| Stairs | \n楼梯 | \nlóu tī | \nlou ti | \n
| Floor | \n楼层 | \nlóu céng | \nlou tserng | \n
| Room | \n房间 | \nfáng jiān | \nfarng jian | \n
| Restroom | \n洗手间 | \nxǐ shǒu jiān | \nshii shoou jian | \n
| Restroom | \n卫生间 | \nwèi shēng jiān | \nwey sheng jian | \n
| Information desk | \n问询处 | \nwèn xún chù | \nwenn shyun chuh | \n
| Emergency exit | \n安全出口 | \nān quán chū kǒu | \nan chyuan chu koou | \n
| Wall | \n墙 | \nqiáng | \nchyang | \n
| Brick wall | \n砖墙 | \nzhuān qiáng | \njuan chyang | \n
| Dormitory | \n集体宿舍 | \njí tǐ sù shè | \njyi tii suh sheh | \n
| Dormitory room | \n宿舍 | \nsù shè | \nsuh sheh | \n
| Office | \n办公室 | \nbàn gōng shì | \nbann gong shyh | \n
| Fire escape | \n逃生梯 | \ntáo shēng tī | \ntaur sheng ti | \n
| Yard | \n院子 | \nyuàn zi | \nyuann tzy | \n
If you plan to drive in China, whether it is to your new job or on a fun road trip through the beautiful scenery of Sichuan, then you need to be acquainted with the following road and traffic vocabulary in Chinese. Not only will it help keep you safe, but it will also be useful if you need to ask for directions on the road!
\n![\"Women](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltd9ec27b472561a4f/651242494f2fa870e1698d7c/istock-915253938_copy.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Road | \n马路 | \nmǎ lù | \nmaa luh | \n
| Street | \n街 | \njiē | \njie | \n
| Boulevard | \n大道 | \ndà dào | \ndah daw | \n
| Intersection | \n路口 | \nlù kǒu | \nluh koou | \n
| Crossroads | \n十字路口 | \nshí zì lù kǒu | \nshyr tzyh luh koou | \n
| Traffic light | \n红绿灯 | \nhóng lǜ dēng | \nhorng liuh deng | \n
| Crosswalk | \n斑马线 | \nbān mǎ xiàn | \nban maa shiann | \n
| Corner | \n拐角 | \nguǎi jiǎo | \ngoai jeau | \n
| Overpass | \n天桥 | \ntiān qiáo | \ntian chyau | \n
| Sign | \n指示牌 | \nzhǐ shì pái | \njyy shyh pair | \n
| Parking spot | \n停车位 | \ntíng chē wèi | \ntyng che wey | \n
| Newspaper stand | \n报刊亭 | \nbào kān tíng | \nbaw kan tyng | \n
| Roundabout | \n环形路口 | \nhuán xíng lù kǒu | \nhwan shyng luh koou | \n
| Gas station | \n加油站 | \njiā yóu zhàn | \njia you jann | \n
| Expressway | \n高速公路 | \ngāo sù gōng lù | \ngau suh gong luh | \n
| Bridge | \n桥 | \nqiáo | \nchyau | \n
| Tunnel | \n隧道 | \nsuì dào | \nsuey daw | \n
| Sidewalk | \n人行道 | \nrén xíng dào | \nren shyng daw | \n
| Railroad | \n铁路 | \ntiě lù | \ntiee luh | \n
| Path | \n路径 | \nlù jìng | \nluh jinq | \n
Now that you know plenty of vocabulary related to directions in Chinese, it’s time to learn how to ask for directions in Mandarin. There are three common ways to ask where something is in Chinese, so let’s take a look at each of them:
\n![\"How](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blte0e7b82af68c77e7/651242e04d72e9a67c84b79a/istock-1055130778.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The first and most common way to ask for directions in Chinese is to simply state where you’re trying to go and follow it with 在哪? (___ zài nǎ?). It translates into “Where is ____?” except that the subject is placed at the front of the sentence, as is often the case in Chinese. Here are some example sentences so you always know how to get to where you’re going:
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Where is the bathroom? | \n洗手间在哪？ | \nxǐ shǒu jiān zài nǎ? | \nshii shoou jian tzay naa | \n
| Where is the metro station? | \n地铁站在哪？ | \ndì tiě zhàn zài nǎ? | \ndih tiee jann tzay naa | \n
| Where is the cafeteria? | \n食堂在哪？ | \nshí táng zài nǎ? | \nshyr tarng tzay naa | \n
Another common way of asking for directions is by asking how to go somewhere. For this, we use the structure 去____怎么走？(qù ___ zěn me zǒu?), which roughly translates to “How do I get to ____?” Here are some example sentences:
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| How do I get to the library? | \n去图书馆怎么走？ | \nqù tú shū guǎn zěn me zǒu? | \nchiuh twu shu goan tzeen me tzoou | \n
| How do I get to the classroom? | \n去教室怎么走？ | \nqù jiào shì zěn me zǒu? | \nchiuh jiaw shyh tzeen me tzoou | \n
| How do I get to the activity room? | \n去活动室怎么走？ | \nqù huó dòng shì zěn me zǒu? | \nchiuh hwo donq shyh tzeen me tzoou | \n
Finally, you can ask how far away something is. Maybe you’re thinking of going to the mall but not sure if you have enough time or are planning a weekend trip somewhere nearby. For that, we’ll use the structure ____离这儿有多远？(___lí zhè’er yǒu duō yuǎn?), which translates to “How far away is ____ from here?” Here are some examples:
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| How far away is the school from here? | \n学校离这儿有多远？ | \nxué xiào lí zhè'er yǒu duō yuǎn? | \nshyue shiaw li jeh yeou duo yeuan | \n
| How far away is the airport from here? | \n机场离这儿有多远？ | \njī chǎng lí zhè'er yǒu duō yuǎn? | \nji chaang li jeh yeou duo yeuan | \n
| How far away is Shanghai from here? | \n上海离这儿有多远？ | \nshàng hǎi lí zhè'er yǒu duō yuǎn? | \nshanq hae li jeh yeou duo yeuan | \n
Finally, you might be asked to give directions in Mandarin if you spend some time in China. Although you might not get stopped in the street by strangers if you look like a foreigner, you still want to be a good Samaritan and help out when you do know how to get somewhere. Here is the most important vocabulary you’ll need to give directions in Chinese:
\n![\"Give](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltc9297b35b3e1b4fb/6512432cbc138450fe7d3ea5/istock-1139909387.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| At… | \n在…… | \nzài… | \ntzay | \n
| First…then… | \n先……再…… | \nxiān…zài… | \nshian tzay | \n
| Go along… | \n沿着……走 | \nyán zhe…zǒu | \nyan je tzoou | \n
| Go straight | \n直走 | \nzhí zǒu | \njyr tzoou | \n
| Turn left | \n左转 | \nzuǒ zhuǎn | \ntzuoo joan | \n
| Turn right | \n右转 | \nyòu zhuǎn | \nyow joan | \n
| Turn left | \n左拐 | \nzuǒ guǎi | \ntzuoo goai | \n
| Turn right | \n右拐 | \nyòu guǎi | \nyow goai | \n
| Go toward … | \n往……走 | \nwǎng…zǒu | \nwoang tzoou | \n
| Make a U-turn | \n掉头 | \ndiào tóu | \ndiaw tour | \n
| To go upstairs | \n上楼 | \nshàng lóu | \nshanq lou | \n
| To go downstairs | \n下楼 | \nxià lóu | \nshiah lou | \n
| Very close | \n很近 | \nhěn jìn | \nheen jinn | \n
| Pretty far | \n挺远的 | \ntǐng yuǎn de | \ntiing yeuan de | \n
And of course, you won’t always be able to tell someone how to get to where they’re going. No matter how long you’ve been living in China, there will undoubtedly come a time when you simply don’t know how to help someone get to where they need to go. For those situations, you can use any of the following sentences to politely let someone know that you simply don’t know how to help them:
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Sorry, I do not know how to get to this place. | \n对不起，我不知道怎么去这个地方。 | \nduì bù qǐ, wǒ bù zhī dào zěn me qù zhè ge dì fāng. | \nduey buh chii woo buh jy daw tzeen me chiuh jeh ge dih fang | \n
| Sorry, I don’t know how to get there. You can ask that person. | \n不好意思，我不知道怎么去。你可以问那个人。 | \nbù hǎo yì si, wǒ bù zhī dào zěn me qù. Nǐ kě yǐ wèn nà gè rén. | \nbuh hao yih sy woo buh jy daw tzeen me chiuh nii kee yii wenn nah geh ren | \n
| Sorry, I’m not sure. You’d better ask somebody else. I’m afraid to give you the wrong direction. Sorry. | \n对不起，我不是很清楚。你还是问别人吧。我怕给你错的方向。不好意思。 | \nduì bù qǐ, wǒ bú shì hěn qīng chǔ. nǐ hái shì wèn bié rén ba. wǒ pà gěi nǐ cuò de fāng xiàng. bù hǎo yì sī. | \nduey buh chii woo buh shyh heen ching chuu nii hair shyh wenn bye ren ba woo pah geei nii tsuoh de fang shianq buh hao yih sy | \n
| Sorry, I’m also a tourist and am not familiar with this place. | \n不好意思，我也是游客，对这里不熟。 | \nbù hǎo yì si, wǒ yě shì yóu kè, duì zhè lǐ bù shú. | \nbuh hao yih sy woo yee shyh you keh duey jeh lii buh shwu | \n
| Sorry, I don’t live here. | \n不好意思，我不住在这儿。 | \nbù hǎo yì si, wǒ bú zhù zài zhè’er | \nbuh hao yih sy woo buh juh tzay jeh’el | \n
You’ve probably heard of 风水 (fēng shuǐ), which is the traditional Chinese philosophy of maximizing the flow of energy in the universe. This energy is known as 气 (qì), which is the underlying basis for traditional Chinese medicine, martial arts, and more. Today, the principles of feng shui are applied in architecture and interior design all around the world, with the cardinal directions playing a significant role in it.
\nAccording to the tradition, if you sit and sleep facing the right directions, then good luck will come your way. That’s why people in China sometimes hire feng shui consultants before purchasing a new home.
\n\nLeft in Chinese is 左 (zuǒ) and right is 右 (yòu). They are usually accompanied by the word 边 (biān) to indicate that something is to the left or to the right of something, such as 左边 (zuǒ biān) or 右边 (yòu biān). Here are a couple of examples:
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| The library is to the right of the museum | \n图书馆在博物馆的右边 | \ntú shū guǎn zài bó wù guǎn de yòu biān | \ntwu shu goan tzay bor wuh goan de yow bian | \n
| The kitchen is to the left of the bedroom | \n厨房在卧室的左边 | \nchú fáng zài wò shì de zuǒ biān | \nchwu farng tzay woh shyh de tzuoo bian | \n
BONUS: What happens when you combine both left and right? You get 左右 (zuǒ yòu)! This is a word that means “approximately” or “around” and can be useful when you don’t know the exact amount of something, like time, measurements, distances, and more.
\nYes! Just like English and the rest of the Germanic languages, Chinese is typically written from left to right.
\nIt can be! Traditional Chinese used to be written from top to bottom, in columns that went from the right side of the page to the left. However, that is less common nowadays and most books are written from left to right, just as in English.
\n\nIf you’ve been learning Mandarin for a while, then you already know how important idioms are in day-to-day conversations. As such, here are some of the most popular idioms in Chinese involving directions!
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nMeaning | \n
| Running around | \n东奔西走 | \ndōng bēn xī zǒu | \ndong ben shi tzoou | \nTo run around hurriedly, usually while busy with something | \n
| Looking around | \n东张西望 | \ndōng zhāng xī wàng | \ndong jang shi wanq | \nTo look in all directions | \n
| Polar opposites | \n南辕北辙 | \nnán yuán běi zhé | \nnan yuan beei jer | \nThe literal meaning is that you’re meant to be going south but your horse carriage is heading north, thus, you’re doing the polar opposite of what you should be doing. | \n
| Coming from south, going to north | \n南来北往 | \nnán lái běi wǎng | \nnan lai beei woang | \nTo come and go all the time | \n
| Southern accent and northern tone | \n南腔北调 | \nnán qiāng běi diào | \nnan chiang beei diaw | \nHaving an impure accent and mixed with dialects | \n
| To glance left and right | \n左顾右盼 | \nzuǒ gù yòu pàn | \ntzuoo guh yow pann | \nTo look around | \n
| Dilemma | \n左右为难 | \nzuǒ yòu wéi nán | \ntzuoo yow wei nan | \nTo be between a rock and a hard place | \n
| Roads open in all directions | \n四通八达 | \nsì tōng bā dá | \nsyh tong ba dar | \nDescribes extremely convenient in transportation | \n
| Thousands of times and hundreds of twists and turns | \n千回百折 | \nqiān huí bǎi zhé | \nchian hwei bae jer | \nDescribes an intricate story with many twists and turns | \n
Now, you know over 154 helpful phrases that will help you get to wherever you’re going thanks to your stellar Chinese abilities. Even if you get lost in the process, you’ll always be able to find your way and course-correct. And, if you’re lucky enough to be exploring the beautiful and exciting streets of China, getting lost is sometimes the best part. Just trust that you’ll be able to find your way thanks to what you’ve learned in this guide and enjoy the ride!
\nIf you want to polish more of your Chinese, then check out our Mandarin Chinese blog! We regularly publish guides like these to help you improve every aspect of your language journey, from acing the marketing world in Chinese to conquering over 200 drinks in Chinese.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"A guide to marketing in China","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"A Guide to Marketing in China & Marketing Vocabulary in Chinese","url":"/blog/marketing-vocabulary-chinese","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blta23cf92df3eac11e/64ffc2367db54e9b78c1a063/e1789c94-1398-43be-b15d-b7ffb5ea0f60.jpeg"},"post_content":"• Lower-tier cities matter: China's \"xiachen\" strategy targets the 85% of the population outside first-tier cities, offering less competition and significant growth potential.
\n• Private traffic is essential: Building consumer communities through WeChat (groups, mini-programs, accounts) generates valuable, cost-free traffic with high purchase intent.
\n• KOLs drive sales: Key Opinion Leaders combine influencer reach with topical authority, making them powerful partners for foreign brands entering China.
\n• Live-commerce is booming: Livestream shopping has become one of the fastest-growing sales channels, with top streamers generating millions in sales in a single day.
\n• Western platforms are blocked: The Great Firewall restricts Google, Facebook, Instagram, and other Western apps—success requires mastering Chinese platforms like Baidu, WeChat, and Douyin.
\n• Guochao favors local culture: Chinese consumers increasingly prefer brands that incorporate traditional Chinese elements, requiring foreign brands to work closely with local experts.
\n• Double Eleven is massive: China's Singles' Day shopping holiday (11/11) is the world's largest shopping event, requiring advance planning to maximize sales.
Signing up for Spanish classes or Italian classes can seem daunting at first, especially if you don’t know much about the two. While they may sound almost identical to the untrained ear, the relationship between the two languages is somewhat complicated. Although there is some level of mutual intelligibility — that is, the ability of Spanish speakers to understand Italian speakers and vice versa — they are entirely different languages with many differences.
\nIf you’re wondering just how similar they are, either because you already speak one and are thinking of learning the other or because you’re trying to decide which one to learn, this guide will cover everything you need to know. We’ll go into all the similarities, differences, and things to look out for (like false friends!) between these two languages.
\n¡Vámonos! Or, should I say, Andiamo!
\n\n
![\"Italian](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt2e2c2cac652453ea/64ffb9487db54e7b04c1a048/istock-1152856031.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
\n
Italian and Spanish are remarkably similar languages, in part because they are both Romance languages. And no, that’s not to say that they are both very romantic (although they are!) but rather because they both come from Roman times. As the Roman Empire expanded throughout Europe, Romans who spoke Vulgar Latin settled into different regions. These settlements slowly developed their own dialects, which eventually became the Romance languages we know today, like Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese.
\nAccording to Ethnologue, one of the most respected reference publications about languages in the world, Italian and Spanish have a lexicon similarity coefficient of .82. That means that 82% of the vocabulary of Italian and Spanish is mutually intelligible, so speakers of either language would be able to understand more than 4 out of every 5 words. That’s remarkably similar, considering that native speakers of either language can start with a massive advantage compared to a non-speaker.
\nHere are some other specific similarities between Italian and Spanish:
\nBoth Italian and Spanish use modified versions of the Latin alphabet, much like English. That’s good news if you’re a native English speaker, as you won’t have to learn a whole new alphabet or writing system when learning either language. However, each language has some unique features in its alphabet.
\nThe Italian alphabet only has 21 letters — 16 consonants and 5 vowels. The missing letters are j, k, w, x, y, and z, so you won’t find these letters anywhere except for foreign words. The Spanish alphabet, on the other hand, has an extra letter that you should be aware of. Namely, the letter Ñ/ñ (eh-nyeh) is added to the alphabet, resulting in 27 letters including 22 consonants and 5 vowels. The alphabet used to be even longer before, when the digraphs Ch/ch and Ll/ll were considered letters, but the Real Academia Española has since revoked their standing as true letters.
\nBoth Italian and Spanish have an extensive conjugation system, so you’ll have to modify the verb depending on the person who is doing the action. This is similar to English conjugations, where the verb is modified according to the person. For example, I say something, but she says something else. The difference is that English conjugations are usually just minor variations of the word, while conjugations in Spanish and Italian tend to involve more extensive changes.
\nBoth Spanish and Italian have two types of verb conjugations: regular and irregular. An overwhelming majority of verbs fall into the regular category, making it easy to know how to conjugate the verbs. For these kinds of verbs, all you have to do is keep the verb stem and replace the ending corresponding to the verb tense and pronoun. Fortunately, both Italian pronouns and Spanish pronouns are very similar, which also means that conjugating verbs is very similar.
\nLet’s take a look at the respective verbs for “to eat,” which is mangiare in Italian and comer in Spanish. They’re both regular verbs and we’ll conjugate them in the present indicative tense so you can see how they compare. We’ve bolded the verb stem in each case so you can see the part of the verb that changes.
\n| English | \nItalian pronoun | \nConjugated verb | \nSpanish pronoun | \nConjugated verb | \n
| I eat | \nIo | \nmangio | \nYo | \nComo | \n
| You eat | \nTu | \nmangi | \nTú | \nComes | \n
| He/she eats | \nLui/Lei | \nmangia | \nÉl/ella | \nCome | \n
| We eat | \nNoi | \nmangiamo | \nNosotros | \nComemos | \n
| You eat | \nVoi | \nmangiate | \nUstedes | \nComen | \n
| They eat | \nLoro | \nmangiano | \nEllos/ellas | \nComen | \n
\n
As you can see, regular verb conjugations follow a very methodical process: you take the verb stem and add the corresponding ending according to the verb tense and pronoun. However, this all goes out the window when dealing with either Spanish or Italian irregular verbs. For example, let’s compare the verb “to be” in Italian and Spanish. The conjugation of the verb essere in Italian is irregular, as is the conjugation of the verb ser in Spanish. With both Italian and Spanish irregular verbs, the verb stem doesn’t remain unchanged, and the endings may or may not be similar to regular verb endings. Let’s take a look:
\n| English | \nItalian pronoun | \nItalian conjugation | \nSpanish pronoun | \nSpanish conjugation | \n
| I am | \nIo | \nsono | \nYo | \nsoy | \n
| You are | \nTu | \nsei | \nTú | \neres | \n
| He/she is | \nLui/Lei | \nè | \nÉl/ella | \nes | \n
| We are | \nNoi | \nsiamo | \nNosotros | \nsomos | \n
| You are | \nVoi | \nsiete | \nUstedes | \nson | \n
| They are | \nLoro | \nsono | \nEllos/ellas | \nson | \n
\n
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Both Italian and Spanish have quite a few verb tenses. Italian has 7 modes and 21 verb tenses, while Spanish has 4 modes and 23 verb tenses. For reference, English only has 12 verb tenses, which makes both of these languages much more tense-friendly.
\nIf this information is making you tense up, don’t worry about it too much (yet). While learning how to use verb tenses can be intimidating at first, you’ll be able to describe events with much more precision thanks to all these extra verb tenses. Want to see how? Check out this extensive guide to conjugating the verb decir in all tenses to see how verb tenses are actually your friend!
\nThe phonemes and graphemes coincide in both Italian and Spanish, which means that words are read exactly as they are written. English, on the other hand, is an irregular language, so letters aren’t always read the same way. Take the words “call” and “cat,” for example. Looking at the IPA spelling, we can see that the “a” isn’t pronounced the same way in both words: ˈkɔl for call and ˈkæt for cat. You won’t have to worry about this with Spanish or Italian, as the pronunciation of letters stays the same across words.
\nItalian and Spanish are both null-subject languages, meaning that you can often omit the subject as long as the verb is conjugated correctly. As you now know, both Italian and Spanish conjugate verbs differently depending on the person doing the action. That means that specifying the subject often becomes irrelevant, as you’ll be able to tell who is doing the action based on the verb conjugation.
\n\n
They say a language is a dialect with an army and a navy, but that’s not necessarily true for Spanish and Italian. Although they do have many similarities, they are nowhere near close to being the same language, so you’ll have to keep an eye out for the following differences:
\n![\"Working](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltfe224e891e738ff4/64ffbbffea4b5df535511afe/istock-1356385560.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Both Spanish and Italian developed from Vulgar Latin after the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century. Since the Romans inhabited both present-day Spain and present-day Italian, both languages started off with the same base. However, as the lines of communication disappeared after the end of the Roman Times, both languages developed independently.
\nItalian as we know it today started to appear after the 7th century. The first recorded evidence of Italian was the Placiti Cassinesi, which was written in the 10th century. Soon thereafter, many of the most famous Italian classics started to appear, including Dante Alighieri’s Inferno, a 14th-century classic that remains one of the most popular books around the world.
\nThings were institutionalized in the 16th century when the Accademia della Crusca was founded in 1583. Also known as La Crusca, this was the world’s first language authority. It was set up by a group of academics in Florence as a way to standardize the language. The first dictionary in Italian, the Vocabolario degli Accademici della Crusca, was published in 1614 and the rest is history.
\nSpanish developed in a very similar pattern with one key interruption: the Moor invasion. If you’re familiar with Iberian history, then you might already know that the Iberian Peninsula was under total or partial Muslim control between the 8th and 15th centuries. This resulted in the adoption of thousands of words from Arabic into Spanish. In fact, virtually all Spanish words that begin with “al” come from Arabic, like almohada, alambre, and more.
\nAlthough Spain was fully reconquered by the Kingdom of Castile by the 15th century, this period of Muslim occupation made a longstanding impact on Spanish. Italian didn’t experience a similar period of external influence, so it doesn’t have nearly as many words of Arabic origin as Spanish.
\nSpanish and Italian have many different grammar rules. For example, Spanish, like English, doesn’t use articles for possessives. So, you’d say “I am in my car,” which is “Estoy en mi carro” in Spanish. Italian, however, does use articles for possessives, so you’d say “Sono nella mia macchina,” which is like saying “I am in the my car” in English. That extra “the” in there is something that Italian grammar requires, but Spanish doesn’t.
\nAs mentioned earlier, both Spanish and Italian have very similar pronunciation rules: everything is pronounced exactly as it is written. However, there are a few pronunciation rule differences to keep track of.
\nLet’s take a look at the “soft c” sound, which occurs when a c is followed by an i or an e. In Italian, the soft c is pronounced as a ch, whereas the soft c is pronounced as a th in Iberian Spanish and an s in Latin American Spanish. Similarly, a soft g is pronounced as a j in Italian, but as an x/h in Spanish. You’ll have to keep track of these differences in pronunciation if you’re thinking about learning both languages.
\n\n
Let’s be real, learning a new language from scratch will always be a challenge that requires commitment and dedication. However, some languages are easier to learn than others, so you might want to be strategic about which language to choose. Luckily for you, both Spanish and Italian are ranked among the easiest languages for English speakers to learn, making it a toss-up between the two.
\nAccording to the U.S. Foreign Service Institute, both Italian and Spanish are ranked in the lowest difficulty category for native English speakers. If taking full-time courses, you can expect to attain fluency in either of these languages in approximately 24 weeks.
\nWith that said, learning one over the other may be easier for you depending on your personal circumstances. If you have any friends or family who speak one of the two languages, you may be able to practice with them and become fluent faster. Similarly, you may be able to take advantage of any local speakers in your area, as you may be able to visit a Mexican supermarket or an Italian deli to practice your new skills.
\n![\"Woman](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt3ff25b69267d4844/64ffbdca9bcd1b2bc51cf2ce/istock-1014737490.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Learning a new language can be an incredibly rewarding skill, not just as a way to enrich your personality but also as a way to make yourself more marketable to employers. Being able to speak a new language will allow you to communicate with more customers, vendors, and clients, which will make you eligible for more jobs and even negotiate higher pay. Fortunately, both Spanish and Italian are considered some of the best languages to learn for business, whether you’re looking for a new job or to strike new deals with international clients.
\nItalian is spoken by over 60 million people around the world, most of which are, of course, in Italy. However, there are also significant Italian-speaking populations in places like Switzerland, Malta, Croatia, Slovenia, Argentina, and the United States. Italy is also the second-largest manufacturing economy in Europe, making this an invaluable business tool for those looking to go into luxury goods or the fashion industry.
\nSpanish, on the other hand, is the fourth most-spoken language in the world, with well over half a billion speakers. There are 21 Spanish-speaking countries that span four continents, making this a truly global language. If you live in the United States, it’s also worth considering that there are over 40 million Spanish speakers in the country, making it the country with the second-largest Spanish-speaking population. That means you’ll be able to use Spanish at home without having to fly to a foreign country!
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Now that you’re aware of the broad similarities and differences between Spanish and Italian, you’re probably looking for some concrete examples of what they actually look like. Below, we’ll cover over a hundred words in Spanish and Italian to see how they compare.
\n![\"Discovering](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt670921ba5da886b3/64ffbe8dea4b5d3c28511b04/istock-1363069804.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
First, let’s start with noun cognates. These are nouns that have the same origin and thus sound very similar or even identical. We’ve included 50+ Spanish and Italian noun cognates to give you a solid idea of how similar they are. We’re also including the IPA spelling for all words since the spelling can sometimes make it seem like they don’t sound too similar when they actually do.
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nSpanish IPA | \nItalian | \nItalian IPA | \n
| Port | \nEl puerto | \nel ˈpweɾto | \nIl porto | \nil ˈpɔrto | \n
| Book | \nEl libro | \nel ˈliβɾo | \nIl libro | \nil ˈlibro | \n
| Bank | \nEl banco | \nel ˈβanko | \nLa banca | \nla ˈbanka | \n
| Music | \nLa música | \nla ˈmusika | \nLa musica | \nla ˈmuzika | \n
| Art | \nEl arte | \nel ˈaɾte | \nL’arte | \nlˈarte | \n
| House | \nLa casa | \nla ˈkasa | \nLa casa | \nla ˈkaza | \n
| Telephone | \nEl teléfono | \nel teˈlefono | \nIl telefono | \nil teˈlɛfono | \n
| Supermarket | \nEl supermercado | \nel supeɾmeɾˈkaðo | \nIl supermarcato | \nil supermarkato | \n
| Coffee | \nEl café | \nel kaˈfe | \nIl caffè | \nil kafˈfɛ | \n
| Library | \nLa biblioteca | \nla βiβljoˈteka | \nLa biblioteca | \nla bibljoˈtɛka | \n
| Disgrace | \nLa desgracia | \nla ðezˈɣɾaθja | \nLa disgrazia | \nla diˈzɡrattsja | \n
| Action | \nLa acción | \nla akˈθjon | \nL'azione | \nlatˈtsjone | \n
| Announcement | \nEl anuncio | \nel aˈnunθjo | \nL'annunzio | \nlanˈnuntsjo | \n
| Response | \nLa respuesta | \nla resˈpwesta | \nLa risposta | \nla risˈposta | \n
| Sack | \nEl saco | \nel ˈsako | \nIl sacco | \nil ˈsakko | \n
| Battle | \nLa batalla | \nla βaˈtaʎa | \nLa battaglia | \nla batˈtaʎʎa | \n
| Beuaty | \nLa belleza | \nla βeˈʎeθa | \nLa bellezza | \nla belˈlettsa | \n
| Beeginning | \nEl principio | \nel pɾinˈθipjo | \nIl principio | \nil prinˈtʃipjo | \n
| Bottom | \nEl fondo | \nel ˈfondo | \nIl fondo | \nil ˈfondo | \n
| Circle | \nEl círculo | \nel ˈθiɾkulo | \nIl circolo | \nil ˈtʃirkolo | \n
| Color | \nEl color | \nel koˈloɾ | \nIl colore | \nil koˈlore | \n
| Company | \nLa compañía | \nla kompaˈɲia | \nLa compagnia | \nla kompaɲˈɲia | \n
| Contest | \nEl concurso | \nel konˈkuɾso | \nIl concorso | \nil konˈkorso | \n
| Commitment | \nEl compromiso | \nel kompɾoˈmiso | \nIl compromesso | \nil komproˈmesso | \n
| End | \nEl fin | \nel ˈfin | \nLa fine | \nla ˈfine | \n
| Contact | \nEl contacto | \nel konˈtakto | \nIl contatto | \nil konˈtatto | \n
| Cube | \nEl cubo | \nel ˈkuβo | \nIl cubo | \nil ˈkubo | \n
| Death | \nLa muerte | \nla ˈmweɾte | \nLa morte | \nla ˈmɔrte | \n
| Dream | \nEl sueño | \nel ˈsweɲo | \nIl sogno | \nil ˈsoɲɲo | \n
| Business | \nLa empresa | \nla emˈpɾesa | \nL'impresa | \nlimˈpreza | \n
| Entrance | \nLa entrada | \nla enˈtɾaða | \nL'entrata | \nlenˈtrata | \n
| Force | \nLa fuerza | \nla ˈfweɾθa | \nLa forza | \nla ˈfɔrtsa | \n
| Government | \nEl gobierno | \nel ɣoˈβjeɾno | \nIl governo | \nil ɡoˈvɛrno | \n
| Heat | \nEl calor | \nel kaˈloɾ | \nIl calore | \nilkaˈlore | \n
| Hope | \nLa esperanza | \nla espeˈɾanθa | \nLa speranza | \nla speˈrantsa | \n
| Tongue | \nLa lengua | \nla ˈlenɡwa | \nLa lingua | \nla ˈlinɡwa | \n
| Language | \nEl lenguaje | \nel lenˈɡwaxe | \nIl linguaggio | \nil linˈɡwaddʒo | \n
| Life | \nLa vida | \nla ˈβiða | \nLa vita | \nla ˈvita | \n
| Love | \nEl amor | \nel aˈmoɾ | \nL'amore | \nlaˈmore | \n
| Machine | \nLa máquina | \nla ˈmakina | \nLa macchina | \nla ˈmakkina | \n
| Number | \nEl número | \nel ˈnumeɾo | \nIl numero | \nil ˈnumero | \n
| Person | \nLa persona | \nla peɾˈsona | \nLa persona | \nla perˈsona | \n
| Plant | \nLa planta | \nla ˈplanta | \nLa pianta | \nla ˈpjanta | \n
| Politics | \nLa política | \nla poˈlitika | \nLa politica | \nla poˈlitika | \n
| Remedy | \nEl remedio | \nel reˈmeðjo | \nIl remedio | \nil reˈmɛdjo | \n
| Thanks | \nLas gracias | \nlaz ˈɣɾaθjas | \nLe grazie | \nˈle ˈɡrattsje | \n
| Thing | \nLa cosa | \nla ˈkosa | \nLa cosa | \nla ˈkɔza | \n
| Truth | \nLa verdad | \nla βeɾˈðað | \nLa verità | \nla veriˈta | \n
| Value | \nEl valor | \nel βaˈloɾ | \nIl valore | \nil vaˈlore | \n
| War | \nLa guerra | \nla ˈɣera | \nLa guerra | \nla ˈɡwɛrra | \n
| Wealth | \nLa riqueza | \nla riˈkeθa | \nLa ricchezza | \nla rikˈkettsa | \n
| Weight | \nEl peso | \nel ˈpeso | \nIl peso | \nil ˈpezo | \n
| World | \nEl mundo | \nel ˈmundo | \nIl mondo | \nil ˈmondo | \n
| Word | \nLa palabra | \nla paˈlaβɾa | \nLa parola | \nla paˈrɔla | \n
\n
Like noun cognates, verb cognates are action words that sound very similar. Here are 50+ Italian and Spanish verb cognates:
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nSpanish IPA | \nItalian | \nItalian IPA | \n
| To be able to | \nPoder | \npoˈðeɾ | \nPotere | \npoˈtere | \n
| To accept | \nAceptar | \naθepˈtaɾ | \nAccettare | \nattʃetˈtare | \n
| To accompany | \nAcompañar | \nakompaˈɲaɾ | \nAccompagnare | \nakkompaɲˈɲare | \n
| To admire | \nAdmirar | \naðmiˈɾaɾ | \nAmmirare | \nammiˈrare | \n
| To announce | \nAnunciar | \nanunˈθjaɾ | \nAnnunziare | \nannunˈtsjare | \n
| To enjoy oneself | \nDivertir | \ndiβeɾˈtiɾ | \nDivertire | \ndiverˈtire | \n
| To allow to | \nPermitir | \npeɾmiˈtiɾ | \nPermettere | \nperˈmettere | \n
| To put together | \nArmar | \naɾˈmaɾ | \nArmare | \narˈmare | \n
| To arrest | \nArrestar | \naresˈtaɾ | \nArrestare | \narresˈtare | \n
| To attack | \nAtacar | \nataˈkaɾ | \nAttaccare | \nattakˈkare | \n
| To avoid | \nEvitar | \neβiˈtaɾ | \nEvitare | \neviˈtare | \n
| To shower | \nBañarse | \nbaˈɲaɾse | \nBagnarsi | \nbaɲˈɲarsi | \n
| To bite | \nMorder | \nmoɾˈðeɾ | \nMordere | \nˈmɔrdere | \n
| To be born | \nNacer | \nnaˈθeɾ | \nNascere | \nˈnaʃʃere | \n
| To brake | \nFrenar | \nfɾeˈnaɾ | \nFrenare | \nfreˈnare | \n
| To break | \nRomper | \nromˈpeɾ | \nRompere | \nˈrompere | \n
| To breath | \nRespirar | \nrespiˈɾaɾ | \nRespirare | \nrespiˈrare | \n
| To build | \nConstruir | \nkosˈtɾwiɾ | \nCostruire | \nkostruˈire | \n
| To buy | \nComprar | \nkomˈpɾaɾ | \nComprare | \nkomˈprare | \n
| To cause | \nCausar | \nkawˈsaɾ | \nCausare | \nkau̯ˈzare | \n
| To celebrate | \nCelebrar | \nθeleˈβɾaɾ | \nCelebrare | \ntʃeleˈbrare | \n
| To change | \nCambiar | \nkamˈbjaɾ | \nCambiare | \nkamˈbjare | \n
| To chew | \nMasticar | \nmastiˈkaɾ | \nMasticare | \nmastiˈkare | \n
| To come | \nVenir | \nbeˈniɾ | \nVenire | \nveˈnire | \n
| To continue | \nContinuar | \nkontiˈnwaɾ | \nContinuare | \nkontinuˈare | \n
| To cook | \nCocinar | \nkoθiˈnaɾ | \nCucinare | \nkutʃiˈnare | \n
| To cost | \nCostar | \nkosˈtaɾ | \nCostare | \nkosˈtare | \n
| To criticize | \nCriticar | \nkɾitiˈkaɾ | \nCriticare | \nkritiˈkare | \n
| To dream | \nSoñar | \nsoˈɲaɾ | \nSognare | \nsoɲˈɲare | \n
| To dress | \nVestir | \nbesˈtiɾ | \nVestire | \nvesˈtire | \n
| To come into | \nEntrar en | \nenˈtɾaɾ en | \nEntrare in | \nenˈtrare in | \n
| To envy | \nEnvidiar | \nembiˈðjaɾ | \nInvidiare | \ninviˈdjare | \n
| To feed | \nAlimentar | \nalimenˈtaɾ | \nAlimentare | \nalimenˈtare | \n
| To feel | \nSentirse | \nsenˈtiɾse | \nSentirsi | \nsenˈtirsi | \n
| To fly | \nVolar | \nboˈlaɾ | \nVolare | \nvoˈlare | \n
| To follow | \nSeguir | \nseˈɣiɾ | \nSeguire | \nseˈɡwire | \n
| To forgive | \nPerdonar | \npeɾðoˈnaɾ | \nPerdonare | \nperdoˈnare | \n
| To give | \nDar | \nˈdaɾ | \nDare | \nˈdare | \n
| To greet | \nSaludar | \nsaluˈðaɾ | \nSalutare | \nsaluˈtare | \n
| To hate | \nOdiar | \noˈðjaɾ | \nOdiare | \noˈdjare | \n
| To jump | \nSaltar | \nsalˈtaɾ | \nSaltare | \nsalˈtare | \n
| To keep | \nGuardar | \nɡwaɾˈðaɾ | \nGuardare | \nɡwarˈdare | \n
| To love | \nAmar | \naˈmaɾ | \nAmare | \naˈmare | \n
| To live | \nVivir | \nbiˈβiɾ | \nVivere | \nˈvivere | \n
| To lose | \nPerder | \npeɾˈðeɾ | \nPerdere | \nˈpɛrdere | \n
| To mention | \nMencionar | \nmenθjoˈnaɾ | \nMenzionare | \nmentsjoˈnare | \n
| To move | \nMover | \nmoˈβeɾ | \nMovere | \nˈmɔvere | \n
| To forgive | \nPerdonar | \npeɾðoˈnaɾ | \nPerdonare | \nperdoˈnare | \n
| To pay | \nPagar | \npaˈɣaɾ | \nPagare | \npaˈɡare | \n
| To prepare | \nPreparar | \npɾepaˈɾaɾ | \nPreparare | \nprepaˈrare | \n
| To pronounce | \nPronunciar | \npɾonunˈθjaɾ | \nPronunziare | \npronuntsjare | \n
| To protect | \nProteger | \npɾoteˈxeɾ | \nProteggere | \nproˈtɛddʒere | \n
| To respond | \nResponder | \nresponˈdeɾ | \nRispondere | \nrisˈpondere | \n
| To reserve | \nReservar | \nreseɾˈβaɾ | \nRiservare | \nrizerˈvare | \n
| To run | \nCorrer | \nkoˈreɾ | \nCorrere | \nˈkorrere | \n
| To sell | \nVender | \nbenˈdeɾ | \nVendere | \nˈvendere | \n
| To show | \nMostrar | \nmosˈtɾaɾ | \nMostrare | \nmosˈtrare | \n
| To mean | \nSignificar | \nsiɣnifiˈkaɾ | \nSignificare | \nsiɲɲifiˈkare | \n
| To sing | \nCantar | \nkanˈtaɾ | \nCantare | \nkanˈtare | \n
| To sleep | \nDormir | \ndoɾˈmiɾ | \nDormire | \ndorˈmire | \n
| To resolve | \nResolver | \nresolˈβeɾ | \nRisolvere | \nriˈzɔlvere | \n
| To think | \nPensar | \npenˈsaɾ | \nPensare | \npenˈsare | \n
| To visit | \nVisitar | \nbisiˈtaɾ | \nVisitare | \nviziˈtare | \n
| To wash | \nLavar | \nlaˈβaɾ | \nLavare | \nlaˈvare | \n
| To change | \nCaminar | \nkamiˈnaɾ8 | \nCamminare | \nkammiˈnare | \n
\n
As you already know, Italian and Spanish are very similar. However, that doesn’t mean that all words are the same. There are many words that are completely different in both languages, so you won’t be able to fully understand both languages just by learning one. Below, we’ll go over some of the most common vocabulary words that are different in Spanish and Italian.
\nAfter covering 100+ words that are almost identical in Spanish and Italian, you might be surprised to hear that there are words that not only aren’t identical but are actually quite different. Here are 35 examples of words that sound nothing alike in Spanish and Italian:
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nSpanish IPA | \nItalian | \nItalian IPA | \n
| Pillow | \nLa almohada | \nla almoˈaða | \nIl cuscino | \nil kuʃˈʃino | \n
| Bed | \nLa cama | \nla ˈkama | \nIl letto | \nil ˈlɛtto | \n
| Tablecloth | \nEl mantel | \nel manˈtel | \nLa tovaglia | \nla toˈvaʎʎa | \n
| Apple | \nLa manzana | \nla manˈθana | \nLa mela | \nla ˈmela | \n
| Cucumber | \nEl pepino | \nel peˈpino | \nIl cetriolo | \nil tʃetriˈɔlo | \n
| Pepper | \nLa pimienta | \nla piˈmjenta | \nIl peppe | \nil peppe | \n
| Living room | \nLa sala | \nla ˈsala | \nIl soggiorno | \nil sodˈdʒorno | \n
| Watermelon | \nLa sandía | \nla sanˈdia | \nL’auguria | \nlau̯ˈɡurja | \n
| Fork | \nEl tenedor | \nel teneˈðoɾ | \nLa forchetta | \nla forˈketta | \n
| Tomato | \nEl tomate | \nel toˈmate | \nIl pomodoro | \nil pomoˈdɔro | \n
| Cup | \nEl vaso | \nel ˈβaso | \nIl bicchiere | \nil bikˈkjɛre | \n
| Apology | \nLa disculpa | \nla ðisˈkulpa | \nLa scusa | \nla ˈskuza | \n
| Ball | \nLa bola | \nla ˈβola | \nLa palla | \nla ˈpalla | \n
| Cleanliness | \nLa limpieza | \nla limˈpjeθa | \nLa pulizia | \nla pulitˈtsia | \n
| Trust | \nLa confianza | \nla komˈfjanθa | \nLa fiducia | \nla fiˈdutʃa | \n
| Develpment | \nEl desarrollo | \nel desaˈroʎo | \nLo sviluppo | \nˈlo zviˈluppo | \n
| Discovery | \nEl descubrimiento | \nel deskuβɾiˈmjento | \nLa scoperta | \nla skoˈpɛrta | \n
| Equality | \nLa igualdad | \nla jɣwalˈdað | \nL'uguaglianza | \nluɡwaʎˈʎantsa | \n
| Expenses | \nLos gastos | \nloz ˈɣastos | \nLe spese | \nˈle ˈspeze | \n
| Food | \nEl alimento | \nel aliˈmento | \nIl cibo | \nil ˈtʃibo | \n
| Future | \nEl futuro | \nel fuˈtuɾo | \nL'avvenire | \nlavveˈnire | \n
| To give advice | \nAconsejar | \nakonseˈxaɾ | \nConsigliare | \nkonsiʎˈʎare | \n
| To arrive | \nLlegar | \nʎeˈɣaɾ | \nArrivare | \narriˈvare | \n
| To ask for | \nPedir | \npeˈðiɾ | \nChiedere | \nˈkjɛdere | \n
| To be amazed by | \nAsombrarse | \nasomˈbɾaɾse | \nStupirsi | \nstuˈpirsi | \n
| To ask | \nPreguntar | \npɾeɣunˈtaɾ | \nDomandare | \ndomanˈdare | \n
| To hit | \nGolpear | \nɡolpeˈaɾ | \nBattere | \nˈbattere | \n
| To become | \nHacerse | \naˈθeɾse | \nDivenire | \ndiveˈnire | \n
| To brush | \nCepillar | \nθepiˈʎaɾ | \nSpazzolare | \nspattsoˈlare | \n
| To close | \nCerrar | \nθeˈraɾ | \nChiudere | \nˈkjudere | \n
| To complain | \nQuejarse | \nkeˈxaɾse | \nLagnarsi | \nlaɲˈɲarsi | \n
| To do | \nHacer | \naˈθeɾ | \nFare | \nˈfare | \n
| To finish | \nAcabar | \nakaˈβaɾ | \nFinire | \nfiˈnire | \n
| To find | \nEncontrar | \nenkonˈtɾaɾ | \nTrovare | \ntroˈvare | \n
| To eat | \nComer | \nkoˈmeɾ | \nMangiare | \nmanˈdʒare | \n
\n
Just as there are hundreds of cognates in Spanish and Italian, there are also many false cognates. Also known as “false friends,” these are words that sound like something in one language but mean something completely different in another. For example, “burro” means butter in Italian (yum!), but “burro” means donkey in Spanish (yuck!). Don’t make a silly mistake by confusing some of these fake friends!
\n| Spanish | \nIPA | \nSpanish meaning | \nItalian | \nIPA | \nItalian meaning | \n
| Barato | \nbaˈɾato | \nCheap | \nBarato | \nbaˈrato | \nCheated | \n
| Burro | \nˈburo | \nDonkey | \nBurro | \nˈburro | \nButter | \n
| Guardar | \nɡwaɾˈðaɾ | \nTo keep | \nGuardare | \nɡwarˈdare | \nTo look at | \n
| Oficina | \nofiˈθina | \nOffice | \nOficina | \nofitʃina | \nWorkshop | \n
| Salir | \nsaˈliɾ | \nTo go out | \nSalire | \nsaˈlire | \nTo go up | \n
| Parar | \npaˈɾaɾ | \nTo stop | \nParare | \npaˈrare | \nTo adorn | \n
| Pesca | \nˈpeska | \nFishing | \nPesca | \nˈpeska | \nPeach | \n
| Pronto | \nˈpɾonto | \nSoon | \nPronto | \nˈpronto | \nReady | \n
| Sembrar | \nsemˈbɾaɾ | \nTo sow | \nSembrare | \nsemˈbrare | \nTo seem | \n
| Subir | \nsuˈβiɾ | \nTo go up | \nSubire | \nsuˈbire | \nTo endure | \n
| Tener | \nteˈneɾ | \nTo have | \nTenere | \nteˈnere | \nTo hold | \n
| Topo | \nˈtopo | \nMole | \nTopo | \nˈtɔpo | \nMouse | \n
| Aceite | \naˈθejte | \nOil | \nAceto | \naˈtʃeto | \nVinegar | \n
| Caldo | \nˈkaldo | \nBroth | \nCaldo | \nˈkaldo | \nHot | \n
| Caro | \nˈkaɾo | \nExpensive | \nCaro | \nˈkaro | \nDear | \n
| Demandar | \ndemanˈdaɾ | \nTo sue | \nDomandare | \ndomanˈdare | \nTo ask | \n
| Prender | \npɾenˈdeɾ | \nTo light | \nPrendere | \nˈprɛndere | \nTo grab | \n
| Todavía | \ntoðaˈβia | \nStill | \nTuttavia | \ntuttaˈvia | \nNevertheless | \n
| Voto | \nˈboto | \nVote | \nVuoto | \nˈvwɔto | \nEmpty | \n
| Esposar | \nespoˈsaɾ | \nTo handcuff | \nSposare | \nspoˈzare | \nTo marry | \n
| Argumento | \naɾɣuˈmento | \nArgument | \nArgomento | \narɡoˈmento | \nTopic | \n
| Largo | \nˈlaɾɣo | \nLong | \nLargo | \nˈlarɡo | \nBroad | \n
| Vaso | \nˈbaso | \nCup | \nVaso | \nˈvazo | \nPot | \n
\n
Ultimately, both Italian and Spanish are wonderfully romantic and useful languages to learn. You should learn the language that appeals most to you, as being excited about the learning process will dramatically increase your chances of sticking to it through mastery.
\nIf you’re looking for the most pragmatic choice, then learning Spanish is surely it. Not only are there almost 10 times as many speakers of Spanish but it’s also spoken across four continents and in almost two dozen countries.
\nHowever, the choice will be tied to your personal goals, motivation and drives, and at the end of the day, it’s just that – YOUR choice. If you’re driven by matters of the heart and have a stronger connection to all things Italy, then you do you!
\nStill unsure about which language to pick? Take a look at our Spanish blog and our Italian blog to keep learning about these beautiful languages. We cover all types of content, from how to wish someone a Merry Christmas in Spanish to writing an expert cover letter in Italian. Give our articles a look to see which one resonates with you more and, if you’re still undecided, don’t hesitate to take a few classes of each to see which one you like best!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Beverages in Chinese","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"A thirst-quenching guide to 218 beverages & drinks in Chinese","url":"/blog/drinks-beverages-chinese","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltc7255425c569281b/64f6ab511c72d8d1ca8ae1ea/pexels-rdne-stock-project-6412837.jpeg"},"post_content":"Who doesn’t love a warm cup of coffee in the morning or an ice-cold beer at the end of a long day? When you visit China, you’ll want to have the vocabulary to order drinks along with your food. Otherwise, you won’t be able to enjoy your meals the same and may even get dehydrated, especially if you visit during China’s hot and humid summers!
One special reason why you’ll definitely want to learn about drinks and beverages in Chinese is to learn some cultural differences between Chinese and Western customs regarding drinks. As you probably already know, we must thank China for the immense contribution of discovering tea in 2,737 B.C. — almost 5,000 years ago! China has since developed a strong tea industry and a rich tea culture that is sure to impress you and your taste buds.
It’s also very important to follow proper drinking etiquette when consuming alcohol in China, especially if you’re visiting for business and are invited to drink with your Chinese colleagues. As you’ll see later on in the article, Chinese drinking culture is an essential part of doing business in China and you need to be prepared for it before you arrive so you can succeed. Otherwise, you risk not only spoiling your business deals but also getting a nasty hangover!
Finally, you might already know that there is no Chinese alphabet. As such, you’ll have to prepare in advance to learn the characters of at least a few essential drinks like water, coffee, and tea. We’ll also give you pinyin along with an intuitive pronunciation guide to help you order your favorite drinks right away.
Feeling thirsty? Let’s jump right into this refreshing guide!
![\"A](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt0759bbdd6dfef024/64f69a2f9da0156e351ea192/pexels-miriam-alonso-7592291.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Before we get started, let’s break down the different categories of drinks in Chinese. Because we have such a large pool of knowledge in this article, we’ll take things section by section to prevent drowning in an overabundance of vocabulary words. That way, you can choose your favorite drinks and focus on those!
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Beverages | 饮料 | yǐn liào | yiin liaw |
| Alcohol | 酒 | jiǔ | jeou |
| Wine | 葡萄酒 | pú táo jiǔ | pwu taur jeou |
| Beer | 啤酒 | pí jiǔ | pyi jeou |
| Liquor | 烈酒 | liè jiǔ | lieh jeou |
| Cocktail | 鸡尾酒 | jī wěi jiǔ | ji woei jeou |
| Water | 水 | shuǐ | shoei |
| Juice | 果汁 | guǒ zhī | guoo jy |
| Coffee | 咖啡 | kā fēi | ka fei |
| Tea | 茶 | chá | char |
| Milk tea | 奶茶 | nǎi chá | nǎi chá |
Alcohol is a big part of Chinese culture. Consuming alcohol is seen as a bonding experience, so it’s typically a prerequisite for situations where forming a bond is critical, like work and family situations. So, before you’re caught off-guard, let’s take a look at some of the most common drink and beverage vocabulary in Chinese, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic!
When you think of beer, do you think of Germany, Czechia, and Belgium? Well, you might want to introduce China to that list as well! With three of the world’s ten largest beer producers, China is a peer powerhouse that just might have your next favorite beer. From local breweries to large commercial producers, you can find any type of beer you’d like in China. Here are some of the most common types of beer in Chinese.
![\"Work](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt57c905bf48965cbc/64f694cf55996bed2406bc11/japan_istock-1150749288.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Ale | 艾尔啤酒 | ài ěr pí jiǔ | ay eel pyi jeou |
| Pale ale | 爱尔淡啤酒 | ài ěr dàn pí jiǔ | ay eel dann pyi jeou |
| Pale lager | 拉格淡啤酒 | lā gé dàn pí jiǔ | lha ger dann pyi jeou |
| India Pale Ale (IPA) | 印度淡色艾尔啤酒 / IPA | yìn dù dàn sè ài ěr pí jiǔ / IPA | yinn duh dann seh ay eel pyi jeou / IPA |
| White beer | 白啤 | bái pí | bair pyi |
| Yellow Beer | 黄啤 | huáng pí | hwang pyi |
| Red Beer | 红啤 | hóng pí | horng pyi |
| Dark beer | 黑啤 | hēi pí | hei pyi |
| Lager beer | 拉格啤酒 | lā gé pí jiǔ | lha ger pyi jeou |
| Wheat beer | 小麦啤酒 | xiǎo mài pí jiǔ | sheau may pyi jeou |
| Pilsner | 比尔森啤酒 | bǐ ěr sēn pí jiǔ | bii eel sen pyi jeou |
| Bock | 博克啤酒 | bó kè pí jiǔ | bii eel sen pyi jeou |
| Porter | 波特啤酒 | bō tè pí jiǔ | bo teh pyi jeou |
If you already know exactly what you want, then you can simply ask for your favorite beer brand in Chinese. Some beers have very simple transliterations, so saying “Corona” will probably get you what you want, while others have direct translations that sound nothing like the English name. Thus, keep this guide to Chinese beer brands handy for the next time you go to the bar!
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Heineken | 喜力 | xǐ lì | shii lih |
| Corona | 科罗娜 | kē luó nà | ke luo nah |
| Budweiser | 百威 | bǎi wēi | bae uei |
| Budlight | 百威淡啤 | bǎi wēi dàn pí | bae uei dann pyi |
| Carlsberg | 嘉士伯 | jiā shì bó | jia shyh bor |
| Grolsch | 高仕 | gāo shì | gau shyh |
| Asahi | 朝日 | zhāo rì | jau ryh |
| Tiger | 虎牌 | hǔ pái | huu pair |
| Blue Ribbon | 蓝带 | lán dài | lan day |
| Suntory | 三得利 | sān dé lì | san der lih |
| Tsingdao Beer | 青岛啤酒 | qīng dǎo pí jiǔ | ching dao pyi jeou |
| Snow Beer | 雪花啤酒 | xuě huā pí jiǔ | sheue hua pyi jeou |
| Yanjing Beer | 燕京啤酒 | yān jīng pí jiǔ | yann jing pyi jeou |
| Harbin Beer | 哈尔滨啤酒 | hā ěr bīn pí jiǔ | ha eel bin pyi jeou |
| Pearl River Beer | 珠江啤酒 | zhū jiāng pí jiǔ | ju jiang pyi jeou |
| Wusu Beer | 乌苏啤酒 | wū sū pí jiǔ | u su pyi jeou |
| Kingway Beer | 金威啤酒 | jīn wēi pí jiǔ | jin uei pyi jeou |
| Shancheng Beer | 山城啤酒 | shān chéng pí jiǔ | shan cherng pyi jeou |
| Kingstar Beer | 金星啤酒 | jīn xīng pí jiǔ | jin shing pyi jeou |
| San Miguel Beer | 生力啤酒 | shēng lì pí jiǔ | sheng lih pyi jeou |
Wine connoisseurs may think of places like Southern Europe, Northern California, and Argentina when they think of wine regions, but did you know that China is the fifth-largest producer of wine in the world? That’s right! Next time you’re in China, you can taste some of the delicious wine from the Shandong, Hebei, and Xinjiang regions.
![\"Women](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltacc9b4c092bac6ee/64f691b0ea4b5d96e750fc6d/pexels-cottonbro-studio-6955661.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Red wine | 红葡萄酒 | hóng pú táo jiǔ | horng pwu tau jeou |
| White wine | 白葡萄酒 | bái pú táo jiǔ | bair pwu taur jeou |
| Champagne | 香槟酒 | xiāng bīn jiǔ | shiang bin jeou |
| Chardonnay | 霞多丽 | xiá duō lì | shya duo lih |
| Cabernet | 赤霞珠 | chì xiá zhū | chyh shya ju |
| Merlot | 梅洛 | méi luò | mei luoh |
| Pinot Noir | 黑皮诺 | hēi pí nuò | hei pyi nuoh |
| Lafite | 拉菲 | lā fēi | lha fei |
| Sauvignon Blanc | 长相思 | cháng xiāng sī | mei luoh |
| Riesling | 雷司令 | léi sī lìng | lei sy linq |
| Carignan | 佳丽酿 | jiā lì niàng | jia lih nianq |
| Sangiovese | 桑娇维赛 | sāng jiāo wéi sài | sang jiau wei say |
| Syrah | 西拉 | xī lā | shi lha |
| Bordeaux | 波尔多 | bō ěr duō | bo eel duo |
Everyone deserves a cocktail at the end of a long workweek. If you’re looking to order your favorite drink in Chinese or are feeling adventurous, here are 25 of the best cocktails in Chinese.
![\"Cocktail](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt32835f7ba129a504/64f69b84ea4b5d41ab50fc7b/pexels-olena-bohovyk-3323682.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Apéritif | 开胃酒 | kāi wèi jiǔ | kai wey jeou |
| Long Island iced tea | 长岛冰茶 | cháng dǎo bīng chá | charng dao bing char |
| Margherita | 玛格丽特 | mǎ gé lì tè | maa ger lih teh |
| Cosmopolitan | 大都会 | dà dū huì | dah du huey |
| Tequila sunrise | 龙舌兰日出 | lóng shé lán rì chū | long sher lan ryh chu |
| Mai Tai | 美态 | měi tài | meei tay |
| Strawberry daiquiri | 草莓戴吉利酒 | cǎo méi dài jí lì jiǔ | tsao mei day jyi lih jeou |
| Piña colada | 椰林飘香 | yē lín piāo xiāng | ie lin piau shiang |
| Sex on the beach | 激情海岸 | jī qíng hǎi àn | ji chyng hae ann |
| Mojito | 莫吉托 | mò jí tuō | moh jyi tuo |
| Bloody Mary | 血腥玛丽 | xuè xīng mǎ lì | shiueh shing maa lih |
| White Russian | 白俄罗斯 | bái é luó sī | bair er luo sy |
| Gin and tonic | 金汤力 | jīn tāng lì | jin tang lih |
| Gin fizz | 金菲士 | jīn fēi shì | jin fei shyh |
| Mimosa | 含羞草 | hán xiū cǎo | harn shiou tsao |
| Blue Hawaiian | 蓝色夏威夷 | lán sè xià wēi yí | lan seh shiah uei yi |
| Singapore sling | 新加坡司令 | xīn jiā pō sī lìng | shin jia po sy linq |
| Manhattan | 曼哈顿 | màn hā dùn | mann ha duenn |
| Summer punch | 夏日宾治 | xià rì bīn zhì | shiah ryh bin jyh |
| Pink Lady | 红粉佳人 | hóng fěn jiā rén | horng feen jia ren |
| Angel’s Kiss | 天使之吻 | tiān shǐ zhī wěn | tian shyy jy woen |
| Shots | 短饮 | duǎn yǐn | doan yiin |
| Jaeger Bomb | 雅格炸弹 | yǎ gé zhà dàn | yea ger jah dann |
| Kamikaze | 神风 | shén fēng | shern feng |
| Lemon Drop | 柠檬糖果 | níng méng táng guǒ | ning meng tarng guoo |
Liquor in Chinese is quite simply 酒 (jiǔ), which you’ll usually see as the last character of specific types of liquor, like 白酒 (baijiu) and 金酒 (gin). Another word you should be familiar with is 劝酒 (quàn jiǔ), which is the Chinese social practice of pressuring your friends and colleagues to drink. For better or for worse, Chinese cultural practices call for encouraging everyone to drink as much as possible, so overdrinking is quite common.
We’ll show you how to politely turn down any invitations to 劝酒 (quàn jiǔ) as well as a few ways to actively deal with it later in this article. For now, we’ll just delve into how to say different types of liquor in Chinese.
![\"Liquor](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltc95866eb13f2b4a1/64f69d091d03ad1386df21eb/pexels-raphael-loquellano-8980827.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Baijiu | 白酒 | bái jiǔ | bair jeou |
| Mulled rice wine | 黄酒 | huáng jiǔ | hwang jeou |
| Rice wine | 米酒 | mǐ jiǔ | mii jeou |
| Horse milk wine | 马奶酒 | mǎ nǎi jiǔ | maa nae jeou |
| Medicinal wine | 药酒 | yào jiǔ | yaw jeou |
| Whiskey | 威士忌酒 | wēi shì jì jiǔ | uei shyh jih jeou |
| Vodka | 伏特加 | fú tè jiā | fwu teh jia |
| Gin | 金酒 | jīn jiǔ | jin jeou |
| Rum | 朗姆酒 | lǎng mǔ jiǔ | laang muu jeou |
| Tequila | 龙舌兰酒 | lóng shé lán jiǔ | long sher lan jeou |
| Cognac | 干邑 | gān yì | gan yih |
| Martini | 马天尼 | mǎ tiān ní | maa tian ni |
| Brandy | 白兰地 | bái lán dì | bair lan dih |
| Sake | 清酒 | qīng jiǔ | ching jeou |
| Mezcal | 梅兹卡尔 | méi zī kǎ ěr | mei tzy kaa eel |
Okay, now you know how to ask for a certain type of liquor, but what about when you know which bottle you have? After all, the brand is almost as important as the type of liquor, so you should know how to order the brand you want. Here are some of the most popular liquor brands in Chinese.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Absolut | 绝对 | jué duì | jyue duey |
| Belvedere | 雪树 | xuě shù | sheue shuh |
| Grey Goose | 灰雁 | huī yàn | huei yann |
| Ketel One | 坎特一号 | kǎn tè yī hào | kaan teh i haw |
| Smirnoff | 斯米尔诺夫 | sī mǐ ěr nuò fū | sy mii eel nuoh fu |
| Stolichnaya | 苏联红 | sū lián hóng | su lian horng |
| Bombay Sapphire | 孟买蓝宝石 | mèng mǎi lán bǎo shí | menq mae lan bao shyr |
| Bacardi | 百加得 | bǎi jiā dé | bae jia der |
| Malibu | 马利宝 | mǎ lì bǎo | maa lih bao |
| Captain Morgan | 摩根船长 | mó gēn chuán zhǎng | mo gen chwan jaang |
| Don Quixote | 唐吉诃德 | táng jí hē dé | tarng jyi he der |
| Jose Cuervo Gold | 豪帅金快活 | háo shuài jīn kuài huó | haur shuay jin kuay hwo |
| Patron | 培恩 | péi ēn | peir en |
| Hennessy | 轩尼诗 | xuān ní shī | shiuan ni shy |
| Johnnie Walker | 尊尼获加 | zūn ní huò jiā | tzuen ni huoh jia |
| Chivas | 芝华士 | zhī huá shì | jy hwa shyh |
| Moët & Chandon | 酩悦香槟 | mǐng yuè xiāng bīn | miing yueh shiang bin |
| Taittinger | 泰廷爵 | tài tíng jué | tay tyng jyue |
| Martell | 马爹利 | mǎ diē lì | tay tyng jyue |
| Remy Martin | 人头马 | rén tóu mǎ | ren tour maa |
| Jack Daniel’s | 杰克丹尼 | jié kè dān ní | jye keh dan ni |
| Changyu | 张裕 | zhāng yù | jang yuh |
| Moutai | 茅台 | máo tái | mau tair |
If you’re not in the mood for libations, then you should order one of the many soft drinks available in China. In particular, you’ll find that tea is very popular in its many variations across China, including hot tea, fruit tea, milk tea, and more. Let’s take a look at some soft drinks.
Fruit is very popular in China, which is no wonder considering it has dozens of delicious local fruits. From lychee to dragon fruit, you’ll be able to find some delicious new fruit juices as you work your way through China. Of course, you can also find some of the fruits you’re used to back home, including apples, grapes, and oranges. We recommend pear juice while in China as the pears are much bigger and juicier there.
![](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt997c9ce28e6de205/64f6a0d9ea4b5d6ed850fc82/pexels-yuan-cao-16820484.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Apple juice | 苹果汁 | píng guǒ zhī | pyng guoo jy |
| Cranberry juice | 红莓汁 | hóng méi zhī | horng mei jy |
| Grape juice | 葡萄汁 | pú táo zhī | pwu taur jy |
| Lemonade | 柠檬水 | níng méng shuǐ | ning meng shoei |
| Orange juice | 橙汁 | chéng zhī | cherng jy |
| Tomato juice | 番茄汁 | fān qié zhī | fan chye jy |
| Strawberry juice | 草莓汁 | cǎo méi zhī | tsao mei jy |
| Blueberry juice | 蓝莓汁 | lán méi zhī | lan mei jy |
| Pineapple juice | 菠萝汁 | bō luó zhī | bo luo jy |
| Lychee juice | 荔枝汁 | lì zhī zhī | lih jy jy |
| Mango juice | 芒果汁 | máng guǒ zhī | mang guoo jy |
| Papaya juice | 木瓜汁 | mù guā zhī | muh gua jy |
| Peach juice | 桃汁 | táo zhī | taur jy |
| Kiwi juice | 猕猴桃汁 | mí hóu táo zhī | mi hour taur jy |
| Watermelon juice | 西瓜汁 | xī guā zhī | shi gua jy |
| Plum juice | 酸梅汤 | suān méi tāng | suan mei tang |
| Aloe juice | 芦荟汁 | lú huì zhī | lu huey jy |
| Corn juice | 玉米汁 | yù mǐ zhī | yuh mii jy |
| Coconut water | 椰子水 | yē zi shuǐ | ie tzy shoei |
| Avocado juice | 牛油果汁 | niú yóu guǒ zhī | niou you guoo jy |
Milk-based drinks are very popular in China, especially soy milk and flavored milk. You’ll be able to find many flavors of regular and soy milk at any convenience store, especially from the Vitasoy brand. Here are some of the most common milk beverages in Chinese:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Chocolate milk | 巧克力奶 | qiǎo kè lì nǎi | cheau keh lih nae |
| Milkshake | 奶昔 | nǎi xī | nae shi |
| Yogurt | 酸奶 | suān nǎi | suan nae |
| Milk tea | 奶茶 | nǎi chá | nae char |
| Skim milk | 脱脂牛奶 | tuō zhī niú nǎi | tuo jy niou nae |
| Soy milk | 豆浆 | dòu jiāng | dow jiang |
| Oat milk | 燕麦奶 | yàn mài nǎi | yann may nae |
| Almond milk | 杏仁奶 | xìng rén nǎi | shinq ren nae |
| Kefir | 克非尔酸奶 | kè fēi ěr suān nǎi | keh fei eel suan nae |
| Banana milk | 香蕉牛奶 | xiāng jiāo niú nǎi | shiang jiau niou nae |
| Eggnog | 蛋奶酒 | dàn nǎi jiǔ | dann nae jeou |
| Evaporated milk | 淡炼乳 | dàn liàn rǔ | dann liann ruu |
Soda is very popular all over China. You’ll be able to find the most common sodas like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Sprite, and Fanta in virtually any restaurant and street vendor, along with some other soft drinks like Red Bull and tonic water.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Cola | 可乐 | kě lè | kee leh |
| Ginger ale | 姜汁汽水 | jiāng zhī qì shuǐ | jiang jy chih shoei |
| Coca-Cola | 可口可乐 | kě kǒu kě lè | kee koou kee leh |
| Pepsi | 百事可乐 | bǎi shì kě lè | bae shyh kee leh |
| Fanta | 芬达 | fēn dá | fen dar |
| Sprite | 雪碧 | xuě bì | sheue bih |
| 7 UP | 七喜 | qī xǐ | chi shii |
| Root Beer | 根汁汽水 | gēn zhī qì shuǐ | gen jy chih shoei |
| Red Bull | 红牛 | hóng niú | horng niou |
Tea has an incredibly rich cultural history in China, and traditional tea ceremonies involve several steps to ensure the best flavor of the tea. The ceremony usually involves various tools like a teapot, teacups, a tea scoop, tea tongs, and more. However, if you want to brew Chinese tea at home, all you need is a teapot, loose-leaf tea, some hot water, and a teacup.
If brewing pu’er or oolong tea, then you’ll want to rinse the tea with a quick pour of hot water and immediate disposal to awaken the tea and remove any debris. This first pour is usually poured over a tea pet, but you can just throw it out if you don’t have one. Enjoy the subsequent brews and remember to share your tea with your loved ones!
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| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Black tea | 红茶 | hóng chá | horng char |
| Green tea | 绿茶 | lǜ chá | liuh char |
| Chamomile tea | 甘菊茶 | gān jú chá | gan jyu char |
| Herbal tea | 草药茶 | cǎo yào chá | tsao yaw char |
| Iced tea | 冰茶 | bīng chá | bing char |
| Oolong tea | 乌龙茶 | wū lóng chá | u long char |
| Dragon Well tea | 龙井茶 | lóng jǐng chá | long jiing char |
| Pu'er tea | 普洱茶 | pǔ ěr chá | puu eel char |
| Matcha | 抹茶 | mǒ chá | moo char |
| Matcha latte | 抹茶拿铁 | mǒ chá ná tiě | moo char na tiee |
| Chrysanthemum tea | 菊花茶 | jú huā chá | jyu hua char |
| Scented tea | 花茶 | huā chá | hua char |
| Jasmine tea | 茉莉花茶 | mò lì huā chá | moh lih hua char |
| Honey citron tea | 蜂蜜柚子茶 | fēng mì yòu zǐ chá | feng mih yow tzyy char |
| Earl Grey tea | 格雷伯爵茶 | gé léi bó jué chá | ger lei bor jyue char |
| Mint tea | 薄荷茶 | bò hé chá | boh her char |
| Jiaduobao | 加多宝 | jiā duō bǎo | jia duo bao |
Bubble tea has taken China by storm over the past couple of decades. Iced milk tea with tapioca balls and various toppings has become the trendiest treat among young people in China, with many choosing to pick up a bubble tea as they run their errands or have a leisurely evening walk. You may have noticed bubble tea shops start popping up in your home country, but nothing comes close to the real deal. Here are some of the most common types of bubble tea in Chinese:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Milk tea | 奶茶 | nǎi chá | nae char |
| Bubble tea | 珍珠奶茶 | zhēn zhū nǎi chá | jen ju nae char |
| Boba tea | 波霸奶茶 | bō bà nǎi chá | bo bah nae char |
| Original milk tea | 原味奶茶 | yuán wèi nǎi chá | yuan wey nae char |
| Strawberry milk tea | 草莓奶茶 | cǎo méi nǎi chá | tsao mei nae char |
| Black sugar milk tea | 黑糖奶茶 | hēi táng nǎi chá | hei tarng nae char |
| Taro milk tea | 香芋奶茶 | xiāng yù nǎi chá | shiang yuh nae char |
| Mango milk tea | 芒果奶茶 | máng guǒ nǎi chá | mang guoo nae char |
| Lychee milk tea | 荔枝奶茶 | lì zhī nǎi chá | lih jy nae char |
| Peach milk tea | 桃子奶茶 | táo zi nǎi chá | taur tzy nae char |
| Matcha milk tea | 抹茶奶茶 / 抹茶拿铁 | mǒ chá nǎi chá / mǒ chá ná tiě | moo char nae char / moo char na tiee |
The beauty of bubble tea is how highly customizable it is. If you’ve ever had a boba before, then you know that you can add countless toppings, flavors, and textures to make your cup perfect for you. Here are some common bubble tea toppings in Chinese:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Tapioca pearls | 珍珠 | zhēn zhū | jen ju |
| Taro pearls | 小芋圆 | xiǎo yù yuán | sheau yuh yuan |
| Coconut jelly | 椰果 | yē guǒ | ie guoo |
| Red beans | 红豆 | hóng dòu | horng dow |
| Popping boba | 爆爆珠 | bào bào zhū | baw baw ju |
| Jelly | 果冻 | guǒ dòng | guoo donq |
| Grass Jelly | 仙草冻 | xiān cǎo dòng | shian tsao donq |
| Aloe Jelly | 芦荟 | lú huì | lu huey |
| Pudding | 布丁 | bù dīng | buh ding |
| Sea Salt Foam | 奶盖 | nǎi gài | nae gay |
Coffee has become a major phenomenon in China over the last few years. However, the coffee culture in China is different from the West, where many need to have coffee first thing in the morning just to function. In China, coffee is seen as an afternoon treat or something you have just to enjoy the taste of it, so you’ll find that going to the 咖啡馆 (kā fēi guǎn) is more often a social activity rather than a straight necessity.
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Here’s how to order coffee in Chinese, no matter what kind of coffee you prefer:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Black coffee | 黑咖啡 | hēi kā fēi | hei ka fei |
| Americano | 美式咖啡 | měi shì kā fēi | meei shyh ka fei |
| Cappuccino | 卡布奇诺 | kǎ bù qí nuò | kaa buh chyi nuoh |
| Decaf coffee | 无因咖啡 | wú yīn kā fēi | wu in ka fei |
| Espresso | 意式浓缩 | yì shì nóng suō | yih shyh nong suo |
| Double espresso | 双倍意式浓缩 | shuāng bèi yì shì nóng suō | shuang bey yih shyh nong suo |
| Latte | 拿铁咖啡 | ná tiě kā fēi | na tiee ka fei |
| Vanilla latte | 香草拿铁 | xiāng cǎo ná tiě | shiang tsao na tiee |
| Spanish latte | 西班牙拿铁 | xī bān yá ná tiě | shi ban ya na tiee |
| Mocha coffee | 摩卡咖啡 | mó kǎ kā fēi | mo kaa ka fei |
| Macchiato | 玛奇朵 | mǎ qí duǒ | maa chyi duoo |
| Flat white | 澳白 | ào bái | aw bair |
| Iced coffee | 冰咖啡 | bīng kā fēi | bing ka fei |
| Cold brew coffee | 冷酿咖啡 | lěng niàng kā fēi | leeng nianq ka fei |
| Drip coffee | 滴漏式咖啡 | dī lòu shì kā fēi | di low shyh ka fei |
| Immersion brewing | 浸泡式 | jìn pào shì | jinn paw shyh |
| Pour over coffee | 手沖咖啡 | shǒu chōng kā fēi | shoou chong ka fei |
| Aeropress | 爱乐压 | ài lè yā | ay leh ia |
| French Press | 法压壶 | fǎ yā hú | faa ia hwu |
| Moka Pot | 磨卡壶 | mó kǎ hú | mo kaa hwu |
| Coffee drip bags | 挂耳式咖啡 | guà ěr shì kā fēi | guah eel shyh ka fei |
| Instant coffee | 速溶咖啡 | sù róng kā fēi | leeng nianq ka fei |
If you like your coffee with a little flavor in it, then you’re probably already wondering if you’ll be able to find your vanilla soy latte in China. And the answer is yes! Most coffee shops will be able to accommodate popular coffee flavors like caramel, hazelnut, vanilla, and more. And, if you’re really lucky, you might run into a coffee festival where you’ll find some fun coffee flavors like a red bean latte or even a hotpot-flavored coffee!
Here’s how to order coffee in Chinese, just how you like it:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Caramel | 焦糖 | jiāo táng | jiau tarng |
| Hazelnut | 榛果 | zhēn guǒ | jen guoo |
| Vanilla | 香草 | xiāng cǎo | shiang tsao |
| Chocolate | 巧克力 | qiǎo kè lì | cheau keh lih |
| Cinnamon | 肉桂 | ròu guì | row guey |
| Peppermint | 薄荷 | bò hé | boh her |
| Mango | 芒果 | máng guǒ | mang guoo |
| Cherry | 樱桃 | yīng táo | ing taur |
Water is the source of all life, so you’ll definitely want to know how to order water when you’re in China. If you’re from the United States, then you’re probably used to getting a large glass of iced water as soon as you sit down at your table at a restaurant. However, this isn’t the case in China, so you’ll want to know how to order water to stay hydrated.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Water | 水 | shuǐ | shoei |
| Hot water | 热水 | rè shuǐ | reh shoei |
| Cold water | 冰水 | bīng shuǐ | bing shoei |
| Mineral water | 矿泉水 | kuàng quán shuǐ | kuanq chyuan shoei |
| Soda water | 苏打水 | sū dǎ shuǐ | kuanq chyuan shoei |
| Bottled water | 瓶装水 | píng zhuāng shuǐ | pyng juang shoei |
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If you’ve been to China before, then you already know that hot water is a big deal. In fact, you’ll be able to find boiling hot water dispensers almost anywhere while room temperature water is much less common.
The massive surge in popularity of hot water is in large part due to the public service announcements from the Nationalist government in the 1930s. Drinking hot water was seen as more sanitary than drinking regular water and therefore healthier. To this day, you’ll see drinking hot water pushed as one of the healthiest things a person can do. If you get sick, you’ll surely hear recommendations from your friends to “多喝热水” (duō hē rè shuǐ), or to drink more warm water.
This also has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine, as hot water has been referenced as a healthful necessity for thousands of years. The Huangdi Neijing, known as The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine in English, is considered one of the foundational texts of traditional Chinese medicine. In it, drinking hot water is promoted as a way to stay healthy, which is another important reason why hot water has been so popular in China for so long.
Drinking in China is serious business. No, literally. While having a cold one can be a casual way to de-stress with your friends, drinking in China generally comes with more strings attached. You’ll find that many people will encourage others to drink, resulting in a room full of people who’ve had one too many. Don’t be alarmed, though, as drinking too much isn’t seen as negatively as in the West. In fact, getting drunk shows that you trust the people that you’re with and value your relationship with them, which is why it’s considered a form of team building when it comes to drinking culture in China.
That’s why you’ll often go drinking with your new colleagues or potential clients before closing the deals. Getting drunk with people you’re trying to forge a professional relationship with shows that you trust them enough to let your guard down around them, and trust is a critical part of any relationship.
While building trust with those around you sounds great, that also means that it is difficult to refuse a drink politely. In general, you’ll be in a hard position to say no to drinking if you find yourself in any of the following scenarios:
So, what if you don’t want to get drunk at work events but also don’t want to lose face? If you don’t drink at all, then the easiest thing to do is to say that you have an alcohol allergy and drinking even the tiniest bit of alcohol will make you feel itchy all over. If you do drink regularly but don’t feel like drinking on a particular night for any reason, you can say that you’re getting over a cold and are taking some strong medication that would react poorly if you were to drink alcohol.
If you do want to drink and simply don’t want to get wasted while making a good impression on your guests, here are some tips to minimize your alcohol consumption in China:
In any case, once you’ve had some alcohol, you must brace for the worst. If you down a glass with someone, other guests will want you to do the same with them. And if you’ve downed a glass before, you’ll have a hard time explaining why you don’t want to do it again! So, just prepare for a fun night and try to make the most of it!
Drinking has been an important part of Chinese culture for thousands of years, so it’s no surprise that there are many insightful proverbs about drinking in Chinese. Whether you’re looking for something to say next time you go out drinking or want to learn more about the importance of tea for Chinese society, here are some of the most popular Chengyu and sayings about drinking in Chinese:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Notes |
| When drinking with a real friend, even a thousand cups aren’t enough. | 酒逢知己千杯少 | jiǔ féng zhī jǐ qiān bēi shǎo | jeou ferng jy jii chian bei shao | |
| No feast without alcohol. | 无酒不成宴 | wú jiǔ bù chéng yàn | wu jeou buh cherng yann | |
| What can relieve us of sorrow? Only Dukang wine can. | 何以解忧？唯有杜康 | hé yǐ jiě yōu? Wéi yǒu dù kāng | her yii jiee iou wei yeou duh kang | |
| I’m sorry for the things I said when I was drunk. | 酒后失言 | jiǔ hòu shī yán | jeou how shy yan | |
| The truth comes out after drinking wine. | 酒后吐真言 | jiǔ hòu tǔ zhēn yán | jeou how tuu jen yan | |
| Wine and meat friends. | 酒肉朋友 | jiǔ ròu péng yǒu | jeou row perng yeou | Used to refer to fake friends with whom you can only drink wine and dine. |
| Wine, women, avarice, and temper. | 酒色财气 | jiǔ sè cái qì | jeou seh tsair chih | Used to describe immoral behavior. |
| Flower sky and alcohol earth. | 花天酒地 | huā tiān jiǔ dì | hua tian jeou dih | Used to describe hedonistic behavior. |
| Lakes of wine and forests of meat. | 酒池肉林 | jiǔ chí ròu lín | jeou chyr row lin | Refers to a life of extravagance and licentiousness. |
| Wine sack and rice bag. | 酒囊饭袋 | jiǔ náng fàn dài | jeou nang fann day | Used to describe someone useless who only lives to drink and eat. |
| Tea and zen are the same flavors. | 禅茶一味 | chán chá yī wèi | charn char i wey | Understand life through tasting tea and pursuing a higher level of spiritual cultivation. |
| Seven essentials required for life: firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea. | 开门七件事：柴米油盐酱醋茶 | kāi mén qī jiàn shì: chái mǐ yóu yán jiàng cù chá | kai men chi jiann shyh chair mii you yan jianq tsuh char | These are commonly referred to as the seven necessities of life. |
| Over a cup of tea or after dinner. | 茶余饭后 | chá yú fàn hòu | char yu fann how | Used to reference conversation topics that may be better suited for a leisurely occasion. |
| Once people walk away, tea becomes cold. | 人走茶凉 | rén zǒu chá liáng | ren tzoou char liang | Used to describe how emotions fade away when people walk out of your life. |
| Doesn’t even have the heart to drink tea or eat rice. | 茶饭无心 | chá fàn wú xīn | char fann wu shin | Used to describe someone being overly anxious. |
| To prepare three types of tea and six types of food. | 三茶六饭 | sān chá liù fàn | san char liow fann | Used to describe very attentive hospitality. |
| When you drink water, think of its source. | 饮水思源 | yǐn shuǐ sī yuán | yiin shoei sy yuan | One should be grateful for favors from others. |
| When drinking water out of a well, one should never forget those who dug it. | 吃水不忘挖井人 | chī shuǐ bú wàng wā jǐng rén | chy shoei bwu wanq ua jiing ren | Never forget those who helped you along the way. |
If you’ve been taking Mandarin Chinese classes for a while now, then you already know the importance of measure words. Luckily, there aren’t too many measure words to keep track of for ordering drinks, as most beverages come in cups. Here are the measure words for beverages in Chinese:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| A cup | 杯 | bēi | bei |
| A bottle | 瓶 | píng | pyng |
| A pot | 壶 | hú | hwu |
| A can | 听 | tīng | ting |
| A glass of draft beer | 扎 | zhā | ja |
![\"Ordering](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt5b81e1ccc79140c3/64f6a729ec933712d6ec48f8/pexels-rdne-stock-project-5637626.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The most basic structure for ordering drinks is the following:
This is the standard procedure for ordering drinks in Chinese and can be customized based on the number of drinks that you want, the type of container you want your drink in, and, of course, the type of drink you want. All you have to do is fill in the blanks with whatever your heart desires and, voilà! You’ve got yourself your perfect drink.
As you can see, the basic structure starts with 我要 (wǒ yào), which means I want. Another common way of ordering food or beverages in Chinese is to say 给我来 (gěi wǒ lái), which literally translates into “provide me with” or you can simply say 来 (lái).
If need be, you can customize your drink order even further. Here are some common customizations:
If you’d like to choose a cup size, you can choose from one of the following:
Where it gets a bit confusing is that you have to mention this after mentioning the measure word for the first time. So, for example, if you want to order two large coffees, you would say “我要两杯大杯咖啡” (wǒ yào liǎng bēi dà bēi kā fēi), which literally translates into “I want two cups of large cup coffee.”
You can also specify if you want to add anything extra to your beverage by using the verb 加 (jiā), which means to add. You can also simply say 要 (yào) again to add any special requests or toppings. For example, you can tack it on at the end of your order if you want to add sugar to your coffee.
You can ask for your beverages hot, cold, or room temperature:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Cold | 冰的 | bīng de | bing de |
| Hot | 热的 | rè de | reh de |
| Room temperature | 常温 | cháng wēn | charng uen |
If you do end up getting a cold drink, you will very likely be asked about ice. Ice in China is not as ubiquitous as in the US, and most convenience stores and even grocery stores don’t sell bags of ice as they do in the States. The reason is — you guessed it — the preference for hot water over iced water. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that most people prefer iced drinks with just a little ice. Here’s how to ask for the right amount of ice:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Add ice | 加冰 | jiā bīng | jia bing |
| Less ice | 少冰 | shǎo bīng | shao bing |
| More ice | 多冰 | duō bīng | duo bing |
| No ice | 去冰 | qù bīng | chiuh bing |
For drinks like coffee and milk tea, you’ll also want to specify just how sweet you want your drink. Here’s how to get the sweetness level right every time:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Regular sugar | 常规糖 | cháng guī táng | charng guei tarng |
| 70% sugar | 七分糖 | qī fēn táng | chi fen tarng |
| Half sugar | 半糖 | bàn táng | bann tarng |
| 30% sugar | 三分糖 | sān fēn táng | san fen tarng |
| No sugar | 无糖 | wú táng | wu tarng |
Finally, you’ll want to specify if you want your drink for here or to go. Fortunately, you just have to learn two things: 在这喝 (zài zhè hē), which is “to drink here” and “打包带走” (dǎ bāo dài zǒu), which means for takeaway.
Now, it’s time to put it all together. Here are some examples of drink orders in Chinese to help you get started with your first few drinks in China.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Waiter, please bring me a cup of water. | 服务员，给我来一杯水。 | fú wù yuán, gěi wǒ lái yī bēi shuǐ | fwu wuh yuan geei woo lai i bei shoei |
| I want a cup of green tea. | 给我来一杯绿茶。 | gěi wǒ lái yī bēi lǜ chá | geei woo lai i bei liuh char |
| Waiter, give me two bottles of beer. | 服务员，给我来两瓶啤酒。 | fú wù yuán, gěi wǒ lái liǎng píng pí jiǔ | fwu wuh yuan geei woo lai leang pyng pyi jeou |
| I want a cup of matcha latte. | 我要一杯抹茶拿铁。 | wǒ yào yī bēi mǒ chá ná tiě | woo yaw i bei moo char na tiee |
| Give me three cups of milk tea. | 来三杯奶茶。 | lái sān bēi nǎi chá | lai san bei nae char |
| Waiter, I want a glass of coke with ice. | 服务员，我要一杯可乐加冰。 | fú wù yuán, wǒ yào yī bēi kě lè jiā bīng | fwu wuh yuan woo yaw i bei kee leh jia bing |
| I would like a medium-sized latte with two shots of espresso and low-fat milk. | 我要一杯中杯拿铁，要双倍浓缩，低脂牛奶。 | wǒ yào yī bēi zhōng bēi ná tiě, yào shuāng bèi nóng suō, dī zhī niú nǎi | woo yaw i bei jong bei na tiee yaw shuang bey nong suo di jy niou nae |
| I’ll have a cup of milk tea, medium sized, with pearls, with ice, and no sugar. | 给我来一杯珍珠奶茶，中杯，加珍珠，加冰，无糖。 | gěi wǒ lái yī bēi zhēn zhū nǎi chá, zhōng bēi, jiā zhēn zhū, jiā bīng, wú táng | geei woo lai i bei jen ju nae char jong bei jia jen ju jia bing wu tarng |
As you can tell by now, drinks are extremely important in China, so there are many fun facts you should know about. Here are some of our favorites:
This was a long article, yes, but that’s a good thing! Although it may be overwhelming at first to be faced with so many drinks in Chinese, the beauty of it all is that it just means that there are plenty of drinks for you to enjoy! From ice-cold beers to yummy milk teas, there’s no shortage of delicious beverages for you to try next time you visit China.
For more expert tips on learning Chinese and navigating life in China, be sure to check out our Mandarin Chinese blog. Some of our most popular articles include our guide to telling time in Chinese and our blog with 186 ways to say I love you in Chinese. Go check them out now and keep your learning going!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"I love you in Chinese","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"How to say I love you in Chinese in 186 creative phrases","url":"/blog/how-to-say-i-love-you-chinese","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt25b852dd73bc15f3/64daca14b1e7d1c1f2fe7e5e/china_1144960406.jpeg"},"post_content":"The article explains how to express love in Chinese, including pronunciation tips and cultural significance, offering insights into the language's nuances.
\n\nFinding love and keeping it are two entirely different things in any language, but especially so in Chinese. Whether you’re looking to make your current partner happy by learning a few cute ways of saying I love you in Chinese or just want to learn some flirty and romantic phrases, you’ve got to be very careful to use the appropriate level of affection.
\nAs you’ll learn later on in this blog, the concept of love in China is very different from the West. While Americans may say “I love you” to their friends and family all the time, love is typically reserved only for your romantic partner in Chinese. That’s right — even telling your family that you love them may not land as intended.
\nSo, does that mean Chinese speakers don’t love their friends and family? Of course not! There are simply different ways to express love and affection in China, which may be different from the West. That’s why we’ll cover some essential cultural contexts in this article to help you navigate the world of love and romance in Chinese.
\nBy the end of this article, you’ll be an expert at expressing love with Chinese speakers. Now, let us show you how to show love and affection in Chinese with 186 unique and romantic words, phrases, and even love songs!
\n
![\"Man](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltcbe506139cf586b5/64dacbd81a23ce00405b8d0a/I-love-you-chinese.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
\n\n
First things first, let’s deal with the star of the show: how to actually say I love you in Chinese. The most common way to say this is 我爱你:
\nThe most important part here is the verb 爱 (ài), which means “to love.” You can use it to say you love people, such as:
\nHowever, don’t count on using this verb to say you love things, like your favorite Chinese foods or colors. We’ll get more into this later on, but using the verb 爱 (ài) isn’t commonly used to talk about things you love. Instead, it’s much more common to use the verb 喜欢 (xǐ huān), which means “to like.”
\n\n
Although 我爱你 (wǒ ài nǐ) is the most common way of saying I love you in Chinese, it’s typically not used in the same way as in the Western context. In the West, you might be used to saying I love you to your parents and close friends very frequently, perhaps even daily. However, this isn’t common in China, where expressing love as directly as saying I love you to someone is far less common.
\nInstead, love is expressed indirectly, either by showing concern for someone’s well-being or by doing things that show that you care about them. For example, if you’ve read our guide to saying hello in Chinese, then you already know that asking someone if they’ve eaten yet (吃了吗?) is a common way of saying hi. Although asking someone if they’ve eaten doesn’t mean you love them, this is a common way of showing love and affection in China: by inquiring about their well-being.
\nBy the same token, doing things for others is also a sign of love. For example, treating your friends to a meal is a sign that you value and appreciate their friendship. In China more than anywhere else, actions speak louder than words, so don’t forget to go out of your way to do kind things for your loved ones every now and then.
\n![\"In](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt30e90fe0863b93bb/64daca7ad7ccb01160e438eb/china_1142747609.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
\n
While saying I love you to someone directly may not be as common, romance and love is everywhere in China. Here are some of the most common romantic words in Chinese you may find on your day-to-day:
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Affection | \n感情 | \ngǎn qíng | \ngaan chyng | \n
| Appreciate | \n欣赏 | \nxīn shǎng | \nshin shaang | \n
| Boyfriend | \n男朋友 | \nnán péng you | \nnan perng iou | \n
| Caring | \n关怀 | \nguān huái | \nguan hwai | \n
| Cherish | \n珍爱 | \nzhēn ài | \njen ay | \n
| Chocolate | \n巧克力 | \nqiǎo kè lì | \ncheau keh lih | \n
| Compromise | \n妥协 | \ntuǒ xié | \ntuoo shye | \n
| Cupid | \n丘比特 | \nqiū bǐ tè | \nchiou bii teh | \n
| Cute | \n可爱 | \nkě ài | \nkee ay | \n
| To date | \n约会 | \nyuē huì | \niue huey | \n
| Forever | \n永远 | \nyǒng yuǎn | \nyeong yeuan | \n
| Friendship | \n友谊 | \nyǒu yì | \nyeou yih | \n
| Fun | \n好玩 | \nhǎo wán | \nhao wan | \n
| Gift | \n礼物 | \nlǐ wù | \nlii wuh | \n
| Girlfriend | \n女朋友 | \nnǚ péng you | \nneu perng iou | \n
| Happiness | \n幸福 | \nxìng fú | \nshinq fwu | \n
| Happy | \n快乐 | \nkuài lè | \nkuay leh | \n
| Heart | \n心 | \nxīn | \nshin | \n
| Hugs | \n拥抱 | \nyōng bào | \niong baw | \n
| Husband | \n丈夫 | \nzhàng fu | \njanq fu | \n
| Infatuated | \n痴情 | \nchī qíng | \nchy chyng | \n
| Joy | \n喜乐 | \nxǐ lè | \nshii leh | \n
| Kiss | \n吻 | \nwěn | \nwoen | \n
| Love | \n爱 | \nài | \nay | \n
| Loyal | \n忠诚 | \nzhōng chéng | \njong cherng | \n
| Marriage | \n婚姻 | \nhūn yīn | \nhuen in | \n
| Passion | \n热情 | \nrè qíng | \nreh chyng | \n
| Romantic | \n浪漫 | \nlàng màn | \nlanq mann | \n
| Rose | \n玫瑰 | \nméi guī | \nmei guei | \n
| Selfless | \n无私 | \nwú sī | \nwu sy | \n
| Surprise | \n惊喜 | \njīng xǐ | \njing shii | \n
| Teddy bear | \n泰迪熊 | \ntài dí xióng | \ntay dyi shyong | \n
| To be grateful | \n感谢 | \ngǎn xiè | \ngaan shieh | \n
| To express feelings | \n表白 | \nbiǎo bái | \nbeau bair | \n
| To express feelings | \n告白 | \ngào bái | \ngaw bair | \n
| To like | \n喜欢 | \nxǐ huan | \nshii huan | \n
| To love | \n明恋 | \nmíng liàn | \nming liann | \n
| To trust | \n信任 | \nxìn rèn | \nshinn renn | \n
| To understand | \n了解 | \nliǎo jiě | \nleau jiee | \n
| Warm | \n温暖 | \nwēn nuǎn | \nuen noan | \n
| Wife | \n妻子 | \nqī zi | \nchi tzy | \n
![\"Couple](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blte8ebb8daedeaa323/64dacd53b8cb283cfdbbbde8/china_972417980.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Coming up with ways to say I love you is difficult in any language, let alone in Chinese. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of the most romantic phrases in Chinese so you don’t have to spend hours carefully crafting the perfect romantic phrase. Note that most of these don’t include the word “love,” so make sure to use some of the more indirect phrases if you’re just starting a new relationship.
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| I love you | \n我爱你 | \nwǒ ài nǐ | \nwoo ay nii | \n
| I really love you a lot | \n我真的很爱你 | \nwǒ zhēn de hěn ài nǐ | \nwoo jen de heen ay nii | \n
| I love you so much | \n我是如此爱你 | \nwǒ shì rú cǐ ài nǐ | \nwoo shyh ru tsyy ay nii | \n
| Happy Valentine's Day! | \n情人节快乐！ | \nqíng rén jié kuài lè! | \nchyng ren jye kuay leh | \n
| I am crazy for you | \n我为你疯狂 | \nwǒ wèi nǐ fēng kuáng | \nwoo wey nii feng kwang | \n
| I love you more than anything | \n我爱你胜过一切 | \nwǒ ài nǐ shèng guò yī qiè | \nwoo ay nii shenq guoh i chieh | \n
| I am very happy | \n我很高兴 | \nwǒ hěn gāo xìng | \nwoo heen gau shinq | \n
| I cannot live without you | \n我不能没有你 | \nwǒ bù néng méi yǒu nǐ | \nwoo buh neng mei yeou nii | \n
| I do not want to leave you | \n我不想离开你 | \nwǒ bù xiǎng lí kāi nǐ | \nwoo buh sheang li kai nii | \n
| I like everything about you | \n我喜欢你的一切 | \nwǒ xǐ huān nǐ de yī qiè | \nwoo shii huan nii .de i chieh | \n
| I like you | \n我喜欢你 | \nwǒ xǐ huān nǐ | \nwoo shii huan nii | \n
| I like her | \n我喜欢她 | \nwǒ xǐ huān tā | \nwoo shii huan ta | \n
| I like him | \n我喜欢他 | \nwǒ xǐ huān tā | \nwoo shii huan ta | \n
| I am interested in you | \n我对你感兴趣 | \nwǒ duì nǐ gǎn xìng qù | \nwoo duey nii gaan shinq chiuh | \n
| I have feelings for you | \n我对你有感觉 | \nwǒ duì nǐ yǒu gǎn jué | \nwoo duey nii yeou gaan jyue | \n
| I really like you | \n我非常喜欢你 | \nwǒ fēi cháng xǐ huān nǐ | \nwoo fei charng shii huan nii | \n
| I love you crazy | \n我疯狂地爱着你 | \nwǒ fēng kuáng de ài zhe nǐ | \nwoo feng kwang de ay je nii | \n
| I love you so much | \n我真的很爱你 | \nwǒ zhēn de hěn ài nǐ | \nwoo jen de heen ay nii | \n
| I want to be with you | \n我想跟你在一起 | \nwǒ xiǎng gēn nǐ zài yī qǐ | \nwoo sheang gen nii tzay i chii | \n
| Would you like to date? | \n你想跟我约会吗? | \nnǐ xiǎng gēn wǒ yuē huì ma? | \nnii sheang gen woo iue huey mha | \n
| I have a crush on you | \n我暗恋你 | \nwǒ àn liàn nǐ | \nann liann nii | \n
| I miss you | \n我想你 | \nwǒ xiǎng nǐ | \nwoo ay nii nah me duo | \n
| I miss you so much | \n我好想你 | \nwǒ hǎo xiǎng nǐ | \nwoo hao sheang nii woo hao sheang nii | \n
| I only care about you | \n我只在乎你 | \nwǒ zhǐ zài hū nǐ | \nwoo jyy tzay hu nii woo hao sheang nii | \n
| I passionately love you | \n我热烈地爱着你 | \nwǒ rè liè de ài zhe nǐ | \nwoo reh lieh .de ay je nii woo hao sheang nii | \n
| I want to date with you | \n我想和你约会 | \nwǒ xiǎng hé nǐ yuē huì | \nwoo sheang her nii iue huey woo hao sheang nii | \n
| I want to know more about you | \n我想更了解你 | \nwǒ xiǎng gèng liǎo jiě nǐ | \nwoo sheang genq leau jiee nii woo hao sheang nii | \n
| I want to make you happy | \n我想让你幸福 | \nwǒ xiǎng ràng nǐ xìng fú | \nwoo sheang ranq nii shinq fwu woo hao sheang nii | \n
| You mean so much to me | \n你对我意义重大 | \nnǐ duì wǒ yì yì zhòng dà | \nnii duey woo yih yih jonq dah | \n
| I'm yours | \n我是你的 | \nwǒ shì nǐ de | \nwoo shyh nii de | \n
| I feel so happy being with you | \n跟你在一起真的很开心 | \ngēn nǐ zài yī qǐ zhēn de hěn kāi xīn | \ngen nii tzay i chii jen de heen kai shin | \n
| I will always be by your side | \n我会一直陪着你 | \nwǒ huì yī zhí péi zhe nǐ | \nwoo huey i jyr peir je nii | \n
| Love at first sight | \n一见钟情 | \nyī jiàn zhōng qíng | \ni jiann jong chyng | \n
| Love will find a way | \n有情人终成眷属 | \nyǒu qíng rén zhōng chéng juàn shǔ | \nyeou chyng ren jong cherng jiuann shuu | \n
| Love will come at the right time | \n日久生情 | \nrì jiǔ shēng qíng | \nryh jeou sheng chyng | \n
| Love you forever | \n永远爱你 | \nyǒng yuǎn ài nǐ | \nyeong yeuan ay nii | \n
| Thank you for the gift | \n谢谢你的礼物 | \nxiè xiè nǐ de lǐ wù | \nshieh shieh nii de lii wuh | \n
| Thank you for treating me to this meal | \n谢谢你请我吃饭 | \nxiè xiè nǐ qǐng wǒ chī fàn | \nshieh shieh nii chiing woo chy fann | \n
| These roses are beautiful | \n这些玫瑰很漂亮 | \nzhè xiē méi guī hěn piào liang | \njeh shie mei guei heen piaw lhiang | \n
| What do you like about me? | \n你喜欢我什么? | \nnǐ xǐ huān wǒ shén me? | \nnii shii huan woo shern me | \n
| Will you be my lover? | \n你愿意做我的情人吗? | \nnǐ yuàn yì zuò wǒ de qíng rén ma? | \nnii yuann yih tzuoh woo .de chyng ren mha | \n
| Would you like to dance? | \n你想跳舞吗? | \nnǐ xiǎng tiào wǔ ma? | \nnii sheang tiaw wuu mha | \n
| Are you free this weekend? | \n这个周末你有空吗？ | \nzhè ge zhōu mò nǐ yǒu kòng ma? | \njeh ge jou moh nii yeou konq mha | \n
| Would you be willing to go to dinner with me? | \n你愿意和我一起出去吃晚饭吗？ | \nnǐ yuàn yì hé wǒ yī qǐ chū qù chī wǎn fàn ma? | \nnii yuann yih her woo i chii chu chiuh chy woan fann mha | \n
| Will you marry me? | \n你愿意嫁给我吗? | \nNǐ yuàn yì jià gěi wǒ ma? | \nnii yuann yih jiah geei woo mha | \n
| You are mine | \n你是我的 | \nnǐ shì wǒ de | \nnii shyh woo de | \n
| You are my favorite person | \n你是我最喜欢的人 | \nnǐ shì wǒ zuì xǐ huān de rén | \nnii shyh woo tzuey shii huan .de ren | \n
| You are pretty | \n你很美 | \nnǐ hěn měi | \nnii heen meei | \n
| You are the best | \n你最好了 | \nnǐ zuì hǎo le | \nnii tzuey hao lhe | \n
| You are the most beautiful girl | \n你是最美丽的女孩 | \nnǐ shì zuì měi lì de nǚ hái | \nnii shyh tzuey meei lih de neu hair | \n
| You are the most handsome guy | \n你是最帅的 | \nnǐ shì zuì shuài de | \nnii shyh tzuey shuay de | \n
| You are very charming | \n你很迷人 | \nnǐ hěn mí rén | \nnii heen mi ren | \n
| You are very cute | \n你很可爱 | \nnǐ hěn kě ài | \nnii heen kee ay | \n
| You're very beautiful | \n你很漂亮 | \nnǐ hěn piào liang | \nnii heen piaw lhiang | \n
| You are handsome | \n你很帅 | \nnǐ hěn shuài | \nnii heen shuay | \n
| I think you are pretty good-looking | \n我觉得你很好看 | \nwǒ jué dé nǐ hěn hǎo kàn | \nwoo jyue der nii heen hao kann | \n
| You look awesome | \n你看起来真棒 | \nnǐ kàn qǐ lái zhēn bàng | \nnii kann chii lai jen banq | \n
| You look very handsome | \n你看起来很帅 | \nnǐ kàn qǐ lái hěn shuài | \nnii kann chii lai heen shuay | \n
| You make me happy | \n你让我快乐 | \nnǐ ràng wǒ kuài lè | \nnii ranq woo kuay leh | \n
| Your eyes are beautiful | \n你的眼睛很美 | \nnǐ de yǎn jīng hěn měi | \nnii de yean jing heen meei | \n
| I like your personality | \n我喜欢你的性格 | \nwǒ xǐ huān nǐ de xìng gé | \nwoo shii huan nii de shinq ger | \n
| I like your eyes | \n我喜欢你的眼睛 | \nwǒ xǐ huān nǐ de yǎn jīng | \nwoo shii huan nii de yean jing | \n
| I’m very happy when I’m with you | \n跟你在一起的时候好开心 | \ngēn nǐ zài yī qǐ de shí hòu hǎo kāi xīn | \ngen nii tzay i chii de shyr hou hao kai shin | \n
| You stole my heart | \n你偷走了我的心 | \nnǐ tōu zǒu le wǒ de xīn | \ngen nii tzay i chii de shyr hou hao kai shin | \n
| Take good care of yourself | \n照顾好自己 | \nzhào gù hǎo zì jǐ | \njaw guh hao tzyh jii | \n
\n
![\"Terms](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt79e471df94a79468/64dad6455ec7a9ac4d92ce87/istock-1142390493.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Another indirect way of showing affection in Chinese is by using a term of endearment to refer to your loved ones. Some of these are cute and lovely, while others may seem mean on the surface. However, you’ll be able to tell that they’re meant to be terms of endearment by the tone. Plus, some of these are always used as terms of endearment — no one would use silly melon as an insult!
\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Baby | \n宝贝 | \nbǎo bèi | \nbao bey | \n
| Baby | \n宝宝 | \nbǎo bao | \nbao bao | \n
| Beautiful girl | \n美女 | \nměi nǚ | \nmeei neu | \n
| Dear | \n亲爱的 | \nqīn ài de | \nchin ay de | \n
| Dear | \n亲 | \nqīn | \nchin | \n
| Wife (playful term, often used for girlfriends) | \n媳妇 | \nxí fù | \nshyi fuh | \n
| Handsome guy | \n帅哥 | \nshuài gē | \nshuay ge | \n
| Husband (playful term, often used for boyfriends) | \n老公 | \nlǎo gōng | \nlao gong | \n
| Sweetheart | \n小甜甜 | \nxiǎo tián tián | \nsheau tyan tyan | \n
| Wife (playful term, often used for girlfriends) | \n老婆 | \nlǎo pó | \nlao por | \n
| Silly melon | \n傻瓜 | \nshǎ guā | \nshaa gua | \n
| Dumb egg | \n笨蛋 | \nbèn dàn | \nbenn dann | \n
| Little villain | \n小坏蛋 | \nxiǎo huài dàn | \nsheau huay dann | \n
| My heart and liver | \n心肝 | \nxīn gān | \nshin gan | \n
| My loved one | \n我的爱人 | \nwǒ de ài rén | \nwoo de ay ren | \n
| My angel | \n我的天使 | \nwǒ de tiān shǐ | \nwoo de tian shyy | \n
| Sweetheart | \n甜心 | \ntián xīn | \ntyan shin | \n
| Little piggy | \n小猪猪 | \nxiǎo zhū zhū | \nsheau ju ju | \n
| Darling | \n乖乖 | \nguāi guāi | \nguai guai | \n
| Wife | \n妻子 | \nqī zi | \nchi tzy | \n
| Husband | \n丈夫 | \nzhàng fu | \njanq fu | \n
| Lover | \n情人 | \nqíng rén | \nchyng ren | \n
\n
Another common indirect way of expressing love in Chinese is by using codes. If you’ve been taking Mandarin classes, then you may already know that using numbers that sound similar to phrases is a popular way to “conceal” messages and be even more indirect. Here are some of the most common romantic codes and ways to say I love you in Chinese numbers.
\n| English | \nNumber | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nSounds like | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| Love you | \n520 | \nwǔ èr líng | \nwuu ell ling | \n我爱你 | \nwǒ ài nǐ | \nwoo ay nii | \n
| Hug you | \n880 | \nbā bā líng | \nba ba ling | \n抱抱你 | \nbào bào nǐ | \nbaw baw nii | \n
| I miss you | \n530 | \nwǔ sān líng | \nwuu san ling | \n我想你 | \nwǒ xiǎng nǐ | \nwoo sheang nii | \n
| Always / forever | \n1314 | \nyī sān yī sì | \ni san i syh | \n一生一世 | \nyī shēng yī shì | \ni sheng i shyh | \n
| I love only you | \n921 | \njiǔ èr yī | \njeou ell i | \n就爱你 | \njiù ài nǐ | \njiow ay nii | \n
| I will love you for a long long time | \n20999 | \nèr líng jiǔ jiǔ jiǔ | \nell ling jeou jeou jeou | \n爱你久久久 | \nài nǐ jiǔ jiǔ jiǔ | \nay nii jeou jeou jeou | \n
| Kiss me and hug me | \n775885 | \nqī qī wǔ bā bā wǔ | \nchi chi wuu ba ba wuu | \n亲亲我，抱抱我 | \nqīn qīn wǒ bào bào wǒ | \nchin chin woo baw baw woo | \n
| I will love you for the rest of my life | \n5201314 | \nwǔ èr líng yī sān yī sì | \nwuu ell ling i san i syh | \n我爱你一生一世 | \nwǒ ài nǐ yī shēng yī shì | \nwoo ay nii i sheng i shyh | \n
| I love for a lifetime with an unchanging heart | \n52033 44587 | \nwǔ èr líng sān sān sì sì wǔ bā qī | \nwuu ell ling san san syh syh wuu ba chi | \n我爱你生生 世世不变心 | \nwǒ ài nǐ shēng shēng shì shì bú biàn xīn | \nwoo ay nii sheng sheng shyh shyh buh biann shin | \n
| I still have deep love for you | \n53719 | \nwǔ sān qī yī jiǔ | \nwuu san chi i jeou | \n我深情依旧 | \nwǒ shēn qíng yī jiù | \nwoo shen chyng i jiow | \n
| I'm thinking of kissing you | \n53770 | \nwǔ sān qī qī líng | \nwuu san chi chi ling | \n我想亲亲你 | \nwǒ xiǎng qīn qīn nǐ | \nwoo sheang chin chin nii | \n
| I'm thinking of hugging you | \n53880 | \nwǔ sān bā bā líng | \nwuu san ba ba ling | \n我想抱抱你 | \nwǒ xiǎng bào bào nǐ | \nwoo sheang baw baw nii | \n
| I swear I love you | \n584520 | \nwǔ bā sì wǔ èr líng | \nwuu ba syh wuu ell ling | \n我发誓我爱你 | \nwǒ fā shì wǒ ài nǐ | \nwoo fashyh woo ay nii | \n
| Your companion forever | \n801314 | \nbā líng yī sān yī sì | \nba ling i san i syh | \n伴你一生一世 | \nbàn nǐ yī shēng yī shì | \nbann nii i sheng i shyh | \n
| Being loved is happiness | \n82475 | \nbā èr sì qī wǔ | \nba ell syh chi wuu | \n被爱是幸福 | \nbèi ài shì xìng fú | \nbey ay shyh shinq fwu | \n
| You are the one and only for me | \n04551 | \nlíng sì wǔ wǔ yī | \nling syh wuu wuu i | \n你是我唯一 | \nnǐ shì wǒ wéi yī | \nnii shyh woo wei i | \n
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To learn Chinese is to learn about the beautifully deep and rich Chinese culture. With countless emotive and thought-provoking poems, it’s no wonder that a few of them made their way into regular vernacular conversations. Here are some of the most common romantic lines and quotes from famous poems:
\n![\"Love](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt631bf0aad6da0ddc/64dad5253f378a382ff0a738/pexels-helena-lopes-1378849.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nComment | \n
| Love me, love my dog. | \n爱屋及乌 | \nài wū jí wū | \nay u jyi u | \nTo love someone is to also love the people/things important to them | \n
| Wishing us long life, though sharing moonlight from afar. | \n但愿人长久，千里共婵娟 | \ndàn yuàn rén cháng jiǔ，qiān lǐ gòng chán juān | \ndann yuann ren charng jeou lii gonq charn jiuan | \nUsed to express that we wish the people we love to have a long life. | \n
| Hold hands with you, grow old with you. | \n执子之手，与子偕老 | \nzhí zǐ zhī shǒu，yǔ zǐ xié lǎo | \njyr tzyy jy shoou tzyy shye lao | \nUsed to express the desire of wanting to grow old with someone | \n
| Long for a heart, never be apart. | \n愿得一人心，白首不相离 | \nyuàn dé yī rén xīn，bái shǒu bù xiāng lí | \nyuann der i ren shin shoou buh shiang li | \nWhen you love someone, you never want to be apart. | \n
| People in love become spouses in the end. | \n有情人终成眷属 | \nyǒu qíng rén zhōng chéng juàn shǔ | \nyeou chyng ren jong cherng jiuann shuu | \nUsed to describe lovers who ended up getting married. | \n
| To be beautiful enough to make fish sink and geese settle, the moon hides and flowers feel shy | \n沉鱼落雁，闭月羞花 | \nchén yú luò yàn bì yuè xiū huā | \nchern yu luoh yann bih yueh shiou hua | \nThis saying refers to China’s four historical great beauties, each of whom can make something supernatural happen with their beauty. | \n
| In a lover's eye is the foremost beauty. | \n情人眼里出西施 | \nqíng rén yǎn lǐ chū xī shī | \nchyng ren yean lii chu shi shy | \nBeauty is in the eye of the beholder. | \n
| Fate brings people together from far apart. | \n有缘千里来相会 | \nyǒu yuán qiān lǐ lái xiāng huì | \nyeou yuan chian lii lai shiang huey | \nUsed to express that love can bring people together, even if thousands of miles apart. | \n
| To be together forever. | \n厮守终生 | \nsī shǒu zhōng shēng | \nsy shoou jong sheng | \n\n |
| Birds flying in the sky as one; branches growing on the earth as one. | \n在天愿作比翼鸟，在地愿为连理枝 | \nzài tiān yuàn zuò bǐ yì niǎo，zài dì yuàn wéi lián lǐ zhī | \ntzay tian yuann tzuoh bii yih neau dih yuann wei lian lii jy | \nUsed to express the wish of a couple that doesn’t want to be apart. | \n
| The resonance between two lovers. | \n两情相悦 | \nliǎng qíng xiāng yuè | \nleang chyng shiang yueh | \nTo love each other. | \n
| One who has seen the ocean thinks nothing of mere rivers. | \n曾经沧海难为水 | \ncéng jīng cāng hǎi nán wéi shuǐ | \ntserng jing tsang hae nan wei shoei | \nUsed to describe that once you’ve seen the best, nothing else will compare. | \n
| There's a good maiden fair whom a young man is wooing. | \n窈窕淑女，君子好逑 | \nyǎo tiǎo shū nǚ, jūn zǐ hǎo qiú | \nyeau teau shu neu jiun tzyy hao chyou | \n\n |
| Gold and jade predestined match. | \n金玉良缘 | \njīn yù liáng yuán | \njin yuh liang yuan | \nUsed to describe the perfect couple. | \n
| What is love supposed to be, which can make you devote all your life? | \n问世间情为何物，直教人生死相许 | \nwèn shì jiān qíng wéi hé wù, zhí jiào rén shēng sǐ xiāng xǔ | \njin yuh liang yuan | \n\n |
| What you hear, take as false; what you see, take as true. | \n耳听为虚，眼见为实 | \něr tīng wéi xū, yǎn jiàn wéi shí | \neel ting wei shiu yean jiann wei shyr | \nUsed to imply that acts of romance are more important than sweet nothings. | \n
| All the solemn pledges of love. | \n山盟海誓 | \nshān méng hǎi shì | \nshan meng hae shyh | \nUsed to refer to a lover’s commitment of eternal loyalty. | \n
| With the liver and bowel broken into pieces. | \n肝肠寸断 | \ngān cháng cùn duàn | \ngan charng tsuenn duann | \nThis saying describes the feeling of having a broken heart | \n
| Only when the edges of the mountains have been rubbed down, the sky and the ground are in one, I dare to say ” Farewell ” to you. | \n山无棱，天地合，乃敢与君绝 | \nshān wú léng, tiān dì hé, nǎi gǎn yǔ jūn jué | \nshan wu leng tian dih her nae gaan yeu jiun jyue | \nUsed to express that you are willing to love someone until the end of days. | \n
| Fly side by side. | \n比翼双飞 | \nbǐ yì shuāng fēi | \nbii yih shuang fei | \nUsed to refer to a happy couple. | \n
| Deep conjugal love. | \n伉俪情深 | \nkàng lì qíng shēn | \nkanq lih chyng shen | \nUsed to refer to a happy married couple. | \n
| Forever. | \n天长地久 | \ntiān cháng dì jiǔ | \ntian charng dih jeou | \nAs everlasting as the universe | \n
| A very loving couple. | \n结发为夫妻，恩爱两不疑 | \njié fà wéi fū qī，ēn ài liǎng bù yí | \njye fah wei fu chi ay leang buh yi | \nUsed to refer to a couple very much in love. | \n
| Have eyes only for someone. | \n情有独钟 | \nqíng yǒu dú zhōng | \nchyng yeou dwu jong | \n\n |
| Love is more solid than gold. | \n情比金坚 | \nqíng bǐ jīn jiān | \nchyng bii jin jian | \n\n |
| If love between both sides can last for a long time, why need they stay together night and day? | \n两情若是久长时，又岂在朝朝暮暮 | \nliǎng qíng ruò shì jiǔ cháng shí，yòu qǐ zài zhāo zhāo mù mù | \nleang chyng ruoh shyh jeou charng shyr chii tzay jau jau muh muh | \nDurable love lasts without living together day and night. | \n
| Always in my dreams. | \n魂牵梦萦 | \nhún qiān mèng yíng | \nhwen chian menq yng | \n\n |
| Live to old age in conjugal bliss. | \n白头偕老 | \nbái tóu xié lǎo | \nbair tour shye lao | \n\n |
| The games of childhood, hence, the period when a boy and a girl grew up together. | \n青梅竹马 | \nqīng méi zhú mǎ | \nching mei jwu maa | \nUsed to refer to couples who have been together since childhood. | \n
| Every cloud has a silver lining. | \n守得云开见月明 | \nshǒu dé yún kāi jiàn yuè míng | \nshoou der yun kai jiann yueh ming | \n\n |
| My clothes grow daily looser, yet care I not. For I languish and suffer for her willingly. | \n衣带渐宽终不悔，为伊消得人憔悴 | \nyī dài jiàn kuān zhōng bù huǐ，wèi yī xiāo dé rén qiáo cuì | \ni day jiann kuan jong buh hoei i shiau der ren chyau tsuey | \nUsed to describe the suffering from being lovesick. | \n
| A harmonious union lasting a hundred years. | \n百年好合 | \nbǎi nián hǎo hé | \nbae nian hao her | \nUsed to bless newlywed couples. | \n
| A man's outstanding talent, a woman's beauty. | \n郎才女貌 | \nláng cái nǚ mào | \nlang tsair neu maw | \nUsed to describe a perfect match. | \n
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Romantic souls out there will agree that words are sometimes not enough to express your true feelings. That’s why there are so many love songs out there: to express what words can hardly convey. Here are some standout romantic lines from some of China’s most popular love songs. If you feel like checking out the whole song, then you can click on the song’s title in the table below. We’ve included YouTube links to all songs for your convenience!
\n| Singer | \nSong | \nLyrics | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nTranslation | \n
| 邓丽君 | \n月亮代表我的心 | \n我的情也真，我的爱也真，月亮代表我的心 | \nwǒ de qíng yě zhēn, wǒ de ài yě zhēn, yuè liàng dài biǎo wǒ de xīn | \nwoo .de chyng yee jen woo de ay yee jen yueh lianq day beau woo .de shin | \nMy affection is real. My love is real. The moon represents my heart. | \n
| 邓丽君 | \n甜蜜蜜 | \n甜蜜蜜，你笑得甜蜜蜜，好像花儿开在春风里 | \ntián mì mì, nǐ xiào dé tián mì mì, hǎo xiàng huā er kāi zài chūn fēng lǐ | \ntyan mih mih nii shiaw der tyan mih mih hao shianq hua .el kai tzay chuen feng lii | \nSweet honey, you smile so very sweetly that looks like blooming flowers in spring. | \n
| 庾澄庆 | \n情非得已 | \n难以忘记初次见你，一双迷人的眼睛 | \nnán yǐ wàng jì chū cì jiàn nǐ, yī shuāng mí rén de yǎn jīng | \nnan yii wanq jih chu tsyh jiann nii i shuang mi ren de yean jing | \nIt's hard to forget the first time I saw you, a pair of charming eyes. | \n
| 陶喆 蔡依林 | \n 今天你要嫁给我 | \n手牵手，跟我一起走，过着安定的生活 | \nshǒu qiān shǒu, gēn wǒ yī qǐ zǒu, guò zhe ān dìng de shēng huó | \nshoou chian shoou gen woo i chii tzoou guoh je an dinq de sheng hwo | \n[Let's] hold hands, walk together with me. [Let's] live a peaceful life. | \n
| 孙燕姿 | \n遇见 | \n我遇见你，是最美丽的意外 | \nwǒ yù jiàn nǐ, shì zuì měi lì de yì wài | \nwoo yuh jiann nii shyh tzuey meei lih de yih way | \nMeeting you is the most beautiful accident. | \n
| 蔡健雅 | \nBeautiful Love | \n我们勇敢的爱着，每秒钟，都能证明，一生的美丽 | \nwǒ men yǒng gǎn de ài zhe, měi miǎo zhōng, dōu néng zhèng míng, yī shēng de měi lì | \nwoo .mhen yeong gaan de ay je meei meau jong dou neng jenq ming i sheng dih meei lih | \nWe are loving courageously, every second can prove the beauty of a lifetime. | \n
| 周杰伦 | \n告白气球 | \n亲爱的, 爱上你, 从那天起, 甜蜜的很轻易 | \nqīn ài de, ài shàng nǐ, cóng nà tiān qǐ, tián mì de hěn qīng yì | \nchin ay de ay shanq nii tsorng na tian chii tyan mih de heen ching yih | \nMy dear, I was in love with you since the day my happiness came so easily. | \n
| 莫文蔚 | \n慢慢喜欢你 | \n慢慢喜欢你, 慢慢的回忆, 慢慢的陪你慢慢的老去 | \nmàn man xǐ huān nǐ, màn man de huí yì, màn man de péi nǐ màn man de lǎo qù | \nmann mhan shii huan nii mann mhan de hwei yih mann mhan de peir nii mann mhan de lao chiuh | \nLiking you slowly, reminiscing slowly, growing older with you slowly. | \n
| 邓紫棋 | \n光年之外 | \n也许未来遥远在光年之外, 我愿守候未知里为你等待 | \nyě xǔ wèi lái yáo yuǎn zài guāng nián zhī wài, wǒ yuàn shǒu hòu wèi zhī lǐ wèi nǐ děng dài | \nyee sheu wey lai yau yeuan tzay guang nian jy way woo yuann shoou how wey jy lii wei nii deeng da | \nPerhaps the future is still far away in light years, I'm willing to wait and guard you for the unknown future. | \n
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Chinese Valentine’s Day commemorates the love story between Zhinü, the weaver girl who weaves rosy clouds in the sky, and Niulang, the cowherd in the mortal world. One day Zhinü became tired of her life in the sky and decided to descend to the mortal world. She met Niulang and, according to the legend, they fell in love.
\nHowever, the celestial laws forbade this union and, upon discovering the romance, Queen Mother forced Zhinü back to her former duty in heaven of weaving colorful clouds, and punished the couple by separating them by a river of stars. Moved by the love story between the two, Queen Mother decided to allow them to see each other once every year: on the seventh day of the seventh month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. That’s why Chinese Valentine’s Day is celebrated on this day!
\nIf you prefer to visualize the beautiful story of the weaver girl and the cowherd, check out the following video that will narrate the beautiful story with gorgeous visuals:
\n\nAlong with the story of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, there are three other famous love stories that make up China's Four Great Folktales. While these stories don’t have a specific festival like Qi Xi, they do have a special place in the heart of every romantic’s heart. Keep in mind that these stories are old legends, so there are many variations of them with slightly different endings. Let’s take a brief look at each of them.
\nOften considered to be China’s version of Romeo and Juliet, the Butterfly Lovers story revolves around the love of Liang Shanbo (梁山伯 - liáng shān bó) and Zhu Yingtai (祝英台 - zhù yīng tái), which is why it’s often abbreviated in Chinese as Liang Zhu (梁祝 - liáng zhù). Set in the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317–420), Zhu Yingtai convinces her wealthy father to let her disguise herself as a man to pursue academic studies in Hangzhou. Upon her arrival in Hangzhou, Zhu Yingtai meets Liang Shanbo and they become best friends immediately.
\nOver her three years of studies in Hangzhou, Zhu Yingtai eventually develops feelings for Liang Shanbo and decides to marry him. One day, she receives a letter from her father asking her to head back home immediately. Zhu comes up with a plan for Liang that he should visit her home so he could marry his sister so she could marry him herself. However, Liang comes home too late and Zhu’s father had already promised her hand in marriage to the son of a wealthy man.
\nHowever, Zhu and Liang promised to live together after death if they couldn’t live together while alive. When Liang passed away, Zhu went to visit his grave and wept for hours. The grave suddenly opened, as if by an act of magic, and Zhu jumped in. They both later emerged from the grave as butterflies, which gives the story its name.
\nThis legend tells the story of Bai Suzhen (白素贞 - bái sù zhēn), a white snake spirit that turned itself into a woman, and Xu Xian (许仙 - xǔ xiān), a scholar. They fell in love, got married, had a child, and lived happily together — all until monk Fa Hai (法海 - fǎ hǎi), who had magical powers, discovered that Bai Suzhen was a snake. Although he tried to warn Xu Xian about his wife to get them to separate, he was madly in love and refused to do so.
\nMonk Fa Hai tried to separate them by imprisoning Xu Xian in a temple. To rescue her husband, Bai Suzhen and her sister used their power to flood the temple, but she was eventually imprisoned by Fahai in a pagoda. Twenty years later, their son topped the imperial examination and went to the pagoda to pay respect to his mother. His filial piety moved Heaven, who freed Bai Suzhen from the pagoda. The family was finally reunited.
\nThe legend of Lady Meng Jiang (孟姜女, mèng jiāng nǚ) narrates how her husband got sent to the construction of the Great Wall by Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of the Qin dynasty. After not hearing back from him for many months, she decided to set out for the Great Wall to bring her husband some warm clothes to endure the winter.
\nHowever, upon her arrival, she found out that her husband had died in the construction. She wept so much and for so long that her tears collapsed a section of the wall, revealing the bones of her estranged husband.
\n\n
Now you know not only 186 unique ways to express love in Chinese, but you also know the correct context for when to use the right words to land the right meaning. Although expressing love directly in Chinese isn’t as common, you won’t be missing the famous three words with so many creative ways to show affection.
\nIf you enjoyed this article and feel confident in your ability to share your love in Chinese, then make sure to check out our Mandarin Chinese blog. We regularly publish super helpful and easy-to-follow guides to exciting topics in Chinese, like 180+ colors in Chinese and phrases for a Chinese resume.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Spanish interview questions","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"How to Ace a Job Interview in Spanish + 75+ Interview Questions","url":"/blog/job-interview-questions-spanish","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltdf30ff9d71b96ca7/64c88b6ddefd3255ceeee1f8/istock-537436868.jpeg"},"post_content":"To ace a job interview in Spanish, master essential vocabulary, practice answering common questions aloud, use formal address (usted), and research the company beforehand. With preparation and confidence, you can impress any Spanish-speaking interviewer.
\nWhat is a job interview in Spanish? A job interview in Spanish (entrevista de trabajo) is a formal conversation between a candidate and employer conducted entirely or primarily in Spanish, requiring fluency in professional vocabulary, cultural etiquette, and the ability to articulate your qualifications in the language.
\nWhether you believe in superstitions and the symbolism of colors or not, knowing how to talk about a wide variety of colors in Chinese will allow you to express yourself in a much more complete way. From painting more vivid stories to being more specific with your descriptions, learning a few colors will help you tremendously in your Chinese-learning journey.
But we won’t just give you a handful of colors — that would be much too simple! What’s the beauty in life if we can’t express our words in lilac, turquoise, and ultramarine? Being able to experience different hues and tones is part of what makes life so beautiful, and the same is true for languages. Why learn Chinese if you aren’t planning to fill your sentences with color?
Plus, traditional Chinese culture has a different way of dealing with colors and color hues. Perhaps you’d be surprised to learn that their way of categorizing colors is quite different from the Western way, so there are many shades and hues that exist in Chinese that don’t exist in English! For your convenience, we’ll cover both Western and traditional Chinese colors in this guide, leaving you with 187 unique tones and shades!
Without further ado, let’s get started!
If you’re just getting started with your Mandarin classes, then you might be wondering if it’s too early to spend time learning all the colors. However, there are many reasons to start thinking about Chinese colors early on in your journey. Here are a few reasons why you should learn them in the earlier stages:
Before we jump into this massive list of 187 colors in Mandarin, we should start with the very basics: how to say color in Chinese. The word for color is 颜色 (yán sè), which is made up of the character 颜 (yán) for “face” or “appearance” and 色 (sè) for “color.” This last one is especially important, as it also appears as the second character in all the main colors, like:
As you can see, all of these colors have the 色 from 颜色 at the end. This is a quick way for you to realize that a word is a color, even if you haven’t learned it yet or can’t remember it.
Now, before we get started with all the beautiful shades of colors, we need to discuss the difference between colors in Chinese and Western culture.
In Western culture, colors are associated with physical properties and scientific theories. Plants, animals, and natural phenomena are widely embraced and incorporated into the realm of colors. One prominent example is the creation of the seven-color spectrum. Sir Isaac Newton, through the ingenious use of a prism, refracted sunlight and revealed its hidden composition: red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and violet.
Following this groundbreaking discovery, physicists delved into the scientific exploration of color, ultimately unveiling three fundamental color attributes: brightness, purity, and hue. Furthermore, a systematic numerical coding system was devised to precisely categorize each distinct color.
In Chinese culture, colors are derived from nature & imagination. Traditional Chinese colors are based on the concept of expressing ideas through colors. Chinese art primarily uses mineral and plant materials as raw materials, so the formula people use to name colors: color name = name of the material as a modifier + inherent color of the material.
We can read each Chinese color as an aesthetic painting. It depicts organisms or objects found in everyday life. It also represents people’s experiences and interpretations of the world.
Purple comes in many fun as well as relaxing shades. From a vibrant violet to a laid-back lavender, you can take advantage of this color’s versatility and implement some of these shades into your vocabulary.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | HEX Code |
| Lavender | 薰衣草色 | xūn yī cǎo sè | shiun i tsao seh | #E39FF6 |
| Purple | 紫色 | zǐ sè | tzyy seh | #800080 |
| Violet | 紫罗兰色 | zǐ luó lán sè | tzyy luo lan seh | #710193 |
| Grape | 葡萄紫 | pú táo zǐ | pwu taur tzyy | #6F2DA8 |
| Mauve | 淡紫色 | dàn zǐ sè | dann tzyy seh | #FFD700 |
| Mulberry | 桑葚紫 | sāng shèn zǐ | sang shenn tzyy | #7FFF00 |
| Plum | 紫红色 | zǐ hóng sè | tzyy horng seh | #601A35 |
| Plum | 梅红色 | méi hóng sè | mei horng seh | #601A35 |
| Lilac | 丁香紫 | dīng xiāng zǐ | ding shiang tzyy | #C812C8 |
| Indigo | 蓝紫色 | lán zǐ sè | lan tzyy seh | #4B0082 |
| Indigo | 靛蓝色 | diàn lán sè | diann lan seh | #4B0082 |
![\"Purple](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltd51eb3b6ba575ec8/64bf59911add4d80b0fbc01f/Purple_in_Chinese.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
In traditional Chinese culture, purple represents immortality and divine beings. Today, however, purple represents love and romance in China. Since red is already taken by luck and auspiciousness, purple is commonly used by the younger generations to signify love!
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | HEX Code | Comments |
| Dark Reddish Purple | 绛紫 | jiàng zǐ | jianq tzyy | #815476 | A dark and reddish-purple color often associated with sunset glow. |
| Rosewood | 紫檀 | zǐ tán | tzyy tarn | #4C221B | A warm, reddish-purple hue resembling rosewood. |
| Goldfish purple | 金鱼紫 | jīn yú zǐ | jin yu tzyy | #500A16 | A purple color reminiscent of the vibrant hues seen in goldfish. |
| Pig liver purple | 猪肝紫 | zhū gān zǐ | ju gan tzyy | #541E24 | A rich and dark shade of purple similar to the color of pig liver. |
| Blackish purple | 绀青 | gàn qīng | gann ching | #003371 | A deep, dark shade of blue, often associated with indigo dye. |
| Begonia purple | 紫棠 | zǐ táng | tzyy tarng | #56004F | A purplish-red color resembling the purple begonia. |
| Lotus blue | 青莲 | qīng lián | ching lian | #801DAE | A serene and light shade of blue resembling lotus flowers. |
| Snowy blue | 雪青 | xuě qīng | sheue ching | #B0A4E3 | A pale, cool-toned shade of blue resembling snowy skies. |
| Morning glory purple | 牵牛紫 | qiān niú zǐ | chian niou tzyy | #A22076 | A deep purple resembling purple morning glory. |
Orange comes in many shades, from the cozy fall pumpkin tones to the funky and tropical citrus-orange hues. Below are some of the most common shades of orange in Chinese.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | HEX Code |
| Tangerine | 柑橘色 | gān jú sè | gan jyu seh | #F28500 |
| Orange | 橙色 | chéng sè | cherng seh | #FFA500 |
| Amber | 琥珀色 | hǔ pò sè | huu poh seh | #FFBF00 |
| Amber | 橙黄色 | chéng huáng sè | cherng hwang seh | #FFBF00 |
| Bronze | 古铜色 | gǔ tóng sè | guu torng seh | #B2560D |
| Burnt Orange | 焦橙色 | jiāo chéng sè | jiau cherng seh | #CC5500 |
| Marmalade | 果酱橙 | guǒ jiàng chéng | guoo jianq cherng | #D16002 |
| Mango | 芒果色 | máng guǒ sè | mang guoo seh | #FFBF34 |
| Rust | 铁锈色 | tiě xiù sè | tiee shiow seh | #AB0B23 |
| Papaya | 木瓜色 | mù guā sè | muh gua seh | #E66A35 |
![\"Orange](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt88c1c7c634374b96/64bf59ae4389f43e02c5b53b/Orange_in_Chinese.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Orange in traditional Chinese society is closely associated with red, and, as such, is used for similar purposes. You might be able to spot orange close to red decorations in Chinese New Year festivities!
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | HEX Code | Comments |
| Apricot yellow | 杏黄 | xìng huáng | shinq hwang | #FFA631 | A light yellow-orange color resembling the hue of apricot |
| Orange yellow | 橙黄 | chéng huáng | cherng hwang | #FFA400 | A bright yellowish-orange color similar to the vibrant shade of oranges. |
| Pinkish orange | 美人焦橙 | měi rén jiāo chéng | meei ren jiau cherng | #FA7E23 | A pinkish orange resembles the hue of an orange-colored flower: Canna indica |
| Apricot red | 杏红 | xìng hóng | shinq horng | #FF8C31 | A reddish-orange color resembling the color of ripe apricots. |
| Tangerine yellow | 橘黄 | jú huáng | jyu hwang | #FF8936 | A yellowish-orange color similar to the shade of tangerines. |
| Ripe tangerine red | 橘红 | jú hóng | jyu hwang | #FF7500 | A reddish-orange color resembling the color of ripe tangerines. |
| Crab shell red | 蟹壳红 | xiè ké hóng | shieh ker horng | #F27635 | A dark red color that resembles the shell of a crab. |
| Chinese globeflower orange | 金莲花橙 | jīn lián huā chéng | jin lian hua cherng | #F86B1D | An orange color that resembles the hue of the Chinese globeflower. |
| Seashell orange | 海螺橙 | hǎi luó chéng | hae luo cherng | #F0945D | An orange color similar to the shade found in seashells. |
Blue is one of the most popular and versatile colors, with tons of captivating shades that range from rich navy blue to mesmerizing Caribbean Sea turquoise. Here are some of the most common shades of blue in Chinese.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | HEX Code |
| Royal Blue | 皇家蓝 | huáng jiā lán | hwang jia lan | #281E5D |
| Royal Blue | 宝蓝色 | bǎo lán sè | bao lan seh | #281E5D |
| Blue | 蓝色 | lán sè | lan seh | #0000FF |
| Turquoise | 绿松色 | lǜ sōng sè | liuh song seh | #30D5C8 |
| Teal | 蓝绿色 | lán lǜ sè | lan liuh seh | #008080 |
| Cyan | 青色 | qīng sè | ching seh | #00FFFF |
| Sky Blue | 天蓝色 | tiān lán sè | tian lan seh | #63C5DA |
| Navy Blue | 海军蓝 | hǎi jūn lán | hae jiun lan | #000080 |
| Baby Blue | 淡蓝色 | dàn lán sè | dann lan seh | #89CFF0 |
| Midnight Blue | 午夜蓝 | wǔ yè lán | wuu yeh lan | #191970 |
![\"Blue](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt91e2ed909cc33890/64bf59c314368807a2a59c58/Blue_in_Chinese.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Blue in traditional Chinese is, like in the West, typically associated with masculine things. It’s also one of the most neutral colors, without overly positive or negative connotations, so feel free to use it freely in your Chinese projects.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | HEX Code | Comments |
| Sky blue | 碧蓝 | bì lán | bih lan | #3EEDE7 | A bright and vibrant blue color resembling the color of the sky. |
| Azurite grayish-blue | 石青 | shí qīng | shyr ching | #1685A9 | A grayish-blue color resembling the color of Azurite stones. |
| Indigo blue | 靛蓝 | diàn lán | diann lan | #065279 | A deep blue color often associated with the dye derived from indigo plants. |
| Flower blue | 花青 | huā qīng | hua ching | #003472 | A purplish-blue color resembling the color of purplish-blue flowers. |
| Sapphire blue | 宝蓝 | bǎo lán | bao lan | #4B5CC4 | A rich and deep blue color resembling the color of sapphire gemstones. |
| Navy blue | 藏青 | zàng qīng | tzanq ching | #2E4E7E | A deep and dark blue color resembling the color of navy uniforms. |
| Blueish-black | 黛 | dài | day | #4A4266 | A dark bluish-black color often used to describe the paints women use for dressing eyebrows. |
| Glazed blue | 釉蓝 | yòu lán | yow lan | #1781B5 | A glossy, glazed blue color, reminiscent of the color used in traditional ceramic glazing. |
| Sky in a well blue | 井天蓝 | jǐng tiān lán | jiing tian lan | #C3D7DF | A serene shade of blue resembling the color of the clear sky reflected in a deep well. |
Whether you’re looking for a sporty red for your new car or a deep red for a smart and elegant cardigan, you’ll want to be familiar with these common shades of red in Chinese:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | HEX Code |
| Burgundy | 勃艮第酒红 | bó gèn dì jiǔ hóng | bor geen dih jeou horng | #800020 |
| Red | 红色 | hóng sè | horng seh | #FF0000 |
| Cherry | 樱桃红 | yīng táo hóng | ing taur horng | #990F02 |
| Crimson | 绯红色 | fēi hóng sè | fei horng seh | #DC143C |
| Brick Red | 砖红色 | zhuān hóng sè | juan horng seh | #CB4154 |
| Blood Red | 血红色 | xuè hóng sè | shiueh horng seh | #710C04 |
| Maroon | 栗红色 | lì hóng sè | lih horng seh | #800000 |
| Berry | 浆果红 | jiāng guǒ hóng | jiang guoo horng | #AB0B23 |
| Scarlet | 猩红色 | xīng hóng sè | shing horng seh | #FF2400 |
![\"Red](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt556823995e39d3c8/64bf59d5d570d7a52f0755a8/Red_in_Chinese.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Red is the most important in traditional Chinese society, as it symbolizes good luck, wealth, and joy. If you look at the Chinese stock market, you might be surprised to find out that stocks that are performing well are marked with red upwards arrows, while stocks that are losing value are marked with green downward arrows. Talk about flipping the script!
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | HEX Code | Comments |
| Pomegranate Red | 石榴红 | shí liú hóng | shyr liou horng | #F20C00 | A vibrant red color resembling the color of pomegranate seeds. |
| Vermilion Red | 朱红 | zhū hóng | ju horng | #FF4C00 | A bright and vivid red color often associated with vermilion pigment. |
| Red | 丹 | dān | dan | #FF4E20 | A vivid red color often used in traditional Chinese paintings. |
| Red | 彤 | tóng | torng | #FF4E20 | A vivid red color often used in traditional Chinese paintings. |
| Flamy red | 炎 | yán | yan | #FF3300 | A fiery red color resembling the color of flames. |
| Jujube red | 枣红 | zǎo hóng | tzao horng | #C32136 | A deep reddish-brown color resembling the color of jujube/dates. |
| Blood red | 殷红 | yān hóng | ian horng | #BE002F | A dark and rich red color often associated with blood. |
| Fiery red | 赫赤 | hè chì | heh chyh | #C91F37 | A bright and intense red color that is like fire. |
| Delicate fragrant petal red | 淡蕊香红 | dàn ruǐ xiāng hóng | dann roei shiang horng | #EE4866 | A light, delicate shade of red resembling the color of the petals of a fragrant flower. |
| Polished jade red | 尖晶玉红 | jiān jīng yù hóng | jian jing yuh horng | #CC163A | A vivid shade of red resembling the color of polished jade, known for its brightness and radiance. |
Yellow is another highly versatile color that can be happy and bright like the sunshine but also calm and demure like sand and cream. No matter how you feel about all these different shades, here are some of the most common tones of yellow in Chinese.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | HEX Code |
| Lemon | 柠檬黄 | níng méng huáng | ning meng hwang | #EFFD5F |
| Yellow | 黄色 | huáng sè | hwang seh | #FFFF00 |
| Cream | 奶油色 | nǎi yóu sè | nae you seh | #FFFDD0 |
| Canary | 金丝雀黄 | jīn sī què huáng | jin sy chiueh hwang | #FF00FF |
| Chartreuse | 黄绿色 | huáng lǜ sè | hwang liuh seh | #DFFF00 |
| Gold | 金黄色 | jīn huáng sè | jin hwang seh | #FFD700 |
| Light Yellow | 淡黄色 | dàn huáng sè | dann hwang seh | #FFFFA7 |
| Sand | 沙色 | shā sè | sha seh | #D8B863 |
| Mustard | 芥末黄 | jiè mò huáng | jieh moh hwang | #E1AD01 |
![\"Yellow](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt12763da187311847/64bf59e8ff3e9bb7d94d84dd/Yellow_in_Chinese.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Historically, yellow represents the emperor, power, and royalty in traditional Chinese society. It’s also in the name of 黄河 (huáng hé), the Yellow River, which is one of the two most important rivers in China. However, keep in mind that the color yellow today can be tied to pornographic publications. For example, a “yellow film” isn’t going to be one about the Yellow River!
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | HEX Code | Comments |
| Primrose yellow | 樱草色 | yīng cǎo sè | ing tsao seh | #EAFF56 | A yellow color resembling the color of primrose. |
| Goose feather yellow | 鹅黄 | é huáng | er hwang | #FFF143 | A pale yellow color resembling the color of a goose's feathers. |
| Vine yellow | 藤黄 | téng huáng | terng hwang | #FFB61E | A vibrant yellow color resembling the color of vines / rattan. |
| Ginger yellow | 姜黄 | jiāng huáng | jiang hwang | #FFC773 | A warm yellow color resembling the color of ginger. |
| Silky yellow | 缃色 | xiāng sè | shiang seh | #F0C239 | A Silky Light Yellow resembling the color of light yellow silk. |
| Withered yellow | 枯黄 | kū huáng | ku hwang | #D3B17D | A dull yellow color resembling the color of withered leaves or grass. |
| Smoketree yellow | 黄栌 | huáng lú | hwang lu | #E29C45 | A brownish-yellow color resembling the color of smoketree. |
| Black gold | 乌金 | wū jīn | u jin | #A78E44 | A dark golden color with hints of black, resembling black gold. |
| Dusky yellow | 昏黄 | hūn huáng | huen hwang | #C89B40 | A dusky yellow color often associated with dusk or dim lighting. |
Brown can be a very yummy color, with many delicious foods like chocolate, almonds, caramel, and walnuts representing different shades of brown. Check out these gorgeous shades of brown and pick your favorite!
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | HEX Code |
| Caramel | 焦糖色 | jiāo táng sè | jiau tarng seh | #65350F |
| Brown | 棕色 | zōng sè | tzong seh | #964B00 |
| Sepia | 棕褐色 | zōng hè sè | tzong heh seh | #80613C |
| Chestnut | 栗棕色 | lì zōng sè | tzong her seh | #3DED97 |
| Chocolate | 巧克力色 | qiǎo kè lì sè | cheau keh lih seh | #4E403B |
| Almond | 杏仁色 | xìng rén sè | shinq ren seh | #EED9C4 |
| Cedar | 雪松色 | xuě sōng sè | shinq ren seh | #4A3728 |
| Coffee | 咖啡色 | kā fēi sè | ka fei seh | #8A624A |
| Walnut | 胡桃色 | hú táo sè | hwu taur seh | #59392B |
![\"Brown](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt3877f11b810c7ad8/64bf5a000760066b7d441c9f/Brown_in_Chinese.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
In traditional Chinese culture, brown is associated with the earth. As such, it is usually related to being grounded or being in nature. Check out these earthy brown tones from traditional Chinese culture!
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | HEX Code | Comments |
| Tea brown | 茶色 | chá sè | char seh | #B35C44 | A rich brown color resembling the color of brewed tea. |
| Ochre brown | 赭 | zhě | jee | #9C5333 | A deep reddish-brown color resembling the color of ochre clay. |
| Camel brown | 驼色 | tuó sè | two seh | #A88462 | A light brown color resembling the color of camel fur. |
| Autumn yellow | 秋色 | qiū sè | chiou seh | #896C39 | A color palette associated with autumn, featuring warm browns. |
| Black-ish brown | 玄色 | xuán sè | shyuan seh | #622A1D | A dark black color with hints of deep brown. |
| Antler brown | 鹿角棕 | lù jiǎo zōng | luh jeau tzong | #E3BD8D | A warm brown hue with a touch of reddish tint similar to the shade of deer antlers. |
| Withered leaf brown | 凋叶棕 | diāo yè zōng | diāo yè zōng | #E7A23F | A muted brown tone with subtle hints of yellow similar to withered leaves. |
| Cinnamon light brown | 桂皮淡棕 | guì pí dàn zōng | guey pyi dann tzong | #C09351 | A light shade of beige with a soft and warm undertone similar to cinnamon. |
| Oak leaf brown | 柞叶棕 | zhà yè zōng | jah yeh tzong | #692A1B | A rich and earthy brown shade with green undertones similar to oak leaves. |
One of the most vibrant colors out there, pink is a very popular color thanks to its magenta, coral, and salmon hues. Here are some shades of pink in Chinese for all the pink lovers out there:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | HEX Code |
| Peach | 桃红色 | táo hóng sè | taur horng seh | #FC9483 |
| Pink | 粉色 | fěn sè | feen seh | #FFC0CB |
| Coral | 珊瑚色 | shān hú sè | shan hwu seh | #FE7D6A |
| Rouge | 胭脂色 | yān zhī sè | ian jy seh | #F26B8A |
| Magenta | 洋红色 | yáng hóng sè | yang horng seh | #FF00FF |
| Salmon | 鲑鱼红 | guī yú hóng | guei yu horng | #FDAB9F |
| Blush | 腮红粉 | sāi hóng fěn | sai horng feen | #FEC5E5 |
| Hot Pink | 亮粉色 | liàng fěn sè | lianq feen seh | #FF69B4 |
| Strawberry | 草莓红 | cǎo méi hóng | tsao mei horng | #FC4C4E |
![\"Pink](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt6bc33752075c2f39/64bf5a11d5dab11e266c891f/Pink_in_Chinese.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Pink is considered a shade of red in traditional Chinese culture and, as such, is closely related to red and its meanings. Pink can symbolize happiness and good fortune, making it a good choice for cheerful events and situations.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | HEX Code | Comments |
| Magenta | 洋红 | yáng hóng | yang horng | #FF4777 | A vivid purplish-red color with western influence, resembling the magenta pigment. |
| Peach blossom red | 桃红 | táo hóng | taur horng | #F47983 | A soft pink color resembling the color of peach blossoms. |
| Begonia red | 海棠红 | hǎi táng hóng | hae tarng horng | #DB5A6B | A bright red color resembling the color of begonia flowers. |
| Chinese cherry red | 樱桃色 | yīng táo sè | ing taur seh | #C93756 | A rich red color resembling the color of ripe Chinese cherries. |
| Blushed red | 酡颜 | tuó yán | two yan | #F9906F | A rosy red color resembling a blushed complexion after someone is drunk. |
| Bright red | 嫣红 | yān hóng | ian horng | #EF7A82 | A bright red color often associated with bright red flowers. |
| Peony red | 牡丹粉红 | mǔ dān fěn hóng | muu dan feen horng | #EEA2A4 | A shade of pink that resembles the color of peony flowers. |
| Mouse nose red | 鼠鼻红 | shǔ bí hóng | shuu byi horng | #E3B4B8 | A light and subtle reddish-pink shade similar to the color of a mouse’s nose. |
| Spring plum blossom red | 春梅红 | chūn méi hóng | chuen mei horng | #F1939C | A vibrant and rosy red similar to the shade of spring plum blossoms. |
Green is usually associated with plants and nature, and many of the shades of green are named after them. From lime to forest to olive, these are the shades of green in Chinese that all ecologists and nature lovers should be familiar with.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | HEX Code |
| Sage | 鼠尾草绿 | shǔ wěi cǎo lǜ | chuen mei horng | #728C69 |
| Sage | 灰绿色 | huī lǜ sè | huei liuh seh | #728C69 |
| Green | 绿色 | lǜ sè | liuh seh | #3CB043 |
| Jade | 碧玉色 | bì yù sè | bih yuh seh | #00A86B |
| Jade | 翡翠色 | fěi cuì sè | feei tsuey seh | #00A86B |
| Seafoam | 海沫绿 | hǎi mò lǜ | hae moh liuh | #3DED97 |
| Lime | 青柠色 | qīng níng sè | ching ning seh | #AEF359 |
| Forest | 森林绿 | sēn lín lǜ | sen lin liuh | #0B6623 |
| Olive | 橄榄绿 | gǎn lǎn lǜ | gaan laan liuh | #98BF64 |
| Emerald | 祖母绿 | zǔ mǔ lǜ | tzuu muu liuh | #50C878 |
| Mint | 薄荷绿 | bò hé lǜ | boh her liuh | #99EDC3 |
![\"Green](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt83fd9c4b79f77c86/64bf5a22076006af8d441ca3/Green_in_Chinese.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Green is a somewhat tricky color in traditional Chinese culture. Although it also has some of the same ecological symbolism as in the West, you want to make sure to never wear green — especially a green hat. Wearing a green hat means that your partner has cheated on you, since the family members of prostitutes used to be forced to wear green hats during the Yuan Dynasty.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | HEX Code | Comments |
| Willow green | 柳绿 | liǔ lǜ | leou liuh | #AFDD22 | A light green color resembling the color of willow leaves. |
| Pea pod green | 豆青 | dòu qīng | leou liuh | #96CE54 | A fresh green color resembling the color of young pea pods. |
| Fresh scallion green | 青葱 | qīng cōng | ching tsong | #0AA344 | A vibrant green color resembling the color of fresh scallions. |
| Pine tree needle green | 松花绿 | sōng huā lǜ | song hua liuh | #057748 | A deep green color resembling the color of pine tree needles. |
| Dark green | 绿沉 | lǜ chén | liuh chern | #0C8918 | A dark and muted green color. |
| Hazy green | 缥 | piǎo | peau | #7FECAD | A pale green color resembling a misty or hazy atmosphere. |
| Mugwort green | 艾绿 | ài lǜ | ay liuh | #A4E2C6 | A green color resembling the color of Chinese mugwort. |
| Emerald green | 青碧 | qīng bì | ching bih | #48c0a3 | A blueish-green color resembling the color of jade or emerald. |
| Bamboo green | 竹青 | zhú qīng | jwu ching | #789262 | A green color resembling the color of bamboo stems. |
You didn’t think black was just one color and that’s it, right? Even black can have some fun hues and tones, like midnight black and obsidian, helping you add some depth and texture to your black. Here are some examples of shades of black in Chinese.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | HEX Code |
| Ebony | 乌木色 | wū mù sè | u muh seh | #080402 |
| Black | 黑色 | hēi sè | hei seh | #000000 |
| Cool Black | 酷黑色 | kù hēi sè | kuh hei seh | #151922 |
| Ink | 墨黑色 | mò hēi sè | moh hei seh | #070504 |
| Obsidian | 曜石黑 | yào shí hēi | yaw shyr hei | #020403 |
| Jet Black | 亮黑色 | liàng hēi sè | lianq hei seh | #030303 |
| Charcoal | 炭黑色 | tàn hēi sè | tann hei seh | #28231D |
| Onyx | 玛瑙黑 | mǎ nǎo hēi | maa nao hei | #030104 |
| Midnight | 午夜黑 | wǔ yè hēi | wuu yeh hei | #040406 |
![\"Black](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt4a4514cf22ea0e91/64bf5a32bae80f21dad9ce5a/Black_in_Chinese.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
While blue is associated with water in the West, black is associated with water in traditional Chinese society. This makes black a mostly positive color in traditional Chinese society, although black today can have negative connotations. Avoid wearing black to auspicious events like weddings!
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | HEX Code | Comments |
| Crow black | 乌黑 | wū hēi | u hei | #392F41 | A deep black color resembling the color of a crow's feathers. |
| Blue-ish black | 玄青 | xuán qīng | shyuan ching | #3D3B4F | A dark and profound shade of blue-black. |
| Dark black-ish brown | 黎/黧黑 | lí hēi | li hei | #5D513C | A dark blackish-brown color often used to express the unhealthy complexion of a person. |
| Dark and shiny black | 黝黑 | yǒu hēi | yeou hei | #665757 | A dark and shiny black color often used to express the skin tone of a person. |
| Deep black | 缁色 | zī sè | tzy seh | #493131 | A deep and dark black color resembling the color of black mud. |
| Lacquer black | 漆黑 | qī hēi | chi hei | #161823 | A completely black color resembling the color of lacquer. |
| Ink black | 墨色 | mò sè | moh seh | #50616D | A deep and rich black tone resembling black ink. |
| Misty black | 百草霜 | bǎi cǎo shuāng | bae tsao shuang | #303030 | A soft black resembling the mist coming out of the chimney after miscellaneous weeds were burnt. |
| Burnt ash black | 灯草灰 | dēng cǎo huī | deng tsao huei | #363532 | A greyish black similar to the color of burnt grass ash/residue left behind in lamps. |
White also comes with some fun and chic shades like beige, ivory, and eggshell. Perfect for decorating your apartment or putting together a monochrome look! Here are some shades of white in Chinese so you know what to enter into the shopping apps.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | HEX Code |
| Beige | 米色 | mǐ sè | mii seh | #F5F5DC |
| White | 白色 | bái sè | bair seh | #FFFFFF |
| Ivory | 象牙白 | xiàng yá bái | bair seh | #FFFFF0 |
| Eggshell | 蛋壳白 | dàn ké bái | dann ker bair | #F9FEFF |
| Coconut | 椰子白 | yē zǐ bái | ie tzy bair | #F0EDE5 |
| Pearl | 珍珠白 | zhēn zhū bái | jen ju bair | #F8F6F0 |
| Bone | 骨白色 | gǔ bái sè | guu bair seh | #F9F6EE |
| Alabaster | 石膏白 | shí gāo bái | shyr gau bair | #F8F3ED |
| Off white | 灰白色 | huī bái sè | huei bair seh | #FAF9F6 |
![\"White](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blta3d3d2d4a83cf76d/64bf5a4175211b756df34010/White_in_Chinese.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
White in traditional Chinese culture represents purity, innocence, and death. You should also know that you should wear white if you ever have to attend a Chinese funeral, not black! As you now know, wearing black can bring bad luck to any event you attend — even funerals. Instead, be sure to wear white, no matter how odd it may sound to your Western ears!
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | HEX Code | Comments |
| Silver white | 银白 | yín bái | yn bair | #E9E7EF | A color resembling the brightness and shine of silver. |
| Frosty white | 霜色 | shuāng sè | shuang seh | #E9F1F6 | A color resembling the icy, frosty appearance. |
| Crystal white | 莹白 | yíng bái | yng bair | #E3F9FD | A pure and translucent white color resembling crystal. |
| Moon white | 月白 | yuè bái | yueh bair | #D6ECF0 | A pale white color resembling the color of the moon. |
| Silky white | 缟白 | gǎo bái | gao bair | #F2ECDE | A silky white color resembling the color of plain silk without being dyed. |
| Fish belly white | 鱼肚白 | yú dù bái | yu duh bair | #FCEFE8 | A pale white color resembling the color of a fish's belly. |
| Bitter vegetable white | 荼白 | tú bái | twu bair | #F3F9F1 | A white color resembling the color of a traditional bitter vegetable. |
| Porcelain white | 青白 | qīng bái | ching bair | #C0EBD7 | A bluish-white resembling the color of jade or white porcelain. |
| Grayish white | 花白 | huā bái | hua bair | #C2CCD0 | A white color with a slight tinge of gray. Often used to describe hair. |
If you’ve been studying Mandarin for a while now, then you already know how common idioms are in daily life. Now that you’ve learned 187 different colors and shades in Chinese, you’ve earned the special privilege of using some of these super interesting and insightful Chinese idioms involving colors!
| Color | Idiom | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| Red | 看破红尘 | kàn pò hóng chén | kann poh horng chern | To give up materialism and adopt a Buddhist minimalist lifestyle. |
| Red | 姹紫嫣红 | chà zǐ yān hóng | chah tzyy ian horng | To describe colorful and beautiful bouquets of flowers. |
| Red | 面红耳赤 | miàn hóng ěr chì | miann horng eel chyh | To describe someone who is incredibly angry. |
| Red | 红红火火 | hóng hóng huǒ huǒ | horng horng huoo huoo | Used to describe a lively and energetic life |
| Red | 红光满面 | hónɡ ɡuānɡ mǎn miàn | hong gooan maan miann | To say that someone looks great |
| Red and purple | 大红大紫 | dà hónɡ dà zǐ | dah hong dah tzyy | To say that a celebrity or famous person is very popular |
| Yellow | 明日黄花 | míng rì huáng huā | ming ryh hwang hua | To describe something old-fashioned or outdated. |
| Yellow | 人老珠黄 | rén lǎo zhū huáng | ren lao ju hwang | A derogative word used to describe women being old |
| Yellow | 青黄不接 | qīng huáng bù jiē | ching hwang buh jie | To describe a temporary deficit in manpower or resources |
| Yellow | 面黄肌瘦 | miàn huáng jī shòu | miann hwang ji show | To look sickly and emaciated |
| Green | 戴绿帽子 | dài lǜ mào zǐ | day liuh maw tzyy | To be cheated on by one’s wife or girlfriend |
| Red and green | 红男绿女 | hóng nán lǜ nǚ | horng nan liuh neu | Boys and girls dressed to the nines |
| Green | 绿林好汉 | lù lín hǎo hàn | luh lin hao hann | A hero similar to Robin Hood who lives in the woods |
| Green | 脸都绿了 | liǎn dōu lǜ le | lean dou liuh lhe | To look sick |
| Green | 花花绿绿 | huā huā lǜ lǜ | hua hua liuh liuh | Despective term for something that is overly ornate or gaudy |
| Blue | 青出于蓝 | qīng chū yú lán | ching chu yu lan | The younger generation surpasses the older generation |
| Blue | 衣衫蓝缕 | yī shān lán lǚ | i shan lan leu | To refer to run-down clothes |
| Red and purple | 万紫千红 | wàn zǐ qiān hóng | wann tzyy chian horng | To describe things are colorful and vibrant |
| Purple | 紫气东来 | zǐ qì dōng lái | tzyy chih dong lai | To suggest that a period of good luck is coming |
| White | 一穷二白 | yì qióng èr bái | yih chyong ell bair | To describe someone as poor and backwards |
| White | 白璧无瑕 | bái bì wú xiá | bair bih wu shya | To describe something that is pure and perfect |
| Black | 月黑风高 | yuè hēi fēng gāo | yueh hei feng gau | To describe a dark and ominous night |
| Black | 起早贪黑 | qǐ zǎo tān hēi | chii tzao tan hei | To work from sunrise until sunset |
| Black | 黑白分明 | hēi bái fēn míng | hei bair fen ming | To have clear distinctions between boundaries |
| Black | 颠倒黑白 | diān dǎo hēi bái | dian dao hei bair | To distort the truth |
| Black | 印堂发黑 | yìn tánɡ fā hēi | yinn tarn fa hei | To describe someone who appears to be in very bad health |
| Gray | 万念俱灰 | wàn niàn jù hūi | wann niann jiuh hu | All hopes end in disappointment |
| Gray | 灰心丧气 | hūi xīn sàng qì | hu shin sanq chih | To feel depressed |
![\"Young](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt6975091ded117a4c/64bf5dc1bbc038b3c7777af7/pexels-rdne-stock-project-6691852.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Red is the most important color for the Chinese New Year. If you’re familiar with the legend of Nian, then you already know that this beastly dragon is deathly afraid of loud noises and the color red. That’s why most Chinese New Year decorations are bright red — so we can scare the monster away. If you’d like to learn more about the legend of Nian, check out our guide to the months, days of the week, and years in Chinese, where go in-depth on this story. Plus, you’ll learn some handy time-related vocab!
Traditional Chinese culture places a strong emphasis on the meaning of colors. Here are some of the most common colors along with their general meaning:
Colors in China can be very lucky — but they can also be very unlucky.
Now, you know almost 200 different shades and hues in Chinese to introduce into the beautiful canvas that is life. Next time you’re tasked with describing the items around you or telling a beautiful story in Chinese, you’ll be able to access this massive list of all kinds of shades and tones in Chinese.
If you enjoyed this guide, make sure to check out our Mandarin Chinese blog. We regularly publish free vocabulary articles like this one, including food in Chinese and measure words. We also have guides on super helpful skills, like how to write a CV in Chinese and how to tell the time in Chinese.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Reflexive verbs in Spanish","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"How to conjugate reflexive verbs in Spanish + 121 top examples","url":"/blog/reflexive-verbs-spanish-conjugation","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb909c36ef613cb04/64acb765838cde72f741ebd1/istock-1181952254.jpeg"},"post_content":"This post explains the concept of reflexive verbs in Spanish, detailing their conjugation and usage, along with examples to help learners understand their application in everyday language.
\n\nIf so, you’d better be familiar with the Spanish reflexive verbs and how to properly conjugate them. These are verbs that involve actions that the subject does to itself, such as when you ask yourself a question when your teachers introduce themselves to the class, or when you teach yourself a new skill.
\nAlthough the concept of reflexive verbs is there in English, it is nowhere near as prevalent as in Spanish. Many verbs that aren’t reflexive in English are reflexive in Spanish, and there are many verbs that must be treated as reflexive verbs. That’s because English assumes the reflexive nature of the verbs when it’s obvious, like when you say you’re brushing your teeth. You don’t need to say “I’m brushing my teeth myself,” because the reflexive part is assumed. That’s not the case in Spanish, as some reflexive verbs have to be accompanied by the correct reflexive pronoun.
\nRest assured that, even if this sounds like an advanced Spanish topic, reflexive verbs are extremely common in everyday language. Even basic verbs like despertarse (to wake up) are reflexive, so getting comfortable with these verbs will be useful even if you’re still a beginner at Spanish.
\nPlus, as you’ll see in the rest of this article, conjugating reflexive verbs in Spanish isn’t difficult at all. As long as you know which reflexive pronoun to use and where to place it, you can treat them like any other non-reflexive verb. But more on that later!
\nCan’t contain yourself from the excitement of learning about this fun new category of verbs? Let’s get started!
\n![\"Become](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt1f743ee294ea79e4/64acbb0b838cdedb6741ebd7/istock-104821982.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
\n
Reflexive verbs in Spanish help specify that the person or thing doing the action is also receiving the action. Think of the action reflecting back unto the doer — those are the reflexive verbs. English uses pronouns like myself, yourself, and oneself along with verbs to denote reflection, while Spanish uses the reflexive pronouns me, te, se, nos, se, and os. If you need a little refresher on pronouns, check out our quick guide to Spanish pronouns.
\n![\"Woman](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt79663577ba666d31/64acbc0eb7aec3c5a2d898c6/pexels-gratisography-2371.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Reflexive verbs in their infinitive form always and in -se. For example:
\nIf you take a close look at the verbs above, you might notice that they’re just regular verbs with the -se ending. That’s because most verbs can be turned into reflexive verbs with the appropriate reflexive pronoun. For example, let’s take the verb “lavarse” (to wash oneself). If we remove the -se ending, we’re left with “lavar.” This is a regular verb that simply means “to wash.” So, when washing yourself, you’ll have to use the reflexive form. Here are a few examples:
\nWe’ll get into this in more detail further below, but you should also be aware of the reflexive pronouns as conjugated reflexive verbs need them. These are the pronouns you should use when conjugating reflexive verbs:
\n| Person | \nReflexive pronoun | \nConjugated reflexive pronoun example | \nEnglish translation | \n
| Me | \nMe | \nMe lavo | \nI wash myself | \n
| You | \nTe | \nTe lavas | \nYou wash yourself | \n
| You | \nSe | \nSe lava | \nYou wash yourself | \n
| He/her/it | \nSe | \nSe lava | \nHe washes himself / She washes herself / It washes itself | \n
| We | \nNos | \nNos lavamos | \nWe wash ourselves | \n
| You (plural, Latin America) | \nSe | \nSe lavan | \nYou wash yourselves | \n
| You (plural, Spain) | \nOs | \nOs laváis | \nYou wash yourselves | \n
| They | \nSe | \nSe lavan | \nThey wash themselves | \n
\n
All reflexive verbs are accompanied by a reflexive pronoun. This pronoun may be either at the end of the verb, such as in the infinitive tense, or before the conjugated verb. This means that the location of the reflexive verb might not be the same in all cases, so you’ll have to look out for the reflexive pronoun. Take a look at the following example sentences:
\n![\"I](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt9d386c2c9b0f6f24/64acbcd04e2d5eab07f75c15/pexels-jeshootscom-442600.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Notice how, in the first example sentence, it’s very easy to tell that you’re dealing with a reflexive verb because the reflexive pronoun is right there at the end of the verb. However, in the second example, the reflexive pronoun is several words away from the verb! That means that you’ll have to train yourself very well to spot the reflexive pronouns.
\n\n
Finally, after what may seem like a sort of complex introduction to the topic, we have some great news for you: reflexive verbs are conjugated exactly like non-reflexive verbs! So, if you already know how to conjugate verbs in Spanish, then you won’t have too much trouble conjugating reflexive verbs.
\n![](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt68028eac2aa33204/64acbe1fee0ad3be48bebb8e/istock-1130460048_copy.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The only tricky part is knowing where to place the reflexive pronoun: at the end of the conjugated verb, or before. Luckily, the overwhelming majority of reflexive verbs just have the reflexive verb before the conjugated verb, following this pattern:
\nFor example:
\n| Spanish | \nEnglish | \n
| Todos los días me levanto temprano. | \nI wake (myself) up early every day. | \n
| Me encantan los días de primavera porque se sienten como de película. | \nI love spring days because they feel like they’re from a movie. | \n
| ¿Por qué no primero regresamos a casa, nos bañamos y después vamos al restaurante? | \nWhy don’t we first go back home, shower (ourselves), and then head to the restaurant? | \n
| Juan me acaba de avisar que viene tarde, así que no se apuren. | \nJuan just told me that he’s going to be late, so don’t hurry yourselves up. | \n
| Creo que te estacionaste en el lugar equivocado. | \nI think you parked (yourself) in the wrong place. | \n
| Creo que se levantó con el pie derecho. | \nI think he woke (himself) up on the wrong side of the bed. | \n
\n
However, there are three situations where reflexive pronouns don’t have to go before the verb:
\n\n
If you already know how to give commands in Spanish, then you may already know that conjugating verbs in the imperative tense will allow you to tack on the reflexive pronoun at the end of the article. However, this isn’t a strict requirement, as affirmative commands can go with the reflexive pronoun both before and after the verb. Here are some examples:
\n| English | \nPronoun before verb | \nPronoun after verb | \n
| Calm down | \n¡Te calmas! | \n¡Cálmate! | \n
| Sit down | \n¡Se sientan! | \n¡Siéntense! | \n
| Follow me | \n¡Me sigues! | \n¡Sígueme! | \n
\n
Progressive verbs describe actions that are still ongoing. Also known as the gerund tense (el gerundio), these verbs can have the reflexive pronouns both before and after the verb. Just keep in mind that, since gerunds go with a conjugated estar, you’ll have to place the reflexive pronoun before estar. Here are some examples:
\n| English | \nPronoun before verb | \nPronoun after verb | \n
| I’m dying from the heat. | \nMe estoy muriendo de calor. | \nEstoy muriéndome de calor. | \n
| I’m cooking myself breakfast. | \nMe estoy haciendo de desayunar. | \nEstoy haciéndome de desayunar. | \n
| I’m holding back my tears. | \nMe estoy aguantando las lágrimas. | \nEstoy aguantándome las lágrimas. | \n
\n
As you now know, reflexive verbs in the infinitive form always end in -se. So, you won’t have to worry about using a reflexive pronoun anywhere else when you’re dealing with an infinitive form of a reflexive verb. No matter the person you’re talking about, you can rest easy knowing that the verb will simply end in -se and that’s the end of it!
\n\n
Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for: a list of 121 of the most common reflexive verbs in Spanish! Here are some of the most common reflexive verbs in Spanish that will help you describe all kinds of situations and activities.
\n![\"Reading](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltd62d6fc9d092b26e/64acbeff55695c8378a94288/pexels-loc-dang-1829413.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| To hug | \nAbrazarse | \nah-brah-sahr-seh | \naβɾaˈθaɾse | \n
| To be bored | \nAburrirse | \nah-boo-reer-seh | \naβuˈriɾse | \n
| To get close to | \nAcercarse a | \nah-sehr-car-seh | \naθeɾˈkaɾse a | \n
| To be reminded of | \nAcordarse de | \nah-core-dahr-seh deh | \nakoɾˈðaɾse ðe | \n
| To lie down | \nAcostarse | \nah-cos-tar-seh | \nakosˈtaɾse | \n
| To get used to | \nAcostumbrarse a | \nah-cos-toom-brahr-seh | \nakostumˈbɾaɾse a | \n
| To adapt to | \nAdaptarse a | \nah-dap-tar-seh | \naðapˈtaɾse a | \n
| To shave | \nAfeitarse | \nah-fay-tar-seh | \nafejˈtaɾse | \n
| To become happy | \nAlegrarse | \nah-leg-rar-seh | \naleˈɣɾaɾse | \n
| To move away from | \nAlejarse de | \nah-leh-har-seh | \naleˈxaɾse ðe | \n
| To muster up the courage to | \nAnimarse a | \nah-nee-mar-seh ah | \naniˈmaɾse a | \n
| To take advantage of | \nAprovecharse de | \nah-pro-veh-char-seh deh | \napɾoβeˈʧaɾse ðe | \n
| To hurry up | \nApurarse | \nah-pooh-rar-seh | \napuˈɾaɾse | \n
| To make sure of | \nAsegurarse | \nah-seh-gooh-rar-seh | \naseɣuˈɾaɾse | \n
| To get scared | \nAsustarse | \nah-soos-tar-seh | \nasusˈtaɾse | \n
| To dare to | \nAtreverse a | \nah-treh-vehr-seh ah | \natɾeˈβeɾse a | \n
| To be ashamed of | \nAvergonzarse | \nah-vehr-gohn-sar-seh | \naβeɾɣonˈθaɾse | \n
| To get down from | \nBajarse | \nbah-har-seh | \nbaˈxaɾse | \n
| To shower | \nBañarse | \nbah-nyar-seh | \nbaˈɲaɾse | \n
| To make fun of | \nBurlarse de | \nboor-lar-seh deh | \nbuɾˈlaɾse ðe | \n
| To fall from | \nCaerse | \ncah-ehr-seh | \nkaˈeɾse | \n
| To shut up | \nCallarse | \ncah-yar-seh | \nkaˈʎaɾse | \n
| To calm down | \nCalmarse | \ncal-mar-seh | \nkalˈmaɾse | \n
| To change into | \nCambiarse | \ncam-bee-are-seh | \nkamˈbjaɾse | \n
| To become tired of | \nCansarse de | \ncan-sar-seh deh | \nkanˈsaɾse ðe | \n
| To get married | \nCasarse | \ncah-sar-seh | \nkaˈsaɾse | \n
| To brush | \nCepillarse | \nseh-pee-yar-seh | \nθepiˈʎaɾse | \n
| To focus | \nConcentrarse | \ncon-sehn-trar-seh | \nkonθenˈtɾaɾse | \n
| To connect | \nConectarse | \ncoh-nec-tar-seh | \nkonekˈtaɾse | \n
| To be satisfied with | \nConformarse con | \ncon-for-mar-seh cohn | \nkomfoɾˈmaɾse kon | \n
| To be confused by | \nConfundirse | \ncon-foon-deer-seh | \nkomfunˈdiɾse | \n
| To know oneself | \nConocerse | \ncon-oh-sehr-seh | \nkonoˈθeɾse | \n
| To cure oneself | \nCurarse | \ncoo-rar-seh | \nkuˈɾaɾse | \n
| To become aware of | \nDarse cuenta de | \ndar-seh-coo-ehn-tah | \nˈdaɾse ˈkwenta ðe | \n
| To dedicate to | \nDedicarse a | \ndeh-dee-car-seh ah | \ndeðiˈkaɾse a | \n
| To become depressed | \nDeprimirse | \ndeh-pre-meer-seh | \ndepɾiˈmiɾse | \n
| To faint | \nDesmayarse | \ndes-mah-yoh | \n|
| To say goodbye to | \nDespedirse (de) | \ndes-peh-deer-seh | \ndespeˈðiɾse (de) | \n
| To wake up from | \nDespertarse | \ndes-per-tar-seh | \ndespeɾˈtaɾse | \n
| To stand out for | \nDestacarse | \ndes-ta-car-seh | \ndestaˈkaɾse | \n
| To undress | \nDesvestirse | \ndes-ves-teer-seh | \ndezβesˈtiɾse | \n
| To address/to head towards | \nDirigirse a | \ndee-ree-heer-seh ah | \ndiɾiˈxiɾse a | \n
| To be distracted by | \nDistraerse | \ndees-trah-ehr-seh | \ndistɾaˈeɾse | \n
| To have fun | \nDivertirse | \ndee-vehr-teer-seh | \ndiβeɾˈtiɾse | \n
| To divorce from | \nDivorciarse de | \ndee-vor-see-ar-seh deh | \ndiβoɾˈθjaɾse ðe | \n
| To sleep | \nDormirse | \ndor-meer-seh | \ndoɾˈmiɾse | \n
| To shower | \nDucharse | \ndoo-char-seh | \nduˈʧaɾse | \n
| To lie down | \nEcharse a | \neh-char-seh ah | \neˈʧaɾse a | \n
| To fall in love with | \nEnamorarse de | \neh-na-mo-rar-seh deh | \nenamoˈɾaɾse ðe | \n
| To be in charge of | \nEncargarse de | \nehn-car-gar-seh deh | \nenkaɾˈɣaɾse ðe | \n
| To find yourself with | \nEncontrarse con | \nehn-con-trar-seh cohn | \nenkonˈtɾaɾse kon | \n
| To become enraged with | \nEnfurecerse | \nehn-foo-reh-sehr-seh | \nemfuɾeˈθeɾse | \n
| To become crazy with | \nEnloquecerse | \nehn-loh-keh-sehr-seh | \nenlokeˈθeɾse | \n
| To become mad | \nEnojarse | \neh-noh-har-seh | \nenoˈxaɾse | \n
| To be proud of | \nEnorgullecerse | \nehn-or-goo-yeh-sehr-seh | \nenoɾɣuʎeˈθeɾse | \n
| To be crazy with | \nEnriquecerse | \nehn-re-keh-sehr-seh | \nenrikeˈθeɾse | \n
| To find out about | \nEnterarse de | \nehn-teh-rar-seh deh | \nenteˈɾaɾse ðe | \n
| To become sad about | \nEntristecerse | \nehn-trees-teh-sehr-seh | \nentɾisteˈθeɾse | \n
| To be mistaken about | \nEquivocarse | \neh-key-voh-car-seh | \nekiβoˈkaɾse | \n
| To stretch out | \nEstirarse | \nes-tee-rar-seh | \nestiˈɾaɾse | \n
| To be exposed to | \nExponerse a | \nex-poh-nehr-seh ah | \nekspoˈneɾse a | \n
| To notice | \nFijarse en | \nfee-har-seh ehn | \nfiˈxaɾse en | \n
| To graduate from | \nGraduarse | \ngrah-doo-ar-seh | \nɡɾaˈðwaɾse | \n
| To make oneself | \nHacerse | \nah-sehr-seh | \naˈθeɾse | \n
| To imagine | \nImaginarse | \ne-mah-he-nar-seh | \nimaxiˈnaɾse | \n
| To be interested in | \nInteresarse | \nin-teh-reh-sahn-teh | \ninteɾeˈsaɾse | \n
| To go | \nIrse | \neer-seh | \nˈiɾse | \n
| To play with | \nJugarse | \nwho-gar-seh | \nxuˈɣaɾse | \n
| To injure oneself | \nLastimarse | \nlas-tee-mar-seh | \nlastiˈmaɾse | \n
| To wash oneself | \nLavarse | \nla-var-seh | \nlaˈβaɾse | \n
| To lift oneself up | \nLevantarse | \nleh-vahn-tar-seh | \nleβanˈtaɾse | \n
| To call oneself | \nLlamarse | \nyah-mar-seh | \nʎaˈmaɾse | \n
| To apply makeup on oneself | \nMaquillarse | \nmah-key-yar-seh | \nmakiˈʎaɾse | \n
| To get dizzy | \nMarearse | \nmah-reh-are-seh | \nmaɾeˈaɾse | \n
| To deserve | \nMerecerse | \nmeh-reh-sehr-seh | \nmeɾeˈθeɾse | \n
| To put something in | \nMeterse | \nmeh-tehr-seh | \nmeˈteɾse | \n
| To look at oneself | \nMirarse | \nme-rar-seh | \nmiˈɾaɾse | \n
| To get wet | \nMojarse | \nmoh-har-seh | \nmoˈxaɾse | \n
| To get motivated | \nMotivarse | \nmoh-tee-var-seh | \nmotiˈβaɾse | \n
| To move | \nMoverse | \nmoh-vehr-seh | \nmoˈβeɾse | \n
| To move (houses) | \nMudarse | \nmoo-dar-seh | \nmuˈðaɾse | \n
| To deny oneself | \nNegarse a | \nneh-gar-seh ah | \nneˈɣaɾse a | \n
| To become obsessed with | \nObsesionarse con | \nob-seh-see-oh-nar-seh cohn | \noβsesjoˈnaɾse kon | \n
| To be occupied with | \nOcuparse de | \noh-coo-par-seh deh | \nokuˈpaɾse ðe | \n
| To hate oneself | \nOdiarse | \noh-dee-ar-seh | \noˈðjaɾse | \n
| To forget about | \nOlvidarse de | \nol-vee-dar-seh | \nolβiˈðaɾse ðe | \n
| To look like | \nParecerse a | \npah-reh-sehr-seh ah | \npaɾeˈθeɾse a | \n
| To comb oneself | \nPeinarse | \npay-nar-seh | \npejˈnaɾse | \n
| To fight with | \nPelearse | \npeh-leh-ar-seh | \npeleˈaɾse | \n
| To get lost | \nPerderse | \nper-dehr-seh | \npeɾˈðeɾse | \n
| To put on | \nPonerse | \npoh-nehr-seh | \npoˈneɾse | \n
| To ask oneself | \nPreguntarse | \npreh-goon-tar-seh | \npɾeɣunˈtaɾse | \n
| To worry about | \nPreocuparse | \npreh-oh-coo-par-seh | \npɾeokuˈpaɾse | \n
| To prepare for | \nPrepararse | \npreh-pah-rar-seh | \npɾepaˈɾaɾse | \n
| To try on | \nProbarse | \npro-bar-seh | \npɾoˈβaɾse | \n
| To break | \nQuebrarse | \nkeh-brar-seh | \nkeˈβɾaɾse | \n
| To stay | \nQuedarse | \nkeh-dar-seh | \nkeˈðaɾse | \n
| To complain about | \nQuejarse de | \nkeh-har-seh deh | \nkeˈxaɾse ðe | \n
| To burn oneself | \nQuemarse | \nkeh-mar-seh | \nkeˈmaɾse | \n
| To want/to like | \nQuererse | \nkeh-rer-seh | \nkeˈɾeɾse | \n
| To take off | \nQuitarse | \nkey-tar-seh | \nkiˈtaɾse | \n
| To tear | \nRasgarse | \nras-gar-seh | \nrazˈɣaɾse | \n
| To laugh about | \nReírse de | \nreh-eer-seh deh | \nreˈiɾse ðe | \n
| To relax | \nRelajarse | \nreh-la-har-seh | \nrelaˈxaɾse | \n
| To give up | \nRendirse | \nren-deer-seh | \nrenˈdiɾse | \n
| To resign oneself to | \nResignarse a | \nreh-seeg-nar-seh ah | \nresiɣˈnaɾse a | \n
| To break with | \nRomperse | \nrom-pehr-seh | \nromˈpeɾse | \n
| To get away with | \nSalirse con | \nsah-leer-seh con | \nsaˈliɾse kon | \n
| To take out | \nSecarse | \nsah-car-seh | \nseˈkaɾse | \n
| To sit down | \nSentarse | \nsehn-tar-seh | \nsenˈtaɾse | \n
| To feel | \nSentirse | \nsehn-teer-seh | \nsenˈtiɾse | \n
| To serve oneself | \nServirse | \nser-veer-seh | \nseɾˈβiɾse | \n
| To get on something | \nSubirse a | \nsoo-beer-seh ah | \nsuˈβiɾse a | \n
| To kill oneself | \nSuicidarse | \nsoo-e-see-dar-seh | \nswiθiˈðaɾse | \n
| To suppose | \nSuponerse | \nsoo-poh-nehr-seh | \nsupoˈneɾse | \n
| To calm down | \nTranquilizarse | \ntran-key-lee-sahr-seh | \ntɾankiliˈθaɾse | \n
| To be about | \nTratarse de | \ntra-tar-seh deh | \ntɾaˈtaɾse ðe | \n
| To look | \nVerse | \nvehr-seh | \nˈbeɾse | \n
| To dess in | \nVestirse | \nves-teer-seh | \nbesˈtiɾse | \n
| To become | \nVolverse | \nvol-vehr-seh | \nbolˈβeɾse | \n
\n
![\"Woman](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb2244c5581cea554/64acbf90cef8c529e4705373/istock-1138955154-2.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
You must use reflexive verbs any time the person is doing an action upon themself. Typically, this includes:
\nAdditionally, there are several verbs that are always reflexive, so you’ll always have to use a reflexive pronoun when you encounter them.
\nWhile most verbs in Spanish can have both reflexive and non-reflexive forms, there is a small list of Spanish verbs that are always reflexive. You cannot use them without a reflexive pronoun, so you must always take that into consideration. These are:
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| To remember | \nAcordarse | \nah-core-dar-seh | \nakoɾˈðaɾse | \n
| To dare to | \nAtreverse | \nah-treh-vehr-seh | \natɾeˈβeɾse | \n
| To laugh at | \nBurlarse | \nboor-lahr-seh | \nbuɾˈlaɾse | \n
| To fall | \nCaerse | \ncah-ehr-seh | \nkaˈeɾse | \n
| To marry | \nCasarse | \ncah-sahr-seh | \nkaˈsaɾse | \n
| To have fun | \nDivertirse | \ndee-vehr-teer-seh | \ndiβeɾˈtiɾse | \n
| To find out | \nEnterarse | \nehn-teh-rahr-seh | \nenteˈɾaɾse | \n
| To imagine | \nImaginarse | \ne-mah-he-nahr-seh | \nimaxiˈnaɾse | \n
| To die | \nMorirse | \nmoh-reer-seh | \nmoˈɾiɾse | \n
| To behave | \nPortarse | \npore-tar-seh | \npoɾˈtaɾse | \n
| To worry | \nPreocuparse | \npreh-oh-coo-par-seh | \npɾeokuˈpaɾse | \n
| To stay | \nQuedarse | \nkeh-dahr-seh | \nkeˈðaɾse | \n
| To laugh | \nReírse | \nreh-eer-seh | \nreˈiɾse | \n
\n
Yes and no. English has a far simpler form of reflexive verbs than Spanish, so, while the linguistic feature is there, it isn’t used nearly as frequently as in Spanish. English tends to omit the reflexive part of verbs very often, whereas Spanish tends to include it even when it is pretty self-evident that the verb is doing a reflexive action. So, when in doubt, use reflexive pronouns in Spanish.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"How to write an email in Spanish","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"How to write an email in Spanish: Greetings, sign offs, examples","url":"/blog/how-to-write-email-spanish-greetings-sign-off-examples","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt5b7103e04c270dc2/64b76e1fe97bb8f42c42bbc0/istock-1185062707-2.jpeg"},"post_content":"We get it, sending emails can often feel like a monotonous and drawn-out part of the workday. However, it doesn’t have to be as long as you learn some useful phrases for starting, writing, and ending your formal emails. With the right tools under your belt, writing an email in Spanish will feel just like any other part of your day!
\nLearning how to send a formal email in Spanish will make your everyday business communications so much easier. This will help you not only keep your job but stand out among your peers, perhaps leading to earning a well-deserved raise or closing bigger deals. Doing business in Spanish is an invaluable skill that can help you communicate with over 400 million people in more than 20 countries, and knowing how to send business emails in Spanish is an essential part of this!
\nWe know how daunting it can feel to send your first few formal business emails in Spanish, which is why we’ve put together this extremely thorough guide. We’ll walk you through every single step of the way, from crafting the perfect subject line to closing out with the best sign-off and signature. Plus, we’ll also include various examples of business emails in Spanish for different occasions, so you can fully visualize yourself writing the best business email from start to finish.
\nAnd while writing an email in Spanish is very similar to writing a letter in Spanish, there are several differences to keep an eye on. As you can probably imagine, writing a formal email is generally less formal than writing a letter, so you’ll have to format them a little bit differently.
\nReady to get started on those important business emails you need to write? Let’s jump right into everything you need to know to write the perfect Spanish business email!
\n![\"Writing](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt3e5c4bfecf096bf1/64b76ec21feb2fac74891edf/istock-1347197677-2.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Writing an email in Spanish is generally much more formal than in English. If you’re a native English speaker, then you’re probably used to getting one or two-line emails from your colleagues every now and then. You may also get jokes, some memes, and perhaps see some English slang in professional emails, depending on the closeness of the relationships.
\nSpanish speakers use email in a much more formal way. If you’ve ever been to one of the Spanish-speaking countries, then you probably already know that the instant messaging app WhatsApp is extremely popular. Almost all informal communications take place over WhatsApp, and even some formal business negotiations happen over the instant messaging service, too.
\nThat means that you should keep your emails extremely formal. All informal communication, including Spanish slang, can go on WhatsApp, when appropriate. However, don’t be surprised when your Spanish-speaking colleagues schedule important meetings over WhatsApp or discuss formal issues over text!
\nWith that said, business emails are still incredibly important, especially when you’re establishing new connections in the Spanish-speaking world. Although some things are better communicated in a formal letter in Spanish, you’ll find that sending a business email isn’t just more convenient but also more appropriate in many scenarios. Let’s get you started with the very basics of writing and sending one.
\nIf you’ve never sent a formal Spanish email in your life, or even if you have, here are some important vocabulary words that you should be familiar with. Using them in a formal email is a great way to impress your colleagues and clients.
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| El correo electrónico | \ncoh-reh-oh eh-lec-troh-nee-coh | \nkoˈreo elekˈtɾoniko | \n|
| Send an email | \nEnviar un correo | \nehn-vee-are oon coh-reh-oh | \nemˈbjaɾ un koˈreo | \n
| Subject line | \nEl sujeto | \nsoo-heh-toe | \nsuˈxeto | \n
| Email signature | \nLa firma | \nfeer-mah | \nˈfiɾma | \n
| Inbox | \nLa bandeja de entrada | \nbahn-deh-hah deh ehn-tra-dah | \nbanˈdexa ðe enˈtɾaða | \n
| Outbox | \nLa bandeja de salida | \nbahn-deh-hah deh ehn-trah-dah | \nbanˈdexa ðe saˈliða | \n
| Drafts | \nLos borradores | \nboh-rah-doh-ress | \nboraˈðoɾes | \n
| Trash | \nLa basura | \nbah-soo-rah | \nbaˈsuɾa | \n
| Junk | \nEl correo basura | \ncoh-reh-oh bah-sooh-rah | \nkoˈreo βaˈsuɾa | \n
| Spam | \nEl correo no deseado | \ncoh-reh-oh no deh-seh-ah-doe | \nkoˈreo ˈno ðeseˈaðo | \n
| Archive | \nEl archivo | \nare-chee-voh | \naɾˈʧiβo | \n
| Send | \nEnviar | \nehn-vee-are | \nemˈbjaɾ | \n
| Receive | \nRecibir | \nreh-see-beer | \nreθiˈβiɾ | \n
| Subject | \nEl asunto | \nah-soon-toe | \naˈsunto | \n
| Forward | \nReenviar | \nreh-ehn-vee-are | \nreemˈbjaɾ | \n
| Reply | \nResponder | \nress-pohn-dehr | \nresponˈdeɾ | \n
| Reply all | \nReponder a todos | \nress-pohn-dehr ah toh-doss | \nresponˈdeɾ a ˈtoðos | \n
| New email | \nEl nuevo correo | \nnoo-eh-voh coh-reh-oh | \nˈnweβo koˈreo | \n
| Compose | \nComponer | \ncom-poh-nehr | \nkompoˈneɾ | \n
| CC | \nCon copia (CC) | \ncohn coh-pee-ah | \nkon ˈkopja | \n
| BCC | \nCon copia oculta (CCO) | \ncohn coh-pee-ah oh-cool-tah | \nkon ˈkopja oˈkulta | \n
| Attachment | \nEl archivo adjunto | \nare-chee-voh ad-whon-toe | \naɾˈʧiβo aðˈxunto | \n
| Link | \nEnlace | \nehn-lah-seh | \nenˈlaθe | \n
| Content | \nEl contenido | \ncohn-teh-nee-doe | \nkonteˈniðo | \n
| Urgent | \nUrgente | \noor-hehn-teh | \nuɾˈxente | \n
| Sender | \nEl remitente | \nreh-me-tehn-teh | \nremiˈtente | \n
| Recipients | \nLos destinatarios | \ndess-tee-nah-tah-ree-os | \ndestinaˈtaɾjos | \n
| To | \nPara | \npah-rah | \nˈpaɾa | \n
| From | \nDe | \ndeh | \nde | \n
| Auto response | \nLa autorespuesta | \nah-ooh-toe-res-poo-ess-tah | \nawtoɾesˈpwesta | \n
| Canned responses | \nLas respuestas pregrabadas | \nres-poo-ess-tass preh-grah-bah-dass | \nresˈpwestas pɾeɣɾaˈβaðas | \n
| At @ | \nEl arroba @ | \nah-roh-bah | \naˈroβa | \n
\n
If you’re comfortable with writing formal emails in English, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that Spanish emails are formatted very similarly. Here are the main parts of a formal business email that you should consider:
\n![\"Formatting](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt68ea8360d2752a77/64b76d388ffe223e97c87936/Formal-email.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Now that you’re familiar with each part of the formal business email, we’ll take our time and work through each of them one by one. We’ll also provide you with a few examples of each, so you’ll be able to write your email right away if you’re in a rush!
\nThe very first thing you need to know about writing a formal business email is that you should stick to using the formal usted instead of the informal tú. If you’ve already learned how to use tú vs. usted in Spanish, then you should have no problem using the formal Spanish pronoun to refer to the receiver of your email. Otherwise, make sure to brush up on this skill, as using usted and conjugating your verbs accordingly is a very important part of writing a formal email.
\nNow, let’s take a closer look at each individual part of an email.
\n![\"Learn](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt242e944172ba4115/64b76f5a5b6d352e91540786/istock-475419939.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The subject line in Spanish is called el asunto (ah-soon-toe). As in English, Spanish subject lines should be succinct and include the most important or essential part of the email. For example, an email containing an invoice from a vendor would include the invoice number in the subject line.
\nAdditionally, you can add special notes in the subject line if you need to communicate something special or urgent to the receiver. For example, if something requires immediate attention, you can start your subject line with “URGENTE” (URGENT) followed by a semicolon and the rest of your subject line. Just be sure not to use this too often, as you don’t want to be the boy who cried wolf!
\nAnother thing to keep in mind when writing email subject lines in Spanish is that we use sentence case for them instead of title case. That means you don’t need to worry about any special capitalization rules — just follow the normal rules you’d follow when writing in a regular sentence.
\nHere are some examples of common subject lines you might encounter in a business setting:
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| Your Invoice #277834 | \nSu recibo #277834 | \nSoo reh-see-boh noo-meh-roh dos see-eh-teh see-eh-teh oh-cho trehs coo-ah-troh | \nsu reˈθiβo ˈnumeɾo ˈðos ˈsjete ˈsjete ˈoʧo ˈtɾes ˈkwatɾo | \n
| Summary of Your Monthly Transactions | \nResumen de sus transacciones del mes | \nreh-soo-men deh soos tran-sac-see-oh-ness dell mes | \nreˈsumen de sus tɾansakˈθjonez ðel ˈmes | \n
| Rescheduling the Marketing Team’s Monthly Meeting | \nReagendar la junta mensual del departamento de marketing | \nreh-ah-hehn-dahr la hoon-tah mehn-soo-ahl dell deh-par-tah-mehn-toe deh mar-keh-teeng | \nreaxenˈdaɾ ˈxunta menˈswal del depaɾtaˈmento ðe maɾkeˈtinɡ | \n
| Following Up On Case #77273 | \nSeguimiento al caso #77273 | \nseh-gee-mee-ehn-toe ahl cah-so noo-meh-roh see-eh-teh see-eh-teh dos see-eh-teh trehs | \nseɣiˈmjento al ˈkaso ˈnumeɾo ˈsjete ˈsjete ˈðos ˈsjete ˈtɾes | \n
| Welcome to the Berlitz family | \nBienvenidos a la familia de Berlitz | \nbee-ehn-veh-nee-dos ah la fah-me-lee-ah deh behr-leetz | \nbjembeˈniðos a la faˈmilja ðe βeɾˈlitθ | \n
| Introducing the new sales manager to Grupo México | \nIntroducción del nuevo gerente de ventas al Grupo México | \neen-troh-dooc-see-ohn dell noo-eh-voh heh-rehn-teh deh vehn-tass all groo-poh meh-he-coh | \nintɾoðukˈθjon del ˈnweβo xeˈɾente ðe ˈβentas al ˈɣɾupo ˈmexiko | \n
| Don’t miss out on the exclusive october deals. | \n¡No se pierda las promociones exclusivas de octubre! | \nnoh seh pee-air-dah lahs proh-moh-see-oh-ness ex-cloo-see-vas deh oc-too-breh | \nˈno se ˈpjeɾða las pɾomoˈθjones ekskluˈsiβaz ðe okˈtuβɾe | \n
| Enjoy a brand new cellphone with this incredible deal! | \n¡Estrene un nuevo celular con esta increíble oferta! | \ness-treh-neh oon noo-eh-voh seh-loo-lar cohn ess-tah een-creh-ee-bleh oh-fehr-tah | \nesˈtɾene wn ˈnweβo θeluˈlaɾ kon ˈesta jnkɾeˈiβle oˈfeɾta | \n
\n
The greeting in Spanish is very similar to greetings in English. If you know the person's name, then you have a few word options to use before their name. If you don’t know the name of the person, then you may simply address your letter “a quién corresponda,” which is the Spanish equivalent of “to whom it may concern”.
\nThe one thing you should keep in mind when writing email greetings in Spanish is that we use a colon instead of a comma after the initial address. For example, in English, the email greeting would look like:
\nWhereas in Spanish, it would look like:
\nWhile many people will still use a comma in Spanish instead of a colon, using a colon is the correct way to do it according to the Real Academia Española.
\nHere are a few examples of Spanish greetings:
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| To whom it may concern, | \nA quién corresponda: | \nah key-ehn coh-ress pon-dah | \na ˈkjen koresˈponda | \n
| Dear Mr. _____, / Dear Mrs. _____, | \nEstimado Señor _____: / Estimada Señora _____: | \ness-tee-ma-doh seh-nyor _____: / ess-tee-mah dah seh-nyor-ah _____. | \nestiˈmaðo seˈɲoɾ _____: / estiˈmaða seˈɲoɾa _____: | \n
| Dear Mr. _____, / Dear Mrs. _____, | \nApreciado Señor _____: / Apreciada Señora _____: | \nah-preh-see-ah-doh seh-nyor _____: / ah-preh-see-ah-dah seh-nyoh-rah | \napɾeˈθjaðo seˈɲoɾ _____: / apɾeˈθjaða seˈɲoɾa _____: | \n
| Distinguished Mr. _____, / Distinguished Mrs. _____, | \nDistinguido Señor _____: / DIstinguida Señora _____: | \ndees-teen-gee-doh seh-nyor _____: / dees-teen-gee-dah seh-nyor-ah _____: | \ndistinˈɡiðo seˈɲoɾ _____: / distinˈɡiða seˈɲoɾa _____: | \n
| Mr. _____, / Mrs. _____, | \nDon _____: / Doña _____: | \ndon _____: / doh-nyah_____: | \nˈdon _____: / ˈdoɲa _____: | \n
\n
Once you’ve done the initial greeting, you will want to follow up with a brief presentation if you haven’t interacted with this person before or if you don’t do it very often. A quick refresher of who you are and what your position is or what company you work for can be greatly appreciated when emailing people you don’t work with all that often.
\nAfter this introduction, you can summarize the topic of your email in a very brief sentence. Think of it as a launching pad for the body of your email. Keep in mind that these introductions tend to be abundantly formal, so they will sound a little weird outside of this context. Stick to only using them in formal email contexts. As you’ll see in the English translations, they even sound a bit unnatural in English!
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| I hope you’re doing well. | \nEspero que se encuentre bien. | \ness-peh-roh keh seh ehn-coo-ehn-treh bee-ehn | \nesˈpeɾo ˈke se enˈkwentɾe ˈβjen | \n
| I hope this email finds you well. | \nEspero que este correo le encuentre bien. | \nehs-peh-roh keh ess-teh coh-reh-oh leh ehn-coo-ehn-treh bee-ehn | \nesˈpeɾo ˈke ˈeste koˈreo le enˈkwentɾe ˈβjen | \n
| It’s a pleasure to greet you through this email. | \nUn gusto saludarle por este medio. | \noon goose-toe sah-loo-dar-teh pore ess-teh meh-dee-oh | \nun ˈɡusto saluˈðaɾle poɾ ˈeste ˈmeðjo | \n
| I’m writing on behalf of _____. | \nLe escribo de parte de _____. | \nleh ess-cree-boh deh par-teh deh _____. | \nle esˈkɾiβo ðe ˈpaɾte ðe | \n
| My name is _____ and I work at _____. | \nMi nombre es ____ y trabajo en _____. | \nme nom-breh ess _____ y tra-bah-hoh ehn _____. | \nmi ˈnombɾe ˈes | i tɾaˈβaxo en | \n
| I’m _____ and I’m a _____. | \nSoy _____ y me dedico a _____. | \nsoy _____ e meh deh-dee-coh ah _____. | \nˈsoj | i me ðeˈðiko a | \n
| I’m _____ and I’m getting in touch with you to _____. | \nSoy _____ y me pongo en contacto para _____. | \nsoy _____ e meh pohn-goh ehn con-tac-toe pah-rah _____. | \nˈsoj | i me ˈponɡo en konˈtakto ˈpaɾa | \n
| I’m writing to _____. | \nLe escribo para ______. | \nleh ess-cree-boh pah-rah _____. | \nle esˈkɾiβo ˈpaɾa | \n
| I’m writing to you with the endgoal of _____. | \nMe dirijo a usted con el fin de _____. | \nmeh dee-re-ho ah oos-tehd cohn elle feen deh _____. | \nme ðiˈɾixo a wsˈteð kon el ˈfin de _____. | \n
| I’m writing to confirm the delivery address of your latest purchase. | \nLe escribo para confirmar la dirección de envío de su última compra. | \nleh ess-cree-boh pah-rah cohn-feer-mar la dee-rec-see-ohn deh ehn-vee-oh deh soo ool-tee-mah com-prah | \nle esˈkɾiβo ˈpaɾa komfiɾˈmaɾ la ðiɾekˈθjon de emˈbio ðe su ˈultima ˈkompɾa | \n
| I’m getting in touch to discuss next quarter’s marketing strategy. | \nMe pongo en contacto para discutir la estrategia de marketing del próximo trimestre. | \nMeh pohn-goh ehn con-tac-toe pah-rah dees-coo-teer la ess-trah-teh-he-ah deh mar-keh-teeng dell prox-e-moh tree-mess-treh | \nme ˈponɡo en konˈtakto ˈpaɾa ðiskuˈtiɾ la estɾaˈtexja ðe maɾkeˈtinɡ ðel ˈpɾoksimo tɾiˈmestɾe | \n
\n
Once you’ve written your work of art of an email, you’re going to want an equally impressive way to close it out. The most common closing format is to include a line telling them that you’re grateful for their time followed by a line bidding them farewell. If you’re awaiting a response from them, then this might also be the time to let them know that you await their reply. Here are some options:
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| Thank you in advance for your attention. | \nDe antemano gracias por su atención. | \ndeh ahn-teh-mah-noh grah-see-ass pore soo ah-tehn-see-ohn | \nde anteˈmano ˈɣɾaθjas poɾ sw atenˈθjon | \n
| Thank you for your time and attention. | \nMuchas gracias por su tiempo y atención. | \nmoo-chas grah-see-ass pore soo tee-ehm-poh e ah-tehn-see-ohn | \nˈmuʧaz ˈɣɾaθjas poɾ su ˈtjempo j atenˈθjon | \n
| I await your comments. | \nQuedo a la espera de sus comentarios. | \nkeh-doh ah la ess-peh-rah deh soos coh-mehn-tah-ree-os | \nˈkeðo a la esˈpeɾa ðe sus komenˈtaɾjos | \n
| I await your response. | \nQuedo a la espera de su respuesta. | \nkeh-doh ah la ess-peh-rah deh soo ress-poo-ess-tah | \nˈkeðo a la esˈpeɾa ðe su resˈpwesta | \n
| I am at your service should the need arise. | \nCualquier cosa estoy a su disposición. | \ncoo-all-key-air coh-sah ess-toy ah soo dees-poh-see-see-ohn | \nkwalˈkjeɾ ˈkosa esˈtoj a su ðisposiˈθjon | \n
| I cordially anticipate your polite response. | \nEspero cordialmente su amable respuesta. | \ness-peh-roh core-dee-all-mehn-teh sue ah-mah-bleh ress-poo-ess-tah | \nesˈpeɾo koɾðjalˈmente sw aˈmaβle resˈpwesta ‖ | \n
| Sincerely, | \nAtentamente, | \nah-tehn-tah-mehn-teh | \natentaˈmente | \n
| Cordial greetings, | \nSaludos cordiales, | \nsah-loo-doss core-dee-ah-less | \nsaˈluðos koɾˈðjales | \n
| Sincerely, | \nSinceramente, | \nseen-seh-rah-men-teh | \nsinθeɾaˈmente | \n
| I greet you sincrerely | \nLe saludo atentamente, | \nleh sah-loo-doh ah-tehn-tah-mehn-teh | \nle saˈluðo atentaˈmente | \n
| Greetings | \nSaludos, | \nsah-loo-dohs | \nsaˈluðos | \n
\n
Crafting an email signature in Spanish is remarkably similar to writing one in English. You’ll want to include much of the same information you’d include in an English signature, like:
\nPlus any other information that may be relevant in your field, such as your degrees or special certifications. You can also feel free to combine multiple points in one line. For example, here’s an example of what a Spanish email signature would look like:
\nMarco Monroy
Escritor de contenido | Berlitz
+52 100-2000-3000 | marco@berlitz.com
Calle Maximilian 202, CDMX 03300
\n
Now that you’re familiar with common subject lines, greetings, sign-offs, and more, let’s take a look at a few complete examples of business emails in Spanish. We’ll cover a few different types of formal emails to help you visualize your needs, no matter what you need to write a formal email for.
\n![\"Reading](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt480cb7104cdcf0c0/64b76fd9cfa2d718d827c026/istock-494280480.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Estimada Licenciada Rodríguez:
\nEspero se encuentre bien. Le escribo para agradecerle genuinamente por tomar el tiempo de entrevistarme esta mañana.
\nDe igual manera, me gustaría reiterar mi compromiso con el desarrollo de tecnología sustentable y el cuidado al medio ambiente. Por ende, me parece que este puesto en su compañía sería el lugar indicado para desarrollar mis habilidades y lograr mis metas.
\nLe agradezco amablemente de haber tomado el tiempo de hablar conmigo esta mañana. Para mí fue un placer tener la oportunidad de entrevistar con una empresa de vanguardia en el medio ambiente.
\nMuchas gracias por su atención.
\nSaludos cordiales,
\nFernando Pérez Gómez
\n\n
Estimado Miguel:
\nEspero se encuentre bien. Nos conocimos ayer en la Conferencia Nacional de Agrónomos y me gustaría agendar una cita con usted para discutir cómo mi fertilizante podría ser beneficioso para su empresa.
\nNuestros clientes han logrado mejorar sus cosechas por un 25% al utilizar nuestro fertilizante, lo que ayuda a reducir costos e incrementar ganancias. Además, nuestro fertilizante está hecho con ingredientes 100% naturales, así que no agrega partículas tóxicas a sus cultivos.
\nPor favor, indíqueme cuándo sería posible tener una breve conversación con usted, ya sea por llamada o en persona.
\nQuedo en espera a su amable respuesta.
\nSaludos cordiales,
\nAlejandra Almaguer Rosales
\n\n
Estimado Juan:
\nEspero se encuentre bien. Con este correo, me gustaría darle la bienvenida oficialmente a Berlitz.
\nEn esta compañía, nos enfocamos en hacer sentir a cada miembro del equipo como una parte integral de nuestra familia. Lo más importante para nosotros que usted se sienta cómodo y cuente con todo lo que necesite para ofrecer el más alto servicio a nuestros clientes.
\nPor ende, quisiera poner a disposición mi correo electrónico y número de teléfono para que se comunique conmigo por cualquier razón. La puerta de mi oficina siempre estará abierta para discutir cualquier duda o manera en la que podamos mejorar nuestra atención hacia usted.
\nSin más por el momento, quedo a su disposición.
\n¡Bienvenido a la familia Berlitz!
\nMaximilian Berlitz
\n\n
Estimado Jorge:
\nEspero se encuentre bien. Por medio de la presente, queremos indicarle que cuenta con una advertencia formal por retardo.
\nUsted llegó más de 15 minutos después de su hora de entrada en las siguientes fechas:
\nCon estos tres retardos, usted ahora cuenta con su primera advertencia formal por retardo. Le recordamos que tres advertencias formales por retardo podrían resultar en la terminación inmediata de su relación laboral con nosotros.
\nLe rogamos tomar las medidas necesarias para evitar que esto vuelva a suceder. Recuerde que contamos con el programa de empleado puntual del mes, donde el empleado que logre adherirse a su horario establecido con mayor puntualidad recibirá una tarjeta de regalo para su restaurante favorito.
\nSin más por el momento, le agradezco por su atención.
\nSaludos,
\nRodrigo Olivera Robles
\n\n
Estimado cliente:
\nPor medio de la presente, nos complace informarle de nuestras nuevas ofertas primaverales en la tienda en línea de Planterra.
\nA partir de hoy y hasta el 31 de mayo, todos nuestros clientes podrán disfrutar de un descuento exclusivo del 20 % sobre el precio final de cualquier producto. Esto aplica para nuestros productos de temporada y nuestros productos cotidianos.
\nSi usted desea aprovechar este descuento, por favor inicie sesión como miembro de nuestra página web. De inmediato, usted podrá tener acceso a nuestros precios reducidos por esta gran promoción.
\nSin más por el momento, le deseamos lo mejor en esta época primaveral.
\nSaludos cordiales,
\nEl equipo de Planterra
\n\n
Querida Marcela:
\nMe complace mucho saludarla. El motivo de este correo es para conectarla con mi cliente actual, don Federico, quien busca recibir servicios de relaciones públicas.
\nRecientemente, don Federico firmó un contrato con mi empresa para prestar servicios de marketing digital. Desde entonces, don Federico ha demostrado interés en contratar servicios de relaciones públicas. Por ende, no dudé en pensar en su empresa como una excelente opción para don Federico.
\nMe gustaría presentarlos para que puedan discutir acerca de oportunidades para trabajar juntos y lograr sus objetivos. Cualquier cosa, estoy disponible para agendar una cita o llamada.
\nQuedo al pendiente de cualquier duda o comentario.
\nSaludos cordiales,
\nClaudia Lizeth Gonzáles Castro
\n\n
Estimado cliente:
\nEsperamos que se encuentre bien. Nos complace indicarle que sus productos del pedido #70209933945 van en camino a usted.
\nHemos enviado el producto a la dirección de envío proporcionada en el momento de la compra, por lo que ya no es posible hacer cambios a la dirección de entrega. Sin embargo, se puede poner en contacto con la compañía de envíos para cualquier aclaración o duda.
\nSu código de rastreo es AH-02033-405506-XBY. Puede utilizar este número de guía para rastrear su paquete directamente con la compañía fletera.
\n¡No podemos esperar por que disfrute de sus productos!
\nSaludos cordiales,
\nEl equipo de Planterra
\n\n
Now that you know the best practices for crafting the perfect business email in Spanish, you can set out to conquer new markets. From forging business relationships with new vendors to finding customers in new regions, there is no shortage of things you can accomplish with a good business email.
\nAnd, if you’ve read our ultimate Spanish business guide, then you already know that doing business in Spanish-speaking regions is very heavily tilted toward personal relationships. That means that you’ll likely have to develop a certain level of familiarity before going into business with a colleague, which often involves shifting the communications to a more informal means like WhatsApp. So, consider it a blessing if you’ve reached a point in your relationships where you’ve graduated out of sending formal emails!
\nFor more helpful guides on all things Spanish, check out our free Spanish blog. We regularly publish content answering your most burning questions in Spanish, like how to conjugate the verb decir and what the difference is between saber and conocer.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"English cardinal numbers","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"A sweet & simple guide to cardinal & ordinal numbers in English","url":"/blog/english-cardinal-ordinal-numbers","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt245c7566cfa3ee29/649a515566ab627919fc7367/istock-1077741486.jpeg"},"post_content":"While you might already be able to count in English with no problem, it can sometimes be tricky to figure out when to use cardinal numbers and when to use ordinal numbers. In other words, sometimes we say “one,” while sometimes we say “first,” so how do we know which is the right one?
In this handy guide, we’ll go over the definition of both cardinal and ordinal numbers and provide you with plenty of examples and linguistic tidbits to help you use all English numbers expertly. Oh, and we’ll also provide you with massive lists of cardinal and ordinal numbers along with their pronunciation so you can start using them in your everyday conversations right away.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
![\"Learn](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt6056742d4ab0ff31/649a50036c102e0144a564ab/istock-1061332272.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
First things first, we’ve got to cover the basics: cardinal numbers. These are the numbers that you likely think of when you think of numbers: one, two, three, etc. These help us discuss things when their order doesn’t really matter. For example, if you want three apples, it doesn’t really make a difference what order they come in. In English, we use Arabic numerals to write them in almost all cases.
Cardinal numbers are used for counting, so use them any time you need to count how many siblings and cousins you have, how many fruits and vegetables you want to buy, and how many cups of coffee you want to order. Here’s a big list with dozens of cardinal numbers and their pronunciation in English:
| Number | Cardinal | IPA Pronunciation |
| 1 | One | ˈwən |
| 2 | Two | ˈtu |
| 3 | Three | ˈθɹi |
| 4 | Four | ˈfɔr |
| 5 | Five | ˈfaɪv |
| 6 | Six | ˈsɪks |
| 7 | Seven | ˈsɛvən |
| 8 | Eight | ˈeɪt |
| 9 | Nine | ˈnaɪn |
| 10 | Ten | ˈtɛn |
| 11 | Eleven | ɪˈlɛvən |
| 12 | Twelve | ˈtwɛlv |
| 13 | Thirteen | ˌθɝˈtin |
| 14 | Fourteen | fɔrˈtin |
| 15 | Fifteen | ˌfɪfˈtin |
| 16 | Sixteen | ˌsɪkˈstin |
| 17 | Seventeen | ˌsɛvənˈtin |
| 18 | Eighteen | ˌeɪtˈtin |
| 19 | Nineteen | naɪnˈtin |
| 20 | Twenty | ˈtwɛnti |
| 21 | Twenty-one | ˌtwɛntiˈwən |
| 22 | Twenty-two | ˈtwɛntiˈtu |
| 23 | Twenty-three | twɛntiˈθɹi |
| 24 | Twenty-four | ˈtwɛntiˈfɔr |
| 25 | Twenty-five | ˈtwɛntiˈfaɪv |
| 26 | Twenty-six | ˈtwɛntiˈsɪks |
| 27 | Twenty-seven | ˈtwɛntiˈsɛvən |
| 28 | Twenty-eight | ˈtwɛntiˈeɪt |
| 29 | Twenty-nine | ˈtwɛntiˈnaɪn |
| 30 | Thirty | ˈθɝti |
| 40 | Forty | ˈfɔrti |
| 50 | Fifty | ˈfɪfti |
| 60 | Sixty | ˈsɪksti |
| 70 | Seventy | ˈsɛvənti |
| 80 | Eighty | ˈeɪti |
| 90 | Ninety | ˈnaɪnti |
| 100 | One hundred | ˈwən ˈhəndɹəd |
| 150 | One hundred and fifty | ˈwən ˈhəndɹəd ənd ˈfɪfti |
| 200 | Two hundred | ˈtu ˈhəndɹəd |
| 300 | Three hundred | ˈθɹi ˈhəndɹəd |
| 400 | Four hundred | ˈfɔr ˈhəndɹəd |
| 500 | Five hundred | ˈfaɪv ˈhəndɹəd |
| 600 | Six hundred | ˈsɪks ˈhəndɹəd |
| 700 | Seven hundred | ˈsɛvən ˈhəndɹəd |
| 800 | Eight hundred | ˈeɪt ˈhəndɹəd |
| 900 | Nine hundred | ˈnaɪn ˈhəndɹəd |
| 1000 | One thousand | ˈwən ˈθaʊzənd |
Let’s review some sample sentences of cardinal numbers in English now that you know what cardinal numbers are:
Another common way of counting things is by using numerical sequence words like “once,” “twice” or “thrice.” These words mean one time, two times, and three times, respectively, and they can be used any time you want to mention something that happened between one and three times. Unfortunately, thrice is the highest that these words will go, so you won’t be to use these numerical sequence words for things that happened four or more times!
Here are some examples of how these words are used:
You learned about cardinal numbers first, so now we’re going to learn about ordinal numbers second. No less important than cardinal numbers, these types of numbers help us discuss things when their order does matter. For example, even though winning isn’t everything, we all want to place first in any contest or competition, right? Placing second or third is also okay, but there’s nothing like placing first! Ordinal numbers help us in situations like these where the order does actually matter.
![\"Ordinal](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb516ff4e27c866ce/649a50c36c102e548aa564af/istock-1048724534_copy.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Ordinal numbers are used to order items in a sequence, such as first, second, third, and so on. Think of the word order when you think of ordinal and you’ll surely never forget these numbers. After the first three numbers, ordinal numbers are usually made by adding -th at the end of the cardinal number. For example, four becomes fourth, six becomes sixth, and ten becomes tenth.
However, this rule isn’t infallible, and there are a few exceptions that don’t obey this rule, like fifth, ninth, and twelfth. Here’s a list of dozens of the most important ordinal numbers along with their pronunciation in English:
| Number | Ordinal | IPA Pronunciation |
| 1 | First | ˈfɝst |
| 2 | Second | ˈsɛkənd |
| 3 | Third | ˈθɝd |
| 4 | Fourth | ˈfɔrθ |
| 5 | Fifth | ˈfɪθ |
| 6 | Sixth | ˈsɪksθ |
| 7 | Seventh | ˈsɛvənθ |
| 8 | Eighth | ˈeɪtθ |
| 9 | Ninth | ˈnaɪnθ |
| 10 | Tenth | ˈtɛnθ |
| 11 | Eleventh | ɪˈlɛvənθ |
| 12 | Twelfth | ˈtwɛlfθ |
| 13 | Thirteenth | ˌθɝˈtinθ |
| 14 | Fourteenth | fɔrˈtinθ |
| 15 | Fifteenth | ˌfɪfˈtinθ |
| 16 | Sixteenth | ˌsɪkˈstinθ |
| 17 | Seventeenth | ˌsɛvənˈtinθ |
| 18 | Eighteenth | ˌeɪtˈtinθ |
| 19 | Nineteenth | naɪnˈtinθ |
| 20 | Twentieth | ˈtwɛntiəθ |
| 21 | Twenty-first | ˈtwɛntiˈfɝst |
| 22 | Twenty-second | ˈtwɛntiˈsɛkənd |
| 23 | Twenty-third | ˈtwɛntiˈθɝd |
| 24 | Twenty-fourth | ˈtwɛntiˈfɔrθ |
| 25 | Twenty-fifth | ˈtwɛntiˈfɪθ |
| 26 | Twenty-sixth | ˈtwɛntiˈsɪksθ |
| 27 | Twenty-seventh | ˈtwɛntiˈsɛvənθ |
| 28 | Twenty-eighth | ˈtwɛntiˈeɪtθ |
| 29 | Twenty-ninth | ˈtwɛntiˈnaɪnθ |
| 30 | Thirtieth | ˈθɝtiəθ |
| 40 | Fortieth | ˈfɔrtiəθ |
| 50 | Fiftieth | ˈfɪftiəθ |
| 60 | Sixtieth | ˈsɪkstiəθ |
| 70 | Seventieth | ˈsɛvəntiəθ |
| 80 | Eightieth | ˈeɪtiəθ |
| 90 | Ninetieth | ˈnaɪntiəθ |
| 100 | One hundredth | ˈwən ˈhəndɹədθ |
| 150 | One hundred and fiftieth | ˈwən ˈhəndɹəd ənd ˈfɪftiəθ |
| 200 | Two hundredth | ˈtu ˈhəndɹədθ |
| 300 | Three hundredth | ˈθɹi ˈhəndɹədθ |
| 400 | Four hundredth | ˈfɔr ˈhəndɹədθ |
| 500 | Five hundredth | ˈfaɪv ˈhəndɹədθ |
| 600 | Six hundredth | ˈsɪks ˈhəndɹədθ |
| 700 | Seven hundredth | ˈsɛvən ˈhəndɹədθ |
| 800 | Eight hundredth | ˈeɪt ˈhəndɹədθ |
| 900 | Nine hundredth | ˈnaɪn ˈhəndɹədθ |
| 1000 | One thousandth | ˈwən ˈθaʊzəndθ |
Now that you’re familiar with all the key ordinal numbers in English, let’s take a look at some example sentences so you know how to use them like a true native:
While reviewing ordinal numbers, there’s one more “number” that you should keep in mind: umpteenth. While this isn’t a number, it is commonly used in sentences in place of a normal ordinal number. It simply means a very large and undefined number in a succession, generally used to emphasize the enormity of the number. For example:
In the example sentence above, it doesn’t matter how many times the person had to water the plants that month — the use of umpteenth simply emphasizes that it’s an unreasonably high number. This is an informal word that you may use in everyday conversations, but it’s probably best to keep it away from academic or formal settings.
Ordinal numbers can be expressed in numerals just like cardinal numbers. To do this, simply add the last two letters of the ordinal number to the Arabic numeral, such as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. Informally, you can use these any time you want to save time and space, like when planning out your calendar or writing to-do lists. Formally, you’ll want to write out the names of the ordinal numbers from one to nine and use the contraction for ten and above.
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| Number | Ordinal | Contraction |
| 1 | First | 1st |
| 2 | Second | 2nd |
| 3 | Third | 3rd |
| 4 | Fourth | 4th |
| 5 | Fifth | 5th |
| 6 | Sixth | 6th |
| 7 | Seventh | 7th |
| 8 | Eighth | 8th |
| 9 | Ninth | 9th |
| 10 | Tenth | 10th |
| 11 | Eleventh | 11th |
| 12 | Twelfth | 12th |
| 13 | Thirteenth | 13th |
| 14 | Fourteenth | 14th |
| 15 | Fifteenth | 15th |
| 16 | Sixteenth | 16th |
| 17 | Seventeenth | 17th |
| 18 | Eighteenth | 18th |
| 19 | Nineteenth | 19th |
| 20 | Twentieth | 20th |
| 21 | Twenty-first | 21st |
| 22 | Twenty-second | 22nd |
| 23 | Twenty-third | 23rd |
| 24 | Twenty-fourth | 24th |
| 25 | Twenty-fifth | 25th |
| 26 | Twenty-sixth | 26th |
| 27 | Twenty-seventh | 27th |
| 28 | Twenty-eighth | 28th |
| 29 | Twenty-ninth | 29th |
| 30 | Thirtieth | 30th |
| 40 | Fortieth | 40th |
| 50 | Fiftieth | 50th |
| 60 | Sixtieth | 60th |
| 70 | Seventieth | 70th |
| 80 | Eightieth | 80th |
| 90 | Ninetieth | 90th |
| 100 | One hundredth | 100th |
| 200 | Two hundredth | 200th |
| 500 | Five hundredth | 500th |
| 1000 | One thousandth | 1000th |
Now that you’re familiar with the broad differences between ordinal and cardinal numbers, let’s take a deep dive into what makes them different from each other.
Perhaps paradoxically, numbers aren’t always used to express quantity. As you now know, ordinal numbers denote the order within a sequence, but they don’t really tell us any information about quantity. Take a look at the following examples:
In the first sentence, we know exactly how many cars the train has: ten. However, in the second sentence, we don’t really know how many cars the train has. There could be four, six, eight or even just two cars in that train, but that doesn’t matter. The most important thing is to help the other person locate you in relation to the other cars of the train.
That’s one thing to keep in mind when dealing with ordinal numbers. The missing context can sometimes be deceiving, since you don’t really know the total quantity of the nouns you’re referring to. Take this from someone who once placed third in a three-person singing contest!
Ordinal numbers are typically formed by adding the suffix “-th” to the corresponding cardinal number. For example, four becomes fourth and ten becomes tenth. However, there are a few irregular forms that you should keep in mind. The following ordinal numbers have irregular spellings:
Also, keep in mind that numbers ending in one, two, or three, will also have the same ordinal ending as the corresponding single-digit number. For example:
Although we’ve already taken a look at the general use of each of the types of numbers, let’s go into more detail about when you’re supposed to use ordinal vs. cardinal numbers in English:
In general, you’ll want to use cardinal numbers when the quantity of the noun in question is important. Here are some concrete examples:
Although cardinal numbers are more common than ordinal numbers, these last ones have a far wider variety of uses. Here are some of the most common:
Every year, more and more people choose to learn Mandarin to do business in China and get jobs at Chinese firms both in China and all around the world. But before you start working the job of your dreams, you’ll have to write an expert resume in Chinese that will impress any job recruiter out there.
On top of a stellar resume, you’ll also want to prepare for the job interview you’re sure to get. Although meeting with a potential employer can be stressful, we’ve got you covered with some helpful phrases for common job interview questions in Chinese so you never go into an interview feeling unprepared. We’ve also included some helpful cultural tips for acing a job interview in China, no matter where you’re from!
We’ve got a lot of ground to cover with 164 words and phrases about writing CVs and acing job interviews in Chinese, so let’s start with some essential vocabulary for writing a resume in Chinese!
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Before we get started with all the important words and phrases to know about resumes, let’s start with the basics. Chinese resumes are different from American resumes and, in fact, almost all countries have their own unique norms and expectations for resumes. When working on a resume for China, you’ll want to keep the following in mind:
Just as in the US, resumes in China shouldn’t exceed two pages save for special circumstances. For an overwhelming majority of job hunters, though, a maximum of two pages is expected. Ideally, you’ll be able to condense all of your experience to just one page, especially if you’ve only recently graduated from college and have limited work experience. If it doesn’t add anything meaningful to your job application, cut it!
Unlike American resumes, Chinese resumes can include some color and personality. While you’d be stuck writing in black, 12-point Times New Roman font for an American resume, you can choose a more stylish font and add some color to your resume with colorful bullet points or subheaders. Just make sure to not go overboard, as a little style can go a long way, but too much color can make your resume look like a third-grader’s homework!
Including a headshot in an American CV is a big red flag, but Chinese CVs are expected to come with an updated headshot. Make sure it is a professional headshot where you are wearing formal clothing and looking straight at the camera. Save the fancy poses and fun outfits for Instagram — or Xiaohongshu!
Resumes in the US tend to be strictly professional, so there is rarely any room for personal characteristics that aren’t strictly related to your job performance. However, showcasing some of your personality on your Chinese CV can be a great way to stand out from the rest of the pile. As everyone is focusing on listing out academic and professional qualifications, choosing to include a few hobbies or interests can help make you seem like a more well-rounded person and more likely to be a more interesting person to work with.
Personality types like the Myers-Briggs MBTI have become massively popular in China over the past few years. So much so, in fact, that many companies include these tests as a part of the hiring process. Because of this, many newly-grads are including their MBTI personality types in their resumes in order to succinctly share a lot of information about their personality type. If you’re into personality-type tests, don’t hesitate to include your MBTI results in your resume!
Now that you’re familiar with how a Chinese resume might be different from an American resume, it’s time to get into some specific words and phrases that you’ll need to be familiar with when you write your first CV in Chinese. We’ve broken them down into the different sections in a typical Chinese resume, so feel free to structure your resume with the following subheadings:
![\"Essential](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt2634bf9c647d2d6d/649e28777ad9880c0731dc9c/istock-948431214_copy.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The first section you’ll find in any Chinese resume is the 基本信息 (jī běn xìn xī), or basic information, section. You’ll want to include the most essential details about yourself here as a way to briefly introduce yourself to the hiring manager without going into too much detail about your background or experience. Here are some words and phrases that you might want to include in this section:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| CV | 简历 | jiǎn lì | jean lih |
| First and last name | 姓名 | xìng míng | shinq ming |
| Chinese name | 中文名 | zhōng wén míng | jong wen ming |
| English name | 英文名 | yīng wén míng | ing wen ming |
| Email address | 邮箱 | yóu xiāng | you shiang |
| Phone number | 电话 | diàn huà | diann huah |
| Address | (联系)地址 | (lián xì) dì zhǐ | (lian shih) dih jyy |
| Gender | 性别 | xìng bié | shinq bye |
| Date of birth | 出生日期 | chū shēng rì qī | chu sheng ryh chi |
| Nationality | 国籍 | guó jí | gwo jyi |
| Place of birth | 籍贯 | jí guàn | jyi guann |
| Passport number | 护照号码 | hù zhào hào mǎ | huh jaw haw maa |
| Identity Number | 身份证号 | shēn fèn zhèng hào | shen fenn jenq haw |
| Health status | 健康状况 | jiàn kāng zhuàng kuàng | jiann kang juanq kuanq |
| Marriage status | 婚姻状况 | hūn yīn zhuàng kuàng | huen in juanq kuanq |
| Married | 已婚 | yǐ hūn | yii huen |
| Unmarried | 未婚 | wèi hūn | wey huen |
| Divorced | 离异 | lí yì | li yih |
| Job search objective | 求职意向 | qiú zhí yì xiàng | chyou jyr yih shianq |
| Salary expectations | 期望薪水 | qī wàng xīn shuǐ | chi wanq shin shoei |
Immediately after the basic information section, you’ll want to jump into the 教育背景 (jiào yù bèi jǐng) section — your educational background. Education is extremely important in China, so you’ll want to be very detailed about any educational formation you’ve received. Make sure to also mention any noteworthy accomplishments in school, like any scholarships or honors you’ve received!
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| University | 大学 | dà xué | dah shyue |
| Student | 学生 | xué shēng | shyue sheng |
| Highest degree obtained | 学历 | xué lì | shyue lih |
| Academic degree | 学位 | xué wèi | shyue wey |
| Ph.D | 博士 | bó shì | bor shyh |
| Master’s degree | 硕士 | shuò shì | shuoh shyh |
| Bachelor’s degree | 学士 | xué shì | shyue shyh |
| Graduate student | 研究生 | yán jiū shēng | yan jiou sheng |
| Researcher | 研究员 | yán jiū yuán | yan jiou yuan |
| Scholar | 学者 | xué zhě | shyue jee |
| Major | 专业 | zhuān yè | juan yeh |
| GPA | GPA | GPA | GPA |
| Grades | 成绩 | chéng jì | cherng ji |
| Study abroad experience | 留学经历 | liú xué jīng lì | liou shyue jing lih |
| Relevant courses | 主修课程 | zhǔ xiū kè chéng | juu shiou keh cherng |
| Until present time (if you are still studying) | 至今 | zhì jīn | jyh jin |
| Scholarship | 奖学金 | jiǎng xué jīn | jeang shyue jin |
| Special programs | 项目 | xiàng mù | shianq muh |
| Teaching assistant | 助教 | zhù jiào | juh jiaw |
| Tutor | 家教 | jiā jiào | jia jiaw |
Right after your educational background, you’ll want to describe your 工作经历 (gōng zuò jīng lì), or work experience. Dive into any relevant work experience that you’ve had in the past and would like to point out. If you have an extensive and varied work history, try to keep it to the 3-5 most relevant job experiences you’ve had in the recent past.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Company | 公司 | gōng sī | gong sy |
| Employment duration | 就职时间 | jiù zhí shí jiān | jiow jyr shyr jian |
| Location | 地点 | dì diǎn | dih dean |
| Department | 部门 | bù mén | buh men |
| Name of the position | 职位 | zhí wèi | jyr wey |
| Job responsibilities | 职责 | zhí zé | jyr tzer |
| Noteworthy accomplishments | 业绩 | yè jì | yeh jih |
| Awards | 获奖情况 | huò jiǎng qíng kuàng | huoh jeang chyng kuanq |
| Company | 公司 | gōng sī | gong sy |
| Team | 团队 | tuán duì | twan duey |
| Report | 报告 | bào gào | baw gaw |
| Content | 内容 | nèi róng | ney rong |
| Client | 客户 | kè hù | keh huh |
| Document | 文件 | wén jiàn | wen jiann |
| Project | 项目 | xiàng mù | shianq muh |
| Work | 工作 | gōng zuò | gong tzuoh |
| Market | 市场 | shì chǎng | shyh chaang |
| Marketing | 营销 | yíng xiāo | yng shiau |
| Activity | 活动 | huó dòng | hwo donq |
| Product | 产品 | chǎn pǐn | chaan piin |
Another thing you’ll need to be very familiar with when working on your resume is the names of the professions in Chinese. Although you might know very well how to talk about your profession in your native language, selling it in Chinese is a totally different thing. To get you started, here are some of the most common professions in Chinese:
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| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Accountant | 会计 | kuài jì | kuay jih |
| Actor/actress | 演员 | yǎn yuán | yean yuan |
| Architect | 建筑师 | jiàn zhù shī | jiann juh shy |
| Assistant | 助理 | zhù lǐ | juh lii |
| Business owner | 企业主 | qǐ yè zhǔ | chii yeh juu |
| Chef | 厨师 | chú shī | chwu shy |
| Company worker | 公司职员 | gōng sī zhí yuán | gong sy jyr yuan |
| Computer engineer | 电脑工程师 | diàn nǎo gōng chéng shī | diann nao gong cherng shy |
| Consultant | 顾问 | gù wèn | guh wenn |
| Designer | 设计师 | shè jì shī | sheh jih shy |
| Doctor | 医生 | yī shēng | i sheng |
| Engineer | 工程师 | gōng chéng shī | gong cherng shy |
| Factory worker | 工人 | gōng rén | gong ren |
| Farmer | 农民 | nóng mín | nong min |
| Lawyer | 律师 | lǜ shī | liuh shy |
| Manager | 经理 | jīng lǐ | jing lii |
| Musician | 音乐家 | yīn yuè jiā | in yueh jia |
| Nurse | 护士 | hù shì | huh shyh |
| Office worker | 办公室职员 | bàn gōng shì zhí yuán | bann gong shyh jyr yuan |
| Photographer | 摄影师 | shè yǐng shī | sheh yiing shy |
| Programmer | 程序员 | chéng xù yuán | cherng shiuh yuan |
| Public servant | 公务员 | gōng wù yuán | gong wuh yuan |
| Sales representative | 销售 | xiāo shòu | shiau show |
| Scientist | 科学家 | kē xué jiā | ke shyue jia |
| Shop assistant | 营业员 | yíng yè yuán | yng yeh yuan |
| Software developer | 软件开发师 | ruǎn jiàn kāi fā shī | roan jiann kai fa shy |
| Teacher | 老师 | lǎo shī | lao shy |
| Translator | 翻译 | fān yì | fan yih |
| Waiter/waitress | 服务员 | fú wù yuán | fwu wuh yuan |
| Writer | 作家 | zuò jiā | tzuoh jia |
| Model | 模特 | mó tè | mo teh |
| Producer | 制作人 | zhì zuò rén | jyh tzuoh ren |
| Singer | 歌手 | gē shǒu | ge shoou |
| CEO | 首席执行官 | shǒu xí zhí xíng guān | shoou shyi jyr shyng guan |
| CFO | 首席财务官 | shǒu xí cái wù guān | shoou shyi tsair wuh guan |
| Customer service representative | 客服 | kè fú | keh fwu |
| Director | 总监 | zǒng jiān | tzoong jian |
| Entrepreneur | 企业家 | qǐ yè jiā | chii yeh jia |
| Executive | 主管 | zhǔ guǎn | juu goan |
| Intern | 实习生 | shí xí shēng | shyr shyi sheng |
| Marketing specialist | 市场专员 | shì chǎng zhuān yuán | shyh chaang juan yuan |
| President | 总裁 | zǒng cái | tzoong tsair |
| Project manager | 项目经理 | xiàng mù jīng lǐ | shianq muh jing lii |
| Editor | 编辑 | biān jí | bian jyi |
| Web designer | 网页设计师 | wǎng yè shè jì shī | woang yeh sheh jih shy |
| Economist | 经济学家 | jīng jì xué jiā | jing jih shyue jia |
| Professor | 教授 | jiào shòu | jiaw show |
| Diplomat | 外交官 | wài jiāo guān | way jiau guan |
| Government official | 政府官员 | zhèng fǔ guān yuán | jenq fuu guan yuan |
| Politician | 政治家 | zhèng zhì jiā | jenq jyh jia |
| Dentist | 牙医 | yá yī | ya i |
| Pharmacist | 药剂师 | yào jì shī | yaw jih shy |
| Veterinarian | 兽医 | shòu yī | show i |
| Paralegal | 律师助理 | lǜ shī zhù lǐ | liuh shy juh lii |
The next section of your Mandarin Chinese CV is 技能与资质 (jì néng yǔ zī zhì), which lists your skills and qualifications. Here’s where you would include any special abilities that you might have that can help you stand out from the rest of the applicants, like foreign language skills and proficiency with websites.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Language ability | 语言能力 | yǔ yán néng lì | yeu yan neng lih |
| Native language | 母语 | mǔ yǔ | muu yeu |
| Foreign language | 外语 | wài yǔ | way yeu |
| Beginner level | 初级 | chū jí | chu jyi |
| Intermediate level | 中级 | zhōng jí | jong jyi |
| Advanced level | 高级 | gāo jí | gau jyi |
| Proficient in | 熟练 | shú liàn | shwu liann |
| Software | 软件 | ruǎn jiàn | roan jiann |
| To use | 使用 | shǐ yòng | shyy yonq |
| Website | 网站 | wǎng zhàn | woang jann |
| Certification | 证书 | zhèng shū | jenq shu |
Finally, the very last section of a Chinese resume is often reserved for a special section where you can describe any other noteworthy things about yourself or your character that you didn’t get a chance to discuss before. For a more formal route, you can call this section 自我评价 (zì wǒ píng jià), or self-evaluation. In it, you can discuss how your experience and unique character traits make you the ideal candidate. For a more casual route, you can also call this section 兴趣爱好 (xìng qù ài hào), which means interests and hobbies. In it, you can describe your passions and hobbies that make you a well-rounded applicant!
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Hobbies | 爱好 | ài hào | ay haw |
| Interests | 兴趣 | xìng qù | shinq chiuh |
| Personal characteristics | 个人特点 | gè rén tè diǎn | geh ren teh dean |
| Personal experience | 个人经验 | gè rén jīng yàn | geh ren jing yann |
| Playing chess | 国际象棋 | guó jì xiàng qí | gwo jih shianq chyi |
| Traveling | 旅游 | lǚ yóu | leu you |
| Pays attention to detail | 十分关注细节 | shí fēn guān zhù xì jié | shyr fen guan juh shih jye |
| Great problem-solving skills | 很强的解决问题能力 | hěn qiáng de jiě jué wèn tí néng lì | heen chyang de jiee jyue wenn tyi neng lih |
| Great organizational skills | 优秀的组织才能 | yōu xiù de zǔ zhī cái néng | iou shiow de tzuu jy tsair neng |
| Strong communication skills | 很强的沟通能力 | hěn qiáng de gōu tōng néng lì | heen chyang .de gou tong neng lih |
| Has a strong ability to learn and adapt | 具备很强的学习能力与适应能力 | jù bèi hěn qiáng de xué xí néng lì yǔ shì yìng néng lì | jiuh bey heen chyang de shyue shyi neng lih yeu shyh yinq neng lih |
You’ll also want to use some action verbs to describe all the remarkable duties and responsibilities you’ve had in your previous roles. Use one of the following verbs to give a brief yet powerful description of each role on your resume:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| To be responsible for | 负责 | fù zé | fuh tzer |
| To manage | 管理 | guǎn lǐ | goan lii |
| To translate | 翻译 | fān yì | fan yih |
| To prepare | 准备 | zhǔn bèi | joen bey |
| To correct | 修改 | xiū gǎi | shiou gae |
| To communicate | 交流 | jiāo liú | jiau liou |
| To conduct | 进行 | jìn xíng | jinn shyng |
| To review | 审查 / 审核 | shěn chá / shěn hé | sheen char / sheen her |
| To operate | 运营 | yùn yíng | yunn yng |
| To participate in | 参与 | cān yù | tsan yuh |
| To collaborate | 合作 | hé zuò | her tzuoh |
| To complete | 完成 | wán chéng | wan cherng |
| To design | 设计 | shè jì | sheh jih |
If you’ve made it all the way to the interview portion, then congrats! You should give yourself a pat on the back and remember that the job recruiter is asking for an interview because they believe that you’ve got what it takes to be successful in the role they’re advertising. All you need is to practice for your interview a little bit so you can really take it home!
Below, we’ll walk you through some common phrases you might need to use during your first job interview in Chinese.
![\"Common](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltc1797b1ad8beb092/649e2ba97e68bb01ddabd969/istock-994013986.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
If you’ve been keeping up with our Mandarin Chinese blog, then you already know that there are dozens of ways to say hello in Chinese. So, one of the best ways to secure a great first impression is by using the appropriate greeting as soon as you meet your interviewer. For a full breakdown of Chinese greetings, check out our detailed guide above. Otherwise, take a look at the following brief overview!
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Hello | 你好 | nǐ hǎo | nii hao |
| Hello (formal) | 您好 | nín hǎo | nin hao |
| Good morning (early) | 早上好 | zǎo shàng hǎo | tzao shang hao |
| Good morning | 上午好 | shàng wǔ hǎo | shanq wuu hao |
| Good afternoon | 下午好 | xià wǔ hǎo | shanq wuu hao |
One of the first things that is likely to come up during your job interview is your educational background. This can be the most important phase of the interview if you’re still in school, as it gives you a chance to expand on what you’re studying and how you hope to apply it to your future job.
| English | Chinese | Example sentence | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| My major is [major] | 我的专业是 + [major] | 我的专业是经济学。 | wǒ de zhuān yè shì jīng jì xué | woo de juan yeh shyh jing jih shyue |
| I graduated from [university] | 我毕业于 + [university] | 我毕业于南京大学。 | wǒ bì yè yú nán jīng dà xué | woo bih yeh yu nan jing dah shyue |
| I graduated in [year] | 我是 [year] 毕业的 | 我是2022年毕业的。 | wǒ shì 2022 nián bì yè de | woo shyh 2022 nian bih yeh de |
| I have the [certification] certificate | 我有 [certification] 证书。 | 我有HSK5证书。 | wǒ yǒu HSK5 zhèng shū | woo yeou HSK5 jenq shu |
Taking about your career experience is another part of the interview that you can anticipate in any job interview. Here, you’ll be able to describe the types of jobs you’ve had and paint a clear picture of your career trajectory. Here are some examples you can use:
| English | Chinese | Example sentence | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| I work in the [sector] sector | 我在 [sector] 行业/部门工作。 | 我在农业部门工作。 | wǒ zài nóng yè bù mén gōng zuò | woo tzay nong yeh buh men gong tzuoh |
| I worked at [company] for [years] years | 我曾在 [company] 工作了[years] 年。 | 我曾在华为工作了三年。 | wǒ céng zài huá wèi gōng zuò guò / le sān nián | woo tserng tzay hwa wey gong tzuoh guoh / lhe san nian |
| I was responsible for [job duty] at [company] | 我曾在 [company] 负责 [job duty]。 | 我曾在小米负责销售。 | wǒ céng zài xiǎomǐ fùzé xiāo shòu | woo tserng tzay sheaumii fuhtzer shiau show |
| From [year] to [year], I held the position of [job title] at [company] | 从 [year] 年到 [year] 年在 [company] 担任[job title]。 | 从2012年到2022年在抖音担任项目经理。 | cóng 2012 nián dào 2022 nián zài dǒu yīn dān rèn xiàng mù jīng lǐ | tsorng nian daw nian tzay doou in dan renn shianq muh jing lii |
Finally, you’ll want to elaborate on the job you’re seeking. After all, you need to show that you understand the role you’re interested in and how your unique experience and character can fit into it. Here are a few examples you can use:
| English | Chinese | Example sentence | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| I would like to apply for the [job title] position. | 我想申请 [job role] 的职位。 | 我想申请店经理的职位。 | wǒ xiǎng shēn qǐng diàn jīng lǐ de zhí wèi | woo sheang shen chiing diann jing lii de jyr wey |
| I believe at your company I can [verb]. | 我相信在贵公司(我)可以[verb]。 | 我相信在贵公司(我)可以学到新的技能。 | wǒ xiāng xìn zài guì gōng sī (wǒ) kě yǐ xué dào xīn de jì néng | woo shiang shinn tzay guey gong sy (woo) kee yii shyue daw shin de jih neng |
| I hope I can get a [type of job] because [reason/purpose]. | 我希望可以获得一份 [type of job]的工作，因为我[reason/purpose]。 | 我希望获得一份与管理相关的工作，因为我有很多工作经验。 | wǒ xī wàng huò dé yī fèn yǔ guǎn lǐ xiāng guān de gōng zuò, yīn wèi wǒ yǒu hěn duō gōng zuò jīng yàn | woo shi wanq huoh der i fenn yeu goan lii shiang guan de gong tzuoh in wey woo yeou heen duo gong tzuoh jing yann |
Knowing what to say during your job interview is one thing, but you also need to be aware of the cultural norms and expectations in a Chinese interview. Here are some tips that will make you stand out for all the right reasons:
![\"Tips](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt5a641d96e45dcb40/649e2c3966ab626dacfc8292/istock-887448060_copy.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Although this should go without saying, you should take your Chinese job interviews seriously and be very professional. Although professionalism is also expected in the United States, it is especially important in China to behave with the highest level of professionalism during your job interviews. This means arriving on time (or early!), dressing formally, and addressing the interviewer respectfully. While some humor and informal speech may be acceptable in the US, make sure to leave it out of your job interviews in China!
One of the biggest red flags for a potential employer is to find out that the interviewee did not do their due diligence in learning about the company they’re trying to work for. You should be familiar with not only the position you’re applying for but also the general operations of the company, including its products, finances, and values.
Although you should always be honest in a job interview, it’s also essential to frame things the right way. Few things will be more off-putting to Chinese interviewers than hearing negative responses from the interviewee. For example, if you had a bad experience with a terrible boss, try to rephrase it as an opportunity that helped you navigate challenging workplace relations.
All cultures have different norms when it comes to body language, so you need to pay special attention to your body language when doing a job interview in Chinese. Here are some forms of non-verbal communication in Chinese to keep in mind:
Following these tips can help you avoid making an embarrassing mistake in body language!
Presenting yourself in the best possible way is one of the most critical goals of any job interview. However, you need to be careful not to appear cocky or like a know-it-all. A good way to show that you’re both talented and modest is to also emphasize what you hope to achieve and how you hope to continue building on your experience and skills.
After the interview is done, make sure to send the interviewer a professional yet brief email thanking them for their time and consideration. This will indicate that you’re interested in the position and are eager to hear back on the results of the interview.
![\"Couple](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb63fca33120e3f58/649e2e0166ab6247b2fc8298/istock-1159023867.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
While there are broad hiring seasons in the United States, you are generally free to submit your resume at any time of the year. In China, however, you’ll want to stick to the two main hiring periods of the year, especially if you’re a recent college grad or still in college.
The first is “金九银十” (jīn jiǔ yín shí), which literally translates to “Golden September, silver October.” This phrase refers to the ideal time for job hunting or career advancement in China. September and October are considered prime months for jobseekers, especially college students who are about to graduate the following year, as many companies launch recruitment campaigns and conduct interviews during this period.
The other is \"金三银四\" (jīn sān yín sì), which literally translates to \"Golden March, silver April.\" This phrase represents another favorable time for job hunting or career development in China. Many companies conduct recruitment activities during this period, especially for working professionals with years of experience. This is also the end of Chinese New Year, people often have received bonuses from the previous year, so are more active in seeking career advancement opportunities.
The 996 work culture is a relatively recent phenomenon that started with the boom of tech companies in China. This work culture sets the expectation of 12 hours of work, roughly from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week — thus the 996 name. Although Chinese law sets the workweek to a maximum of 44 hours and caps the number of overtime hours to just 36 a month, many workers feel pressured by their employers to work overtime and stay in the office until late.
While this work schedule is clearly unsustainable, the competition in the job market almost forces young people to get a 996 job out of fear of not being able to find another good job. This has contributed to the concept of 内卷 (nèi juǎn), which literally translates into “to roll inward / involution.” This is a popular term used to describe unhealthy competition leading to the feeling of being overworked and under excessive stress and pressure, often leading to depression.
This also sparked the counter-culture: 躺平 (tǎng píng) movement, which literally translates into “lying flat.” With this perspective, people choose to live a low-desire lifestyle to avoid getting dragged into the 996 rat-race.
Although not every company in China adheres to the 996 work schedule, the intensity of work in China is indeed higher than in the majority of countries worldwide. If you aspire to build a career in China, you must be mentally prepared.
If you’re looking for a job in China, you might be pleased to learn that cover letters aren’t required in most cases. While you’re generally required to craft a unique cover letter for each job that you apply to in the United States, this isn’t the case in China. Instead, you can modify your resume to highlight specific skills and achievements that would make you more suitable for the job you’re applying for.
Now that you know 164 words and phrases about Chinese resumes and job interviews, you’ve got everything you need to land your next job! Whether that role takes you to China or gets you involved with Chinese customers and businesspeople in your home country, you’ll be able to make a memorable first impression by incorporating the expert advice in this blog.
If you enjoyed our easy-to-follow guide to Chinese resumes, make sure to check out the rest of our Mandarin Chinese blog! We publish helpful guides on all aspects of learning the language, like asking for the time in Chinese and talking about months, days, and years in Chinese.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Decir conjugation","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"How to conjugate decir (to say) in Spanish in all tenses & moods","url":"/blog/decir-conjugation","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt7a97e66bd6c9ee4f/64a36a5cb7aec335c0d87f26/istock-1353371742.jpeg"},"post_content":"Okay, maybe a few people have actually said that conjugating “decir” in Spanish was a bit difficult, but that’s only because it’s one of the most irregular of all the irregular verbs in Spanish. Since its conjugation is irregular in almost all tenses, you won’t be able to rely on handy verb conjugation rules when figuring out how to conjugate “decir.”
However, the good news is that “decir” is a pretty short word, and all conjugations are quite easy to memorize. No need to worry about dealing with long and complicated conjugations that sound like a tongue twister!
Plus, in this guide, we’ll go over all possible conjugations for the verb decir along with helpful tips and FAQs to help you dominate this verb like a native. Want to get started right away? Say no more!
![\"Learn](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blta61cf6ffaa80b601/64a37426f5591fb8fde57851/istock-1399155965.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Decir in Spanish translates into “to say” in English. So, when talking about the things you’ve said, what your parents say when you don’t do your Spanish homework, and what your friends will say when they’re wowed by your Spanish skills, you’ll want to use the verb decir. However, this is an irregular verb in Spanish, so you will have to pay close attention to its conjugation forms in all the tenses.
In Spanish, we use the word “decir” to talk about… talking! Well, more specifically, we use it to “say” things, not just to talk. In English, the difference between saying something and talking about something is that saying is more concrete, whereas talking is more general. You and your besties can probably talk and talk for hours, but you probably can’t spend more than a few minutes saying something.
The same is true in Spanish with the verbs decir and hablar. While decir translates into “to say,” hablar translates into “to talk.” Fortunately, hablar is a regular verb, so you can easily conjugate it like any other -ar verb.
![\"Two](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltbe792447a2959d4d/64a375c06664b650a8bf6706/istock-813554038.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
As you now know, decir is irregular in almost all tenses, so we’ve got a lot of ground to cover! Here are all the conjugations of decir in Spanish:
The present tense in Spanish helps us talk about things that are generally current as of right now. It doesn’t emphasize that the action is ongoing or happening in the present, just that it holds true as of right now.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA | Example sentence |
| I say | Yo digo | dee-go | ˈdiɣo | Yo digo que mejor vayamos a un restaurante. |
| You say | Tú dices | dee-sehs | ˈdiθes | Tú solo dices puras tonterías. |
| You say (formal) | Usted dice | dee-seh | ˈdiθe | Usted siempre dice cosas muy interesantes. |
| He/she/it says | Él dice / Ella dice / Eso dice | dee-seh / dee-seh / dee-seh | ˈdiθe / ˈdiθe / ˈdiθe | Ella siempre dice la verdad. |
| We say | Nosotros decimos / Nosotras decimos | deh-see-moss / deh-see-moss | deˈθimos / deˈθimos | Nosotros decimos que es más rápido en tren. |
| You all say (Latin American) | Ustedes dicen | dee-sehn | ˈdiθen | ¿Ustedes qué dicen? |
| You all say (European Spanish) | Vosotros decís / Vosotras decís | deh-sees / deh-sees | deˈθis / deˈθis | Lo que vosotros decís no es posible. |
| They say | Ellos dicen / Ellas dicen | dee-sehn / dee-sehn | ˈdiθen / ˈdiθen | Pensé que no había buena comida aquí, pero ellos dicen todo lo contrario. |
The simple past conjugation tells you that the action started and finished in the past. It doesn’t give you any more clues as to how long ago the action happened or for how long it happened.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA | Example sentence |
| I said | Yo dije | dee-heh | ˈdixe | Yo le dije a mis papás que iba a llegar a las 8. |
| You said | Tú dijiste | dee-hees-teh | diˈxiste | Tú dijiste que ibas a comprar pan para la cena. |
| You said (formal) | Usted dijo | dee-hoh | ˈdixo | ¿Es verdad que usted dijo que mañana saldríamos temprano? |
| He/she/it said | Él dijo / Ella dijo / Eso dijo | dee-hoh / dee-hoh / dee-hoh | ˈdixo / ˈdixo / ˈdixo | Ella fue la que dijo que no quería venir. |
| We said | Nosotros dijimos / Nosotras dijimos | dee-he-moss / dee-he-moss | diˈximos / diˈximos | Nosotros dijimos que ibamos a llegar un poco tarde. |
| You all said (Latin American) | Ustedes dijeron | dee-heh-ron | diˈxeɾon | ¿Ustedes fueron los que dijeron que hoy iba a llover? |
| You all said (European Spanish) | Vosotros dijisteis / Vosotras dijisteis | dee-hees-tays / dee-hees-tays | diˈxistejs / diˈxistejs | Vosotros dijsiteis que Beyoncé iba a tener un concierto en Madrid este año. |
| They said | Ellos dijeron / Ellas dijeron | dee-heh-ron / dee-heh-rohn | diˈxeɾon / diˈxeɾon | Ellas dijeron que la película era muy mala. |
The imperfect tense talks about the past in a more abstract way. It could refer to things that you used to do but no longer do, or things that you used to say before something else happened.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA | Example sentence |
| I have said | Yo decía | deh-see-ah | deˈθia | Yo decía muchas mentiras cuando era pequeño. |
| You have said | Tú decías | deh-see-ahs | deˈθias | ¿Este es el restaurante al que decías que teníamos que venir? |
| You have said (formal) | Usted decía | deh-see-ah | deˈθia | Usted siempre decía que era más importante ser amable que estar en lo correcto. |
| He/she/it has said | Él decía / Ella decía / Eso decía | deh-see-ah / deh-see-ah / deh-seh-ah | deˈθia / deˈθia / deˈθia | Ella decía que debimos haber llegado anoche. |
| We have said | Nosotros decíamos / Nosotras decíamos | deh-see-ah-moss / deh-see-ah-moss | deˈθiamos / deˈθiamos | Nosotros decíamos que era mejor idea comer afuera. |
| You all have said (Latin American) | Ustedes decían | deh-see-ahn | deˈθian | ¿Esta es la cafetería que ustedes decían? |
| You all have said (European Spanish) | Vosotros decíais / Vosotras decíais | deh-see-ays / deh-see-ays | deˈθiajs / deˈθiajs | Vosotros decíais que el ceviche peruano era mejor que el mexicano antes de conocer México. |
| They have said | Ellos decían / Ellas decían | deh-see-ahn / deh-see-ahn | deˈθian / deˈθian | Ellos decían que Mérida era la ciudad más calurosa de México hasta que visitaron Hermosillo. |
The future tense, known in Spanish as futuro simple, talks about things that will happen in the future. We don’t know anything about any other actions that may happen before then.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA | Example sentence |
| I will have said | Yo diré | dee-reh | diˈɾe | Me voy a poner suéter y ya diré si fue mala idea. |
| You will have said | Tú dirás | dee-ras | diˈɾas | Tú dirás si tomaste la decisión correcta. |
| You will have said (formal) | Usted dirá | dee-rah | diˈɾa | Ya le contarán su versión de la historia y usted dirá si les cree. |
| He/she/it will have said | Él dirá / Ella dirá / Eso dirá | dee-rah / dee-rah / dee-rah | diˈɾa / diˈɾa / diˈɾa | Él dirá cuál será la mejor decisión en su momento. |
| We will have said | Nosotros diremos / Nosotras diremos | dee-reh-moss / dee-reh-moss | diˈɾemos / diˈɾemos | Primero vamos a subir la montaña y cuando regresemos ya diremos si queremos comer o mejor dormir. |
| You all will have said (Latin American) | Ustedes dirán | dee-rahn | diˈɾan | Yo ya les avisé que la tienda está cerrada, ustedes dirán si aun así quieren ir. |
| You all will have said (European Spanish) | Vosotros diréis / Vosotras diréis | dee-reys / dee-reys | diˈɾejs / diˈɾejs | Vosotros diréis si subir hasta la cima de la montaña o no. |
| They will have said | Ellos dirán / Ellas dirán | dee-rahn / dee-rahn | diˈɾan | diˈɾan | No podemos obligar a nuestros hijos a tomar las decisiones correctas, ellos dirán qué hacer con sus vidas. |
The future perfect tense is where things start to get a little interesting. This nifty tense allows us to talk about something that will happen after something else happens. For example, a hopeless romantic might say, “I will have found the love of my life by the time I turn 20.” That means, they will turn 20 after they find the love of their life.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA | Example sentence |
| I will have said | Yo habré dicho | ah-breh dee-cho | aˈβɾe ˈðiʧo | ¿Por qué le habré dicho eso? |
| You will have said | Tú habrás dicho | ah-brass dee-cho | aˈβɾaz ˈðiʧo | Solo tú sabrás por qué lo habrás dicho. |
| You will have said (formal) | Usted habrá dicho | ah-brah dee-cho | aˈβɾa ˈðiʧo | Su familia entenderá por qué lo habrá dicho. |
| He/she/it will have said | Él habrá dicho / Ella habrá dicho / Eso habrá dicho | ah-brah dee-cho / ah-brah dee-cho / ah-brah dee-cho | aˈβɾa ˈðiʧo / aˈβɾa ˈðiʧo / aˈβɾa ˈðiʧo | Para ese entonces, el preso ya habrá dicho sus últimas palabras. |
| We will have said | Nosotros habremos dicho / Nosotras habremos dicho | ah-breh-moss dee-cho / ah-breh-moss dee-cho | aˈβɾemoz ˈðiʧo / aˈβɾemoz ˈðiʧo | ¿Cuántas veces le habremos dicho que no manejara cansado? |
| You all will have said (Latin American) | Ustedes habrán dicho | ah-brahn dee-cho | aˈβɾan ˈdiʧo | Quién sabe cuántas veces habrán dicho que ya iban a cerrar, pero nadie les hizo caso. |
| You all will have said (European Spanish) | Vosotros habréis dicho / Vosotras habréis dicho | ah-brays dee-cho / ah-brays dee-cho | aˈβɾejz ˈðiʧo / aˈβɾejz ˈðiʧo | Vosotros habréis dicho la verdad. |
| They will have said | Ellos habrán dicho / Ellas habrán dicho | ah-brahn dee-cho / ah-brahn dee-cho | aˈβɾan ˈdiʧo / aˈβɾan ˈdiʧo | Para ese entonces, segúramente ya te lo habrán dicho unas treinta veces. |
The conditional tense helps us talk about hypotheticals, such as things we would do if we were in a different situation. That’s why this tense helps us give really good advice, as we can talk about what we would say if we were in their shoes.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA | Example sentence |
| I would say | Yo diría | dee-ree-ah | diˈɾia | Yo diría que mejor hay que irnos temprano para que no nos toque tráfico. |
| You would say | Tú dirías | dee-ree-ahs | diˈɾias | ¿Tú qué le dirías si estuvieras en mi situación? |
| You would say (formal) | Usted diría | dee-ree-ah | diˈɾia | ¿Usted diría que es una condición seria, doctor? |
| He/she/it would say | Él diría / Ella diría / Eso diría | dee-ree-ah / dee-ree-ah / dee-ree-ah | diˈɾia / diˈɾia / diˈɾia | Yo creo que ella diría que deberíamos comenzar a comer sin ella. |
| We would say | Nosotros diríamos / Nosotras diríamos | dee-ree-ah-moss / dee-ree-ah-moss | diˈɾiamos / diˈɾiamos | Nosotros le diríamos que no sabemos si nos pregunta por ti. |
| You all would say (Latin American) | Ustedes dirían | dee-ree-ahn | diˈɾian | Ustedes segúramente también dirían que sí si alguien les ofrece una bebida helada en un día cálido. |
| You all would say (European Spanish) | Vosotros diríais / Vosotras diríais | dee-ree-ays / dee-ree-ays | diˈɾiajs / diˈɾiajs | ¿Vosotros diríais que Valencia es más caluroso que Granada? |
| They would say | Ellos dirían / Ellas dirían | dee-ree-ahn | diˈɾian / diˈɾian | ¿Qué crees que dirían tus papás si supieran que los desobedeciste? |
The present perfect is used to describe all sorts of things that happened in the past. In Spain, this tense is typically used in place of the simple past. In Latin America, however, this tense is more commonly used to describe things you’ve done in the distant past.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA | Example sentence |
| I have said | Yo he dicho | eh dee-cho | ˈe ˈðiʧo | Yo nunca he dicho esas palabras. |
| You have said | Tú has dicho | ahs dee-cho | ˈaz ˈðiʧo | ¡Tú lo has dicho! |
| You have said (formal) | Usted ha dicho | ah dee-cho | ˈa ˈðiʧo | Usted mismo ha dicho que el gobierno a veces es corrupto. |
| He/she/it has said | Él ha dicho / Ella ha dicho / Eso ha dicho | ah dee-cho / ah dee-cho / ah dee-cho | ˈa ˈðiʧo / ˈa ˈðiʧo / ˈa ˈðiʧo | Según yo ha dicho que le gusta lo picante, así que creo que sí le gustará la comida coreana. |
| We have said | Nosotros hemos dicho / Nosotras hemos dicho | eh-moss dee-cho / eh-moss dee-cho | ˈemoz ˈðiʧo / ˈemoz ˈðiʧo | Siempre hemos dicho que esa muchacha iba a llegar muy lejos en la vida. |
| You all have said (Latin American) | Ustedes han dicho | ahn dee-cho | ˈan ˈdiʧo | Los oficiales han dicho que el puente permanecerá cerrado hasta mañana. |
| You all have said (European Spanish) | Vosotros habéis dicho / Vosotras habéis dicho | ah-bays dee-cho / ah-bays dee-cho | aˈβejz ˈðiʧo / aˈβejz ˈðiʧo | ¡Qué sorpresa! Pero, si vosotros habéis dicho que no vendríais. |
| They have said | Ellos han dicho / Ellas han dicho | ahn dee-cho / ahn dee-cho | ˈan ˈdiʧo / ˈan ˈdiʧo | Los policías han dicho que no hay nada más que puedan hacer por nosotros. |
You can think of the pluperfect as the past of the past — it describes things that happened before something else that also happened in the past!
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA | Example sentence |
| I had said | Yo había dicho | ah-bee-ah dee-cho | aˈβia ˈðiʧo | Yo ya te había dicho, ¡pero no me hiciste caso! |
| You had said | Tú habías dicho | ah-bee-ahs dee-cho | aˈβiaz ˈðiʧo | Habías dicho que ibas a llegar antes de las doce. |
| You had said (formal) | Usted había dicho | ah-bee-ah dee-cho | aˈβia ˈðiʧo | Disculpe, profesor, pensé que había dicho que la tarea se entregaría hasta la próxima semana. |
| He/she/it had said | Él había dicho / Ella había dicho / Eso había dicho | ah-bee-ah dee-cho / ah-bee-ah dee-cho / ah-bee-ah dee-cho | aˈβia ˈðiʧo / aˈβia ˈðiʧo / aˈβia ˈðiʧo | Ella había dicho que me iba a acompañar al supermercado. |
| We had said | Nosotros habíamos dicho / Nosotras habíamos dicho | ah-bee-ah-moss dee-cho / ah-bee-ah-moss dee-cho | aˈβiamoz ˈðiʧo / aˈβiamoz ˈðiʧo | Creo que no entendió bien lo que le habíamos dicho. |
| You all had said (Latin American) | Ustedes habían dicho | ah-bee-ahn dee-cho | aˈβian ˈdiʧo | Pero, ¡ustedes habian dicho que hoy ibamos a cenar pizza! |
| You all had said (European Spanish) | Vosotros habíais dicho / Vosotras habíais dicho | ah-bee-ays dee-cho / ah-bee-ays dee-cho | aˈβiajz ˈðiʧo / aˈβiajz ˈðiʧo | Vosotros habíais dicho que vendríais a visitarme una vez al mes. |
| They had said | Ellos habían dicho / Ellas habían dicho | ah-bee-ahn dee-cho / ah-bee-ahn dee-cho | aˈβian ˈdiʧo / aˈβian ˈdiʧo | Ellos habían dicho que no te conocían, por eso no te invité. |
The subjunctive is used to talk about things that could happen. You can use this tense to talk about your wishes and desires!
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA | Example sentence |
| I say | Yo diga | dee-gah | ˈdiɣa | Deberías de hacerlo porque quieres, no porque yo lo diga. |
| You say | Tú digas | dee-gass | ˈdiɣas | Está bien, como tú digas. |
| You say (formal) | Usted diga | dee-gah | ˈdiɣa | Sí, señor, lo que usted diga. |
| He/she/it says | Él diga / Ella diga / Eso diga | dee-gah / dee-gah / dee-gah | ˈdiɣa / ˈdiɣa / ˈdiɣa | Vamos a tener que esperar a que diga si va a querer una fiesta de cumpleaños o no. |
| We say | Nosotros digamos / Nosotras digamos | dee-gah-moss / dee-gah-moss | diˈɣamos / diˈɣamos | Él es un niño y nosotros somos los papás, así que tendrá que hacer lo que nosotros digamos. |
| You all say (Latin American) | Ustedes digan | dee-gahn | ˈdiɣan | Como ustedes digan, yo estoy feliz de ir a dónde sea. |
| You all say (European Spanish) | Vosotros digáis / Vosotras digáis | dee-gice / dee-gice | diˈɣajs / diˈɣajs | No conozco este lugar, así que iré a donde vosotros digáis. |
| They say | Ellos digan / Ellas digan | dee-gahn / dee-gahn | ˈdiɣan / ˈdiɣan | No tenemos que hacer lo que ellos digan, no son nuestros jefes. |
The imperfect subjunctive is another verb tense that can help us talk about hypothetical things that may or may not happen in the future.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA | Example sentence |
| I would say | Yo dijera / Yo dijese | dee-heh-rah / dee-heh-rah | diˈxeɾa / diˈxese | Querían que yo dijera que fue mi culpa, pero tengo que decir la verdad. |
| You would say | Tú dijeras / Tú dijeses | dee-heh-rass / deh-heh-ses | diˈxeɾas / diˈxeses | Creo que se siente triste porque esperaba que dijeras que la extrañabas. |
| You would say (formal) | Usted dijera / Usted dijese | dee-heh-rah / deh-heh-seh | diˈxeɾa / diˈxese | No pensamos que usted dijera groserías. |
| He/she/it would say | Él dijera / Él dijese / Ella dijera / Ella dijese / Eso dijera / Eso dijese | dee-heh-rah / deh-heh-seh / dee-heh-rah / dee-heh-seh / dee-heh-rah / dee-heh-seh | diˈxeɾa / diˈxese / diˈxeɾa / diˈxese / diˈxeɾa / diˈxese | Me gustaría que me dijera eso personalmente. |
| We would say | Nosotros dijéramos / Nosotros dijésemos / Nosotras dijéramos / Nosotros dijésemos | dee-heh-rah-moss / dee-heh-seh-moss / dee-heh-rah-moss / deh-heh-seh-moss | diˈxeɾamos / diˈxesemos / diˈxeɾamos / diˈxesemos | No nos creerían ni aunque nosotros mismos se lo dijéramos. |
| You all would say (Latin American) | Ustedes dijeran / Ustedes dijesen | dee-heh-rahn / dee-heh-sehn | diˈxeɾan / diˈxesen | Haria todo lo que ustedes dijeran. |
| You all would say (European Spanish) | Vosotros dijerais / Vosotros dijeseis / Vosotras dijerais / Vosotras dijeseis | deeh-heh-rice / dee-heh-says / dee-heh-rice / dee-heh-says | diˈxeɾajs / diˈxesejs / diˈxeɾajs / diˈxesejs | No os creería aunque os me lo dijerais personalmente. |
| They would say | Ellos dijeran / Ellos dijesen / Ellas dijeran / Ellas dijesen | dee-heh-rahn / dee-heh-sehn / dee-heh-rahn / dee-heh-sehn | diˈxeɾan / diˈxesen / diˈxeɾan / diˈxesen | Ellos son mi familia, así que sería diferente si ellos me lo dijesen. |
The future subjunctive talks about things that could potentially happen in the future if something else were to happen first. In other words, it is used when you want to say what would happen if you were to say something.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA | Example sentence |
| I should say | Yo dijere | dee-heh-reh | diˈxeɾe | Diga lo que dijere, recuerda que siempre te amaré. |
| You should say | Tú dijeres | dee-heh-ress | diˈxeɾes | Si hiciéramos todo lo que dijeres, seguro terminaríamos muertos. |
| You should say (formal) | Usted dijere | dee-heh-reh | diˈxeɾe | El ayuntamiento sería mucho más exitoso si siguieran todo lo que usted dijere. |
| He/she/it should say | Él dijere / Ella dijere / Eso dijere | dee-heh-reh / dee-heh-reh / dee-heh-reh | diˈxeɾe / diˈxeɾe / diˈxeɾe | Si dijere que salte de un puente, yo lo haría sin pensarlo dos veces. |
| We should say | Nosotros dijéremos / Nosotras dijéremos | dee-he-air-eh-moss / dee-he-air-eh-moss | diˈxeɾemos / diˈxeɾemos | Tendrás que apegarte a las consecuencias, incluso si dijéremos lo contrario. |
| You all should say (Latin American) | Ustedes dijereis | dee-heh-air-ays | diˈxeɾejs | Yo estaré ahí para escuchar todo lo que vosotros dijereis. |
| You all should say (European Spanish) | Vosotros dijereis / Vosotras dijereis | dee-heh-rays / dee-heh-rays | diˈxeɾejs / diˈxeɾejs | Os dejare pasar, si tan solo me dijereis la contraseña correcta. |
| They should say | Ellos dijeren / Ellas dijeren | dee-heh-rehn / dee-heh-rehn | diˈxeɾen / diˈxeɾen | Nunca lo haría, salvo que ellos lo dijeren. |
The affirmative imperative is used to give commands. So, use this tense when you want to ask someone to say something!
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA | Example sentence |
| (You) say! | ¡di! | dee | ˈdi | ¡Di la verdad! |
| (You, formal) say! | ¡diga! | dee-ga | ˈdiɣa | ¡Dígame su nombre! |
| (We) Let’s say! | ¡digamos! | dee-ga-moss | diˈɣamos | ¡Digamos las cosas como son! |
| (You all, Latin American) say! | ¡digan! | dee-gahn | ˈdiɣan | ¡Digan lo que quieren! |
| You all, European Spanish) say! | ¡decid! | deh-seed | deˈθið | ¡Decid la verdad! |
On the other hand, the negative imperative helps you command people not to say something. For example, if you don’t want your kids to use curse words, this is the tense you’d use!
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA | Example sentence |
| (You) say! | ¡no digas! | noh dee-gass | ˈno ˈðiɣas | ¡No digas eso! |
| (You, formal) say! | ¡no diga! | noh dee-gah | ˈno ˈðiɣa | ¡No diga que no quiere! |
| (We) Let’s say! | ¡no digamos! | noh dee-gah-moss | ˈno ðiˈɣamos | ¡No digamos groserías frente a los niños! |
| (You all, Latin American) say! | ¡no digan! | noh dee-gahn | ˈno ˈðiɣan | ¡No digan que no se los advertimos! |
| You all, European Spanish) say! | ¡no digáis! | noh dee-gice | ˈno ðiˈɣajs | ¡No digáis más groserías! |
If you’re already an intermediate Spanish speaker or above and just need some help refreshing your memory on the different conjugations, then check out our quick decir conjugation cheatsheets below.
![\"Quick](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt9f3446ba12da0e10/64a377ebee0ad33e05bea152/india_istock-957852568.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Presente | Imperfecto | Pretérito | Futuro | Condicional | |
| Yo | digo | decía | dije | diré | diría |
| Tú | dices | decías | dijiste | dirás | dirías |
| Él / ella / usted | dice | decía | dijo | dirá | diría |
| Nosotros / nosotras | decimos | decíamos | dijimos | diremos | diríamos |
| Vosotros / vosotras | decís | decíais | dijisteis | diréis | diríais |
| Ellos / ellas / ustedes | dicen | decían | dijeron | dirán | dirían |
| Perfecto | Pluscuamperfecto | Futuro perfecto | Condicional perfecto | |
| Yo | he dicho | había dicho | habré dicho | habría dicho |
| Tú | has dicho | habías dicho | habrás dicho | habrías dicho |
| Él / ella / usted | ha dicho | había dicho | habrá dicho | habría dicho |
| Nosotros / nosotras | hemos dicho | habíamos dicho | habremos dicho | habríamos dicho |
| Vosotros / vosotras | habéis dicho | habíais dicho | habréis dicho | habríais dicho |
| Ellos / ellas / ustedes | han dicho | habían dicho | habrán dicho | habrían dicho |
| Presente | Imperfecto | Futuro | |
| Yo | diga | dijera / dijese | dijere |
| Tú | digas | dijeras / dijeses | dijeres |
| Él / ella / usted | diga | dijera / dijese | dijere |
| Nosotros / nosotras | digamos | dijéramos / dijésemos | dijéremos |
| Vosotros / vosotras | digáis | dijerais / dijeseis | dijereis |
| Ellos / ellas / ustedes | digan | dijeran / dijesen | dijeren |
| Pretérito perfecto | Pluscuamperfecto | |
| Yo | haya dicho | hubiera / hubiese dicho |
| Tú | hayas dicho | hubieras o hubieses dicho |
| Él / ella / usted | haya dicho | hubiera o hubiese dicho |
| Nosotros / nosotras | hayamos dicho | hubiéramos o hubiésemos dicho |
| Vosotros / vosotras | hayáis dicho | hubierais o hubieseis dicho |
| Ellos / ellas / ustedes | hayan dicho | hubieran o hubiesen dicho |
| Afirmativo | Negativo | |
| Tú | ¡di! | ¡no digas! |
| Él / ella / usted | ¡diga! | ¡no diga! |
| Nosotros / nosotras | ¡digamos! | ¡no digamos! |
| Vosotros / vosotras | ¡decid! | ¡no digáis! |
| Ustedes | ¡digan! | ¡no digan! |
One of the most popular forms of the verb decir is actually its noun form: “dicho” or “dichos.” These are the Spanish equivalents of idioms and each region has its own variations, so you’ll have no shortage of them no matter where you go. Although you’ll always have to get used to the local dichos any time you travel to a new destination, here are ten of the most common sayings in Spanish.
![\"Getting](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltdf4ba943574004f8/64a3793f6664b6a7a9bf6710/istock-1002078602_(1).jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Spanish | IPA | Literal translation | English meaning |
| Al mal paso, darle prisa. | al ˈmal ˈpaso | ˈdaɾle ˈpɾisa ‖ | When having a misstep, it’s best to hurry. | Let’s get this over with. |
| Entre el dicho y el hecho, hay mucho trecho. | ˈentɾe el ˈdiʧo j el ˈeʧo | ˈaj ˈmuʧo ˈtɾeʧo ‖ | Between the saying and the fact, there’s a big gap. | Things are easier said than done. |
| Agua que no has de beber, déjala correr. | ˈaɣwa ˈke ˈno ˈaz ðe βeˈβeɾ | ˈdexala koˈreɾ ‖ | If you’re not going to drink from that water, then just let it run. | Don’t get involved in things that are not your business. |
| Al que madruga, Dios le ayuda. | al ˈke maˈðɾuɣa | ˈdjoz le aˈʝuða ‖ | The one who wakes up early is helped by God. | The early bird gets the worm. |
| Camarón que se duerme, se lo lleva la corriente. | kamaˈɾon ˈke se ˈðweɾme | se lo ˈʎeβa la koˈrjente ‖ | Shrimp that falls asleep is taken away by the currents. | If you don’t stay alert, someone else will take your spot. |
| No hay mal que dure cien años, ni cuerpo que lo aguante. | ˈno ˈaj ˈmal ˈke ˈðuɾe ˈθjen ˈaɲos | ni ˈkweɾpo ˈke lo aˈɣwante ‖ | There is no evil that lasts a hundred years, nor a body that can endure it. | Time heals all wounds. |
| Cría cuervos y te sacarán los ojos. | ˈkɾia ˈkweɾβos i te sakaˈɾan los ˈoxos ‖ | Raise crows and they will gouge your eyes out. | If you lie down with dogs, you'll wake up with fleas |
| Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando. | ˈmaz ˈβale ˈpaxaɾo em ˈmano ˈke ˈθjento βoˈlando ‖ | A bird in hand is worth a hundred in the air. | A bird in hand is worth two in the bush. |
| Nunca digas de esta agua no beberé. | ˈnunka ˈðiɣaz ðe ˈesta ˈaɣwa ˈno βeβeˈɾe ‖ | Never say from this water I won’t drink. | Never say never. |
| Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente. | ˈoxos ˈke ˈno ˈβen | koɾaˈθon ˈke ˈno ˈsjente ‖ | Eyes that don’t see, heart that doesn’t feel. | Out of sight, out of mind. |
![\"Writing](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltdb77f827bd9c65ff/64a37b1d1f8d5af443586847/istock-1016351064.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Decir is not a regular verb in Spanish. In fact, it is one of the most irregular verbs of them all, as almost every single conjugation follows an irregular pattern. As such, you’ll have to memorize each individual conjugation of the verb decir.
Decir can become a reflexive verb when its indefinite form is decirse. This will allow you to emphasize the reflexive or reciprocal action that is happening. In these situations, you’ll want to use the verb with the corresponding reflexive pronouns — me, te, se, nos.
Diga is the formal second-person singular conjugation in the affirmative tense of decir, and it is commonly used as a way to ask someone to elaborate or to ask further questions. For example, if someone asks you if they can ask you a question, you can ask them to elaborate by saying “diga?” You may also encounter them at stores and businesses when greeting the attendants, as they may use this as a short way of asking you what you need help with.
Digo is the first-person singular conjugation in the present tense of decir, and it is commonly used as a way to correct yourself. For example, if you make a mistake while talking, either grammatical or just a brain fart, you can quickly correct yourself by saying “digo” and just carrying on. For example, “Ayer vi a Martha… digo, a María.” In this example, you actually saw María but accidentally said Martha. No big deal, though! Just say “digo” and keep going!
The best way to practice what you’ve just learned is to test yourself with some exercises! Below, you’ll find ten sentences that use a conjugated form of deicr. You’ve just seen very similar example sentences, so don’t hesitate to scroll up if you have any questions!
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In fact, what’s irregular about many irregular verbs is that they don’t need to be conjugated, which means that you won’t even have to worry about learning any other version of the verb besides the infinitive form!
With that said, it is important to be able to recognize which verbs are irregular and which ones aren’t so you don’t make any mistakes that could be easily avoided. Plus, you’ll want to know the four types of irregular verbs so you can easily categorize each of the irregular verbs and nail the conjugation when you speak or write.
Ready to get started? In this handy guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about irregular verbs in English, including the four types, a massive list of 117 of the most common irregular verbs, and five expert tips for learning them. Let’s go!
![\"Man](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt4d249fe0f9165a95/649a2e6ba60a794bd5411662/istock-1181499584.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Irregular verbs are those that don’t follow regular conjugation rules. Those usually involve adding -d or -ed at the end of the base form of a verb. Irregular verbs do not follow these patterns either for the simple past or the past participle — or neither one of the two. Although there are around 200 irregular verbs in English, many of them aren’t commonly used at all. Below, we’ve included 117 of the most common irregular verbs for you.
Before we jump into the ultimate list of irregular verbs in English, let’s start by reviewing the four kinds of irregular verbs so you know what to expect.
![\"Woman](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltc67ff04c539096ce/649a2f6a7c84d22fdac29a0f/istock-1184211609.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
One of the most common types of irregular verbs is also the easiest to learn. For these types of verbs, all you have to do is keep the infinitive form of the verb as is and use it for both the past tense and the past participle. Some common examples include:
Another type of irregular verb involves those that use the same conjugation for the simple past and past participle tenses. These are also relatively easy to learn, as you’ll just have to use to remember to use the same conjugation for both tenses. Here are some examples with the base form followed by the irregular conjugation:
This type of irregular verb includes the wildcards of all English verbs. While the simple past will have a unique and often irregular conjugation, the past participle will be exactly the same as the base verb. While this might sound counterintuitive, rest assured that the list of verbs in this category isn’t long. Here are some examples of verbs with the base form followed by the simple past form (remember that the past participle is the same as the base form!):
Finally, we have irregular verbs where each tense is completely different from each other. While it may sound like this might be the trickiest type of verb to learn, we’ve got a few tricks to memorize them easily. Keep reading until the end of this blog to learn more! For now, here are a few examples of verbs in this category, starting with the base form followed by the simple past conjugation and the past participle:
Now that you’re familiar with the four types of irregular verbs in English, let’s take a look at 117 irregular verbs in English:
| Infinitive | Simple past | Past participle | Example |
| To awake | Awoke | Awoken | I was awoken in the middle of the night by a loud bang. |
| To be | Was/were | Been | I think I might have already been asleep by the time you called me. |
| To bear | Bore | Born | Even though he wasn’t responsible for the accident, he alone bore the consequences. |
| To beat | Beat | Beaten | You beat me to the punch! I was about to say that. |
| To become | Became | Become | She became the top swimmer in her high school. |
| To begin | Began | Begun | I rushed as much as I could, but the competition had already begun by the time I got there. |
| To bend | Bent | Bent | I can’t use this part anymore because it’s bent. |
| To bid | Bid | Bid | She bid him farewell on a cold, rainy night. |
| To bite | Bit | Bitten | Luckily, I’ve never been bitten by a snake. |
| To bleed | Bled | Bled | I got a nosebleed last night and bled all over my pillowcase. |
| To blow | Blew | Blown | I think he blew it out of proportion — it really wasn’t that big of a deal. |
| To break | Broke | Broken | The handle broke as soon as I touched it. |
| To bring | Brought | Brought | She brought the same cookies she had brought last year! |
| To broadcast | Broadcast | Broadcast | The news report was broadcast this morning. |
| To build | Built | Built | This house was built in the 19th century. |
| To burn | Burned or burnt | Burn or burnt | I made some mac & cheese, but I left it in the oven too long and burnt it to a crisp! |
| To bust | Bust | Bust | The original dam bust from all the pressure in 1987, so they had to build a new one. |
| To buy | Bought | Bought | She bought him a new car for his birthday. |
| To catch | Caught | Caught | We caught our kid using his phone past his bedtime, so we had to take it away. |
| To choose | Chose | Chosen | The dress I had chosen is no longer in stock. |
| To cling | Clung | Clung | The cat clung on to the roof for dear life. |
| To come | Came | Come | I’m shocked, this news really came out of the blue. |
| To cost | Cost | Cost | Even though she bought this art piece as an investment, she had to sell it for less than what it had originally cost her. |
| To creep | Crept | Crept | The intruder crept into our house without making any noise. |
| To cut | Cut | Cut | Due to budget constraints, the school cut its arts program last year. |
| To dig | Dug | Dug | The dog randomly dug out a bone from the ground. |
| To do | Did | Done | It was too late by the time he realized what he had done. |
| To draw | Drew | Drawn | He was quite impressed with the results, considering he had never drawn anything like that before. |
| To dream | Dreamed or dreamt | Dreamed or dreamt | They finally moved into the home they had always dreamt of. |
| To drive | Drove | Driven | I had never driven on a coastline like this before. |
| To drink | Drank | Drunk | I had already drunk too much wine by the time we started having dinner. |
| To eat | Ate | Eaten | I was so hungry I could have eaten a whole cow! |
| To fall | Fell | Fallen | Nathan wasn’t careful so he fell into the river. |
| To feed | Fed | Fed | Even though it was a very long time, they kept me very well fed. |
| To feel | Felt | Felt | I felt like you weren’t listening to me. |
| To fight | Fought | Fought | I fought really hard to get to where I am today. |
| To find | Found | Found | You should check with the lost and found department to see if they have your card. |
| To flee | Fled | Fled | They fled their war-torn country when they were just children. |
| To fling | Flung | Flung | He just grabbed my notebook and flung it out the window! |
| To fly | Flew | Flown | The bird flew away before the cat could catch it. |
| To forbid | Forbade | Forbidden | Taking photos inside the museum is strictly forbidden. |
| To forget | Forgot | Forgotten | I had forgotten about the homework assignment, but luckily, I remembered right before the deadline. |
| To forgive | Forgave | Forgiven | No need to apologize, you’re already forgiven! |
| To freeze | Froze | Frozen | He froze when he heard her voice. |
| To get | Got | Got | I got a new pair of jeans yesterday. |
| To give | Gave | Given | He gave me flowers on our first date! |
| To grind | Ground | Ground | Do you want to buy ground coffee or whole beans? |
| To go | Went | Gone | Oh, she’s already gone! She left this morning. |
| To grow | Grew | Grown | I didn’t like the carpet at first, but it grew on me. |
| To hang | Hung | Hung | He hung his laundry in the balcony and it flew off! |
| To have | Had | Had | I think he already had lunch, so we can start eating without him |
| To hear | Heard | Heard | Hey! I heard you’re coming to visit next month? |
| To hide | Hid | Hidden | They found a hidden treasure at the beach and became rich! |
| To hit | Hit | Hit | He got injured while skiing because he hit a tree. |
| To hold | Held | Held | My cat loves being held like a little baby. |
| To hurt | Hurt | Hurt | Your words really hurt me, so it will take some time for me to move on. |
| To keep | Kept | Kept | I kept your letter after all these years. |
| To know | Knew | Known | I wish I had known before I came all the way here! |
| To lay | Laid | Laid | They laid a strong foundation before beginning construction on the megaproject. |
| To lead | Led | Led | Poor management led to the bankruptcy of what once was a thriving company. |
| To learn | Learned | Learned | I was placed two math levels above my grade because I had already learned most of what they were studying. |
| To leave | Left | Left | I rushed to the airport to meet there, but she had already left by the time I got there. |
| To lend | Lent | Lent | Here are the books you had lent me. |
| To let | Let | Let | Our teacher let us out of class a few minutes early. |
| To lie | Lay | Lain | Yesterday was a great day, I just lay by the beach and ate a bunch of fruits. |
| To lose | Lost | Lost | I can’t believe I found the jacket I thought I had lost years ago! |
| To make | Made | Made | This dish is what made this restaurant an international phenomenon. |
| To mean | Meant | Meant | I don’t know what she meant by that, but she seems upset. |
| To meet | Met | Met | I had never met someone like you. |
| To pay | Paid | Paid | As long as I’m being paid, I don’t mind staying after closing. |
| To prove | Proved | Proven | We’re all innocent until proven guilty in the court of law. |
| To put | Put | Put | I can’t find my scarf. I know I put it somewhere, but I can’t remember where! |
| To quit | Quit | Quit | He had already quit his job before I had a chance to convince him not to. |
| To read | Read | Read | He read her a bedtime story before putting her to bed. |
| To ride | Rode | Ridden | I’ve ridden every single rollercoaster in this theme park. |
| To ring | Rang | Rung | He rang me up at the cash register upstairs. |
| To rise | Rose | Risen | It’s very inspiring to see how you rose from the bottom. |
| To run | Ran | Run | You should have already run at least 20 miles in one go before you attempt to run a marathon. |
| To say | Said | Said | I misunderstood what she had said. |
| To see | Saw | Seen | That was the most beautiful sunset I’ve ever seen. |
| To seek | Sought | Sought | I sought some advice from my thesis advisor, but he was upset I even asked! |
| To sell | Sold | Sold | Fortunately, the house sold in less than two weeks. |
| To send | Sent | Sent | I sent my bags ahead of time so they were already at the hotel when I got there. |
| To set | Set | Set | I set the table earlier today so we should be ready for dinner. |
| To sew | Sewed | Sewn | This one-of-a-kind, hand-sewn dress was passed on to me by my grandma. |
| To shake | Shook | Shaken | I’m still a little shaken from the car accident, but, thankfully, I’m okay. |
| To show | Showed | Shown | He had already shown her the birthday party invite, so he ruined the surprise. |
| To shut | Shut | Shut | I forgot to shut the window and now my room is full of mosquitoes. |
| To sing | Sang | Sung | She sang a beautiful song at our wedding. |
| To sink | Sank | Sunk | The boat sank to the bottom of the ocean after hitting an iceberg. |
| To sit | Sat | Sat | My mom forgot she had to pick me up from school so I just sat there and waited for her for hours. |
| To sleep | Slept | Slept | I hadn’t slept that well in a really long time. |
| To slide | Slid | Slid | The dog slid down the waterslide like an enthusiastic child. |
| To sling | Slung | Slung | I was already on my way out but I still slung a few pieces of candy in my bag. |
| To sow | Sowed | Sown | The farmers sowed diligently all day long, but soon they will be able to feast on their harvest. |
| To speak | Spoke | Spoken | There you have it, spoken like a true native! |
| To spend | Spent | Spent | I spent the whole afternoon studying Spanish, and I think it’s actually paying off! |
| To spin | Spun | Spun | Everything was fine at first, but things just spun out of control. |
| To stand | Stood | Stood | Nobody dared to help after the accident, everyone just stood there in shock. |
| To steal | Stole | Stolen | They stopped construction because the government found out it was being financed with stolen money. |
| To sting | Stung | Stung | I’m very lucky because I’ve never been stung by a bee. |
| To stink | Stank | Stunk | All of our fruits went bad because the power went out while we were away, so our fridge stunk terribly when we returned. |
| To swear | Swore | Sworn | I could’ve sworn I saw you at the mall the other day. |
| To swim | Swam | Swum | I swam all the way to the island and back yesterday. |
| To swing | Swung | Swung | I swung at the ball as hard as I could, but I still didn’t hit a home run. |
| To take | Took | Taken | I think what I said might’ve been taken out of context. |
| To teach | Taught | Taught | Having taught children for over two decades, I think I can speak to children effectively. |
| To tear | Tore | Torn | I’m torn between these two dresses, what do you think? |
| To tell | Told | Told | I’ve told you a million times to always lock the door when you leave! |
| To think | Thought | Thought | Learning English is much easier than I thought. |
| To throw | Threw | Thrown | I threw my bags on the floor and ran to give him a hug as soon as I got home. |
| To understand | Understood | Understood | I finally understood how to conjugate verbs in Spanish after taking a few more online classes. |
| To wake | Woke | Woken | She woke me up right in time to make it to the airport to catch my flight. |
| To wear | Wore | Worn | He wore a sharp-looking suit with a striking red tie to the gala. |
| To weep | Wept | Wept | I was able to get over my last breakup, but only after I had wept for several days. |
| To win | Won | Won | They placed me with some novice players, so I had won the game before it even began. |
| To write | Wrote | Written | I think this might be the most beautiful story ever written. |
![\"Woman](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt48bdf6012c443db9/649a3022e64f41ab1642d87b/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-813940.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Before you set out to memorize all irregular verbs without a structure, you should group the ones you want to learn by type. Of course, you won’t memorize 100+ irregular verbs in one go, so selecting the verbs that are most important to you and grouping them by type will make it much easier for you to remember what makes that verb irregular. That way, you’ll know if you’ll need to change the entire verb or if you get to keep the stem, and if you should change them in all verb tenses or just one or two.
Memorizing irregular verbs can be easier if you memorize all three verb conjugations in one go. Not only will it make it easier to remember which conjugations need special attention, but you’ll also be able to create a fun rhyme in your head, which will increase your chances of remembering all three conjugations. For example, try saying the following conjugations very quickly:
Isn’t it kinda fun? It’s almost like you’re saying a short little tongue twister!
Of course, not all verbs are irregular. An overwhelming majority of English verbs are regular, so you can just follow regular conjugation rules then. However, one of the most common mistakes English learners make is conjugating irregular verbs assuming that they can be conjugated like regular verbs. Thus, any time you learn a new verb, make sure to look it up in the dictionary to double-check whether you’re dealing with a regular on an irregular verb!
Every now and then, you’ll run into some particularly difficult verbs that will make you mess up over and over again — and that’s totally okay! When that happens, simply add the word and its conjugations to your favorite spaced repetition software (SRS) and keep reviewing it until you’ve got it! If you don’t have an SRS tool yet, check out Anki, which is one of the favorite tools of language learners.
Let’s face it, studying a new language is much more effective when it’s fun! That’s why it’s such a good idea to use music to learn a language, even for things like irregular verbs. Some fun songs that include a healthy amount of irregular verbs include:
All three of the songs above will help you memorize some helpful irregular verbs as each one contains many irregular verbs that can be easily burned into your psyche after a few listens.
English isn’t a conjugation-heavy language, so make sure you don’t make the easily avoidable mistakes of conjugating an irregular verb as if it were a regular verb! In this article, we’ve covered some of the most common irregular verbs, the four types of irregular verbs, and five unmissable tips to memorize all these irregular verbs!
If you enjoyed this article, make sure to check out the rest of our English blog! There, we have dozens of super helpful (and free!) guides on all things English grammar, vocab, and even fun facts! Some recent articles include a guide to California slang, a list of 267 English prepositions, and our top guide for business English.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Telling time in Chinese","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"How to tell the time in Chinese: A fun and simple guide","url":"/blog/time-chinese-mandarin","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt51fb038ee24d2ceb/64911a539625e149e6b37e14/istock-1150135383.jpeg"},"post_content":"From asking your friends out to coffee, to double-checking when your Chinese homework is due, being able to speak about and get clarification on the exact time is a must-have skill. It can even be one of the most important skills for international business people, as Chinese is the second-most important language for international business.
Beyond that, the Chinese language also employs many time-related expressions, like time adverbs and chengyu. Learning some time-related vocabulary in Chinese will help you catch more of these references and speak more like a local.
So, whether you’re still working your way through the first few of your online Mandarin classes or are looking to impress some of your Chinese colleagues, we’ll cover some excellent ways to tell the time in Chinese below.
There’s no time to waste, so let’s get started!
![\"Learning](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltcc6a31c17e4ec113/649156c275c2aea21d06102c/china_864885874.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Before you start working on the time-related vocabulary and expressions, you should already be familiar with some of the basic building blocks of Chinese. You’ll definitely want to know some Chinese numbers as well as the days, months, and years in Chinese. Once you’ve got those down, learning how to tell the time in Chinese is just a matter of learning a few structures and getting comfortable with a couple of measure words!
Telling the time on the hour in Chinese is extremely easy. All you need to do is add the measure word 点 (diǎn) after the number of the hour you are trying to say. This is similar to saying “o’clock” in English, when the exact time may or may not be the exact hour. If you want to emphasize that it’s a sharp hour, you can add 整 (zhěng) after the 点 (diǎn).
| Time | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| 1:00 | 一点 | yī diǎn | i dean |
| 2:00 | 两点 | liǎng diǎn | leang dean |
| 3:00 | 三点 | sān diǎn | san dean |
| 4:00 | 四点 | sì diǎn | syh dean |
| 5:00 | 五点 | wǔ diǎn | wuu dean |
| 6:00 | 六点 | liù diǎn | liow dean |
| 7:00 | 七点 | qī diǎn | chi dean |
| 8:00 | 八点 | bā diǎn | ba dean |
| 9:00 | 九点 | jiǔ diǎn | jeou dean |
| 10:00 | 十点 | shí diǎn | shyr dean |
| 11:00 | 十一点 | shí yī diǎn | shyr i dean |
| 12:00 | 十二点 | shí’èr diǎn | shyr ell dean |
Alternatively, if you want to talk about hours as a unit of time, you can use the noun 小时 (xiǎo shí), which means hour, along with the measure word 个 (gè). While using the measure word is pretty common, it is also optional, so you don’t always have to use it. Here are some examples for talking about hours as units of time both with and without the measure word 个 (gè):
| Time | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| 1 hour | 一个小时 | yī gè xiǎo shí | i geh sheau shyr |
| 2 hours | 两个小时 | liǎng gè xiǎo shí | leang geh sheau shyr |
| 8 hours | 八小时 | bā xiǎo shí | ba sheau shyr |
| 10 hours | 十小时 | shí gè xiǎo shí | shyr sheau shyr |
| 24 hours | 二十四小时 | èr shí sì xiǎo shí | ell shyr syh sheau shyr |
To tell the time with precise minutes, all you need to do is add the number of minutes immediately after the 点 (diǎn) as described in the previous section. You may choose to emphasize the minutes by adding 分 (fēn) after the number of minutes, which is short for 分钟 (fēn zhōng), the Chinese word for minutes. However, most people omit this as it’s implied that you’re referring to the minutes. Here are a few examples:
| Time | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| 1:07 | 一点零七（分） | yī diǎn líng qī (fēn) | i dean ling chi (fen) |
| 1:12 | 一点十二（分） | yī diǎn shí'èr (fēn) | i dean shyr ell (fen) |
| 1:30 | 一点三十（分） | yī diǎn sān shí (fēn) | i dean san shyr (fen) |
| 1:45 | 一点四十五（分） | yī diǎn sì shí wǔ (fēn) | i dean syh shyr wuu (fen) |
| 1:57 | 一点五十七（分） | yī diǎn wǔ shí qī (fēn) | i dean wuu shyr chi (fen) |
Now that you know how to say hours and minutes in Chinese, you can use them as time measurements. Here are a few examples of how you can talk about one minute, fifteen minutes, an hour and forty-five minutes, and more!
| Time | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| 1 minute | 一分钟 | yī fēn zhōng | i fen jong |
| 15 minutes | 十五分钟 | shí wǔ fēn zhōng | shyr wuu fen jong |
| 57 minutes | 五十七分钟 | wǔ shí qī fēn zhōng | wuu shyr chi fen jong |
| 1 hour and 45 minutes | 一小时四十五分 | yī xiǎo shí sì shí wǔ fēn | i sheau shyr syh shyr wuu fen |
| 2 hours and 12 minutes | 两小时十二分（钟） | liǎng xiǎo shí shí'èr fēn (zhōng) | leang sheau shyr shyr (fen) |
Just like English, Chinese can also divide the hours in halves and quarters to tell the time. While using these forms to tell time isn’t necessary (you can stick to 15 and 30 minutes if you’d like!), you should still be aware of them for when you hear them in the wild. One thing to note is that, although you can also say “it’s a quarter to three” like we do in English, this is less common in Chinese, as simply saying “it’s two and three quarters” sounds more natural. Here are some examples:
| Time | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| 1:15 | 一点一刻 | yī diǎn yí kè | i dean i keh |
| 2:15 | 两点一刻 | liǎng diǎn yí kè | leang dean yi keh |
| 2:45 | 两点三刻 | liǎng diǎn sān kè | leang dean san keh |
| 2:45 | 三点差一刻 | sān diǎn chà yí kè | san dean chah yi keh |
| 7:30 | 七点半 | qī diǎn bàn | chi dean bann |
| 10:45 | 十点三刻 | shí diǎn sān kè | shyr dean san keh |
And if you want to talk about quarters or half hours as a measure of time, you can also do that by following the structure below:
| Time | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| 15 minutes | 一刻钟 | yī kè zhōng | i keh jong |
| Half an hour | 半小时 | bàn xiǎo shí | bann sheau shyr |
| 45 minutes | 三刻钟 | sān kè zhōng | san keh jong |
| 1 hour and a half | 一个半小时 | yī gè bàn xiǎo shí | i geh bann sheau shyr |
Once you’ve gotten a handle on some sentences to tell the time, it’s time to learn how to ask for the time in Chinese. Below, we’ll cover a few ways to ask what the time is with varying levels of formality to help you find the right one. Plus, with remote work being now more common than ever, we’ve also included a way to ask someone what timezone they’re in!
![\"Ask](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt20e0efe95a116305/64911ee183c7fb56f25f5401/istock-1055130778.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Notes |
| What time is it? | 几点了？ | jǐ diǎn le？ | jii dean lhe | Casual way to ask for the time. |
| What time is it right now? | 现在几点？ | xiàn zài jǐ diǎn? | shiann tzay jii dean | Used when you want to know the exact time. |
| What time is it right now? | 现在几点钟？ | xiàn zài jǐ diǎn zhōng? | shiann tzay jii dean jong | Longer form of the previous question. |
| Excuse me, do you know the time right now? | 请问，你知道现在的时间吗？ | qǐng wèn nǐ zhī dào xiàn zài de shí jiān ma? | chiing wenn nii jy daw shiann tzay .de shyr jian mha | More polite way of asking someone if they know the time. |
| What’s your timezone? | 你在哪个时区？ | nǐ zài nǎ gè shí qū？ | nii tzay naa geh shyr chiu | Helpful way to ask someone for their timezone. |
Often times, we’ll want to discuss things that happened or will happen in a particular time of the day without going into too much detail. Maybe you have plans this evening, but don’t need to be specific about them. Perhaps you want to know what your friend is planning tomorrow morning or if they’re free in the afternoon to study. For those scenarios, Chinese has a few words with no precise time boundaries to help you make plans with broad strokes.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation | Time period |
| Morning (early) | 早上 | zǎo shàng | tzao shang | From dawn until around 9:00 a.m. |
| Morning (late) | 上午 | shàng wǔ | shanq wuu | From around 9:00 a.m. until around 11:00 a.m. |
| Noon | 中午 | zhōng wǔ | jong wuu | From around 11:00 a.m. until around 1:00 p.m. |
| Afternoon | 下午 | xià wǔ | shiah wuu | From around 1:00 p.m. until around 8:00 p.m. |
| Evening (early) | 傍晚 | bàng wǎn | banq woan | From around 6:00 p.m. to around 9:00 p.m. |
| Evening | 晚上 | wǎn shàng | woan shang | From around 8:00 p.m. to around 11:00 p.m. |
| Midnight | 半夜 | bàn yè | bann yeh | From around 11:00 p.m. until around 1:00 a.m. |
| Evening (late) | 深夜 | shēn yè | shen yeh | From around 1:00 a.m. until around 3:00 a.m. |
| Very early morning | 凌晨 | líng chén | ling chern | From around 3:00 a.m. until dawn |
Now, here are some helpful sentences using some of the time of day vocabulary we covered above. Can you think of a few more examples using the vocabulary above?
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| 3 o’clock in the morning | 凌晨三点 | líng chén sān diǎn | ling chern san dean |
| 10 o’clock in the morning | 早上十点 | zǎo shang shí diǎn | tzao shang shyr dean |
| 4 o’clock in the afternoon | 下午四点 | xià wǔ sì diǎn | shiah wuu syh dean |
| Noon | 中午十二点 | zhōng wǔ shí'èr diǎn | jong wuu shyr ell dean |
| 7 o’clock in the evening | 傍晚七点 | bàng wǎn qī diǎn | banq woan chi dean |
| 11 o’clock at night | 晚上十一点 | wǎn shàng shí yī diǎn | woan shanq shyr i dean |
| Midnight | 半夜十二点 | bàn yè shí'èr diǎn | bann yeh shyr ell dean |
| 10 o’clock in the morning, today | 今天早上十点 | jīn tiān zǎo shang shí diǎn | jin tian tzao shang shyr dean |
| 10 o’clock in the morning on Monday | 星期一上午十点 | xīng qī yī shàng wǔ shí diǎn | shing chyi i shanq wuu shyr dean |
Time adverbs can help us talk about time without explicitly mentioning it. Sometimes you need to do something immediately, or want to ask someone if they’re free later, or if they’re almost done with their homework. Whatever the case, these adverbs help us talk about time indirectly in everyday conversations. Here are a few Chinese adverbs of time that you should be familiar with:
![\"Learning](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt261266c31983c296/649120c3f7411bd52d37da2d/istock-1135835363.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Right now | 现在 | xiàn zài | shiann tzay |
| Currently | 目前 | mù qián | muh chyan |
| At the same time | 同时 | tóng shí | torng shyr |
| Before | 之前 | zhī qián | jy chyan |
| After | 之后 | zhī hòu | jy how |
| Very soon | 很快 | hěn kuài | heen kuay |
| Immediately | 立刻 | lì kè | lih keh |
| Right away | 马上 | mǎ shàng | maa shanq |
| Almost | 差不多 | chà bu duō | chah bu duo |
| In a little while | 过一会儿 | guò yī huìr | guoh i huey |
| For a long time | 很久 | hěn jiǔ | heen jeou |
| Any time | 任何时候 | rèn hé shí hou | renn her shyr hou |
| As soon as possible | 尽快 | jìn kuài | jinn kuay |
| Just now | 刚才 | gāng cái | gang tsair |
If you’re pressed for time and just want to learn a few short and helpful phrases, then boy oh boy do we have the right cheat sheet for you! The table below has a handful of super short and super helpful time-related phrases in Chinese that you can use in your daily life.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Hurry up | 快点吧 | kuài diǎn ba | kuay dean ba |
| Hurry up! | 赶紧的！ | gǎn jǐn de！ | gaan jiin de |
| I'm late | 我迟到了 | wǒ chí dào le | woo chyr daw lhe |
| Please be early | 请早点到 | qǐng zǎo diǎn dào | chiing tzao dean daw |
| Please be on time | 请准时到 | qǐng zhǔn shí dào | chiing joen shyr daw |
| Don’t be late! | 不要迟到！ | bù yào chí dào！ | buh yaw chyr daw |
If you’re interested in astrology, then you probably already know that your time of birth can change your birth chart, as the positions of the planets change by the second. However, did you know that Chinese zodiacs also change by the hour?
The 十二时辰 (shí èr shí chén) are two-hour periods that each represent a different animal in the Chinese zodiac. The time of the day you were born influences your emotions and personality, as does the day, month, and year. Which Chinese hour zodiac are you?
| Time | Animal | Chinese name | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. | Rat | 子时 | zǐ shí | tzyy shyr |
| 1 a.m. to 3 a.m. | Ox | 丑时 | chǒu shí | choou shyr |
| 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. | Tiger | 寅时 | yín shí | yn shyr |
| 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. | Rabbit | 卯时 | mǎo shí | mao shyr |
| 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. | Dragon | 辰时 | chén shí | chern shyr |
| 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Snake | 巳时 | sì shí | syh shyr |
| 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Horse | 午时 | wǔ shí | wuu shyr |
| 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. | Sheep | 未时 | wèi shí | wey shyr |
| 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Monkey | 申时 | shēn shí | shen shyr |
| 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Rooster | 酉时 | yǒu shí | yeou shyr |
| 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Dog | 戌时 | xū shí | shiu shyr |
| 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. | Pig | 亥时 | hài shí | hay shyr |
If you’ve been studying Chinese for a while now, you know that the Chengyu and many other forms of idioms are incredibly common in everyday speak. Virtually all topics have specific Chengyu and idioms, which impart little nuggets of Chinese wisdom and history in just a few words. Here are some of the most important proverbs about time in Chinese.
![\"Woman](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt0357ce6e5a46ada4/64911ff250d8ed1dd62f29c3/istock-1138568025.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| Time and tide wait for no man | 时不待我 | shí bù dāi wǒ | shyr buh dai woo |
| Time flies like an arrow, the sun and moon shuttle back and forth | 光阴似箭，日月如梭 | guāng yīn sì jiàn, rì yuè rú suō | guang in syh jiann ryh yueh ru suo |
| An inch of time is an inch of gold, but an inch of time cannot be purchased for an inch of gold | 一寸光阴一寸金，寸金难买寸光阴 | yī cùn guāng yīn yī cùn jīn, cùn jīn nán mǎi cùn guāng yīn | i tsuenn guang in i tsuenn jin tsuenn jin nan mae tsuenn guang in |
| Time is money | 时间就是金钱 | shí jiān jiù shì jīn qián | shyr jian jiow shyh jin chyan |
| Never too old to learn, never too late to turn | 亡羊补牢，为时未晚 | wáng yáng bǔ láo, wéi shí weì wǎn | wang yang buu lau wei shyr wey woan |
| Life is too short | 人生苦短 | rén shēng kǔ duǎn | ren sheng kuu doan |
| Lost time cannot be recuperated | 时光流逝，不可复得 | shí guāng liú shì, bù kě fù dé | shyr guang liou shyh buh kee fuh der |
| If you live your life waiting for tomorrow, it will never come | 我生待明日，万事成蹉跎 | wǒ shēng dài míng rì, wàn shì chéng cuō tuó | woo sheng day ming ryh wann shyh cherng tsuo two |
As you now know, learning to tell the time in Mandarin isn’t hard once you know the numbers, so why not tackle this milestone today? Soon, you’ll be able to ask your friends for the time, talk about time periods, and make more effective plans for study dates and business meetings!
If you can’t count the time until you pick up your next Mandarin skill, then head over to our Chinese blog! We routinely publish helpful and easy-to-read guides to help you learn different parts about Chinese, like our guide to all Chinese radicals and our expert tips to learning Chinese characters!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Ordinal and cardinal numbers Spanish","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"An easy beginner guide to cardinal & ordinal numbers in Spanish","url":"/blog/ordinal-cardinal-numbers-spanish","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt6104969e3414316d/64891e689601bc33860806fb/istock-485105518.jpeg"},"post_content":"Even if you don’t consider your left side of the brain to be the stronger half (guilty!), you still need to use numbers on a daily basis — even in Spanish. Indeed, using the numbers in Spanish is one of the first skills any language learner should sign up to master, especially since you’ll need them to tell the time, buy fruits and veggies at the market, and order a second (but who’s counting?) cup of coffee.
However, how do you know when to differentiate between cardinal (one, two, three) and ordinal (first, second, third) numbers? Although people will probably be able to understand what you mean even if you use the incorrect form, mastering the difference between ordinal vs. cardinal numbers in Spanish will help you sound much more natural. For example, check out the following sentences:
You probably understand what both sentences mean, but the first one sounds wrong. The same is true in Spanish, where mixing up ordinal with cardinal numbers every now and then might not do anything more than raise a few eyebrows, but it’s still very important for intermediate Spanish speakers and above to dominate when and how to use ordinal vs. cardinal numbers.
In this blog, we’ll cover all the important differences and go over how to say hundreds of cardinal and ordinal numbers in Spanish to help you ace when to use the right form of each number.
![\"Enjoying](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt96fda4eb51a4f7bd/64891f3a83c7fb1e4a5f40b7/istock-531169566.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
First things first, let’s review the key differences between ordinal and cardinal numbers in Spanish. The main thing you should keep in mind is that ordinal numbers work as adjectives. That means that you can use them to describe another noun, changing the meaning of the noun they are modifying. For example:
Using an ordinal number to describe the car tells us so much more about the car than the cardinal number ever could. Knowing that it was your first car can let us into some of the feelings and emotions you may have experienced when first driving it or what the car could’ve looked like.
On the other hand, using cardinal numbers is also incredibly helpful as they, quite bluntly, make the world go round. Without cardinal numbers, we wouldn’t be able to specify quantities, do math, or even do business. So, although they’re the more basic of the two forms of numbers, that doesn’t make them any less exciting!
Now, let’s do a deep dive into each of the two forms of numbers in Spanish.
Cardinal numbers are probably the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of numbers. They’re the ones used in most mathematical equations and the ones you’ll see on your credit card bill. Let’s take a closer look at the cardinal numbers in Spanish.
Regardless of your Spanish level, you’re probably already familiar with the first few Spanish numbers (uno, dos, tres, cuatro!). However, there are millions of cardinal numbers in Spanish, which makes learning them all a gargantuan task. Here are some of the most common numbers, up to a trillion!
| Number | Cardinal | Pronunciation | IPA |
| 1 | Uno | OOH-noh | ˈuno |
| 2 | Dos | DOHS | ˈdos |
| 3 | Tres | TREHS | ˈtɾes |
| 4 | Cuatro | CUAH-troh | ˈkwatɾo |
| 5 | Cinco | SEEN-coh | ˈθinko |
| 6 | Seis | SACE | ˈsejs |
| 7 | Siete | SYEH-teh | ˈsjete |
| 8 | Ocho | OH-cho | ˈoʧo |
| 9 | Nueve | NUEH-veh | ˈnweβe |
| 10 | Diez | DYESS | ˈdjeθ |
| 11 | Once | ON-seh | ˈonθe |
| 12 | Doce | DOH-seh | ˈdoθe |
| 13 | Trece | TREH-seh | ˈtɾeθe |
| 14 | Catorce | cah-TORE-seh | kaˈtoɾθe |
| 15 | Quince | KEEN-seh | ˈkinθe |
| 16 | Dieciséis | dyeh-see-SACE | djeθiˈsejs |
| 17 | Diecisiete | dyeh-see-SYEH-teh | djeθiˈsjete |
| 18 | Dieciocho | dyeh-see-OH-cho | djeˈθjoʧo |
| 19 | Diecinueve | dyeh-see-NUEH-veh | djeθiˈnweβe |
| 20 | Veinte | VAIN-teh | ˈbejnte |
| 21 | Veintiuno | vain-TYUH-noh | bejnˈtjuno |
| 22 | Veintidós | vain-tee-DOS | bejntiˈðos |
| 23 | Veintitrés | vain-tee-TRESS | bejntiˈtɾes |
| 24 | Veinticuatro | vain-tee-CUAH-troh | bejntiˈkwatɾo |
| 25 | Veinticinco | vain-tee-SEEN-coh | bejntiˈθinko |
| 26 | Veintiséis | vain-tee-SAYS | bejntiˈsejs |
| 27 | Veintisiete | vain-tee-SYEH-teh | bejntiˈsjete |
| 28 | Veintiocho | vain-TYOH-cho | bejnˈtjoʧo |
| 29 | Veintinueve | vain-tee-NUEH-veh | bejntiˈnweβe |
| 30 | Treinta | TRAIN-tah | ˈtɾejnta |
| 31 | Treinta y uno | TRAIN-tah e OOH-noh | ˈtɾejnta j ˈuno |
| 32 | Treinta y dos | TRAIN-tah e dohs | ˈtɾejnta j ˈðos |
| 33 | Treinta y tres | TRAIN-tah e trehs | ˈtɾejnta j ˈtɾes |
| 34 | Treinta y cuatro | TRAIN-tah e CUAH-troh | ˈtɾejnta j ˈkwatɾo |
| 35 | Treinta y cinco | TRAIN-tah e SEEN-coh | ˈtɾejnta j ˈθinko |
| 40 | Cuarenta | cua-REHN-tah | kwaˈɾenta |
| 50 | Cincuenta | seen-CUEHN-tah | θinˈkwenta |
| 60 | Sesenta | seh-SEHN-tah | seˈsenta |
| 70 | Setenta | seh-TEHN-tah | seˈtenta |
| 80 | Ochenta | oh-CHEN-tah | oˈʧenta |
| 90 | Noventa | noh-VEHN-tah | noˈβenta |
| 100 | Cien | SYEHN | ˈθjen |
| 200 | Doscientos | dos-SYEHN-toss | doˈsjentos |
| 300 | Trescientos | tres-SYEHN-toss | tɾeˈsjentos |
| 1,000 | Mil | MEEL | ˈmil |
| 10,000 | Diez mil | DYES MEEL | ˈdjeð ˈmil |
| 100,000 | Cien mil | SYEHN MEEL | ˈθjem ˈmil |
| 1,000,000 | Un millón | OON me-YOHN | um miˈʎon |
One quirky little fun fact about Spanish that’s worth pointing out, is that one billion and un billón are NOT the same. Although you might be tempted to simply translate billions into billones, let’s break down these big numbers to see what’s going on:
| Number | English name | Cardinal | Pronunciation | IPA |
| 1,000,000 | One million | Un millón | OON me-YOHN | um miˈʎon |
| 10,000,000 | Ten million | Diez millones | DYES me-YOHN-ehs | ˈdjeð miˈʎones |
| 100,000,000 | One hundred million | Cien millones | SYEHN me-YOHN-ehs | ˈθjem miˈʎones |
| 1,000,000,000 | One billion | Mil millones | MEEL me-YOHN-ehs | ˈmil miˈʎones |
| 10,000,000,000 | Ten billion | Diez mil millones | DYES MEEL me-YOHN-ehs | ˈdjeð ˈmil miˈʎones |
| 100,000,000,000 | One hundred billion | Cien mil millones | SYEHN MEEL me-YOHN-ehs | ˈθjem ˈmil miˈʎones |
| 1,000,000,000,000 | One trillion | Un billón | OOHN bee-YOHN | um biˈʎon |
Notice how one billion in English is one thousand million in Spanish, and un billón in Spanish is one trillion in English? That’s because these languages use different ways to refer to the same numbers. A billion in English refers to “one thousand millions,” but un billón in Spanish refers to “one million millions.” Don’t make this easily-avoidable mistake when closing those billion-dollar deals!
As you already know, we’ve got some handy example sentences to help you see yourself using these numbers expertly in everyday conversations. Here are ten ways to use cardinal numbers in Spanish:
| Spanish | English |
| Para ser el número uno, ¡hay que entrenar todos los días! | To be number one, you have to train every day! |
| Solo he ido a Cancún dos veces. | I’ve only been to Cancun two times. |
| He ido a tres ciudades en Colombia. | I’ve been to three cities in Colombia. |
| Necesitamos cuatro platos y cuatro cuchillos para el pastel. | We need four plates and four forks for the cake. |
| Tengo una cita importante en cinco minutos, por favor no me distraigas. | I have an important appointment in five minutes, please don’t distract me. |
| Mi tía no quería a los animales pero, ¡ahora tiene seis gatos! | My aunt didn’t use to like animals, but she now has six cats! |
| Las familias de antes eran mucho más grandes, ¡mi abuela tuvo siete hijos! | Families used to be much larger, my grandma had seven children! |
| Recuerda tomar por lo menos ocho vasos de agua cada día. | Always remember to drink at least eight cups of water per day. |
| Solo hay nueve casas en mi vecindario. | There are only nine houses in my neighbourhood. |
| Intenta comer diez porciones de frutas y verduras todos los días. | Try to eat ten servings of fruits and vegetables each day. |
![\"Women](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltedde5dd18a7d0de7/6489206d50d8ed7e5d2f1608/pexels-yaroslav-shuraev-8692124.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Ordinal numbers, while much less common than cardinal numbers, are still very important to know. Perhaps they don’t come with the same value to everyday conversations, but they help us add significance to important things like anniversaries, tournaments, milestones, and more. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about ordinal numbers in Spanish.
Ordinal numbers take the form of adjectives, so they need to agree in gender with the noun. That means you’ll have to change from masculine to feminine form to match the noun. Below, you’ll find a list of the most relevant ordinal numbers in Spanish along with both masculine and feminine pronunciations.
| Number | Ordinal | Pronunciation | IPA |
| 1st | Primero / Primera | pree-MEH-roh / pre-MEH-rah | pɾiˈmeɾo / pɾiˈmeɾa |
| 2nd | Segundo / Segunda | seh-GOON-doh / seh-GOON-dah | seˈɣundo / seˈɣunda |
| 3rd | Tercero / Tercera | tehr-SEH-roh / tehr-SEH-rah | teɾˈθeɾo / teɾˈθeɾa |
| 4th | Cuarto / Cuarta | cooh-AR-toh / cooh-AR-tah | ˈkwaɾto / ˈkwaɾta |
| 5th | Quinto / Quinta | KEEN-toe / KEEN-tah | ˈkinto / ˈkinta |
| 6th | Sexto / Sexta | SEX-toe / SEX-tah | ˈseksto / ˈseksta |
| 7th | Séptimo / Séptima | SEP-tee-moh / SEP-tee-mah | ˈseptimo / ˈseptima |
| 8th | Octavo / Octava | oc-TAH-voh / oc-TAH-vah | okˈtaβo / okˈtaβa |
| 9th | Noveno / Novena | noh-VEH-no / noh-VEH-nah | noˈβeno / noˈβena |
| 10th | Décimo / Décima | DEH-see-mo / DEH-see-mah | ˈdeθimo / ˈdeθima |
| 11th | Decimoprimero / Decimoprimera | deh-see-mo-pre-MEH-roh / deh-see-ma-pre-MEH-rah | deθimopɾiˈmeɾo / deθimopɾiˈmeɾa |
| 12th | Decimosegundo / Decimosegunda | deh-see-mo-seh-GOON-doh / deh-see-ma-seh-GOON-dah | deθimoseˈɣundo / deθimoseˈɣunda |
| 13th | Decimotercero / Decimotercera | deh-see-mo-tehr-SEH-roh / deh-see-mo-tehr-SEH-rah | deθimoteɾˈθeɾo / deθimoteɾˈθeɾa |
| 14th | Decimocuarto / Decimocuarta | deh-seh-mo-CUAHR-toh / deh-see-mo-CUAHR-tah | deθimoˈkwaɾto / deθimoˈkwaɾta |
| 15th | Decimoquinto / Decimoquinta | deh-see-moh-KEEN-toe / deh-see-mo-KEEN-tah | deθimoˈkinto / deθimoˈkinta |
| 16th | Decimosexto / Decimasexta | deh-see-mo-SEX-toe / deh-see-mo-SEX-tah | deθimoˈseksto / deθimaˈseksta |
| 17th | Decimoséptimo / Decimoséptima | deh-see-mo-SEHP-tee-mo / deh-see-mo-SEHP-tee-mah | deθimoˈseptimo / deθimoˈseptima |
| 18th | Decimoctavo / Decimoctava | deh-see-moc-TAH-vo / deh-see-moc-TAH-vah | deθimokˈtaβo / deθimokˈtaβa |
| 19th | Decimonoveno / Decimonovena | deh-see-mo-noh-VEH-no / deh-see-mo-noh-VEH-nah | deθimonoˈβeno / deθimonoˈβena |
| 20th | Vigésimo / Vigésima | vee-HEH-see-moh / vee-HEH-see-mah | biˈxesimo / biˈxesima |
| 21st | Vigésimo primero / Vigésima primera | vee-HEH-see-moh pree-MEH-roh / vee-HEH-see-mah pre-MEH-rah | biˈxesimo pɾiˈmeɾo / biˈxesima pɾiˈmeɾa |
| 22nd | Vigésimo segundo / Vigésima segunda | vee-HEH-see-moh seh-GOON-doh / vee-HEH-see-mah seh-GOON-dah | biˈxesimo seˈɣundo / biˈxesima seˈɣunda |
| 23rd | Vigésimo tercero / Vigésima tercera | vee-HEH-see-moh tehr-SEH-roh / vee-HEH-see-mah tehr-SEH-rah | biˈxesimo teɾˈθeɾo / biˈxesima teɾˈθeɾa |
| 24th | Vigésimo cuarto / Vigésima cuarta | vee-HEH-see-moh cooh-AR-toh / vee-HEH-see-mah cooh-AR-tah | biˈxesimo ˈkwaɾto / biˈxesima ˈkwaɾta |
| 25th | Vigésimo quinto / Vigésima quinta | vee-HEH-see-moh KEEN-toe / vee-HEH-see-mah KEEN-tah | biˈxesimo ˈkinto / biˈxesima ˈkinta |
| 26th | Vigésimo sexto / Vigésima sexta | vee-HEH-see-moh SEX-toe / vee-HEH-see-mah SEX-tah | biˈxesimo ˈseksto / biˈxesima ˈseksta |
| 27th | Vigésimo séptimo / Vigésima séptima | vee-HEH-see-moh SEP-tee-moh / vee-HEH-see-mah SEP-tee-mah | biˈxesimo ˈseptimo / biˈxesima ˈseptima |
| 28th | Vigésimo octavo / Vigésima octava | vee-HEH-see-moh oc-TAH-voh / vee-HEH-see-mah oc-TAH-vah | biˈxesimo okˈtaβo / biˈxesima okˈtaβa |
| 29th | Vigésimo noveno / Vigésima novena | vee-HEH-see-moh noh-VEH-no / vee-HEH-see-mah noh-VEH-nah | biˈxesimo noˈβeno / biˈxesima noˈβena |
| 30th | Trigésimo / Trigésima | tree-HEH-see-moh / tree-HEH-see-mah | tɾiˈxesimo / tɾiˈxesima |
| 40th | Cuadragésimo / Cuadragésima | cuah-drah-HEH-see-moh / cuah-drah-HEH-see-mah | kwaðɾaˈxesimo / kwaðɾaˈxesima |
| 50th | Quincuagésimo / Quincuagésima | keen-cuah-HEH-see-moh / keen-cuah-HEH-see-mah | kinkwaˈxesimo / kinkwaˈxesima |
| 60th | Sexagésimo / Sexagésima | sex-ah-HEH-see-moh / sex-ah-HEH-see-mah | seksaˈxesimo / seksaˈxesima |
| 70th | Septuagésimo / Septuagésima | sep-tuah-HEH-see-moh / sep-tuah-HEH-see-mah | septwaˈxesimo / septwaˈxesima |
| 80th | Octagésimo / Octagésima | oc-tah-HEH-see-moh / oc-tah-HEH-see-mah | oktaˈxesimo / oktaˈxesima |
| 90th | Nonagésimo / Nonagésima | noh-nah-HEH-see-moh / noh-nah-HEH-see-mah | nonaˈxesimo / nonaˈxesima |
| 100th | Centésimo / Centésima | sehn-TEH-see-moh / sehn-TEH-see-mah | θenˈtesimo / θenˈtesima |
| 200th | Ducentésimo / Ducentésima | dooh-sehn-TEH-see-moh / dooh-sehn-TEH-see-mah | duθenˈtesimo / duθenˈtesima |
| 300th | Tricentésimo / Tricentésima | tree-sehn-TEH-see-moh / tree-sehn-TEH-see-mah | tɾiθenˈtesimo / tɾiθenˈtesima |
| 400th | Cuadringentésimo / Cuadringentésima | cuah-dree-hehn-TEH-see-moh / cuah-dree-hehn-TEH-see-mah | kwaðɾinxenˈtesimo / kwaðɾinxenˈtesima |
| 500th | Quingentésimo / Quingentésima | keen-hehn-TEH-see-moh / keen-hehn-TEH-see-mah | kinxenˈtesimo / kinxenˈtesima |
| 1,000th | Milésimo / Milésima | me-LEH-see-moh / me-LEH-see-mah | miˈlesimo / miˈlesima |
| 2,000th | Segundo milésimo / Segunda milésima | seh-GOON-doh me-LEH-see-moh / seh-GOON-dah me-LEH-see-mah | seˈɣundo miˈlesimo / seˈɣunda miˈlesima |
| 5,000th | Quinto milésimo / Quinta milésima | KEEN-toe me-LEH-see-moh / KEEN-tah me-LEH-see-mah | ˈkinto miˈlesimo / ˈkinta miˈlesima |
| 10,000th | Décimo milésimo / Décima milésima | DEH-see-moh me-LEH-see-moh / DEH-see-mah me-LEH-see-mah | ˈdeθimo miˈlesimo / ˈdeθima miˈlesima |
| 100,000th | Centésimo milésimo / Centésima milésima | sehn-TEH-see-moh me-LEH-see-moh / sehn-TEH-see-mah me-LEH-see-mah | θenˈtesimo miˈlesimo / θenˈtesima miˈlesima |
| 1,000,000th | Millonésimo / Millonésima | me-yoh-NEH-see-moh / me-yoh-NEH-see-mah | miʎoˈnesimo / miʎoˈnesima |
If you’ve been following our handy Spanish guides for a while, you already know that we love to provide as much helpful information as possible. That’s why we’ve got ten example sentences with ordinal numbers in Spanish for you.
| Spanish | English |
| Esta es la primera vez que viajo a Madrid. | This is the first time I ever travel to Madrid. |
| Este es el segundo año consecutivo que cancelan el toreneo. | This is the second consecutive year that they’ve canceled the tournament. |
| Quedé en tercer lugar, pero me divertí mucho compitiendo. | I placed third, but I had a lot of fun competing! |
| Estoy en el cuarto semestre de mi licenciatura. | I’m currently in my fourth semester of college. |
| Para apenas ser mi quinta clase de español, ya sé algunas frases importantes. | Considering this is only my fifth Spanish class, I can already say a few important phrases! |
| Esta es la sexta vez que le llamo y no me contestan. | This is the sixth time I’ve called them with no answer. |
| ¡Por fin pude conocer la séptima maravilla del mundo! | I was finally able to see the seventh wonder of the world! |
| La octava línea del metro de la Ciudad de México fue inaugurada en 1984. | The eigth line of the Mexico City subway opened in 1984. |
| ¡Bienvenidos a la décima edición del concurso infantil de matemáticas! | Welcome to the tenth edition of the children’s math contest! |
| Por milésima vez, ¡no pongas los pies sobre la mesa! | For the thousandth time, don’t put your feet up on the table! |
![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt7a68c793e079d77d/648921600f2d9b2bd7ed5042/pexels-francesco-ungaro-15997880.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Just like English often contracts ordinal numbers (2nd), Spanish has its own contraction system. As you’ve already seen, ordinal numbers can get very long very quickly, so feel free to use contractions any time you’re typing to save space and time!
| Masculine contraction | Masculine ordinal number | Feminine contraction | Feminine ordinal number |
| 1º | Primero | 1ª | Primera |
| 2º | Segundo | 2ª | Segunda |
| 3º | Tercero | 3ª | Tercera |
| 4º | Cuarto | 4ª | Cuarta |
| 5º | Quinto | 5ª | Quinta |
| 6º | Sexto | 6ª | Sexta |
| 7º | Séptimo | 7ª | Séptima |
| 8º | Octavo | 8ª | Octava |
| 9º | Noveno | 9ª | Novena |
| 10º | Décimo | 10ª | Décima |
| 11º | Decimoprimero | 11ª | Decimoprimera |
| 12º | Decimosegundo | 12ª | Decimosegunda |
| 13º | Decimotercero | 13ª | Decimotercera |
| 14º | Decimocuarto | 14ª | Decimocuarta |
| 15º | Decimoquinto | 15ª | Decimoquinta |
| 16º | Decimosexto | 16ª | Decimasexta |
| 17º | Decimoséptimo | 17ª | Decimoséptima |
| 18º | Decimoctavo | 18ª | Decimoctava |
| 19º | Decimonoveno | 19ª | Decimonovena |
| 20º | Vigésimo | 20ª | Vigésima |
Perhaps surprisingly, you’ll also want to be familiar with Roman numerals when learning all about numbers in Spanish. Unlike English, which uses Roman numerals sporadically, Spanish uses them quite extensively. If you’ve never learned about Roman numerals or simply need a little refresher, here are the most common numbers:
| Roman number | Value |
| I | 1 |
| V | 5 |
| X | 10 |
| L | 50 |
| C | 100 |
| D | 500 |
| M | 1000 |
While you could plausibly go your entire life without learning how to use Roman numerals in English, the same isn’t true for Spanish. There are many common scenarios where Roman numerals are not only preferred but expected. Here are a few situations where Roman numerals are required in Spanish:
Before you run away frantically, let us reassure you that using Roman numerals requires only the most basic arithmetic. Yes, some math is involved, but you won’t have to struggle too much if you passed some elementary school math classes.
Here’s what you need to know to use Roman numerals:
If that sounds like a lot of rules, don’t worry. We’ll show you some examples along with their calculations so you start getting a hang of it. Just like arithmetic, this will all be second nature to you once you figure out a few numbers on your own!
Now that you’ve got a quick guide on the addition and subtraction rules, here are some examples of numbers written in Roman numerals along with their calculations.
| Roman numeral | Value | Calculations |
| VIII | 8 | (5 + 1 + 1 + 1) |
| XIX | 19 | (10 + (10 - 1)) |
| XXVII | 27 | (10 + 10 + (5 + 1 + 1)) |
| XXXIX | 39 | (10 + 10 + 10 + (10 - 1)) |
| VI | 51 | (50 + 1) |
| LXIV | 64 | (50 + 10 + (5 - 1)) |
| LXXXI | 81 | (50 + 10 + 10 + 10 +1) |
| CX | 110 | (100 + 10) |
If you feel like you’ve got a good handle on all the numbers we’ve gone over, why not test the depth of your understanding with a little quiz? After all, nobody will be grading this for you, so give the following exercises your best shot! We’ve included the number in parentheses, but it is up to you to figure out if it should be an ordinal or cardinal number.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Irregular verbs Spanish","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"101+ top irregular verbs in Spanish & their verb conjugations","url":"/blog/irregular-verbs-spanish-conjugation","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb500316ee2a3940f/64893d1b75c2ae27f205fcb3/gettyimages-707454767.jpeg"},"post_content":"An overview of the most commonly used irregular verbs in Spanish, complete with conjugation patterns and tips for mastering them in everyday conversation.
\n\nSpanish conjugation rules are generally very helpful as they give us a standardized way to conjugate the thousands of unique verbs in Spanish. However, there are hundreds of irregular verbs out there that we need to watch out for. Some of these verbs have conjugations that differ wildly from the infinitive verb, while others just have one or two conjugations with slight variations.
\nSome of them might even only be conjugated differently in one specific verb tense, which may lead you to believe that they’re regular verbs when they’re really not. That’s why it’s important to study the irregular verbs in Spanish so you can stay on the lookout for these pesky verbs that require a little more attention.
\nWith that said, conjugating irregular verbs isn’t much more difficult than conjugating regular ones. The changes in spelling are usually quite minimal, and, although it may sound like irregular verbs have different conjugations for arbitrary reasons, they usually make a lot of sense once you know why the conjugations were changed in the first place.
\nBelow, we’ll cover 100+ irregular verbs in Spanish and explain a few reasons why some of these verbs are irregular.
\n![\"Learn](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt8fdb032678292a5d/64893dd59625e17889b36a6c/istock-1092703836.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Spanish verbs can be divided into two parts: the stem and the suffix. Normal conjugation rules call for keeping the stem while removing the suffix and replacing it with one of the appropriate endings depending on the ending of the suffix. These are the conjugated verb endings for regular verbs:
\n| Pronoun | \n-ar verbs | \n-ir verbs | \n-er verbs | \n
| Yo | \n-o | \n-o | \n-o | \n
| Tú | \n-as | \n-es | \n-es | \n
| Él / ella | \n-a | \n-e | \n-e | \n
| Usted | \n-a | \n-e | \n-e | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \n-amos | \n-imos | \n-emos | \n
| Ustedes | \n-an | \n-en | \n-en | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \n-áis | \n-ís | \n-éis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \n-an | \n-en | \n-en | \n
For a verb to be considered a regular verb, two things need to be true:
\nVerbs that don’t fulfill the two requirements above in all possible conjugations are considered irregular. However, being irregular doesn’t mean that the verb has impossibly difficult conjugations — many irregular verbs only have one conjugation that falls out of the norm.
\nWhat it does mean, however, is that you’ll have to memorize the conjugations of those irregular verbs. Some verbs will require some heavy lifting, as the conjugations for each tense are different, but many won’t require much extra work, as the “irregularities” can be quite predictable. Below, we’ll show you the most common types of irregular verbs in Spanish along with some of the reasons why they’re irregular so you can start getting a sense of them.
\n\n
As their name implies, irregular verbs can be hard to predict. However, we can classify irregular Spanish verbs into a few categories. Below, we’ve separated the most common Spanish irregular verbs into several categories, giving you plenty of examples for each one.
\nIn each conjugated table, you’ll find that the stem of the verb is bolded, while the irregular part is marked underlined. Irregular stems will be both bolded and underlined, thus letting you see what makes irregular verbs… irregular!
\n\n
Stem-changing verbs are some of the most common types of irregular verbs. With regular verbs, the stem is the part of the verb that doesn’t change when the verb is conjugated. In a stem-changing irregular verb, there is a slight or complete change to the part of the verb that isn’t supposed to change. Let’s look at some of these cases:
\n\n
One of the most common types of stem-changing verbs is where the last “o” in the stem changes to “ue” or “hue” in the conjugated form. Notice that this change doesn’t apply to first-person plural and second-person plural (Spain) conjugations. Here are some common examples:
\n| English | \nAlmorzar | \nDemostrar | \nEnvolver | \nPoder | \nResolver | \n
| Yo | \nalmuerzo | \ndemuestro | \nenvuelvo | \npuedo | \nresuelvo | \n
| Tú | \nalmuerzas | \ndemuestras | \nenvuelves | \npuedes | \nresuelves | \n
| Él / ella | \nalmuerza | \ndemuestra | \nenvuelve | \npuede | \nresuelve | \n
| Usted | \nalmuerza | \ndemuestra | \nenvuelve | \npuede | \nresuelve | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nalmorzamos | \ndemostramos | \nenvolvemos | \npodemos | \nresolvemos | \n
| Ustedes | \nalmuerzan | \ndemuestran | \nenvuelven | \npueden | \nresuelven | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nalmorzáis | \ndemostráis | \nenvolvéis | \npodéis | \nresolvéis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nalmuerzan | \ndemuestran | \nenvuelven | \npueden | \nresuelven | \n
\n
Another common type of stem change is when the “e” in the infinitive verb changes to “ie” in conjugated versions. Notice that the exclusion for first-person plural and second-person plural (Spain) conjugations is also true in these verbs!
\n| English | \nCerrar | \nAdvertir | \nConvertir | \nMentir | \nSentir | \n
| Yo | \ncierro | \nadvierto | \nconvierto | \nmiento | \nsiento | \n
| Tú | \ncierras | \nadviertes | \nconviertes | \nmientes | \nsientes | \n
| Él / ella | \ncierra | \nadvierte | \nconvierte | \nmiente | \nsiente | \n
| Usted | \ncierra | \nadvierte | \nconvierte | \nmiente | \nsiente | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \ncerramos | \nadvertimos | \nconvertimos | \nmentimos | \nsentimos | \n
| Ustedes | \ncierran | \nadvierten | \nconvierten | \nmienten | \nsienten | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \ncerráis | \nadvertís | \nconvertís | \nmentís | \nsentís | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \ncierran | \nadvierten | \nconvierten | \nmienten | \nsienten | \n
\n
Another type of stem-changing irregular Spanish verb that you have to be familiar with is when the “e” in the infinitive changes to “i” in conjugated versions. The same exclusion for first-person plural and second-person plural (Spain) conjugations applies here as well, so make sure not to make that common mistake!
\n| English | \nCompetir | \nElegir | \nPedir | \nMedir | \nSonreír | \n
| Yo | \ncompito | \nelijo | \npido | \nmido | \nsonrío | \n
| Tú | \ncompites | \neliges | \npido | \nmides | \nsonríes | \n
| Él / ella | \ncompite | \nelige | \npide | \nmide | \nsonríe | \n
| Usted | \ncompite | \nelige | \npide | \nmide | \nsonríe | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \ncompetimos | \nelegimos | \npedimos | \nmedimos | \nsonreímos | \n
| Ustedes | \ncompiten | \neligen | \npiden | \nmiden | \nsonríen | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \ncompetís | \nelegís | \npedís | \nmedís | \nsonreís | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \ncompiten | \neligen | \npiden | \nmiden | \nsonríen | \n
\n
Finally, you should be aware of a specific case of a stem-changing verb. The verb jugar (who-gare) changes its stem form “u” to “ue” in its conjugated versions, as such:
\n| English | \nJugar | \n
| I play | \nYo juego | \n
| You play | \nTú juegas | \n
| He / she plays | \nÉl / ella juega | \n
| You play (formal) | \nUsted juega | \n
| We play | \nNosotros jugamos | \n
| You (plural) play (LATAM) | \nUstedes juegan | \n
| You (plural) play (Spain) | \nVosotros jugáis | \n
| They play | \nEllos / ellas juegan | \n
\n
Another common type of irregular verb that you need to be familiar with are those that only change for the first-person singular conjugation. Since there’s only one irregular conjugation, it’s quite easy to forget that you’re dealing with an irregular verb, thus making mistakes quite common. Familiarize yourself with the following verbs to not get caught off-guard!
\n| English | \nHacer | \nSalir | \nSaber | \nPoner | \nDar | \n
| Yo | \nhago | \nsalgo | \nsé | \npongo | \ndoy | \n
| Tú | \nhaces | \nsales | \nsabes | \npones | \ndas | \n
| Él / ella | \nhace | \nsale | \nsabe | \npone | \nda | \n
| Usted | \nhace | \nsalimos | \nsabe | \npone | \nda | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nhacemos | \nsalís | \nsabemos | \nponemos | \ndamos | \n
| Ustedes | \nhacen | \nsalen | \nsaben | \nponen | \ndan | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nhacéis | \nsalís | \nsabéis | \nponéis | \ndais | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nhacen | \nsalen | \nsaben | \nponen | \ndan | \n
\n
An irregular verb that changes orthographically does so in order to prevent a more significant change in pronunciation. For example, the verb proteger (pro-teh-hehr) would change to protego (pro-teh-go) if it were conjugated regularly. If you’re already familiar with Spanish pronunciation rules, then you know that the vowel immediately after the -g will have a tremendous impact on the pronunciation of the word. So, in order to prevent a more drastic change, the verb proteger replaces the -g with a -j in certain conjugations, like protejo (pro-teh-hoh).
\nHere are a few examples:
\n| Pronoun | \nProteger (to protect) | \nConocer (to know) | \nCoger (to grab) | \nConvencer (to convince) | \nEjercer (to practice) | \n
| Yo | \nprotejo | \nconozco | \ncojo | \nconvenzo | \nejerzo | \n
| Tú | \nproteges | \nconoces | \ncoges | \nconvences | \nejerces | \n
| Él / ella | \nprotege | \nconoce | \ncoge | \nconvence | \nejerce | \n
| Usted | \nprotege | \nconoce | \ncoge | \nconvence | \nejerce | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nprotegemos | \nconocemos | \ncogemos | \nconvencemos | \nejercemos | \n
| Ustedes | \nprotegen | \nconocen | \ncogen | \nconvencen | \nejercen | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nprotegéis | \nconocéis | \ncogéis | \nconvencéis | \nejercéis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nprotegen | \nconocen | \ncogen | \nconvencen | \nejercen | \n
\n
Now that you’re acquainted with some of the most common types of irregular verbs in Spanish, let’s get started with our massive list of irregular verbs. Below, you’ll find 75 of the most common irregular verbs in Spanish along with their conjugations in present, past, and future tense. As you’ll see, some verbs are only irregular in one of the three tenses, while many are irregular across time. ¡Vámonos!
\n![\"Learn](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt597419153b942fa2/64893f69d24204a7fb1cba83/istock-1146532956.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nsoy | \nfui | \nseré | \n
| Tú | \neres | \nfuiste | \nserás | \n
| Él / ella | \nes | \nfue | \nserá | \n
| Usted | \nes | \nfue | \nserá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nsomos | \nfuimos | \nseremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nson | \nfueron | \nserán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nsois | \nfuisteis | \nseréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nson | \nfueron | \nserán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nhe | \nhube | \nhabré | \n
| Tú | \nhas | \nhubiste | \nhabrás | \n
| Él / ella | \nha | \nhubo | \nhabrá | \n
| Usted | \nha | \nhubo | \nhabrá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nhemos | \nhubimos | \nhabremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nhan | \nhubieron | \nhabrán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nhabéis | \nhubisteis | \nhabréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nhan | \nhubieron | \nhabrán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nestoy | \nestuve | \nestaré | \n
| Tú | \nestás | \nestuviste | \nestarás | \n
| Él / ella | \nestá | \nestuvo | \nestará | \n
| Usted | \nestá | \nestuvo | \nestará | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nestamos | \nestuvimos | \nestaremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nestán | \nestuvieron | \nestarán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nestáis | \nestuvisteis | \nestaréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nestán | \nestuvieron | \nestarán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \npienso | \npensé | \npensaré | \n
| Tú | \npiensas | \npensaste | \npensarás | \n
| Él / ella | \npiensa | \npensó | \npensará | \n
| Usted | \npiensa | \npensó | \npensará | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \npensamos | \npensamos | \npensaremos | \n
| Ustedes | \npiensan | \npensaron | \npensarán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \npensáis | \npensasteis | \npensaréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \npiensan | \npensaron | \npensarán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \ntengo | \ntuve | \ntendré | \n
| Tú | \ntienes | \ntuviste | \ntendrás | \n
| Él / ella | \ntiene | \ntuvo | \ntendrá | \n
| Usted | \ntiene | \ntuvo | \ntendrá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \ntenemos | \ntuvimos | \ntendremos | \n
| Ustedes | \ntienen | \ntuvieron | \ntendrán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \ntenéis | \ntuvisteis | \ntendréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \ntienen | \ntuviste | \ntendrán | \n
\n
*Watch out here! Dijeron has an irregular stem and an irregular ending. Since it’s the only conjugation in the past tense with an irregular ending, many people tend to forget about it and use the regular suffix, resulting in dijieron. Make sure you don’t make this mistake!
\n| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \ndigo | \ndije | \ndiré | \n
| Tú | \ndices | \ndijiste | \ndirás | \n
| Él / ella | \ndice | \ndijo | \ndirá | \n
| Usted | \ndice | \ndijo | \ndirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \ndecimos | \ndijimos | \ndiremos | \n
| Ustedes | \ndicen | \ndijeron* | \ndirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \ndecís | \ndijisteis | \ndiréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \ndicen | \ndijeron* | \ndirán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nvoy | \nfui | \niré | \n
| Tú | \nvas | \nfuiste | \nirás | \n
| Él / ella | \nva | \nfue | \nirá | \n
| Usted | \nva | \nfue | \nirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nvamos | \nfuimos | \niremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nvan | \nfueron | \nirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nvais | \nfuisteis | \niréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nvan | \nfueron | \nirán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nsirvo | \nserví | \nserviré | \n
| Tú | \nsirves | \nserviste | \nservirás | \n
| Él / ella | \nsirve | \nsirvió | \nservirá | \n
| Usted | \nsirve | \nsirvió | \nservirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nservimos | \nservimos | \nserviremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nsirven | \nsirvieron | \nservirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nservís | \nservisteis | \nserviréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nsirven | \nsirvieron | \nservirán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nduermo | \ndormí | \ndormiré | \n
| Tú | \nduermes | \ndormiste | \ndormirás | \n
| Él / ella | \nduerme | \ndurmió | \ndormirá | \n
| Usted | \nduerme | \ndurmió | \ndormirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \ndormimos | \ndormimos | \ndormiremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nduermen | \ndurmieron | \ndormirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \ndormís | \ndormisteis | \ndormiréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nduermen | \ndurmieron | \ndormirán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nquiero | \nquise | \nquerré | \n
| Tú | \nquieres | \nquisiste | \nquerrás | \n
| Él / ella | \nquiere | \nquiso | \nquerrá | \n
| Usted | \nquiere | \nquiso | \nquerrá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nqueremos | \nquisimos | \nquerremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nquieren | \nquisieron | \nquerrán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nqueréis | \nquisisteis | \nquerréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nquieren | \nquisieron | \nquerrán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nveo | \nvi | \nveré | \n
| Tú | \nves | \nviste | \nverás | \n
| Él / ella | \nve | \nvio | \nverá | \n
| Usted | \nve | \nvio | \nverá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nvemos | \nvimos | \nveremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nven | \nvieron | \nverán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nveis | \nvisteis | \nveréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nven | \nvieron | \nverán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nllego | \nllegué | \nllegaré | \n
| Tú | \nllegas | \nllegaste | \nllegarás | \n
| Él / ella | \nllega | \nllegó | \nllegará | \n
| Usted | \nllega | \nllegó | \nllegará | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nllegamos | \nllegamos | \nllegaremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nllegan | \nllegaron | \nllegarán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nllegáis | \nllegasteis | \nllegaréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nllegan | \nllegaron | \nllegarán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \ncreo | \ncreí | \ncreeré | \n
| Tú | \ncrees | \ncreíste | \ncreerás | \n
| Él / ella | \ncree | \ncreyó | \ncreerá | \n
| Usted | \ncree | \ncreyó | \ncreerá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \ncreemos | \ncreímos | \ncreeremos | \n
| Ustedes | \ncreen | \ncreyeron | \ncreerán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \ncreéis | \ncreísteis | \ncreeréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \ncreen | \ncreyeron | \ncreerán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nencuentro | \nencontré | \nencontraré | \n
| Tú | \nencuentras | \nencontraste | \nencontrarás | \n
| Él / ella | \nencuentra | \nencontró | \nencontrará | \n
| Usted | \nencuentra | \nencontró | \nencontrará | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nencontramos | \nencontramos | \nencontraremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nencuentran | \nencontraron | \nencontrarán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nencontráis | \nencontrasteis | \nencontraréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nencuentran | \nencontraron | \nencontrarán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nvengo | \nvine | \nvendré | \n
| Tú | \nvienes | \nviniste | \nvendrás | \n
| Él / ella | \nviene | \nvino | \nvendrá | \n
| Usted | \nviene | \nvino | \nvendrá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nvenimos | \nvinimos | \nvendremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nvienen | \nvinieron | \nvendrán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nvenís | \nvinisteis | \nvendréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nvienen | \nvinieron | \nvendrán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \npienso | \npensé | \npensaré | \n
| Tú | \npiensas | \npensaste | \npensarás | \n
| Él / ella | \npiensa | \npensó | \npensará | \n
| Usted | \npiensa | \npensó | \npensará | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \npensamos | \npensamos | \npensaremos | \n
| Ustedes | \npiensan | \npensaron | \npensarán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \npensáis | \npensasteis | \npensaréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \npiensan | \npensaron | \npensarán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nvuelvo | \nvolví | \nvolveré | \n
| Tú | \nvuelves | \nvolviste | \nvolverás | \n
| Él / ella | \nvuelve | \nvolvió | \nvolverá | \n
| Usted | \nvuelve | \nvolvió | \nvolverá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nvolvemos | \nvolvimos | \nvolveremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nvuelven | \nvolvieron | \nvolverán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nvolvéis | \nvolvisteis | \nvolveréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nvuelven | \nvolvieron | \nvolverán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nencierro | \nencerré | \nencerraré | \n
| Tú | \nencierras | \nencerraste | \nencerrarás | \n
| Él / ella | \nencierra | \nencerró | \nencerrará | \n
| Usted | \nencierra | \nencerró | \nencerrará | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nencerramos | \nencerramos | \nencerraremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nencierran | \nencerraron | \nencerrarán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nencerráis | \nencerrasteis | \nencerraréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nencierran | \nencerraron | \nencerrarán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \naíslo | \naislé | \naislaré | \n
| Tú | \naíslas | \naislaste | \naislarás | \n
| Él / ella | \naísla | \naisló | \naislará | \n
| Usted | \naísla | \naisló | \naislará | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \naislamos | \naislamos | \naislaremos | \n
| Ustedes | \naíslan | \naislaron | \naislarán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \naisláis | \naislasteis | \naislaréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \naíslan | \naislaron | \naislarán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nentiendo | \nentendí | \nentenderé | \n
| Tú | \nentiendes | \nentendiste | \nentenderás | \n
| Él / ella | \nentiende | \nentendió | \nentenderá | \n
| Usted | \nentiende | \nentendió | \nentenderá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nentendemos | \nentendimos | \nentenderemos | \n
| Ustedes | \nentienden | \nentendieron | \nentenderán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nentendéis | \nentendisteis | \nentenderéis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nentienden | \nentendieron | \nentenderán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \npredigo | \npredije | \npredeciré | \n
| Tú | \npredices | \npredijiste | \npredecirás | \n
| Él / ella | \npredice | \npredijo | \npredecirá | \n
| Usted | \npredice | \npredijo | \npredecirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \npredecimos | \npredijimos | \npredeciremos | \n
| Ustedes | \npredicen | \npredijeron | \npredecirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \npredecís | \npredijisteis | \npredeciréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \npredicen | \npredijeron | \npredecirán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nprevengo | \nprevine | \nprevendré | \n
| Tú | \nprevienes | \npreviniste | \nprevendrás | \n
| Él / ella | \npreviene | \nprevino | \nprevendrá | \n
| Usted | \npreviene | \nprevino | \nprevendrá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nprevenimos | \nprevinimos | \nprevendremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nprevienen | \nprevinieron | \nprevendrán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nprevenís | \nprevinisteis | \nprevendréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nprevienen | \nprevinieron | \nprevendrán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \npruebo | \nprobé | \nprobaré | \n
| Tú | \npruebas | \nprobaste | \nprobarás | \n
| Él / ella | \nprueba | \nprobó | \nprobará | \n
| Usted | \nprueba | \nprobó | \nprobará | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nprobamos | \nprobamos | \nprobaremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nprueban | \nprobaron | \nprobarán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nprobáis | \nprobasteis | \nprobaréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nprueban | \nprobaron | \nprobarán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nexcluyo | \nexcluí | \nexcluiré | \n
| Tú | \nexcluyes | \nexcluiste | \nexcluirás | \n
| Él / ella | \nexcluye | \nexcluyó | \nexcluirá | \n
| Usted | \nexcluye | \nexcluyó | \nexcluirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nexcluimos | \nexcluimos | \nexcluiremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nexcluyen | \nexcluyeron | \nexcluirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nexcluís | \nexcluisteis | \nexcluiréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nexcluyen | \nexcluyeron | \nexcluirán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nprohíbo | \nprohibí | \nprohibiré | \n
| Tú | \nprohíbes | \nprohibiste | \nprohibirás | \n
| Él / ella | \nprohíbe | \nprohibió | \nprohibirá | \n
| Usted | \nprohíbe | \nprohibió | \nprohibirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nprohibimos | \nprohibimos | \nprohibiremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nprohíben | \nprohibieron | \nprohibirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nprohibís | \nprohibisteis | \nprohibiréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nprohíben | \nprohibieron | \nprohibirán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \natiendo | \natendí | \natenderé | \n
| Tú | \natiendes | \natendiste | \natenderás | \n
| Él / ella | \natiende | \natendió | \natenderá | \n
| Usted | \natiende | \natendió | \natenderá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \natendemos | \natendimos | \natenderemos | \n
| Ustedes | \natienden | \natendieron | \natenderán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \natendéis | \natendisteis | \natenderéis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \natienden | \natendieron | \natenderán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nfuerzo | \nforcé | \nforzaré | \n
| Tú | \nfuerzas | \nforzaste | \nforzarás | \n
| Él / ella | \nfuerza | \nforzó | \nforzará | \n
| Usted | \nfuerza | \nforzó | \nforzará | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nforzamos | \nforzamos | \nforzaremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nfuerzan | \nforzamos | \nforzarán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nforzáis | \nforzasteis | \nforzaréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nfuerzan | \nforzamos | \nforzarán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nproveo | \nproveí | \nproveeré | \n
| Tú | \nprovees | \nproveíste | \nproveerás | \n
| Él / ella | \nprovee | \nproveyó | \nproveerá | \n
| Usted | \nprovee | \nproveyó | \nproveerá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nproveemos | \nproveímos | \nproveeremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nproveen | \nproveyeron | \nproveerán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nproveéis | \nproveísteis | \nproveeréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nproveen | \nproveyeron | \nproveerán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nfrío | \nfreí | \nfreiré | \n
| Tú | \nfríes | \nfreíste | \nfreirás | \n
| Él / ella | \nfríe | \nfrio | \nfreirá | \n
| Usted | \nfríe | \nfrio | \nfreirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nfreímos | \nfreímos | \nfreiremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nfríen | \nfrieron | \nfreirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nfreís | \nfreísteis | \nfreiréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nfríen | \nfrieron | \nfreirán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nquepo | \ncupe | \ncabré | \n
| Tú | \ncabes | \ncupiste | \ncabrás | \n
| Él / ella | \ncabe | \ncupo | \ncabrá | \n
| Usted | \ncabe | \ncupo | \ncabrá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \ncabemos | \ncupimos | \ncabremos | \n
| Ustedes | \ncaben | \ncupieron | \ncabrán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \ncabéis | \ncupisteis | \ncabréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \ncaben | \ncupieron | \ncabrán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \ngobierno | \ngoberné | \ngobernaré | \n
| Tú | \ngobiernas | \ngobernaste | \ngobernarás | \n
| Él / ella | \ngobierna | \ngobernó | \ngobernará | \n
| Usted | \ngobierna | \ngobernó | \ngobernará | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \ngobernamos | \ngobernamos | \ngobernaremos | \n
| Ustedes | \ngobiernan | \ngobernaron | \ngobernarán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \ngobernáis | \ngobernasteis | \ngobernaréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \ngobiernan | \ngobernaron | \ngobernarán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \ncaliento | \ncalenté | \ncalentaré | \n
| Tú | \ncalientas | \ncalentaste | \ncalentarás | \n
| Él / ella | \ncalienta | \ncalentó | \ncalentará | \n
| Usted | \ncalienta | \ncalentó | \ncalentará | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \ncalentamos | \ncalentamos | \ncalentaremos | \n
| Ustedes | \ncalientan | \ncalentaron | \ncalentarán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \ncalentáis | \ncalentasteis | \ncalentaréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \ncalientan | \ncalentaron | \ncalentarán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nreduzco | \nreduje | \nreduciré | \n
| Tú | \nreduces | \nredujiste | \nreducirás | \n
| Él / ella | \nreduce | \nredujo | \nreducirá | \n
| Usted | \nreduce | \nredujo | \nreducirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nreducimos | \nredujimos | \nreduciremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nreducen | \nredujeron | \nreducirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nreducís | \nredujisteis | \nreduciréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nreducen | \nredujeron | \nreducirán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \ncarezco | \ncarecí | \ncareceré | \n
| Tú | \ncareces | \ncareciste | \ncarecerás | \n
| Él / ella | \ncarece | \ncareció | \ncarecerá | \n
| Usted | \ncarece | \ncareció | \ncarecerá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \ncarecemos | \ncarecimos | \ncareceremos | \n
| Ustedes | \ncarecen | \ncarecieron | \ncarecerán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \ncarecéis | \ncarecisteis | \ncareceréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \ncarecen | \ncarecieron | \ncarecerán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nincluyo | \nincluí | \nincluiré | \n
| Tú | \nincluyes | \nincluiste | \nincluirás | \n
| Él / ella | \nincluye | \nincluyó | \nincluirá | \n
| Usted | \nincluye | \nincluyó | \nincluirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nincluimos | \nincluimos | \nincluiremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nincluyen | \nincluyeron | \nincluirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nincluís | \nincluisteis | \nincluiréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nincluyen | \nincluyeron | \nincluirán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nrehúso | \nrehusé | \nrehusaré | \n
| Tú | \nrehúsas | \nrehusaste | \nrehusarás | \n
| Él / ella | \nrehúsa | \nrehusó | \nrehusará | \n
| Usted | \nrehúsa | \nrehusó | \nrehusará | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nrehusamos | \nrehusamos | \nrehusaremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nrehúsan | \nrehusaron | \nrehusarán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nrehusáis | \nrehusasteis | \nrehusaréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nrehúsan | \nrehusaron | \nrehusarán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nintroduzco | \nintroduje | \nintroduciré | \n
| Tú | \nintroduces | \nintrodujiste | \nintroducirás | \n
| Él / ella | \nintroduce | \nintrodujo | \nintroducirá | \n
| Usted | \nintroduce | \nintrodujo | \nintroducirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nintroducimos | \nintrodujimos | \nintroduciremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nintroducen | \nintrodujeron | \nintroducirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nintroducís | \nintrodujisteis | \nintroduciréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nintroducen | \nintrodujeron | \nintroducirán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nrío | \nreí | \nreiré | \n
| Tú | \nríes | \nreíste | \nreirás | \n
| Él / ella | \nríe | \nrio | \nreirá | \n
| Usted | \nríe | \nrio | \nreirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nreímos | \nreímos | \nreiremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nríen | \nrieron | \nreirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nreís | \nreísteis | \nreiréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nríen | \nrieron | \nreirán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \ncomplazco | \ncomplací | \ncomplaceré | \n
| Tú | \ncomplaces | \ncomplaciste | \ncomplacerás | \n
| Él / ella | \ncomplace | \ncomplació | \ncomplacerá | \n
| Usted | \ncomplace | \ncomplació | \ncomplacerá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \ncomplacemos | \ncomplacimos | \ncomplaceremos | \n
| Ustedes | \ncomplacen | \ncomplacieron | \ncomplacerán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \ncomplacéis | \ncomplacisteis | \ncomplaceréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \ncomplacen | \ncomplacieron | \ncomplacerán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \ninvierto | \ninvertí | \ninvertiré | \n
| Tú | \ninviertes | \ninvertiste | \ninvertirás | \n
| Él / ella | \ninvierte | \ninvirtió | \ninvertirá | \n
| Usted | \ninvierte | \ninvirtió | \ninvertirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \ninvertimos | \ninvertimos | \ninvertiremos | \n
| Ustedes | \ninvierten | \ninvirtieron | \ninvertirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \ninvertís | \ninvertisteis | \ninvertiréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \ninvierten | \ninvirtieron | \ninvertirán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nretengo | \nretuve | \nretendré | \n
| Tú | \nretienes | \nretuviste | \nretendrás | \n
| Él / ella | \nretiene | \nretuvo | \nretendrá | \n
| Usted | \nretiene | \nretuvo | \nretendrá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nretenemos | \nretuvimos | \nretendremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nretienen | \nretuvieron | \nretendrán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nretenéis | \nretuvisteis | \nretendréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nretienen | \nretuvieron | \nretendrán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nconduzco | \nconduje | \nconduciré | \n
| Tú | \nconduces | \ncondujiste | \nconducirás | \n
| Él / ella | \nconduce | \ncondujo | \nconducirá | \n
| Usted | \nconduce | \ncondujo | \nconducirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nconducimos | \ncondujimos | \nconduciremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nconducen | \ncondujeron | \nconducirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nconducís | \ncondujisteis | \nconduciréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nconducen | \ncondujeron | \nconducirán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nruedo | \nrodé | \nrodaré | \n
| Tú | \nruedas | \nrodaste | \nrodarás | \n
| Él / ella | \nrueda | \nrodó | \nrodará | \n
| Usted | \nrueda | \nrodó | \nrodará | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nrodamos | \nrodamos | \nrodaremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nruedan | \nrodaron | \nrodarán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nrodáis | \nrodasteis | \nrodaréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nruedan | \nrodaron | \nrodarán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nconsigo | \nconseguí | \nconseguiré | \n
| Tú | \nconsigues | \nconseguiste | \nconseguirás | \n
| Él / ella | \nconsigue | \nconsiguió | \nconseguirá | \n
| Usted | \nconsigue | \nconsiguió | \nconseguirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nconseguimos | \nconseguimos | \nconseguiremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nconsiguen | \nconsiguieron | \nconseguirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nconseguís | \nconseguisteis | \nconseguiréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nconsiguen | \nconsiguieron | \nconseguirán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nconstruyo | \nconstruí | \nconstruiré | \n
| Tú | \nconstruyes | \nconstruiste | \nconstruirás | \n
| Él / ella | \nconstruye | \nconstruyó | \nconstruirá | \n
| Usted | \nconstruye | \nconstruyó | \nconstruirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nconstruimos | \nconstruimos | \nconstruiremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nconstruyen | \nconstruyeron | \nconstruirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nconstruís | \nconstruisteis | \nconstruiréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nconstruyen | \nconstruyeron | \nconstruirán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nleo | \nleí | \nleeré | \n
| Tú | \nlees | \nleíste | \nleerás | \n
| Él / ella | \nlee | \nleyó | \nleerá | \n
| Usted | \nlee | \nleyó | \nleerá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nleemos | \nleímos | \nleeremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nleen | \nleyeron | \nleerán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nleéis | \nleísteis | \nleeréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nleen | \nleyeron | \nleerán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \ncuento | \nconté | \ncontaré | \n
| Tú | \ncuentas | \ncontaste | \ncontarás | \n
| Él / ella | \ncuenta | \ncontó | \ncontará | \n
| Usted | \ncuenta | \ncontó | \ncontará | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \ncontamos | \ncontamos | \ncontaremos | \n
| Ustedes | \ncuentan | \ncontaron | \ncontarán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \ncontáis | \ncontasteis | \ncontaréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \ncuentan | \ncontaron | \ncontarán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nconvenzo | \nconvencí | \nconvenceré | \n
| Tú | \nconvences | \nconvenciste | \nconvencerás | \n
| Él / ella | \nconvence | \nconvenció | \nconvencerá | \n
| Usted | \nconvence | \nconvenció | \nconvencerá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nconvencemos | \nconvencimos | \nconvenceremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nconvencen | \nconvencieron | \nconvencerán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nconvencéis | \nconvencisteis | \nconvenceréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nconvencen | \nconvencieron | \nconvencerán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nsigo | \nseguí | \nseguiré | \n
| Tú | \nsigues | \nseguiste | \nseguirás | \n
| Él / ella | \nsigue | \nsiguió | \nseguirá | \n
| Usted | \nsigue | \nsiguió | \nseguirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nseguimos | \nseguimos | \nseguiremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nsiguen | \nsiguieron | \nseguirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nseguís | \nseguisteis | \nseguiréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nsiguen | \nsiguieron | \nseguirán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \ncorrijo | \ncorregí | \ncorregiré | \n
| Tú | \ncorriges | \ncorregiste | \ncorregirás | \n
| Él / ella | \ncorrige | \ncorrigió | \ncorregirá | \n
| Usted | \ncorrige | \ncorrigió | \ncorregirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \ncorregimos | \ncorregimos | \ncorregiremos | \n
| Ustedes | \ncorrigen | \ncorrigieron | \ncorregirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \ncorregís | \ncorregisteis | \ncorregiréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \ncorrigen | \ncorrigieron | \ncorregirán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nmido | \nmedí | \nmediré | \n
| Tú | \nmides | \nmediste | \nmedirás | \n
| Él / ella | \nmide | \nmidió | \nmedirá | \n
| Usted | \nmide | \nmidió | \nmedirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nmedimos | \nmedimos | \nmediremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nmiden | \nmidieron | \nmedirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nmedís | \nmedisteis | \nmediréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nmiden | \nmidieron | \nmedirán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nsiento | \nsentí | \nsentiré | \n
| Tú | \nsientes | \nsentiste | \nsentirás | \n
| Él / ella | \nsiente | \nsintió | \nsentirá | \n
| Usted | \nsiente | \nsintió | \nsentirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nsentimos | \nsentimos | \nsentiremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nsienten | \nsintieron | \nsentirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nsentís | \nsentisteis | \nsentiréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nsienten | \nsintieron | \nsentirán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nmuerdo | \nmordí | \nmorderé | \n
| Tú | \nmuerdes | \nmordiste | \nmorderás | \n
| Él / ella | \nmuerde | \nmordió | \nmorderá | \n
| Usted | \nmuerde | \nmordió | \nmorderá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nmordemos | \nmordimos | \nmorderemos | \n
| Ustedes | \nmuerden | \nmordieron | \nmorderán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nmordéis | \nmordisteis | \nmorderéis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nmuerden | \nmordieron | \nmorderán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nmuero | \nmorí | \nmoriré | \n
| Tú | \nmueres | \nmoriste | \nmorirás | \n
| Él / ella | \nmuere | \nmurió | \nmorirá | \n
| Usted | \nmuere | \nmurió | \nmorirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nmorimos | \nmorimos | \nmoriremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nmueren | \nmurieron | \nmorirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nmorís | \nmoristeis | \nmoriréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nmueren | \nmurieron | \nmorirán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nsuelto | \nsolté | \nsoltaré | \n
| Tú | \nsueltas | \nsoltaste | \nsoltarás | \n
| Él / ella | \nsuelta | \nsoltó | \nsoltará | \n
| Usted | \nsuelta | \nsoltó | \nsoltará | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nsoltamos | \nsoltamos | \nsoltaremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nsueltan | \nsoltaron | \nsoltarán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nsoltáis | \nsoltasteis | \nsoltaréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nsueltan | \nsoltaron | \nsoltarán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \ndefiendo | \ndefendí | \ndefenderé | \n
| Tú | \ndefiendes | \ndefendiste | \ndefenderás | \n
| Él / ella | \ndefiende | \ndefendió | \ndefenderá | \n
| Usted | \ndefiende | \ndefendió | \ndefenderá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \ndefendemos | \ndefendimos | \ndefenderemos | \n
| Ustedes | \ndefienden | \ndefendieron | \ndefenderán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \ndefendéis | \ndefendisteis | \ndefenderéis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \ndefienden | \ndefendieron | \ndefenderán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nmuestro | \nmostré | \nmostraré | \n
| Tú | \nmuestras | \nmostraste | \nmostrarás | \n
| Él / ella | \nmuestra | \nmostró | \nmostrará | \n
| Usted | \nmuestra | \nmostró | \nmostrará | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nmostramos | \nmostramos | \nmostraremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nmuestran | \nmostraron | \nmostrarán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nmostráis | \nmostrasteis | \nmostraréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nmuestran | \nmostraron | \nmostrarán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nsueño | \nsoñé | \nsoñaré | \n
| Tú | \nsueñas | \nsoñaste | \nsoñarás | \n
| Él / ella | \nsueña | \nsoñó | \nsoñará | \n
| Usted | \nsueña | \nsoñó | \nsoñará | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nsoñamos | \nsoñamos | \nsoñaremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nsueñan | \nsoñaron | \nsoñarán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nsoñáis | \nsoñasteis | \nsoñaréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nsueñan | \nsoñaron | \nsoñarán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nmuevo | \nmoví | \nmoveré | \n
| Tú | \nmueves | \nmoviste | \nmoverás | \n
| Él / ella | \nmueve | \nmovió | \nmoverá | \n
| Usted | \nmueve | \nmovió | \nmoverá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nmovemos | \nmovimos | \nmoveremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nmueven | \nmovieron | \nmoverán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nmovéis | \nmovisteis | \nmoveréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nmueven | \nmovieron | \nmoverán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nnazco | \nnací | \nnaceré | \n
| Tú | \nnaces | \nnaciste | \nnacerás | \n
| Él / ella | \nnace | \nnació | \nnacerá | \n
| Usted | \nnace | \nnació | \nnacerá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nnacemos | \nnacimos | \nnaceremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nnacen | \nnacieron | \nnacerán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nnacéis | \nnacisteis | \nnaceréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nnacen | \nnacieron | \nnacerán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \ntraduzco | \ntraduje | \ntraduciré | \n
| Tú | \ntraduces | \ntradujiste | \ntraducirás | \n
| Él / ella | \ntraduce | \ntradujo | \ntraducirá | \n
| Usted | \ntraduce | \ntradujo | \ntraducirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \ntraducimos | \ntradujimos | \ntraduciremos | \n
| Ustedes | \ntraducen | \ntradujeron | \ntraducirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \ntraducís | \ntradujisteis | \ntraduciréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \ntraducen | \ntradujeron | \ntraducirán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nniego | \nnegué | \nnegaré | \n
| Tú | \nniegas | \nnegaste | \nnegarás | \n
| Él / ella | \nniega | \nnegó | \nnegará | \n
| Usted | \nniega | \nnegó | \nnegará | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nnegamos | \nnegamos | \nnegaremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nniegan | \nnegaron | \nnegarán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nnegáis | \nnegasteis | \nnegaréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nniegan | \nnegaron | \nnegarán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \ntraigo | \ntraje | \ntraeré | \n
| Tú | \ntraes | \ntrajiste | \ntraerás | \n
| Él / ella | \ntrae | \ntrajo | \ntraerá | \n
| Usted | \ntrae | \ntrajo | \ntraerá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \ntraemos | \ntrajimos | \ntraeremos | \n
| Ustedes | \ntraen | \ntrajeron | \ntraerán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \ntraéis | \ntrajisteis | \ntraeréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \ntraen | \ntrajeron | \ntraerán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \ndesvío | \ndesvié | \ndesviaré | \n
| Tú | \ndesvías | \ndesviaste | \ndesviarás | \n
| Él / ella | \ndesvía | \ndesvió | \ndesviará | \n
| Usted | \ndesvía | \ndesvió | \ndesviará | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \ndesviamos | \ndesviamos | \ndesviaremos | \n
| Ustedes | \ndesvían | \ndesviaron | \ndesviarán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \ndesviáis | \ndesviasteis | \ndesviaréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \ndesvían | \ndesviaron | \ndesviarán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nhuelo | \nolí | \noleré | \n
| Tú | \nhueles | \noliste | \nolerás | \n
| Él / ella | \nhuele | \nolió | \nolerá | \n
| Usted | \nhuele | \nolió | \nolerá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nolemos | \nolimos | \noleremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nhuelen | \nolieron | \nolerán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \noléis | \nolisteis | \noleréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nhuelen | \nolieron | \nolerán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nvisto | \nvestí | \nvestiré | \n
| Tú | \nvistes | \nvestiste | \nvestirás | \n
| Él / ella | \nviste | \nvistió | \nvestirá | \n
| Usted | \nviste | \nvistió | \nvestirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nvestimos | \nvestimos | \nvestiremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nvisten | \nvistieron | \nvestirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nvestís | \nvestisteis | \nvestiréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nvisten | \nvistieron | \nvestirán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \ndistribuyo | \ndistribuí | \ndistribuiré | \n
| Tú | \ndistribuyes | \ndistribuiste | \ndistribuirás | \n
| Él / ella | \ndistribuye | \ndistribuyó | \ndistribuirá | \n
| Usted | \ndistribuye | \ndistribuyó | \ndistribuirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \ndistribuimos | \ndistribuimos | \ndistribuiremos | \n
| Ustedes | \ndistribuyen | \ndistribuyeron | \ndistribuirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \ndistribuís | \ndistribuisteis | \ndistribuiréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \ndistribuyen | \ndistribuyeron | \ndistribuirán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \npierdo | \nperdí | \nperderé | \n
| Tú | \npierdes | \nperdiste | \nperderás | \n
| Él / ella | \npierde | \nperdió | \nperderá | \n
| Usted | \npierde | \nperdió | \nperderá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nperdemos | \nperdimos | \nperderemos | \n
| Ustedes | \npierden | \nperdieron | \nperderán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nperdéis | \nperdisteis | \nperderéis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \npierden | \nperdieron | \nperderán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \natravieso | \natravesé | \natravesaré | \n
| Tú | \natraviesas | \natravesaste | \natravesarás | \n
| Él / ella | \natraviesa | \natravesó | \natravesará | \n
| Usted | \natraviesa | \natravesó | \natravesará | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \natravesamos | \natravesamos | \natravesaremos | \n
| Ustedes | \natraviesan | \natravesaron | \natravesarán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \natravesáis | \natravesasteis | \natravesaréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \natraviesan | \natravesaron | \natravesarán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nconfieso | \nconfesé | \nconfesaré | \n
| Tú | \nconfiesas | \nconfesaste | \nconfesarás | \n
| Él / ella | \nconfiesa | \nconfesó | \nconfesará | \n
| Usted | \nconfiesa | \nconfesó | \nconfesará | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nconfesamos | \nconfesamos | \nconfesaremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nconfiesan | \nconfesaron | \nconfesarán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nconfesáis | \nconfesasteis | \nconfesaréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nconfiesan | \nconfesaron | \nconfesarán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nempiezo | \nempecé | \nempezaré | \n
| Tú | \nempiezas | \nempezaste | \nempezarás | \n
| Él / ella | \nempieza | \nempezó | \nempezará | \n
| Usted | \nempieza | \nempezó | \nempezará | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nempezamos | \nempezamos | \nempezaremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nempiezan | \nempezaron | \nempezarán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nempezáis | \nempezasteis | \nempezaréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nempiezan | \nempezaron | \nempezarán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nenciendo | \nencendí | \nencenderé | \n
| Tú | \nenciendes | \nencendiste | \nencenderás | \n
| Él / ella | \nenciende | \nencendió | \nencenderá | \n
| Usted | \nenciende | \nencendió | \nencenderá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nencendemos | \nencendimos | \nencenderemos | \n
| Ustedes | \nencienden | \nencendieron | \nencenderán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nencendéis | \nencendisteis | \nencenderéis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nencienden | \nencendieron | \nencenderán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nprefiero | \npreferí | \npreferiré | \n
| Tú | \nprefieres | \npreferiste | \npreferirás | \n
| Él / ella | \nprefiere | \nprefirió | \npreferirá | \n
| Usted | \nprefiere | \nprefirió | \npreferirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \npreferimos | \npreferimos | \npreferiremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nprefieren | \nprefirieron | \npreferirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \npreferís | \npreferisteis | \npreferiréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nprefieren | \nprefirieron | \npreferirán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nrecomiendo | \nrecomendé | \nrecomendaré | \n
| Tú | \nrecomiendas | \nrecomendaste | \nrecomendarás | \n
| Él / ella | \nrecomienda | \nrecomendó | \nrecomendará | \n
| Usted | \nrecomienda | \nrecomendó | \nrecomendará | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nrecomendamos | \nrecomendamos | \nrecomendaremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nrecomiendan | \nrecomendaron | \nrecomendarán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nrecomendáis | \nrecomendasteis | \nrecomendaréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nrecomiendan | \nrecomendaron | \nrecomendarán | \n
\n
| Pronoun | \nPresent-tense conjugation | \nPast-tense conjugation | \nFuture-tense conjugation | \n
| Yo | \nsugiero | \nsugerí | \nsugeriré | \n
| Tú | \nsugieres | \nsugeriste | \nsugerirás | \n
| Él / ella | \nsugiere | \nsugirió | \nsugerirá | \n
| Usted | \nsugiere | \nsugirió | \nsugerirá | \n
| Nosotros / Nosotras | \nsugerimos | \nsugerimos | \nsugeriremos | \n
| Ustedes | \nsugieren | \nsugirieron | \nsugerirán | \n
| Vosotros / Vosotras | \nsugerís | \nsugeristeis | \nsugeriréis | \n
| Ellos / ellas | \nsugieren | \nsugirieron | \nsugerirán | \n
\n
Although it may sound like irregular verbs are few and far between, the reality is that many common verbs are regular. In fact, most of the most common Spanish verbs are highly irregular, starting with tener, ser and estar — among many more. Indeed, even if you’re just starting your Spanish online classes, working on learning some of the irregular Spanish verbs is a great idea!
\nIf you’d like to challenge yourself even further, make sure to check out the rest of our Spanish blog. We continuously publish free and helpful guides on all kinds of Spanish topics, from our guide to Spanish accent marks to the definitive guide to definite and indefinite articles!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Advanced Spanish vocabulary","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"236 advanced Spanish vocabulary words to leap to the next level","url":"/blog/advanced-spanish-vocabulary","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt62df1da1e53b4d59/64801f4dca68f7680ddb151a/istock-1211322877.jpeg"},"post_content":"Expanding advanced Spanish vocabulary helps learners communicate more naturally and confidently in professional and academic settings. This article introduces sophisticated Spanish words and expressions to improve fluency and comprehension.
\n\n\nGetting to an advanced Spanish level is no small feat, and you should be proud of yourself for even achieving your current level. Perhaps you’ve recently passed an important Spanish test or just signed up for a challenging Spanish-language degree program and are looking to challenge yourself with some smart words. Whatever the case, we’ve got a massive list of 236 advanced vocabulary words in Spanish to help you stand out wherever you go.
\nHowever, the Spanish language dictionary has over 150,000 words, making it almost impossible to learn every single one. Add the countless Spanish slang words, and you’re left with an impossibly long list of advanced words. That’s why we’ve broken down our list into ten categories so you can focus your time learning the ones you’re the most interested in.
\nReady to get started? ¡Vámonos!
\n\n
\n
Even if it’s quite possible to get by without advanced vocabulary for most day-to-day interactions, you should never underestimate the power of incorporating some high-level Spanish words into your vocabulary arsenal.
\n![\"Knowing](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt105e8c01bc1789bf/647ff09dcc76b569500def9d/istock-1257729297-2.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Here are a few situations where knowing some advanced vocabulary could help you tremendously.
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You didn’t think we were gonna just throw 236 advanced Spanish vocabulary words at you just like that, did you? Before we jump into this giant list of smart Spanish words, we’ll go over some essential tips that will help you truly internalize these big words.
\n![\"Delve](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt21b22f60e17277f5/647fee89cfc7950959c2bf18/pexels-kai-blac-13472100.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Spaced repetition is one of the most effective vocabulary acquisition methods out there. In fact, a study by Iowa State University found that using a spaced-repetition study technique for just three minutes a day improved students’ long-term vocabulary retention rate by 200%. That’s just three minutes per day for such a dramatic improvement!
\nSpaced repetition consists of reviewing vocabulary words at different intervals depending on how well you know them. For example, you’ll want to review difficult words daily or close to daily, whereas you’ll need to review easier words less and less frequently as you reinforce them in your vocabulary.
\nMany apps and computer programs today help you keep track of which words you find to be a bit difficult and which ones you’ve got figured out. That way, you’ll only have to worry about reviewing the vocabulary words that the program thinks you need to review that day. These programs are known as Spaced Repetition Software (SRS), with Anki being one of the most popular ones among language learners worldwide.
\nA more natural way to practice spaced repetition is to simply increase the amount of Spanish you interact with. By improving the comprehensible input you “consume,” you’ll be increasing your chances of running into the helpful vocabulary words you want to learn. While this is usually a great tactic for intermediate Spanish speakers, it can also be a good way to obtain specific advanced vocabulary.
\nFor example, if you want to learn medical Spanish terms or business Spanish terms, you can start by watching medical dramas, reading business books, or simply watching videos on the internet. The point is to increase the amount of time you spend consuming content — whether written or oral — in any area that you wish to increase your fluency in.
\nBefore you flinch from hearing the dreaded word “quiz,” we’ve got some pretty good reasons for you to incorporate these into your own study routines. A study published in the Asian Journal of Education measured the vocabulary acquisition progress of students learning English as a foreign language with and without regular quizzes. It found that those that used the app Quizlet were able to outperform those who didn’t.
\nAnother study found that low-stakes quizzes help students perform better in midterm and final exams. If you’re skeptical about quizzing yourself because there’s no real oversight or anyone to give you an F if you don’t do a good job, this study shows that just taking the time to quiz yourself can have a significant improvement on your learning.
\nAcquiring advanced vocabulary usually means that you’ve got a pretty niche understanding of a specific field. For example, lawyers know all kinds of legal jargon because they spend a big part of their waking time thinking and talking about the law. If you have any special hobbies or interests, lean into them!
\nEven if you think your hobbies aren’t academic in nature, you can still learn plenty of big words by spending more time practicing them. For example, yoga enthusiasts can learn medical and physiological terms as they work through their Asanas. Aviation enthusiasts can learn some fun physics words as they learn more about planes. You’ll never know what fun advanced Spanish words you’ll learn when you go all-in on your interests!
\nLet’s face it — learning advanced vocabulary can sometimes feel like a drag. The best way to ensure that you’re actually sticking to your goals and achieving what you signed up for is to enjoy the process. As simple as that sounds, being able to stick to Spanish for the long run will increase your chances of acquiring high-level Spanish vocabulary much more than attempting to memorize the following massive list.
\nA few things you can do to have fun in Spanish are:
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Now, without further ado, let’s jump right into this massive list of advanced vocabulary words in Spanish that are sure to impress any native speaker! We’ve broken them up into ten different categories so you can focus on the ones you’re the most interested in.
\nEmotions and feelings can be complicated — especially in Spanish. With hundreds of beautiful, complex, and thoughtful words for feelings and emotions in Spanish, you’ll be able to expand your way of expressing how you feel with this new vocabulary. You might even find yourself getting more in tune with your feelings, as there are many words for emotions that don’t exist in English!
\n![\"Advanced](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt34b60152fd860781/647ff1d329be7037b94ee51e/istock-1146603995.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \nExample sentence | \n
| Euphoric | \nEufórico / Eufórica | \neh-ooh-FOH-ree-coh / eh-ooh-FOH-ree-ca | \newˈfoɾiko / ewˈfoɾika | \nNada va a superar lo eufórica que me sentía cuando me gradué de la universidad. | \n
| Melancholic | \nMelancólico / Melancólica | \nmeh-lan-COH-lee-coh / meh-lan-COH-lee-ca | \nmelanˈkoliko / melanˈkolika | \nMe pongo muy melancólico cuando escucho esa canción. | \n
| Yearning | \nAnhelante | \nah-neh-LAHN-teh | \naneˈlante | \nNada como unas palabras anhelantes para declararle tu amor a alguien. | \n
| Dejected | \nAbatido / Abatida | \nah-ba-TEE-doe / ah-ba-TEE-da | \naβaˈtiðo / aβaˈtiða | \nAunque es fácil sentirse triste, no puedes ir por la vida con el ánimo abatido. | \n
| Perplexed | \nPerplejo / Perpleja | \npehr-PLEH-ho / pehr-PLEH-ha | \npeɾˈplexo / peɾˈplexa | \nSu comentario me dejó perplejo. | \n
| Exasperated | \nExasperado / Exasperada | \nex-ahs-peh-RAH-doe / ex-ahs-peh-RAH-dah | \neksaspeˈɾaðo / eksaspeˈɾaða | \nEl comportamiento de José me tiene muy exasperada. | \n
| Irritated | \nIrritado / Irritada | \ne-ree-TAH-doe / e-ree-TAH-da | \niriˈtaðo / iriˈtaða | \nHe estado muy irritado esta semana por culpa de la auditoría. | \n
| Horrified | \nHorrorizado / Horrorizada | \noh-ro-ree-ZA-doe / oh-ro-ree-ZA-da | \noroɾiˈθaðo / oroɾiˈθaða | \nEsa película me dejó horrorizado. | \n
| Tormented | \nAtormentado / Atormentada | \nah-tore-men-TAH-doe / ah-tore-men-TAH-da | \natoɾmenˈtaðo / atoɾmenˈtaða | \nNo pude dormir porque unos gatos no me dejaban de atormentar con sus maúllos. | \n
| Revulsed | \nRepugnado / Repugnada | \nreh-poog-NAH-doe / reh-poog-NAH-da | \nrepuɣˈnaðo / repuɣˈnaða | \nMe siento repugnado por su comentario. | \n
| Annoyed | \nMolesto / Molesta | \nmo-LESS-toe / mo-LESS-ta | \nmoˈlesto / moˈlesta | \n¿Por qué estás molesta conmigo? | \n
| Agitated | \nAgitado / Agitada | \nah-he-TAH-doe / ah-he-TAH-da | \naxiˈtaðo / axiˈtaða | \nNo estoy molesta, solo estoy un poco agitada por el viaje. | \n
| Bitter | \nAmargado / Amargada | \nah-mar-GAH-doe / ah-mar-GAH-da | \namaɾˈɣaðo / amaɾˈɣaða | \nNo hay que ser amargados en la vida. | \n
| Mortified | \nMortificado / Mortificada | \nmore-tee-fee-CAH-doe / more-tee-fee-CAH-da | \nmoɾtifiˈkaðo / moɾtifiˈkaða | \nEstoy muy mortificado porque no sé si mi pasaporte va a estar listo a tiempo para mi viaje. | \n
| Resentful | \nResentido / Resentida | \nreh-sehn-TEE-doe / reh-sehn-TEE-da | \nresenˈtiðo / resenˈtiða | \nEstá un poco resentido porque su compañero se sacó 10 y él no. | \n
| Vengeful | \nVengativo / Vengativa | \nvehn-gah-TEE-voe / vehn-gah-TEE-va | \nbenɡaˈtiβo / benɡaˈtiβa | \nNo es bueno ser una persona vengativa en la vida. | \n
| Enthralled | \nCautivado / Cautivada | \ncah-ooh-tee-VAH-doe / cah-ooh-tee-VAH-da | \nkawtiˈβaðo / kawtiˈβaða | \nLa vista de esa hermosa montaña me tiene cautivada. | \n
| Disappointed | \nDecepcionado / Decepcionada | \ndeh-sep-see-oh-NAH-doe / deh-sep-see-oh-NAH-da | \ndeθepθjoˈnaðo / deθepθjoˈnaða | \nEstoy un poco decepcionado por el servicio que recibí la vez pasada que comí en ese restaurante. | \n
| Anxious | \nAnsioso / Ansiosa | \nahn-see-OH-so / ahn-see-OH-sa | \nanˈsjoso / anˈsjosa | \nEstoy un poco ansioso por el examen de mañana. | \n
| Exhilarated | \nRegocijado / Regocijada | \nreh-go-see-HAH-doe / reh-go-see-HAH-da | \nreɣoθiˈxaðo / reɣoθiˈxaða | \n¿Contenta? ¡Estoy regocijada de estar aquí! | \n
| Empathic | \nEmpático / Empática | \nehm-PAH-tee-coh / ehm-PAH-tee-ca | \nemˈpatiko / emˈpatika | \nTodos necesitamos tener amigos empáticos para apoyarnos en los momentos difíciles. | \n
| Humiliated | \nHumillado / Humillada | \nooh-me-YA-doe / ooh-me-YA-da | \numiˈʎaðo / umiˈʎaða | \nMiguel se siente humillado por haber terminado su maratón en cinco horas, pero cualquier persona que corre un maratón es un campeón. | \n
| Miserable | \nMiserable | \nmee-seh-RA-bleh | \nmiseˈɾaβle | \nEra miserable en ese trabajo, por eso tuve que renunciar. | \n
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Some of the most ambitious Spanish learners will want to pursue higher education in a Spanish-speaking country. Indeed, with many great universities, getting an undergraduate or graduate degree in Spain or Latin America could be an excellent way to solidify your Spanish skills, earn invaluable skills to create a life for yourself in Spanish, and network. Make sure you know the following words before you start your program!
\n![\"Advanced](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blta55c36fea0362030/647ff2a9082e837d798968db/istock-1084365070.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \nExample sentence | \n
| Outstanding | \nSobresaliente | \nsoh-breh-sah-lee-EHN-teh | \nsoβɾesaˈljente | \n¡Felicidades por obtener una distinción sobresaliente en tu carrera! | \n
| Erudite | \nErudito / Erudita | \neh-roo-DEE-toh / eh-roo-DEE-ta | \neɾuˈðito / eɾuˈðita | \nJimena es increíblemente buena en las matemáticas, es toda una erudita. | \n
| Empirical | \nEmpírico / Empírica | \nehm-PEE-ree-coh / ehm-PEE-ree-ca | \nemˈpiɾiko / emˈpiɾika | \nEs importante realizar un análisis empírico para descubrir la verdadera causa de la sequía. | \n
| Underlying | \nSubyacente | \nsub-yah-SEHN-teh | \nsuβʝaˈθente | \nEl cáncer era la causa subyacente de su dolor. | \n
| Coherence | \nLa coherencia | \nco-eh-REHN-see-ah | \nkoeˈɾenθja | \nCreo que su argumento no tiene coherencia. | \n
| Academic | \nAcadémico | \nah-cah-DEH-me-coh | \nakaˈðemiko | \nAlcanzar cualquier grado académico es todo un logro. | \n
| Ambiguous | \nAmbiguo | \nam-BEE-gwoh | \namˈbiɣwo | \nSu argumento fue un poco ambiguo, pero aun así ganaron el debate. | \n
| Apparent | \nAparente | \nah-pah-REHN-teh | \napaˈɾente | \nSin ninguna razón aparente, decidieron cerrar su negocio y mudarse a Costa Rica. | \n
| Thesis | \nLa tesis | \nTEH-sees | \nˈtesis | \nYa terminó todas sus clases, pero aún le falta escribir la tesis. | \n
| Reluctant | \nRenuente | \nreh-noo-EHN-teh | \nreˈnwente | \nSoy renuente a renunciar a mi trabajo hasta que tenga una nueva oferta. | \n
| Rational | \nRacional | \nrah-see-oh-NALL | \nraθjoˈnal | \nElegir tu carrera no siempre es una decisión racional, también es importante considerar tus emociones. | \n
| Qualitative | \nCualitativo / Cualitativa | \ncoo-ah-lee-tah-TEE-voh / coo-ah-lee-tah-TEE-va | \nkwalitaˈtiβo / kwalitaˈtiβa | \nMe gusta mucho este programa porque tiene una rama cuantitativa muy fuerte. | \n
| Quantitative | \nCuantitativo / Cuantitativa | \ncoo-ahn-tee-ta-TEE-voe / coo-ah-lee-tah-TEE-va | \nkwantitaˈtiβo / kwantitaˈtiβa | \nMe gustó mucho la clase de economía política, pero me pareció muy poco cuantitativa. | \n
| Publication | \nLa publicación | \npoo-blee-cah-see-AHN | \npuβlikaˈθjon | \nEsa publicación siempre tiene muy buenos artículos académicos. | \n
| Academic journal | \nLa revista académica | \nreh-VEES-tah ah-ca-DEH-me-cah | \nreˈβista akaˈðemika | \nLa revista académica de mi universidad tiene una muy buena reputación. | \n
| Objective | \nObjetivo | \nob-heh-TEE-voe | \noβxeˈtiβo | \nSiempre hay que ser objetivos al escribir documentos académicos. | \n
| To research | \nInvestigar | \neen-ves-tee-GARE | \nimbestiˈɣaɾ | \nSaber cómo investigar eficientemente es una de las mejores cualidades de un académico. | \n
| Intelligence | \nLa inteligencia | \neen-teh-lee-HEHN-see-ah | \njnteliˈxenθja | \nAunque la inteligencia es importante, saber cómo trabajar eficientemente es aun más importante para sobresalir en un doctorado. | \n
| Fundamental | \nFundamental | \nfoon-dah-mehn-TALL | \nfundamenˈtal | \nTener una buena rutina es fundamental para ser productivo. | \n
| Furthermore | \nAdemás | \nah-deh-MASS | \naðeˈmas | \nAdemás, trabajar eficientemente te ayudará a tener más tiempo para descansar. | \n
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Spanish is a beautifully descriptive language. With hundreds of words that can help us describe everything around us, it’s no surprise that Spanish is consistently regarded as one of the most beautiful languages in the world. If you’d really like to level up your descriptive abilities, make sure to check out our giant list of 153 Spanish adjectives! For now, start by checking out the following advanced adjective vocabulary words.
\n![\"Advanced](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltc616a4031431256b/647ff3ad59f87c6b4cc84384/pexels-melissa-sombrerero-12041574.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \nExample sentence | \n
| Splendid | \nEspléndido / Espléndida | \ness-PLEHN-dee-doe / ess-PLEHN-dee-da | \nesˈplendiðo / esˈplendiða | \nMe gusta mucho salir de viaje con Fernanda porque es muy espléndida. | \n
| Intricate | \nIntricado / Intricada | \neen-tree-CAH-doe / een-tree-CAH-da | \nintɾiˈkaðo / intɾiˈkaða | \nEste jardín contiene un intricado laberinto hecho con arbustos locales. | \n
| Impeccable | \nImpecable | \neem-peh-CAH-bleh | \nimpeˈkaβle | \nMe gustó mucho el hotel, mi habitación estaba impecable. | \n
| Perceptive | \nPerspicaz | \npers-pee-CAZ | \npeɾspiˈkaθ | \nRoberto es una persona muy perspicaz. | \n
| Versatile | \nVersátil | \nver-SAH-teel | \nbeɾˈsatil | \nAunque cada quien tiene sus talentos, también es importante ser versátil para ser exitoso. | \n
| Disgusting | \nRepugnante | \nreh-poog-NAN-teh | \nrepuɣˈnante | \nNo sé qué es, pero huelo un olor repugnante desde ese cuarto. | \n
| Concerned | \nPreocupado / Preocupada | \npreh-oh-coo-PAH-doe / preh-oh-coo-PAH-da | \npɾeokuˈpaðo / pɾeokuˈpaða | \nEstoy un poco preocupado por el estado de ánimo de Valeria, no se ha visto bien en varios días. | \n
| Incorrect | \nEquivocado / Equivocada | \neh-key-vo-CAH-doe / eh-key-vo-CAH-dah | \nekiβoˈkaðo / ekiβoˈkaða | \nEspero estar equivocado, pero creo que estamos perdidos. | \n
| Calm | \nTranquilo / Tranquila | \ntran-KEY-lo / tran-KEY-la | \ntɾanˈkilo / tɾanˈkila | \nTranquilo, pronto encontraremos la manera de regresar a casa. | \n
| Foreign | \nExtranjero / Extranjera | \nex-tran-HEH-roe / ex-tran-HEH-ra | \nekstɾanˈxeɾo / ekstɾanˈxeɾa | \n¿Sabes si este cajero automático acepta tarjetas extranjeras? | \n
| Ambitious | \nAmbicioso / Ambiciosa | \nam-bee-see-OH-so / am-bee-see-OH-sah | \nambiˈθjoso / ambiˈθjosa | \nEstoy muy cansada, creo que mi plan fue muy ambicioso. | \n
| Unfriendly | \nAntipático / Antipática | \nahn-tee-PAH-tee-coe / ahn-tee-PAH-tee-cah | \nantiˈpatiko / antiˈpatika | \nLuis no me cae bien, siento que es un poco antipático. | \n
| Unpleasant | \nDesagradable | \ndes-ah-grah-DAH-bleh | \ndesaɣɾaˈðaβle | \nRoberto es muy grosero, en verdad me parece una persona desagradable. | \n
| Liar | \nMentiroso / Mentirosa | \nmen-tee-ROH-soh / men-tee-ROH-sa | \nmentiˈɾoso / mentiˈɾosa | \nCreo que Paloma es una mentirosa, el otro día estaba diciendo mentiras de mí. | \n
| Absent-minded | \nDespistado / Despistada | \ndes-pees-TAH-doe / des-pees-TAH-dah | \ndespisˈtaðo / despisˈtaða | \nMarcelo me cae muy bien, pero es muy despistado. | \n
| Selfish | \nEgoísta | \neh-goh-EES-tah | \neɣoˈista | \nYo eduqué bien a mis hijos para que no sean egoístas. | \n
| Extroverted | \nExtrovertido / Extrovertida | \nex-troh-vehr-TEE-doe / ex-troh-vehr-TEE-dah | \nekstɾoβeɾˈtiðo / ekstɾoβeɾˈtiða | \nNo importa si eres extrovertido o introvertido, llevarte bien con los demás es esencial. | \n
| Impatient | \nImpaciente | \neem-pah-see-EHN-teh | \nimpaˈθjente | \nNo debes ser tan impaciente, a veces no hay nada que uno pueda hacer mas que esperar. | \n
| Indifferent | \nIndiferente | \neen-dee-feh-REH-teh | \nindifeˈɾente | \nNo es que sea indiferente hacia los animales, es que ya estoy involucrado con otra caridad. | \n
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Many people choose to study Spanish for business because it’s one of the best languages to learn to do business internationally. Once you’ve got your bases covered, learning how to do business in Spanish is just a matter of picking up some special vocabulary and learning a few skills. For example, you’ll want to learn how to write a letter in Spanish so you can communicate with your new Spanish-speaking colleagues.
\n![\"Advanced](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt5a99039e197bfe3a/647ff43507768f0b989485b1/istock-1087111414.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \nExample sentence | \n
| Strategy | \nLa estrategia | \ness-trah-TEH-he-ah | \nestɾaˈtexja | \nNuestra nueva estrategia de negocios debe involucrar a las redes sociales. | \n
| Profitability | \nLa rentabilidad | \nrehn-tah-bee-lee-DAHD | \nrentaβiliˈðað | \nLos accionistas esperan que tomemos medidas drásticas para mejorar la rentabilidad de la empresa. | \n
| Synergy | \nLa sinergía | \nsee-nehr-HE-ah | \nsineɾˈxia | \nNuestra nueva alianza aprovechará la sinergía entre nuestras dos compañías. | \n
| Entrepreneuership | \nEl emprendimiento | \nehm-prehn-dee-mee-EHN-toe | \nempɾendiˈmjento | \nNinguna industria se puede desarrollar sin un alto nivel de emprendimiento. | \n
| Negotiation | \nLa negociación | \nneh-goh-SIAH-see-ohn | \nneɣoθjaˈθjon | \nEl proceso de negociación es uno de los más importantes antes de firmar cualquier contrato. | \n
| Business card | \nLa tarjeta de negocios | \ntar-heh-tah deh neh-GOH-see-oss | \ntaɾˈxeta ðe neˈɣoθjos | \nToma, esta es mi tarjeta de negocios. | \n
| Folders | \nLas carpetas | \ncar-PEH-tass | \nkaɾˈpetas | \n¿Alguien sabe dónde están las carpetas con los documentos de rentabilidad del 2019? | \n
| Stapler | \nLa engrapadora | \nehn-grah-pah-DOH-rah | \nenɡɾapaˈðoɾa | \nPásame la engrapadora que está en ese escritorio, por favor. | \n
| Envelope | \nEl sobre | \nSOH-breh | \nˈsoβɾe | \nTen cuidado al abrir la carta para no romper el sobre. | \n
| Letter | \nLa carta | \nCAHR-tah | \nˈkaɾta | \nTodos los empleados recibimos una carta personalizada de la directora como muestra de su aprecio. | \n
| Consulting | \nAsesoría | \nah-seh-soh-REE-ah | \nasesoˈɾia | \nTrabajar en una compañía de asesoría puede ser una buena manera de ganar experiencia y dinero. | \n
| Conference | \nLa conferencia | \ncon-feh-REHN-see-ah | \nkomfeˈɾenθja | \n¿Vas a ir a la conferencia de mercadotecnia en Cancún? | \n
| Convention | \nLa convención | \ncon-ven-SIOHN | \nkombenˈθjon | \nLa convención de tecnología renovable fue todo un éxito. | \n
| Invoice | \nLa factura | \nfac-TOO-rah | \nfakˈtuɾa | \n¿Me podrías dar una factura por esta compra? | \n
| Quote | \nLa cotización | \ncoh-tee-sah-SIOHN | \nkotiθaˈθjon | \nGracias por pedir una cotización, estará lista el viernes. | \n
| Budget | \nEl presupuesto | \npreh-soo-POOES-toe | \npɾesuˈpwesto | \nEl presupuesto del área de mercadotecnia ha subido significativamente en los últimos cinco años. | \n
| Accounting | \nLa contabilidad | \ncon-tah-bee-lee-DAHD | \nkontaβiliˈðað | \nEl departamento de contabilidad ya aprobó este presupuesto. | \n
| Report | \nEl informe | \neen-FORE-meh | \nimˈfoɾme | \nEl informe de ganancias del año pasado demuestra que la compañía está en una mejor posición económica que nunca. | \n
| Offer | \nLa oferta | \noh-FEHR-tah | \noˈfeɾta | \nEstoy muy contenta en mi trabajo, pero la competencia me hizo una oferta laboral que no me pude resistir. | \n
| Counteroffer | \nLa contraoferta | \ncohn-trah-oh-FEHR-tah | \nkontɾaoˈfeɾta | \nEstamos preparados para ofrecerte una mejor contraoferta. | \n
| Salaried | \nAsalariado | \nah-sah-lah-ree-AH-doh | \nAntes me pagaban por hora, pero ahora tengo un puesto asalariado. | \n|
| Work unions | \nLos sindicatos | \nseen-dee-CAH-toss | \nsindiˈkatos | \nMis condiciones laborales han mejorado mucho desde que me uní a un sindicato. | \n
| Supply and demand | \nLa oferta y la demanda | \noh-FEHR-tah e deh-MAHN-dah | \noˈfeɾta j la ðeˈmanda | \nLos precios de este producto tienden a fluctuar mucho dependiendo de la oferta y la demanda. | \n
| Profit | \nLas ganancias | \ngah-NAHN-see-ass | \nɣaˈnanθjas | \nLas ganancias de la empresa aún dejan mucho que desear. | \n
| Losses | \nLas pérdidas | \nPEAR-dee-dass | \nˈpeɾðiðas | \nHemos podido recuperar todas las pérdidas de los últimos dos años gracias a esta temporada alta. | \n
| Audit | \nAuditoría | \nah-ooh-dee-tore-E-ah | \nawðitoˈɾia | \nDebemos prepararnos bien para la auditoría de la siguiente semana. | \n
| The job market | \nEl mercado laboral | \nmehr-CAH-doe la-boh-RALL | \nmeɾˈkaðo laβoˈɾal | \nEl mercado laboral no se ha podido regularizar tras la última crisis económica. | \n
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Learning a new language is much more than just memorizing vocabulary words and quizzing yourself. When you learn to speak a foreign language, you also expose yourself to a brand-new culture with its own art and traditions. This can help you grow as you discover exciting and insightful new art and culture as you make your way through all the museums in Spain and Latin America. As a fun fact, did you know that Mexico City is the second city with the most museums in the world?
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| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \nExample sentence | \n
| Avant-garde | \nVanguardista | \nvan-goo-ahr-DEES-tah | \nbanɡwaɾˈðista | \nEsta galería destaca por tener algunas de las piezas más vanguardistas de nuestra generación. | \n
| Style | \nEl estilo | \ness-TEE-loh | \nesˈtilo | \nEl estilo barroco se caracteriza por sus colores vivos e intensos. | \n
| Era | \nLa época | \nEH-poh-cah | \nˈepoka | \nLa época del renacimiento produjo muchas obras de arte. | \n
| Masterpiece | \nLa obra maestra | \nOH-brah mah-ESS-trah | \nˈoβɾa maˈestɾa | \nLa obra maestra de Leonardo da Vinci fue la Mona Lisa. | \n
| Exhibit | \nLa exposición | \nex-poh-see-see-OHN | \neksposiˈθjon | \nElga acaba de abrir su nueva exposición de arte moderna. | \n
| Art movement | \nEl movimiento artístico | \nmo-vee-MIEHN-toe | \nmoβiˈmjento aɾˈtistiko | \nEl movimiento artístico de Medellín se enfocó en crear un ambiente creativo para la juventud. | \n
| Illustrator | \nEl ilustrador / La ilustradora | \nee-loos-trah-DOOR / ee-loos-trah-DOOR-ah | \nilustɾaˈðoɾ / jlustɾaˈðoɾa | \nMiguel es uno de los más grandes ilustradores de su escuela. | \n
| Studio | \nEl estudio | \ness-TOO-dee-oh | \nesˈtuðjo | \nAna rentó un estudio para poder enfocarse en sus esculturas. | \n
| Canvas | \nEl lienzo | \nLIEN-zoh | \nˈljenθo | \nHubiera pintado más, pero el lienzo era muy pequeño. | \n
| Brushes | \nLos pinceles | \npeen-SEH-less | \npinˈθeles | \nEstos son mis pinceles favoritos para pintar en óleo. | \n
| Acrylic paint | \nLa pintura acrílica | \npeen-TOOH-rah ah-CREE-lee-cah | \npinˈtuɾa aˈkɾilika | \nMe gusta mucho dibujar, pero pintar con pintura acrílica no es lo mío. | \n
| Oil paint | \nEl óleo | \nOH-leh-oh | \nˈoleo | \nEste tipo de retratos queda mejor en óleo. | \n
| Watercolors | \nLas acuarelas | \nah-coo-ah-REH-lass | \nakwaˈɾelas | \nLas acuarelas son una excelente opción para principiantes. | \n
| Portrait | \nEl retrato | \nreh-TRAH-toe | \nreˈtɾato | \nEl retrato es uno de los métodos de pintura más difíciles de dominar. | \n
| Sketch | \nEl boceto | \nboh-SEH-toe | \nβoˈθeto | \nUn buen boceto es una excelente manera de iniciar cualquier | \n
| Gallery | \nLa galería | \ngah-leh-REE-ah | \nɣaleˈɾia | \nLa nueva galería de arte en Rosario promete traer mucho turismo a la zona. | \n
| Abstract | \nEl abstracto | \nabs-TRAC-toe | \naβsˈtɾakto | \nLas obras de Pollock son consideradas algunas de las mejores en el abstracto. | \n
| Cubism | \nEl cubismo | \ncoo-BEES-mo | \nkuˈβizmo | \nNo podemos hablar del cubismo sin hablar del mismísimo Picasso. | \n
| Dadaism | \nEl dadaísmo | \ndah-dah-EES-mo | \ndaˈðajzmo | \nEl dadaísmo fue un movimiento político en respuesta a la primera guerra mundial. | \n
| Impressionism | \nEl impresionismo | \neem-preh-see-oh-NEES-mo | \nimpɾesjoˈnizmo | \nEl impresionismo surgió en Francia a mediados del siglo XIX. | \n
| Modernism | \nEl modernismo | \nmoh-dehr-NEES-mo | \nmoðeɾˈnizmo | \nPablo Picasso es uno de los artistas más icónicos del modernismo. | \n
| Muralism | \nEl muralismo | \nmoo-rah-LEES-moh | \nmuɾaˈlizmo | \nSi visitas la Ciudad de México, sin duda debes visitar el Museo Mural Diego Rivera para apreciar algunas de las mejores obras del muralismo. | \n
| Neoclassical | \nEl neoclásico / Neoclásica | \nneh-oh-CLAH-see-coh / neh-oh-CLAH-see-cah | \nneoklaˈsizmo | \nEl neoclásico fue un movimiento cultural que afectó profundamente las artes, la literatura, el teatro, la música, la arquitectura y más. | \n
| Realism | \nEl realismo | \nreh-ah-LEES-moh | \nreaˈlizmo | \nEl realismo se enfoca en presentar las cosas como son sin tratar de embellecerlas. | \n
| Surrealism | \nEl surrealismo | \nsoo-reh-ah-LEES-moh | \nsureaˈlizmo | \nEl surrealismo fue un movimiento vanguardista del siglo XX que destacó por sus presentaciones irracionales. | \n
| Romanticism | \nEl romanticismo | \nroh-mahn-tee-SEES-moh | \nromantiˈθizmo | \nEl romanticismo es uno de los movimientos artísticos más dramáticos de Europa. | \n
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Learning about science and technology can be fascinating, no matter the language. Below, you’ll find a list of some of the most fascinating Spanish terms for science and technology. If this list piques your scientific interest, make sure to check out our list of land formations in Spanish for some unique vocabulary about nature and life sciences!
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| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \nExample sentence | \n
| Genome | \nEl genoma | \nheh-NO-mah | \nxeˈnoma | \nEl genoma humano contiene nuestro ADN y cromosomas. | \n
| Biotechnology | \nLa biotecnología | \nbee-oh-tec-noh-loh-HE-ah | \nβjoteknoloˈxia | \nLa biotecnología promete cambiar la manera en la que vivimos e incluso incrementar nuestra esperanza de vida. | \n
| Artificial intelligence | \nLa inteligencia artificial | \neen-teh-lee-HEHN-see-ah are-tee-fee-SEE-all | \njnteliˈxenθja aɾtifiˈθjal | \nNo puedo esperar para ver cómo la inteligencia artificial va a revolucionar la manera en la que hacemos negocios. | \n
| Nanotechnology | \nLa nanotecnología | \nnah-no-tec-noh-loh-HEH-ah | \nnanoteknoloˈxia | \nLos avances en la nanotecnología han revolucionado los dispositivos que utilizamos en la vida diaria. | \n
| Cloning | \nLa clonación | \ncloh-nah-see-OHN | \nklonaˈθjon | \nLa clonación presenta algunos problemas éticos, pero podría lograr grandes cosas. | \n
| X-ray | \nLa radiografía | \nrah-dee-oh-grah-FEE-ah | \nraðjoɣɾaˈfia | \nVamos a necesitar una radiografía para confirmar que el hueso en verdad esté roto. | \n
| Biopsy | \nLa biopsia | \nbee-OP-see-ah | \nˈβjopsja | \nLa biopsia demostró que el cáncer no es maligno. | \n
| Sonogram | \nLa ecografía | \neh-co-gra-FEE-ah | \nekoɣɾaˈfia | \nUna ecografía nos podría ayudar a identificar si en verdad estamos lidiando con un cáncer. | \n
| Scientific community | \nLa comunidad científica | \nco-moo-nee-DAHD see-ehn-TEE-fee-cah | \nkomuniˈðað θjenˈtifika | \nLa comunidad científica concuerda que hemos entrado a un periodo de emergencia sanitaria. | \n
| The cloud | \nLa nube | \nNOO-beh | \nˈnuβe | \nAlmacenar documentos en la nube es cada vez más barato y conveniente. | \n
| Flash memory | \nLa memoria flash | \nmeh-MO-ree-ah flash | \nmeˈmoɾja ˈflash | \nTen cuidado al guardar archivos en una memoria flash, ya que es muy fácil perderla. | \n
| High resolution | \nDe alta definición | \ndeh ALL-tah deh-fee-nee-see-OHN | \nde ˈalta ðefiniˈθjon | \nLas pantallas de alta definición cada vez son más y más comunes. | \n
| Oceanography | \nLa oceanografía | \noh-seh-ah-no-grah-FEE-ah | \noθeanoɣɾaˈfia | \nSiempre me ha interesado mucho la oceanografía, pero por fin decidí estudiar biología. | \n
| Astronomy | \nLa astronomía | \nass-troh-no-ME-ah | \nastɾonoˈmia | \nEste semestre estoy tomando una clase de astronomía y, ¡me parece fascinante! | \n
| Geology | \nLa geología | \nheh-oh-lo-HE-ah | \nxeoloˈxia | \nLa geología de esta zona es increíble. | \n
| Microscope | \nEl microscopio | \nme-cross-COH-pee-oh | \nmikɾosˈkopjo | \nNecesitamos un microscopio para poder ver a este parásito. | \n
| Telescope | \nEl telescopio | \nteh-less-COH-pee-oh | \ntelesˈkopjo | \nCompré un telescopio el año pasado y desde entonces estoy obsesionado con los planetas. | \n
| Thermometer | \nEl termómetro | \ntear-MOH-meh-troh | \nteɾˈmometɾo | \nNecesito un termómetro para un experimento de la escuela. | \n
| Dependent variable | \nLa variable dependiente | \nvah-ree-AH-bleh een-deh-pehn-dee-EHN-teh | \nβaˈɾjaβle ðepenˈdjente | \nEn la investigación científica, la variable dependiente es lo que esperamos que cambie debido a la variable independiente. | \n
| Independent variable | \nLa variable independiente | \nvah-ree-AH-bleh een-deh-pehn-dee-EHN-teh | \nβaˈɾjaβle jndepenˈdjente | \nLa variable independiente es aquella que cambiamos o manipulamos para medir su efecto sobre las variables independientes. | \n
| Hypothesis | \nLa hipótesis | \ne-POH-teh-sees | \njˈpotesis | \nTener una buena hipótesis es la mejor manera de empezar a escribir un artículo académico. | \n
| Observations | \nLas observaciones | \nob-sehr-vah-see-EH-ness | \noβseɾβaˈθjones | \nObtuvimos diferentes resultados en cada observación, así que tendremos que volver a hacer el experimento. | \n
| Scientific method | \nEl método científico | \nMEH-toh-doe see-ehn-TEE-fee-coe | \nˈmetoðo θjenˈtifiko | \nGracias al método científico, es muy fácil estandarizar la calidad de la investigación académica en todo el mundo. | \n
| Research question | \nLa pregunta de investigación | \npreh-GOON-tah deh een-ves-tee-gah-see-OHN | \npɾeˈɣunta ðe jmbestiɣaˈθjon | \nUna de tus primeras tareas como estudiante de doctorado es definir muy cuidadosamente cuál es tu pregunta de investigación. | \n
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We live in a society. You know the meme. But there’s much truth to it! No matter where you’re from, you’re used to a specific way of living and a definite set of social relations. As you travel through Spanish-speaking countries, you’ll find that there are many unique forms of social and political organization. Check out the following social and political vocab in Spanish to get a preview of some of the new social and political systems you may get exposed to.
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| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \nExample sentence | \n
| Equity | \nEquidad | \neh-KEY-dad | \nekiˈðað | \nToda sociedad justa debe buscar la equidad de su población. | \n
| Equality | \nIgualdad | \ne-goo-ahl-DAD | \niɣwalˈdað | \nConseguir la igualdad en una sociedad es más difícil de lo que suena. | \n
| Totalitarianism | \nTotalitarismo | \ntoh-tah-lee-tah-ree-ah-NEES-mo | \ntotalitaˈɾizmo | \nEl totalitarismo ha destruido un sinfin de sociedades a lo largo de la historia. | \n
| Democracy | \nLa democracia | \ndeh-mo-CRAH-see-ah | \nðemoˈkɾaθja | \nMuchos estados han luchado por conseguir la democracia. | \n
| Populism | \nEl populismo | \npoh-poo-LEES-moh | \npopuˈlizmo | \nEl populismo se ha vuelto más y más común en Latinoamérica después de la crisis económica. | \n
| Anarchy | \nEl anarquismo | \nah-nar-KEYS-moh | \nanaɾˈkizmo | \nSi no fuera por el estado, todos estaríamos viviendo en anarquismo. | \n
| Fascism | \nEl fascismo | \nfah-SEES-moh | \nfaˈsizmo | \nEse candidato político está peligrosamente cerca del fascismo. | \n
| Capitalism | \nEl capitalismo | \ncah-pee-tah-LEES-moh | \nkapitaˈlizmo | \nEl capitalismo puede fomentar el emprendimiento, pero también puede incrementar la desigualdad económica. | \n
| Socialism | \nEl socialismo | \nsoh-see-ah-LEES-moh | \nsoθjaˈlizmo | \nEl gobierno de Maduro está comprometido con el socialismo para el futuro de Venezuela. | \n
| Communism | \nEl comunismo | \ncoh-moo-NEES-moh | \nkomuˈnizmo | \nEl comunismo no es un futuro viable para este país desde que el partido comunista fue ilegalizado. | \n
| Liberalism | \nEl liberalismo | \nlee-beh-rah-LEES-moh | \nliβeɾaˈlizmo | \n¿Por qué José es miembro del partido liberal? Cuando íbamos juntos en la universidad, siempre criticaba al liberalismo. | \n
| Centrism | \nEl centrismo | \nsehn-TREES-moh | \nθenˈtɾizmo | \nEl centrismo a veces puede ser una buena manera de combatir el radicalismo. | \n
| Conservatism | \nEl conservadurismo | \ncon-sehr-vah-doo-REES-moh | \nkonseɾβaðuˈɾizmo | \nEl conservadurismo económico ocasionó una terrible crisis económica en los noventa. | \n
| Left-wing | \nLa izquierda | \nez-KIEHR-dah | \njθˈkjeɾða | \nLa izquierda Chilena ganó mucho poder tras las últimas elecciones. | \n
| Right-wing | \nLa derecha | \ndeh-REH-cha | \nðeˈɾeʧa | \nEl conservadurismo y los valores tradicionales son de las principales características de la derecha política. | \n
| Discrimination | \nLa discriminación | \ndees-cree-mee-nah-see-OHN | \nðiskɾiminaˈθjon | \nNo estoy de acuerdo con muchas de las políticas de este gobierno, pero debo reconocer que han hecho mucho para combatir la discriminación. | \n
| Elections | \nLas elecciones | \neh-lec-see-OH-ness | \nelekˈθjones | \nLas elecciones crearon un ambiente contencioso en todo el país. | \n
| Candidate | \nCandidato / Candidata | \ncahn-dee-DAH-toe / cahn-dee-DAH-tah | \nkandiˈðato / kandiˈðata | \nMe parece que la gobernadora es la candidata ideal para la presidencia. | \n
| Prime minister | \nPrimer ministro / Primera ministra | \npre-MEHR me-NEES-troh / pre-MEHR-ah me-NEES-trah | \npɾiˈmeɾ miˈnistɾo / pɾiˈmeɾa miˈnistɾa | \nLa primera ministra presentará su primer informe de gobierno la próxima semana. | \n
| Congressperson | \nEl diputado | \ndee-poo-TAH-doh | \ndipuˈtaðo | \nEl diputado llevaba la delantera antes de que el escándalo saliera a la luz. | \n
| Senator | \nEl senador | \nseh-nah-DOOR | \nsenaˈðoɾ | \nLa senadora tiene fama de ser agresiva en sus campañas políticas pero muy tranquila en su vida personal. | \n
| Chancellor | \nCanciller | \ncahn-see-YEHR | \nkanθiˈʎeɾ | \nEl canciller presentó su renuncia ante la suprema corte hoy en la mañana. | \n
| President | \nPresidente / Presidenta | \npreh-see-DEHN-teh / preh-see-DEHN-tah | \npɾesiˈðente / pɾesiˈðenta | \nEstoy seguro que la nueva presidenta hará un buen trabajo para rescatar al país después de la crisis económica. | \n
| Governor | \nGobernador / Gobernadora | \ngoh-behr-nah-DOOR / goh-behr-nah-DOOR-ah | \nɡoβeɾnaˈðoɾ / ɡoβeɾnaˈðoɾa | \nEl gobernador anterior no estaba suficientemente preparado para su puesto. | \n
| Candidacy | \nCandidatura | \ncan-dee-da-TOOH-rah | \nkandiðaˈtuɾa | \n¿En verdad estás listo para todo lo que conlleva una candidatura? | \n
| Electoral fraud | \nFraude electoral | \nFRAU-deh eh-lec-toh-RALL | \nˈfɾawðe elektoˈɾal | \nLa suprema corte decidió invalidar los resultados de las elecciones después de toda la evidencia de fraude electoral. | \n
| Corruption | \nLa corrupción | \ncoh-roop-see-OHN | \nkorupˈθjon | \nSi no fuera por la corrupción, este país seguramente ya sería una superpotencia a nivel mundial. | \n
| Parliament | \nEl parlamento | \npar-lah-MEHN-toe | \npaɾlaˈmento | \nEl parlamento decidió posponer toda discusión sobre esta ley hasta el próximo año. | \n
| Congress | \nEl congreso | \ncon-GREH-soh | \nkonˈɡɾeso | \nEl congreso del estado no aprobó la ley propuesta por el diputado. | \n
| Senate | \nEl senado | \nseh-NAH-doh | \nseˈnaðo | \nEl senado aprobó la propuesta de la nueva ley por unanimidad. | \n
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Spanish literature is world-renown for being as whimsical as it is thought-provoking. From the international classic Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes to other classics by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, Gabriel García Márquez, and Octavio Paz, there are countless incredible works of literature in Spanish. If you’re interested in finding your new favorite author or poet, check out the following Spanish literature vocabulary.
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| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \nExample sentence | \n
| Metaphor | \nLa metáfora | \nmeh-TAH-fore-ah | \nmeˈtafoɾa | \nUsar una metáfora es una buena manera de explicar temas complejos. | \n
| Hyperbole | \nLa hipérbole | \ne-PEAR-boh-leh | \niˈpeɾβole | \nMe gusta usar hipérboles para demostrar mi frustración. | \n
| Synecdoche | \nLa sinécdoque | \nsee-NEC-doh-keh | \nsiˈnekðoke | \nLa sinécdoque es una herramienta del idioma donde una parte de algo representa su totalidad. Por ejemplo, “México jugó bien” cuando en realidad se refiere que el equipo de fútbol de México jugó bien, no el país entero. | \n
| Aliteration | \nLa aliteración | \nah-lee-teh-rah-see-OHN | \naliteɾaˈθjon | \nDesde que descubrió que su nombre es una aliteración, María Martínez está obsesionada con ellas. | \n
| Irony | \nLa ironía | \nee-roh-NEE-ah | \niɾoˈnia | \nEs difícil ignorar la ironía de que dices que quieres comer saludable mientras comes pizza. | \n
| Simile | \nEl símil | \nSEE-meel | \nˈsimil | \nEl símil es una buena herramienta literaria para llamar la atención a paralelos entre dos objetos, personas o situaciones. | \n
| Personification | \nLa personificación | \npear-soh-nee-fee-cah-see-ohn | \npeɾsonifikaˈθjon | \nLa personificación es una herramienta que puede ayudar a representar conceptos inmateriales en una historia. | \n
| Onomatopoeia | \nLa onomatopeya | \noh-no-mah-toh-PEH-yah | \nonomatoˈpeʝa | \nAunque suene como una palabra difícil, la onomatopeya nos ayuda a describir cosas fácilmente al imitar cómo suenan. | \n
| Anaphora | \nLa anáfora | \nah-NAH-foh-rah | \naˈnafoɾa | \nLa anáfora es la repetición de una palabra al principio de cada cláusula sucesiva. | \n
| Anthropomorphism | \nEl antropomorfismo | \nahn-troh-poh-more-FEES-moh | \nantɾopomoɾˈfizmo | \nEl antropomorfismo es una herramienta literaria muy común en las novelas de ficción para adolescentes. | \n
| Archetype | \nEl arquetipo | \nare-keh-TEE-poe | \naɾkeˈtipo | \nTu perro es el arquetipo de los yorkies. | \n
| Colloquialism | \nLos coloquialismos | \ncoh-loh-key-ah-LEES-moss | \nkolokjaˈlizmos | \nLos coloquialismos son muy comunes en América Latina. | \n
| Euphemism | \nEl eufemismo | \neh-ooh-feh-MEES-moh | \newfeˈmizmo | \nLos eufemismos nos ayudan a usar palabras más placenteras para algo que podría sonar vulgar o desagradable. | \n
| Juxtaposition | \nLa yuxtaposición | \nyooks-tah-poh-see-see-OHN | \nʝukstaposiˈθjon | \nUn punto y coma en esa oración te podría ayudar a enfatizar la yuxtaposición. | \n
| Metonymy | \nLa metonimia | \nmeh-toh-nee-ME-ah | \nmetoˈnimja | \nLa metonimia substituye el nombre de algo por una característica íntima que hace obvio al objeto referente. | \n
| Oxymoron | \nEl oxímoron | \noks-E-moh-ron | \nokˈsimoɾon | \nDecir que la burocracia es eficiente es un oxímoron. | \n
| Paradoxical | \nParadójico | \npah-rah-DOH-he-coh | \npaɾaˈðoxiko | \nMe parece algo paradójico que digas que cobras menos por un mejor servicio. | \n
| Satire | \nLa sátira | \nSAH-tee-rah | \nˈsatiɾa | \nMi tema favorito de lectura es la sátira, me parece muy gracioso. | \n
| Soliloquy | \nEl soliloquio | \nsoh-lee-LOH-key-oh | \nsoliˈlokjo | \nUn soliloquio puede ser una muy buena manera de crear una historia dramática y solitaria. | \n
| Symbolism | \nEl simbolismo | \nseem-boh-LEES-moh | \nsimboˈlizmo | \nRecuerda poner mucha atención al simbolismo de esta película, ya que hasta las cosas más mundanas tienen un significado. | \n
| Tone | \nEl tono | \nTOH-no | \nˈtono | \nMe gustó mucho el tono de tu novela, pero creo que la trama podría tener algunas mejoras. | \n
| Zoomorphic | \nZoomorfo | \nzoh-oh-more-FEES-moh | \nθoomoɾˈfizmo | \nEl patio de la mansión estaba repleto de arbustos zoomorfos, algunos hasta con forma de venados. | \n
\n
In this day and age, the environment is something that’s on everybody’s mind. If you want to stay informed and have important conversations about climate change, you should familiarize yourself with the following vocabulary. And if you’re a big defender of the environment, you can also check out these weather expressions in Spanish and learn some vocabulary about animals, birds, and flowers!
\n![\"Advanced](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt48b56198f7fb4aeb/647ff7d0e6457fbd9f178061/istock-157528250_copy.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \nExample sentence | \n
| Environment | \nEl medio ambiente | \nMEH-dee-oh ahm-bee-EHN-teh | \nˈmeðjo amˈbjente | \nCuidar al medio ambiente es una de las metas más importantes de nuestra generación. | \n
| Environmental | \nMedioambiental | \nmeh-dee-oh-am-bee-ehn-TALL | \nmeðjoambjenˈtal | \nNecesitamos una intervención medioambiental de gran magnitud para poder salvar al planeta del cambio climático. | \n
| Sustainability | \nLa sostenibilidad | \nsos-teh-nee-bee-lee-DAD | \nsosteniβiliˈðað | \nNuestra empresa está comprometida a cumplir con los más altos estándares de sostenibilidad. | \n
| Deforestation | \nLa deforestación | \ndeh-fore-ehss-tah-see-OHN | \ndefoɾestaˈθjon | \nDebido a la deforestación, las temperaturas promedio han incrementado en este lado de la montaña. | \n
| Renewable energy | \nLa energía renovable | \neh-nehr-HE-ah reh-no-VAH-bleh | \neneɾˈxia renoˈβaβle | \nLa energía renovable cada vez se vuelve un porcentaje mayor del consumo de energía de nuestro país. | \n
| Climate change | \nEl cambio climático | \ncam-bee-oh cle-MAH-tee-coh | \nˈkambjo kliˈmatiko | \nEl cambio climático es sin duda el problema más grande de nuestra generación. | \n
| Global warming | \nEl calentamiento global | \ncah-len-tah-me-EHN-toe glo-BALL | \nkalentaˈmjento ɣloˈβal | \nEl calentamiento global podría causar un sinfín de catástrofes si no tomamos medidas drásticas de inmediato. | \n
| Nuclear energy | \nLa energía nuclear | \neh-nehr-HE-ah noo-cleh-ARE | \neneɾˈxia nukleˈaɾ | \nLa energía nuclear podría cambiar por completo la manera en la que consumimos energía. | \n
| Solar energy | \nLa energía solar | \neh-nehr-HE-ah so-LAR | \neneɾˈxia soˈlaɾ | \nMéxico está construyendo la granja de energía solar más grande de toda América Latina en el estado de Sonora. | \n
| Hydraulic energy | \nLa energía hidráulica | \neh-nehr-HE-ah e-DRAU-lee-cah | \neneɾˈxia jˈðɾawlika | \nPaíses como Paraguay, Argentina y Brasil han sabido aprovechar la energía hidráulica para reducir su dependencia de los combustibles fósiles. | \n
| Wind energy | \nLa energía eólica | \neh-nehr-HE-ah eh-OH-lee-cah | \neneɾˈxia eˈolika | \nLa energía eólica se puede aprovechar mejor en zonas rurales y montañosas con mucho viento. | \n
| Solar panels | \nLos paneles solares | \npah-NEH-less soh-LA-ress | \npaˈneles soˈlaɾes | \nChina es el país con más paneles solares en el mundo, con una capacidad de más de 300,000 megavatios. | \n
| Carbon dioxide | \nEl dióxido de carbono | \ndee-OKS-ee-doe deh car-BOH-noh | \nˈdjoksiðo ðe kaɾˈβono | \nPlantar más árboles ayuda a reducir la cantidad de dióxido de carbono en la atmósfera. | \n
| Chemicals | \nLas sustancias químicas | \nsoos-TAHN-see-ass key-me-cass | \nsusˈtanθjas ˈkimikas | \nHay que cuidar el agua para reducir el número de sustancias químicas en ella. | \n
| Pollution | \nLa contaminación | \ncon-tah-me-nah-see-OHN | \nkontaminaˈθjon | \nEsta playa era muy hermosa, pero la contaminación la ha arruinado por completo. | \n
| Conservation | \nLa conservación | \ncon-sehr-vah-see-OHN | \nkonseɾβaˈθjon | \nEste pueblo se ha tomado muy en serio la conservación de la flora, por eso, hay más de 700 especies de flores tan solo en este municipio. | \n
| Ecosystem | \nEl ecosistema | \neh-coh-sees-TEH-mah | \nekosisˈtema | \nLas abejas juegan un papel muy importante para la preservación de nuestro ecosistema. | \n
| Eco-friendly | \nEcológico | \neh-coh-LO-he-coe | \nekoˈloxiko | \nEl nuevo museo ecológico de Santiago promete promover el cuidado del medio ambiente. | \n
| Endangered species | \nEspecies en peligro de extinción | \ness-PEH-see-ess ehn peh-LEE-gro deh eks-teen-see-OHN | \nesˈpeθjes em peˈliɣɾo ðe ekstinˈθjon | \nCreo que el gobierno debería de hacer más para cuidar a las especies en peligro de extinción. | \n
| Greenhouse gasses | \nLos gases de efecto invernadero | \nFEH-ses deh eh-FEC-toe een-vehr-nah-DEH-roe | \nˈɣasez ðe eˈfekto jmbeɾnaˈðeɾo | \nLos gases de efecto invernadero son una de las causas más grandes del calentamiento global. | \n
| Ozone layer | \nLa capa de ozono | \nCA-pah deh oh-ZAH-no | \nˈkapa ðe oˈθono | \nAunque la capa de ozono sufrió muchos daños en el siglo XX, ha mostrado signos de recuperación en las últimas décadas. | \n
| Radioactive waste | \nResiduos radioactivos | \nreh-SEE-doo-oss rah-dee-oh-ac-TEE-voss | \nreˈsiðwoz raðjoakˈtiβos | \nEl problema con las plantas de energía nuclear es que es difícil deshacerse de los residuos radioactivos. | \n
| Reforestation | \nLa reforestación | \nreh-fore-ess-tah-see-OHN | \nrefoɾestaˈθjon | \nLa comunidad ha tomado medidas serias para promover la reforestación en la zona. | \n
| Flora | \nLa flora | \nFLO-rah | \nˈfloɾa | \nLa flora local está protegida por las autoridades. | \n
| Fauna | \nLa fauna | \nFAU-nah | \nˈfawna | \nLa fauna local incluye varias especies de aves, algunos venados, y | \n
| Biofuels | \nLos biocombustibles | \nbee-oh-com-boos-TEE-bless | \nβjokombusˈtiβles | \nPronto habrá vuelos comerciales con biocombustibles. | \n
| Fossil fuels | \nLos combustibles fósiles | \ncom-boos-TEE-bless FOH-seeh-less | \nkombusˈtiβles ˈfosiles | \nConducir un auto eléctrico en vez de uno convencional es una buena manera de reducir el uso personal de combustibles fósiles. | \n
| Atmosphere | \nLa atmósfera | \nat-MOSS-feh-rah | \natˈmosfeɾa | \nLa atmósfera crea un efecto invernadero tras la emisión del dióxido de carbono. | \n
| Sustainable development | \nEl desarrollo sostenible | \ndess-ah-ROH-yoh sos-teh-NEE-bleh | \ndesaˈroʎo sosteˈniβle | \nEl desarrollo sostenible en Colombia demuestra como sí es posible crear una nueva manera de desarrollar ciudades sin dañar al planeta. | \n
\n
If traveling and exploring new cultures is your passion, then learning these fun words about traveling can be extremely helpful. Whether you’re getting ready to travel through South America or simply want to explore a Spanish menu, these travel and exploration terms are for you.
\n![\"Advanced](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt9c4f446ad450474a/647ff8958802d63ba0a40a00/pexels-quang-nguyen-vinh-2132126.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \nExample sentence | \n
| Pilgrimage | \nLa peregrinación | \npeh-reh-gre-nah-see-OHN | \npeɾeɣɾinaˈθjon | \nMiles de turistas vinieron a ver la peregrinación de los católicos hacia la Basílica de Guadalupe. | \n
| Expedition | \nLa expedición | \nex-peh-dee-see-OHN | \nekspeðiˈθjon | \nLa expedición del pirata duró más de ocho meses. | \n
| Discovery | \nEl descubrimiento | \ndess-cooh-bree-mee-EHN-toe | \ndeskuβɾiˈmjento | \nEl descubrimiento del uso de la pólvora cambió el curso de la historia de la humanidad. | \n
| Excursion | \nLa excursión | \nex-coor-see-OHN | \nekskuɾˈsjon | \nLa próxima semana los alumnos de segundo semestre irán a una excursión al parque ecológico. | \n
| Camping | \nAcampar | \nah-cam-PAR | \nakamˈpaɾ | \nMe gusta mucho acampar, pero creo que en el verano hace demasiado calor para disfrutarlo. | \n
| To rent | \nAlquilar | \nall-key-LAR | \nalkiˈlaɾ | \nQuisiera alquilar un pequeño departamento en Cartagena para pasar el verano cómodamente. | \n
| Itinerary | \nEl itinerario | \ne-tee-neh-RAH-ree-oh | \nitineˈɾaɾjo | \nYa te mandé el itinerario de todos nuestros vuelos para las vacaciones de verano. | \n
| Travel insurance | \nEl seguro de viaje | \nseh-GOOH-roh deh vee-AH-heh | \nseˈɣuɾo ðe ˈβjaxe | \nNuestro seguro de viaje cubre todo tipo de incidentes, así que no deberíamos de tener ningún problema. | \n
| Immigration | \nLa migración | \nme-grah-seeh-OHN | \nmiɣɾaˈθjon | \nLa migración entre países latinoamericanos puede fomentar una cultura más unida. | \n
| Customs | \nLa aduana | \nah-doo-AH-nah | \naˈðwana | \nAl aterrizar, no olvides declarar cualquier producto restringido al pasar por aduana. | \n
| To stay | \nAlojarse | \nah-loh-HAR-seh | \naloˈxaɾse | \nVamos a alojarnos en una pequeña casa en Maracaibo. | \n
| To tour | \nTuristear | \ntoo-rees-teh-AR | \ntuɾisteˈaɾ | \n¿Quieres ir a turistear antes o después de almorzar? | \n
| To board | \nAbordar | \nah-bore-DAR | \naβoɾˈðaɾ | \nDebemos apresurarnos, que nuestro vuelo ya está por abordar. | \n
| To disembark | \nDesembarcar | \ndess-ehm-bar-CAR | \ndesembaɾˈkaɾ | \nRecuerden tomar todas sus pertenencias antes de desembarcar. | \n
| To move | \nTrasladarse | \ntras-lah-DAR-seh | \ntɾazlaˈðaɾse | \n¿Cómo nos vamos a trasladar del aeropuerto al hotel? | \n
| Journey | \nEl trayecto | \ntrah-YEC-toe | \ntɾaˈʝekto | \nEl trayecto es largo, pero el destino vale la pena. | \n
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No matter how hard the task at hand, we’ll always help with easy-to-understand Spanish guides — even if you’re going for some of the hardest words in Spanish. And if you feel like it’s taking a little longer than normal to grasp them fully, just refer to our handy tips to learning hard Spanish vocabulary at the top of this article. In no time, you’ll start seeing your vocabulary grow stratospherically!
\nAnd if you enjoyed this article, you may want to check out the rest of our Spanish blog for more advanced Spanish grammar and vocabulary topics. Some of our recent posts include the difference between por vs. para, the definitive guide to conjugating tener, and a handy explanation on how to deal with Spanish vowels and diphthongs.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"How to write a letter in Spanish","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"How to start, write and end a letter in Spanish [formal + informal]","url":"/blog/how-to-start-write-end-letter-spanish","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt2b1b59c32988d7e7/647eb55f6dcff2666f96a59d/istock-614402984.jpeg"},"post_content":"Besides kindling the glamour and nostalgia of the good ol’ pre-internet days, writing a letter in Spanish can be incredibly helpful in certain situations. Indeed, even if you’re not going to sit down with a quill and a bottle of ink to write a long-winded letter on parchment paper, there are still countless scenarios where a formal or informal letter would maximize your chances of getting your point across.
From love letters to letters of complaint, there are many different types of letters that you could write in Spanish, each of them serving a different purpose. As such, each letter requires slightly different terminologies, and some may even require slightly different formats.
In this article, we’ll go over several types of letters in Spanish to help you find the right kind of letter to suit the occasion. We’ll also go over formal and informal letters so you can communicate with professional colleagues and also your friends and family. And if you’re looking for a job in a Spanish-speaking country or industry, we’ll also cover how to write a cover letter to help you land the job of your dreams!
Without further ado, let’s delve right into how to write a letter in Spanish!
If writing a letter sounds like something of the past, you might be in for a surprise. You probably haven’t thought about writing a letter in a long time because you’re already very familiar with the English letter format. However, writing a letter in Spanish is a bit different, as you’ll need to learn different formatting guidelines, letter etiquette, and some extra vocabulary.
Here’s what learning how to write a letter in Spanish can help you do, even in 2023:
See? Learning to write a letter in Spanish can be super helpful! Let’s get started.
![\"Learn](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt4bfde39b201b396b/647eb887d7b42e54fba06580/istock-615894660.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Before we look at all the different types of letters out there, we should learn a few key vocabulary words related to letters. This will make the next few sections much, much easier to follow. Here are some of the most essential words and phrases you should be familiar with before you set out to write a letter in Spanish.
| Spanish | English | Example sentence | English |
| Tamaño carta | Letter size (A4) | Recuerda imprimir tu CV en una hoja tamaño carta. | Remember to print your resume on letter-size paper. |
| Tamaño oficio | Legal size | Solo utilizamos hojas tamaño oficio para este tipo de proyectos. | We only use legal-size paper for these types of projects. |
| Sobre | Envelope | Ya escribí mi carta, pero necesito un sobre para enviarla. | I already wrote my letter, but I need an envelope to mail it. |
| Estampillas / postales | Stamps | La tienda de conveniencia de la esquina vende estampillas. | The convenience store in the corner sells stamps. |
| Membrete / hoja membretada | Letterhead | Esta carta es muy formal, tiene membrete y todo. | This letter is very formal, it’s got a letterhead and everything. |
| Correo electrónico | ¿Por qué no mejor envías tu carta por correo electrónico? | Why don’t you send your letter by email instead? | |
| Correo postal | Postal service | Los envíos por correo postal son seguros pero bastante lentos. | Mail sent by the postal service is very safe but also very slow. |
| Oficina postal | Post office | La oficina postal debe de tener sobres y estampillas. | The post office should have envelopes and stamps. |
| Remitente | Sender | La dirección escrita en la parte inferior del sobre es la del remitente. | The address written in the lower part of the envelope is the sender’s. |
| Destinatario | Receiver | Lo más importante es asegurarte que la dirección del destinatario esté bien escrita. | The most important part is making sure that the address of the receiver is written correctly. |
| Dirección | Address | ¿A qué dirección le enviamos su paquete? | What address should we mail your package to? |
| Código postal | Zip code | Tengo su dirección, pero no me sé el código postal. | I have his address, but I don’t know his zip code. |
| Enviar | To send | Necesito tu dirección, te voy a enviar un paquete. | I need your address, I’m going to send you a package. |
| Recibir | To receive | No he recibido ninguna carta en los últimos dos meses. | I haven’t received any letters in the past two months. |
| Entregar | To deliver | El cartero pasa a entregar todas las mañanas. | The mailman delivers the mail every morning. |
| Firma | Signature | No entregaron mi paquete porque no estaba en casa y necesitaba una firma. | They couldn’t deliver my package because I wasn’t home and they needed a signature. |
| Apartado postal | PO box | Estoy considerando contratar un apartado postal para encargarse de todas mis cartas. | I’m considering hiring a PO box to manage all of my letters. |
| Postperson | Cartero/cartera | El cartero me ayudó a asegurarme de que la dirección estuviera bien escrita. | The mailman helped me ensure that the address was written correctly. |
| Correo certificado | Certified mail | Su diploma universitario llegará por correo certificado dentro de los próximos siete días. | Your university degree will be delivered by certified mail within seven days. |
| Correo basura | Junk mail | Necesito ayuda para categorizar todo el correo basura que recibo en mi apartado postal. | I need help categorizing all the junk mail I receive in my PO box. |
Spanish letter formatting is slightly different than English, especially for formal letters. Generally, you should follow this format when writing your Spanish letters:
![\"Formatting](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltdaeff1c8cc78312b/647fd07e4ef7037c294e1535/Formal_letter_formatting_Spanish.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Each country has its own way of writing addresses, so you’ll have to look into the specific country you’re trying to mail a letter to before writing the address. However, in general, you can expect Spanish-speaking countries to roughly follow this basic pattern:
Here’s an example:
Juan Pérez
Avenida Insurgentes #1337, 17A
C.P. 10038, Monterrey, Nuevo León
MEXICO
Sometimes, you’ll need to use a more complete address format when sending letters to more complicated locations, like hospitals or organizations. Here’s what information to include in the address in such situations:
Here’s an example of what a more complete address format would look like in Spanish:
Hospital Ángeles
Subdirector de Desarrollo
Dr. Andrés Monteverde
Bulevar Colosio #1808
esquina con Avenida Patria
Colonia Américas
C.P. 33009, Guadalajara, Jalisco
MEXICO
Another common mistake made by native English speakers is writing the date incorrectly. If this sounds a bit odd, that’s because dates are written a bit differently in Spanish. If you know how to talk about months and tell the exact time in Spanish, then you already know that Spanish follows a different order than English.
These are a few of the most common ways to write the date in Spanish:
Generally, writing out the full date as in the first example above is the most formal. Only use the abbreviations below if your letter is tight on space or if you’re trying to be as succinct as possible.
Writing a formal letter in Spanish can sound a lot harder than it actually is. This is particularly true if you already know some business Spanish vocabulary, as you’ll just need to learn some formalities for opening and closing formal letters in Spanish. Here are some of the most important things to consider when writing formal or business letters in Spanish.
![\"How](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blte275db47b6250a87/647eba182fae7e4c5453b889/istock-646860750.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Starting a formal letter with a strong greeting is one of the best ways to make a great first impression. This alone can help you stand out from the rest of the competition if you’re trying to win big by doing business in Spanish. One thing to note is that, while English greetings are followed by a comma, Spanish greetings are followed by a colon. Here are some examples to show you what we mean:
| Spanish | English | Notes |
| Estimado: / Estimada: | Dear Sir, / Dear Madam, | Used when adding the name of the receiver is unnecessary. |
| Estimado señor _____: / Estimada señora _____: | Dear Mister _____, / Dear Mrs. _____ | Used when you want to address the receiver by name. |
| Estimados colegas: | Dear colleagues, | Used when addressing multiple people at the same time. Note that colleagues implies that you’re at the same level, so don’t use it with superiors. |
| A quien corresponda: | To whom it may concern, | Used when the receiver is unknown. |
| A quien le pueda interesar: | To whom it may concern, | Used when the receiver is unknown. |
| Al área de _____: | To the department of _____, | Used when addressing an entire department or when you don’t know which person in a specific department will respond to you. |
| Reciba usted un saludo cordial | Please receive a warm welcome | Use this immediately after the initial greeting to be extra polite. |
| Espero que esta carta le encuentre bien | I hope this letter finds you well | Use this immediately after the initial greeting to be extra polite. |
| Espero que se encuentre en buena salud | I hope this letter finds you in good health | Use this immediately after the initial greeting to be extra polite. |
After the initial greeting, starting a formal letter in Spanish will vary depending on the purpose of your letter. Below, we’ll cover half a dozen of types of formal letters in Spanish to help you nail the assignment, whatever that may be.
![\"Woman](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltc152185bb57f9ede/647ebb12829de33dbdceed83/istock-846006326.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Applying for a new job is one of the best things you can do for your career — especially if you’re looking for a job that can maximize your Spanish-speaking skills. A strong cover letter, known in Spanish as la carta de presentación, is your first impression of your potential new employer, so you have to make sure it stands out! Here are a few impressive ways to open your cover letter in Spanish.
| Spanish | English | Notes |
| Le escribo al respecto de la vacante de _____. | I’m writing in application for _____. | |
| Me gustaría enviar una solicitud para el puesto de _____. | I wish to apply for the post of _____. | |
| Le escribo en respuesta a su anuncio publicado en _____. | I am writing in response to your advertisement posted on _____. | |
| Les escribo para hacerles llegar mi interés por la vacante de _____. | I am writing to let you know about my interest in the position of _____. | Most formal. |
| Me gustaría enviar una solicitud para el puesto de _____. | I would like to apply for the job _____. | Less formal. |
| Con referencia a su vacante de _____. | In reference to your vacant job _____. | Most formal. |
A letter of inquiry, known in Spanish as la carta de consulta, is a very versatile business document that can help figure out a number of issues. Generally used with other businesses, this type of letter can help you ask direct questions or follow up on past requests. Here are a few examples.
| Spanish | English | Notes |
| Le escribo para preguntar acerca de _____. | I’m writing to inquire in regards to _____. | Can be used to ask any type of question. |
| Por medio de la presente, me comunico para solicitar información sobre _____. | Through this means, I am communicating to request information regarding _____. | Formal request for information. |
| Me comunico para hacer la petición oficial para _____. | I’m communicating to make an official petition for _____. | Formal petition request. |
| Solicita: _____. | Request: _____. | Direct way to make a request. |
| Suplica: _____. | Plea: _____. | Direct way to make an urgent request. |
Perhaps unfortunately so, we’ve all been in a situation where we’ve had to complain about a product or service we received. A letter of complaint, also known as la carta de reclamación or la carta de reclamo, can be a great way to get your point across and make your concerns heard. Here are some ways to get started:
| Spanish | English | Notes |
| Les escribo con respecto a mi pedido número _____ que realicé el _____. Desafortunadamente, aún no lo he recibido. | I’m writing in regard to my order number _____, which I placed on _____. Unfortunately, I have yet to receive it. | Used to complain about a product you ordered online but haven’t received yet. |
| Les escribo para comentarles acerca de mi descontento tras mi visita a su establecimiento el pasado _____. | I’m writing to talk about my dissatisfaction after visiting your establishment last _____. | Used to complain about bad service received at a store. |
| Me comunico con respecto al pésimo servicio que recibí por parte de su personal en _____. | I’m communicating with you regarding the awful service I received on behalf of your staff at _____. | Used to complain about bad service received at a store. |
| Me comunico con ustedes para expresar mi descontento con el servicio que recibí por parte de _____. | I’m communicating with you to express my dissatisfaction with the service I received from_____. | Used to complain about bad service received from a specific employee at a store. |
| Les escribo para expresar mi mayor descontento con el producto _____ que compré en su tienda. | I’m writing to express my highest dissatisfaction with the product _____ I bought from your store. | Used to complain about the bad quality of a product purchased in-store. |
| Escribo esta carta para presentar mi queja acerca de_____ oficialmente. | I’m writing this letter to formally present my complaint regarding ____. | Extremely formal complaint letter. |
| Me comunico para informarles que el ______ compré un ______ en su tienda en _____. No me siento para nada satisfecho con mi compra y me gustaría expresar mi más sincero descontento con el servicio al cliente que he recibido hasta ahora. | I’m communicating to inform you that on _____ I bought a _____ at your store in _____. I don’t feel at all satisfied with my purchase and I would like to express my most sincere dissatisfaction with the customer service I’ve received so far. | Letter to express dissatisfaction with a particular product. |
Sometimes, just saying sorry isn’t enough. For those situations, writing an apology letter can be a more effective way of getting your sincere apology across. Also known as la carta de disculpas, writing one can be a great way to show that you’re really sorry for a particular situation.
Plus, with dozens of ways to say sorry in Spanish, you should be able to customize it very easily. This can be helpful for businesses that provide customer service, as owning up to mistakes and offering solutions can make a difference in the customer’s experience. Here are a few examples:
| Spanish | English | Notes |
| Le escribo para pedirle disculpas por el mal servicio que recibió en su más reciente visita a _____. | I’m writing to apologize for the poor service you received on your recent visit to _____. | Used by a company to apologize to a client. |
| Quisiera expresar mis más sinceras disculpas con usted tras lo sucedido. | I would like to express my most sincere apologies to you regarding what happened. | Personal apology. |
| Por favor, acepte mis más sinceras disculpas acerca de la situación. | Please, accept my most sincere apologies for the situation. | Personal apology. |
| A nombre de toda la compañía, me gustaría desearle mis más sinceras disculpas. | On behalf of the entire company, I would like to wish you my most sincere apologies. | Used by a company to apologize to a client. |
| Aunque una disculpa no es suficiente para resolver los daños causados, me gustaría ofrecer una como un primer paso para reparar nuestra relación. | Even though an apology is not enough to resolve the damage caused, I would like to offer one as a first step toward repairing our relationship. | Personal apology. |
| Sé que lo que hice está mal y no hay ninguna manera de justificarlo. | I know that what I’ve done is wrong and there is no way to justify it. | Personal apology. |
A letter of response is, naturally, a formal way to respond to a formal or official inquiry. Known as la carta de respuesta in Spanish, these types of letters can be very helpful for businesses and formal organizations. They can also serve as a way to acknowledge that they’ve received a request but need more time to answer the question or process the petition. Here are a few cases:
| Spanish | English | Notes |
| Le escribo en respuesta a la pregunta sobre _____. | I’m writing in response to your inquiry on the _____. | To answer questions. |
| En respuesta a su carta del _____, me complace indicarle que _____. | In response to your letter from _____, I’m pleased to let you know that _____. | To answer questions. |
| En respuesta a su carta del _____, me apena indicarle que _____. | In response to your letter from _____, I’m saddened to let you know that _____. | To answer a question with unfortunate news. |
| En respuesta a la petición recibida, _____. | In response to the requested petition, _____. | In response to a petition. |
| Le agradezco mucho por comunicarse con nosotros con respecto a _____. Vamos a tomar las medidas necesarias para asegurarnos de que esta situación no vuelva a suceder. | Thank you very much for letting us know about _____. We will take extra precautions to ensure that this situation doesn’t happen again. | In response to a client complaint. |
| Para responder su pregunta, _____. | To answer your question, _____. | To answer questions. |
One of the best skills you could possibly have to succeed in business is being able to sell. Being an amazing salesperson is a skill that can translate across languages, but only if you have the right vocabulary to do so. Here are some of the most common phrases for writing a letter of sales, or la carta de ventas, in Spanish:
| Spanish | English | Notes |
| Le escribo para comentarle acerca de nuestra más reciente promoción de _____. | I’m writing to let you know about our most recent special offer of _____. | Writing about a new promo. |
| Le escribo para asegurarme de que no se pierda nuestra increíble promoción de _____. | I’m writing to make sure that you don’t miss our new amazing special offer of _____. | Writing about a new promo. |
| Le escribo para animarle a inscribirse a nuestra más nueva promoción _____. | I’m writing to encourage you to sign up for our most recent promo _____. | Writing about a new signup promo. |
| Me comunico con usted para asegurarme de que no se pierda de nuestra promoción por tiempo limitado de _____. | I’m getting in touch to make sure that you don’t miss out on our limited-time offer of _____. | Writing about a new promo. |
| Descubre cómo puedes aprovechar los más recientes descuentos de _____. | Find out how you can take advantage of the most recent discounts of _____. | Writing about new deals. |
| Estimado _____, le escribimos para informarle acerca de una promoción exclusiva para nuestros clientes más importantes. | Dear _____, we’re writing to let you know about our new exclusive promo for our most important clients. | Writing about new deals. |
Finally, you will want to close out your formal Spanish letter with a powerful sign-off. One of the most common ways to close out a formal letter is by thanking the receiver for their time and attention. Luckily, there are many ways to say thank you in Spanish. You’ll want to stick to the more formal ones when closing out your formal letter, though. Here are some examples:
![\"Knowing](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt8db6b03c9736456a/647eb76a6ab7488bb1f10e8c/istock-614028366.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Spanish | English | Notes |
| Le agradezco de antemano por su atención. | Thank you in advance for your attention, | Most formal. |
| Atentamente, | Attentively, | |
| Cordialmente, | Cordially, | |
| Saludos cordiales, | Cordial greetings, | |
| Sin otro particular, les saluda atentamente, | Without any other points, you’re greeted attentively by | Most formal. |
| En espera de su respuesta, le saluda atentamente, | Awaiting for your answer, you’re greeted attentively by | Most formal. |
| Con sus mejores deseos, se despide atentamente, | With their best wishes, you’re bid farewell attentively by | Most formal. |
| Quedo a su disposición, | I remain at your disposal, | |
| Quedo a la espera de su respuesta, | I await for your response, | |
| Con mis mejores deseos, | With my best wishes, | |
| Reciba un cordial saludo, | Receive a cordial greeting, | Most formal. |
| Respetuosamente, | Respectfully, |
Now, before you put all these new Spanish letter components to the test, let us show you a good example of a formal letter in Spanish. Feel free to use it as a template and customize it to your needs!
Asociación de Escritores de México
Avenida Jalisco #8876-B
C.P. 10038, Monterrey, Nuevo León
MEXICO
25 de mayo de 2023
Dr. Rogelio González González
Calle Pilares #223, PH2
Colonia Roma Norte
C.P. 03100 Cuauhtémoc, CDMX
Estimado Doctor:
En respuesta a la petición recibida, nos complace compartir que su solicitud de admisión a la Asociación de Escritores de México ha sido aceptada. A partir de hoy, usted será parte de un distinguido grupo de escritores mexicanos.
En las próximas semanas, usted estará recibiendo su paquete de bienvenida por correo en la dirección proporcionada. Ahí, usted encontrará su carta de aceptación y documentos con información importante de su membresía.
Sin otro particular, le saluda atentamente
Miguel Ángel Cervantes Rodríguez
Director General
Asociación de Escritores de México
Writing an informal letter in Spanish can be a bit more fun than writing a formal one, as there are fewer rules to stay on top of. Generally, you’ll be writing informal letters to your friends, family members, neighbors, and other people you know well. That means you can use more laid-back writing, even including some Spanish slang. However, there are still a few guidelines you should follow to make your informal letter flow better.
Also known as la carta informal, here are some tips on how to write an informal letter in Spanish:
![\"How](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt38df02f6b7c68242/647ebc414a0917051c8023c3/istock-901570812.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Writing the greeting for your informal letter can be a great way to be personable and show your appreciation for the person you’re writing to. You may want to start with a term of endearment, a fun nickname, or any of the greetings below:
| Spanish | English | Relationship context |
| Hola | Hi | Casual. |
| Ey | Hey | Extremely casual. |
| Querido, Querida | Dear | Affectionate. |
| Mi muy querido amigo / Mi muy querida amiga | My dear friend, | Affectionate. |
| Hola, _____ | Hi, _____ | Insert the name of the receiver in the blank |
| Un gusto saludarte, | What a pleasure to say hello to you | Casual. |
| Queridísimo hermano / Queridísima hermana | Dearest brother / Dearest sister | Doesn’t have to be a literal brother or sister |
After your initial greeting, you’ll want to follow with a question asking about their well-being or what’s new. Alternatively, you may want to simply get to the point and tell them exactly why you’re writing them. Here are a few examples:
| Spanish | English | Notes |
| ¿Cómo estás? | How are you? | Casual. |
| ¿Qué tal? | How’s it going? | Casual. |
| ¿Qué hay de nuevo? | What’s new? | Casual. |
| Solo quería saludarte. | I just wanted to say hi. | Casual. |
| Te escribía para felicitarte por ____. | I was writing to congratulate you on ____. | Can be used for birthdays and other special occasions. |
| Te escribo para ____. | I’m writing for ____. | Used to make a request. |
| Te escribo para preguntarte ____. | I’m writing to ask you about ____. | Used to ask a question. |
| Te escribo porque escuché que ____. | I’m writing because I heard that ____. | |
| Te escribo para felicitarte a ti y a tu linda pareja por su boda. | I’m writing to congratulate you and your lovely partner on your wedding. |
Ending an informal letter can be just as fun as starting it. With over 87 ways to say goodbye in Spanish, you can definitely find the perfect way to end your letter in Spanish informally. Here are a few examples:
| Spanish | English | Notes |
| ¡Saludos! | Regards! | Casual. |
| Hasta pronto, | See you soon, | Casual. |
| Un abrazo, | A hug, | Affectionate. |
| Un fuerte abrazo, | A strong hug, | Affectionate. |
| Recibe un fuerte abrazo, | Receive a strong hug, | Affectionate. |
| Besos, | Kisses, | Affectionate. |
| Besos y abrazos, | Kisses and hugs, | Affectionate. |
| Con aprecio, | With appreciation, | Casual. |
| Con cariño | With affection, | Casual. |
| Con afecto, | With affection, | Affectionate. |
| Con amor, | With love, | Affectionate. |
| Cuídate, | Take care, | Casual. |
| Un saludo, | A greeting, | Casual. |
| Seguimos en contacto, | We’re still in touch, | Casual. |
| Espero saber de ti pronto, | I hope to hear from you soon, | Casual. |
| Muchas gracias, | Thanks a lot, | Casual. |
| Nos vemos pronto, | See you soon, | Casual. |
Sure, there are times when meeting face-to-face or giving someone a call is a better way to build relationships and develop your business empire. However, writing a formal or informal letter can also be a great way to create unique bonds with your friends and business partners. You could even pick up the habit of sending postcards with a short letter summarizing your travels to your friends back home as you make your way through the Spanish-speaking countries. Who wouldn’t love to receive a letter from Peru or Costa Rica!?
If you’re feeling more confident in your ability to write letters in Spanish, then you should check out the rest of our Spanish articles. We regularly publish fun new guides to help you improve different parts of the Spanish language, like the difference between por and para and how to master the Spanish prepositions. Oh, and the best part? It’s all free!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Saber vs conocer","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"Saber vs conocer: A splendid guide on when to use them + chart","url":"/blog/saber-vs-conocer","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt4cc26cd037f7b70a/6459be0b0d559f5e529f4aaf/pexels-viktoria-slowikowska-5332275.jpg"},"post_content":"While many words translate very easily from English to Spanish, there are certain words and expressions that don’t have a comparable counterpart. That’s usually not because of a simple lack of vocabulary, but rather because different languages have different ways of understanding the world. Getting exposure to these differences is one of the biggest benefits of learning a foreign language, as you will gain a brand-new understanding of concepts that you thought you were already fully familiar with.
\nThe difference between saber and conocer in Spanish is a new concept for English speakers. If you’ve already taken some Spanish classes before, you might already know that both of these verbs translate into the verb “to know.” However, these Spanish verbs cannot be used interchangeably, as Spanish considers there to be different types of knowledge or different levels of knowledge. For example, you can know something for a fact, but you can also know a place. Spanish uses these two different verbs to differentiate between these two (and more!) situations.
\nKeep reading to learn more about the differences between saber and conocer, how to conjugate them, and more!
\n\nRoughly, the difference between conocer and saber is that conocer implies a more superficial knowledge while saber implies a deeper understanding. You might know of something, but that doesn’t mean your knowledge is deep. For example, if you’ve heard of the country of Uruguay, you could say you know of Uruguay. However, if you’ve lived in Uruguay for several years, you could say you know Uruguay.
\nHowever, keep in mind that conocer and saber cannot be used interchangeably. In other words, there is always one correct verb to use — you cannot choose between one of the two to denote your knowledge level on the subject. Although this means you will have to memorize which verb to use depending on the situation, we will cover some of the most common ways to use them below to help you get started.
\n\nAs you now know, the verb saber is used to denote a deeper understanding or acquaintance with a certain concept or skill. Here are some of the most popular ways to use them.
\nThe verb saber is the most common for expressing knowledge on most types of information. This is what you would use to say I don’t know in Spanish. Use this verb any time you talk about all kinds of information that you know (or don’t know!).
\n![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt80b86c64311d6870/6459c058ddeef24daa14c007/pexels-oleksandr-pidvalnyi-1539993.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| I don’t know how to get home. | \nNo sé cómo llegar a casa. | \nno seh coh-moh yeh-gar ah cah-sah | \nˈno ˈse ˈkomo ʎeˈɣaɾ a ˈkasa ‖ | \n
| Do you know when this school was founded? | \n¿Sabes en qué año se fundó esta escuela? | \nsah-bess ehn keh ah-nyoh seh foon-doe ess-tah ess-coo-eh-lah | \nˈsaβes en ˈke ˈaɲo se funˈdo ˈesta esˈkwela ‖ | \n
| I know that María lives in Denmark, but I don’t know in which city exactly. | \nSé que María vive en Dinamarca, pero no sé exactamente en qué ciudad. | \nseh keh mah-ree-ah vee-veh ehn dee-na-mar-cah, pear-oh no seh ex-ac-ta-mehn-teh ehn keh see-ooh-dahd | \nˈse ˈke maˈɾia ˈβiβe en dinaˈmaɾka | ˈpeɾo ˈno ˈse eksaktaˈmente en ˈke θjuˈðað ‖ | \n
This is an essential verb if you want to get to know someone and what they’re interested in. If you’re looking to date a Spanish speaker, perhaps you should learn how to use the verb saber before you set out to memorize dozens of Spanish pick-up lines. You’ll be able to ask your date if they know how to play any sports, play any instruments, how many languages they can speak, and any other hobbies they might have.
\n![\"Friends](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt7ea731e0cba5a510/6459c0e89d323a25895b64e9/pexels-william-fortunato-6141122.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| I know how to play chess, but I’m not very good at it. | \nSé jugar ajedrez, pero no soy muy bueno. | \nseh who-gar ah-heh-dress, pear-oh no soy mooy boo-eh-no | \nˈse xuˈɣaɾ axeˈðɾeθ | ˈpeɾo ˈno ˈsoj muj ˈβweno ‖ | \n
| My siblings and I know how to play the flute. | \nMis hermanos y yo sabemos tocar la flauta. | \nmees air-mah-noss e yo sah-beh-moss to-car la fla-ooh-tah | \nmis eɾˈmanos i ˈʝo saˈβemos toˈkaɾ la ˈflawta ‖ | \n
| Do you know how to speak Mandarin Chinese? | \n¿Sabes hablar Chino Mandarín? | \nsah-bess ah-blar chee-no man-dah-reen | \nˈsaβes aˈβlaɾ ˈʧino mandaˈɾin ‖ | \n
Use the verb saber to talk about things that you know to be true, like any events that happened recently or your mom’s favorite type of flowers. This can also be a very helpful verb to know as you travel through Spanish-speaking countries.
\n![\"Train](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt19a62369712038b1/6459c16623f9164c08cb08ab/pexels-daniel-sperindeo-9953781.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| We don’t know when our cat escaped. | \nNo sabemos cuándo se escapó nuestro gato. | \nno sah-beh-moss coo-ahn-doe seh ess-cah-poh noo-ess-troh gah-toe | \nˈno saˈβemos ˈkwando se eskaˈpo ˈnwestɾo ˈɣato ‖ | \n
| I know that my mom’s favorite flowers are petunias. | \nSé que las flores favoritas de mi mamá son las petunias. | \nseh keh las floh-ress fah-vor-e-tass deh me ma-mah sohn lass peh-too-nee-ass | \nˈse ˈke las ˈfloɾes faβoˈɾitaz ðe mi maˈma ˈson las peˈtunjas ‖ | \n
| Do you know what time the train to Valencia departs? | \n¿Sabes a qué hora sale el tren a Valencia? | \nsah-bess ah keh oh-rah sah-leh elle tren ah vah-lehn-see-ah | \nˈsaβes a ˈke ˈoɾa ˈsale el ˈtɾen a βaˈlenθja ‖ | \n
The Spanish verb conocer is used to talk about things that you’re familiar with and places that you’ve been to. It doesn’t denote such a deep sense of knowledge as the verb saber, but rather implies that you’re aware of something. Here are some common ways to use the verb conocer in Spanish.
\nAs mentioned earlier in this article, you’ll want to use the verb conocer when talking about things you know of or have heard of before. These can be things like abstract ideas, businesses, and virtually any noun that you’ve heard of before.
\n![\"Taking](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt7f27db1cef88056f/6459c37335e4bac25e6bb91e/pexels-melissa-sombrerero-12041574.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| I knew the real heat when I visited Northern Mexico over the summer. | \nConocí el calor cuando visité el norte de México en verano. | \ncoe-no-see elle cah-lore coo-ahn-doe vee-see-teh elle nor-teh deh meh-he-coe ehn veh-rah-no | \nkonoˈθi el kaˈloɾ ˈkwando βisiˈte el ˈnoɾte ðe ˈmexiko em beˈɾano ‖ | \n
| I don’t know that clothing brand, is it new? | \nNo conozco esa marca de ropa, ¿es nueva? | \nno coh-noss-coe eh-sah mar-cah deh ro-pah, es noo-eh-vah | \nˈno koˈnoθko ˈesa ˈmaɾka ðe ˈropa | ˈez ˈnweβa ‖ | \n
| The teacher says that he knows a website with excellent resources for learning Spanish. It’s called Berlitz! | \nEl maestro dice que conoce una página de internet con muy buenos recursos para aprender Español. ¡Se llama Berlitz! | \nelle mah-ess-troh dee-seh keh coh-no-seh oo-nah pah-he-nah deh een-ter-net con mooy boo-eh-nos reh-coor-sos pah-rah ah-prehn dehr es-pah-nyol. seh yah-mah ber-leetz | \nel maˈestɾo ˈðiθe ˈke koˈnoθe ˈuna ˈpaxina ðe jnteɾˈnet kom muj ˈβwenoz reˈkuɾsos ˈpaɾa apɾenˈdeɾ espaˈɲol ‖ se ˈʎama βeɾˈlitθ ‖ | \n
This might be an exception to our rule about the intensity of knowledge, as you can know a person extremely well and you’d still use the verb conocer. Whether it’s someone you’ve only met once, a close family member, or someone you’ve only heard of, you want to use this Spanish verb!
\nOne important thing to keep in mind is to always use the Spanish preposition “a” when talking about people you know. This can be tricky for English speakers, as English doesn’t use any prepositions for these cases. Just remember to always use it when talking about people you know!
\n![\"Two](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blte061bf6e29bc838a/6459c46004ed3c067cdd14a3/pexels-victoria-rain-9201863.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| Do you know Pedro’s sister? | \n¿Conoces a la hermana de Pedro? | \ncoh-noh-sehs ah la air-ma-nah deh peh-droh | \nkoˈnoθes a la eɾˈmana ðe ˈpeðɾo ‖ | \n
| I know all of his family, but not very well. | \nConozco a toda su familia, pero no muy bien. | \ncoh-noss-coe ah toh-dah soo fah-me-lee-ah, pear-oh no mooy bee-ehn | \nkoˈnoθko a ˈtoða su faˈmilja | ˈpeɾo ˈno muj ˈβjen ‖ | \n
| Of course I know her! She’s my sister. | \n¡Claro que la conozco! Es mi hermana. | \nclah-roh keh la co-noss-coh! ess me air-mah-nah | \nˈklaɾo ˈke la koˈnoθko ‖ ˈez mj eɾˈmana ‖ | \n
Another instance of not following our rule on the depth of knowledge, you’ll want to always use the Spanish verb conocer when talking about places you’ve been to. Whether talking about different neighborhoods in your city or all the different countries you’ve been to, remember to always use conocer!
\n![\"Friends](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt7d8d495358448f21/6459c54d7a4110e78d232b50/pexels-roman-odintsov-4553618.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| She lives in Buenos Aires, she must know a good neighborhood for tourists. | \nElla vive en Buenos Aires, seguro conoce un buen vecindario para turistas. | \neh-yah vee-veh ehn boo-eh-nos ah--e-ress, seh-goo-roe coh-noh-seh oon boo-ehn veh-seen-dah-re-oh pah-rah too-rees-tas | \nˈeʎa ˈβiβe em ˈbwenos ˈajɾes | seˈɣuɾo koˈnoθe wm ˈbwem beθinˈdaɾjo ˈpaɾa tuˈɾistas ‖ | \n
| I’ve been almost everywhere in Europe, but I still haven’t been to Portugal. | \nConozco casi toda Europa, pero aún no conozco Portugal. | \ncoh-noss-coe cah-see toe-dah eh-ooh-roh-pah, pear-oh ah-oon no coe-noss-coh pore-too-gall | \nkoˈnoθko ˈkasi ˈtoða ewˈɾopa | ˈpeɾo aˈun ˈno koˈnoθko poɾtuˈɣal ‖ | \n
| My parents have already been to all fifty states in the United States. | \nMis papás ya conocen los cincuenta estados de Estados Unidos. | \nmees pah-pas yah coh-noh-sehn los seen-coo-ehn-tah ess-tah-doss deh ess-tah-doss oo-nee-doss | \nmis paˈpaz ʝa koˈnoθen los θinˈkwenta esˈtaðoz ðe esˈtaðos uˈniðos ‖ | \n
Any Spanish learner knows that knowing how to use a verb is only half the battle — knowing how to conjugate it is the other half. To make sure you have everything you need to master these tricky verbs, we’ve included helpful conjugation charts for you below.
\nThe verb saber is an irregular verb. This means that you cannot follow the normal conjugation rules for verbs that end in –er. Instead, you will have to memorize the specific conjugation form of each person in each tense for this verb. Don’t worry, though, we promise it’s not as hard as it sounds! Here’s the present indicative conjugation for the verb saber.
\n| Person | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| First person singular | \nYo sé | \nseh | \nˈse | \n
| Second person singular | \nTú sabes | \nsah-bess | \nˈsaβes | \n
| Second person singular (formal) | \nUsted sabe | \nsah-beh | \nˈsaβe | \n
| Third person singular | \nÉl / ella sabe | \nsah-beh | \nˈsaβe | \n
| First person plural | \nNosotros sabemos | \nsah-beh-moss | \nsaˈβemos | \n
| Second person plural | \nUstedes saben | \nsah-behn | \nˈsaβen | \n
| Second person plural (Spain) | \nVosotros sabéis | \nsah-base | \nsaˈβejs | \n
| Third person plural | \nEllos / ellas saben | \nsah-behn | \nˈsaβen | \n
| Person | \nPast | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \nFuture | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| First person singular | \nYo supe | \nsoo-peh | \nˈsupe | \nYo sabré | \nsah-breh | \nsabré | \n
| Second person singular | \nTú supiste | \nsoo-pees-teh | \nsuˈpiste | \nTú sabrás | \nsah-brass | \nsabrás | \n
| Second person singular (formal) | \nUsted supo | \nsoo-poe | \nˈsupo | \nUsted sabrá | \nsah-brah | \nsabrá | \n
| Third person singular | \nÉl / ella supo | \nsoo-poe | \nˈsupo | \nÉl / ella sabrá | \nsah-brah | \nsabrá | \n
| First person plural | \nNosotros supimos | \nsoo-pee-moss | \nsuˈpimos | \nNosotros sabremos | \nsah-breh-moss | \nsabremos | \n
| Second person plural | \nUstedes supieron | \nsoo-pee-air-ohn | \nsuˈpjeɾon | \nUstedes sabrán | \nsah-brahn | \nsabrán | \n
| Second person plural (Spain) | \nVosotros supisteis | \nsoo-pees-tace | \nsuˈpistejs | \nVosotros sabréis | \nsah-brace | \nsabréis | \n
| Third person plural | \nEllos / ellas supieron | \nsoo-pee-air-ohn | \nsuˈpjeɾon | \nEllos / ellas sabrán | \nsahbrahn | \nsabrán | \n
If you thought the verb saber was difficult to conjugate, then we’ve got some good news for you: conocer is much easier. It’s still technically an irregular verb, but only its first-person singular conjugation in the present indicative tense is irregular — everything else is regular! That means you will only have to memorize one irregularity. Here’s the conjugation for the verb conocer in the present indicative tense.
\n| Person | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| First person singular | \nYo conozco | \ncoh-noss-coe | \nkoˈnoθko | \n
| Second person singular | \nTú conoces | \ncoh-noh-sess | \nkoˈnoθes | \n
| Second person singular (formal) | \nUsted conoce | \ncoh-noh-seh | \nkoˈnoθe | \n
| Third person singular | \nÉl / ella conoce | \ncoh-noh-seh | \nkoˈnoθe | \n
| First person plural | \nNosotros conocemos | \ncoh-noh-seh-moss | \nkonoˈθemos | \n
| Second person plural | \nUstedes conocen | \ncoh-noh-sehn | \nkoˈnoθen | \n
| Second person plural (Spain) | \nVosotros conocéis | \ncoh-noh-sace | \nkonoˈθejs | \n
| Third person plural | \nEllos / ellas conocen | \ncoh-noh-sehn | \nkoˈnoθen | \n
| Person | \nPast | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \nFuture | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| First person singular | \nYo conocí | \ncoh-noh-see | \nkonoˈθi | \nYo conoceré | \ncoh-noh-seh-reh | \nkonoˈθi | \n
| Second person singular | \nTú conociste | \ncoh-noh-sees-teh | \nkonoˈθiste | \nTú conocerás | \ncoh-noh-seh-rass | \nkonoˈθiste | \n
| Second person singular (formal) | \nUsted conoció | \ncoh-noh-see-oh | \nkonoˈθjo | \nUsted conocerá | \ncoh-noh-seh-rah | \nkonoˈθjo | \n
| Third person singular | \nÉl / ella conoció | \ncoh-noh-see-oh | \nkonoˈθjo | \nÉl / ella conocerá | \ncoh-noh-seh-rah | \nkonoˈθjo | \n
| First person plural | \nNosotros conocimos | \ncoh-noh-see-moss | \nkonoˈθimos | \nNosotros conoceremos | \ncoh-noh-seh-reh-moss | \nkonoˈθimos | \n
| Second person plural | \nUstedes conocieron | \ncoh-noh-see-air-ohn | \nkonoˈθjeɾon | \nUstedes conocerán | \ncoh-noh-seh-rahn | \nkonoˈθjeɾon | \n
| Second person plural (Spain) | \nVosotros conocisteis | \ncoh-noh-sees-teh | \nkonoˈθistejs | \nVosotros conoceréis | \ncoh-noh-seh-rais | \nkonoˈθistejs | \n
| Third person plural | \nEllos / ellas conocieron | \ncoh-noh-see-air-ohn | \nkonoˈθjeɾon | \nEllos / ellas conocerán | \ncoh-noh-seh-rahn | \nkonoˈθjeɾon | \n
We get that this might be one of the less intuitive Spanish topics for non-native speakers, but you’ll be able to master it with enough practice. If you’ve read our guide on how to learn Spanish quickly, then you should head over there immediately for some great tips!
\nAnd if you’ve already read it, then you know that increasing your Spanish input (i.e., Spanish reading and listening) is one of the best ways to develop a feel for the language. Doing more of this will allow you to develop a feel for which situations call for conocer and which call for saber. Eventually, you’ll be able to tell what sounds right and what doesn’t!
\nIf you enjoyed this article, make sure to check out the rest of our articles in our Spanish blog! We regularly publish awesome (and free!) content to keep you leveling up your Spanish, like how to conjugate ser and estar and the ultimate guide to Spanish accent marks. Take advantage of this opportunity to conocer new topics!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Food names in Chinese","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"A buffet of 222 yummy food names in Chinese to learn","url":"/blog/food-names-chinese","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltea2ffefe28537822/646c0a3c8e66ee1b4cc328dc/pexels-sam-lion-5709280.jpg"},"post_content":"If you’ve spent some time in China, you know that asking someone if they’ve eaten yet is a common way of saying hello in Chinese. That’s because food holds a central role in Chinese society, with meals always being a reason for socializing and spending quality time with your loved ones.
Indeed, mealtimes in China are a sacred time to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. That’s why most Chinese restaurants have large round tables and serve dishes that are meant to be shared amongst your group. You should never rush a Chinese meal and instead focus on enjoying the company (and delicious food!).
And speaking of Chinese food, you’re probably wondering why it’s so important to learn about traditional Chinese dishes in Chinese. After all, who isn’t well-acquainted with Chinese food already? With millions of Chinese restaurants all over the world, everyone already knows dishes like orange chicken, Mongolian beef, and, of course, fortune cookies. Doesn’t that make everyone super familiar with Chinese food already?
Nope! If you’ve never been to China, you might be surprised to learn that many traditional Chinese dishes are quite uncommon in the Western world. Conversely, you’ll have trouble finding many of the dishes you’re used to ordering at your local Chinese restaurant back home when visiting China, so you’re going to want to learn some of the delicious and unique-to-China Chinese dishes.
Are you hungry yet? Let’s dig in!
We’re going to cover over 200 food vocabulary words in Chinese in this blog, so we’ve broken them up into different groups to help you quickly find your favorite food items!
If you love fresh fruits, then there’s no better place to go than China. In 2021, China was the world’s leading producer of fruit by quite a large margin. In fact, China produced more fruits than the next six largest fruit producers in the world put together! Besides apples, pears, and strawberries, you’ll also find many local fruits, like durian, mangosteen, and goji berries.
![\"Learn](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt0b8030782cef564d/646c1501fa7cb74e54f650d6/pexels-quang-nguyen-vinh-2132031.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Chinese character | Pinyin | English | Pronunciation |
| 苹果 | píng guǒ | Apple | pyng guoo |
| 梨 | lí | Pear | li |
| 草莓 | cǎo méi | Strawberry | tsao mei |
| 蓝莓 | lán méi | Blueberry | lan mei |
| 覆盆子 | fù pén zǐ | Raspberry | fuh pern tzyy |
| 黑莓 | hēi méi | Blackberry | hei mei |
| 桑葚 | sāng shèn | Mulberry | sang shenn |
| 芒果 | máng guǒ | Mango | mang guoo |
| 香蕉 | xiāng jiāo | Banana | shiang jiau |
| 西瓜 | xī guā | Watermelon | shi gua |
| 桃子 | táo zǐ | Peach | taur tzyy |
| 椰子 | yē zǐ | Coconut | ie tzyy |
| 葡萄 | pú táo | Grape | pwu taur |
| 奇异果 | qí yì guǒ | Kiwi | chyi yih guoo |
| 柠檬 | níng méng | Lemon | ning meng |
| 橙子 | chéng zǐ | Orange | cherng tzyy |
| 柑橘 | gān jú | Mandarin | gan jyu |
| 菠萝 | bō luó | Pineapple | bo luo |
| 石榴 | shí liú | Pomegranate | shyr liou |
| 樱桃 | yīng táo | Cherry | ing taur |
| 火龙果 | huǒ lóng guǒ | Dragonfruit | huoo long guoo |
| 牛油果 | niú yóu guǒ | Avocado | niou you guoo |
| 榴莲 | liú lián | Durian | liou lian |
| 山竹 | shān zhú | Mangosteen | shan jwu |
| 枸杞 | gǒu qǐ | Goji | goou chii |
| 枣 | zǎo | Jujube | tzao |
| 荔枝 | lì zhī | Lychee | lih jy |
| 红毛丹 | hóng máo dān | Rambutan | horng mau dan |
Chinese cuisine is extraordinary at bringing out the best notes and flavors from vegetables. That’s why you’ll find that many dishes involve an impressive combination of different vegetables, leaves, roots, and herbs to create a harmonious explosion of flavors. Here are some of the most popular vegetables in Chinese:
![\"Many](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt08a5471ebe4b21b7/646c15c517b7527cdd7f3542/pexels-jonas-f-13020722.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Chinese character | Pinyin | English | Pronunciation |
| 白菜 | bái cài | Chinese cabbage | bair tsay |
| 菠菜 | bō cài | Spinach | bo tsay |
| 油菜 | yóu cài | Bok choy | you tsay |
| 卷心菜 | juǎn xīn cài | Cabbage | jeuan shin tsay |
| 芹菜 | qín cài | Celery | chyn tsay |
| 香菜 | xiāng cài | Cilantro | shiang tsay |
| 生菜 | shēng cài | Lettuce | sheng tsay |
| 青椒 | qīng jiāo | Green pepper | ching jiau |
| 辣椒 | là jiāo | Pepper | lah jiau |
| 甜椒 | tián jiāo | Bell pepper | tyan jiau |
| 茄子 | qié zǐ | Eggplant | chye tzyy |
| 南瓜 | nán guā | Pumpkin | nan gua |
| 苦瓜 | kǔ guā | Bitter gourd/bitter melon | kuu gua |
| 黄瓜 | huáng guā | Cucumber | hwang gua |
| 豆子 | dòu zǐ | Bean | dow tzyy |
| 土豆 | tǔ dòu | Potato | tuu dow |
| 豆芽 | dòu yá | Bean sprouts | dow ya |
| 黑豆 | hēi dòu | Black beans | hei dow |
| 豆角 | dòu jiǎo | Green beans | dow jeau |
| 芸豆 | yún dòu | Kidney beans | yun dow |
| 豆苗 | dòu miáo | Alfalfa sprouts | dow miau |
| 绿豆 | lǜ dòu | Mung beans | liuh dow |
| 豌豆 | wān dòu | Peas | uan dow |
| 大豆 | dà dòu | Soybeans | dah dow |
| 西兰花 | xī lán huā | Broccoli | shi lan hua |
| 菜花 | cài huā | Cauliflower | tsay hua |
| 胡萝卜 | hú luó bo | Carrot | hwu luo bo |
| 蘑菇 | mó gū | Mushroom | mo gu |
| 木耳 | mù'ěr | Wood ear (mushroom) | muh eel |
| 西红柿 | xī hóng shì | Tomato | shi horng shyh |
| 萝卜 | luó bo | Radish | luo bo |
| 大蒜 | dà suàn | Garlic | dah suann |
| 生姜 | shēng jiāng | Ginger | sheng jiang |
| 芋头 | yù tóu | Taro | yuh tour |
| 玉米 | yù mǐ | Corn | yuh mii |
| 芦笋 | lú sǔn | Asparagus | lu soen |
| 洋葱 | yáng cōng | Onion | yang tsong |
| 韭菜 | jiǔ cài | Chives | jeou tsay |
| 甘薯 | gān shǔ | Sweet potato | gan shuu |
| 山药 | shān yào | Yam | shan yaw |
| 竹笋 | zhú sǔn | Bamboo shoots | jwu soen |
| 莲藕 | lián'ǒu | Lotus root | lian oou |
| 秋葵 | qiū kuí | Okra | chiou kwei |
Vegetarians, look away! Although Chinese food can be incredibly veggie-forward, it also has many spectacular meat dishes. In particular, fried chicken has become extremely popular in China, with chains like KFC and local competitors found everywhere in China. Here’s all the Chinese meat vocabulary you should keep in mind next time you visit a Chinese restaurant.
![\"Fried](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt645b193399c9a05b/646c1630269f9377a964629a/pexels-pixabay-60616.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Chinese character | Pinyin | English | Pronunciation |
| 肉 | ròu | Meat | row |
| 牛肉 | niú ròu | Beef | niou row |
| 猪肉 | zhū ròu | Pork | ju row |
| 鸡肉 | jī ròu | Chicken | ji row |
| 鸡胸 | jī xiōng | Chicken breast | ji shiong |
| 鸡翅 | jī chì | Chicken wing | ji chyh |
| 鸡腿 | jī tuǐ | Chicken leg | ji toei |
| 鸡爪 | jī zhuǎ | Chicken feet | ji joa |
| 羊肉 | yáng ròu | Lamb | yang row |
| 鸭肉 | yā ròu | Duck | ia row |
| 火鸡 | huǒ jī | Turkey | huoo ji |
| 牛排 | niú pái | Steak | niou pair |
| 碎牛肉 | suì niú ròu | Ground beef | suey niou row |
| 猪排 | zhū pái | Pork chop | ju pair |
| 火腿 | huǒ tuǐ | Ham | huoo toei |
| 香肠 | xiāng cháng | Sausage | shiang charng |
| 培根 | péi gēn | Bacon | peir gen |
| 羊排 | yáng pái | Lamb chop | yang pair |
With over nine thousand miles of coastline and two of the longest rivers in the world, it’s no surprise that Chinese cuisine involves a wide variety of seafood dishes. From fish to shrimp and many types of shellfish, Chinese cuisine can truly be a pescatarian’s dream! If you love seafood, try visiting Fujian province and Haikou Island — you’re sure to find the freshest seafood there!
![\"Live](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt9e2bdcbbc129ce6e/646c16926f22964f3289dd2e/pexels-ogy-kovachev-14949333.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Chinese character | Pinyin | English | Pronunciation |
| 鱼 | yú | Fish | yu |
| 海鲜 | hǎi xiān | Seafood | hae shian |
| 江团 | jiāng tuán | Chinese longsnout catfish | jiang twan |
| 三文鱼 | sān wén yú | Salmon | san wen yu |
| 鲈鱼 | lú yú | Bass | lu yu |
| 鳕鱼 | xuě yú | Cod | sheue yu |
| 金枪鱼 | jīn qiāng yú | Tuna | jin chiang yu |
| 龙利鱼 | lóng lì yú | Sole | long lih yu |
| 罗非鱼 | luó fēi yú | Tilapia | luo fei yu |
| 鲶鱼 | nián yú | Catfish | nian yu |
| 煎鱼 | jiān yú | Fried fish | jian yu |
| 鳗鱼 | mán yú | Eel | man yu |
| 鲤鱼 | lǐ yú | Carp | lii yu |
| 虾 | xiā | Shrimp | shia |
| 龙虾 | lóng xiā | Lobster | long shia |
| 贻贝 | yí bèi | Mussels | yi bey |
| 贝类 | bèi lèi | Shellfish | bey ley |
| 牡蛎 | mǔ lì | Oyster | muu lih |
| 螃蟹 | páng xiè | Crab | parng shieh |
| 鱿鱼 | yóu yú | Squid | you yu |
| 章鱼 | zhāng yú | Octopus | jang yu |
| 沙丁鱼 | shā dīng yú | Sardine | sha ding yu |
| 扇贝 | shàn bèi | Scallop | shann bey |
| 海藻 | hǎi zǎo | Seaweed | hae tzao |
It is said that one of the biggest distinctions between Northern and Southern China is what’s in people’s bowls — noodles or rice. Due to climatic differences, Southern Chinese cuisine is rice-heavy while Northern Chinese cuisine is noodle-heavy. However, you’ll have no trouble finding an excellent bowl of noodles or fried rice today no matter where you are, so don’t stress too much over this! Here are the most common types of grains in Chinese:
![\"Chef](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt5ead272fdab435f8/646c1726c24d6c589566d176/pexels-anna-tarazevich-6937457.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Chinese character | Pinyin | English | Pronunciation |
| 粮食 | liáng shí | Grain | liang shyr |
| 大麦 | dà mài | Barley | dah may |
| 白饭 | bái fàn | White rice | bair fann |
| 小米 | xiǎo mǐ | Millet | sheau mii |
| 高粱 | gāo liang | Sorghum | gau lhiang |
| 燕麦 | yàn mài | Oats | yann may |
| 黑麦 | hēi mài | Rye | hei may |
| 藜麦 | lí mài | Quinoa | li may |
| 小麦 | xiǎo mài | Wheat | sheau may |
| 麦香 | mài xiāng | Farro | may shiang |
Now, if you’re a certified foodie, then you’ll definitely want to pay close attention to this section. Chinese food in China can be completely different from what you’re used to having back home, especially if there isn’t a big Chinese diaspora in your town. In fact, food varies quite significantly even within China, as there are eight major Chinese cuisines, each with its own distinct flavor profile.
Here are some standout traditional Chinese dishes that you have to make sure to try.
![\"Peking](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt118e4f19d7c72e79/646c1881c24d6c3f7c66d180/pexels-polina-tankilevitch-5848594.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Chinese character | Pinyin | English | Pronunciation |
| 北京烤鸭 | běi jīng kǎo yā | Peking duck | beei jing kao ia |
| 火锅 | huǒ guō | Hotpot | huoo guo |
| 红烧肉 | hóng shāo ròu | Red braised pork belly | horng shau row |
| 串儿 | chuàn er | Skewer | chuann er |
| 宫保鸡丁 | gōng bǎo jī dīng | Kung pao chicken | gong bao ji ding |
| 麻婆豆腐 | má pó dòu fu | Ma po tofu | ma por dow fu |
| 糖醋里脊 | táng cù lǐ ji | Sweet and sour pork tenderloin | tarng tsuh lii ji |
| 蛋炒饭 | dàn chǎo fàn | Egg fried rice | dann chao fann |
| 皮蛋 | pí dàn | Century egg | pyi dann |
| 卤蛋 | lǔ dàn | Soy egg | luu dann |
| 茶叶蛋 | chá yè dàn | Tea egg | char yeh dann |
| 番茄炒蛋 | fān qié chǎo dàn | Stir-fried tomato and scrambled eggs | fan chye chao dann |
| 榨菜 | zhà cài | Pickled vegetables | jah tsay |
| 点心 | diǎn xīn | Dim sum | dean shin |
| 葱油饼 | cōng yóu bǐng | Scallion pancake | tsong you biing |
| 月饼 | yue bǐng | Mooncake | iue biing |
| 油条 | yóu tiáo | Fried bread stick | you tyau |
| 酸辣汤 | suān là tāng | Hot and sour soup | suan lah tang |
| 煎饼 | jiān bǐng | Chinese pancakes | jian bing |
If you’ve noticed that dumplings are a staple of Chinese cuisine, you might be delighted to find out that it’s for a good reason. Although there are several types of lucky foods in Chinese, dumplings are some of the luckiest ones out there. That’s because their shape resembles an ancient form of Chinese money, which means they now symbolize wealth and prosperity. If you every want to celebrate Chinese New Year, make sure to make dumplings with your loved ones to guarantee a wealthy new year!
Here are eight of the most common types of dumplings in China:
![\"Chinese](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltcd682dd9e54d5c00/646c17c1330f1151ea9c9db5/pexels-mikhail-nilov-8093614.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Chinese character | Pinyin | English | Pronunciation |
| 饺子 | jiǎo zi | Dumplings | jeau tzy |
| 包子 | bāo zi | Steamed bun dumplings | bau tzy |
| 锅贴 | guō tiē | Potstickers | guo tie |
| 云吞 | yún tūn | Wonton | yun tuen |
| 小笼包 | xiǎo lóng bāo | Soup dumplings | sheau long bau |
| 烧卖 | shāo mài | Steamed dumpling | shau may |
| 虾饺 | xiā jiǎo | Shrimp bonnet | shia jeau |
| 生煎 | shēng jiān | Small pan-fried bun dumplings | sheng jian man tou |
Anyone who’s a fan of Chinese cuisine is without a doubt dying to find out just how many types of noodles there are. And when you come to China, that curiosity will surely turn into a competition for how soon you can try them all. Be warned, though — you probably will never be able to try every single variety of noodles out there!
To get your taste buds going, here are just a few of the most common types of noodles in Chinese.
![\"Man](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt097d0e420f505d3a/646c18eb93e13082e5e6852b/pexels-cottonbro-studio-7594054.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Chinese character | Pinyin | English | Pronunciation |
| 面条 | miàn tiáo | Noodles | miann tyau |
| 炒面 | chǎo miàn | Stir-fried noodles | chao miann |
| 米线 | mǐ xiàn | Rice noodles | mii shiann |
| 米粉 | mǐ fěn | Rice vermicelli | mii feen |
| 河粉 | hé fěn | Flat rice noodles | her feen |
| 银针粉 | yín zhēn fěn | Silver needle noodles | yn jen feen |
| 拉面 | lā miàn | Hand-pulled noodles | lha miann |
| 粉丝 | fěn sī | Glass noodles | feen sy |
| 面线 | miàn xiàn | Wheat vermicelli | miann shiann |
| 云吞面 | yún tūn miàn | Wonton noodles | yun tuen miann |
| 刀削面 | dāo xiāo miàn | Knife-cut noodles | dau shiau miann |
| 捞面 | lāo miàn | Lo mein | dau shiau miann |
| 油面 | yóu miàn | Oil noodles | you miann |
| 炸酱面 | zhá jiàng miàn | Noodles with Soy Bean Paste | jar jianq miann |
| 油泼面 | yóu pō miàn | Oil spill noodles | you po miann |
| 兰州拉面 | lán zhōu lā miàn | Lanzhou noodles | lan jou lha miann |
Of course, while Chinese food is the predominant cuisine in China, you’ll still be able to find many of your favorite Western foods. From salads to pizza to burgers, here are some of the top Western food names in Chinese:
| Chinese character | Pinyin | English | Pronunciation |
| 西餐 | xī cān | Western food | shi tsan |
| 麦片 | mài piàn | Cereal | may piann |
| 煎蛋卷 | jiān dàn juǎn | Omelette | jian dann jeuan |
| 甜甜圈 | tián tián quān | Donut | tyan tyan chiuan |
| 松饼 | sōng bǐng | Pancakes | song biing |
| 汉堡 | hàn bǎo | Hamburger | hann bao |
| 三明治 | sān míng zhì | Sandwich | san ming jyh |
| 热狗 | rè gǒu | Hot dog | reh goou |
| 面包 | miàn bāo | Bread | miann bau |
| 薯条 | shǔ tiáo | French fries | shuu tyau |
| 意大利面 | yì dà lì miàn | Pasta | yih dah lih miann |
| 沙拉 | shā lā | Salad | sha lha |
| 墨西哥卷饼 | mò xī gē juǎn bǐng | Taco | moh shi ge jeuan biing |
| 比萨 | pī sà | Pizza | pyi sah |
| 五分熟牛排 | wǔ fēn shú niú pái | Medium-rare steak | wuu fen shwu niou pair |
| 烧烤 | shāo kǎo | Barbecue | shau kao |
| 奶酪 | nǎi lào | Cheese | nae law |
| 薯片 | shǔ piàn | Potato chips | shuu piann |
| 爆米花 | bào mǐ huā | Popcorn | baw mii hua |
| 苹果派 | píng guǒ pài | Apple pie | pyng guoo pay |
| 蛋糕 | dàn gāo | Cake | dann gau |
Though it may sound counterintuitive, you must try some of these popular Western food chains when traveling through China. That’s because all of these restaurants have made significant changes to their menus to better suit Chinese consumers, meaning that you’re in for a completely different experience! Did you know that Pizza Hut in China isn’t a fast-food restaurant?
| Chinese character | Pinyin | English | Pronunciation |
| 肯德基 | kěn dé jī | KFC | keen der ji |
| 麦当劳 | mài dāng láo | McDonald’s | may dang lau |
| 汉堡王 | hàn bǎo wáng | Burger King | hann bao wang |
| 必胜客 | bì shèng kè | Pizza Hut | bih shenq keh |
| 达美乐比萨 | dá měi yuè pī sà | Domino’s Pizza | dar meei yueh pi sah |
| 棒约翰 | bàng yuē hàn | Papa John’s Pizza | banq iue hann |
| 赛百味 | sài bǎi wèi | Subway | say bae wey |
| 星巴克 | xīng bā kè | Starbucks | shing ba keh |
As anyone who’s serious about food will confirm, eating it is only half the fun. If you’re looking to really understand Chinese cuisine, you’ll definitely want to take a few cooking lessons to gain some invaluable insights into one of the world’s oldest culinary traditions. Here are some essential food-related verbs in Chinese to get you started.
| Chinese character | Pinyin | English | Pronunciation |
| 切 | qiè | To cut | chieh |
| 切片 | qiē piàn | To slice | chie piann |
| 斩 | zhǎn | To chop | jaan |
| 剁碎 | duò suì | To mince | duoh suey |
| 剥 | bō | To peel | bo |
| 煮 | zhǔ | To boil | juu |
| 蒸 | zhēng | To steam | jeng |
| 炒 | chǎo | To stir-fry | chao |
| 炸 | zhà | To fry | jah |
| 烤 | kǎo | To roast | kao |
| 烧 | shāo | To braise | shau |
| 熏 | xūn | To smoke | shiun |
| 烘 | hōng | To bake | hong |
| 焗 | jú | To bake in aluminum foil | jyu |
If you know a few ways to say hello in Chinese, then you already know how important food is in everyday life. If asking people if they’ve eaten yet (吃了吗?) is a common way of saying hello, then can you imagine just how many phrases and idioms out there revolve around food? Here are some of the top food idioms in Chinese.
| Chinese character | Pinyin | Literal translation | Meaning | Pronunciation |
| 酒肉之交 | jiǔ ròu zhī jiāo | Wine and meat relationship | Casual acquaintances, drinking buddies | jeou row jy jiau |
| 藕断丝连 | ǒu duàn sī lián | Broken lotus root still has connected fibers | Used to describe the bond that remains even after breaking up | oou duann sy lian |
| 挂羊头卖狗肉 | guà yáng tóu mài gǒu ròu | To hang a sheep’s head while selling dog meat | False advertisement, to deceive | guah yang tour may goou row |
| 肉包子打狗——有去无回 | ròu bāo zi dǎ gǒu – yǒu qù wú huí | If you throw a meat bun to a dog, it won’t come back | What is already gone can never come back | row bau tzy daa goou - yeou chiuh wu hwei |
| 鸡毛蒜皮 | jī máo suàn pí | Chicken feathers and garlic skin | To describe unimportant and trivial things | ji mau suann pyi |
| 僧多粥少 | sēng duō zhōu shǎo | Many monks and not much gruel | Not enough to go around | seng duo jou shao |
| 不为五斗米折腰 | bú wéi wǔ dǒu mǐ zhé yāo | Do not bend your back for five “dou” of rice | Don’t compromise your integrity for benefits | bwu wei wuu doou mii jer iau |
| 画饼充饥 | huà bǐng chōng jī | Draw pancakes to stave off hunger | Comforting oneself with unrealistic thoughts, without solving real issues | huah biing chong ji |
| 哑巴吃黄连——有苦说不出 | yǎ bā chī huáng lián——yǒu kǔ shuō bu chū | A dumb eating a Chinese Goldthread - Can't say the bitterness | Have no choice but to suffer in silence | yea ba chy hwang lian——yeou kuu shuo bu chu |
| 姜是老的辣 | jiāng shì lǎo de là | Ginger gets spicier as it gets older | The older, the cleverer (not easy to deal with) | jiang shyh lao de lah |
| 同甘共苦 | tóng gān gòng kǔ | To share sweetness and bitterness | For better and for worse | torng gan gonq kuu |
| 甘之如饴 | gān zhī rú yí | Feel as sweet as syrup | To endure hardship gladly | gan jy ru yi |
| 口蜜腹剑 | kǒu mì fù jiàn | Honeyed words from the mouth, but a sword in the belly | Someone is hypocritical and murderous | koou mih fuh jiann |
If you’ve ever wondered what the hardest Chinese character is, then you might be surprised to find out that it’s the name of a dish. Indeed, the infamous Chinese character for Biang Biang Noodles is so hard to write that the Chinese keyword input system can’t handle it! With 58 unique strokes in its traditional form, we don’t even blame machines for not wanting to come up with this absolute behemoth of a Chinese character!
![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blte160d67a35ef0ce1/646c0d6e9629ee2d9a97cbfb/Biáng_(regular_script).png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
So, how common is it actually in daily life? Biang Biang Noodles are very popular in Shaanxi cuisine. This means that you’ll see plenty of restaurants serving these noodles if you find yourself in Xi’an or anywhere else in the province. You can also find Shaanxi restaurants all over China, so you won’t have to travel all the way to Xi’an to see the character in action. Just keep in mind that many restaurants simply write “Biang Biang” instead of the character, precisely because it’s impossible to type it on a computer!
There you have it, a food guide for the most ambitious foodies in any Chinese class! From fruits and veggies to scrumptious Chinese dishes, you now have over 200 Chinese food vocabulary words you can use on your next trip to the grocery store or when you discover your new favorite restaurant. You can even use them to try brand-new snacks from street vendors!
At Berlitz, we believe that the best way to learn a new language is by following your passions. And since food is the key to many people’s hearts, what better way to get passionate about learning Chinese than by learning about Chinese food? Whether you’re just starting to learn Mandarin or already have a few lessons under your belt, make sure to check out our Chinese blog to keep getting more and more amazed by this wonderful language.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Por vs para","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"Por vs. para: When & how to use them & fun practice questions","url":"/blog/por-vs-para-examples","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltae1556fb8f4a3450/646d83150a282f77fe01fc1e/istock-1126799804_copy.jpeg"},"post_content":"They say the devil is in the details, and nothing could be more representative of it than the subtle-yet-massive difference between these two little Spanish prepositions. As you may have already learned in your Spanish class, both of them translate roughly to “for” in English. However, they aren’t synonymous with one another and cannot be used interchangeably.
\nSo, what’s the difference between por and para? Turns out, the difference is quite philosophical in nature: por is reflective, while para is more forward-looking. Para looks at the final purpose of an action, whereas por looks at the means through which that action is being achieved.
\nIf that sounds a little nebulous, don’t worry too much about it. In this article, we’re going to give you an in-depth review of the difference between por and para and detailed cases of when to use each of the two. We’ll also include a helpful quiz at the end to help you check how well you can tell between these two Spanish prepositions.
\n¿Listos para empezar? Let’s go!
\n![\"Students](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt5c90cac737f24905/646d81af7d3bbf81e7b24112/istock-1032359066.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The prepositions por and para are used for slightly different purposes. In general, para is used to refer to the destination or final purpose of an action, whereas por focuses on the means of or cause for achieving it.
\nRoughly, the key differences between por and para are:
\nThe preposition por was introduced to Spanish earlier than the preposition para, and, as such, has developed a wide variety of uses over the centuries. A good tip to keep in mind is, if you’re ever unsure whether to use por or para in a sentence, you’re statistically more likely to guess correctly if you go for por!
\nIdeally, however, you want to get to the point where you don’t have to guess the correct preposition, so here are ten situations when you’ll definitely want to use por!
\n![\"Woman](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt1d286911c78a2527/646d836b5602ce42b7ee5a57/istock-1139805769.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Prepositions help us situate objects by relating the noun to the rest of the sentence. And with about 46 different prepositions in Spanish, it’s not difficult to find a preposition that will let you speak extremely accurately about your location in space or time. However, when you don’t want to be specific and simply want to talk about your general location, you can use the preposition por.
\n| Spanish | \nEnglish | \n
| Ayer pasé por tu casa. | \nI passed by your house yesterday. | \n
| ¿Sabes de algún buen restaurante por aquí? | \nDo you know of any good restaurants around here? | \n
| Tengo clases de baile por la tarde. | \nI have dance classes in the afternoon. | \n
| Siempre hace frío por aquí. | \nIt’s always cold around here. | \n
| Creo que te vi ayer por la mañana. | \nI think I saw you yesterday in the morning. | \n
You can use the preposition por when talking about movement through something, such as a door or a tunnel. Here are some examples:
\n| Spanish | \nEnglish | \n
| Entra por la caseta principal. | \nCome in through the main gate. | \n
| Primero vas a tener que pasar por un túnel. | \nYou’ll first have to go through a tunnel. | \n
| Cuando hayas pasado por las montañas, ya estarás cerca de mi pueblo. | \nOnce you’ve passed through the mountains, you’ll be very close to my hometown. | \n
| Recuerda entrar por la puerta trasera. | \nRemember to come in through the back door. | \n
Use the preposition por to talk about specific time periods or durations. When using this preposition, you’re emphasizing the duration of the action, not necessarily the start or end time of it. Here are some examples:
\n| Spanish | \nEnglish | \n
| Te esperé por veinte minutos. | \nI waited for you for twenty minutes. | \n
| Podemos pedir pizza para cenar, pero tendresmos que esperar por una hora. | \nWe can order a pizza for dinner, but we’ll have to wait for an hour. | \n
| Solo te voy a ver por dos días. | \nI’m only going to see you for two days. | \n
| ¡El semáforo apenas estuvo en verde por dos segundos! | \nThe traffic light was green for barely two seconds! | \n
This is one of the trickiest uses of por to understand, namely because para has a very similar use. When talking about the cause, reason, or motivation behind initiating an action, we use the preposition por. However, when talking about a future result or desire, we use para.
\n| Spanish | \nEnglish | \n
| El vuelo fue demorado por condiciones climáticas. | \nThe flight was delayed due to the weather conditions. | \n
| Gracias por tu paciencia. | \nThank you for your patience. | \n
| Estoy nervioso por mi cirugía de mañana. | \nI’m nervous about my surgery tomorrow. | \n
| Le dieron un premio por sus logros. | \nThey gave her an award for her achievements. | \n
| Todo lo que hizo mi mamá fue por mí. | \nEverything my mom did was for me. | \n
| Trabajan por placer. | \nThey work for pleasure. | \n
If you’re thinking of learning Spanish for business, then you’ll definitely want to learn this use of the preposition por. This preposition is used when talking about exchanges or substitutions, making it an excellent way to trade, barter, and talk business. Here are some examples:
\n| Spanish | \nEnglish | \n
| Compré esta bolsa por un precio irresistible. | \nI bought this purse at an irresistible price. | \n
| Te cambio mi sándwich por el tuyo. | \nI’ll swap my sandwich for yours. | \n
| Me tomaron por tonto. | \nThey took me for a fool. | \n
| Repartieron dos rebanadas de pizza por persona. | \nThey handed out | \n
| Pagué diez dólares por este sándwich. | \nI paid ten dollars for this sandwich. | \n
| No podré terminar el reporte porque me enfermé. ¿Podrías terminarlo por mí? | \nI won’t be able to finish the report because I got sick. Could you finish it for me? | \n
Mediums of communication and transportation go with the preposition por. Similarly to point #2 above, they help get you from point A to point B, thus helping you move through a space. Similarly, any means of achieving something also uses the preposition por, as it’s also getting you to a particular place.
\n| Spanish | \nEnglish | \n
| Comuníquese por correo electrónico. | \nGet in touch through email. | \n
| Viajar por avión es más cómodo. | \nTraveling by plane is much more comfortable. | \n
| Mi parte favorita de mi viaje a Suiza fue viajar por tren a través de las montañas. | \nMy favorite part about my trip to Switzerland was traveling by train through the mountains. | \n
| Te llamé por teléfono, pero no me contestaste. | \nI called you by phone, but you didn’t pick up. | \n
| Ya nos casamos por lo civil, pero aún no por la iglesia. | \nWe’re already legally married, but we haven’t gotten married by the church yet. | \n
| Es más fácil llegar a Valencia por tren que por auto. | \nIt’s easier to get to Valencia by train than by car. | \n
You can use por to share your opinions by forming hypotheticals. When you say “por mí,” you can follow with what you would do if you were in charge of the situation. That’s because “por mí” is short for “si fuera por mí,” which means “if it were up to me.” Here are some examples of how to use this handy hypothetical:
\n| Spanish | \nEnglish | \n
| Por mí, que se vaya mañana. | \nIf it were up to me, I’d say he can leave tomorrow. | \n
| Por mí, no hay ningún problema. | \nIf it were up to me, I’d say there’s no problem, | \n
| Por nosotros, mejor hay que comer en casa. | \nIf it were up to us, we’d say we should eat at home. | \n
| Yo creo que por ella, mejor cenamos en un restaurante. | \nI think that if it were up to her, we’d better have dinner at a restaurant. | \n
Another important use for all the important business people out there, the preposition por helps us talk about ratios and percentages. Here are some examples:
\n| Spanish | \nEnglish | \n
| Este tren va a 300 kilómetros por hora. | \nThis train goes 300 kilometers per hour. | \n
| Nuestras ganancias subieron un veinte por ciento. | \nOur profits increased by twenty percent. | \n
| El nuevo modelo de auto es un diez por ciento más veloz. | \nThe new car model is ten percent faster. | \n
| Esta maquiladora produce dos mil productos por hora. | \nThis factory produces two thousand products per hour. | \n
Despite what your English Spanish teacher might tell you, passive voice is very common in everyday language. The preposition por helps us activate passing language, taking the role of the adverb “by” in English. Here are some examples:
| Spanish | \nEnglish | \n
| Esta pasta fue cocinada por un chef italiano. | \nThis pasta was cooked by an Italian chef. | \n
| Esas becas son aprovechadas por miles de estudiantes. | \nThose scholarships are used by thousands of students. | \n
| El metro es utilizado por millones de personas al día. | \nThe subway is used by millions of people each day. | \n
| Ese monumento fue obsequiado por el gobierno de Francia. | \nThat monument was gifted by the French government. | \n
Finally, there are many idiomatic expressions that use the preposition por in Spanish. Some of them fall into one of the categories above, but most of them don’t, so you’ll have to memorize the expression with the appropriate preposition. Here are some of the most common expressions with the preposition por:
\n| Spanish | \nEnglish | \nExample sentence | \nEnglish | \n
| Por ahora | \nFor now | \nBueno, por ahora no nos vamos a preocupar por eso. | \nOkay, we are not going to worry about that for now. | \n
| Por fortuna | \nLuckily | \nPor fortuna, no nos vio el oficial. | \nFortunately, the police officer didn’t see us. | \n
| Por lo menos | \nAt least | \nPor lo menos no vas a tener que volver a tomar el examen. | \nAt least you won’t have to retake the test. | \n
| Por casualidad | \nBy chance | \nNo sé cómo nos conocimos, pero estoy seguro que no fue por casualidad. | \nI don’t know how we met, but I’m sure it wasn’t by chance. | \n
| Por cierto | \nBy the way | \nPor cierto, no olvides que mañana es cumpleaños de mi mamá. | \nBy the way, don’t forget that tomorrow is my mom’s birthday. | \n
| Por ejemplo | \nFor example | \nTodos tenemos nuestros talentos. Por ejemplo, tú eres buena en matemáticas y yo en idiomas. | \nWe all have our talents. For example, you’re good at math and I’m good at languages. | \n
| Por desgracia | \nUnfortunately | \nVoy a tener que trabajar todo el fin de semana, por desgracia. | \nI’m going to have to work all weekend, unfortunately. | \n
| Por poco | \nAlmost | \n¡Cuidado! Por poco y te pega ese auto. | \nWatch out! You almost got hit by that car. | \n
| Por otra parte | \nOn the other hand | \nCreo que el trabajo duro es indispensable pero, por otra parte, también es importante descansar. | \nI think that hard work is indispensable but, on the other hand, it’s also important to rest. | \n
| Por eso | \nThat’s why | \nMi mamá nos enseñó a ser muy precavidos, por eso siempre llevo paraguas a donde sea que voy. | \nMy mom taught us to be forehanded, that’s why I always carry an umbrella wherever I go. | \n
| Por favor | \nPlease | \nPásame la sal, por favor. | \nPass me the salt, please. | \n
| Por suerte | \nLuckily | \nNo sabía que hoy había examen, pero, por suerte, sí me siento preparado. | \nI didn’t know there was a test today, but, luckily, I do feel prepared. | \n
| Por si acaso | \nJust in case | \nVoy a traer dinero extra, por si acaso. | \nI’m going to bring extra money, just in case. | \n
| Por fin | \nFinally | \n¡Por fin voy a conocer Sudamérica! | \nI’m finally going to visit South America! | \n
| Por supuesto | \nOf course | \nPor supuesto que eres bienvenido cuando sea. | \nOf course you’re always welcome. | \n
The preposition para has fewer uses than the preposition por, but that doesn’t make it any less common. You’ll want to make sure you’re just as skilled at using both prepositions as they’re both extremely common in Spanish.
\nHowever, if you are looking for a shortcut, you might want to memorize the times when to use para, as they are far fewer than those for por. That way, you’ll know to use para if you’re dealing with a situation that calls for it. In all other cases, simply use por!
\nHere are five situations when to use para.
\n![\"Woman](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt50a6f4e37d5c09c5/646d83ee28f3f3c5469c5f88/istock-1068204476.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
If por is used to talk about movement, then para is used to talk about the destination. Use this for those situations where the destination is the most important part, not the way you get there.
\n| Spanish | \nEnglish | \n
| Ya salí para la casa. | \nI just left on my way home. | \n
| Mañana tomo un vuelo para Los Ángeles. | \nTomorrow I’m taking a flight to Los Angeles. | \n
| Prepárate para el examen de mañana. | \nGet ready for tomorrow’s test. | \n
| Hay que comer sano para poder entrenar duro. | \nYou have to eat healthy so you can train hard. | \n
As we’ve mentioned earlier in the article, para is forward-looking. It doesn’t look at the reason why an action was initiated, but rather the goal behind initiating said action. For example, take a look at the following two sentences:
\nHere are a few more examples of this:
\n| Spanish | \nEnglish | \n
| Necesitas tomates para la pasta. | \nYou need tomatoes for the pasta. | \n
| ¿Ya tienes botas para la nieve? | \nDo you already have boots for the snow? | \n
| ¿Dónde está la tabla para picar? | \nWhere’s the cutting board? | \n
| Voy a comprar un gorro para nadar. | \nI’m going to buy a swimming cap. | \n
While the preposition por is used to talk about approximate time, para is used for specific deadlines. This is used similarly to the prepositions “by” and “until” in English, as they help us talk about how long until something happens or is due. Here are some examples:
\n| Spanish | \nEnglish | \n
| Faltan diez para las doce. | \nIt’s 10 to twelve. | \n
| Tenemos que entregar el reporte para el viernes. | \nWe have to turn in the report by Friday. | \n
| No te preocupes, ya lo habré terminado para entonces. | \nDon’t worry, I will have finished it by then. | \n
| Todavía faltan 12 días para mayo. | \nIt’s still 12 days until May. | \n
The preposition para is used to make comparisons between an individual identity of a noun and the average of the rest. English has this same construction, such as “For an introvert, you’re pretty talkative!” Here are some examples in Spanish:
\n| Spanish | \nEnglish | \n
| Cocina muy bien la carne para ser vegetariano. | \nHe cooks meat very well for a vegetarian. | \n
| Una ciudad de tres millones es bastante pequeña para un país como China. | \nA city of three million is pretty small for a country like China. | \n
| Nadar es más fácil para ti que para mí. | \nSwimming is easier for you than for me. | \n
| La honestidad es muy importante para él, puesto que es un juez. | \nHonesty is very important for him, given that he’s a judge. | \n
As with por, there are a number of idiomatic expressions that go with para. You’ll have to memorize them as well, but, fortunately, there aren’t nearly as many idiomatic expressions with para. Here are four of the most common.
\n| Spanish | \nEnglish | \nExample sentence | \nEnglish | \n
| Estar para bromas | \nTo be in a joking mood | \nAhorita no, Juan, no estoy para bromas. | \nNot now, Juan, I’m not in a joking mood. | \n
| Ser para tanto | \nTo be a big deal | \nNo te enojes, no creo que sea para tanto. | \nDon’t be mad, I don’t think it’s a big deal. | \n
| Para colmo | \nTo make matters even worse | \nY para colmo, empezó a llover justo cuando salí del trabajo. | \nAnd to make things worse, it started raining as soon as I got out of work. | \n
| Para terminar | \nTo conclude | \nPara terminar, solo me gustaría darles las gracias a todos por venir. | \nTo conclude, I would just like to thank everybody for coming. | \n
Another neat way to learn whether to use por and para is to simply memorize the accompanying prepositions of some verbs. Many verbs can go with both por and para, but some of them only have one correct accompanying preposition. These can be easy wins, as you won’t have to think about a slew of rules and guidelines when figuring out which preposition to use.
\n![\"Man](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb09260d4ac6e40ea/646d848719a0b6ec51508319/istock-1166491178.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
There are dozens of verbs that can only be accompanied by the preposition por, and below we’ve gathered a list of some of the most common. Look through the list and see if any of these are verbs you use frequently — or any you think might come in handy. That way, you’ll know exactly which ones to prioritize!
\n| Spanish | \nEnglish | \nExample sentence | \nEnglish | \n
| Castigar por | \nTo punish for | \nMe van a castigar por no hacer la tarea a tiempo. | \nI’m going to get punished for not doing my homework on time. | \n
| Caracterizarse por | \nTo characterize by | \nEste restaurante se caracteriza por su destacado servicio al cliente. | \nThis restaurant is characterized by its distinguished customer service level. | \n
| Cambiar por | \nTo exchange for | \nTengo que encontrar una casa de cambio para cambiar mis euros por pesos. | \nI have to find a currency exchange so I can exchange my euros for pesos. | \n
| Clasificar por | \nTo classify by | \nLas películas en esta plataforma de streaming están clasificadas por calificación de usuario. | \nThe movies in this streaming platform are classified by user rating. | \n
| Dar las gracias por | \nTo thank for | \nPor favor dale las gracias a tu mamá por la deliciosa cena. | \nPlease thank your mom for such a delicious dinner. | \n
| Decidirse por | \nTo decide for | \nTodavía no me decido por qué auto comprar. | \nI still haven’t decided which car to buy. | \n
| Esforzarse por | \nTo strive for | \nRecuerda, siempre y cuando te esfuerces por hacer el mejor trabajo, nunca tendrás nada de qué arrepentirte. | \nRemember, as long as you strive for doing your best, you’ll never have anything to be remorseful for. | \n
| Felicitar por | \nTo congratulate for | \n¡Te llamo para felicitarte por tu graduación! | \nI’m calling to congratulate you for your graduation! | \n
| Interesarse por | \nTo be interested in | \nDesde pequeño, siempre se ha interesado por cuidar a todos los animales. | \nFrom when he was little, he’s always been interested in taking care of all animals. | \n
| Ir por | \nTo go for | \nCreo que vamos a ir por una ronda final para terminar la competencia. | \nI think we’re going to go for a final round before we finish the tournament. | \n
| Luchar por | \nTo fight for | \nMartha siempre ha luchado por los derechos del medio ambiente. | \nMartha has always fought for environmental rights. | \n
| Llorar por | \nTo cry over | \nTrata de no llorar por platos rotos. | \nTry not to cry over broken plates. (Not to cry over spilled milk) | \n
| Matarse por | \nTo kill oneself for | \nNo te mates por estudiar, al final del día tu salud es mucho más importante. | \nDon’t kill yourself studying, at the end of the day your health is much more important. | \n
| Morirse por | \nTo die for | \nHace tanto calor, me muero por llegar a casa y tomar un jugo bien helado. | \nIt’s so hot, I’m dying to get home and drink an ice-cold juice. | \n
| Ofenderse por | \nTo be offended by | \nNo le hagas caso, no debes ofenderte por algo que alguien que no te conoce dijo. | \nDon’t listen to him, you shouldn’t be offended by something that someone who doesn’t know you said. | \n
| Optar por | \nTo opt for | \nCreo que voy a optar por quedarme en casa este fin de semana en vez de salir de fiesta. | \nI think I’m going to opt for staying home this week instead of partying. | \n
| Pasar por | \nTo pass for | \nNo creo que Lucía pueda pasar por menor de 12, ¡ya casi cumple 17 años! | \nI don’t think Lucia can pass for a twelve year old, she’s almost 17! | \n
| Preocuparse por | \nTo worry about | \nNo sirve de nada preocuparse por cosas que aún no suceden. | \nIt’s not helpful to worry about things that haven’t happened yet. | \n
| Preguntar por | \nTo ask about | \nMe marcó Juan y me preguntó por ti. | \nJuan called me and asked me about you. | \n
| Terminar por | \nTo end up (doing something) | \nCreo que vamos a terminar por quedarnos dormidos antes de decidir a dónde ir. | \nI think we’re gonna end up falling asleep before we decide where to go. | \n
| Votar por | \nTo vote for | \nRecuerda votar por tu partido favorito antes del primero de Julio. | \nRemember to vote for your favorite party before July 1st. | \n
As you’re probably used to by now, there are fewer verbs that go exclusively with para. Here are some of the most common ones:
\n| Spanish | \nEnglish | \nExample sentence | \nEnglish | \n
| Arreglárselas para | \nTo manage to | \nPor alguna razón, Susana siempre se las arregla para ser la primera en salir del salón. | \nFor some reason, Susana always manages to be the first one to leave the classroom. | \n
| Autorizar para | \nTo authorize | \nEl acceso a ese cuarto está restringido a personal autorizado para realizar cirugías. | \nAccess to that room is restricted to personnel authorized to perform surgeries. | \n
| Clasificarse para | \nTo qualify for | \nNecesitamos ganar dos partidos más para poder clasificar para la final. | \nWe need to win two more matches in order to qualify for finals. | \n
| Prepararse para | \nTo prepare for | \n¿Quieres venir a mi casa a estudiar? Un par de amigos y yo nos vamos a preparar para el examen de la próxima semana. | \nDo you want to come study at my house? A couple of friends and I are going to prepare for next week’s exam. | \n
| Servir para | \nTo serve (a purpose) | \nEste dispositivo sirve para aromatizar cualquier espacio. | \nThis device serves to aromatize any room. | \n
| Trabajar para | \nTo work for | \nTrabajo para una compañía holandesa de tecnología del medio ambiente. | \nI work for a Dutch eco-friendly tech company. | \n
Speaking Chinese will open up your calendar to a whole host of events. Not only is it the second most spoken language in the world, but it’s also one of the best languages to learn for business. With over a billion speakers in China and tens of millions around the world, you’ll surely fill up your calendar quite easily as you start building new meaningful relationships.
However, before you do that, you need to make sure you can actually schedule the first date or meeting. That’s why knowing how to talk about dates in Chinese will enhance your general experience with the Chinese language so significantly. Now, you’ll be able to make plans with your coworkers, classmates, and new friends. Once you’ve established relationships with Chinese speakers, you’ll be able to drastically increase the amount of time you spend practicing outside of class!
Plus, as anyone who’s been learning Chinese for any amount of time will know, studying this amazing language can help us see the world from a different perspective. For example, you’re probably used to writing dates in the month-day-year format if you’re a native English speaker. However, in Chinese, dates are written in the year-month-day format. In other words, they go from largest to smallest units!
Besides that, talking about dates in Chinese isn’t that different from English. All you need is some Chinese calendar vocabulary words, and a few more tips, and you’ll be set. One hugely important prerequisite skill, though, is knowing how to count in Chinese. If you’re not there yet, then we strongly recommend you take a pause and check out our helpful beginner’s guide to counting Chinese numbers.
So, if you’ve got your numbers down and are ready to start making appointments, let’s get right into the key vocabulary.
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Let’s start by covering the building blocks of dates in Chinese: years, months, and days. As you’ll see later on, there are multiple ways to talk about days, but, for now, let’s focus on the essentials:
| Chinese character | Pinyin | English | Pronunciation |
| 年 | nián | Year | nian |
| 月 | yuè | Month | yueh |
| 日 | rì | Day | ryh |
One of the biggest differences between talking about years in Chinese and English is that you always have to include the word 年 (year) when mentioning a specific year. English usually omits the word year except for ambiguous circumstances, like “the year 2000” or “the year 32 BCE.” In Chinese, you must add the word year (年) every single time.
Next, different languages use different systems for reading out years. English breaks down four-digit years into two two-digit numbers: 1987 becomes 19-87 (nineteen eighty-seven). Languages like Spanish and French opt to simply read out the full number. Chinese, however, reads each number individually. That makes 1987 simply one-nine-eight-seven. And, of course, we can’t forget the (年) at the end, so that makes it 一九八七年 (one-nine-eight-seven-nián). It’s that easy!
Here are a few more examples of how to read Chinese years:
| Chinese character | Pinyin | English | Pronunciation |
| 一七四五年 | yī qī sì wǔ nián | 1745 | i chi syh wuu nian |
| 一九七一年 | yī jiǔ qī yī nián | 1971 | i jeou chi i nian |
| 一九九九年 | yī jiǔ jiǔ jiǔ nián | 1999 | i jeou jeou jeou nian |
| 二零零一年 | èr líng líng yī nián | 2001 | ell ling ling i nian |
| 二零一七年 | èr líng yī qī nián | 2017 | ell ling i chi nian |
| 二零二三年 | èr líng èr sān nián | 2023 | ell ling ell san nian |
| 二零三八年 | èr líng sān bā nián | 2038 | ell ling san ba nian |
| 三零二三年 | sān líng èr sān nián | 3023 | san ling ell san nian |
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Most of our everyday conversations generally revolve around the present and the immediate past or future. As such, we don’t always need to mention the year when we’re talking about our plans for the summer or what we’ve been up to. You can simply mention the month by itself if the context makes it clear that you’re talking about a specific month.
The months in Chinese are extremely easy to learn. The names of the months in English come from the Gregorian Calendar, and each represents a different Roman leader, god, festival, or number. Chinese, however, uses simple arithmetic to come up with the names for the months. All you need to do is add the word for month, 月 (yuè) immediately after a number 1-to-12. As a fun fact, the word 月 (yuè) used to mean “moon,” making it even easier to remember the word for months if you learn that association! Doesn’t the character look like a waxing crescent moon?
So, January is simply 一月 (yī yuè), which translates directly into “month one.” If you’re wondering how to talk about numbers in terms of quantity, you can do that easily with the Chinese measure word 个 (ge). So, if you want to say that something took you three months to complete, you can say 三个月 (sān ge yuè).
Here are the twelve months of the year in Chinese:
| Chinese character | Pinyin | English | Pronunciation |
| 一月 | yī yuè | January | i yueh |
| 二月 | èr yuè | February | ell yueh |
| 三月 | sān yuè | March | san yueh |
| 四月 | sì yuè | April | syh yueh |
| 五月 | wǔ yuè | May | wuu yueh |
| 六月 | liù yuè | June | liow yueh |
| 七月 | qī yuè | July | chi yueh |
| 八月 | bā yuè | August | ba yueh |
| 九月 | jiǔ yuè | September | jeou yueh |
| 十月 | shí yuè | October | shyr yueh |
| 十一月 | shí yī yuè | November | shyr i yueh |
| 十二月 | shí èr yuè | December | shyr ell yueh |
Chinese uses three different words to talk about days: 日 (rì), 号 (hào), and 天 (tiān). Only the first two are used when talking about dates, so let’s focus on those for now. Similarly to the months in Chinese, you just have to add the character for day (or, in this case, one of the two) after a number to turn it into a specific day. For example, 十二日 is the 12th day of the month. While English uses ordinal numbers (first, second, third) for days of the month, Chinese always uses cardinal numbers (one, two, three).
So, how do you know whether to use 日 (rì) or 号 (hào) when talking about days in Chinese? In general, 日 (rì) is more formal than 号 (hào). As such, you’ll tend to see 日 (rì) in written Chinese and 号 (hào) in most spoken interactions, except for formal ones.
Finally, 天 (tiān) is used as a quantifier of days. Use this when you want to talk about a time period in terms of days, such as 三天后见 (sān tiān hòu jiàn), “see you in three days.” You can also use 天 (tiān) to talk about today, tomorrow, and yesterday, though we’ll cover that in the following section.
Here’s how to talk about the 31 days of the month in Chinese.
| Chinese character | Pinyin | English | Pronunciation |
| 一号 / 一日 | yī hào / yī rì | 1st | i haw / i ryh |
| 二号 / 二日 | èr hào / èr rì | 2nd | ell haw / ell ryh |
| 三号 / 三日 | sān hào / sān rì | 3rd | san haw / san ryh |
| 四号 / 四日 | sì hào / sì rì | 4th | syh haw / syh ryh |
| 五号 / 五日 | wǔ hào / wǔ rì | 5th | wuu haw / wuu ryh |
| 六号 / 六日 | liù hào / liù rì | 6th | liow haw / liow ryh |
| 七号 / 七日 | qī hào / qī rì | 7th | chi haw / chi ryh |
| 八号 / 八日 | bā hào / bā rì | 8th | ba haw / ba ryh |
| 九号 / 九日 | jiǔ hào / jiǔ rì | 9th | jeou haw / jeou ryh |
| 十号 / 十日 | shí hào / shí rì | 10th | shyr haw / shyr ryh |
| 十一号 / 十一日 | shí yī hào / shí yī rì | 11th | shyr i haw / shyr i ryh |
| 十二号 / 十二日 | shí èr hào / shí èr rì | 12th | shyr ell haw / shyr ell ryh |
| 十三号 / 十三日 | shí sān hào / shí sān rì | 13th | shyr san haw / shyr san ryh |
| 十四号 / 十四日 | shí sì hào / shí sì rì | 14th | shyr syh haw / shyr syh ryh |
| 十五号 / 十五日 | shí wǔ hào / shí wǔ rì | 15th | shyr wuu haw / shyr wuu ryh |
| 十六号 / 十六日 | shí liù hào / shí liù rì | 16th | shyr liow haw / shyr liow ryh |
| 十七号 / 十七日 | shí qī hào / shí qī rì | 17th | shyr chi haw / shyr chi ryh |
| 十八号 / 十八日 | shí bā hào / shí bā rì | 18th | shyr ba haw / shyr ba ryh |
| 十九号 / 十九日 | shí jiǔ hào / shí jiǔ rì | 19th | shyr jeou haw / shyr jeou ryh |
| 二十号 / 二十日 | èr shí hào / èr shí rì | 20th | ell shyr haw / ell shyr ryh |
| 二十一号 / 二十一日 | èr shí yī hào / èr shí yī rì | 21st | ell shyr i haw / ell shyr i ryh |
| 二十二号 / 二十二日 | èr shí èr hào / èr shí èr rì | 22nd | ell shyr ell haw / ell shyr ell ryh |
| 二十三号 / 二十三日 | èr shí sān hào / èr shí sān rì | 23rd | ell shyr san haw / ell shyr san ryh |
| 二十四号 / 二十四日 | èr shí sì hào / èr shí sì rì | 24th | ell shyr syh haw / ell shyr syh ryh |
| 二十五号 / 二十五日 | èr shí wǔ hào / èr shí wǔ rì | 25th | ell shyr wuu haw / ell shyr wuu ryh |
| 二十六号 / 二十六日 | èr shí liù hào / èr shí liù rì | 26th | ell shyr liow haw / ell shyr liow ryh |
| 二十七号 / 二十七日 | èr shí qī hào / èr shí qī rì | 27th | ell shyr chi haw / ell shyr chi ryh |
| 二十八号 / 二十八日 | èr shí bā hào / èr shí bā rì | 28th | ell shyr ba haw / ell shyr ba ryh |
| 二十九号 / 二十九日 | èr shí jiǔ hào / èr shí jiǔ rì | 29th | ell shyr jeou haw / ell shyr jeou ryh |
| 三十号 / 三十日 | sān shí hào / sān shí rì | 30th | san shyr haw / san shyr ryh |
| 三十一号 / 三十一日 | sān shí yī hào / sān shí yī rì | 31st | san shyr i haw / san shyr i ryh |
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Next, we have the days of the week in Chinese. Though these aren’t included when talking about dates, they’re still very useful ways of making plans for the immediate future. There are three ways of talking about the days of the week in Chinese: 周 (zhōu), 星期 (xīng qī), and 礼拜 (lǐ bài). Of the three, 周 (zhōu) and 星期 (xīng qī) are the most common, being suitable for both formal and informal conversations. On the other hand, 礼拜 (lǐ bài) is informal and much less common, often used in spoken language.
Unlike years, months, and days, the days of the week have the number placed after the word for the day of the week. So, simply follow these formulas when you want to use any of the three ways to talk about the days of the week in Chinese:
Just replace the X with the number of the corresponding day of the week, with one being Monday, two being Tuesday, and so on. The only exception to this rule is Sunday, which uses either 日 (rì) or 天 (tiān) instead of the corresponding seven, such as 星期天 (xīng qī tiān).
Here are all the different ways to say the days of the week in Chinese:
| Chinese character | Pinyin | English | Pronunciation |
| 周一 | zhōu yī | Monday | jou i |
| 星期一 | xīng qī yī | Monday | shing chi i |
| 礼拜一 | lǐ bài yī | Monday | lii bay i |
| 周二 | zhōu èr | Tuesday | jou ell |
| 星期二 | xīng qī èr | Tuesday | xīng qī èr |
| 礼拜二 | lǐ bài èr | Tuesday | lii bay ell |
| 周三 | zhōu sān | Wednesday | jou san |
| 星期三 | xīng qī sān | Wednesday | shing chi san |
| 礼拜三 | lǐ bài sān | Wednesday | lii bay san |
| 周四 | zhōu sì | Thursday | jou syh |
| 星期四 | xīng qī sì | Thursday | shing chi syh |
| 礼拜四 | lǐ bài sì | Thursday | lii bay syh |
| 周五 | zhōu wǔ | Friday | jou wuu |
| 星期五 | xīng qī wǔ | Friday | shing chi wuu |
| 礼拜五 | lǐ bài wǔ | Friday | lii bay wuu |
| 周六 | zhōu liù | Saturday | jou liow |
| 星期六 | xīng qī liù | Saturday | shing chi liow |
| 礼拜六 | lǐ bài liù | Saturday | lii bay liow |
| 周日 | zhōu rì | Sunday | jou ryh |
| 周天 | zhōu tiān | Sunday | jou tian |
| 星期日 | xīng qī rì | Sunday | xīng qī rì |
| 星期天 | xīng qī tiān | Sunday | shing chi tian |
| 礼拜天 | lǐ bài tiān | Sunday | lii bay tian |
| 礼拜日 | lǐ bài rì | Sunday | lii bay ryh |
Finally, there are many other auxiliary words that help us easily navigate the calendar in everyday conversations. Most of the time, we don’t really need to know the exact date for a particular event. For example, when asking a coworker out for coffee, a simple “Does tomorrow work?” should do the trick. Here are some helpful words related to date in Chinese.
| Chinese character | Pinyin | English | Pronunciation |
| 今天 | jīn tiān | Today | jin tian |
| 昨天 | míng tiān | Tomorrow | ming tian |
| 明天 | zuó tiān | Yesterday | tzwo tian |
| 前天 | qián tiān | The day before yesterday | chyan tian |
| 后天 | hòu tiān | The day after tomorrow | how tian |
| 这个星期 | zhè ge xīng qī | This week | jeh geh shing chi |
| 这个月 | zhè ge yuè | This month | jeh geh yueh |
| 今年 | jīn nián | This year | jin nian |
| 上个星期 | shàng ge xīng qī | Last week | shanq geh shing chi |
| 上个月 | shàng ge yuè | Last month | shanq geh yueh |
| 去年 | qù nián | Last year | chiuh nian |
| 下个星期 | xià ge xīng qī | Next week | shiah geh shing chi |
| 下个月 | xià ge yuè | Next month | shiah geh yueh |
| 明年 | míng nián | Next year | ming nian |
| 前年 | qián nián | The year before last | chyan nian |
| 后年 | hòu nián | The year after next | how nian |
| 早上 | zǎo shànɡ | Early morning | tzao shann |
| 上午 | shànɡ wǔ | Morning | shann wuu |
| 中午 | zhōnɡ wǔ | Noon | jong wuu |
| 下午 | xià wǔ | Afternoon | shiah wuu |
| 晚上 | wǎn shànɡ | Evening or night | woan shann |
| 半夜 | bàn yè | Midnight | bann yeh |
| 日历 | rì lì | Calendar | ryh lih |
| 阴历 | yīn lì | Chinese / lunar calendar | in lih |
| 生日 | shēng rì | Birthday | sheng ryh |
| 节日 | jié rì | Holiday/Festival | jye ryh |
As you likely already know, Chinese culture has many unique festivals and holidays. What’s special about them is that they rely on the Chinese calendar, which means that their actual dates on the Gregorian calendar vary year by year. For example, the Western New Year always falls on January 1st, but the Chinese New Year falls somewhere between late January and mid-February.
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Here are some of the most common Chinese and Western holidays in Chinese. For the Chinese holidays that use the Chinese calendar, we’ve entered their corresponding dates for 2023.
| Chinese character | Pinyin | Date | English | Pronunciation |
| 元旦 | yuán dàn | January 1st | New Year’s Day | yuan dann |
| 除夕 | chú xì | January 21st | Chinese Lunar New Year's Eve | chwu shih |
| 新年 | xīn nián | January 22nd | Chinese Lunar New Year's Day | shin nian |
| 春节 | chūn jié | January 22nd | Spring Festival | chuen jye |
| 元宵节 | yuán xiāo jié | February 5th | Lantern Festival | yuan shiau jye |
| 情人节 | qíng rén jié | February 14th | Valentine’s Day | chyng ren jye |
| 愚人节 | yú rén jié | April 1st | April Fool’s Day | yuh ren jye |
| 清明节 | qīng míng jié | April 5th | Tomb Sweeping Day | ching ming jye |
| 复活节 | fù huó jié | Varies | Easter | fuh hwo jye |
| 劳动节 | láo dòng jié | May 1st | Labor Day | lau donq jye |
| 五二零 | wǔ èr líng | May 20th | Chinese Valentine’s Day | wuu ell ling |
| 儿童节 | ér tóng jié | June 1st | Children's Day | erl torng jye |
| 端午节 | duān wǔ jié | June 22nd | Dragon Boat Festival | duan wuu jye |
| 建军节 | jiàn jūn jié | August 1st | People's Liberation Army Day | jiann jiun jye |
| 父亲节 | fù qīn jié | August 8th | Chinese Fathers' Day | fuh chin jye |
| 七夕节 | qī xì jié | August 22nd | Double Seventh Festival Chinese Valentine's Day | chi shih jye |
| 中元节 | zhōng yuán jié | August 30th | Ghost Festival | jong yuan jye |
| 中秋节 | zhōng qiū jié | September 29th | Mid-Autumn Festival | jong chiou jye |
| 国庆日 | guó qìng rì | October 1st | National Day | gwo chinq ryh |
| 重阳节 | chóng yáng jié | October 23rd | Double Ninth Festival | chorng yang jye |
| 万圣节 | wàn shèng jié | October 31st | Halloween | wann shenq jye |
| 光棍节 | guāng gùn jié | November 11 | Singles' Day | guang guenn jye |
| 感恩节 | gǎn’ēn jié | Varies | Thanksgiving | gaan en jye |
| 平安夜 | píng ān yè | December 24 | Christmas Eve | pyng an yeh |
| 圣诞节 | shèng dàn jié | December 25 | Christmas day | henq dann jye |
The Chinese zodiac is made up of a cycle of 12 zodiacs that are represented by a different animal. Each year becomes the year of an animal, such as “the year of the rabbit.” Everyone born during this year will become that zodiac, as opposed to the West where zodiacs vary from month to month.
The 12 animals of the zodiac are:
Each of the twelve zodiacs, or animals, interact differently with each other. So, once you know your Chinese zodiac, you’ll want to check every year how your sign interacts with the current year. For example, the year of the rabbit will have a different impact on horse and dragon signs. In general, your zodiac year brings nothing but bad news and poor fortune, so watch out around your 12th, 24th, 36th, etc. birthdays!
Chinese New Year is by far the largest holiday in China, with hundreds of millions of people traveling across the country to be with their families. In fact, it’s such a massive holiday that the travel rush period has its own name — 春运 (chūn yùn). In 2019, over 421 million passengers traveled by rail, air, and road in mainland China alone for Chinese New Year, showing just how important this holiday is in China.
The Chinese New Year is calculated according to the Chinese calendar. As opposed to the Gregorian calendar, which is a solar calendar, the Chinese calendar uses the moon to calculate the days and months of the year. This means that a new month begins the day a new moon rises.
To keep track of when the Chinese New Year is in a given year, you’ll have to keep track of the lunar cycle for a long period of time. That’s because Chinese years have anywhere from 353 to 385 days, depending on moon cycles and whether or not you’re dealing with a leap year.
The easiest way to check for the date of the Chinese New Year is to simply look it up. Here are the dates for the following ten years:
If you’re wondering about the origins of the Chinese New Year, you’ll surely want to listen to the Legend of Nian. According to this legend, there used to be a giant monster with fangs that came out of the bottom of the sea at the end of the year to hunt for food and people. The terrified villagers called this beast Nian and escaped to the tops of mountains every New Year to avoid its deadly attacks.
![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt7c1dd08c4903a4b4/646d9e674fca14dfb3c34181/pexels-nam-le-10959541.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
All that changed when a strange old man showed up right when the entire village was getting ready to flee to the mountains. An old lady tried to convince the old man to flee with them, but he refused. In fact, the old man asked to be allowed to stay in this old lady’s house for the night. In exchange, he would expel Nian from the town.
The old lady wasn’t convinced, but, seeing that she wasn’t going to change the old man’s mind, reluctantly agreed to let him stay while she fled for the mountains. Later that night, Nian made its way into town and found complete darkness as the town was devoid of villagers — except for one house. Nian went to the one house with the lights on and found that every wall and door in the house was covered in red paper.
By this point, Nian was getting more and more frightened as it started seeing more red paper and candles inside the house. Suddenly, a large noise went off that startled Nian, and at that exact moment, the old man jumped out roaring in a red gown. This finally scared Nian enough to flee back into the ocean, leaving the town fully intact.
The next morning, the villagers came back to find that their town was in pristine condition. The old lady was happily surprised that the old man had kept his promise and, better yet, that they now had a way to defend themselves from Nian. Thanks to the wisdom of this strange old man, the villagers now knew that bright lights, the color red, and loud noises could scare Nian away.
That’s why Chinese new year celebrations today involve firecrackers, countless iterations of the color red, and no shortage of bright lights and loud noises. There’s even a demonstration of Nian chasing through the villagers and running away in sheer terror as the firecrackers start to go off!
There you have it! Now you know 121 words related to dates in Chinese that will allow you to book important meetings and fun soirees with your friends and colleagues. Now you’ve got no excuse to take your Chinese to the next level by making plans to chat outside of the classroom and practice even when you’re not studying.
If you enjoyed this elementary Mandarin Chinese guide, make sure to check out the rest of our free content in our Mandarin Chinese blog. We regularly upload easy-to-digest and beginner-friendly guides to help you casually improve your Chinese language skills. For example, check out our guide to all 214 Chinese radicals and our beginner’s guide to pinyin!
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"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Definite and indefinite articles","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"A fun and easy guide to definite and indefinite articles in Spanish","url":"/blog/definite-indefinite-articles-spanish","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt7bfd0e203fe4fa1b/6448a2be4205ff10fc24345c/pexels-cottonbro-studio-4065621.jpg"},"post_content":"While these words aren’t the most glamorous or exciting, they perform the essential job of letting us know whether we’re talking about a specific or a general noun. They also help us define the quantity of a noun without using any numbers, whether we even know the quantity of a certain noun, and whether knowing the quantity of it is relevant in the first place.
If that sounds like a lot of information — that’s because it is! And that’s precisely the beauty of Spanish definite and indefinite articles: we can communicate a lot of information through them without even realizing it. These are essential parts of our everyday communication, and mastering them will help you sound like a true native.
Ready to get started? Although Spanish articles are only two-to-four words long, there’s a lot of ground to cover. ¡Vámonos!
Articles in Spanish are small words that help us define a noun. They always go before nouns and define them in terms of number and gender. If you’re an English speaker, then you’re already familiar with articles, as English uses “the,” “a,” and “an” as articles. The Spanish articles are very similar, except that they also define the gender of a noun as well as the quantity. As such, there’s a total of nine articles in Spanish, whereas English only has three.
![\"Spanish](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blta468b5f67219c27c/64489f30717a360937d76921/pexels-rfstudio-3059747.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Definite articles in Spanish are used when speaking about a noun whose identity is known to the speaker or reader. In other words, use definite articles when referencing a specific noun rather than a general noun. English uses the definite article “the” in these situations.
The definite articles in Spanish are:
For example, if you’re at the dinner table, you would ask someone to pass you “the salt.” As long as there’s a salt shaker on the table, people will know that you’re referring to that specific salt container. If there’s no salt on the table, you might want to ask the waiter for some salt. In this case, you can’t use a definite article because you don’t know the identity of the noun. You know you’re getting salt, but you don’t know which salt you’re getting.
Here are the five definite articles in Spanish along with examples of how to use them:
| Type | Article | Example sentence | IPA | English |
| Masculine singular | el | ¡Buena suerte en el examen! | ˈbwena ˈsweɾte en el ekˈsamen ‖ | Good luck on the test! |
| Feminine singular | la | La sandía es mi fruta favorita. | la sanˈdia ˈez mi ˈfɾuta faβoˈɾita ‖ | Watermelon is my favorite fruit. |
| Neutral singular | lo | Lo mejor de vivir en Medellín es la buena música. | lo meˈxoɾ ðe βiˈβiɾ em meðeˈʎin ˈez la ˈβwena ˈmusika ‖ | The best part about living in Medellín is the great music. |
| Masculine plural | los | Los leones son mis animales favoritos. | loz leˈones ˈsom mis aniˈmales faβoˈɾitos ‖ | Lions are my favorite animals. |
| Feminine plural | las | Las azaleas son mis flores favoritas. | las aθaˈleas ˈsom mis ˈfloɾes faβoˈɾitas ‖ | Azaleas are my favorite flowers. |
As you may have noticed, there’s a special neutral article within the definite articles in Spanish: lo. This article is used exclusively for adjectives, ordinal numbers, and participles. Unlike other articles, you never want to use this article before nouns.
Here are some situations where you’d use the definite article lo:
Even though this is a neutral singular article, remember that all Spanish nouns are gendered, so you cannot use it as an easy way to avoid differentiating by noun gender.
Indefinite articles in Spanish are used to define nouns whose identity is unknown. In other words, you don’t know which individual or group of nouns you’re talking about. This is equivalent to the English “a” and “an.”
The indefinite articles in Spanish are:
For example, if you’re craving a cup of coffee, you’d use an indefinite article. In this example, you’re not craving a specific cup of coffee — any cup of coffee would do. But, if you find yourself traveling through Colombia’s coffee belt, you might find yourself craving the coffee you had at that one local coffee shop the other day. In this case, you’re referring to a specific coffee cup, so you wouldn’t be able to use an indefinite article.
Here are a few more examples of when to use indefinite articles in Spanish.
| Type | Article | Example sentence | IPA | English |
| Masculine singular | un | Conocer Sudámerica siempre ha sido un sueño para mí. | konoˈθeɾ suˈðameɾika ˈsjempɾe ˈa ˈsiðo wn ˈsweɲo ˈpaɾa ˈmi ‖ | Visiting South America has always been a dream of mine. |
| Feminine singular | una | Con este calor, ¡se me antoja mucho una cerveza helada! | kon ˈeste kaˈloɾ | se me anˈtoxa ˈmuʧo ˈuna θeɾˈβeθa eˈlaða ‖ | This heat is making me crave a cold beer! |
| Masculine plural | unos | Compré unos vegetales en camino a casa. | komˈpɾe ˈunoz βexeˈtales en kaˈmino a ˈkasa ‖ | I bought some vegetables on my way home. |
| Feminine plural | unas | Necesito unas calcetas nuevas. | neθeˈsito ˈunas kalˈθetaz ˈnweβas ‖ | I need some new socks. |
If you’ve already got a handle on the Spanish articles and simply want a refresh, then this table is for you! Here’s a quick roundup of every article in Spanish along with simple examples.
| Definite | Indefinite | ||||
| Singular | masculine | el | el tren | un | un animal |
| feminine | la | la camiseta | una | una playa | |
| neutral | lo | lo malo | - | ||
| Plural | masculine | los | los árboles | unos | unos tacos |
| feminine | las | las casas | unas | unas enchiladas |
The masculine singular definite article “el” can be contracted when placed directly next to certain prepositions. Unlike English contractions, these Spanish contractions are always mandatory, and failing to contract the articles and prepositions would be grammatically incorrect.
Here are the Spanish contractions and how to use them:
| Preposition | Article | Contraction | Example | IPA | English |
| a | el | al | Vamos de camino al trabajo. | ˈbamoz ðe kaˈmino al tɾaˈβaxo ‖ | We’re on our way to work. |
| de | el | del | Soy del sur de California. | ˈsoj ðel ˈsuɾ ðe kaliˈfoɾnja ‖ | I’m from Southern California. |
Knowing what the Spanish articles are is a great first step toward learning how to use them masterfully. However, the real challenge is knowing when to use them. Here are some examples of when you need to include articles in Spanish.
![\"When](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt423d874b1de267e5/6448a0a2b7b7332b233e3733/pexels-taryn-elliott-4112283.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
As you’ll learn later on, Spanish doesn’t use articles for describing personal adjectives. However, there is one exception: when you use an adjective to modify the noun.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| You’re the best mom | Eres la mejor mamá | eh-rehs la meh-hor mah-mah | ˈeɾez la meˈxoɾ maˈma |
| My dad is a great businessman | Mi papá es un gran empresario | me pa-pa ehs oon grahn ehm-preh-sah-ree-oh | mi paˈpa ˈes un ˈɡɾan empɾeˈsaɾjo |
| She’s the most qualified teacher | Ella es la maestra mejor calificada | eh-yah ess la mah-ehs-trah meh-hor cah-lee-fee-cah-dah | ˈeʎa ˈez la maˈestɾa meˈxoɾ kalifiˈkaða |
As you now know, things require a definite or indefinite article depending on whether their identity is known. However, as you’ll see in the following section, articles aren’t always necessary. Here are a few examples of when to use articles in Spanish.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| I need to buy a new bicycle | Necesito comprar una bicicleta | neh-seh-see-toe com-prar oo-nah bee-see-cleh-tah | neθeˈsito komˈpɾaɾ ˈuna βiθiˈkleta |
| I don’t like coffee | No me gusta el café | no meh goose-tah elle cah-feh | ˈno me ˈɣusta el kaˈfe |
| The shoes over there are mine | Los zapatos de allá son míos | los za-pah-toss deh ah-yah son me-oss | los θaˈpatoz ðe aˈʎa ˈsom ˈmios |
You’ll want to use articles when describing a means of transportation as a physical location. For example, “Ya estoy en el avión” (I am on the plane). In this situation, you’re using the means of transport as a physical space in relation to something else (you). Here are a few more examples:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| I didn’t make it onto the train | No alcancé a llegar al tren | no al-cahn-seh ah yeh-gar all trehn | ˈno alkanˈθe a ʎeˈɣaɾ al ˈtɾen |
| Let me know when you’re on the bus | Avísame cuando estés en el autobús | ah-ve-sah-meh coo-ahn-doe ehs-tess ehn elle ah-oh-toe-boos | aˈβisame ˈkwando esˈtes en el awtoˈβus |
| I already looked for it all over the car, but I can’t find it | Ya lo busqué por todo el carro, pero no lo encuentro. | yah loh boos-keh pore toe-doe elle cah-ro, pear-oh no lo ehn-coo-ehn-troh | ʝa lo βusˈke poɾ ˈtoðo el ˈkaro | ˈpeɾo ˈno lo enˈkwentɾo ‖ |
As you can imagine from the section above, most places require a definite or indefinite article in Spanish. Use articles whenever asking and answering a ¿Dónde? question (feel free to brush up on your Spanish question words if you’re a little rusty). Here are some examples:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Where is the library? | ¿Dónde está la biblioteca? | don-deh ess-tah la bee-blee-oh-teh-cah | ˈdonde esˈta la βiβljoˈteka ‖ |
| The nearest bathrooms are there | Los baños más cercanos están ahí | los bah-nyos mas ser-cah-noss ess-tahn ah-e | loz ˈβaɲoz ˈmas θeɾˈkanos esˈtan aˈi |
| I’m not at school | No estoy en la escuela | no ess-toy ehn la ess-coo-eh-lah | ˈno esˈtoj en la esˈkwela |
While English uses prepositions like “at” or “on” when telling the time to make plans, Spanish uses definite articles. More specifically, it uses the feminine plural definite article las for telling every hour of the day except for 1, when it uses the feminine singular definite article la. For days of the week, it uses the masculine singular definite article el for one-off events and the plural los for recurring events. Here are some examples:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Dinner is at seven p.m. | La cena es a las siete de la noche | la seh-nah ess ah lass see-eh-teh deh la no-che | la ˈθena ˈes a las ˈsjete ðe la ˈnoʧe |
| I get out of class at one p.m. | Salgo de clase a la una de la tarde | sal-go deh clah-seh ah la oo-nah deh la tar-deh | ˈsalɣo ðe ˈklase a la ˈuna ðe la ˈtaɾðe |
| Are we seeing each other on Friday? | ¿Nos vamos a ver el viernes? | nos vah-moss ah ver elle vee-air-ness | noz ˈβamos a ˈβeɾ el ˈβjeɾnes ‖ |
| I have dance class on Fridays | Los viernes tengo clases de baile | los vee-air-ness ten-go clah-sehs deh bah-e-leh | loz ˈβjeɾnes ˈtenɡo ˈklasez ðe ˈβajle |
If you’re not yet familiar with Spanish reflexive verbs, these are actions that you do unto yourself. They use a special type of Spanish pronouns, appropriately called reflexive pronouns — me, te, se, nos, se. You’ll want to use an article with the noun any time you use a reflexive verb in Spanish.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| My head hurts | Me duele la cabeza | meh doo-eh-leh la cah-beh-za | me ˈðwele la kaˈβeθa |
| Did you hurt your arm? | ¿Te lastimaste el brazo? | teh las-tee-mas-teh elle brah-zo | te lastiˈmaste el ˈβɾaθo ‖ |
| I’m craving an iced tea | Se me antoja un té helado | seh meh ahn-toe-hah oon teh eh-la-doe | se me anˈtoxa wn ˈte eˈlaðo |
| I like hot sauce | Me gusta la salsa | meh goose-tah la sal-sa | me ˈɣusta la ˈsalsa |
This trick might fall more into the intermediate Spanish category and above, but it’s still a neat trick to learn even if you’re a beginner. Instead of saying “tengo hambre” or “tengo frío,” you can add an almost scary level of emphasis by placing an indefinite article before the noun “tengo un hambre” and “tengo un frío.” Here are some more examples:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| I have a tremendous thirst. | Tengo una sed tremenda. | ten-go oo-nah sed treh-men-dah | ˈtenɡo ˈuna ˈseð tɾeˈmenda ‖ |
| I am so sleepy that I couldn’t get rid of it if I slept all day long. | Tengo un sueño que ni con un día entero durmiendo se me quita. | ten-go oon soo-eh-nyoh keh nee con oon dee-ah ehn-teh-roe door-me-ehn-doe seh meh key-tah | ˈtenɡo wn ˈsweɲo ˈke ni kon un ˈdia enˈteɾo ðuɾˈmjendo se me ˈkita ‖ |
| I have a major stomach ache… | Tengo un dolor de estómago… | ten-goh oon do-lore deh ess-toe-ma-go | ˈtenɡo wn doˈloɾ ðe esˈtomaɣo |
Perhaps more important than knowing when to include Spanish articles is knowing when to exclude them. Indeed, inserting an article where it doesn’t belong could confuse the listener but make them think that they missed out on an important piece of information. Here are some situations where excluding the articles in Spanish is essential.
![\"When](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt4d5da37578c11c12/6448a00e6b67ab4c3492eb31/pexels-viktoria-slowikowska-5332151.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
English uses articles to define personal characteristics like nationality, profession, some personality traits, and even family status. However, Spanish doesn’t use articles for any of these, so you’ll have to remember not to translate directly from English!
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| I’m an American | Soy Estadounidense | soy ess-tah-doe-oo-nee-dehn-seh | ˈsoj estaðowniˈðense |
| I’m a Catholic | Soy católico | soy cah-toe-lee-coe | ˈsoj kaˈtoliko |
| I’m a mom | Soy madre | soy mah-dreh | ˈsoj ˈmaðɾe |
| She’s a lawyer | Ella es abogada | eh-yah ess ah-boh-gah-dah | ˈeʎa ˈes aβoˈɣaða |
| He’s a bore | Él es aburrido | elle ess ah-boo-ree-doe | ˈel ˈes aβuˈriðo |
As you’ve learned earlier in this article, definite articles are used for nouns whose identity is known, and indefinite articles are used for those whose identity isn't known. However, what about when you’re talking about nouns in a general way? If you need to talk about a noun in a general way without alluding to any quantity, you can just omit the article.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Do you have any money? | ¿Tienes dinero? | tee-eh-ness dee-neh-roe | ˈtjenez ðiˈneɾo ‖ |
| My mom sells cars | Mi mamá vende coches | me ma-mah ven-deh coe-chess | mi maˈma ˈβende ˈkoʧes |
| Vegetarians don’t eat meat. | Los vegetarianos no comen carne | loss veh-heh-tah-ree-ah-noss no coe-men car-neh | loz βexetaˈɾjanoz ˈno ˈkomen ˈkaɾne |
Using articles isn’t necessary when describing means of transportation in Spanish. In English, you’d say “I’m taking the train” or “I’m taking a bus” when describing how you plan on getting somewhere. In Spanish, however, using articles isn’t necessary. Here are some examples:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| I’m taking a plane | Me voy en avión | meh voy ah eer ehn ah-vee-ohn | me ˈβoj en aˈβjon |
| Let’s take a bus instead | Mejor hay que irnos en autobús | meh-hor ay keh eer-noss ehn ah-oo-toe-boos | meˈxoɾ ˈaj ˈke ˈiɾnos en awtoˈβus |
| I’ve always wanted to travel on a train | ¡Siempre he querido viajar en tren! | see-ehm-preh eh keh-ree-doe vee-ah-har ehn trehn | ˈsjempɾe ˈe keˈɾiðo βjaˈxaɾ en ˈtɾen ‖ |
If you’ve been taking Spanish lessons for some time now, then you definitely know that this language is full of rules — and also full of exceptions. So, although most places do require an article, there are a few that go without an article. Here are some of the exceptions:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| My daughter woke up sick, so she decided to stay home from school. | Mi hija amaneció enferma, así que decidió quedarse en casa y no ir a la escuela | me e-hah ah-mah-neh-see-oh ehn-fer-mah, ah-see keh deh-see-dee-oh keh-dar-seh ehn cah-sah e no eer ah la ess-coo-eh-lah | mi ˈixa amaneˈθjo emˈfeɾma | aˈsi ˈke ðeθiˈðjo keˈðaɾse en ˈkasa j ˈno ˈiɾ a la esˈkwela ‖ |
| Don’t call me, I’ll be in class. | No me vayas a llamar, voy a estar en clase | no meh vah-yas ah yah-mar, voy ah ess-tar ehn clah-seh | ˈno me ˈβaʝas a ʎaˈmaɾ | ˈboj a esˈtaɾ en ˈklase ‖ |
| I’m sorry I didn’t respond to your email, I was on a call. | Disculpa que no respondí tu correo, estaba en llamada | dees-cool-pah keh no res-pon-dee too coh-reh-oh, ess-tah-bah ehn yah-mah-dah | disˈkulpa ˈke ˈno responˈdi tu koˈreo | esˈtaβa en ʎaˈmaða ‖ |
| I didn’t get any rest this weekend, I was sick in bed with a fever. | No descansé el fin de semana, estuve en cama con fiebre | no dess-can-seh elle feen deh seh-mah-nah, es-too-veh ehn cah-mah con fee-eh-breh | ˈno ðeskanˈse el ˈfin de seˈmana | esˈtuβe en ˈkama kom ˈfjeβɾe ‖ |
Hopefully by this point, you’re starting to pick up on a trend: generalized statements tend to not need articles while specific ones do. When talking about the date or the time in a general way, rather than making specific plans, you can exclude the article.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| I think I’m going to Colombia in June | Creo que voy a ir a Colombia en junio | creh-oh keh voy ah er ah coe-lom-be-ah ehn who-nee-oh | ˈkɾeo ˈke ˈβoj a ˈiɾ a koˈlombja en ˈxunjo |
| Tomorrow is Wednesday | Mañana es miércoles | mah-nyah-nah ess mee-air-coe-less | maˈɲana ˈez ˈmjeɾkoles |
| It’s already late | Ya es tarde | ya ess-tar-deh | ʝa ˈes ˈtaɾðe |
You use a definite article when the listener knows the exact noun you are talking about. This can happen when you’ve already mentioned the noun in detail or when the noun in question is obvious. You use an indefinite article if you haven’t talked about a noun before or don’t want to talk about a specific object.
Spanish is a gendered language, meaning that all nouns have a grammatical gender. The definite article used for masculine nouns is el, and the definite article used for feminine nouns is la. These articles have to agree with the gender of the noun they are referring to, not the noun of the person. So, in order to know whether to use el or la in Spanish, you first have to know the gender of a noun in question.
A quick trick to figure out what the gender is is to pay attention to the ending of the noun. If the noun ends in -o, such as cuchillo, hermano or amigo, then it’s likely masculine. If the noun ends in -a, such as abeja, altura or falda, then it’s likely feminine.
In Spanish, feminine nouns that start with an a and also start with the stressed syllable use the masculine article el. Since agua meets both criteria, you should say el agua in Spanish even if agua is a feminine noun. Note that this doesn’t happen for all feminine nouns that start with an a. For example, you still say la abeja (the bee) in Spanish. That’s because abeja doesn’t start with a stressed syllable. To review stressed syllable rules, check out our ultimate guide to Spanish accent marks.
As promised at the beginning of this article, spending the time to learn when to use (and when not to!) the Spanish articles will pay off tremendously. Although not as glamorous as learning names for landforms and beaches or terms for feelings and emotions, learning the articles in Spanish will level up your grammar game like few other topics could.
If you enjoyed this blog post and feel like you’ve learned about the use of definite and indefinite articles in Spanish, make sure to check out the rest of our Spanish content. We regularly publish helpful grammar and vocabulary posts to help answer some of your most burning Spanish questions.
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While native speakers generally have a good grasp of them, this isn’t because of the masterful command of a complicated set of rules and exceptions. Instead, native speakers are able to use prepositions correctly based on whether something “sounds right.” That’s because prepositions can be used for a variety of reasons, in a variety of situations, and therefore lack a standard set of rules.
A study from St. Cloud State University sought to understand exactly why prepositions are so difficult to learn for foreign language speakers. The authors identified three main reasons:
You know how the saying goes, and this is one of those situations where the gain from the pain of learning how to use each of the 46 prepositions for the Spanish language is definitely worth it. Not only will this make you stand out from other Spanish learners, but also from native speakers! As you’ll see further below, we’ve included a section on common preposition mistakes, which even native Spanish speakers make all the time.
So, if you’re feeling ready to face this challenge head-on, let’s get right into it!
Prepositions are words that help us relate nouns and pronouns to other words in a sentence. As implied by the prefix pre in prepositions, they always go before the noun or pronoun. In Spanish, prepositions can help us describe where, when, and how something happens.
![\"Students](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blta075c335820b8b5c/6448b493bf65b70c99bdaa6d/iStock-640232982.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
If you’ve been following our Spanish blog for a while, you already know that we love to be as thorough as possible. That’s why we’ve gathered the ultimate list of Spanish prepositions and prepositional phrases for you!
The natural place to start is with simple prepositions. Although they might sound like the easier kind, the “simple” in the name has no impact on how these prepositions are used. It simply refers to the fact that they are made up of one word. Here are 25 simple prepositions:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| To, at | A | ah | a |
| Before, compared to | Ante | ahn-teh | ˈante |
| Under, below | Bajo | bah-hoh | ˈbaxo |
| Next to | Cabe | cah-beh | ˈkaβe |
| With | Con | cohn | kon |
| Against | Contra | con-trah | ˈkontɾa |
| Of, about | De | deh | de |
| From, since | Desde | dess-deh | ˈdezðe |
| During, for | Durante | doo-rahn-teh | duˈɾante |
| In, on, into, by, at | En | ehn | en |
| Between, among | Entre | ehn-treh | ˈentɾe |
| Except for | Excepto | ex-ep-toe | ekˈsepto |
| Towards, around, about | Hacia | ah-see-ah | ˈaθja |
| Until, as far as, up to | Hasta | ass-tah | ˈasta |
| Through, by means of | Mediante | meh-dee-ahn-teh | meˈðjante |
| For, to, towards | Para | pah-rah | ˈpaɾa |
| For, to, because of, through, per | Por | pore | poɾ |
| Except for | Salvo | sal-voh | ˈsalβo |
| According to, depending on | Según | seh-goon | seˈɣun |
| Without | Sin | seen | sin |
| Under | So | so | ˈso |
| Over, on top of, above, upon | Sobre | soh-breh | ˈsoβɾe |
| Behind, after | Tras | trass | ˈtɾas |
| Versus, against | Versus | ver-soos | ˈbeɾsus |
| By, via | Vía | vee-ah | ˈbia |
Again, don’t be alarmed by the “complex” in their name — it simply means that these prepositions are made up of two or more words. Here are 21 complex prepositions in Spanish.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| In spite of, despite | A pesar de | ah peh-sar deh | a peˈsaɾ ðe |
| In addition to, as well as | Además de | ah-deh-mas deh | aðeˈmaz ðe |
| Beside | Al lado de | all la-doe deh | al ˈlaðo ðe |
| Around, about | Alrededor de | all-reh-deh-door deh | alreðeˈðoɾ ðe |
| Before | Antes de | ahn-tess deh | ˈantez ðe |
| Despite | A pesar de | ah peh-sar deh | a peˈsaɾ ðe |
| Near, close to | Cerca de | ser-cah deh | ˈθeɾka ðe |
| With respect to | Con respecto a | con ress-pec-toe ah | kon resˈpekto a |
| In accordance with | De acuerdo con | deh ah-coo-air-doe con | de aˈkweɾðo kon |
| Under, underneath | Debajo de | deh-bah-ho deh | deˈβaxo ðe |
| In front of | Delante de | deh-lan-teh deh | deˈlante ðe |
| Inside, in, into, within | Dentro de | den-troh deh | ˈdentɾo ðe |
| After | Después de | des-poo-ess deh | desˈpwez ðe |
| Behind | Detrás de | deh-trass deh | deˈtɾaz ðe |
| On top of, above | Encima de | ehn-see-mah deh | enˈθima ðe |
| In terms of, in this regard | En cuanto a | ehn coo-ahn-toe ah | en ˈkwanto a |
| In front of, opposite | Enfrente de | ehn-fren-teh deh | emˈfɾente ðe |
| Opposite, towards | Frente a | fren-teh ah | ˈfɾente a |
| Except for, apart from | Fuera de | foo-air-ah deh | ˈfweɾa ðe |
| Next to, right by | Junto a | hoon-toe ah | ˈxunto a |
| Far from | Lejos de | leh-hoss deh | ˈlexoz ðe |
Now, let’s break the prepositions into different uses. This way, we’ll go over a few of the most common ones and get you using them as soon as possible.
![\"Learning](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltdc9c3e192cba41fa/6448b610b7b7332b233e3744/pexels-riccardo-307007.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
One of the most common uses of prepositions in Spanish (and English!) is to relate a noun or noun phrase to its geographic environment. One good thing about Spanish location prepositions is that en serves the function of many English prepositions all at once: in, at, on, into, and by. So, you won’t have to think of a handful of prepositions when trying to figure out if you’re in school, on a boat, or at the airport!
| Preposition | Example sentence | Translation | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Bajo | Quisiera estar en la playa, bajo los rayos del sol. | I wish I could be a the beach, under the sunshine. | key-see-air-ah ess-tar ehn la pla-yah, bah-ho los rah-yoss dell sol | kiˈsjeɾa esˈtaɾ en la ˈplaʝa | ˈbaxo loz ˈraʝoz ðel ˈsol ‖ |
| De | Vengo de la escuela. | I’m coming from school. | ven-goe deh la ess-coo-eh-lah | ˈbenɡo ðe la esˈkwela ‖ |
| Delante de | María está sentada delante de mí. | Maria is sitting in front of me. | mah-ree-ah ess-tah sen-tah-dah deh-lahn-teh deh me | maˈɾia esˈta senˈtaða ðeˈlante ðe ˈmi ‖ |
| Desde | Caminé desde mi casa. | I walked from my house. | cah-me-neh dess-deh me ca-sah | kamiˈne ˈðezðe mi ˈkasa ‖ |
| Detrás de | Tu mochila está detrás del sofá. | Your backpack is behind the couch. | too mo-chee-lah ess-tah deh-trass dell soh-fah | tu moˈʧila esˈta ðeˈtɾaz ðel soˈfa ‖ |
| En | Estoy en mi cuarto. | I’m in my room. | ess-toy ehn me coo-are-toe | esˈtoj em mi ˈkwaɾto ‖ |
| Encima de | Las llaves están encima del librero. | The keys are on top of the bookshelf. | las yah-vess ess-tahn ehn-see-mah dell lee-breh-roe | laz ˈʎaβes esˈtan enˈθima ðel liˈβɾeɾo ‖ |
| Enfrente de | La televisión está enfrente de la mesa. | The TV is in front of the table. | la teh-leh-vee-see-ohn ess-tah ehn-fren-teh deh la meh-sah | la teleβiˈsjon esˈta emˈfɾente ðe la ˈmesa ‖ |
| Entre | La casa de Pedro está entre el parque y la iglesia. | Pedro’s house is between the park and the church. | la ca-sah deh peh-droh ess-tah ehn-treh elle par-keh e la e-gleh-see-ah | la ˈkasa ðe ˈpeðɾo esˈta ˈentɾe el ˈpaɾke j la jˈɣlesja ‖ |
| Hacia | Ese gatito viene caminando hacia nosotros. | That kitty is walking towards us. | eh-seh gah-tee-toe vee-eh-neh ca-me-nahn-doe ah-see-ah no-soe-tross | ˈese ɣaˈtito ˈβjene kamiˈnando ˈaθja noˈsotɾos ‖ |
| Hasta | Disculpe, ¿este autobús va hasta Valencia? | Excuse me, is this bus going all the way to Valencia? | dees-cool-peh, ess-teh ah-ooh-toe-boos vah ah-see-ah vah-lehn-see-ah | disˈkulpe | ˈeste awtoˈβuz ˈβa ˈasta βaˈlenθja ‖ |
| Sobre | El vaso de agua está sobre la mesa. | The glass of water is on the table. | elle vah-so deh ah-goo-ah ess-tah so-breh la meh-sah | el ˈβaso ðe ˈaɣwa esˈta ˈsoβɾe la ˈmesa ‖ |
| Tras | La caja está tras la puerta. | The box is behind the door. | la cah-hah ess-tah tras la poo-air-tah | la ˈkaxa esˈta ˈtɾaz la ˈpweɾta ‖ |
Prepositions of relation establish a connection (or relation!) between two nouns. They allow you to connect the dots in your stories by helping you describe who did what and with whom, against whom, for whom, from whom, etcetera.
| Preposition | Example sentence | Translation | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Con | Voy a ir al cine con mi mamá. | I’m going to the movie theatre with my mom. | voy ah eer all see-neh con me ma-mah | ˈboj a ˈiɾ al ˈθine kom mi maˈma ‖ |
| Contra | El mundo no está contra ti. | The world isn’t against you. | elle moon-doe no ess-tah con-trah tee | el ˈmundo ˈno esˈta ˈkontɾa ˈti ‖ |
| De | El carro de mi hermana es rojo. | My sister’s car is red. | elle cah-roe deh me air-mah-nah ess ro-hoh | el ˈkaro ðe mj eɾˈmana ˈez ˈroxo ‖ |
| Entre | Si lo hacemos entre los dos, sí lo podemos lograr. | If we do it between the two of us, we’ll surely be able to make it. | see lo ah-seh-moss ehn-treh los dos, see lo po-deh-moss lo-grar | si lo aˈθemos ˈentɾe loz ˈðos | ˈsi lo poˈðemoz loˈɣɾaɾ ‖ |
| Para | ¿Estas flores son para mí? | Are these flowers for me? | ess-tass flo-ress son pah-rah me | ˈestas ˈfloɾes ˈsom ˈpaɾa ˈmi ‖ |
| Por | Todo lo hago por ti. | Everything I do is for you. | toe-doe lo ah-go pore tee | ˈtoðo lo ˈaɣo poɾ ˈti ‖ |
| Según | Estos son los ingredientes según mi mamá. | According to my mom, these are the ingredients. | ess-toss son los een-greh-dee-ehn-tess seh-goon me ma-mah | ˈestos ˈson los inɡɾeˈðjentes seˈɣum mi maˈma ‖ |
| Sin | Esta casa no será lo mismo sin ti. | This house won’t be the same without you. | ess-tah cah-sah no seh-rah lo mees-mo seen tee | ˈesta ˈkasa ˈno seˈɾa lo ˈmizmo sin ˈti ‖ |
| Sobre | Debemos tener una plática seria, pero no te preocupes, no es sobre ti. | We need to have a serious talk, but don’t worry, it’s not about you. | deh-beh-moss teh-nehr oo-nah pla-tee-cah seh-ree-ah, peh-ro no teh preh-oh-coo-pess, no es so-breh tee | deˈβemos teˈneɾ ˈuna ˈplatika ˈseɾja | ˈpeɾo ˈno te pɾeoˈkupes | ˈno ˈes ˈsoβɾe ˈti ‖ |
| Versus | El partido de mañana es del Real Madrid versus el Barcelona. | Tomorrow’s match is Real Madrid versus Barcelona. | elle par-tee-doe deh mah-nyah-nah ess dell reh-all ma-dreed ver-soos elle bar-seh-lo-nah | el paɾˈtiðo ðe maˈɲana ˈez ðel reˈal maˈðɾið ˈβeɾsus el βaɾθeˈlona ‖ |
| Vía | Él viaja de Londres a Guadalajara, vía Houston. | He travels from London to Guadalajara, via Houston. | elle vee-ah-hah deh lon-dress ah goo-ah-dah-lah-hah-rah, vee-ah Houston | ˈel ˈβjaxa ðe ˈlondɾes a ɣwaðalaˈxaɾa | ˈbia ˈowston ‖ |
As you can probably imagine, prepositions of time help you relate a noun to a certain time. These are helpful not only for telling the time in Spanish but also for making plans with your friends. After all, studying Spanish means you’ll definitely want to find the time to visit some coffee shops with your classmates and, why not, have a cold beer after a long day of school!
| Preposition | Example sentence | Translation | Pronunciation | IPA |
| A | Nos vemos a las doce y media. | I’ll see you at twelve thirty. | noss veh-moss ah las doh-seh e meh-dee-ah | noz ˈβemos a laz ˈðoθe j ˈmeðja ‖ |
| Desde | Te he estado esperando desde la mañana. | I’ve been waiting for you since this morning. | teh eh ess-tah-doe ess-peh-ran-doe dess-deh la mah-nyah-nah | te ˈe esˈtaðo espeˈɾando ˈðezðe la maˈɲana ‖ |
| Durante | Te esperé durante media hora y no llegaste. | I waited for you for half an hour and you didn’t show. | teh ess-peh-reh doo-rahn-teh meh-dee-ah oh-rah e no yeh-gass-teh | te espeˈɾe ðuˈɾante ˈmeðja ˈoɾa j ˈno ʎeˈɣaste ‖ |
| Entre | Estaré disponible entre las dos y seis de la tarde. | I will be available between two and six in the afternoon. | ess-tah-reh dees-po-nee-bleh ehn-treh las dos e says deh lah tar-deh | estaˈɾe ðispoˈniβle ˈentɾe laz ˈðos i ˈsejz ðe la ˈtaɾðe ‖ |
| Hacia | El tren pasa por aquí hacia las tres de la tarde. | The train passes by here at around three in the afternoon. | elle trehn pah-sah pore ah-key ah-see-ah las trehs deh la tar-deh | el ˈtɾem ˈpasa poɾ aˈki ˈaθja las ˈtɾez ðe la ˈtaɾðe ‖ |
| Hasta | Aquí vamos a estar hasta junio. | We’ll be here until june. | ah-key vah-mos ah ess-tar ass-tah ho-nee-oh | aˈki ˈβamos a esˈtaɾ ˈasta ˈxunjo ‖ |
| Tras | Tras la lluvia, saldrá el sol. | After the rain, the sun will come out. | tras lah you-vee-ah sal-drah elle sol | ˈtɾaz la ˈʎuβja | salˈdɾa el ˈsol ‖ |
Prepositional pronouns are technically pronouns and therefore not prepositions. However, they’re used in conjunction with other prepositions to connect the object to the prepositional phrase. That happens when you are connecting a noun to a person, such as when you say “The car is in front of me.” In this sentence, “car” is the subject and “me” is the object. So, you’ll typically find a preposition right before a prepositional pronoun.
Here’s the complete list of Spanish prepositional pronouns.
| Preposition | Example sentence | Translation | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Mí | El perro vino hacia mí. | The dog came towards me. | elle peh-roh vee-noh ah-see-ah me | el ˈpero ˈβino ˈaθja ˈmi ‖ |
| Ti | Esta flor es especial para ti. | This flower is special for you. | ess-tah flor ess ess-peh-see-all pah-rah tee | ˈesta ˈfloɾ ˈes espeˈθjal ˈpaɾa ˈti ‖ |
| Usted | Esto es algo que no le corresponde a usted. | This is something that doesn’t correspond to you. | ess-toe ess all-go keh no leh co-ress-pon-deh ah oos-ted | ˈesto ˈes ˈalɣo ˈke ˈno le koresˈponde a wsˈteð ‖ |
| Él, ella | Ya no tengo la carta, se la di a ella. | I don’t have the letter anymore, I gave it to her. | ya no ten-go la car-tah, seh la dee ah eh-yah | ʝa ˈno ˈtenɡo la ˈkaɾta | se la ˈði a ˈeʎa ‖ |
| Nosotros, nosotras | ¿Por qué no nos preguntaron a nosotros? | Why didn’t they ask us? | pore keh no nos preh-goon-tah-ron ah noss-oh-tross | poɾ ˈke ˈno nos pɾeɣunˈtaɾon a noˈsotɾos ‖ |
| Vosotros, vosotras | Vale, entonces en la tarde pasamos por vosotros. | Alright, so we will pick you up in the afternoon. | vah-leh, ehn-ton-sess ehn la tar-deh pah-sah-moss pore vo-soh-tross | ˈbale | enˈtonθes en la ˈtaɾðe paˈsamos poɾ βoˈsotɾos ‖ |
| Ustedes | Entre ellos y ustedes, siempre los escogeré a ustedes. | Between them and you, I will always choose you. | ehn-treh eh-yos e oos-teh-dess, see-ehm-preh los es-coh-heh-reh ah oos-teh-dess | ˈentɾe ˈeʎos j usˈteðes | ˈsjempɾe los eskoxeˈɾe a wsˈteðes ‖ |
| Ellos, ellas | Según ellos, la entrada debería estar por aquí. | According to them, the entrance should be around here. | seh-goon eh-yoss, la ehn-trah-dah deh-beh-ree-ah ess-tar pore ah-key | seˈɣun ˈeʎos | la enˈtɾaða ðeβeˈɾia esˈtaɾ poɾ aˈki ‖ |
Unlike English, Spanish has very few contractions, and about half of them involve prepositions! When certain prepositions are placed next to certain articles and pronouns, they must be contracted, the way “want to” can be contracted into “wanna” when speaking casually. However, in Spanish, contractions are neither casual nor optional — failing to contract any of the following will result in a grammatical error!
![\"Spanish](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt401181b71e203b08/6448baac5773c9110e452112/pexels-august-de-richelieu-4427882.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Combination | Contraction | Example | Translation |
| a + el | al | Voy a ir al banco. | I’m going to the bank. |
| de + el | del | Vengo del super. | I’m coming back from the supermarket. |
| con + mí | conmigo | ¡Ven conmigo! | Come with me! |
| con + ti | contigo | ¿Quién va a ir contigo? | Who is going to come with you? |
| con + sí | consigo | Creo que no llevaba su mochila consigo. | I think he didn’t have his backpack with him. |
Prepositions are an unavoidable aspect of the Spanish language, and many important phrases rely on them to work. However, as a foreign language speaker, it might be difficult to understand exactly what these phrases mean as they don’t translate well. Here are some common Spanish phrases and expressions with prepositions with their literal English translations along with what they actually mean.
| Literal translation | Spanish | Meaning | Pronunciation | IPA |
| In joke | En broma | As a joke | ehn broh-mah | em ˈbɾoma |
| In alive | En vivo | Live, as in live performances | ehn vee-voh | em ˈbiβo |
| In serious | En serio | Used when you’re being serious about something | ehn seh-ree-oh | en ˈseɾjo |
| For supposed | Por supuesto | Of course | pore soo-poo-ess-toe | poɾ suˈpwesto |
| For another part | Por otra parte | On the other hand | pore oh-trah par-teh | poɾ ˈotɾa ˈpaɾte |
| In everything’s weight | A pesar de todo | Despite everything | ah peh-sar deh toe-doe | a peˈsaɾ ðe ˈtoðo |
| Here between us | Aquí entre nos | Do not repeat what I’m about to tell you | ah-key ehn-treh noss | aˈki ˈentɾe nos |
| From part of | De parte de | On behalf of | deh par-teh deh | de ˈpaɾte ðe |
| There is no what | No hay de qué | Nothing to thank me for | no ay deh keh | ˈno ˈaj ðe ˈke |
| Speaking of the king of Rome | Hablando del rey de Roma | Speak of the devil | ah-blahn-doe dell ray deh ro-mah | aˈβlando ðel ˈrej ðe ˈroma |
As advanced Spanish speakers will attest to, even native Speakers make mistakes all the time. This is especially true when it comes to prepositions, as there are many common mistakes that are so ubiquitous that they’ll have you doubting what you’ve learned in the classroom. To avoid these mistakes, pay attention to the following examples of common Spanish preposition mistakes:
![\"Sitting](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt19dea630c74210e8/6448bc02dd9b312c696ca734/pexels-rodnae-productions-7092353.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Incorrect use ❌ | Correct use ✅ | Example | Translation | Pronunciation | IPA |
| A causa que | A causa de que | A causa de que reprobó el exámen, Pedro no podrá pasar la clase. | Because he failed the exam, Pedro won’t be able to pass this class. | ah cah-oo-sah deh keh reh-pro-boh elle ex-ah-men, peh-droh no poh-drah pah-sar la clah-seh | a ˈkawsa ðe ˈke repɾoˈβo el ekˈsamen | ˈpeðɾo ˈno poˈðɾa paˈsaɾ la ˈklase ‖ |
| A costas de | A costa de | Martha fue exitosa a costa de todos sus problemas. | Martha was successful despite all of her problems. | mar-tah foo-eh ex-e-toe-sah ah coss-tah deh toe-doss soos pro-bleh-mass | ˈmaɾta ˈfwe eksiˈtosa a ˈkosta ðe ˈtoðos sus pɾoˈβlemas ‖ |
| A cuenta de | Por cuenta de | Los gastos del viaje correrán por cuenta de la empresa. | The trip expenses will be paid for by the company. | los gas-toes delle vee-ah-heh coh-reh-ran pore la coo-ehn-tah deh la em-preh-sah | loz ˈɣastoz ðel ˈβjaxe koreˈɾam poɾ ˈkwenta ðe la emˈpɾesa ‖ |
| A defecto de | En defecto de | En defecto de champaña, brindaremos con cidra. | In the absence of champagne, we will toast with cider. | ehn deh-fec-toe deh cham-pah-nyah, breen-dah-reh-moss con see-drah | en deˈfekto ðe ʧamˈpaɲa | bɾindaˈɾemos kon ˈθiðɾa ‖ |
| A horas | En horas | Es muy difícil manejar por la autopista en horas pico. | It’s very difficult to drive on the highway during rush hour. | ess mooy dee-fee-seel mah-neh-har proe la ah-ooh-toe-pees-tah en oh-rass pee-coe | ˈez muj ðiˈfiθil maneˈxaɾ poɾ la awtoˈpista en ˈoɾas ˈpiko ‖ |
| A la mayor brevedad | Con la mayor brevedad | Recibirá una respuesta con la mayor brevedad posible. | You will receive a response as soon as possible. | reh-see-bee-rah oo-nah res-poo-ess-tah con la mah-yoor breh-veh-dad po-see-bleh | reθiβiˈɾa ˈuna resˈpwesta kon la maˈʝoɾ βɾeβeˈðað poˈsiβle ‖ |
| A lo que veo | Por lo que veo | Por lo que veo, no le está yendo muy bien en el trabajo… | From what I can tell, he’s not doing very well in his job. | pore lo keh veh-oh, noh leh ess-tah yen-doe mooy bee-ehn ehn elle trah-bah-hoh | poɾ lo ˈke ˈβeo | ˈno le esˈta ˈʝendo muj ˈβjen en el tɾaˈβaxo |
| A menos de que | A menos que | No creo que te vaya a poder ver, a menos que llegues muy temprano. | I don’t think I’ll be able to see you, unless you get here very early. | no kreh-oh keh teh vah-yah ah po-dehr ver, ah meh-noss keh yeh-guess mooy tem-prah-no | ˈno ˈkɾeo ˈke te ˈβaʝa a poˈðeɾ ˈβeɾ | a ˈmenos ˈke ˈʎeɣez muj temˈpɾano ‖ |
| A opinión de | En opinión de | En opinión del gobierno federal, es indispensable mantener la seguridad de la zona. | In the federal government’s opinion, it’s indispensable to maintain the zone’s security. | ehn oh-pee-nee-ohn dell goh-bee-air-no feh-deh-ral, ess een-dees-pehn-sah-bleh man-teh-nehr la seh-goo-ree-dad deh la zo-nah | en opiˈnjon del ɣoˈβjeɾno feðeˈɾal | ˈes indispenˈsaβle manteˈneɾ la seɣuɾiˈðað ðe la ˈθona ‖ |
| A pesar que | A pesar de que | A pesar de que está lloviendo, los niños fueron a jugar al parque. | Despite the rain, the kids still went to the park to play. | ah peh-sahr deh keh ess-tah yo-vee-ehn-doe, loss nee-nyoss foo-air-ohn ah who-gar all par-keh | a peˈsaɾ ðe ˈke esˈta ʎoˈβjendo | loz ˈniɲos ˈfweɾon a xuˈɣaɾ al ˈpaɾke ‖ |
| A virtud de | En virtud de | La multa será aplicada en virtud de la ley. | The fine will be applied according to the law. | la mool-tah seh-rah ah-plee-cah-dah ehn veer-tood deh la ley | la ˈmulta seˈɾa apliˈkaða em biɾˈtuð ðe la ˈlej ‖ |
| A objeto de | Con objeto de | Los estudiantes visitarán el zoológico con objeto de profundizar su aprendizaje de biología. | The students will visit the zoo in order to deepen their understanding of biology. | loss ess-too-dee-ahn-tess vee-see-ta-rahn elle zo-lo-he-coe con ob-heh-toe deh pro-foon-dee-zar soo ah-prehn-dee-sah-heh deh bee-oh-lo-he-ah | los estuˈðjantez βisitaˈɾan el θooˈloxiko kon oβˈxeto ðe pɾofundiˈθaɾ sw apɾendiˈθaxe ðe βjoloˈxia ‖ |
| Al punto de | Hasta el punto de | El crimen ha incrementado hasta el punto de que los habitantes no quieren salir de sus casas. | The crime rate has increased to the point that locals don’t want to leave their houses. | elle cree-men ah een-creh-men-tah-doe ass-tah elle poon-toe deh keh loss ah-bee-tan-tess no key-air-ehn sah-leer deh soos cah-sas | el ˈkɾimen ˈa jnkɾemenˈtaðo ˈasta el ˈpunto ðe ˈke los aβiˈtantez ˈno ˈkjeɾen saˈliɾ ðe sus ˈkasas ‖ |
| En relación a | En relación con | El uso de combustibles fósiles en esta ciudad se ha reducido un 10% en relación con 1980. | The use of fossil fuels in this city has reduced by 10% since 1980. | elle oo-so deh com-boos-tee-bless fo-see-less ehn ess-tah see-ooh-dad seh ah reh-doo-see-doe oon dee-ehss pore-see-ehn-toe ehn reh-lah-see-ohn con meel noh-veh-see-ehn-toss oh-chen-tah | el ˈuso ðe kombusˈtiβles ˈfosiles en ˈesta θjuˈðað se ˈa reðuˈθiðo wn 10% en relaˈθjon kon 1980 |
| De acuerdo a | De acuerdo con | De acuerdo con las leyes sanitarias, es necesario usar cubrebocas dentro de los hospitales. | According to the sanitary laws, it’s necessary to use a face mask inside hospitals. | deh ah-coo-air-doe con lass leh-yess sah-nee-tah-ree-ass, es neh-seh-sah-ree-oh oo-sar coo-breh-bo-cass den-troh deh los oss-pee-tah-less | de aˈkweɾðo kon laz ˈleʝes saniˈtaɾjas | ˈez neθeˈsaɾjo wˈsaɾ kuβɾeˈβokaz ˈðentɾo ðe los ospiˈtales ‖ |
| Vinculado a | Vinculado con | Arrestaron a un criminal vinculado con el crimen organizado. | They arrested a criminal related to organized crime. | ah-ress-tah-ron ah oon cree-mee-nal veen-coo-lah-doe con elle cree-mehn ore-gah-nee-sa-doe | aresˈtaɾon a wn kɾimiˈnal βinkuˈlaðo kon el ˈkɾimen oɾɣaniˈθaðo ‖ |
| De arriba a abajo | De arriba abajo | Recuerda revisar tu asiento de arriba abajo antes de bajar del avión. | Remember to thoroughly check your seat as you get off the plane. | reh-coo-air-dah reh-vee-sar too ah-see-ehn-toe deh ah-ree-bah ah-bah-ho ahn-tess deh bah-har dell ah-vee-ohn | reˈkweɾða reβiˈsaɾ tw aˈsjento ðe aˈriβa aˈβaxo ˈantez ðe βaˈxaɾ ðel aˈβjon ‖ |
| En base a | Con base en | Nuestros valores se forman con base en nuestra experiencia personal. | Our values are shaped based on our personal experience. | noo-ess-tross vah-loh-ress seh for-man con bah-seh ehn noo-ess-trah ex-is-tehn-see-ah per-so-nall | ˈnwestɾoz βaˈloɾes se ˈfoɾman kom ˈbase en ˈnwestɾa ekspeˈɾjenθja peɾsoˈnal ‖ |
Now that you have 46 prepositions to learn, you need an effective way to memorize them all. Even if you don’t consider yourself to be a particularly musical person, studies have shown time and time again that learning a language through music is extremely effective. If you’re looking for a catchy tune to knock out a few prepositions in Spanish, check out the video below!
As implied by their name, prepositions are always used before the noun or pronoun. They always precede the noun phrase because they are used to connect them to the rest of the sentence. Think of prepositions as bridges, helping build connections between the nouns and everything else in your sentence.
De and a are two of the most common prepositions in Spanish, but they serve totally different functions. The preposition de is most commonly used to express:
On the other hand, the preposition a is most commonly used to express:
While learning how to use prepositions in Spanish can be tough, you’ve made the right choice to face this challenge head-on. Remember to be patient with yourself as you work your way to mastery! Even natives — who have been speaking Spanish their entire lives — make mistakes when using prepositions, so don’t feel bad if you mess up as you go.
If you enjoyed this article, make sure to check out some of our other grammar guides, like how to conjugate the verb tener and the ultimate guide to Spanish accents!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Definite and Indefinite articles","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"A non-boring guide to definite and indefinite articles in English","url":"/blog/definite-indefinite-articles-english","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt0d01f90ccf500098/644a0202d483864ab3657597/pexels-charlotte-may-5965822.jpg"},"post_content":"When you set out to study English grammar, you’ll find that many of the words that we take for granted actually serve incredibly important purposes. Though articles in English are only up to three letters in length, they help us navigate everyday conversations with both precision and efficiency.
\nIf you’re not a native English speaker, then learning how to use English articles correctly will help you advance in your quest for proficiency. In this helpful guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the difference between definite and indefinite articles along with example sentences and pronunciation guides to help you start nailing this grammar point right away.
\nLet’s get right to the guide!
\n\nArticles are the most common determiners of the English language, which means that they help us determine the identity of a noun. In other words, articles can help us tell whether we know the exact identity of a noun in question when we’re talking.
\nIn linguistics, this is referred to as the referent of a noun. For example, when we say “I love candles” without an article, we’re stating that we don’t know the referent of the noun — we are talking about candles in general rather than about one specific candle. However, when we say “I love the candle,” then we are saying that we love a specific, individual candle — and that it’s abundantly clear what that candle is to the audience.
\n![\"I](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt0b7c4d3e26624104/644a0e51d483864ab36575c0/pexels-anna-shvets-5760947.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
A definite article is used to signal that you’re speaking about a specific thing or group of things. The audience must be fully aware of what specific item you’re talking about, as they wouldn’t be able to follow the conversation otherwise. The only definite article in English is “the.”
\nSome ways you can tell whether the audience knows about the identity of the noun are:
\nKeep reading to learn more about the situations where you’d use a definite article in a sentence.
\n\n\nThe English article “the” be used with all nouns, including singular, plural, countable, and non-countable nouns. The only precondition is that the reader or listener is already aware of the identity of said noun, such as in the following situations:
\n\nIf the item in question is abundantly obvious, then you don’t have to worry about the audience not knowing what you’re talking about. This generally happens when you’re talking about a noun that’s directly in your field of vision. For example, if you’re having dinner and there’s a jug full of water on the table, you can just ask, “Can you pass me the water?”
\nHere are some more examples:
\n| English | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| I will have the chocolate ice cream, please. | \neye weel hav thuh choh-cuh-lat eyes creem, plees | \naɪ ˈwɪl həv ðə ˈtʃɑklət ˈaɪs ˈkɹim | ˈpliz ‖ | \n
| We can’t leave until the truck gets out of the way. | \nwe cahnt leev uhn-teel thuh truck gehts ah-oot off thuh way | \nwi ˈkænt ˈliv ənˈtɪl ðə ˈtɹʌk ˈɡɛts ˈaʊt əv ðə ˈweɪ ‖ | \n
| I bumped into the tree. | \neye bumpd een-too thuh tree | \naɪ ˈbʌmpt ˈɪntə ðə ˈtɹi ‖ | \n
If it’s something that everybody knows about, then you don’t have to worry about the audience not knowing about it. Think of these as universally known objects, values, or feelings that you can expect anyone on Earth to know about. Here are some examples.
\n| English | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| The sky is so blue today. | \nthuh skeye ees soh bloo | \nðə ˈskaɪ ˈɪz ˈsoʊ ˈblu təˈdeɪ ‖ | \n
| I love the sound of the ocean. | \neye luv thuh sound off thuh oh-sheh-ahn | \naɪ ˈlʌv ðə ˈsaʊnd əv ði ˈoʊʃən ‖ | \n
| There’s nothing like the love of a mother. | \nthere’s nuh-theeng laik thuh luv off ah muh-there | \nˈðɛrz ˈnʌθɪŋ ˈlaɪk ðə ˈlʌv əv ə ˈmʌðɚ ‖ | \n
Definite pronouns help us avoid repetition. Use them to refer to nouns that you’ve already introduced the audience to certain nouns earlier in the sentence or in preceding sentences.
\n| English | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| Mary heard some birds singing outside her window. While she loved hearing the birds sing, she couldn’t focus on her English homework. | \nmah-reeh hurd sum birds seen-geeng aut-said her ween-dou. wah-eel she luvd heh-ah-reeng thuh beerds seeng, she could-nt fou-coos ohn hur een-gleesh hum-werk | \nˈmɛri ˈhɝd ˈsʌm ˈbɝdz ˈsɪŋɪŋ ˌaʊtˈsaɪd ˈhɝ ˈwɪndoʊ ‖ ˈwaɪəl ʃi ˈlʌvd ˈhɪrɪŋ ðə ˈbɝdz ˈsɪŋ | ʃi ˈkʊdn̩t ˈfoʊkəs ˈɔn ˈhɝ ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ ˈhoʊmˌwɝk ‖ | \n
| Excuse me, has anyone seen a few books around here? I think I left the books on the table about an hour ago. | \nex-coose-me, has ah-nee-uan seen ah fee-ooh books ah-raund heer? eye theek eye left thuh books ohn thuh tay-bleh ah-baut ahn ah-oohr ah-goh | \nɪkˈskjuz ˈmi | həz ˈɛniˌwʌn ˈsin ə ˈfju ˈbʊks ɚˈɹaʊnd ˈhɪr ‖ aɪ ˈθɪŋk aɪ ˈlɛft ðə ˈbʊks ˈɔn ðə ˈteɪbəl əˈbaʊt ən ˈaʊɚ əˈɡoʊ ‖ | \n
| Look at those ducks in the lake! Oh, you missed it, the ducks were swimming in sync. | \nlook aht those duhcks een thuh layk! oh, yoo meesd eet, thuh duhcks wur swee-meeng een seenc. | \nˈlʊk ət ˈðoʊz ˈdʌks ˈɪn ðə ˈleɪk ‖ ˈoʊ | jə ˈmɪst ˈɪt | ðə ˈdʌks wɚ ˈswɪmɪŋ ˈɪn ˈsɪŋk ‖ | \n
Indefinite articles are used to signal that you’re talking about a general group of nouns. This is useful when you’re not talking about the specific referent of a noun (i.e., the exact version of said noun) and would instead like to refer to any version of the noun. Indefinite articles are used exclusively with singular, countable nouns.
\n![\"Work](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt4f3d564038dd0cb1/644a0bdaef41f64ab295268f/pexels-rodnae-productions-7491549.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The indefinite article “a” can only be used in front of singular, countable nouns. Wait, so indefinite articles are used with countable nouns? Doesn’t that sound counterintuitive?
\nWell, yes. It might sound like indefinite nouns are used when speaking about things that cannot be defined or counted, but that’s not actually the case. Indefinite actually means that you’re not speaking about a specific specimen of a noun — any individual item from that noun will do. For example, when you say you want “a glass of water,” you don’t really care which glass of water you get. That’s where the indefinite part comes from.
\nHere are a few cases of when to use the article “a” in English:
\n\nYou can use the indefinite article “a” in situations where you don’t know which specific specimen of a noun is involved in the situation you’re referring to.
\n| English | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| I think a raccoon went through my trash last night. | \neye theenk ah rah-coon went throo meye trash last nayt | \naɪ ˈθɪŋk ə ɹæˈkun ˈwɛnt ˈθɹu ˈmaɪ ˈtɹæʃ ˈlæst ˈnaɪt ‖ | \n
| She went to the store to buy a carton of eggs. | \nshe went too thuh stor too by ah car-tuhn off eggs | \nʃi ˈwɛnt tə ðə ˈstɔr tə ˈbaɪ ə ˈkɑrtn̩ əv ˈɛɡz ‖ | \n
| My mom wanted me to leave you a note. | \nmeye mom wahn-ted me too leev yoo ah nout | \nˈmaɪ ˈmɑm ˈwɔntəd ˈmi tə ˈliv ju ə ˈnoʊt ‖ | \n
As you now know, the definite article “the” helps us avoid repetition when talking about nouns that we’ve already mentioned. However, when mentioning articles for the first time, we have to make sure to use the indefinite article “a.” Here are some examples:
\n| English | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| I left a cake in the oven. Please turn the oven off and take the cake out in thirty minutes. | \neye lehft ah cay-k een thee uh-venn. puh-lees toorn thee uh-venn off and tay-k thuh cay-k aut een theer-tee mee-nuhts | \naɪ ˈlɛft ə ˈkeɪk ˈɪn ði ˈʌvən ‖ ˈpliz ˈtɝn ði ˈʌvən ˈɔf ənd ˈteɪk ðə ˈkeɪk ˈaʊt ˈɪn ˈθɝti ˈmɪnəts ‖ | \n
| I want to get a cat when I’m older. I will play with the cat all day long. | \neye wahnt too get uh cat wen eye’m oll-der. eye weel play weeth thuh cat all day long | \naɪ ˈwɔnt tə ˈɡɛt ə ˈkæt ˈwɛn ˈaɪm ˈoʊldɚ ‖ aɪ ˈwɪl ˈpleɪ ˈwɪθ ðə ˈkæt ˈɔl ˈdeɪ ˈlɔŋ ‖ | \n
| I think a student might have taken your backpack by accident. Let’s look for the student. | \neye theenk ah stoo-dent mait hav tay-kuhn yoor back-pack bay acc-see-duhnt. lets look for thuh stoo-dent | \naɪ ˈθɪŋk ə ˈstudn̩t ˈmaɪt həf ˈteɪkən jɚ ˈbækˌpæk ˈbaɪ ˈæksədənt ‖ ˈlɛts ˈlʊk fɚ ðə ˈstudn̩t ‖ | \n
You’ll want to use the indefinite article “a” when speaking about professions. Whether it’s your own profession or someone else’s, make sure to always include “a” right before the noun. Here are some examples:
\n| English | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| When I grow up, I want to be a teacher. | \nwen eye grow up, eye want to be ah tee-cher | \nˈwɛn aɪ ˈɡɹoʊ ˈʌp | aɪ ˈwɔnt tə ˈbi ə ˈtitʃɚ ‖ | \n
| My mom’s a lawyer. | \nmy moms ah law-yur | \nˈmaɪ ˈmɑmz ə ˈlɑjɚ ‖ | \n
| I heard his brother is a comedian. | \neye hurd hees bruh-ther ees ah cuh-me-dee-ahn | \naɪ ˈhɝd ˈhɪz ˈbɹʌðɚ ˈɪz ə kəˈmidiən ‖ | \n
The other indefinite article in English is “an.” This article works exactly the same as “a,” except that it’s used when the article is followed by a noun that starts with a vowel sound. Here are some examples:
\n| English | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| He wants an apple. | \nhe wants an ah-pl | \nhi ˈwɔnts ən ˈæpəl ‖ | \n
| I wish we had an outdoor patio. | \neye weesh we had ahn aut-door pah-tee-oh | \naɪ ˈwɪʃ wi həd ən ˈaʊtˌdɔr ˈpætiˌoʊ ‖ | \n
| I once knew an Estonian teacher. | \neye once new an ess-toh-nee-an tee-cher | \naɪ ˈwʌns ˈnu ən ɛˈstoʊniən ˈtitʃɚ ‖ | \n
Although using English articles can be very helpful, there are certain times when using them would be a grave mistake. Here are a few scenarios where you’ll want to avoid using articles altogether:
\n![\"Learn](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt04fb4cc401d8870b/644a0fb07f34014b36bef232/pexels-rodnae-productions-8500670.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Many languages allow for the use of both articles and pronouns — but English isn’t one of them. Any time you have a pronoun, you’ll want to avoid using an article before the noun. Here are some examples:
\n| English | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| Has anyone seen my book? | \nhas ah-nee-one seen my book | \nhəz ˈɛniˌwʌn ˈsin ˈmaɪ ˈbʊk ‖ | \n
| I loved their concert! | \neye love-d their con-sert | \naɪ ˈlʌvd ðɚ ˈkɑnsɚt ‖ | \n
| We followed their car to the venue. | \nwe followed their car to thuh veh-new | \nwi ˈfɑlod ðɚ ˈkɑr tə ðə ˈvɛnˌju ‖ | \n
Languages in English never require an article. Although other languages will sometimes allow for an article to be used right before a language, you’ll want to avoid saying things like “he speaks the French” in English!
\n| English | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| My parents speak Dutch, but I don’t. | \nmy pah-rents speek dutch, but eye dont | \nˈmaɪ ˈpɛrənts ˈspik ˈdʌtʃ | ˈbʌt aɪ ˈdoʊnt ‖ | \n
| Where did you learn to speak Spanish? | \nwhere deed yoo lern too speek spah-neesh | \nˈwɛr ˈdɪd jə ˈlɝn tə ˈspik ˈspænɪʃ ‖ | \n
| The couple next to us is speaking German, I think. | \nthe cop-puhl next too us ees spee-king ger-man, eye theenk | \nðə ˈkʌpəl ˈnɛkst tu əs ˈɪz ˈspikɪŋ ˈdʒɝmən | aɪ ˈθɪŋk ‖ | \n
If you’re studying English, then chances are that you’re studying other academic subjects as well. If you’re wondering how to refer to these subjects, the answer is simple: always avoid articles! Here are a few examples:
\n| English | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| Pepe isn’t very good at math. | \npeh-peh eesnt veh-ree good at math | \nˈpeɪ(ˌ)peɪ ˈɪzn̩t ˈvɛri ˈɡʊd ət ˈmæθ ‖ | \n
| I majored in Economics. | \neye may-yuhrd een eh-cuh-nuh-meecs | \naɪ ˈmeɪdʒɚd ˈɪn ˌɛkəˈnɑmɪks ‖ | \n
| My mom studied business in college. | \nmy mom stuh-deed bis-nees een coh-lej | \nˈmaɪ ˈmɑm ˈstʌdid ˈbɪznəs ˈɪn ˈkɑlɪdʒ ‖ | \n
Finally, sports never go with an article in English. Whether you’re talking about your hobbies or want to talk about the sports you watch for entertainment, remember to avoid articles altogether. Keep in mind, though, that you should use an article if you’re talking about a sports match or competition — just not when you’re talking about the sport in general.
\n| English | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| My favorite sport is fencing. | \nmy fay-vuh-reet sport ees fen-seeng | \nˈmaɪ ˈfeɪvɹət ˈspɔrt ˈɪz ˈfɛnsɪŋ ‖ | \n
| I’ve never enjoyed playing soccer, but I do love watching a good soccer game! | \nI’ve neh-vuhr ehn-joyd play-eeng suh-ker, but eye do love wa-ching a good suh-ker gayme | \nˈaɪv ˈnɛvɚ ɪnˈdʒɔɪd ˈpleɪɪŋ ˈsɑkɚ | ˈbʌt aɪ ˈdu ˈlʌv ˈwɑtʃɪŋ ə ˈɡʊd ˈsɑkɚ ˈɡeɪm ‖ | \n
| My mom played badminton as a child. | \nmy mom playd bad-meen-ton as a child | \nˈmaɪ ˈmɑm ˈpleɪd ˈbædˌmɪtn̩ əz ə ˈtʃaɪəld ‖ | \n
There are very few words in English that change pronunciation, depending on the surrounding words, and “the” is one of them. If you’re a native English speaker, then you know that “the” is pronounced differently in the following example: “The dog took the apple.” But do you know why?
\nWhen the word immediately following “the” starts with a vowel sound, it is pronounced “thee.” Otherwise, it is pronounced “thuh.” Check out the video below for a demonstration of the two ways to pronounce this article.
\nMass nouns don’t go with indefinite articles. However, they can go with definite articles. Also known as “uncountable nouns,” these nouns cannot be separated into individual units. Therefore, you cannot use indefinite articles right before them.
\nIt depends. Acronyms that are read out as individual letters (which you know are called “initialisms, if you read our guide to English abbreviations) do require an article, whereas acronyms that are read as a whole word don’t. Here are some examples:
\nInitialisms that do require an article:
\nAcronyms that are read as a single word do not require an article:
\nIn general, country names don’t need an article. However, there are a few countries that do require an article since they include common nouns like Republic, Kingdom, Island, etc, or because they include a plural name. Here are some countries that do require an article:
\nThat’s the spirit! You’ve now learned everything you need to know to master the articles in English. In this handy guide, we covered the difference between definite and indefinite articles, the difference between countable and uncountable nouns, and plenty of examples!
\nIf you enjoyed this article, make sure to check out our English blog where we regularly publish content about this fascinating language. Some of our recent posts include a guide to the hardest English words (do you know them all!?) and hundreds of ridiculously cute nicknames.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"English prepositions","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"257 English prepositions of place, time and more: A complete list","url":"/blog/english-prepositions-place-time-location","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltd300da4687cbcbe7/645089415773c9110e4536d1/pexels-liza-summer-6348124.jpg"},"post_content":"Really, even if you find it preposterous that prepositions would have such a profound impact on the English language, these small-yet-mighty words and phrases play an incredibly important role in everyday conversations. Think of them as the little nuts and bolts that help us string sentences together — keeping our conversations running smoothly and efficiently.
If they perform a crucial job for the language, they also perform a thankless one. That’s why you may be wondering what the English prepositions are, even if you’re a native English speaker. These words and phrases are so small that they’re easy to overlook, making it difficult for us to even realize when we’re using them.
However, they’re definitely easy to notice when someone uses the wrong preposition. For example, alarms would probably go off in your head if someone said, “I’ll see you at Monday.” You can probably tell that the preposition at is being used incorrectly here, but you might not know exactly why it’s not right. You just know it sounds off. This is what makes them so tricky.
In fact, prepositions are notoriously challenging to master, both for native and non-native speakers alike. Even advanced English speakers can toil to use the right prepositions at the right time, which is why we’ve compiled this guide with over 250 of them to help you use any preposition you’d like with ease and conviction.
With hundreds of prepositions to cover, let’s jump right into the definition of prepositions in English!
A preposition is a word or phrase that connects a noun or pronoun to the rest of the sentence. As implied by the pre in prepositions, they go before the noun they’re connecting. They can help us quickly explain how a noun is related to other people, objects, or actions in the sentence.
Most prepositions are single words. Also known as simple prepositions, some of the most common are:
In addition to simple prepositions, English also allows the use of complex prepositions. These are made up of two to four words and perform the same job as simple prepositions: explain the relationship between the noun and the rest of the sentence. Some of the most common complex prepositions in English are:
Before we dive into the most complete list of prepositions, we should spend some time reviewing the most common ones. As you’ll see later on, English is a very generous language when it comes to using words as prepositions, resulting in several hundreds of preposition words and prepositional phrases that are used regularly. Yes, that’s several hundred excluding archaic prepositions!
Don’t worry, though, as most everyday conversations concentrate on a few dozen prepositions. With that in mind, we’ll cover some of the most common English prepositions in depth so you’re ready to approach everyday conversations with confidence. Afterward, we’ll provide you with the most complete list of prepositions you’ll ever find, so you can reference it in the future to find the best preposition for any situation.
A preposition of place indicates where something or someone is located. When placed before the noun or pronoun, they help us be specific about where a certain object or person is in relation to that noun. Without prepositions, we wouldn’t be able to tell if something is on the table, under the table, next to the table, near the table, etc. Here are some examples of prepositions of place:
![\"I](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt8e762fb611542bd2/64508a9825dc141115600efb/pexels-oleksandr-pidvalnyi-1008155.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Preposition | Use | Example sentence |
| In | Inside or encapsulated by | The shoes are in the box. |
| At | Used to indicate a particular point or location | I will meet you at the airport. |
| On | Indicates location on the surface of something | I left your backpack on the chair. |
| Inside | Within something else | Can you pass me the box that’s inside the bag? |
| Over | Above or beyond something | The house is just over the hill. |
| Above | Higher than something else | The picture frame is on the shelf above the couch. |
| Below | Lower than something else | The sun has officially set — it’s finally below the horizon! |
| Beneath | Lower than something else | The assistant general manager position is just beneath the regional manager! |
| Under | Below something else | Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Boulevard? |
| Underneath | Below something else | Our garage is underneath our house. |
| By | Close to or near something | Did you go to the cupcake shop by the park? |
| Near | Close by | I went to the pizza place near campus. |
| Next to | Beside | What happened to the bike that was next to our car? |
| Between | In the middle of two things | I don’t want to sit between two strangers on the plane! |
| Among | Within a group | There is an impostor among us. |
| Opposite | Directly across | Jenny’s house is opposite a massive mall. |
Prepositions of time are used to help us tell when something is happening, for how long it’s happening, and more. If you notice that some of the prepositions here look strikingly similar to the prepositions of place, that’s because prepositions can serve multiple purposes at the same time!
![\"After](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt6a48227bb368d432/64508b936b67ab4c349300ba/pexels-rodnae-productions-5591983.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Preposition | Use | Example sentence |
| In | Used for months, years, centuries, and long periods of time. | I’ll see you in twenty minutes! |
| At | Used for precise times. | We’re meeting at eight o’clock, right? |
| On | Used for days and dates. | My dad arrives on Sunday, but I’ll be there by Friday. |
| Since | Used to describe the last time something happened. | I haven’t seen Paula since ninth grade! |
| For | Used when talking about how long an action was happening. | After our month-long trip, I had to do laundry for hours! |
| By | Used when talking about a deadline or a point in time by which another action will have already happened. | I have to submit my essay by midnight. |
| During | Used to denote continuity during a period of time. | She didn’t speak a word during the entire show. |
| From… to | Used to express time periods. | I worked from sunrise to sundown yesterday. |
| From… until | Used to express time periods. | I’ll be in Lisbon from May until July. |
| Within | Used to express time periods, taking the present as the initial period. | If I don’t find some coffee within five minutes, I’m going back to sleep. |
Prepositions of direction help us define where a noun is going. Like prepositions of place, they help us relate a noun to another noun. However, these prepositions also include an aspect of motion, as they let us know where the noun is headed, where it’s coming from, etc.
![\"They](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt6f6efa3bb332c6e3/64508c134205ff10fc244914/pexels-erik-mclean-5054166.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Preposition | Use | Example sentence |
| To | Heading from the first noun to the second noun | That plane is going to Paris. |
| Toward | Heading from the first noun to the second noun | Watch out, there’s a car coming toward us. |
| On | Describes how the subject is moving | He’s coming on a train. |
| From | Describes the origin or previous location of the subject | She said she was coming home from work an hour ago. |
| Into | Describes movement from outside the noun to inside the noun | She was placed into an advanced class. |
| Against | Describes | Whose bike is that leaning up against the wall? |
| Off | Away from | They drove off into the horizon together. |
Okay, now that you’re familiar with the different types of prepositions, let’s get into our full list of 257 prepositions! Don’t rush into memorizing all of them, though. Instead, bookmark this page so you can reference this table next time you can’t seem to find the right preposition.
| Preposition | Pronunciation | IPA |
| a | ah | ə |
| à la | ah lah | ə ˈlɑ |
| aboard | ah-bord | əˈbɔrd |
| about | ah-baut | əˈbaʊt |
| above | ah-bov | əˈbʌv |
| abreast | ah-brest | əˈbɹɛst |
| abroad | ah-brod | əˈbɹɔd |
| absent | ab-sent | ˈæbsənt |
| according to | ah-core-deeng too | əˈkɔrdɪŋ tu |
| across | ah-cross | əˈkɹɔs |
| across from | ah-cross from | əˈkɹɔs ˈfɹʌm |
| adrift | ah-dreeft | əˈdɹɪft |
| aft | aft | ˈæft |
| after | af-tur | ˈæftɚ |
| afterward | af-tur-ward | ˈæftɚwɚd |
| against | ah-gehnst | əˈɡɛnst |
| ahead | ah-hed | əˈhɛd |
| ahead of | ah-hed of | əˈhɛd əv |
| aloft | ah-loft | əˈlɔft |
| along | ah-long | əˈlɔŋ |
| along with | ah-long weeth | əˈlɔŋ ˈwɪθ |
| alongside | ah-long-said | əˈlɔŋˈsaɪd |
| amid | ah-meed | əˈmɪd |
| among | ah-mong | əˈmʌŋ |
| anti | ahn-tee | ˈænti |
| apart | ah-part | əˈpɑrt |
| apart from | ah-part from | əˈpɑrt ˈfɹʌm |
| apropos | ah-pro-poh | ˌæpɹəˈpoʊ |
| around | ah-raund | ɚˈɹaʊnd |
| as | as | əz |
| as for | as for | əz ˈfɔr |
| as from | as from | əz ˈfɹʌm |
| as of | as of | əz əv |
| as per | as pur | əz ˈpɝ |
| as regards | as ruh-gards | əz ɹɪˈɡɑrdz |
| as to | as too | əz tu |
| as well as | as well as | əz ˈwɛl əz |
| ashore | ah-shor | əˈʃɔr |
| aside | ah-said | əˈsaɪd |
| aside from | ah-said rom | əˈsaɪd ˈfɹʌm |
| aslant | ass-lant | əˈslænt |
| astride | ass-traid | əˈstɹaɪd |
| at | at | ət |
| atop | ah-top | əˈtɑp |
| away | ah-way | əˈweɪ |
| away from | ah-way from | əˈweɪ ˈfɹʌm |
| back | back | ˈbæk |
| back to | back too | ˈbæk tu |
| backwards | backwards | ˈbækwɚdz |
| bar | bar | ˈbɑr |
| barring | bar-ring | ˈbɑrɪŋ |
| because of | bee-cos-of | bɪˈkɔz əv |
| before | bee-for | bɪˈfɔr |
| beforehand | bee-for-hand | bɪˈfɔrˌhænd |
| behind | bee-hind | bɪˈhaɪnd |
| below | bee-low | bɪˈloʊ |
| beneath | beh-neeth | bɪˈniθ |
| beside | beh-side | bɪˈsaɪd |
| besides | beh-sides | bɪˈsaɪdz |
| between | beh-tween | bɪˈtwin |
| beyond | beh-yond | biˈɑnd |
| but | buht | ˈbʌt |
| but for | buht for | ˈbʌt ˈfɔr |
| by | bye | ˈbaɪ |
| by means of | bye meens of | ˈbaɪ ˈminz əv |
| chez | sheh | ˈʃeɪ |
| circa | seer-cah | ˈsɝkə |
| close to | close too | ˈkloʊz tu |
| come | cuhm | ˈkʌm |
| concerning | cohn-sehr-neeng | kənˈsɝnɪŋ |
| contra | con-trah | ˈkɑntɹə |
| contrary to | con-trah-ree-too | ˈkɑnˌtɹɛri tu |
| counter to | coun-tehr-too | ˈkaʊntɚ tu |
| counting | coun-teeng | ˈkaʊntɪŋ |
| cum | cuhm | ˈkʊm |
| depending on | deh-pehn-deeng ohn | dɪˈpɛndɪŋ ˈɔn |
| despite | dess-pite | dɪˈspaɪt |
| down | daun | ˈdaʊn |
| downhill | daun-heel | ˌdaʊnˈhɪl |
| downstage | daun-staj | ˈdaʊnˈsteɪdʒ |
| downstairs | daun-stehrs | ˈdaʊnˈstɛrz |
| downstream | daun-streem | ˈdaʊnˈstɹim |
| downwards | daun-wards | ˈdaʊnwɚdz |
| downwind | daun-weend | ˈdaʊnˈwɪnd |
| due to | doo too | ˈdu tu |
| during | doo-reeng | ˈdʊrɪŋ |
| east | eest | ˈist |
| eastwards | eest-wards | ˈistwɚdz |
| effective | eff-ec-teev | ɪˈfɛktɪv |
| ere | ehr | ˈɛr |
| except | ecks-ehpt | ɪkˈsɛpt |
| except for | ecks-ehpt for | ɪkˈsɛpt ˈfɔr |
| excepting | ecks-ehp-teeng | ɪkˈsɛptɪŋ |
| excluding | ecks-cloo-deeng | ɪkˈskludɪŋ |
| failing | fay-leeng | ˈfeɪlɪŋ |
| following | fo-low-eeng | ˈfɑləwɪŋ |
| for | for | ˈfɔr |
| forth | forth | ˈfɔrθ |
| forward | for-ward | ˈfɔrwɚd |
| forward of | for-ward of | ˈfɔrwɚd əv |
| from | from | ˈfɹʌm |
| further to | foor-ther too | ˈfɝðɚ tu |
| heavenward | heh-vehn-ward | ˈhɛvənwɚd |
| hence | hens | ˈhɛns |
| henceforth | hens-forth | ˈhɛnsˌfɔrθ |
| here | heer | ˈhɪr |
| hereby | heer-by | hɪrˈbaɪ |
| herein | heeh-reen | hɪrˈɪn |
| hereof | heer-of | hɪrˈʌv |
| hereto | heer-too | hɪrˈtu |
| herewith | heer-with | hɪrˈwɪθ |
| home | hom | ˈhoʊm |
| homewards | hom-wards | ˈhoʊmwɚdz |
| in | een | ˈɪn |
| in addition to | een ah-dee-tee-ohn too | ˈɪn əˈdɪʃən tu |
| in between | een bee-tween | ˈɪn bɪˈtwin |
| in case of | een case of | ˈɪn ˈkeɪs əv |
| in face of | een face of | ˈɪn ˈfeɪs əv |
| in favor of | een fay-vor of | ˈɪn ˈfeɪvɚ əv |
| in front of | een front of | ˈɪn ˈfɹʌnt əv |
| in lieu of | een luh of | ˈɪn ˈlu əv |
| in spite of | een spait of | ˈɪn ˈspaɪt əv |
| in view of | een viu of | ˈɪn ˈvju əv |
| including | een-cloo-deeng | ɪnˈkludɪŋ |
| indoors | een-doors | ˈɪnˈdɔrz |
| inside | een-said | ɪnˈsaɪd |
| instead of | een-stehd of | ɪnˈstɛd əv |
| into | een-too | ˈɪntə |
| inwards | een-wards | ˈɪnwɚdz |
| leftwards | left-wards | ˈlɛftwɚdz |
| less | less | ˈlɛs |
| like | laik | ˈlaɪk |
| minus | mai-nuhs | ˈmaɪnəs |
| modulo | moh-doo-loh | ˈmɑdʒəˌloʊ |
| near | neer | ˈnɪr |
| near to | neer too | ˈnɪr tu |
| next | next | ˈnɛkst |
| next to | next too | ˈnɛkst tu |
| north | north | ˈnɔrθ |
| northeast | north-eest | nɔrθˈist |
| northwest | north-west | nɔrθˈwɛst |
| notwithstanding | not-weeth-stan-deeng | ˌnɑtwɪθˈstændɪŋ |
| now | nau | ˈnaʊ |
| of | of | əv |
| offshore | off-shor | ˈɔfˈʃɔr |
| on | on | ˈɔn |
| on account of | on ah-caunt of | ˈɔn əˈkaʊnt əv |
| on behalf of | on bee-half of | ˈɔn bɪˈhæf əv |
| on board | on boord | ˈɔn ˈbɔrd |
| on to | on too | ˈɔn tu |
| on top of | on top of | ˈɔn ˈtɑp əv |
| onto | on-too | ˈɔntə |
| onwards | on-wards | ˈɑnwɚdz |
| opposite | oh-poh-seet | ˈɑpəzət |
| opposite of | oh-poh-seet of | ˈɑpəzət əv |
| opposite to | oh-poh-seet too | ˈɑpəzət tu |
| other than | oh-ther than | ˈʌðɚ ˈðæn |
| out | aut | ˈaʊt |
| out from | aut from | ˈaʊt ˈfɹʌm |
| out of | aut of | ˈaʊt əv |
| outdoors | aut-dohrs | ˌaʊtˈdɔrz |
| outside | aut-said | ˌaʊtˈsaɪd |
| outside of | aut-said of | ˌaʊtˈsaɪd əv |
| outwards | aut-wards | ˈaʊtwɚdz |
| over | oh-vehr | ˈoʊvɚ |
| overboard | oh-vehr-bohrd | ˈoʊvɚˌbɔrd |
| overhead | oh-vehr-hehd | ˌoʊvɚˈhɛd |
| overland | oh-vehr-land | ˈoʊvɚˌlænd |
| overseas | oh-vehr-sees | ˌoʊvɚˈsiz |
| owing to | ow-eeng-too | ˈoʊɪŋ tu |
| pace | pays | ˈpeɪs |
| past | past | ˈpæst |
| pending | pehn-deeng | ˈpɛndɪŋ |
| per | pur | ˈpɝ |
| pertaining to | pur-tay-neeng too | pɚˈteɪnɪŋ tu |
| plus | ploos | ˈplʌs |
| post | pohst | ˈpoʊst |
| pre | pree | ˈpɹɪ |
| prior to | pry-or too | ˈpɹaɪɚ tu |
| pro | pro | ˈpɹoʊ |
| qua | kwa | ˈkwɑ |
| re | reh | ˈɹeɪ |
| regarding | reh-gar-deeng | ɹɪˈɡɑrdɪŋ |
| regardless of | reh-gard-less | ɹɪˈɡɑrdləs əv |
| respecting | res-pec-teeng | ɹɪˈspɛktɪŋ |
| rightwards | right-wards | ˈɹaɪtwɚdz |
| round about | raund ah-baut | ˈɹaʊnd əˈbaʊt |
| sans | sans | ˈsænz |
| save | sav | ˈseɪv |
| save for | sav for | ˈseɪv ˈfɔr |
| saving | sav-eeng | ˈseɪvɪŋ |
| seawards | see-wards | ˈsiwɚdz |
| short | short | ˈʃɔrt |
| since | seens | ˈsɪns |
| skywards | skai-wards | ˈskaɪwɚdz |
| south | sauth | ˈsaʊθ |
| southeast | sauth-eest | saʊθˈist |
| southwards | sauth-wards | ˈsaʊθˌwɝdz |
| southwest | south-west | saʊθˈwɛst |
| sub | soob | ˈsʌb |
| than | than | ˈðæn |
| thanks to | thanks too | ˈθæŋks tu |
| then | then | ˈðɛn |
| thence | thens | ˈðɛns |
| thenceforth | thens-forth | ˈðɛnsˌfɔrθ |
| there | ther | ˈðɛr |
| thereby | ther-bye | ðɛrˈbaɪ |
| therein | ther-een | ðɛrˈɪn |
| thereof | ther-of | ðɛrˈʌv |
| thereto | ther-too | ðɛrˈtu |
| therewith | ther-weeth | ðɛrˈwɪð |
| through | throoh | ˈθɹu |
| throughout | throoh-aut | θɹuˈaʊt |
| till | teel | ˈtɪl |
| times | taims | ˈtaɪmz |
| to | too | tu |
| together | too-geh-ther | təˈɡɛðɚ |
| together with | too-geh-ther weeth | təˈɡɛðɚ ˈwɪθ |
| touching | toh-cheeng | ˈtʌtʃɪŋ |
| towards | to-wards | ˈtoʊɚdz |
| under | uhn-dehr | ˈʌndɚ |
| underfoot | uhn-dehr-foot | ˌʌndɚˈfʊt |
| underground | uhn-dehr-ground | ˈʌndɚˌɡɹaʊnd |
| underneath | uhn-dehr-neeth | ˌʌndɚˈniθ |
| unlike | uhn-laik | ˌʌnˈlaɪk |
| until | uhn-teel | ənˈtɪl |
| unto | uhn-too | ˈʌntu |
| up | up | ˈʌp |
| up against | up ah-gehnst | ˈʌp əˈɡɛnst |
| up to | up too | ˈʌp tu |
| up until | up uhn-teel | ˈʌp ənˈtɪl |
| uphill | up-heel | ˈʌpˈhɪl |
| upon | uh-pohn | əˈpɔn |
| upstage | up-staij | ˈʌpˈsteɪdʒ |
| upstairs | up-stairs | ˌʌpˈstɛrz |
| upstream | uhp-streem | ˈʌpˈstɹim |
| upwards | uhp-wards | ˈʌpwɚdz |
| upwind | uhp-weend | ˈʌpˈwɪnd |
| versus | ver-soos | ˈvɝsəs |
| via | vee-ah | ˈvaɪə |
| vice | vais | ˈvaɪs |
| vis-à-vis | vis-ah-vee | ˈvizəˈvi |
| wanting | wan-teeng | ˈwɑntɪŋ |
| west | west | ˈwɛst |
| westwards | west-wards | ˈwɛstwɚdz |
| when | wehn | ˈwɛn |
| whence | wens | ˈwɛns |
| where | wehr | ˈwɛr |
| whereby | wehr-bye | wɛrˈbaɪ |
| wherein | wehr-een | wɛrˈɪn |
| whereto | wehr-too | ˈwɛrˌtu |
| wherewith | wehr-weeth | ˈwɛrˌwɪð |
| with | weeth | ˈwɪθ |
| with reference to | weeth reh-feh-rehns too | ˈwɪθ ˈɹɛfɹəns tu |
| with regard to | weeth ree-gard too | ˈwɪθ ɹɪˈɡɑrd tu |
| within | wee-theen | wɪˈðɪn |
| without | wee-thaut | wɪˈðaʊt |
Unlike other languages like French and Spanish, English uses postpositions as well as prepositions. These serve very similar purposes to prepositions, except that they are placed after the noun or pronoun, hence the post in postposition.
| Postposition | Use | Example sentence |
| Ago | Helps establish the amount of time that has passed since the action took place. | I met her ten years ago. |
| Apart | To separate two nouns. | They’re best friends, they can never be apart. |
| Aside | To put the noun out of the way or out of focus. | All jokes aside, you should really consider the offer. |
| Away | Helps establish the distance between two nouns. | How can I be happy when my dog is one thousand miles away from me? |
| Notwithstanding | Used to establish that something happened despite another event happening as well. | The wedding is going to carry on as usual, storm notwithstanding. |
| On | When used as a postposition, it indicates the amount of time or distance that has already passed. | Five years on, she’s still keen on the keto diet. |
| Over | When used as a postposition, this word means “all around.” | This movie went #1 the world over. |
| Short | Missing or lacking. | I think I might be a few dollars short. |
| Through | Indicating that something persisted during a specific time period. | She had a bad stomachache the whole week through. |
Using music to learn a new language is one of the most popular techniques all over the world, especially for kids. If you’re looking for a catchy prepositions song that will have your children or young students practicing their grammar while having fun, check out this awesome song!
If you prefer something more suitable for adults and children alike, then check out the following song by The Bazillions. Its relaxing aura will be an excellent companion on your drive to work, as you sip your tea on a rainy afternoon, or even while doing dishes — all while practicing your English prepositions!
If you took one look at our list of 257 prepositions and tried to run for the hills — don’t panic too quickly! While there are several hundred prepositions in the English language, only a few dozen are used in everyday conversations. Focus on learning the prepositions we covered at the beginning of this article first, and you’ll be able to expertly navigate most conversations with no effort.
And if you really want to impress your peers, take your time making yourself comfortable with our ultimate table of English prepositions. There’s no need to rush here, but you might be able to sprinkle some fancy prepositions in your next college paper or business email to stand out!
And if you want to go the extra mile, why not review some of our other English articles? We can help you master 277 useful English abbreviations, the definite and indefinite articles, 1000 English adjectives, and more!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false}],"hidden":false}},{"cards":{"large_cards":false,"row":false,"flat":false,"join_block_below":true,"cta_as_link":true,"cards":[{"call_to_action_text":"Learn Chinese characters","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"How to learn Chinese characters: 10 expert endorsed tips","url":"/blog/how-to-learn-chinese-characters","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt07b0a753aec748fc/637f28b9b8f65a105c7bddde/china_936773994.jpeg"},"post_content":"Maybe you’re feeling intimidated, or perhaps you just can’t wait to start. Whatever you may be feeling, we’ve all been there. Learning Chinese will invariably make you feel many emotions: excitement, anticipation, nervousness, and — every now and then — stress. And that’s completely normal! After all, Chinese is one of the hardest languages to learn for English speakers. It’s also fascinatingly unique, and one of the best languages to learn for business as well.
But learning Chinese isn’t an insurmountable task. With close to 200 million non-native speakers, Mandarin is a language as manageable as any. However, since the Chinese writing system is so unique, you will also need to adopt unique learning strategies. You shouldn’t approach learning Chinese as you would French or Spanish.
So, here are 10 indispensable tips on how to learn Chinese characters. These will help you no matter where you are on your learning journey, whether you don’t even know how to say hello in Chinese yet, or you’ve already got a couple of hundred characters under your belt!
Okay, now that you’ve made up your mind about learning Chinese, you may be wondering how to even begin learning how to write Chinese characters. While this may feel like a daunting task, learning the Chinese characters isn’t as hard as you may think. After all, well over a billion people can read and write Chinese. You just have to train yourself to think a little differently, and with enough hard work, you’ll be able to master the characters like a native speaker!
Here are some of our top tips for learning Chinese characters:
![\"How](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt0f8fad17b9a35573/637f2a5711407d1056d61324/istock-1083314604.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Although you may be trying to learn Chinese as quickly as possible, keep in mind that learning Chinese is a marathon — not a sprint. The last thing you want to do is force yourself through too many hours of study and start getting character meanings and grammar structures mixed up.
Learning a new language involves creating new pathways in your brain. This happens naturally as you start making new connections and figuring out how to structure ideas differently using the new language. This process takes time, and as much as you’d like to speed it up, research shows that consistent study is the best way to acquire a new language. So, instead of studying for seven hours once a week, try studying for one hour every day!
The Chinese writing system is as complex as it is interesting. But its complexity isn’t necessarily a bad thing. You can use the information packed into your characters to your advantage and speed up the learning process.
Here’s how to take advantage of three components of Chinese words.
Radicals can be tremendously helpful when trying to decipher a character. They are a basic component of a character, and they often include information about the meaning behind the character. Think of them as “hints” that can help you remember or deduce the meaning of a character you haven’t fully learned yet. If you’re looking for a shortcut to improving your Chinese dramatically, then learning the radicals is it.
Although there are over 200 different Chinese radicals, you don’t need to learn every single one to get the most out of them. Try focusing on the top 50 most common radicals first. That will surely catapult your character recognition ability like nothing else!
Most characters are made up of two or more components. These are known as compound characters, and each component can often give you clues about the meaning or sound (or both!) of the character. For example, 吃 (chī), the character for the verb “to eat,” includes the component 口 (kǒu) to the left, which means mouth. Knowing that the verb “to eat” includes the component for mouth can help you identify this verb more easily!
There are also sound components to characters, which don’t have anything to do with the meaning but tell you what the sound should be. For example, the character for mom 妈 (mā) has the components for woman 女 (nǚ) and for horse 马 (mǎ). Here, of course, the component 女 helps us figure out the meaning, while the component 马 helps us figure out the sound — without any implication on the meaning!
However, not all character components will help you understand meaning or sound. In fact, most of them won’t, so don’t try to find meaning in every single component. What they can do, though, is give you “building blocks” to help you remember characters.
For example, the character 因 (yīn), which means cause or reason, is made up of two components: 大 (dà), which means big, and 囗 (wéi), which means enclosure. As you can tell, those two components don’t help us derive either meaning or sound. Yet, when learning the character 因, you can remember it by thinking of the two components you already know!
Most words in Chinese are made up of two characters, not just one. In fact, over 73% of all Chinese words are disyllabic, so most of the words you’ll be using will be made up of two characters. You should use this as an advantage, as knowing the meaning of just one of the two characters can often give you a pretty good shot at guessing the meaning of the word, even if you’ve never seen it before.
For example, let’s look at the character 高 (gāo), which means high or tall. As an elementary character, you’ll likely learn this within the first couple of months of studying Chinese. This is one of the most common characters used in compound words, so you’ll know it has something to do with something high. That clue, along with the context, may help you figure out what that new word means.
Let’s take a look at some examples:
| Character 1 | Character 2 | Character 2 meaning | Word | Word meaning | Word pinyin |
| 高 | 兴 | Eager/Excited | 高兴 | Happy | gāo xìng |
| 高 | 级 | Level | 高级 | High-ranking | gāo jí |
| 高 | 速 | Speed | 高速 | Freeway | gāo sù |
| 高 | 考 | Exam | 高考 | College entrance examination | gāo kǎo |
| 高 | 明 | Bright | 高明 | Brilliant | gāo míng |
| 高 | 潮 | Tide/Moist | 高潮 | High tide/Climax | gāo cháo |
| 高 | 超 | Surpass | 高超 | Excellent | gāo chāo |
| 高 | 官 | Government official | 高官 | Senior official | gāo guān |
| 高 | 地 | Land | 高地 | Highland | gāo dì |
| 高 | 清 | Clear | 高清 | High-definition | gāo qīng |
They say learning a new language is like riding a bicycle — once you learn it well, you won’t forget it. But let’s face it, you won’t be able to keep up with your vocabulary words unless you review them frequently. That’s where spaced repetition comes in.
Spaced repetition consists of reviewing your vocabulary at different frequency intervals in order to ensure strong recall. You’d review the hardest words more frequently than the easy ones to make sure that they all remain fresh in your mind.
Several studies have found that this is one of the best ways to improve foreign language vocabulary recall, so make sure to include some spaced repetition into your regular study schedule! You can use good old flashcards or find an online spaced repetition software to make things easier.
You might not be surprised to learn that reading is one of the best ways to reinforce Chinese characters in your memory, but what you may not know is that you can read Chinese even as a beginner. That’s right! You can find Chinese graded readers that use as few as 100 unique characters, which will get you reading Chinese even if you’ve been studying for less than six months.
The best thing about graded readers is that they will help you get comfortable with reading characters. The more you read, the easier it will become for you to recognize each character!
![\"Reading](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt0191a6b8a0502946/637f2b49adf64410a4e7742f/istock-1141509628.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Chinese characters are far too diverse to be generalized. While there are several tools and tips that can help you across the board, the best way to learn them is with an instructor who can go into the details of each of them. Most characters have their own unique stories that can help you learn them more easily — but you’ll need someone to help you go over them.
Whether you take group classes online or find an online private language tutor, make sure you enlist the help of a certified professional to guide you on your Chinese journey! Spending the time to work with a professor or tutor can shave off many hours of solo study. Remember to work smarter, not harder!
![\"Learning](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blte6d823cbcc66ab72/637f2c1a8db6e810ab77c5a3/dsc08613.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
This might be a bit of an odd tip, but the overwhelming majority of Chinese language learners do not need to worry too much about writing characters by hand. Most everyday interactions are either verbal or digital, meaning that you can almost always rely on using pinyin to enter the characters in your phone or computer.
Think about it, when was the last time you had to write something down on a piece of paper in a language other than your own?
It was probably either for a test in one of your classes or when filling out a form. If you’re in a Chinese class that requires you to take paper tests without any character aid, then there’s really no way around it — you’ll just have to learn how to handwrite. But when it comes to filling out paper forms — like visa applications and school enrollment forms — you can just use your phone to look up the characters and copy them. And even then, many of these bureaucratic processes that used to require tons of paperwork are also going digital these days!
With that said, handwriting Chinese characters is a beautiful part of this stunning language and may be part of the reason why you decided to pick it up in the first place. If this sounds like you, then, by all means, keep learning how to handwrite! But if you’re not particularly invested in being able to write characters by hand from memory, then you’ll save a tremendous amount of hours by bypassing that. The truth is, just being able to type will suffice for 99% of interactions in Chinese.
There are over 100,000 characters and over 500,000 words in the Chinese language. But do you have to learn them all? No! In fact, you only have to learn a fraction of that. While it is estimated that native Chinese speakers know around 8,000 characters, you can get a lot done with just around 2,500 characters, like reading books, understanding most of a regular newspaper, and watching virtually any TV show or movie with subtitles.
However, the big question is which 2,500 characters can get you there. While you could go off of the HSK levels as a reference, you should also think about your goals with Chinese in order to create your own study plan. After all, you’ll need a very different vocabulary if you’re just looking to communicate with your in-laws or if you’re thinking about going to graduate school in China.
Here are some questions that can help you figure out your ideal study plan:
Once you’ve identified what you need to know, start getting comfortable with not becoming fluent in every aspect of Chinese. After all, most of us wouldn’t be able to pick up a journal in Economics, a medical report, a commercial airliner flight path, and a computer science manual and be able to understand every single one of them. Point is, none of us are really fluent in everything, even in our native language — we just decide what we do want to be fluent in.
Studying Chinese characters doesn’t ever have to be painful. Okay, it might squeeze every last bit of willpower out of us sometimes, but it should generally be a pleasant experience! This tip proves exactly that.
As you now know, being able to read Chinese and speak Chinese are two totally different things. Because the phonetic component of the language is not related to the meaning of the words, a very valuable skill to have is to be able to link characters with sounds. As you move along your Chinese journey, you will inevitably find yourself knowing how to say many words without knowing what their characters look like and vice versa.
Watching native content with Chinese subtitles is a great way to bridge this gap. As long as you can understand enough to know what is going on, you’ll start learning how to say all those characters whose meanings you’ve mastered and yet — somehow — still can’t get around to saying out loud. So, you get to sit back, enjoy some popcorn, and study while watching an awesome show!
![\"Man](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt1ee7d8c72ec43b02/637f2cea28511310a2844ee5/istock-1130460048_copy.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
And if you feel like your level is nowhere near close to that where you can start watching TV in Chinese, do not worry! There are plenty of shows that are simple enough for even intermediate speakers to follow along. Here are some of our favorite native Chinese shows for learners:
| Name | Region | Genre | Streaming platform |
| Home With Kids (家有儿女) | Mainland China | Sitcom | Youtube |
| Ode to Joy I (欢乐颂 1) | Mainland China | Drama, Romance | Youtube |
| Shards of Her (她和她的她) | Taiwan | Drama, TV Thrillers | Netflix |
| The Wandering Earth (流浪地球) | Mainland China | Movie, Sci-Fi | Netflix |
And if you still find those a little too hard to follow along, there’s always Peppa Pig! Most of us language enthusiasts are well acquainted with our good friend Peppa, who has become a sort of the quintessential coach to help you get from beginner to intermediate level. Don’t underestimate the power of watching Peppa Pig in Chinese!
Yet another fun way to learn Chinese characters is by making friends! With over 1 billion speakers, Chinese is the second most spoken language in the world, just barely behind English. That means there’s no shortage of potential friends and language study partners!
Studies have found that using fun activities to learn a foreign language can have a positive impact on your study. In other words, you’re more likely to have better results if you’re having fun while you study! Socializing with native speakers can be a great way to work on your Chinese while having fun.
![\"Socializing](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blta3725f727f34d750/637f2d7bfd936d10a9106bd3/china_beijing_166316687.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The best part is that you can do this from anywhere in the world. Thanks to social media and messaging apps, it’s easy to find people who share your interests and will be willing to discuss them with you. Keep in mind that most Western social media apps are blocked in China, so try using some of the following Chinese social media apps:
| English name | Chinese name | Pinyin | App description |
| 微信 | wēi xìn | Mostly a messaging app similar to WhatsApp, with some photos and short videos similar to Instagram. | |
| 微博 | wēi bó | Microblogging app similar to Twitter. | |
| TikTok | 抖音 | dǒu yīn | Short video app, the Chinese version of TikTok. Keep in mind that Douyin is a different app, but it looks and works the same as TikTok. |
Beyond all the mental health benefits of keeping a journal, did you know that this can also be an excellent way to practice your characters? Journaling is a clever way to get the psychological benefits of reflecting on your day while working on your Chinese characters. Studies have found that foreign language learners can benefit from incorporating journaling into their study routines.
The best part about this technique is that it is customizable to any level. If you’re still a beginner, just writing down a couple of simple sentences based on the vocabulary and grammar that you’ve learned should be enough. If you’re more advanced, you can take this as a challenge to describe the most important things that happened to you today and describe your feelings in Chinese.
![\"How](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltdd1dbbd890cfbc78/637f2ed771c75510a0ca37c6/istock-1141464027.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Chinese is a language so old and so vast that it’s technically impossible to take account of every single Chinese character that has ever existed. Even the top Chinese dictionaries disagree on the total number of characters: the 异体字字典 (yìtǐzì zìdiǎn) lists 106,230 characters while the 中华字海 (zhōnghuá zìhǎi) lists 85,568.
And that’s just characters! Since most Chinese words are made up of combinations of two or more characters, you end up with hundreds of thousands of unique words in Chinese.
Though there are over 100,000 Chinese characters, you do not need to learn them all to be fluent. In fact, most native Chinese speakers don’t even know 1/10 of that!
To have basic fluency in Chinese, you’ll need to know at least 1,200 characters. In order to be able to understand books and movies without problems, you’ll need to learn about 2,500 characters. A well-educated native speaker will know around 8,000 characters.
The HSK is a good point of reference for knowing how many characters you’ll need to know to do certain things in Chinese. The HSK test (hànyǔ shuǐpíng kǎoshì) is the official Chinese as a foreign language test administered by Hanban, an agency of the Chinese Ministry of Education.
Here are the nine HSK levels along with the fluency expectation of each, as described by Hanban:
| Level | Characters | Words | Description |
| 1 | 300 | 500 | They can understand and use very simple Chinese phrases, meet basic needs for communication and possess the ability to further their Chinese language studies. |
| 2 | 600 | 1272 | They have an excellent grasp of basic Chinese and can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. |
| 3 | 900 | 2245 | They can communicate in Chinese at a basic level in their daily, academic, and professional lives. They can manage most communication in Chinese when traveling in China. |
| 4 | 1200 | 3245 | They can converse in Chinese on a wide range of topics and are able to communicate fluently with native Chinese speakers. |
| 5 | 1500 | 4316 | They can read Chinese newspapers and magazines, enjoy Chinese films and plays and give a full-length speech in Chinese. |
| 6 | 1800 | 5456 | They can easily comprehend written and spoken information in Chinese and can effectively express themselves in Chinese, both orally and on paper. |
| 7-9 | 3000 | 11092 | They are scholars, Sinologists, or Chinese language and literature students at the university level. |
You sure can! However, learning Chinese without learning the characters means that you won’t be able to read or write. So, if you’re only looking for conversational — rather than proficient — abilities, then you may benefit from bypassing the characters altogether.
Keep in mind that Chinese has plenty of homonyms, and characters help give each of these their own unique meanings. Since Chinese is highly dependent on characters, you will not be able to learn it to the fullest extent if you don’t spend some time with the characters.
Chinese, Korean, and Japanese use Chinese characters. Since the Chinese writing system was developed earlier, both Korean and Japanese borrowed the characters for use in their own writing system.
Chinese characters — known as Kanji in Japanese — are still very common in modern Japanese. That’s why you’ll see that many words are spelled the same in Japanese and Chinese. For example, Japan is written 日本 in both Chinese and Japanese, but it’s pronounced rìběn in Chinese and ni／ppo＼n' in Japanese. Kanji is used alongside Katakana and Hiragana, the other two writing systems in Japanese.
On the other hand, Hanja (as they refer to Chinese characters) is almost completely gone from modern Korean. Since the introduction of Hangul in the 15th century, Koreans have been less and less reliant on the Chinese writing system. Today, you’ll only sporadically spot some Chinese characters here and there if you visit Korea or learn Korean.
No! This is one of the most common misconceptions people have about Chinese. Not all Chinese characters are supposed to resemble their meaning. In fact, an overwhelming majority of them don’t.
Several thousand years ago, when the Chinese writing system was in its infancy, most characters did look like what they were representing. For example, 火 (huǒ) means fire — and it sure looks like it too!
However, as the vocabulary expanded, it got harder and harder to create characters that looked like what they were supposed to represent.
Here are some of our favorite Chinese characters that look the same as their meaning:
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | Description |
| Wood(Tree) | 木 | mù | This means — and looks exactly like — a tree! |
| Forest | 森林 | sēnlín | What’s five trees put together? A forest! |
| To fly | 飞 | fēi | You can tell this character was invented before planes were because of the position of the wings! |
| Mutual | 互 | hù | This one is more abstract than the others, but we think it perfectly conveys the feeling of mutual. |
| Web | 网 | wǎng | Refers to both real webs and the internet! No questions here! |
| To cry | 哭 | kū | It’s got a set of eyes and a teardrop — how cool (or sad!) is that!? |
| Rain | 雨 | yǔ | This one doesn’t need much explaining. There are raindrops falling from the sky! |
| Umbrella | 伞 | sǎn | And what do you need the most when it rains? An umbrella! Luckily, you won’t have any trouble figuring out what this character means. |
| Door | 门 | mén | Another super literal character. The only thing it’s missing is a handle! |
| Bird | 鸟 | niǎo | This beautiful little bird is certainly on the more artistic side of Chinese. Who knew Picasso was around five thousand years ago for the invention of the Chinese characters! |
Bonus: If a character could earn the title of the world’s oldest emoji, it would definitely be 囧 (jiǒng). This character means “confused” or “embarrassed,” and doesn’t it look like this guy is going through a lot?
Since Chinese doesn’t have an alphabet, you may be wondering how Chinese dictionaries work. Most print Chinese dictionaries are ordered by Yinpin or stroke number. These are the easiest ways for someone who doesn’t know a character to look it up in the dictionary.
Modern digital dictionaries are much easier to use. There are many ways to search for a character. You can simply enter the pinyin (if you know it) or use your smartphone to draw it. You could also search by radical or even use your voice!
The most difficult Chinese character is biáng from biángbiángmiàn, a noodle dish local to Xi’an. This character has 58 strokes and is any Chinese learner’s nightmare. However, rest assured that it is an extremely uncommon character, and you won’t run into it unless you go to Xi’an looking for it!
![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt5ae5b37e600b4350/637f3cc7d4802c10f7f50531/biang.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Now that you know 10 new ways to learn Chinese characters, don’t lose your momentum! Start by incorporating two or three of your favorite tips above and see how you feel after a couple of days. Once you feel like you’ve formed a study habit with your methods of choice, come back to this article and pick a few more to incorporate into your routine! Before you know it, you will have learned hundreds of new characters!
Make sure to check out our Mandarin blog if you enjoyed this article. We publish new content each month, so make sure to bookmark it!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"English adjectives","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"A top guide to 1000 English adjectives & what order to use them","url":"/blog/english-adjectives-order","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt8894d0abf08df044/6435ee90baf8ae10e2170467/pexels-kindel-media-7688079.jpg"},"post_content":"Adjectives are a massively important part of virtually every language on Earth, and English is no exception. In fact, you probably already have an idea of what adjectives are, but they’re much more prevalent in everyday conversations than you may realize.
As you might already know, adjectives help us modify nouns. However, they also help us keep track of the nouns that we’re talking about. With eight different types of adjectives, we use them for a wide variety of purposes, such as to show relations, quantity, possession, and much, much more. Without adjectives, it would be extremely difficult to figure out what’s being discussed at any moment.
So, let’s get started from the very basics, and we’ll cover what an adjective is and what each type of adjective does. Oh, and if you’re looking for some examples, we’ve included a list of over 1000 unique adjectives below to help you create precise, exciting, knowledgeable, intellectual, and fun sentences!
Adjectives are words that help us describe a noun or pronoun. They help us easily specify certain attributes of a person, thing, or place so we can communicate flawlessly. For example, take a look at the following sentences, and let us know which one you think is more complete:
See how adjectives can completely transform the meaning of a sentence?
![\"Young](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt949b0e974b7ce47a/6435efea8aab7b10efdf2a48/pexels-rodnae-productions-8384996.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The most common types of adjectives are descriptive adjectives. However, there are seven other important types of adjectives that help us keep things moving. While not as prominent as the descriptive ones, these other types of adjectives are critical as they help us navigate complex situations successfully.
Descriptive adjectives are probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of adjectives. These help us describe the characteristics of the nouns that we are talking about so we can be more specific.
| English | Pronunciation | IPA |
| That is such a beautiful sweater. | THAt Iz sUHch uh byOO-tif-uhl swEt-uhr | ˈðæt ˈɪz ˈsʌtʃ ə ˈbjutɪfəl ˈswɛtɚ ‖ |
| I will just take a small piece. | ie wIl jUHst tAYk uh smAWl pEEs | aɪ ˈwɪl ˈdʒʌst ˈteɪk ə ˈsmɔl ˈpis ‖ |
| Many thanks to our gracious hosts. | mEn-ee thAngks too ahr grAY-shuhs hOHsts | ˈmɛni ˈθæŋks tu ɑr ˈɡɹeɪʃəs ˈhoʊsts ‖ |
Numeral adjectives indicate quantity, fraction, and sequence in nouns. English numbers can act as adjectives when you are describing nouns that come in pairs or about a specific number of items.
| English | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Did you end up buying the two apples you wanted? | dId yoo End UHp bIE-ing THuh tOO Ap-uhlz yuh wAWn-tuhd | ˈdɪd ju ˈɛnd ˈʌp ˈbaɪɪŋ ðə ˈtu ˈæpəlz jə ˈwɔntəd ‖ |
| One day, you will tell me all the many crazy stories of your travels. | wUHn dAY | yuh wIl tEl mEE AWl THuh mEn-ee krAY-zee stOR-eez uhv yuhr trAv-uhlz | ˈwʌn ˈdeɪ | jə ˈwɪl ˈtɛl ˈmi ˈɔl ðə ˈmɛni ˈkɹeɪzi ˈstɔriz əv jɚ ˈtɹævəlz ‖ |
| My house is the first one on the right. | mIE hOUs Iz THuh fUHRst wUHn AWn THuh rIEt | ˈmaɪ ˈhaʊs ˈɪz ðə ˈfɝst ˈwʌn ˈɔn ðə ˈɹaɪt ‖ |
Adjectives of quantity are very similar to numeral adjectives, except that they’re used with nouns that are uncountable. For example, you would say “I would like three cookies” (numeral adjective) but you would say “I would like some ice cream” (quantitative adjective). As a quick rule of thumb, they answer the question “how much of it?” while numerical adjectives answer the question “how many?”
| English | Pronunciation | IPA |
| I would like some spaghetti, please. | ie wuhd lIEk sUHm spuh-gEt-ee | plEEz | aɪ wəd ˈlaɪk ˈsʌm spəˈɡɛti | ˈpliz ‖ |
| You can have half of my sandwich. | yuh kuhn huhf hAf uhv mIE sAnd-wich | jə kən həf ˈhæf əv ˈmaɪ ˈsændˌwɪtʃ ‖ |
| I’m so hungry, I could eat a whole pizza. | IEm sOH hUHng-gree | ie kuhd EEt uh hOHl pEEt-suh | ˈaɪm ˈsoʊ ˈhʌŋɡɹi | aɪ kəd ˈit ə ˈhoʊl ˈpitsə ‖ |
Demonstrative adjectives are used to demonstrate the relative position of something with the speaker. For example, objects that are close to you use the adjectives “this” and “these,” while objects that are far from you use the adjectives “that” and “those.”
| English | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Is this computer yours? | Iz THIs kuhm-pyOO-tuhr yORz | ˈɪz ˈðɪs kəmˈpjutɚ ˈjɔrz ‖ |
| Can you pass me that book? | kuhn yuh pAs mEE THAt bUk | kən jə ˈpæs ˈmi ˈðæt ˈbʊk ‖ |
| I love those pants! | ie lUHv THOHz pAnts | aɪ ˈlʌv ˈðoʊz ˈpænts ‖ |
Interrogative adjectives are question words that modify a verb. Use them when you’re trying to gather information about a noun that you’re not entirely familiar with.
| English | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Do you know what you’re going to order? | dOO yuh nOH wAHt yOR gOH-ing too OR-duhr | ˈdu jə ˈnoʊ ˈwɑt ˈjɔr ˈɡoʊɪŋ tu ˈɔrdɚ ‖ |
| Which of these books is yours? | wIch uhv THEEz bUks Iz yORz | ˈwɪtʃ əv ˈðiz ˈbʊks ˈɪz ˈjɔrz ‖ |
| Whose dog is this? | hOOz dAWg Iz THIs | ˈhuz ˈdɔɡ ˈɪz ˈðɪs ‖ |
As you can probably guess, possessive adjectives help establish ownership over a particular noun. They’re quick ways for us to establish who something belongs to without having to spell out an entire sentence explaining ownership.
| English | Pronunciation | IPA |
| My house is very close to my grandma’s. | mIE hOUs Iz vAIR-ee klOHz tuh mIE grA-mahz | ˈmaɪ ˈhaʊs ˈɪz ˈvɛri ˈkloʊz tə ˈmaɪ ˈɡɹæˌmɑz ‖ |
| Our school is going to close for renovations. | ahr skOOl Iz gOH-ing tuh klOHz fuhr ren-uh-vAY-shuhnz | ɑr ˈskul ˈɪz ˈɡoʊɪŋ tə ˈkloʊz fɚ ˌɹɛnəˈveɪʃənz ‖ |
| Your jacket looks really nice. | yuhr jAk-uht lUks rEE-uh-lee nIEs | jɚ ˈdʒækət ˈlʊks ˈɹiəli ˈnaɪs ‖ |
Proper adjectives help describe proper nouns, including people, countries, and places. Since they are based on proper nouns, they need to be capitalized as well.
| English | Pronunciation | IPA |
| That’s my favorite Mexican restaurant. | THAts mIE fAYv-ruht mEk-sik-uhn rEs-tuhr-rahnt | ˈðæts ˈmaɪ ˈfeɪvɹət ˈmɛksɪkən ˈɹɛstɚˌɹɑnt ‖ |
| I have a Chinese friend who can help you translate that. | ie huhv uh chie-nEEz frEnd hOO kuhn hElp yuh trans-lAYt THAt | aɪ həv ə tʃaɪˈniz ˈfɹɛnd ˈhu kən ˈhɛlp jə tɹænsˈleɪt ˈðæt ‖ |
| My favorite Spanish show is Elite. | mIE fAYv-ruht spAn-ish shOH Iz i-lEEt | ˈmaɪ ˈfeɪvɹət ˈspænɪʃ ˈʃoʊ ˈɪz ɪˈlit ‖ |
Exclamatory adjectives are used in exclamation sentences to convey a sense of excitement or surprise. Although they use the same words as the interrogative adjectives above, the exclamation mark will let you know that these adjectives are just there to add emphasis to the noun.
| English | Pronunciation | IPA |
| What a gorgeous house! | wAHt uh gOR-juhs hOUs | ˈwɑt ə ˈɡɔrdʒəs ˈhaʊs ‖ |
| How gracious of you! | hOU grAY-shuhs uhv yOO | ˈhaʊ ˈɡɹeɪʃəs əv ˈju ‖ |
Adjectives are used along with nouns and pronouns to describe them. As such, you need to think carefully about the noun or pronoun you’re trying to modify before you decide where to place your adjective.
Most adjectives are placed before the noun, following this pattern:
Adjective + Noun
Here are some examples:
| English | Pronunciation | IPA |
| A beautiful sunset. | uh byOO-tif-uhl sUHn-set | ə ˈbjutɪfəl ˈsʌnˌsɛt ‖ |
| A warm cup of tea. | uh wORm kUHp uhv tEE | ə ˈwɔrm ˈkʌp əv ˈti ‖ |
| A fun day. | uh fUHn dAY | ə ˈfʌn ˈdeɪ ‖ |
Nouns involving a verb, however, follow a different pattern:
Noun + Verb + Adjective
Use this pattern when you’re describing what a noun is or when describing how something does a certain action. Here are some examples:
| English | Pronunciation | IPA |
| This house is beautiful. | THIs hOUs Iz byOO-tif-uhl | ˈðɪs ˈhaʊs ˈɪz ˈbjutɪfəl ‖ |
| When did she grow so tall? | wEn dId shEE grOH sOH tAWl | ˈwɛn ˈdɪd ʃi ˈɡɹoʊ ˈsoʊ ˈtɔl ‖ |
| How did my t-shirt turn pink? | hOU dId mIE tEE-shUHRt tUHRn pIngk | ˈhaʊ ˈdɪd ˈmaɪ ˈtiˈʃɝt ˈtɝn ˈpɪŋk ‖ |
If there’s more than one adjective in a sentence, then you also have to consider the placement of the adjective within your list of adjectives. Here’s the order you need to follow:
Opinion → Size → Temperature → Age → Shape → Color → Origin → Material
Here are some examples of the correct English adjective order in action:
| English | Pronunciation | IPA |
| I can’t believe you got rid of that elegant green velvet chair. | ie kAnt buh-lEEv yuh gAHt rId uhv THAt El-ig-uhnt grEEn vEl-vuht chAIR | aɪ ˈkænt bəˈliv jə ˈɡɑt ˈɹɪd əv ˈðæt ˈɛlɪɡənt ˈɡɹin ˈvɛlvət ˈtʃɛr ‖ |
| I’m looking for a vintage brown leather jacket. | IEm lUk-ing fuhr uh vIn-tij brOUn lETH-uhr jAk-uht | ˈaɪm ˈlʊkɪŋ fɚ ə ˈvɪntɪdʒ ˈbɹaʊn ˈlɛðɚ ˈdʒækət ‖ |
| I would like some of that aged round French Brie, please. | ie wuhd lIEk sUHm uhv THAt AYjd rOUnd frEnch brEE | plEEz | aɪ wəd ˈlaɪk ˈsʌm əv ˈðæt ˈeɪdʒd ˈɹaʊnd ˈfɹɛntʃ ˈbɹi | ˈpliz ‖ |
Now that you’ve got the basics of English adjectives down, let’s dive into a gigantic list of 1000+ adjectives! We’ve broken it down into sections for different uses of each adjective to help you find the right adjective for your needs.
![\"Friends](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltce327dbcc4f8b0ad/6435f0ee37ecbf10cadcf046/pexels-handi-berty-6168976.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| 1 | Friendly |
| 2 | Charismatic |
| 3 | Honest |
| 4 | Calm |
| 5 | Independent |
| 6 | Optimistic |
| 7 | Generous |
| 8 | Lively |
| 9 | Disciplined |
| 10 | Compassionate |
| 11 | Hardworking |
| 12 | Innovative |
| 13 | Ambitious |
| 14 | Bold |
| 15 | Creative |
| 16 | Outgoing |
| 17 | Humble |
| 18 | Selfless |
| 19 | Practical |
| 20 | Enthusiastic |
| 21 | Dependable |
| 22 | Reliable |
| 23 | Easygoing |
| 24 | Assertive |
| 25 | Responsible |
| 26 | Considerate |
| 27 | Cheerful |
| 28 | Rational |
| 29 | Analytical |
| 30 | Insightful |
| 31 | Open-minded |
| 32 | Extroverted |
| 33 | Intelligent |
| 34 | Confident |
| 35 | Amiable |
| 36 | Flexible |
| 37 | Conscientious |
| 38 | Authentic |
| 39 | Fair |
| 40 | Self-confident |
| 41 | Skilled |
| 42 | Gracious |
| 43 | Diligent |
| 44 | Positive |
| 45 | Charming |
| 46 | Resourceful |
| 47 | Professional |
| 48 | Passionate |
| 49 | Coherent |
| 50 | Logical |
| 51 | Empathetic |
| 52 | Curious |
| 53 | Immature |
| 54 | Candid |
| 55 | Patient |
| 56 | Genuine |
| 57 | Kind |
| 58 | Loyal |
| 59 | Persistent |
| 60 | Athletic |
| 61 | Brave |
| 62 | Average |
| 63 | Sociable |
| 64 | Decisive |
| 65 | Determined |
| 66 | Adaptable |
| 67 | Talented |
| 68 | Energetic |
| 69 | Understanding |
| 70 | Forgiving |
| 71 | Perceptive |
| 72 | Tolerant |
| 73 | Versatile |
| 74 | Caring |
| 75 | Fearless |
| 76 | Trustworthy |
| 77 | Persevering |
| 78 | Consistent |
| 79 | Witty |
| 80 | Persuasive |
| 81 | Sensational |
| 82 | Engaging |
| 83 | Astute |
| 84 | Self-disciplined |
| 85 | Sincere |
| 86 | Thoughtful |
| 87 | Wise |
| 88 | Active |
| 89 | Adventurous |
| 90 | Diplomatic |
| 91 | Gregarious |
| 92 | Impolite |
| 93 | Imaginative |
| 94 | Discreet |
| 95 | Circumspect |
| 96 | Neat |
| 97 | Polite |
| 98 | Mature |
| 99 | Sympathetic |
| 100 | Motivated |
| 101 | Popular |
| 102 | Lucky |
| 103 | Loving |
| 104 | Nice |
| 105 | Gentle |
| 106 | Posh |
| 107 | Secure |
| 108 | Good |
| 109 | Helpful |
| 110 | Funny |
| 111 | Intuitive |
| 112 | Willing |
| 113 | Powerful |
| 114 | Realistic |
| 115 | Inspiring |
| 116 | Plucky |
| 117 | Affable |
| 118 | Communicative |
| 119 | Composed |
| 120 | Dynamic |
| 121 | Amusing |
| 122 | Meticulous |
| 123 | Aware |
| 124 | Careful |
| 125 | Amicable |
| 126 | Sassy |
| 127 | Courteous |
| 128 | Courageous |
| 129 | Sappy |
| 130 | Sardonic |
| 131 | Faithful |
| 132 | Humorous |
| 133 | Bright |
| 134 | Antisocial |
| 135 | Annoying |
| 136 | Shameful |
| 137 | Belligerent |
| 138 | Tidy |
| 139 | Inventive |
| 140 | Smart |
| 141 | Joyful |
| 142 | Antsy |
| 143 | Sensible |
| 144 | Romantic |
| 145 | Sheepish |
| 146 | Abrasive |
| 147 | Hopeful |
| 148 | Complex |
| 149 | Shameless |
| 150 | Impressionable |
| 151 | Irreverent |
| 152 | Forceful |
| 153 | Businesslike |
| 154 | Idiosyncratic |
| 155 | Intellectual |
| 156 | Adversarial |
| 157 | Rebellious |
| 158 | Silly |
| 159 | Surprising |
| 160 | Political |
| 161 | Outspoken |
| 162 | Sarcastic |
| 163 | Unyielding |
| 164 | Quiet |
| 165 | Inhibited |
| 166 | Enigmatic |
| 167 | Cerebral |
| 168 | Childlike |
| 169 | Ethical |
| 170 | Competitive |
| 171 | Noncompetitive |
| 172 | Opportunistic |
| 173 | Decisive |
| 174 | Modern |
| 175 | Shy |
| 176 | Philosophical |
| 177 | Mischievous |
| 178 | Basic |
| 179 | Introverted |
| 180 | Relaxed |
| 181 | Moralistic |
| 182 | Perfectionist |
| 183 | Exuberant |
| 184 | Martyr |
| 185 | Folksy |
| 186 | Solemn |
| 187 | Neutral |
| 188 | Sensitive |
| 189 | Straightforward |
| 190 | Noncommittal |
| 191 | Unique |
| 192 | Extravagant |
| 193 | Casual |
| 194 | Cultured |
| 195 | Breezy |
| 196 | Emotional |
| 197 | Impartial |
| 198 | Private |
| 199 | Unchanging |
| 200 | Sentimental |
| 201 | Frugal |
| 202 | Barbarous |
| 203 | Soft |
| 204 | Subservient |
| 205 | Tough |
| 206 | Dignified |
| 207 | Undemanding |
| 208 | Cautious |
| 209 | Conservative |
| 210 | Frank |
| 211 | Compatible |
| 212 | Intense |
| 213 | Mercurial |
| 214 | Modest |
| 215 | Ordinary |
| 216 | Predictable |
| 217 | Questioning |
| 218 | Uncompromising |
| 219 | Reserved |
| 220 | Timid |
| 221 | Serious |
| 222 | Unassuming |
| 223 | Strict |
| 224 | Aggressive |
| 225 | Confrontational |
| 226 | Devious |
| 227 | Cocky |
| 228 | Ignorant |
| 229 | Forgetful |
| 230 | Gossipy |
| 231 | Irrational |
| 232 | Gullible |
| 233 | Judgmental |
| 234 | Pessimistic |
| 235 | Sleazy |
| 236 | Prejudiced |
| 237 | Unmotivated |
| 238 | Mean |
| 239 | Argumentative |
| 240 | Cruel |
| 241 | Defensive |
| 242 | Morbid |
| 243 | Resentful |
| 244 | Stingy |
| 245 | Rude |
| 246 | Obsessive |
| 247 | Impractical |
| 248 | Disloyal |
| 249 | Apologizing |
| 250 | Disrespectful |
| 251 | Bossy |
| 252 | Catty |
| 253 | Egotistical |
| 254 | Awkward |
| 255 | Deceitful |
| 256 | Dishonest |
| 257 | Bad |
| 258 | Evil |
| 259 | Flaky |
| 260 | Humorless |
| 261 | Manipulative |
| 262 | Nosy |
| 263 | Petty |
| 264 | Reckless |
| 265 | Stupid |
| 266 | Untidy |
| 267 | Apathetic |
| 268 | Boring |
| 269 | Callous |
| 270 | Childish |
| 271 | Cowardly |
| 272 | Cynical |
| 273 | Dense |
| 274 | Dim |
| 275 | Disorganized |
| 276 | Disruptive |
| 277 | Evasive |
| 278 | Fanatical |
| 279 | Foolish |
| 280 | Frivolous |
| 281 | Greedy |
| 282 | Grumpy |
| 283 | Hostile |
| 284 | Impatient |
| 285 | Inconsiderate |
| 286 | Jealous |
| 287 | Lazy |
| 288 | Moody |
| 289 | Nasty |
| 290 | Stubborn |
| 291 | Paranoid |
| 292 | Possessive |
| 293 | Pretentious |
| 294 | Rotten |
| 295 | Selfish |
| 296 | Spoiled |
| 297 | Unlucky |
| 298 | Unreliable |
| 299 | Vain |
![\"A](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt25bc5cd0b6ae11c5/64361e35cbf631109cafae02/pexels-rodnae-productions-6646765.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| 300 | Happy |
| 301 | Sad |
| 302 | Angry |
| 303 | Anxious |
| 304 | Frustrated |
| 305 | Sorry |
| 306 | Ashamed |
| 307 | Frightened |
| 308 | Disappointed |
| 309 | Confused |
| 310 | Lonely |
| 311 | Afraid |
| 312 | Hot |
| 313 | Crazy |
| 314 | Withdrawn |
| 315 | Depressed |
| 316 | Guilty |
| 317 | Proud |
| 318 | Hungry |
| 319 | Scared |
| 320 | Excited |
| 321 | Content |
| 322 | Bored |
| 323 | Embarrassed |
| 324 | Interested |
| 325 | Thirsty |
| 326 | Puzzled |
| 327 | Hurt |
| 328 | Smug |
| 329 | Suspicious |
| 330 | Touching |
| 331 | Fearful |
| 332 | Surprised |
| 333 | Envious |
| 334 | Nostalgic |
| 335 | Amused |
| 336 | Grateful |
| 337 | Loved |
| 338 | Miserable |
| 339 | Regretful |
| 340 | Sick |
| 341 | Indifferent |
| 342 | Enraged |
| 343 | Pained |
| 344 | Relieved |
| 345 | Disgusted |
| 346 | Ecstatic |
| 347 | Nervous |
| 348 | Shocked |
| 349 | Sleepy |
| 350 | Skeptical |
| 351 | Worried |
![\"An](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb13d41b0d005e90c/64361e03ba137c11cf05a1dd/pexels-tristan-le-1642883.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| 352 | Attractive |
| 353 | Dashing |
| 354 | Fashionable |
| 355 | Stunning |
| 356 | Exquisite |
| 357 | Stylish |
| 358 | Aesthetic |
| 359 | Gorgeous |
| 360 | Trendy |
| 361 | Lovely |
| 362 | Handsome |
| 363 | Radiant |
| 364 | Beautiful |
| 365 | Cute |
| 366 | Pretty |
| 367 | Alluring |
| 368 | Striking |
| 369 | Sophisticated |
| 370 | Sumptuous |
| 371 | Elegant |
| 372 | Classy |
| 373 | Petite |
| 374 | Elderly |
| 375 | Plump |
| 376 | Thin |
| 377 | Fat |
| 378 | Slim |
| 379 | Well-Built |
| 380 | Stocky |
| 381 | Slender |
| 382 | Short |
| 383 | Chubby |
| 384 | Stunted |
| 385 | Ornate |
| 386 | Stout |
| 387 | Centenarian |
| 388 | Youthful |
| 389 | Spry |
| 390 | Tall |
| 391 | Aged |
| 392 | Venerable |
| 393 | Ageless |
| 394 | Muscular |
| 395 | Lanky |
| 396 | Octogenarian |
| 397 | Medium-height |
| 398 | Stumpy |
| 399 | Long-lived |
| 400 | Curvy |
| 401 | Skinny |
![\"A](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt4ec7943496532626/64361f69c2c6bc10e59e073a/pexels-isaw-company-955733.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| 402 | Square |
| 403 | Rectangular |
| 404 | Circular |
| 405 | Round |
| 406 | Oval |
| 407 | Flat |
| 408 | Triangular |
| 409 | Elliptical |
| 410 | Spherical |
| 411 | Symmetrical |
| 412 | Asymmetrical |
| 413 | Angular |
| 414 | Linear |
| 415 | Humongous |
| 416 | Conical |
| 417 | Irregular |
| 418 | Geometric |
| 419 | Convex |
| 420 | Wavy |
| 421 | Curved |
| 422 | Twisted |
| 423 | Cylindrical |
| 424 | Pyramidal |
| 425 | Bent |
| 426 | Blunt |
| 427 | Straight |
| 428 | Wide |
| 429 | Colossal |
| 430 | Jagged |
| 431 | Thick |
| 432 | Substantial |
| 433 | Narrow |
| 434 | Microscopic |
| 435 | Massive |
| 436 | Oversized |
| 437 | Snug |
| 438 | Undersized |
| 439 | Compact |
| 440 | Bulky |
| 441 | Pointed |
| 442 | Concave |
| 443 | Gigantic |
| 444 | Tiny |
| 445 | Coarse |
| 446 | Meager |
| 447 | Stubby |
| 448 | Roomy |
| 449 | Fine |
| 450 | Minuscule |
| 451 | Large |
| 452 | Spiky |
| 453 | Wet |
| 454 | Bumpy |
| 455 | Numb |
![\"Holi](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt2202b90b7dc777bb/643620367ae71310d19e2da6/pexels-marcin-dampc-1684187.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| 456 | Blue |
| 457 | Red |
| 458 | Black |
| 459 | White |
| 460 | Green |
| 461 | Pink |
| 462 | Purple |
| 463 | Yellow |
| 464 | Orange |
| 465 | Brown |
| 466 | Gray |
| 467 | Silver |
| 468 | Lavender |
| 469 | Turquoise |
| 470 | Golden |
| 471 | Magenta |
| 472 | Teal |
| 473 | Violet |
| 474 | Mauve |
| 475 | Plum |
| 476 | Lilac |
| 477 | Indigo |
| 478 | Bronze |
| 479 | Cyan |
| 480 | Navy blue |
| 481 | Burgundy |
| 482 | Cherry |
| 483 | Crimson |
| 484 | Maroon |
| 485 | Scarlet |
| 486 | Cream |
| 487 | Chartreuse |
| 488 | Coral |
| 489 | Salmon |
| 490 | Olive |
| 491 | Emerald |
| 492 | Beige |
| 493 | Ivory |
| 494 | Eggshell |
| 495 | Bone |
![\"Quality](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt6fe911113a166ca0/6436216b9bfbdd10ae68fea3/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-3814573.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| 496 | Amazing |
| 497 | Superb |
| 498 | Exceptional |
| 499 | Impeccable |
| 500 | Wonderful |
| 501 | Supreme |
| 502 | Phenomenal |
| 503 | Fabulous |
| 504 | Astonishing |
| 505 | Polished |
| 506 | Magnificent |
| 507 | Terrific |
| 508 | Flawless |
| 509 | Marvelous |
| 510 | Premium |
| 511 | Spectacular |
| 512 | Enchanting |
| 513 | Stable |
| 514 | Splendid |
| 515 | Outstanding |
| 516 | Majestic |
| 517 | Incredible |
| 518 | Heavenly |
| 519 | Comfortable |
| 520 | Extraordinary |
| 521 | Excellent |
| 522 | Delightful |
| 523 | Accessible |
| 524 | Accurate |
| 525 | Enjoyable |
![\"A](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt55f60621d7dd3f7a/643622f08aab7b10efdf2a7c/pexels-cottonbro-studio-6068975.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| 526 | Frequent |
| 527 | Occasional |
| 528 | Constant |
| 529 | Recurring |
| 530 | Sporadic |
| 531 | Continuous |
| 532 | Repeated |
| 533 | Regular |
| 534 | Periodic |
| 535 | Infrequent |
| 536 | Intermittent |
| 537 | Prompt |
| 538 | Chronic |
| 539 | Rare |
| 540 | Young |
| 541 | Old |
| 542 | Future |
| 543 | Past |
| 544 | New |
| 545 | Ancient |
| 546 | Timeless |
| 547 | Contemporary |
| 548 | Current |
| 549 | Historic |
| 550 | Vintage |
| 551 | Antique |
![\"Mother](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltbb8ff50d68a8a8e7/6436233635650a1107644612/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-3772534.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| 552 | Spicy |
| 553 | Delicious |
| 554 | Sweet |
| 555 | Salty |
| 556 | Savory |
| 557 | Nutty |
| 558 | Tart |
| 559 | Yummy |
| 560 | Bland |
| 561 | Fluffy |
| 562 | Zesty |
| 563 | Peppery |
| 564 | Sinful |
| 565 | Refreshing |
| 566 | Crispy |
| 567 | Tacit |
| 568 | Buttery |
| 569 | Decadent |
| 570 | Robust |
| 571 | Eggy |
| 572 | Crumbly |
| 573 | Juicy |
| 574 | Bitter |
| 575 | Piquant |
| 576 | Astringent |
| 577 | Delectable |
| 578 | High |
| 579 | Fishy |
| 580 | Citrusy |
| 581 | Flavorful |
| 582 | Saccharine |
| 583 | Delicate |
| 584 | Comforting |
| 585 | Squeaky |
| 586 | Creamy |
| 587 | Smoky |
| 588 | Moist |
| 589 | Glazed |
| 590 | Tasty |
| 591 | Chunky |
| 592 | Silky |
| 593 | Pickled |
| 594 | Fruity |
| 595 | Fiery |
| 596 | Honeyed |
| 597 | Gummy |
| 598 | Acidic |
| 599 | Sour |
| 600 | Refined |
| 601 | Sizzling |
| 602 | Rich |
| 603 | Tangy |
| 604 | Earthy |
| 605 | Airy |
| 606 | Runny |
| 607 | Velvety |
| 608 | Melty |
| 609 | Doughy |
| 610 | Crunchy |
| 611 | Leathery |
| 612 | Chewy |
| 613 | Mild |
![\"A](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt64519baafa32a5f6/643623aec29b521140117519/pexels-yuting-gao-1637108.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| 614 | Loud |
| 615 | Musical |
| 616 | Melodic |
| 617 | Roaring |
| 618 | Dissonant |
| 619 | Buzzing |
| 620 | Noisy |
| 621 | Riotous |
| 622 | Harmonious |
| 623 | Raucous |
| 624 | Whistling |
| 625 | Mellow |
| 626 | Humming |
| 627 | Muted |
| 628 | Thundering |
| 629 | Noiseless |
| 630 | Peaceful |
| 631 | Rowdy |
| 632 | Resounding |
| 633 | Penetrating |
| 634 | Silent |
| 635 | Voiceless |
| 636 | Husky |
| 637 | Dull |
| 638 | Jarring |
| 639 | Subtle |
| 640 | Muffled |
| 641 | Speechless |
| 642 | Percussive |
| 643 | Pleasing |
| 644 | Tumultuous |
| 645 | Deafening |
| 646 | Gruff |
| 647 | Rhythmic |
| 648 | Vocal |
| 649 | Soundless |
| 650 | Tranquil |
| 651 | Glaring |
| 652 | Unspoken |
| 653 | Brassy |
| 654 | Crackling |
| 655 | Thunderous |
| 656 | Mute |
| 657 | Mellifluous |
| 658 | Vociferous |
| 659 | Boisterous |
| 660 | Resonant |
| 661 | Howling |
| 662 | Strident |
| 663 | Screaming |
| 664 | Tuneful |
| 665 | Uproarious |
| 666 | Howling |
| 667 | Faint |
| 668 | Rasping |
| 669 | Croaky |
| 670 | Raucous |
| 671 | Discordant |
| 672 | Piercing |
| 673 | Shrill |
| 674 | Screechy |
| 675 | Insistent |
| 676 | Pulsating |
| 677 | Piercing |
| 678 | Sharp |
| 679 | Screeching |
| 680 | Voiced |
| 681 | Unvoiced |
| 682 | Clamorous |
| 683 | Echoing |
| 684 | Grating |
| 685 | Audible |
| 686 | Inaudible |
| 687 | Grinding |
| 688 | Monotonous |
![\"Colorful](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt0f2da314a6186622/64362418ba137c11cf05a1e7/pexels-alexander-grey-1148450.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| 689 | Smooth |
| 690 | Rough |
| 691 | Shiny |
| 692 | Synthetic |
| 693 | Fabric |
| 694 | Plastic |
| 695 | Durable |
| 696 | Heavy |
| 697 | Ceramic |
| 698 | Fragile |
| 699 | Soft |
| 700 | Porous |
| 701 | Non-porous |
| 702 | Brittle |
| 703 | Matte |
| 704 | Sticky |
| 705 | Textured |
| 706 | Supple |
| 707 | Lightweight |
| 708 | Elastic |
| 709 | Leather |
| 710 | Natural |
| 711 | Resilient |
| 712 | Sturdy |
| 713 | Opaque |
| 714 | Spongy |
| 715 | Tender |
| 716 | Glass |
| 717 | Wooden |
| 718 | Damp |
| 719 | Warm |
| 720 | Dry |
| 721 | Slimy |
| 722 | Firm |
| 723 | Cold |
| 724 | Slick |
![\"Aromatic](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt349dfb783ed3674e/643624606c90a41201401312/pexels-neosiam-618491.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| 725 | Fragrant |
| 726 | Aromatic |
| 727 | Antiseptic |
| 728 | Floral |
| 729 | Acrid |
| 730 | Clean |
| 731 | Rancid |
| 732 | Foul |
| 733 | Fetid |
| 734 | Perfumed |
| 735 | Evocative |
| 736 | Funky |
| 737 | Bouquet |
| 738 | Pungent |
| 739 | Frowsty |
| 740 | Musky |
| 741 | Scented |
| 742 | Fusty |
| 743 | Malodorous |
| 744 | Musty |
| 745 | Stuffy |
| 746 | Overpowering |
| 747 | Herbal |
| 748 | Woody |
| 749 | Flowery |
| 750 | Nauseating |
| 751 | Putrid |
| 752 | Minty |
| 753 | Lemony |
| 754 | Sickly |
| 755 | Peachy |
| 756 | Coppery |
| 757 | Garlicky |
| 758 | Stale |
| 759 | Ambrosial |
![\"Woman](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt74243f2fcf52f418/64362546e8c65f11395e9363/pexels-yaroslav-shuraev-8499874.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| 760 | Sunny |
| 761 | Windy |
| 762 | Chilly |
| 763 | Overcast |
| 764 | Showery |
| 765 | Icy |
| 766 | Cloudy |
| 767 | Clear |
| 768 | Rainy |
| 769 | Humid |
| 770 | Stormy |
| 771 | Bleak |
| 772 | Snowy |
| 773 | Dreary |
| 774 | Scorching |
| 775 | Freezing |
| 776 | Inclement |
| 777 | Hazy |
| 778 | Tropical |
| 779 | Misty |
| 780 | Foggy |
| 781 | Clement |
| 782 | Muggy |
| 783 | Frosty |
| 784 | Gloomy |
| 785 | Scalding |
| 786 | Cloudless |
| 787 | Blistering |
| 788 | Balmy |
| 789 | Biting |
| 790 | Brisk |
| 791 | Temperate |
| 792 | Windless |
| 793 | Gusty |
| 794 | Murky |
| 795 | Threatening |
| 796 | Torrential |
![\"A](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltbcf85b252dd69610/643625a6c674f410a58d5bd5/pexels-quang-nguyen-vinh-2148933.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| 797 | Northern |
| 798 | Southern |
| 799 | Eastern |
| 800 | Western |
| 801 | Northwestern |
| 802 | Northeastern |
| 803 | Southwestern |
| 804 | Southeastern |
| 805 | Far |
| 806 | Close |
| 807 | Near |
| 808 | Distant |
| 809 | Inaccessible |
| 810 | Remote |
| 811 | Rural |
| 812 | Suburban |
| 813 | Urban |
| 814 | Central |
| 815 | Peripheral |
| 816 | Coastal |
| 817 | Inland |
| 818 | Galactic |
| 819 | Adjacent |
| 820 | Isolated |
| 821 | Landlocked |
| 822 | Orbital |
| 823 | Untouchable |
| 824 | Continental |
| 825 | Intercontinental |
| 826 | Cosmic |
| 827 | Strong |
| 828 | Fierce |
| 829 | Overwhelming |
| 830 | Dramatic |
| 831 | Concentrated |
| 832 | Entertaining |
| 833 | Fast |
| 834 | Harsh |
| 835 | Mighty |
| 836 | Custom |
| 837 | Explosive |
| 838 | Informative |
| 839 | Electric |
| 840 | Relevant |
| 841 | Transparent |
| 842 | Ferocious |
| 843 | Vigorous |
| 844 | Severe |
| 845 | Convenient |
| 846 | Potent |
| 847 | Recyclable |
| 848 | Maintainable |
| 849 | Extreme |
| 850 | Quick |
| 851 | Concise |
| 852 | Expert |
| 853 | Graceful |
| 854 | Sluggish |
| 855 | Lavish |
| 856 | Simple |
| 857 | Agile |
| 858 | Clumsy |
| 859 | Stiff |
| 860 | Slow |
| 861 | Jerky |
| 862 | Regenerative |
| 863 | Nimble |
| 864 | Shuffling |
| 865 | Swift |
| 866 | Flowing |
| 867 | Bouncy |
| 868 | Indigenous |
| 869 | Fitting |
| 870 | Foolproof |
| 871 | Foreign |
| 872 | Ethnic |
| 873 | Homegrown |
| 874 | Regional |
| 875 | Cosmopolitan |
| 876 | Multicultural |
| 877 | Traditional |
| 878 | National |
| 879 | International |
| 880 | Alien |
| 881 | Native |
| 882 | Immigrant |
| 883 | Domestic |
| 884 | Imported |
| 885 | Aborigine |
| 886 | Heritage |
| 887 | Exotic |
| 888 | Factual |
| 889 | Priceless |
| 890 | Local |
| 891 | Impoverished |
| 892 | Disadvantaged |
| 893 | Accomplished |
| 894 | Precious |
| 895 | Satisfactory |
| 896 | Respected |
| 897 | Safe |
| 898 | Significant |
| 899 | Destitute |
| 900 | Successful |
| 901 | Anonymous |
| 902 | Influential |
| 903 | Acrobatic |
| 904 | Privileged |
| 905 | Cherished |
| 906 | Rarefied |
| 907 | Underprivileged |
| 908 | Reversible |
| 909 | Honored |
| 910 | Scalable |
| 911 | Wealthy |
| 912 | Prosperous |
| 913 | Disrespected |
| 914 | Deprived |
| 915 | Affluent |
| 916 | Sustainable |
| 917 | Poor |
| 918 | Renewable |
| 919 | Unaccomplished |
| 920 | Lush |
| 921 | Unsuccessful |
| 922 | Opulent |
| 923 | Elite |
| 924 | Powerless |
| 925 | Needy |
| 926 | Reputable |
| 927 | Tasteful |
| 928 | Functional |
| 929 | Utilitarian |
| 930 | Productive |
| 931 | Uncomplicated |
| 932 | Purposeful |
| 933 | Intentional |
| 934 | Valuable |
| 935 | Invaluable |
| 936 | Vivid |
| 937 | Irreplaceable |
| 938 | Healthy |
| 939 | Esteemed |
| 940 | Compliant |
| 941 | Exclusive |
| 942 | Costly |
| 943 | Uniform |
| 944 | Coveted |
| 945 | Homogeneous |
| 946 | Ambiguous |
| 947 | Luxurious |
| 948 | Worthwhile |
| 949 | Expensive |
| 950 | Compelling |
| 951 | Constructive |
| 952 | Horrendous |
| 953 | Beneficial |
| 954 | Profitable |
| 955 | Tactical |
| 956 | Abandoned |
| 957 | Balanced |
| 958 | Beneficent |
| 959 | Usable |
| 960 | Advantageous |
| 961 | Effective |
| 962 | Serviceable |
| 963 | Picturesque |
| 964 | Reusable |
| 965 | Strategic |
| 966 | Abhorrent |
| 967 | Efficient |
| 968 | Useful |
| 969 | Precise |
| 970 | Magical |
| 971 | Striped |
| 972 | Responsive |
| 973 | Handy |
| 974 | Abnormal |
| 975 | Plaid |
| 976 | Groggy |
| 977 | Notable |
| 978 | Spotted |
| 979 | Variegated |
| 980 | Suitable |
| 981 | Timely |
| 982 | Personalized |
| 983 | Checkered |
| 984 | Hurtful |
| 985 | Abstract |
| 986 | Instrumental |
| 987 | Meaningful |
| 988 | Extensible |
| 989 | Scandalous |
| 990 | Hygienic |
| 991 | Tartan |
| 992 | Dotted |
| 993 | Marbled |
| 994 | Secretive |
| 995 | Paisley |
| 996 | Atrocious |
| 997 | Scientific |
| 998 | Scholarly |
| 999 | Idyllic |
| 1000 | Seamless |
| 1001 | Illogical |
English adjectives don’t have a plural or singular form, so they stay the same regardless of the quantity of the noun they are modifying. However, adjectives can also be used as nouns, in which case they follow ordinary pluralization rules. For example, you could say “two blonde men” or “two blondes.”
Unlike French or Spanish, adjectives in English are invariable, meaning that they never change form to agree with the noun or pronoun they are modifying. If you’re used to speaking one of these Romance languages, rest assured that you don’t have to worry about coordinating the adjective with the noun in English!
Comparative adjectives are used to compare the qualities of exactly two objects or groups of objects. This is helpful when you want to say that one object is more something or less something than another object. To form a comparative adjective, follow these rules:
Here are some examples to give you a better idea:
| English | Pronunciation | IPA |
| That house is bigger than mine. | THAt hOUs Iz bIg-uhr THAn mIEn | ˈðæt ˈhaʊs ˈɪz ˈbɪɡɚ ˈðæn ˈmaɪn ‖ |
| Can I have a smaller piece of cake? | kuhn ie huhv uh smAW-luhr pEEs uhv kAYk | kən aɪ həv ə ˈsmɔlɚ ˈpis əv ˈkeɪk ‖ |
| I am happier since I met you. | ie uhm hAp-ee-uhr sIns ie mEt yOO | aɪ əm ˈhæpiɚ ˈsɪns aɪ ˈmɛt ˈju ‖ |
| My sister is shorter than me. | mIE sIs-tuhr Iz shOR-tuhr THAn mEE | ˈmaɪ ˈsɪstɚ ˈɪz ˈʃɔrtɚ ˈðæn ˈmi ‖ |
| I think this line is more crooked. | ie thIngk THIs lIEn Iz mOR krUk-uhd | aɪ ˈθɪŋk ˈðɪs ˈlaɪn ˈɪz ˈmɔr ˈkɹʊkəd ‖ |
| My life isn’t more important than yours. | mIE lIEf Iz-nt mOR im-pOR-tnt THAn yORz | ˈmaɪ ˈlaɪf ˈɪzn̩t ˈmɔr ɪmˈpɔrtn̩t ˈðæn ˈjɔrz ‖ |
| This car is less expensive than that one. | THIs kAHR Iz lEs ik-spEn-siv THAn THAt wUHn | ˈðɪs ˈkɑr ˈɪz ˈlɛs ɪkˈspɛnsɪv ˈðæn ˈðæt ˈwʌn ‖ |
Superlative adjectives help us point out one noun that is the most something from a group. For example, the sharpest tool in the shed, the brightest bulb in the chandelier, and so on. To create a superlative, follow these rules:
Here are some example sentences:
| English | Pronunciation | IPA |
| I’m so hungry I could eat the biggest burger in the world! | IEm sOH hUHng-gree ie kuhd EEt THuh bIg-uhst bUHR-guhr In THuh wUHRld | ˈaɪm ˈsoʊ ˈhʌŋɡɹi aɪ kəd ˈit ðə ˈbɪɡəst ˈbɝɡɚ ˈɪn ðə ˈwɝld ‖ |
| After getting an A in my English exam, I feel like the happiest woman in the world! | Af-tuhr gEt-ing uhn uh In mIE Ing-glish ig-zAm | ie fEEl lIEk THuh hAp-ee-uhst wUm-uhn In THuh wUHRld | ˈæftɚ ˈɡɛtɪŋ ən ə ˈɪn ˈmaɪ ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ ɪɡˈzæm | aɪ ˈfil ˈlaɪk ðə ˈhæpiəst ˈwʊmən ˈɪn ðə ˈwɝld ‖ |
| Somehow, my hair is the least tangled out of all of us! | sUHm-hou | mIE hAIR Iz THuh lEEst tAng-guhld OUt uhv AWl uhv UHs | ˈsʌmˌhaʊ | ˈmaɪ ˈhɛr ˈɪz ðə ˈlist ˈtæŋɡəld ˈaʊt əv ˈɔl əv ˈʌs ‖ |
| She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. | shEEz THuh mOHst byOO-tif-uhl wUm-uhn IEv Ev-uhr sEEn | ˈʃiz ðə ˈmoʊst ˈbjutɪfəl ˈwʊmən ˈaɪv ˈɛvɚ ˈsin ‖ |
You can also add emphasis to an adjective by using adverbs of degree. As implied by their name, they offer varying degrees of intensity so you can add just enough emphasis to your adjectives. Here are some examples:
Here are some example sentences:
| English | Pronunciation | IPA |
| I think my new English teacher is very nice. | ie thIngk mIE nOO Ing-glish tEE-chuhr Iz vAIR-ee nIEs | aɪ ˈθɪŋk ˈmaɪ ˈnu ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ ˈtitʃɚ ˈɪz ˈvɛri ˈnaɪs ‖ |
| My mom is extremely kind. | mIE mAHm Iz ik-strEEm-lee kIEnd | ˈmaɪ ˈmɑm ˈɪz ɪkˈstɹimli ˈkaɪnd ‖ |
| The weather today is positively delightful. | THuh wETH-uhr tuh-dAY Iz pAH-zuh-tiv-lee di-lIEt-fuhl | ðə ˈwɛðɚ təˈdeɪ ˈɪz ˈpɑzətɪvli dɪˈlaɪtfəl ‖ |
| She’s obviously taller than me, no? | shEEz AHb-vee-uh-slee tAW-luhr THAn mEE | nOH | ˈʃiz ˈɑbviəsli ˈtɔlɚ ˈðæn ˈmi | ˈnoʊ ‖ |
| He’s clearly a very talented person. | hEEz klIR-lee uh vAIR-ee tAl-uhn-tuhd pUHR-sn | ˈhiz ˈklɪrli ə ˈvɛri ˈtæləntəd ˈpɝsn̩ ‖ |
Two or more adjectives go with commas when they are modifying the same characteristic of the same noun or pronoun. For example, “The red, white, and blue flag of the USA.” However, they don’t go with commas when the adjectives are modifying different aspects of a verb, such as “Can I have some more of that delicious vintage French wine?”
Now that you’ve got over 1000 new adjectives under your belt, you can easily tell some of your most exciting stories! Plus, you’ve also learned how to use adjectives to form comparative and superlative sentence structures, as well as how to use adverbs to add emphasis to your adjectives.
If you enjoyed this article and feel like you’ve learned some valuable new grammar tools, make sure to check out our English blog. We publish free, fun, and informative grammar and vocabulary articles every month to help you progress in your English-learning journey!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"To be in Spanish conjugation","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"How to conjugate ser and estar in Spanish in all tenses & moods","url":"/blog/spanish-to-be-conjugation","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt1179a97ad32e3817/6423d21ae4a307119b1d0261/pexels-ariel-castillo-3563697.jpg"},"post_content":"As a native English speaker, you’re already somewhat familiar with verb conjugations. For example, you know that you do something, but your friend does something. This conjugation of the verb “to do” is something that every native English speaker can do without much effort.
\nHowever, many Spanish learners find that verb conjugations in Spanish are a whole new beast. With many conjugation rules to learn and even more irregular verbs that love to break the rules, it will take many hours of dilligent study and plenty of practice to finally nail down the conjugation of every verb.
\nBut no need to panic! Taking it slow and steady is the best way to learn all the different conjugations, and this time, we’ll spend a good amount of time going over the different conjugations for the verb “to be” in Spanish. That way, you’ll have a strong grip of this elementary verb by the time you’re done with this article!
\nLet’s get started!
\n![\"To](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt2cd623e1b9f1d158/642b72f1b57cb810acb7ab92/hamlet.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
You may have already noticed that the verb “to be” can be translated into both the verb “ser” and the verb “estar.” That’s because Spanish has a distinction between a permanent state of being and a transitory state of being.
\nFor example, when you say that you “are angry,” does that mean that you are permanently angry? Is that an intrinsic part of who you are? No, right! It just means that someone cut you off in traffic or a customer service agent refused to give you a refund for a defective item. Perhaps it’s even worse and you’re hangry (hungry and angry)! But the commonality in all these situations is that they are transitory states. Your anger will pass no matter how badly you wanted that last almond croissant that the person in front of you ordered at the coffee shop.
\nThat’s the general way Spanish differentiates between the verbs “ser” and “estar.” However, there is a bit more nuance to this, so let’s jump right into a few more cases!
\nThe verb “ser” describes the core being or characteristic of a noun. Thus, this verb is commonly used with things that don’t change very easily, such as:
\nIf you know how to tell the time in Spanish, then you already know that the verb “ser” is used any time you need to talk about the time. It’s also used when describing when an event takes place, such as “El concierto es el viernes en la noche” (The concert is on Friday night) or “La clase es a las 10 a.m.” (The class is at 10 a.m.).
\nAny time you want to establish ownership or ask questions about the ownership of something, you’ll want to use the verb “ser.” For example, “¿De quién es este vaso?” (Whose cup is this?) or “Esta camiseta es mía” (This shirt is mine).
\nThe verb “estar” refers to the state of something rather than its intrinsic characteristics. For example, you can be a calm person and still get angry from time to time. Healthy people can catch a cold, and even the gorgeous weather of Tenerife can get stormy every now and then.
\n![\"Estoy](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blte50d391a9194a01b/642b74370e3e1212c7d671c8/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-3811663.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
If you’re more of an intermediate Spanish speaker, then you might be wondering why similar situations seem to use “ser” and “estar” interchangeably. In certain contexts, the speaker has a choice between these two verbs that can give the adjective a new meaning. Let’s take a look at some of these situations.
\nMany Spanish adjectives can be used with both “ser” and “estar.” However, as you now know, “ser” has a more permanent connotation, and using it with an adjective implies an innate or unchangeable characteristic in the noun it’s describing. On the other hand, using “estar” with an adjective implies the current state of the noun — but it could change at any moment.
\nHere are some examples to help you visualize the differences:
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| I am bored. | \nEstoy aburrido. | \nehs-toy ah-boo-ree-doe | \nesˈtoj aβuˈriðo ‖ | \n
| I am a boring person. | \nSoy aburrido. | \nsoy ah-boo-ree-doe | \nˈsoj aβuˈriðo ‖ | \n
| She is very good looking. | \nElla es muy guapa. | \neh-yah ehs mooy goo-ah-pah | \nˈeʎa ˈez muj ˈɣwapa ‖ | \n
| She looks good right now. | \nElla está muy guapa. | \neh-yah ehs-tah mooy goo-ah-pah | \nˈeʎa esˈta muj ˈɣwapa ‖ | \n
| Mexico is very hot. | \nMéxico es muy caluroso. | \nmeh-he-co ehs mooy cah-loo-roe-so | \nˈmexiko ˈez muj kaluˈɾoso ‖ | \n
| Today is very hot. | \nEl día está muy caluroso. | \nelle dee-ah ehs-tah mooy cah-loo-roe-so | \nel ˈdia esˈta muj kaluˈɾoso ‖ | \n
Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings, and Spanish has many of these. Although context will usually let you find the correct one, the verb used is another way to help you identify what word is being used. Here are some examples:
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| You’re so smart! | \n¡Eres muy lista! | \neh-rehs mooy lees-tah | \nˈeɾez muj ˈlista ‖ | \n
| Are you ready? | \n¿Ya estás lista? | \nyah ehs-tahs lees-tah | \nʝa esˈtaz ˈlista ‖ | \n
| He is very arrogant. | \nÉl es muy orgulloso. | \nelle ehs mooy ore-goo-yo-so | \nˈel ˈez muj oɾɣuˈʎoso ‖ | \n
| I am very proud. | \nEstoy muy orgulloso. | \nehs-toy mooy ore-goo-yo-so | \nesˈtoj muj oɾɣuˈʎoso ‖ | \n
| Remember to pay attention to your phone. | \nRecuerda estar atento a tu teléfono. | \nreh-coo-air-dah ehs-tahr ah-ten-toe ah too teh-leh-fo-no | \nreˈkweɾða esˈtaɾ aˈtento a tu teˈlefono ‖ | \n
| Us Colombians are very solicitous. | \nLos colombianos somos muy atentos. | \nloss coh-lom-bee-ah-nos soh-moss mooy ah-ten-toes | \nlos kolomˈbjanos ˈsomoz muj aˈtentos ‖ | \n
Using the verb “estar” instead of “ser” can sometimes help you add a layer of specificity to your statements. When you use “estar,” you’re talking about a specific item, whereas using “ser” implies that you’re talking about the noun as a whole.
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| Enchiladas are very tasty. | \nLas enchiladas son muy ricas. | \nlahs ehn-chee-la-dahs son mooy ree-cas | \nlas enʧiˈlaðas ˈsom muj ˈrikas ‖ | \n
| These enchiladas are very tasty. | \nLas enchiladas están muy ricas. | \nlahs ehn-chee-la-dahs ehs-tahn mooy ree-cas | \nlas enʧiˈlaðas esˈtam muj ˈrikas ‖ | \n
| Pigs are very fat. | \nLos cerdos son muy gordos. | \nlos sehr-dos sohn mooy gore-dos | \nlos ˈθeɾðos ˈsom muj ˈɣoɾðos ‖ | \n
| These pigs are very fat. | \nLos cerdos están muy gordos. | \nlos sehr-dos ehs-tahn mooy gore-dos | \nlos ˈθeɾðos esˈtam muj ˈɣoɾðos ‖ | \n
| The beach is very pretty. | \nLa playa está muy bonita. | \nla plah-yah ehs-tah mooy bo-nee-tah | \nla ˈplaʝa esˈta muj βoˈnita ‖ | \n
| This beach is very pretty. | \nLa playa es muy bonita. | \nla play-yah ehs mooy bo-nee-tah | \nla ˈplaʝa ˈez muj βoˈnita ‖ | \n
Knowing when to use “ser” and “estar” is just one part of the equation — now you have to learn how to conjugate them! Although it might be tedious to learn so many different conjugations at first, memorizing the conjugations of irregular verbs is an inescapable part of learning Spanish. Fortunately, investing time into learning the conjugations well from the start will make them come naturally to you in the future, allowing you to focus your attention on more advanced topics.
\nWithout further ado, let’s dive into all the possible conjugations of the verbs “ser” and “estar”!
\nThe present tense, known as el tiempo presente (elle tee-ehm-poh preh-sehn-teh) in Spanish, is likely to be the verb tense you’ll use the most often. It’s also the first tense covered extensively in beginner Spanish lessons, so you might already be familiar with it.
\n| English | \nSer | \nEstar | \n
| I am | \nYo soy | \nYo estoy | \n
| You are | \nTú eres | \nTú estás | \n
| You are (formal) | \nUsted es | \nUsted está | \n
| He/she/it is | \nÉl es / Ella es / Eso es | \nÉl está / Ella está / Eso está | \n
| We are | \nNosotros somos / Nosotras somos | \nNosotros estamos / Nosotras estamos | \n
| You all are (Latin American) | \n Ustedes son | \nUstedes están | \n
| You all are (European Spanish) | \n Vosotros sois / Vosotras sois | \nVosotros estáis / Vosotras estais | \n
| They are | \nEllos son / Ellas son | \nEllos están / Ellas están | \n
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| I am Argentinian | \nYo soy argentino. | \nsoy are-hen-tee-no | \nˈʝo ˈsoj aɾxenˈtino ‖ | \n
| You’re wrong. | \nTú estás mal. | \ntoo ehs-tahs mal | \nˈtu esˈtaz ˈmal ‖ | \n
| She is my sister. | \nElla es mi hermana. | \neh-yah ehs me air-ma-nah | \nˈeʎa ˈez mj eɾˈmana ‖ | \n
| We’re friends. | \nNosotros somos amigos. | \nnoh-soh-tross soh-mohs ah-me-goss | \nnoˈsotɾos ˈsomos aˈmiɣos ‖ | \n
| Where are you? (plural) | \n¿Dónde están ustedes? | \ndon-deh ehs-tahn oos-eh-dess | \nˈdonde esˈtan usˈteðes ‖ | \n
| They’re sleeping. | \nEllos están dormidos. | \neh-yos ehs-tahn dore-me-doss | \nˈeʎos esˈtan doɾˈmiðos ‖ | \n
The simple past tense is known as the tiempo pretérito (tee-ehm-poh preh-teh-ree-toe) in Spanish. It helps us express actions that took place in the past and have since concluded. Here are the conjugations for the verbs “ser” and “estar” in the preterite tense in Spanish.
\n| English | \nSer | \nEstar | \n
| I am | \nYo fui | \nYo estuve | \n
| You are | \nTú fuiste | \nTú estuviste | \n
| You are (formal) | \nUsted fue | \nUsted estuvo | \n
| He/she/it is | \nÉl fue / Ella fue / Eso fue | \nÉl estuvo / Ella estuvo / Eso estuvo | \n
| We are | \nNosotros fuimos / Nosotras fuimos | \nNosotros estuvimos / Nosotras estuvimos | \n
| You all are (Latin American) | \n Ustedes fueron | \nUstedes estuvieron | \n
| You all are (European Spanish) | \n Vosotros fuisteis / Vosotras fuisteis | \nVosotros estuvisteis / Vosotras estuvisteis | \n
| They are | \nEllos fueron / Ellas fueron | \nEllos estuvieron / Ellas estuvieron | \n
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| I was in Costa Rica last year. | \nYo estuve en Costa Rica el año pasado. | \nyo ehs-too-veh ehn cos-tah ree-ca elle ah-nyoh pah-sah-doh | \nˈʝo esˈtuβe en ˈkosta ˈrika el ˈaɲo paˈsaðo ‖ | \n
| Is it true that you were a firefighter? | \n¿Es verdad que fuiste bombero? | \nehs ver-dahd keh foo-ees-teh bom-beh-roh | \nˈez βeɾˈðað ˈke ˈfwiste βomˈbeɾo ‖ | \n
| He was an English teacher in Guatemala. | \nÉl fue maestro de inglés en Guatemala. | \nelle foo-eh mah-ehs-troh deh een-glehs ehn goo-ah-teh-mah-lah | \nˈel ˈfwe maˈestɾo ðe jnˈɡles en ɡwateˈmala ‖ | \n
| We were waiting for two hours. | \nNosotros estuvimos esperando por dos horas. | \nnoh-so-tros ehs-too-vee-mos ehs-peh-rahn-doh pore dos oh-rahs | \nnoˈsotɾos estuˈβimos espeˈɾando poɾ ˈðos ˈoɾas ‖ | \n
| You (plural) were sitting at our table. | \nVosotros estuvisteis sentados en nuestra mesa. | \nvoh-so-trohs ess-too-vees-teh-is sehn-tah-dohs ehn noo-ehs-trah meh-sah | \nboˈsotɾos estuˈβistejs senˈtaðos en ˈnwestɾa ˈmesa ‖ | \n
| They were faster than us. | \nEllas fueron más rápidas que nosotros. | \neh-yahs foo-eh-rohn mas rah-pee-dahs keh no-soh-tros | \nˈeʎas ˈfweɾom ˈmaz ˈrapiðas ˈke noˈsotɾos ‖ | \n
The imperfect tense, known as el pretérito imperfecto (elle preh-teh-ree-toe eem-pehr-fec-toe) in Spanish, also helps us talk about actions that happened in the past, but it is less precise than the simple past. With the imperfect tense, the actions that we describe may have happened over a long period of time, may not have ended yet, and may still have an impact on the present. These are the imperfect conjugations for “ser” and “estar” in Spanish.
\n| English | \nSer | \nEstar | \n
| I am | \nYo era | \nYo estaba | \n
| You are | \nTú eras | \nTú estabas | \n
| You are (formal) | \nUsted era | \nUsted estaba | \n
| He/she/it is | \nÉl era / Ella era / Eso era | \nÉl estaba / Ella estaba / Eso estaba | \n
| We are | \nNosotros éramos / Nosotras éramos | \nNosotros estábamos / Nosotras estábamos | \n
| You all are (Latin American) | \n Ustedes eran | \nUstedes estaban | \n
| You all are (European Spanish) | \n Vosotros erais / Vosotras erais | \nVosotros estabais / Vosotras estabais | \n
| They are | \nEllos eran / Ellas eran | \nEllos estaban / Ellas estaban | \n
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| I was waiting for your call. | \nYo estaba esperando tu llamada. | \nyo ehs-tah-bah ehs-peh-rahn-doh too yah-mah-dah | \nˈʝo esˈtaβa espeˈɾando tu ʎaˈmaða ‖ | \n
| You were the best student in elementary school. | \nTú eras la mejor estudiante en la primaria. | \ntoo eh-rahs la meh-hor ehs-too-dee-ahn-teh ehn la pre-mah-ree-ah | \nˈtu ˈeɾaz la meˈxoɾ estuˈðjante en la pɾiˈmaɾja ‖ | \n
| He was waiting for the bus when it started to rain. | \nÉl estaba esperando el camión cuando empezó a llover. | \nelle ehs-tah-bah ehs-peh-rahn-doh elle cah-me-ohn coo-ahn-doh em-peh-zo ah yoh-vehr | \nˈel esˈtaβa espeˈɾando el kaˈmjon ˈkwando empeˈθo a ʎoˈβeɾ ‖ | \n
| We were the only ones in school. | \nNosotros éramos los únicos en la escuela. | \nno-soh-trohs eh-rah-mos los oo-ne-cohs ehn la ehs-coo-eh-lah | \nnoˈsotɾos ˈeɾamoz los ˈunikos en la esˈkwela ‖ | \n
| Where were you? (plural) | \n¿Dónde estaban ustedes? | \ndohn-deh ehs-tah-bahn oos-teh-dehs | \nˈdonde esˈtaβan usˈteðes ‖ | \n
| They were the fastest ones in the soccer team. | \nEllas eran las más rápidas del equipo de fútbol. | \neh-yahs eh-rahn las mas rah-pee-dahs dell eh-key-po deh foot-boll | \nˈeʎas ˈeɾan laz ˈmaz ˈrapiðaz ðel eˈkipo ðe ˈfutβol ‖ | \n
We then have the future tense, known as el futuro simple (elle foo-too-roh seem-pleh) in Spanish. Naturally, this tense helps us speak about actions that haven’t happened yet, so use this to talk about your plans, goals, and aspirations!
\n| English | \nSer | \nEstar | \n
| I am | \nYo seré | \nYo estaré | \n
| You are | \nTú serás | \nTú estarás | \n
| You are (formal) | \nUsted será | \nUsted estará | \n
| He/she/it is | \nÉl será / Ella será / Eso será | \nÉl estará / Ella estará / Eso estará | \n
| We are | \nNosotros seremos / Nosotras seremos | \nNosotros estaremos / Nosotras estaremos | \n
| You all are (Latin American) | \n Ustedes serán | \nUstedes estarán | \n
| You all are (European Spanish) | \n Vosotros sereis / Vosotras sereis | \nVosotros estaréis / Vosotras estaréis | \n
| They are | \nEllos serán / Ellas serán | \nEllos estarán / Ellas estarán | \n
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| I won’t be happy until I’ve learned Spanish. | \nNo seré feliz hasta aprender Español. | \nno seh-reh feh-leez ahs-tah ah-prehn-dehr ehs-pah-nyol | \nˈno seˈɾe feˈliθ ˈasta apɾenˈdeɾ espaˈɲol ‖ | \n
| Will you be there too? | \n¿Tú también estarás ahí? | \ntoo tam-bee-ehn ehs-tah-rahs ah-e | \nˈtu tamˈbjen estaˈɾas aˈi ‖ | \n
| I think she will be there too. | \nCreo que ella también estará ahí. | \ncreh-oh keh eh-yah tam-bee-ehn ehs-tah-rah ah-e | \nˈkɾeo ˈke ˈeʎa tamˈbjen estaˈɾa aˈi ‖ | \n
| We will be the first ones to arrive. | \nNosotros seremos los primeros en llegar. | \nno-soh-trohs seh-reh-mos los pre-meh-rohs ehn yeh-gar | \nnoˈsotɾos seˈɾemoz los pɾiˈmeɾos en ʎeˈɣaɾ ‖ | \n
| You (plural) will be right behind us. | \nUstedes estarán justo detrás de nosotros. | \noos-teh-dess ehs-tah-rahn deh-trahs deh no-soh-trohs | \nusˈteðes estaˈɾan ˈxusto ðeˈtɾaz ðe noˈsotɾos ‖ | \n
| They will be waiting for you. | \nEllos estarán esperándote. | \neh-yohs ehs- | \nˈeʎos estaˈɾan espeˈɾandote ‖ | \n
The future perfect tense helps us express things that will have started at some point in the future. It’s known as el futuro compuesto (elle foo-too-roh com-poo-ehs-toe) in Spanish. It doesn’t tell us about the current status of the action, but it does help us talk about things that will have happened by some specific or approximate point in the future. In Spanish, we use the verb “haber” (to have) for the conjugation of this tense, which is another very helpful Spanish verb to know!
\n| English | \nSer | \nEstar | \n
| I am | \nYo habré sido | \nYo habré estado | \n
| You are | \nTú habrás sido | \nTú habrás estado | \n
| You are (formal) | \nUsted habrá sido | \nUsted habrá estado | \n
| He/she/it is | \nÉl habrá sido / Ella habrá sido / Eso habrá sido | \nÉl habrá estado / Ella habrá estado / Eso habrá estado | \n
| We are | \nNosotros habremos sido / Nosotras habremos sido | \nNosotros habremos estado / Nosotras habremos estado | \n
| You all are (Latin American) | \n Ustedes habrán sido | \nUstedes habrán estado | \n
| You all are (European Spanish) | \n Vosotros habréis sido / Vosotras habréis sido | \nVosotros habréis estado / Vosotras habréis estado | \n
| They are | \nEllos habrán sido / Ellas habrán sido | \nEllos habrán estado / Ellas habrán estado | \n
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| When you return, I will have already been the champion twice. | \nCuando regreses, yo ya habré sido campeón dos veces. | \ncoo-ahn-doe reh-greh-sehs, yo ya ah-breh see-doh cam-peh-ohn dos veh-sehs | \nˈkwando reˈɣɾeses | ˈʝo ʝa aˈβɾe ˈsiðo kampeˈon ˈdoz ˈβeθes ‖ | \n
| Next month we will have been boyfriends for two years. | \nEl próximo mes ya habremos sido novios por dos años. | \nelle prox-e-mo mes ya ah-breh-moss see-doe noh-vee-ohs pore dos ah-nyoss | \nel ˈpɾoksimo ˈmez ʝa aˈβɾemos ˈsiðo ˈnoβjos poɾ ˈðos ˈaɲos ‖ | \n
| By then, you will have already been in Spain for six months. | \nPara ese entonces, ya habrás estado en España por seis meses. | \npah-rah eh-seh ehn-ton-sehs yah ah-brahs ehs-tah-doe ehn es-pah-nyah pore say-s meh-sehs | \nˈpaɾa ˈese enˈtonθes | ʝa aˈβɾas esˈtaðo en esˈpaɲa poɾ ˈsejz ˈmeses ‖ | \n
| When we get there, she will have been singing for half an hour. | \nCuando lleguemos, ya habrá estado cantando media hora. | \ncoo-ahn-doe yeh-geh-moss yah ah-brah ehs-tah-doe can-tan-doe meh-dee-ah oh-rah | \nˈkwando ʎeˈɣemos | ʝa aˈβɾa esˈtaðo kanˈtando ˈmeðja ˈoɾa ‖ | \n
| By June, you all will have been the first graduates of this university. | \nPara junio, ustedes habrán sido los primeros egresados de esta universidad. | \npah-rah who-nee-oh, oose-teh-dehs ah-brahn see-doe los pre-meh-ross eh-greh-sah-doss deh ehs-tah oo-nee-vehr-see-dad | \nˈpaɾa ˈxunjo | usˈteðes aˈβɾan ˈsiðo los pɾiˈmeɾos eɣɾeˈsaðoz ðe ˈesta wniβeɾsiˈðað ‖ | \n
| If they continue traveling like this, they will have been to every country in the world in just a few years! | \nSi siguen viajando así, ¡en tan solo unos años habrán estado en todos los países del mundo! | \nsee see-gehn vee-ah-hahn-doe ah-see, ¡ehn tahn soh-loh ooh-noss ah-nyos ah-brahn ehs-tah-doe ehn toe-dos los pa-e-sehs dell moon-doe | \nsi ˈsiɣem bjaˈxando aˈsi | en ˈtan ˈsolo ˈunos ˈaɲos aˈβɾan esˈtaðo en ˈtoðoz los paˈisez ðel ˈmundo ‖ | \n
The conditional tense, known as el condicional simple (elle con-dee-see-oh-nall seem-pleh), helps us talk about something that would or could happen if certain conditions were met. If you love to consider hypothetical situations and talk about the wide realm of life’s possibilities, then this verb tense is for you!
\n| English | \nSer | \nEstar | \n
| I am | \nYo sería | \nYo estaría | \n
| You are | \nTú serías | \nTú estarías | \n
| You are (formal) | \nUsted sería | \nUsted estaría | \n
| He/she/it is | \nÉl sería / Ella sería / Eso sería | \nÉl estaría / Ella estaría / Eso estaría | \n
| We are | \nNosotros seríamos / Nosotras seríamos | \nNosotros estaríamos / Nosotras estaríamos | \n
| You all are (Latin American) | \n Ustedes serían | \nUstedes estarían | \n
| You all are (European Spanish) | \n Vosotros seríais / Vosotras seríais | \nVosotros estaríais / Vosotras estaríais | \n
| They are | \nEllos serían / Ellas serían | \nEllos estarían / Ellas estarían | \n
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| If I were paid a dollar every time someone asked me that, I would be rich! | \nSi me pagaran un dólar por cada vez que me preguntan eso, ¡ya sería rica! | \nsee meh pah-gah-rahn oon doh-lahr pore cah-dah vehs keh meh preh-goon-tahn eh-soh, ¡ya seh-ree-ah ree-cah! | \nsi me paˈɣaɾan un ˈdolaɾ poɾ ˈkaða ˈβeθ ˈke me pɾeˈɣuntan ˈeso | ʝa seˈɾia ˈrika ‖ | \n
| If we had taken the subway, we would already be there. | \nSi hubiéramos tomado el metro, ya estaríamos ahí. | \nsee ooh-bee-air-ah-moss toh-mah-doe elle meh-tro, ya ehs-tah-ree-ah-moss ah-e | \nsj uˈβjeɾamos toˈmaðo el ˈmetɾo | ʝa estaˈɾiamos aˈi ‖ | \n
| I know you all would be there for me if times get tough. | \nSé que ustedes estarían ahí por mí en momentos difíciles. | \nseh keh oos-teh-dehs ehs-tah-ree-ahn ah-e pore mee ehn mo-mehn-toss dee-fee-see-less | \nˈse ˈke wsˈteðes estaˈɾian aˈi poɾ ˈmi em moˈmentoz ðiˈfiθiles ‖ | \n
| If I already knew, you all would be the first ones to hear from me. | \nSi ya supiera, ustedes serían los primeros en saberlo. | \nsee ya soo-pee-air-ah, oos-teh-dehs seh-ree-ahn loss pre-meh-ross ehn sah-behr-loh | \nsi ʝa suˈpjeɾa | usˈteðes seˈɾian los pɾiˈmeɾos en saˈβeɾlo ‖ | \n
| They would be willing to help. | \nEllos estarían dispuestos a ayudar. | \neh-yoss ehs-tah-ree-ahn dees-poo-ess-toss ah ah-yoo-dar | \nˈeʎos estaˈɾian disˈpwestos a aʝuˈðaɾ ‖ | \n
| You all would be the first ones, is that okay? | \nVosotros seríais los primeros, ¿no importa? | \nvoh-soh-trohs seh-ree-ah-ees los pree-meh-ross, ¿no eem-pore-tah? | \nboˈsotɾos seˈɾiajz los pɾiˈmeɾos | ˈno jmˈpoɾta ‖ | \n
Known as the condicional perfecto (con-dee-see-oh-nall pehr-fec-toe) in Spanish, the conditional perfect tense describes something that could or would have happened in the past. It generally indicates that the action can no longer happen again or that the ship has sailed. In other words, this is the verb tense of regrets — so don’t spend too much time using it!
\n| English | \nSer | \nEstar | \n
| I am | \nYo habría sido | \nYo habría estado | \n
| You are | \nTú habrías sido | \nTú habrías estado | \n
| You are (formal) | \nUsted habría sido | \nUsted habría estado | \n
| He/she/it is | \nÉl habría sido / Ella habría sido / Eso habría sido | \nÉl habría estado / Ella habría estado / Eso habría estado | \n
| We are | \nNosotros habríamos sido / Nosotras habríamos sido | \nNosotros habríamos estado / Nosotras habríamos estado | \n
| You all are (Latin American) | \n Ustedes habrían sido | \nUstedes habrían estado | \n
| You all are (European Spanish) | \n Vosotros habríais sido / Vosotras habríais sido | \nVosotros habríais estado / Vosotras habríais estado | \n
| They are | \nEllos habríais sido / Ellas habríais sido | \nEllos habrían estado / Ellas habrían estado | \n
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| If you hadn’t given up, you would have been successful. | \nSi no te hubieras dado por vencido, habrías sido exitoso. | \nsee no teh ooh-bee-air-ahs dah-doh pore vehn-see-doe, ah-bree-ahs see-doe ex-e-toe-so | \nsi ˈno te wˈβjeɾaz ˈðaðo poɾ βenˈθiðo | aˈβɾias ˈsiðo eksiˈtoso ‖ | \n
| She would have been there if you had invited her. | \nElla habría estado ahí si la hubieras invitado. | \neh-ya ah-bree-ah ehs-tah-doe ah-e see la ooh-bee-air-ahs een-vee-tah-doe | \nˈeʎa aˈβɾia esˈtaðo aˈi si la wˈβjeɾas imbiˈtaðo ‖ | \n
| We would have been the first ones to come if you had asked us to. | \nNosotros habríamos sido los primeros en venir si nos lo hubieras pedido. | \nnoh-soh-trohs ah-bree-ah-moss see-doe loss pre-meh-ross ehn veh-neer see nos loh oo-bee-air-ahs peh-dee-doe | \nnoˈsotɾos aˈβɾiamos ˈsiðo los pɾiˈmeɾos em beˈniɾ si noz lo wˈβjeɾas peˈðiðo ‖ | \n
| They would have been satisfied if you hadn’t told them that the other room was bigger. | \nEllos habrían estado conformes si no les hubieras dicho que la otra habitación era más grande. | \neh-yoss ah-bree-ahn ehs-tah-doe con-fore-mess see no less ooh-bee-air-ass dee-cho keh la oh-trah ah-bee-tah-see-ohn eh-rah la mas grahn-deh | \nˈeʎos aˈβɾian esˈtaðo komˈfoɾmes si ˈno ˈles uˈβjeɾaz ˈðiʧo ˈke la ˈotɾa aβitaˈθjon ˈeɾa ˈmaz ˈɣɾande ‖ | \n
| You all would have been chosen if you had participated. | \nUstedes habrían sido elegidos si hubieran participado. | \noos-teh-dehs ah-bree-ahn see-doe eh-leh-he-doss see ooh-bee-air-ahn par-tee-see-pah-doe | \nusˈteðes aˈβɾian ˈsiðo eleˈxiðos sj uˈβjeɾam paɾtiθiˈpaðo ‖ | \n
| We would have been the first ones to see you if you had arrived yesterday. | \nNosotras habríamos sido las primeras en verte si hubieras llegado ayer. | \nno-soh-tross ah-bree-ah-moss see-doe las pre-meh-rahs ehn vehr-tehh see ooh-bee-eh-rahs yeh-gah-doe ah-yehr | \nnoˈsotɾas aˈβɾiamos ˈsiðo las pɾiˈmeɾas em ˈbeɾte sj uˈβjeɾaz ʎeˈɣaðo aˈʝeɾ ‖ | \n
The preterite perfect, known as the pretérito perfecto in Spanish (preh-teh-ree-toe pehr-fec-toe) is used to describe:
\nThis conjugation involves the present conjugation of the auxiliary verb “haber” (to have).
\nNote that European Spanish uses the present perfect the way Latin America (and English) uses the preterite tense — to explain things in the simple past.
\n| English | \nSer | \nEstar | \n
| I am | \nYo he sido | \nYo he estado | \n
| You are | \nTú has sido | \nTú has estado | \n
| You are (formal) | \nUsted ha sido | \nUsted ha estado | \n
| He/she/it is | \nÉl ha sido / Ella ha sido / Eso ha sido | \nÉl ha estado / Ella ha estado / Eso ha estado | \n
| We are | \nNosotros hemos sido / Nosotras hemos sido | \nNosotros hemos estado / Nosotras hemos estado | \n
| You all are (Latin American) | \n Ustedes han sido | \nUstedes han estado | \n
| You all are (European Spanish) | \n Vosotros habéis sido / Vosotras habéis sido | \nVosotros habéis estado | \n
| They are | \nEllos han sido / Ellas han sido | \nEllos han estado / Ellas han estado | \n
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| I have also been the last one to finish an exam. | \nYo también he sido el último en terminar el examen. | \nyoh tam-bee-ehn eh see-doe elle ool-tee-moe ehn tehr-me-nahr elle ex-ah-mehn | \nˈʝo tamˈbjen ˈe ˈsiðo el ˈultimo en teɾmiˈnaɾ el ekˈsamen ‖ | \n
| They have been best friends ever since they met. | \nEllas han sido mejores amigas desde que se conocieron. | \neh-yas ahn see-doe meh-hoh-rehs ah-me-gass des-deh keh seh coh-no-see-air-ohn | \nˈeʎas ˈan ˈsiðo meˈxoɾes aˈmiɣaz ˈðezðe ˈke se konoˈθjeɾon ‖ | \n
| We have been neighbors since 2008. | \nNosotros hemos sido vecinos desde el 2008. | \nno-soh-trohs eh-moss see-doe veh-see-noss dess-deh elle dos meel oh-cho | \nnoˈsotɾos ˈemos ˈsiðo βeˈθinoz ˈðezðe el 2008. | \n
| They have been waiting for you right there for two hours. | \nEllos han estado esperando ahí por dos horas. | \neh-yoss han ehs-tah-doh ehs-peh-rahn-doh ah-e pore dos oh-rahs | \nˈeʎos ˈan esˈtaðo espeˈɾando aˈi poɾ ˈðos ˈoɾas ‖ | \n
| Have you been sleeping this whole time? | \n¿Has estado dormida todo este tiempo? | \nahs ehs-tah-doh dore-mee-dah toh-doh ehs-teh tee-ehm-poe | \nˈas esˈtaðo ðoɾˈmiða ˈtoðo ˈeste ˈtjempo ‖ | \n
| He has been the first one to graduate from university in his family. | \nÉl ha sido el primero en graduarse de la universidad en su familia. | \nelle ah see-doh elle pre-meh-roh ehn gra-doo-are-seh deh la oo-nee-vehr-see-dad ehn soo fah-me-lee-ah | \nˈel ˈa ˈsiðo el pɾiˈmeɾo en ɡɾaˈðwaɾse ðe la wniβeɾsiˈðað en su faˈmilja ‖ | \n
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The pluperfect term, known as pluscuamperfecto (ploos-cooh-ahn-pehr-fec-toe) in Spanish, expresses an action that happened in the past before another action that also happened in the past. In other words, it is the past of the past. Even if its name sounds like a Spanish tongue twister, this tense is actually quite easy to learn (and very useful, too!).
\n| English | \nSer | \nEstar | \n
| I am | \nYo había sido | \nYo había estado | \n
| You are | \nTú habías sido | \nTú habías estado | \n
| You are (formal) | \nUsted había sido | \nUsted había estado | \n
| He/she/it is | \nÉl había sido / Ella había sido / Eso había sido | \nÉl había estado / Ella había estado / Eso había estado | \n
| We are | \nNosotros habíamos sido / Nosotras habíamos sido | \nNosotros habíamos estado / Nosotras habíamos estado | \n
| You all are (Latin American) | \n Ustedes habían sido | \nUstedes habían estado | \n
| You all are (European Spanish) | \n Vosotros habíais sido / Vosotras habíais sido | \nVosotros habíais estado / Vosotras habíais estado | \n
| They are | \nEllos habían sido / Ellas habían sido | \nEllos habían estado / Ellas habían estado | \n
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| I don’t remember well, but I think that I had already been here before. | \nNo recuerdo bien, pero creo que ya había estado aquí antes. | \nnoh reh-coo-air-doh bee-ehn, pear-oh kreh-oh keh ya ah-bee-ah ehs-tah-doh ah-key ahn-tess | \nˈno reˈkweɾðo ˈβjen | ˈpeɾo ˈkɾeo ˈke ʝa aˈβia esˈtaðo aˈki ˈantes ‖ | \n
| We thought that we had been the first ones to arrive, but then we saw you. | \nNosotras creíamos que habíamos sido las primeras en llegar, pero después te vimos. | \nno-soh-trahs creh-e-ah-moss keh ah-bee-ah-moss see-doh las pre-meh-rahs ehn yeh-gar, pear-oh dehs-poo-ess teh vee-moss | \nnoˈsotɾas kɾeˈiamos ˈke aˈβiamos ˈsiðo las pɾiˈmeɾas en ʎeˈɣaɾ | ˈpeɾo ðesˈpwes te ˈβimos ‖ | \n
| You had been the winner, but since you weren’t there, they chose a different candidate. | \nTú habías sido la ganadora, pero como no estabas, eligieron a otro concursante. | \ntoo ah-bee-ahs see-doh la gah-nah-door-ah, pear-oh coh-mo no ess-tah-bass, eh-lee-he-air-ohn ah oh-troh con-coor-sahn-teh | \nˈtu aˈβias ˈsiðo la ɣanaˈðoɾa | ˈpeɾo ˈkomo ˈno esˈtaβas | eliˈxjeɾon a ˈotɾo konkuɾˈsante ‖ | \n
| Had you all ever been in Granada before? | \n¿Vosotros habíais estado en Granada anteriormente? | \nvoh-soh-tross ah-bee-ice ehs-tah-doh ehn gra-nah-dah ahn-teh-ree-ore-mehn-teh | \nboˈsotɾos aˈβiajs esˈtaðo en ɡɾaˈnaða anteɾjoɾˈmente ‖ | \n
| That building had been abandoned until they converted it into a hotel. | \nEse edificio había estado abandonado hasta que lo convirtieron en hotel. | \neh-seh eh-dee-fee-see-oh ah-bee-ah ehs-tah-doe ah-bahn-doh-nah-doh ahs-tah keh lo con-veer-tee-air-ohn ehn oh-tell | \nˈese eðiˈfiθjo aˈβia esˈtaðo aβandoˈnaðo ˈasta ˈke lo kombiɾˈtjeɾon en oˈtel ‖ | \n
| She had been crying until she received the good news. | \nElla había estado llorando hasta que recibió las buenas noticias. | \neh-yah ah-bee-ah ess-tah-doe yoh-rahn-doe ahs-tah keh reh-see-bee-oh las boo-eh-nas no-tee-see-ahs | \nˈeʎa aˈβia esˈtaðo ʎoˈɾando ˈasta ˈke reθiˈβjo laz ˈβwenaz noˈtiθjas ‖ | \n
The subjunctive, known as el subjuntivo (elle soob-whoon-tee-vo) in Spanish, is used to discuss nebulous things that could, would or might maybe someday happen. It’s used to discuss our hopes, dreams, fears, feelings and emotions, aspirations, and innermost desires. Unlike the conditional tense we covered earlier, the subjunctive doesn’t necessarily have a basis in reality, so dream away!
\n| English | \nSer | \nEstar | \n
| I am | \nYo sea | \nYo esté | \n
| You are | \nTú seas | \nTú estés | \n
| You are (formal) | \nUsted sea | \nUsted esté | \n
| He/she/it is | \nÉl sea / Ella sea / Eso sea | \nÉl esté / Ella esté / Eso esté | \n
| We are | \nNosotros seamos / Nosotras seamos | \nNosotros estemos / Nosotras estemos | \n
| You all are (Latin American) | \n Ustedes sean | \nUstedes estén | \n
| You all are (European Spanish) | \n Vosotros seáis / Vosotras seáis | \nVosotros estéis | \n
| They are | \nEllos sean / Ellas sean | \nEllos estén / Ellas estén | \n
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| I hope that José is the winner of the contest. | \nEspero que José sea el ganador del concurso. | \nehs-peh-roh keh hoh-seh seh-ah elle gah-nah-door dell con-coor-soh | \nesˈpeɾo ˈke xoˈse ˈsea el ɣanaˈðoɾ ðel konˈkuɾso ‖ | \n
| When I’m rich, I’m going to invite everyone on vacation to the Caribbean. | \nCuando sea rica, los voy a invitar a todos de vacaciones en el Caribe. | \ncoo-ahn-doe seh-ah ree-cah, loss voy ah een-vee-tar ah toe-doss deh vah-cah-see-oh-ness ehn elle cah-ree-beh | \nˈkwando ˈsea ˈrika | loz ˈβoj a jmbiˈtaɾ a ˈtoðoz ðe βakaˈθjones en el kaˈɾiβe ‖ | \n
| Oh, grandma, I don’t know what I’m gonna do when you’re not here. | \nAy, abuelita, no sé que voy a hacer cuando no estés aquí. | \nah-e, ah-boo-eh-lee-tah, noh seh keh voy ah ah-sehr coo-ahn-doh noh ehs-tehs ah-key | \nˈaj | aβweˈlita | ˈno ˈse ˈke ˈβoj a aˈθeɾ ˈkwando ˈno esˈtes aˈki ‖ | \n
| Honestly, I’m not sure that you all are the right fit for this project. | \nLa verdad, no estoy seguro que ustedes sean los indicados para este proyecto. | \nla vehr-dad, noh ehs-toy seh-goo-roh keh oos-teh-dehs seh-ahn los een-deh-cah-doss pah-rah ehs-teh proh-yec-toe | \nla βeɾˈðað | ˈno esˈtoj seˈɣuɾo ˈke wsˈteðes ˈsean los indiˈkaðos ˈpaɾa ˈeste pɾoˈʝekto ‖ | \n
| Do you think that she’s also thinking about me? | \n¿Crees que ella también esté pensando en mí? | \ncrash keh eh-yah tam-bee-ehn eh-steh pen-sahn-doe ehn me | \nˈkɾees ˈke ˈeʎa tamˈbjen esˈte penˈsando em ˈmi ‖ | \n
| I hope that our cousins are also okay after such an awful storm. | \nEspero que nuestros primos estén bien después de esta tormenta tan fea. | \nehs-peh-roh keh noo-ehs-trohs pre-mos ehs-tehn bee-ehn des-poo-ehs deh ehs-tah tore-mehn-tah feh-ah | \nesˈpeɾo ˈke ˈnwestɾos ˈpɾimos esˈtem ˈbjen desˈpwez ðe ˈesta toɾˈmenta ˈtam ˈfea ‖ | \n
The imperfect subjunctive, known as el imperfecto del subjuntivo (elle eem-pehr-fec-toe dell soob-whoon-tee-voe) in Spanish, is a very versatile mode that can be used in the past, present or future tense. Like the present subjunctive, this mode helps us talk about desires, wishes, and alternate realities.
\n| English | \nSer | \nEstar | \n
| I am | \nYo fuera / Yo fuese | \nYo estuviera / Yo estuviese | \n
| You are | \nTú fueras / Tú fueses | \nTú estuvieras / Tú estuvieses | \n
| You are (formal) | \nUsted fuera / Usted fuese | \nUsted estuviera / Usted estuviese | \n
| He/she/it is | \nÉl fuera / Él fuese / Ella fuera / Ella fuese / Eso fuera / Eso fuese | \nÉl estuviera / Él estuviese / Ella estuviera / Ella estuviese / Eso estuviera / Eso estuviese | \n
| We are | \nNosotros fuéramos / Nosotros fuésemos / Nosotras fuéramos / Nosotras fuésemos | \nNosotros estuviéramos / Nosotros estuviésemos / Nosotras estuviéramos / Nosotras estuviésemos | \n
| You all are (Latin American) | \n Ustedes fueran / Ustedes fuesen | \nUstedes estuvieran / Ustedes estuviesen | \n
| You all are (European Spanish) | \n Vosotros fuerais / Vosotras fuerais | \nVosotros estuvierais / Vosotros estuvieseis / Vosotras estuvierais / Vosotras estuvieseis | \n
| They are | \nEllos fueran / Ellos fuesen / Ellas fueran / Ellas fuesen | \nEllos estuvieran / Ellos estuviesen / Ellas estuvieran / Ellas estuviesen | \n
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| If it was earlier, I would come with you to the store. | \nSi fuera más temprano, te acompañaría a la tienda. | \nsee foo-air-ah mahs tehm-prah-noh, teh ah-com-pah-nyah-ree-ah ah lah tee-ehn-dah | \nsi ˈfweɾa ˈmas temˈpɾano | te akompaɲaˈɾia a la ˈtjenda ‖ | \n
| If you were more polite, then maybe your calls would be returned. | \nSi usted fuese más amable, tal vez le devolverían sus llamadas. | \nsee oos-ted foo-eh-seh mahs ah-mah-bleh, tall vehs leh deh-voll-veh-ree-ahn soos yah-mah-dass | \nsj usˈteð ˈfwese ˈmas aˈmaβle | ˈtal ˈβeð le ðeβolβeˈɾian suz ʎaˈmaðas ‖ | \n
| If it were sunny, we would be able to go to the beach | \nSi estuviera soleado, podríamos ir a la playa. | \nsee ehs-too-vee-air-ah soh-leh-ah-doh, poh-dree-ah-moss eer ah lah plah-yah | \nsj estuˈβjeɾa soleˈaðo | poˈðɾiamos ˈiɾ a la ˈplaʝa ‖ | \n
| We wouldn’t be waiting in the rain if we had somewhere to go. | \nNo estuviéramos esperando en la lluvia si tuviéramos a dónde ir. | \nno ehs-too-vee-air-ah-moss ehs-peh-rahn-doh ehn la you-vee-ah see too-vee-air-ah-moss ah don-deh eer | \nˈno estuˈβjeɾamos espeˈɾando en la ˈʎuβja si tuˈβjeɾamos a ˈðonde ˈiɾ ‖ | \n
| If he was interested, he would have called you already. | \nSi él estuviese interesado, ya te hubiera llamado. | \nsee elle ehs-too-vee-eh-seh een-teh-reh-sah-doh, yah teh ooh-vee-air-ah yah-mah-doh | \nsj ˈel estuˈβjese jnteɾeˈsaðo | ʝa te wˈβjeɾa ʎaˈmaðo ‖ | \n
| Who would’ve thought that that would have been the ideal solution for the situation? | \nQuién hubiera dicho que eso fuera lo ideal para arreglar la situación. | \nkey-ehn ooh-vee-air-ah dee-cho keh eh-soh foo-eh-rah lo e-deh-ahl pah-rah ah-reh-glahr la see-too-ah-see-ohn | \nˈkjen uˈβjeɾa ˈðiʧo ˈke ˈeso ˈfweɾa lo jðeˈal ˈpaɾa areˈɣlaɾ la sitwaˈθjon ‖ | \n
The future subjunctive, known as futuro imperfecto del subjuntivo (foo-too-roh eem-pehr-fec-toe dell soob-whon-tee-vo), is another form of the imperfect mode. As you can probably guess, it is used to refer to events that could happen in the future, although the action may be impossible or improbable.
\n| English | \nSer | \nEstar | \n
| I am | \nYo fuere | \nYo estuviere | \n
| You are | \nTú fueres | \nTú estuvieres | \n
| You are (formal) | \nUsted fuere | \nUsted fuese | \n
| He/she/it is | \nÉl fuere / Ella fuere / Eso fuere | \nÉl estuviere / Ella estuviere / Eso estuviere | \n
| We are | \nNosotros fuéremos / Nosotras fuéremos | \nNosotros estuviéremos / Nosotras estuviéremos | \n
| You all are (Latin American) | \n Ustedes fueren | \nUstedes estuvieren | \n
| You all are (European Spanish) | \n Vosotros fuereis / Vosotras fuereis | \nVosotros estuviereis / Vosotras estuviereis | \n
| They are | \nEllos fueren / Ellas fueren | \nEllos estuvieren / Ellas estuvieren | \n
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| The winner, whomever it may be, will be crowned tomorrow. | \nEl ganador, sea quien fuere, será coronado mañana. | \nelle gah-nah-door, seh-ah key-ehn foo-eh-reh, seh-rah coh-roh-nah-doe mah-nyah-nah | \nel ɣanaˈðoɾ | ˈsea ˈkjem ˈfweɾe | seˈɾa koɾoˈnaðo maˈɲana ‖ | \n
| If he isn’t ready to defend his thesis, he won’t be able to graduate. | \nSi no estuviere listo para defender su tésis, no se podrá graduar. | \nsee noh ehs-too-vee-air-ah lees-toe pah-rah deh-fen-dehr soo teh-sees, no seh poh-drah grah-doo-ar | \nsi ˈno estuˈβjeɾe ˈlisto ˈpaɾa ðefenˈdeɾ su ˈtesis | ˈno se poˈðɾa ɣɾaˈðwaɾ ‖ | \n
| Wherever they might be, they will be taken to jail. | \nDonde sea que estuvieren serán llevados a la cárcel. | \ndohn-deh seh-ah keh ehs-too-vee-eh-rehn seh-rahn yeh-vah-doss ah la car-sehl | \nˈdonde ˈsea ˈke estuˈβjeɾen seˈɾan ʎeˈβaðos a la ˈkaɾθel ‖ | \n
| What more could I ask for than for her to be the winner of the scholarship. | \nQué más quisiera que ella fuere la ganadora de la beca. | \nkeh mahs key-see-air-ah keh eh-yah foo-eh-reh la ga-nah-door-ah deh la beh-cah | \nˈke ˈmas kiˈsjeɾa ˈke ˈeʎa ˈfweɾe la ɣanaˈðoɾa ðe la ˈβeka ‖ | \n
| In case other people are there, we will look for another site for our reunion. | \nEn el caso de que otras personas estuvieren ahí, buscaremos otro sitio para nuestra reunión. | \nehn elle cah-so deh keh oh-tahs pehr-soh-nass ehs-too-vee-eh-rehn ah-e, boos-cah-reh-moss oh-troh see-tee-oh pah-rah noo-ehs-trah reh-ooh-nee-ohn | \nen el ˈkaso ðe ˈke ˈotɾas peɾˈsonas estuˈβjeɾen aˈi | buskaˈɾemos ˈotɾo ˈsitjo ˈpaɾa ˈnwestɾa rewˈnjon ‖ | \n
| Whomever is present will be escalated to the nearest exit. | \nQuien estuviere presente será escoltado hacia la salida más cercana. | \nkey-ehn ehs-too-vee-eh-reh preh-sehn-teh seh-rah ehs-coll-tah-doh ah-see-ah la sah-lee-dah mahs sehr-cah-nah | \nˈkjen estuˈβjeɾe pɾeˈsente seˈɾa eskolˈtaðo ˈaθja la saˈliða ˈmas θeɾˈkana ‖ | \n
The affirmative imperative, known as el imperativo afirmativo (elle eem-peh-rah-tee-vo ah-feer-ma-tee-vo) in Spanish, is used to give orders and strong suggestions or recommendations. Because of this, there are no first-person singular conjugations of the verb to be, as you cannot command yourself to do something. If you want to give yourself a pep talk, though, you can use the second-person singular conjugation, just as if you were having a dialogue with yourself!
\n| English | \nSer | \nEstar | \n
| You are | \n¡Sé! | \n¡Está! | \n
| You are (formal) | \n¡Sea! | \n¡Esté! | \n
| We are | \n¡Seamos! | \n¡Estemos! | \n
| You all are (Latin American) | \n ¡Sean! | \n¡Estén! | \n
| You all are (European Spanish) | \n ¡Sed! | \n¡Estad! | \n
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| Be brave! | \n¡Sé valiente! | \nseh vah-lee-ehn-teh | \nˈse βaˈljente ‖ | \n
| Stop criticizing her! Be polite! | \n¡Deje de criticarla! ¡Sea educado! | \ndeh-heh deh cree-tee-car-la! seh-ah eh-doo-cah-doh | \nˈdexe ðe kɾitiˈkaɾla ‖ ˈsea eðuˈkaðo ‖ | \n
| Let’s be ready for the arrival of her majesty! | \n¡Estemos listos para la llegada de su majestad! | \nehs-teh-moss lees-toes pah-rah lah yeh-gah-dah deh soo mah-hehs-tad | \nesˈtemoz ˈlistos ˈpaɾa la ʎeˈɣaða ðe su maxesˈtað ‖ | \n
| Stop moving, be still! | \nDejen de moverse, ¡estén quietos! | \ndeh-hehnn deh mo-vehr-seh, ehs-tehn key-eh-tos | \nˈdexen de moˈβeɾse | esˈten ˈkjetos ‖ | \n
| Please, it’s time to stop lying. Let’s be honest! | \nPor favor, es hora de dejar de mentir. ¡Seamos sinceros! | \npore fah-vore, ehs oh-rah deh deh-har deh mehn-teer. seh-ah-moss seen-seh-ross | \npoɾ faˈβoɾ | ˈes ˈoɾa ðe ðeˈxaɾ ðe menˈtiɾ ‖ seˈamos sinˈθeɾos ‖ | \n
| You almost make it to the finish line, be patient! | \nYa casi llegas a la meta, ¡sé paciente! | \nya cah-see yeh-gass ah lah meh-tah, seh pah-see-ehn-teh | \nʝa ˈkasi ˈʎeɣas a la ˈmeta | ˈse paˈθjente ‖ | \n
The negative imperative, known as el imperativo negativo (elle eem-peh-rah-tee-vo neh-ga-tee-voh), is used to give negative commands and recommendations to people. If you have a dog or any other animals at home, you’re probably going to welcome a new way of giving negative commands in Spanish!
\n| English | \nSer | \nEstar | \n
| You are | \n¡No seas! | \n¡No estés! | \n
| You are (formal) | \n¡No sea! | \n¡No esté! | \n
| We are | \n¡No seamos! | \n¡No estemos! | \n
| You all are (Latin American) | \n ¡No sean! | \n¡No estén! | \n
| You all are (European Spanish) | \n ¡No seáis! | \n¡No estéis! | \n
| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| Don’t be a coward! | \n¡No seas cobarde! | \nnoh seh-ahs coh-bar-deh | \nˈno ˈseas koˈβaɾðe ‖ | \n
| Stop screaming! | \n¡No estés gritando! | \nnoh ehs-tehs gree-tahn-doh | \nˈno esˈtez ɣɾiˈtando ‖ | \n
| Don’t be rude! | \n¡No sean groseros! | \nnoh seh-ahn groh-seh-ross | \nˈno ˈsean ɡɾoˈseɾos ‖ | \n
| Stop bothering! | \n¡No estén molestando! | \nnoh ehs-tehn moh-less-tahn-doe | \nˈno esˈtem molesˈtando ‖ | \n
| Rex! Stop barking! | \n¡Rex! No estés ladrando! | \nrex! no ehs-tehs lah-drahn-doe | \nˈreks ‖ ˈno esˈtez laˈðɾando ‖ | \n
| Please help her, don’t be mean! | \nPor favor ayúdenla, ¡no sean malos! | \npore fah-vore ah-you-dehn-la, no seh-ahn mah-loss | \npoɾ faˈβoɾ aˈʝuðenla | ˈno ˈseam ˈmalos ‖ | \n
If you’re already familiar with conjugation rules and just need to double-check that you got it right, then the cheat sheets below are for you!
\n| \n | Presente | \nImperfecto | \nPretérito | \nFuturo | \nCondicional | \n
| Yo | \nsoy | \nera | \nfui | \nseré | \nsería | \n
| Tú | \neres | \neras | \nfuiste | \nserás | \nserías | \n
| Él / ella / usted | \nes | \nera | \nfue | \nserá | \nsería | \n
| Nosotros / nosotras | \nsomos | \néramos | \nfuimos | \nseremos | \nseríamos | \n
| Vosotros / vosotras | \nsois | \nerais | \nfuisteis | \nseréis | \nseríais | \n
| Ellos / ellas / ustedes | \nson | \neran | \nfueron | \nserán | \nserían | \n
| \n | Perfecto | \nPluscuamperfecto | \nFuturo perfecto | \nCondicional perfecto | \n
| Yo | \nhe sido | \nhabía sido | \nhabré sido | \nhabría sido | \n
| Tú | \nhas sido | \nhabías sido | \nhabrás sido | \nhabrías sido | \n
| Él / ella / usted | \nha sido | \nhabía sido | \nhabrá sido | \nhabría sido | \n
| Nosotros / nosotras | \nhemos sido | \nhabíamos sido | \nhabremos sido | \nhabríamos sido | \n
| Vosotros / vosotras | \nhabéis sido | \nhabíais sido | \nhabréis sido | \nhabríais sido | \n
| Ellos / ellas / ustedes | \nhan sido | \nhabían sido | \nhabrán sido | \nhabrían sido | \n
| \n | Presente | \nImperfecto | \nFuturo | \n
| Yo | \nsea | \nfuera / fuese | \nfuere | \n
| Tú | \nseas | \nfueras / fueses | \nfueres | \n
| Él / ella / usted | \nsea | \nfuera / fuese | \nfuere | \n
| Nosotros / nosotras | \nseamos | \nfuéramos / fuésemos | \nfuéremos | \n
| Vosotros / vosotras | \nseáis | \nfuerais / fueseis | \nfuereis | \n
| Ellos / ellas / ustedes | \nsean | \nfueran / fuesen | \nfueren | \n
| \n | Pretérito perfecto | \nPluscuamperfecto | \n
| Yo | \nhaya sido | \nhubiera / hubiese sido | \n
| Tú | \nhayas sido | \nhubieras / hubieses sido | \n
| Él / ella / usted | \nhaya sido | \nhubiera / hubiese sido | \n
| Nosotros / nosotras | \nhayamos sido | \nhubiéramos o hubiésemos sido | \n
| Vosotros / vosotras | \nhayáis sido | \nhubierais o hubieseis sido | \n
| Ellos / ellas / ustedes | \nhayan sido | \nhubieran o hubiesen sido | \n
| \n | Afirmativo | \nNegativo | \n
| Tú | \n¡sé! | \n¡no seas! | \n
| Él / ella / usted | \n¡sea! | \n¡no sea! | \n
| Nosotros / nosotras | \n¡seamos! | \n¡no seamos! | \n
| Vosotros / vosotras | \n¡sed! | \n¡no seáis! | \n
| Ellos / ellas / ustedes | \n¡sean! | \n¡no sean! | \n
| \n | Presente | \nImperfecto | \nPretérito | \nFuturo | \nCondicional | \n
| Yo | \nestoy | \nestaba | \nestuve | \nestaré | \nestaría | \n
| Tú | \nestás | \nestabas | \nestuviste | \nestarás | \nestarías | \n
| Él / ella / usted | \nestá | \nestaba | \nestuvo | \nestará | \nestaría | \n
| Nosotros / nosotras | \nestamos | \nestábamos | \nestuvimos | \nestaremos | \nestaríamos | \n
| Vosotros / vosotras | \nestáis | \nestabais | \nestuvisteis | \nestaréis | \nestaríais | \n
| Ellos / ellas / ustedes | \nestán | \nestaban | \nestuvieron | \nestarán | \nestarían | \n
| \n | Perfecto | \nPluscuamperfecto | \nFuturo perfecto | \nCondicional perfecto | \n
| Yo | \nhe estado | \nhabía estado | \nhabré estado | \nhabría estado | \n
| Tú | \nhas estado | \nhabías estado | \nhabrás estado | \nhabrías estado | \n
| Él / ella / usted | \nha estado | \nhabía estado | \nhabrá estado | \nhabría estado | \n
| Nosotros / nosotras | \nhemos estado | \nhabíamos estado | \nhabremos estado | \nhabríamos estado | \n
| Vosotros / vosotras | \nhabéis estado | \nhabíais estado | \nhabréis estado | \nhabríais estado | \n
| Ellos / ellas / ustedes | \nhan estado | \nhabían estado | \nhabrán estado | \nhabrían estado | \n
| \n | Presente | \nImperfecto | \nFuturo | \n
| Yo | \nesté | \nestuviera / estuviese | \nestuviere | \n
| Tú | \nestés | \nestuvieras / estuvieses | \nestuvieres | \n
| Él / ella / usted | \nesté | \nestuviera / estuviese | \nestuviere | \n
| Nosotros / nosotras | \nestemos | \nestuviéramos / estuviésemos | \nestuviéremos | \n
| Vosotros / vosotras | \nestéis | \nestuvierais / estuvieseis | \nestuviereis | \n
| Ellos / ellas / ustedes | \nestén | \nestuvieran / estuviesen | \nestuvieren | \n
| \n | Pretérito perfecto | \nPluscuamperfecto | \n
| Yo | \nhaya estado | \nhubiera o hubiese estado | \n
| Tú | \nhayas estado | \nhubieras o hubieses estado | \n
| Él / ella / usted | \nhaya estado | \nhubiera o hubiese estado | \n
| Nosotros / nosotras | \nhayamos estado | \nhubiéramos o hubiésemos estado | \n
| Vosotros / vosotras | \nhayáis estado | \nhubierais o hubieseis estado | \n
| Ellos / ellas / ustedes | \nhayan estado | \nhubieran o hubiesen estado | \n
| \n | Afirmativo | \nNegativo | \n
| Tú | \n¡está! | \n¡no estés! | \n
| Él / ella / usted | \n¡esté! | \n¡no esté! | \n
| Nosotros / nosotras | \n¡estemos! | \n¡no estemos! | \n
| Vosotros / vosotras | \n¡estad! | \n¡no estéis! | \n
| Ellos / ellas / ustedes | \n¡estén! | \n¡no estén! | \n
You typically do not use the verbs “ser” or “estar” when introducing yourself in Spanish. Unlike English, where you would say “I am” when introducing yourself, Spanish uses the verb “llamar,” which is similar to “to be called.” To introduce yourself in Spanish, you want to say “Me llamo ____” (I am called _____).
\nIn Spanish, “soy” represents traits or characteristics that are impossible or very difficult to change, whereas “estoy” represents those that could change very easily. For example, you would use “soy” to describe physical attributes, your nationality, or your profession, while you’d use “estoy” to describe your mood, location, or what you’re doing at the moment.
\nSpanish is a null-subject language, meaning that you can safely ignore specifying the subject in most cases as the conjugation of the verb will make it clear who the subject is. However, you can still say “yo soy” instead of just “soy” if you want to emphasize who is doing the action.
\n\nThere are thousands and thousands of possible conjugations in Spanish, so don’t try to force yourself to learn too many of them in a short amount of time! While spending some time memorizing the conjugation of important verbs like “to be” is certainly worthwhile, there’s no need to freak out over having to learn countless conjugations all at once.
\nOur best recommendation is to find an immersive program that will allow you to maximize your exposure to native-language content. And if you’ve got other commitments that prevent you from committing to an immersive experience, then check out our Spanish blog! We publish guides on helpful grammar and vocabulary topics, like the Spanish possessive adjectives and Spanish vowels and diphthongs.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Accent marks for Spanish","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"The ultimate guide to Spanish accent marks & how to type them","url":"/blog/accent-marks-spanish","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt10601e7be4a0a47b/642385c4cfb44c109a1d5d3a/pexels-edmond-dantès-4339909.jpg"},"post_content":"One of the best parts of picking up a new language is learning all about its fun and exciting linguistic features. Okay, fine — maybe that’s just the case for language geeks like me, but hear me out! One of the most unique features of Spanish is its rich set of rules and guidelines that help take the guesswork out of spelling and pronunciation.
For example, have you noticed that the pronunciation of some English words has no basis in reality? Words like caramel, data, and apricot have hotly debated pronunciations, and English grammar or spelling rules offer no solution for these disputes. Fortunately, Spanish accent mark rules will ensure that you always know how a word is pronounced, as long as you can read it! How awesome is that?
Of course, if you’re a native English speaker, then these marks aren’t totally novel to you — words like résumé, risqué, and café are commonly used in English and include an accent mark. However, these words come from French — not Spanish — and French has totally different accent mark rules.
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about accent marks in Spanish, from the different types of marks, to what they mean and how to use them. We’ll even cover how to separate any Spanish word into syllables so you can identify which words need an accent mark!
Ready to tackle them? ¡Ya estás!
![\"Learning](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb064d536e9815134/64238650524c8410f07bd67f/pexels-julia-m-cameron-4144830.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Before we get started with all the rules and exceptions, let’s cover the bare basics. If you’re still studying elementary Spanish, you may wonder which Spanish letters have an accent mark. Fortunately, only the five Spanish vowels can have an accent mark:
Although the letter y is also considered a vowel by some, it cannot have an accent mark in Spanish.
Spanish vowels have an accent mark when certain rules are met. Accent marks, or a lack thereof, help us identify where the stressed syllable is. Unlike other languages, Spanish doesn’t use accent marks to change the sound of a vowel. That means that, instead of memorizing countless vocabulary words, you just have to learn a few rules, and you’ll be able to figure out when a vowel needs an accent mark!
But before we get started with accent mark rules, we need to cover the stress rules.
![\"When](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt757d53d6c90648ad/642386c74fb729111e216163/pexels-christina-morillo-1181605.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The overwhelming majority of cases involving an accent mark in Spanish — which, by the way, is called tilde (teel-deh) in Spanish — is related to the stress of a word. Luckily, this won’t be a new concept for you if you’re an English speaker. Every word in English has a stressed syllable, although there’s no way to know which is the stressed syllable just by looking at a word, so you have to learn the pronunciation of each word individually.
Luckily, Spanish has devised a nifty set of pronunciation rules that will let you know exactly how each word is pronounced just by looking at it. No more mispronouncing a new word you learned from a book!
There are four types of words in Spanish:
| Spanish | English | Meaning | Examples |
| Aguda | Oxytone | The stress falls on the last syllable | Hablar, comer, café |
| Grave | Paroxytone | The stress falls on the second-to-last syllable | Árbol, récord, jueves |
| Esdrújula | Proparoxytone | The stress falls on the third-to-last syllable | América, romántico, lógico |
| Sobresdrújula | Proparoxytone | The stress falls earlier than on the third-to-last syllable | Tecnológicamente, estúdiatelo, quédeselo |
The first step to knowing whether a word requires an accent mark is being able to identify what type of word you’re dealing with. If you’re trying to write a word from memory, then all you need to do is break the word down into syllables and figure out where the emphasis is. And if you’re reading a word, you’ll know exactly where the emphasis is based on whether it has an accent mark!
You won’t be able to follow any of the accent mark rules if you’re uncomfortable breaking down words into syllables. Although this can seem a little complicated at first, this is one of those areas that will improve tremendously with time.
Most syllables combine a vowel sound (can be one or more vowels) and a consonant sound (can be one or more consonants). Every word is made up of at least one syllable. Here are all the rules you should follow when breaking down words into syllables:
If that felt like a lot of rules, you’re not alone! While seeing such a long list of rules to take note of can seem overwhelming at first, remember that word syllabication is all about rhythm, and the best way to pick up the rhythm of words is through constant exposure! And if you need some extra help while you get there, you can try this handy syllable separator!
If you felt like those were too many rules to comfortably follow along by text, do not worry. The following video is an excellent resource for you if you’re still trying to get a hang of how the Spanish syllables work.
As always, practice makes perfect, so work on separating as many words as you can into syllables. Here are some examples to help you get started.
| English | Spanish | Syllables |
| House | Casa | ca-sa |
| Dog | Perro | pe-rro |
| Spanish | Español | es-pa-ñol |
| Horse | Caballo | ca-ba-llo |
| Spade | Espadín | es-pa-dín |
| Eagle | Águila | á-gui-la |
| Preterit | Poeta | po-e-ta |
| Spelling | Ortografía | or-to-gra-fí-a |
| Orthopedic | Ortopédico | or-to-pé-di-co |
| Bat | Murciélago | mur-cié-la-go |
The accent mark rules are quite simple now that you know how to break down words into syllables. Once you’ve separated a word into syllables, you just need to identify where the stress is so you can classify it into one of the four types of words we mentioned above (aguda, grave, esdrújula, sobresdrújula).
Here are the rules you should follow:
| Type of word | Stress location | Condition | Accent mark | Examples |
| Aguda | Last syllable | Ends in a vowel, “n” or “s” | YES ✅ | Francés, limón, sofá |
| Aguda | Last syllable | Doesn’t end in a vowel, “n” or “s” | NO ❌ | Gastar, mental, universidad |
| Grave | Second-to-last syllable | Ends in vowel, “n” or “s” | NO ❌ | Dien-te, en-sa-la-da, ca-mio-ne-ta |
| Grave | Second-to-last syllable | Doesn’t end in a vowel, “n” or “s” | YES ✅ | Dó-lar, cón-sul, lá-piz |
| Esdrújula | Third-to-last syllable | No conditions | YES ✅ | Rá-pi-do, sí-la-ba, e-co-nó-mi-co |
| Sobresdrújula | Before third-to-last syllable | No conditions | YES ✅ | Ro-mán-ti-ca-men-te, sar-cás-ti-ca-men-te, pa-cí-fi-ca-men-te |
In other words:
If you’ve been taking Spanish classes for any amount of time, then you already know that for every Spanish grammar rule, there’s at least one exception. And that’s the only golden rule in Spanish! So, here are some situations that break the Spanish accent mark rules we discussed above.
If you know about the Spanish question words, then you probably already saw this one coming. Since Spanish questions generally don’t follow a different structure than regular statements, Spanish goes the extra mile to ensure its questions are abundantly clear. That’s why you see the use of the upside-down question mark, as well as an accent mark over question words.
In Spanish, question words can also be other types of words, like relative pronouns. In order to avoid confusion, these words have an accent mark when they’re being used as question words, and don’t have one when they’re being used as relative pronouns. Here are some examples:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Who was the leader of the Mexican Independence? | ¿Quién lideró la independencia de México? | key-ehn lee-deh-roh la een-deh-pehn-dehn-see-ah deh meh-he-co | ˈkjen liðeˈɾo la jndepenˈdenθja ðe ˈmexiko ‖ |
| Miguel Hidalgo, who is considered to be the leader of the Mexican Independence, died in 1811. | Miguel Hidalgo, quien es considerado el líder de la independencia de México, murió en 1811. | me-gehl e-dahl-go, key-ehn ess con-see-deh-rah-doh elle lee-dehr deh la een-deh-pehn-dehn-see-ah deh meh-he-co, moo-ree-oh ehn meel oh-cho see-ehn-toss on-seh | miˈɣel iˈðalɣo | ˈkjen ˈes konsiðeˈɾaðo el ˈliðeɾ ðe la jndepenˈdenθja ðe ˈmexiko | muˈɾjo en 1811 |
| When are you coming to see me? | ¿Cuándo vas a venir a verme? | coo-ahn-doh vahs ah veh-neer ah vehr-meh | ˈkwando ˈβas a βeˈniɾ a ˈβeɾme ‖ |
| I’m coming to see you when you invite me. | Voy a ir a verte cuando me invites. | voy ah eer ah vehr-teh coo-ahn-doh meh een-vee-tess | ˈboj a ˈiɾ a ˈβeɾte ˈkwando me jmˈbites ‖ |
| How do you know when my birthday is? | ¿Cómo sabes cuándo es mi cumpleaños? | coh-mo sah-behs coo-ahn-doe ess me coom-pleh-ah-nyoss | ˈkomo ˈsaβes ˈkwando ˈez mi kumpleˈaɲos ‖ |
| Because I met you on your last birthday. I remember it like it was yesterday. | Porque te conocí en tu cumpleaños pasado. Lo recuerdo como si fuera ayer. | pore-keh teh coh-no-see ehn too coom-pleh-ah-nyoss pah-sah-doe. lo reh-coo-air-doe coh-mo see foo-eh-rah ah-yehr | ˈpoɾke te konoˈθi en tu kumpleˈaɲos paˈsaðo ‖ lo reˈkweɾðo ˈkomo si ˈfweɾa aˈʝeɾ ‖ |
![\"Surprise](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt0021f64c00d9fe40/64238757cc01de1087082726/pexels-cottonbro-studio-6800133.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Another thing to keep in mind is that interrogative words aren’t used in questions all the time. Indeed, you can allude to a question even if you’re only making a statement. These are known as embedded questions, and the question words used to make them also have an accent mark. Here are some examples to help you understand what we mean.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| I still don’t know who the leader of the Mexican Independence was. | Aun no sé quién fue el lider de la independencia de México. | ah-oohn no seh key-ehn foo-eh elle lee-dehr deh la een-deh-pehn-dehn-see-ah deh meh-he-co | ˈawn ˈno ˈse ˈkjem ˈfwe el liˈðeɾ ðe la jndepenˈdenθja ðe ˈmexiko ‖ |
| I am coming to see you, but I don’t know at what time. | Sí voy a ir a verte, pero no sé a qué hora. | see voy ah eer ah vehr-teh, peh-ro no seh ah keh oh-rah | ˈsi ˈβoj a ˈiɾ a ˈβeɾte | ˈpeɾo ˈno ˈse a ˈke ˈoɾa ‖ |
| Truthfully, I don’t know how I know when your birthday is. | La verdad no sé cómo sé cuándo es tu cumpleaños. | la vehr-dad no seh co-moh seh coo-ahn-do ehs too coom-pleh-ah-nyos | la βeɾˈðað ˈno ˈse ˈkomo ˈse ˈkwando ˈes tu kumpleˈaɲos ‖ |
Spanish also uses accent marks over vowels to differentiate homonyms. This is especially true for short words that may cause a misunderstanding, so adding an accent mark is an easy way to differentiate between the two meanings. This type of accent mark is known as the tilde diacrítica, and it doesn’t change the pronunciation of the word.
Unlike the rules mentioned above, no rule will tell you when a homonym should have an accent — you simply have to memorize the ones that do. Luckily, there aren’t that many cases.
Here are some of the most common Spanish homonyms that have an accent mark.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| More | Más | mahs | ˈmas |
| Even though | Mas | mahs | ˈmas |
| You | Tú | too | ˈtu |
| Your | Tu | too | tu |
| Him | Él | elle | ˈel |
| The | El | elle | el |
| Me | Mí | me | ˈmi |
| My | Mi | me | mi |
| Tea | Té | teh | ˈte |
| You | Te | teh | te |
| To give | Dé | deh | ˈde |
| From | De | deh | de |
| To know | Sé | seh | ˈse |
| Oneself | Se | seh | se |
| Yes | Sí | see | ˈsi |
| If | Si | see | si |
Demonstrative pronouns are quite controversial in the Spanish-speaking world. Their use is quite simple: they help us refer to things based on their relation to us or something or someone else. In Spanish, these are pronouns like este, ese, and estos, and this, these, and those in English.
However, what’s still hotly debated these days is whether these pronouns need to have an accent mark. Previously, the rule was for demonstrative pronouns to go with an accent mark whenever they represent a specific noun. For example, you would say “esta silla” in the first instance, followed by “ésta” (no mention of silla) in all subsequent instances.
Fortunately, you do not need to worry about this too much as the RAE recommends never using an accent mark with demonstrative pronouns. They still made a provision allowing people to use them in the case of ambiguity, so you might still run into them in the wild. However, if you’re just getting started, it’s probably best to follow RAE’s advice and never use them at all.
By this point, you might be thinking, “but wait, aren’t you forgetting about the accent marks over the n and the u?” While that’s a great observation, Spanish doesn’t consider the ˜ above the ñ or the ¨ above the u to be an accent mark. These are entirely different marks, but they’re still worth mentioning in the context of Spanish marks.
Perhaps confusingly, the sign above the letter Ñ is called a tilde in English, but a virguilla (veer-gee-yah) in Spanish. As you’ll recall, a tilde in Spanish is the name of the acute accent mark we’ve discussed in this article.
So, when does the letter N go with a tilde in Spanish? In short, never. That’s because Spanish considers N and Ñ to be completely different letters. So, don’t think of the letter Ñ as just an N with a squiggly line on top. Simply learn its pronunciation like you would any other letter, and make sure to keep the letter ñ completely separate from the letter n! Mixing them up could result in you saying “Tengo 27 anos” (I have 27 anuses) instead of “Tengo 27 años” (I am 27 years old)!
If you speak German or French, you’re probably already familiar with these two little dots known as la diéresis (la dee-eh-reh-sees), or diacritic diaeresis (they have other names in other languages, but let’s focus on Spanish for now!).
Unlike the accent mark, the diacritic diaeresis does change the pronunciation of a letter as it overrides another pronunciation rule. As you’ll recall, the u in words with -gue and -gui is completely silent, such as in águila (ah-gee-lah) and Guevara (geh-vah-rah). However, when the diacritic diaeresis is added to the u, it overrides the rule so that the u is pronounced, such as in pingüino (peen-goo-e-noh) and bilingüe (bee-leen-goo-eh). The sound of the u doesn’t change at all, a ü sounds exactly like a u in any other situation.
If you’ve never spoken a language that routinely uses accent marks before, then you might be wondering how to type them. Luckily, it’s not as difficult as it may sound, although there are a few different ways to type them depending on your device.
Of course, you can also just copy and paste them if you’re in a rush or are having trouble getting your keyword to work. You can use the following list:
If you’re committed to learning Spanish, though, you will need to find an easy and reliable way to type accent marks on your computer, phone, or tablet.
Did you know laptops in Spain and Latin America come with a special Spanish keyword that includes special characters like the accent mark and the Ñ? However, you don’t need to go out and buy a Spanish keyboard or a new laptop just because you don’t see an accent mark on your keyboard. Here’s how to type them on an English keyboard:
Mac computers have keyboard shortcuts that can help you type all kinds of special characters and symbols — including the Spanish accent mark. To type the Spanish accent mark on a Mac, simply press option + e followed by the vowel you want the accent mark over.
You can release the keys after pressing option + e and you’ll see the accent mark (´) hovering over a blank space. At that point, just press the key for the vowel you want and you’ll get a Spanish vowel with an accent mark!
PS. You can use option + n to get the ˜ for ñ and option + u to get the ¨ for ü!
To type a Spanish accent on a PC, all you need to do is press Ctrl + ‘ (apostrophe) followed by the vowel you want to accentuate. You can also press Ctrl + Shift + ~ to get the ˜ for ñ and Ctrl + Shift + : to get the ¨ for ü.
The good thing about using a smartphone or a tablet is that there aren’t any physical limitations when it comes to the keyboard. So, if you’re fully ready to take the plunge and immerse yourself in a Spanish-speaking environment, go ahead and set your keyboard to Spanish! Just go to your device’s keyboard settings and set the language to Spanish. This won’t change your entire phone’s language to Spanish — only your keyboard’s.
If you’re not ready to replace your Spanish keyboard with an English one yet, you can simply tap and hold any vowel on your iPhone or iPad and it will show you a list of all the available accent marks for that particular vowel. Once you see the list of available vowels, simply tap the á icon and you’ll get your accented vowel!
You can tap and hold a vowel on your Android device to see all the available accents for that particular vowel. So, if you’re trying to type á on your Android device, simply tap and hold the a until the list of available accent marks appears. Then, just tap on the á, and voilà!
![\"Answering](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt5a3360673d6fc6c0/64238848cc01de108708272a/pexels-julia-m-cameron-4144222.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Every word in Spanish has an accent, but not all of them have an accent mark. In other words, the accent mark simply helps us find which syllable is the stressed syllable, and all words have a stressed syllable (except for some monosyllabic words). It’s common to use the terms “accent” and “accent mark” interchangeably, so you’ll often hear people ask if a certain word goes “con o sin acento” (with or without an accent).
¡No! Accent marks are extremely important and the absence of one can completely change the meaning of a word. For example, papa means potato but papá means father. See how the lack of an accent mark could quickly turn the meaning of your words upside down?
Yes! A single accent mark can completely change the meaning of a word in Spanish. In fact, accent marks are sometimes used specifically to change the meaning of words. This happens with homonyms like él and el, té and te, mi and mí, and more.
There is only one type of accent mark that’s used in Spanish: the acute accent (´). While other Romance languages like French use multiple types of accents, Spanish only uses one type of accent on all occasions.
Tackling the accents is just the first step to becoming a prolific writer in Spanish. Once you realize that the world of accent marks is nothing to be afraid of, you’ll see that writing in Spanish is much easier than you’d think. You’ll soon be able to write letters, emails, text messages, short stories, and much more in Spanish!
If you thought this guide was helpful, make sure to take a look at our Spanish blog. We regularly publish helpful and approachable guides on various Spanish grammar and vocabulary topics.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Tener conjugations","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"The definitive guide to conjugating tener in all 16 tenses & moods","url":"/blog/tener-conjugations-chart","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb05b1bccf4e518b9/643634fa74d71410bfac51ee/pexels-justin-luck-5646007.jpg"},"post_content":"The verb tener (to have) is one of the best ways to invest your time if you’re studying Spanish, as just a few simple conjugation rules will allow you to express many different situations. Of course, the verb “to have” can help you talk about things you own, but it’s also used to express characteristics, moods, feelings, and more.
Unfortunately, tener is an irregular verb, which means that you’ll have to memorize every tense for every person. But don’t let that discourage you! Once you find out just how useful this verb is, you’ll see that spending the time to learn it is well worth it.
So, let’s get started by covering the many uses of the verb tener so you can get excited about learning the conjugations!
The verb tener (teh-nehin Spanish translated into the verb “to have.” You use it to express possession and ownership, just as in English. However, in certain contexts, the verb tener can also translate into the verb “to be” in English.
That’s because English is quite generous with its use of the verb “to be.” For example, when you say, “I’m sleepy,” does that mean you are sleepy? That it’s an intrinsic part of your being? Do you exist in a perpetual state of sleepiness? Although many students would be tempted to answer affirmatively, the truth is that sleepiness isn’t a core part of anyone’s being (although a passion for sleeping can be!).
Spanish pays more close attention to the differences between permanent states of being and temporary states of being. That’s why you’d say “tengo sueño” (I have sleepiness) instead of “soy sueño” (I am sleepy).
Let’s take a look at just how versatile this verb can be.
![\"Take](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltd77927ea5f560b38/64363599cbf631109cafae1f/pexels-ivan-samkov-4458554.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Now that you’re hyped for all the different uses of the verb tener, we’ll get right into the conjugations! We’ll review 16 different tenses and modes so you’re well-equipped to use this verb in any situation!
Known as el tiempo presente (elle tee-ehm-poh preh-sehn-teh) in Spanish, the present tense helps us describe things that are true as of this moment. Notably, we use this tense when describing our age in Spanish, as we count the number of years we have.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| I am | Yo tengo | yoh tehn-goh | ˈʝo ˈtenɡo |
| You are | Tú tienes | too tee-eh-ness | ˈtu ˈtjenes |
| You are (formal) | Usted tiene | oos-tehd tee-eh-neh | usˈteð ˈtjene |
| He/she/it is | Él tiene / Ella tiene / Eso tiene | elle tee-eh-neh / eh-yah tee-eh-neh / eh-so tee-eh-neh | ˈel ˈtjene | ˈeʎa ˈtjene | ˈeso ˈtjene |
| We are | Nosotros tenemos / Nosotras tenemos | noh-soh-trohs teh-neh-mos / noh-soh-trahs teh-neh-mos | noˈsotɾos teˈnemos | noˈsotɾas teˈnemos |
| You all are (Latin American) | Ustedes tienen | oos-teh-dehs tee-eh-nehn | usˈteðes ˈtjenen |
| You all are (European Spanish) | Vosotros tenéis / Vosotras tenéis | voh-soh-trohs teh-nays / voh-soh-trahs teh-nays | boˈsotɾos teˈnejs | boˈsotɾas teˈnejs |
| They are | Ellos tienen / Ellas tienen | eh-yoss tee-eh-nehn / eh-yass tee-eh-nehn | ˈeʎos ˈtjenen | ˈeʎas ˈtjenen |
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| I have many books. | Yo tengo muchos libros. | yoh ten-goh moo-chos lee-brohs | ˈʝo ˈtenɡo ˈmuʧoz ˈliβɾos ‖ |
| They have a lot of money. | Ellos tienen mucho dinero. | eh-yos tee-eh-nehn moo-cho dee-neh-roh | ˈeʎos ˈtjenem ˈmuʧo ðiˈneɾo ‖ |
| We have very few problems. | Nosotros tenemos muy pocos problemas. | noh-soh-trohs teh-neh-moss mooy poh-coss proh-bleh-mahs | noˈsotɾos teˈnemoz muj ˈpokos pɾoˈβlemas ‖ |
El tiempo pretérito (elle tee-ehm-poh preh-teh-ree-toe) talks about actions that happened in the past and aren’t ongoing. You’ll use this to talk about things you had at one point but have since lost or gotten rid of.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| I am | Yo tuve | yoh too-veh | ˈʝo ˈtuβe |
| You are | Tú tuviste | too too-vees-teh | ˈtu tuˈβiste |
| You are (formal) | Usted tuvo | oos-tehd too-voh | usˈteð ˈtuβo |
| He/she/it is | Él tuvo / Ella tuvo / Eso tuvo | elle too-voh / eh-yah too-voh / eh-so too-voh | ˈel ˈtuβo | ˈeʎa ˈtuβo | ˈeso ˈtuβo |
| We are | Nosotros tuvimos / Nosotras tuvimos | noh-soh-trohs too-vee-moss / noh-soh-trahs too-vee-moss | noˈsotɾos tuˈβimos | noˈsotɾas tuˈβimos |
| You all are (Latin American) | Ustedes tuvieron | oos-teh-dehs too-vee-air-ohn | usˈteðes tuˈβjeɾon |
| You all are (European Spanish) | Vosotros tuvisteis / Vosotras tuvisteis | voh-soh-trohs too-vees-tays / voh-soh-trahs too-vees-tays | boˈsotɾos tuˈβistejs | boˈsotɾas tuˈβistejs |
| They are | Ellos tuvieron / Ellas tuvieron | eh-yoss too-vee-air-ohn / eh-yass too-vee-air-ohn | ˈeʎos tuˈβjeɾon | ˈeʎas tuˈβjeɾon |
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| He had a cat many years ago. | Él tuvo un gato hace muchos años. | elle too-voh oon gah-toe ah-seh moo-chos ah-nyos | ˈel ˈtuβo wn ˈɡato ˈaθe ˈmuʧos ˈaɲos ‖ |
| They had problems with their car. | Ellos tuvieron problemas con su auto. | eh-yoss too-vee-air-ohn proh-bleh-mas con soo ah-ooh-toe | ˈeʎos tuˈβjeɾom pɾoˈβlemas kon sw ˈawto ‖ |
| Did you have any pets as a child? | ¿Tuviste mascotas de pequeño? | too-vees-teh mas-coh-tass deh peh-keh-nyoh | tuˈβiste masˈkotaz ðe peˈkeɲo ‖ |
El tiempo imperfecto (elle preh-teh-ree-toe eem-pehr-fec-toe) gives us a more nebulous option for talking about the past. It’s less precise than the simple past and helps describe a wider range of actions.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| I am | Yo tenía | yoh teh-nee-ah | ˈʝo teˈnia |
| You are | Tú tenías | too teh-nee-ahs | ˈtu teˈnias |
| You are (formal) | Usted tenía | oos-tehd teh-nee-ah | usˈteð teˈnia |
| He/she/it is | Él tenía / Ella tenía / Eso tenía | elle teh-nee-ah / eh-yah teh-nee-ah / eh-so teh-nee-ah | ˈel teˈnia | ˈeʎa teˈnia | ˈeso teˈnia |
| We are | Nosotros teníamos / Nosotras teníamos | noh-soh-trohs teh-nee-ah-moss / noh-soh-trahs teh-nee-ah-moss | noˈsotɾos teˈniamos | noˈsotɾas teˈniamos |
| You all are (Latin American) | Ustedes tenían | oos-teh-dehs teh-nee-ahn | usˈteðes teˈnian |
| You all are (European Spanish) | Vosotros teníais / Vosotras teníais | voh-soh-trohs teh-nee-ice / voh-soh-trahs teh-nee-ice | boˈsotɾos teˈniajs | boˈsotɾas teˈniajs |
| They are | Ellos tenían / Ellas tenían | eh-yoss teh-nee-ahn / eh-yass teh-nee-ahn | ˈeʎos teˈnian | ˈeʎas teˈnian |
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| I had a little dog when I was little. | Yo tenía un perrito cuando era niño. | yoh teh-nee-ah oon peh-ree-toe coo-ahn-doe eh-rah nee-nyoh | ˈʝo teˈnia wm peˈrito ˈkwando ˈeɾa ˈniɲo ‖ |
| I think that they wanted to come. | Creo que ellas no tenían ganas de venir. | creh-oh keh eh-yass no teh-nee-ahn gah-nass deh veh-neer | ˈkɾeo ˈke ˈeʎaz ˈno teˈnian ˈɡanaz ðe βeˈniɾ ‖ |
| We didn’t have any idea. | Nosotros no teníamos idea. | no-soh-tross no teh-nee-ah-moss e-deh-ah. | noˈsotɾoz ˈno teˈniamos iˈðea ‖ |
El futuro simple (elle foo-too-roh seem-pleh), as you can imagine, talks about things that haven’t happened yet. Use this for things you are fairly certain you’ll have at some point in the future!
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| I am | Yo tendré | yoh tehn-dreh | ˈʝo tenˈdɾe |
| You are | Tú tendrás | too tehn-drahs | ˈtu tenˈdɾas |
| You are (formal) | Usted tendrá | oos-tehd tehn-drah | usˈteð tenˈdɾa |
| He/she/it is | Él tendrá / Ella tendrá / Eso tendrá | elle tehn-drah / eh-yah tehn-drah / eh-so tehn-drah | ˈel tenˈdɾa | ˈeʎa tenˈdɾa | ˈeso tenˈdɾa |
| We are | Nosotros tendremos / Nosotras tendremos | noh-soh-trohs tehn-dreh-moss / noh-soh-trahs tehn-dreh-moss | noˈsotɾos tenˈdɾemos | noˈsotɾas tenˈdɾemos |
| You all are (Latin American) | Ustedes tendrán | oos-teh-dehs tehn-drahn | usˈteðes tenˈdɾan |
| You all are (European Spanish) | Vosotros tendréis / Vosotras tendréis | voh-soh-trohs tehn-drice / voh-soh-trahs tehn-drice | boˈsotɾos tenˈdɾejs | boˈsotɾas tenˈdɾejs |
| They are | Ellos tendrán / Ellas tendrán | eh-yoss tehn-drahn / eh-yass tehn-drahn | ˈeʎos tenˈdɾan | ˈeʎas tenˈdɾan |
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| He will have to explain to us what happened. | Él tendrá que explicarnos qué pasó. | Elle ten-drah keh ex-plee-car-noss keh pah-soh | ˈel tenˈdɾa ˈke ekspliˈkaɾnos ˈke paˈso ‖ |
| We will have to come pick you up. | Nosotros tendremos que pasar por ti. | Noh-soh-tross ten-dreh-moss keh pah-sar pore tee. | noˈsotɾos tenˈdɾemos ˈke paˈsaɾ poɾ ˈti ‖ |
| They will have their diplomas by next year. | Ellos tendrán su diploma el próximo año. | eh-yoss ten-drahn soo dee-plo-mah elle prox-e-mo ah-nyoh | ˈeʎos tenˈdɾan su ðiˈploma el ˈpɾoksimo ˈaɲo ‖ |
El futuro compuesto (elle foo-too-roh com-poo-ehs-toe) talks about things that will happen by a specific point in the future, so use this to plan your goals and objectives!
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| I am | Yo habré tenido | yoh ah-breh teh-nee-doh | ˈʝo aˈβɾe teˈniðo |
| You are | Tú habrás tenido | too ah-brahs teh-nee-doh | ˈtu aˈβɾas teˈniðo |
| You are (formal) | Usted habrá tenido | oos-tehd ah-brah teh-nee-doh | usˈteð aˈβɾa teˈniðo |
| He/she/it is | Él habrá tenido / Ella habrá tenido / Eso habrá tenido | elle ah-brah teh-nee-doe / eh-yah ah-brah teh-nee-doe / eh-so ah-brah see-doe | ˈel aˈβɾa teˈniðo | ˈeʎa aˈβɾa teˈniðo | ˈeso aˈβɾa teˈniðo |
| We are | Nosotros habremos tenido / Nosotras habremos tenido | noh-soh-trohs ah-breh-moss teh-nee-doe / noh-soh-trahs ah-breh-moss teh-nee-doe | noˈsotɾos aˈβɾemos teˈniðo | noˈsotɾas aˈβɾemos teˈniðo |
| You all are (Latin American) | Ustedes habrán tenido | oos-teh-dehs ah-brahn teh-nee-doe | usˈteðes aˈβɾan teˈniðo |
| You all are (European Spanish) | Vosotros habréis tenido / Vosotras habréis tenido | voh-soh-trohs ah-breh-ees teh-nee-doe / voh-soh-trahs ah-breh-ees teh-nee-doe | boˈsotɾos aˈβɾejs teˈniðo | boˈsotɾas aˈβɾejs teˈniðo |
| They are | Ellos habrán tenido / Ellas habrán tenido | eh-yoss ah-brahn teh-nee-doe / eh-yass ah-brahn tehn-ee-doe | ˈeʎos aˈβɾan teˈniðo | ˈeʎas aˈβɾan teˈniðo |
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| By then, you will have had more kids. | Para entonces, ya habrás tenido más hijos. | pah-rah ehn-ton-sehs, ya ah-brass teh-nee-doh mahs eh-hohs | ˈpaɾa enˈtonθes | ʝa aˈβɾas teˈniðo ˈmas ˈixos ‖ |
| Don’t worry, by next month, we will have already had more opportunities. | No te preocupes, para el próximo mes ya habremos tenido más oportunidades. | no teh preh-oh-coo-pess, pah-rah elle prox-e-moh mes ya ah-breh-moss teh-nee-doe mas oh-pore-too-nee-da-dess | ˈno te pɾeoˈkupes | ˈpaɾa el ˈpɾoksimo ˈmez ʝa aˈβɾemos teˈniðo ˈmas opoɾtuniˈðaðes ‖ |
| Do you think they will have already had their party? | ¿Crees que ellos ya habrán tenido su fiesta? | krehs keh eh-yoss yah ah-brahn teh-nee-doe soo fee-ehs-tah | ˈkɾees ˈke ˈeʎoz ʝa aˈβɾan teˈniðo su ˈfjesta ‖ |
El condicional simple (elle con-dee-see-oh-nall seem-pleh) allows us to talk about something that would or could happen if something else happened first.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| I am | Yo tendría | yoh tehn-dree-ah | ˈʝo tenˈdɾia |
| You are | Tú tendrías | too tehn-dree-ahs | ˈtu tenˈdɾias |
| You are (formal) | Usted tendría | oos-tehd tehn-dree-ah | usˈteð tenˈdɾia |
| He/she/it is | Él tendría / Ella tendría / Eso tendría | elle tehn-dree-ah / eh-yah tehn-dree-ah / eh-so tehn-dree-ah | ˈel tenˈdɾia | ˈeʎa tenˈdɾia | ˈeso tenˈdɾia |
| We are | Nosotros tendríamos / Nosotras tendríamos | noh-soh-trohs tehn-dree-ah-moss / noh-soh-trahs tehn-dree-ah-moss | noˈsotɾos tenˈdɾiamos | noˈsotɾas tenˈdɾiamos |
| You all are (Latin American) | Ustedes tendrían | oos-teh-dehs tehn-dree-ahn | usˈteðes tenˈdɾian |
| You all are (European Spanish) | Vosotros tendríais / Vosotras tendríais | voh-soh-trohs tehn-dree-ice / voh-soh-trahs tehn-dree-ice | boˈsotɾos tenˈdɾiajs | boˈsotɾas tenˈdɾiajs |
| They are | Ellos tendrían / Ellas tendrían | eh-yoss tehn-dree-ahn / eh-yass tehn-dree-ahn | ˈeʎos tenˈdɾian | ˈeʎas tenˈdɾian |
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| If we had won the lottery, we would have a lot of money, | Si hubiéramos ganado la lotería, tendríamos muchísimo dinero. | see ooh-bee-eh-rah-moss ga-nah-doe la loh-teh-ree-ah, ten-dree-ah-moss moo-chee-see-mo dee-neh-roh | sj uˈβjeɾamoz ɣaˈnaðo la loteˈɾia | tenˈdɾiamoz muˈʧisimo ðiˈneɾo ‖ |
| If they had eaten breakfast, they would have much more energy. | Si hubieran desayunado, ellos tendrían más energía. | see ooh-bee-eh-rahn dess-ah-yoo-nah-doe, eh-yoss ten-dree-ahn mas eh-ner-he-ah | sj uˈβjeɾan desaʝuˈnaðo | ˈeʎos tenˈdɾiam ˈmas eneɾˈxia ‖ |
| If you hadn’t quit, for how many years would you have been working there for by now? | Si no hubieras renunciado, ¿cuántos años tendrías trabajando ahí? | see no ooh-be-air-ass reh-noon-see-ah-doe, coo-ahn-toss ah-nyoss ten-dree-ahs trah-bah-hahn-doe ah-e? | si ˈno wˈβjeɾaz renunˈθjaðo | ˈkwantos ˈaɲos tenˈdɾias tɾaβaˈxando aˈi ‖ |
El condicional perfecto (con-dee-see-oh-nall pehr-fec-toe) indicates an action that could’ve happened in the past. As such, it implies that the situation is no longer feasible, possible or viable.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| I am | Yo habría tenido | yoh ah-breeh-ah teh-nee-doe | ˈʝo aˈβɾia teˈniðo |
| You are | Tú habrías tenido | too ah-bree-ahs teh-nee-doe | ˈtu aˈβɾias teˈniðo |
| You are (formal) | Usted habría tenido | oos-tehd ah-bree-ah teh-nee-doe | usˈteð aˈβɾia teˈniðo |
| He/she/it is | Él habría tenido / Ella habría tenido / Eso habría tenido | elle ah-bree-ah teh-nee-doe / eh-yah ah-bree-ah teh-nee-doe / eh-so ah-bree-ah teh-nee-doe | ˈel aˈβɾia teˈniðo | ˈeʎa aˈβɾia teˈniðo | ˈeso aˈβɾia teˈniðo |
| We are | Nosotros habríamos tenido / Nosotras habríamos tenido | noh-soh-trohs ah-bree-ah-moss teh-nee-doe / noh-soh-trahs ah-bree-ah-moss teh-nee-doe | noˈsotɾos aˈβɾiamos teˈniðo | noˈsotɾas aˈβɾiamos teˈniðo |
| You all are (Latin American) | Ustedes habrían tenido | oos-teh-dehs ah-bree-ahn teh-nee-doe | usˈteðes aˈβɾian teˈniðo |
| You all are (European Spanish) | Vosotros habríais tenido / Vosotras habríais tenido | voh-soh-trohs ah-bree-ice teh-nee-doe / voh-soh-trahs ah-bree-ice teh-nee-doe | boˈsotɾos aˈβɾiajs teˈniðo | boˈsotɾas aˈβɾiajs teˈniðo |
| They are | Ellos habrían tenido / Ellas habrían tenido | eh-yoss ah-bree-ahn teh-nee-doe / eh-yass ah-bree-ahn teh-nee-doe | ˈeʎos aˈβɾian teˈniðo | ˈeʎas aˈβɾian teˈniðo |
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| If he had been born in 2000, he would have already be an adult a few years ago. | Si hubiera nacido en el 2000, ya habría tendio la mayoría de edad hace unos cuantos años. | see ooh-bee-air-ah nah-see-doe ehn elle dos meel, ya ah-bree-ah teh-nee-doe la mah-yo-ree-ah deh eh-dad ah-seh oo-noss ah-nyos | sj uˈβjeɾa naˈθiðo en el 2000, ʝa aˈβia ˈtendjo la maʝoˈɾia ðe eˈðað ˈaθe ˈunos ˈkwantos ˈaɲos ‖ |
| I think she had already been asleep, by then she would’ve already been sleepy. | Yo creo que ya estaba dormida, para ese entonces ya habría tenido sueño. | yo kreh-oh keh ya ess-tah-bah dore-me-da, pah-rah eh-seh ehn-ton-ses ya ah-bree-ah teh-nee-doe soo-eh-nyoh | ˈʝo ˈkɾeo ˈke ʝa esˈtaβa ðoɾˈmiða | ˈpaɾa ˈese enˈtonθez ʝa aˈβɾia teˈniðo ˈsweɲo ‖ |
| They probably stopped to eat, surely after walking for so long they would’ve been hungry. | Probablemente pararon a comer, segúramente después de tanto caminar habrían tenido hambre. | pro-bah-bleh-mehn-teh pah-ra-rohn ah co-mehr, seh-goo-rah-mehn-teh des-poo-ess deh tan-toe ca-me-nar ah-bree-ahn teh-nee-doe am-breh | pɾoβaβleˈmente paˈɾaɾon a koˈmeɾ | seˈɣuɾamente ðesˈpwez ðe ˈtanto kamiˈnaɾ aˈβɾian teˈniðo ˈambɾe ‖ |
The pretérito perfecto is used to describe a whole host of situations. Generally, these actions happened in the distant past past and aren’t continuing into the present.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| I am | Yo he tenido | yoh eh teh-nee-doe | ˈʝo ˈe teˈniðo |
| You are | Tú has tenido | too ahs teh-nee-doe | ˈtu ˈas teˈniðo |
| You are (formal) | Usted ha tenido | oos-tehd ah teh-nee-doe | usˈteð ˈa teˈniðo |
| He/she/it is | Él ha tenido / Ella ha tenido / Eso ha tenido | elle ah teh-nee-doe / eh-yah ah teh-nee-doe / eh-so ah teh-nee-doe | ˈel ˈa teˈniðo | ˈeʎa ˈa teˈniðo | ˈeso ˈa teˈniðo |
| We are | Nosotros hemos tenido / Nosotras hemos tenido | noh-soh-trohs eh-moss teh-nee-doe / noh-soh-trahs eh-moss teh-nee-doe | noˈsotɾos ˈemos teˈniðo | noˈsotɾas ˈemos teˈniðo |
| You all are (Latin American) | Ustedes han tenido | oos-teh-dehs ahn teh-nee-doe | usˈteðes ˈan teˈniðo |
| You all are (European Spanish) | Vosotros habéis tenido / Vosotras habéis tenido | voh-soh-trohs ah-base teh-nee-doe / voh-soh-trahs ah-base teh-nee-doe | boˈsotɾos aˈβejs teˈniðo | boˈsotɾas aˈβejs teˈniðo |
| They are | Ellos han tenido / Ellas han tenido | eh-yoss ahn teh-nee-doe / eh-yass ahn teh-nee-doe | ˈeʎos ˈan teˈniðo | ˈeʎas ˈan teˈniðo |
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| I’ve never had a fish as a pet. | Nunca he tenido un pez de mascota. | noon-cah eh-teh-nee-doe oon pes deh mas-co-tah | ˈnunka ˈe teˈniðo wm ˈpeð ðe masˈkota ‖ |
| Have you ever had children? | ¿Ustedes han tenido hijos? | oos-teh-dess ahn teh-nee-doe e-hoss | usˈteðes ˈan teˈniðo ˈixos ‖ |
| We’ve had several pets. | Nosotros hemos tenido varias mascotas. | no-soh-tross eh-moss teh-nee-doh vah-re-ahs mas-coh-tass | noˈsotɾos ˈemos teˈniðo ˈβaɾjaz masˈkotas ‖ |
The pluscuamperfecto (ploos-cooh-ahn-pehr-fec-toe) describes events that happened before another event in the past. It’s almost like the past of the past!
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| I am | Yo había tenido | yoh ah-bee-ah teh-nee-doe | ˈʝo aˈβia teˈniðo |
| You are | Tú habías tenido | too ah-bee-ahs teh-nee-doe | ˈtu aˈβias teˈniðo |
| You are (formal) | Usted había tenido | oos-tehd ah-bee-ah teh-nee-doe | usˈteð aˈβia teˈniðo |
| He/she/it is | Él había tenido / Ella había tenido / Eso había tenido | elle ah-bee-ah teh-nee-doe / eh-yah ah-bee-ah teh-nee-doe / eh-so ah-bee-ah teh-nee-doe | ˈel aˈβia teˈniðo | ˈeʎa aˈβia teˈniðo | ˈeso aˈβia teˈniðo |
| We are | Nosotros habíamos tenido / Nosotras habíamos tenido | noh-soh-trohs ah-bee-ah-moss teh-nee-doe / noh-soh-trahs ah-bee-ah-moss teh-nee-doe | noˈsotɾos aˈβiamos teˈniðo | noˈsotɾas aˈβiamos teˈniðo |
| You all are (Latin American) | Ustedes habían tenido | oos-teh-dehs ah-bee-ahn teh-nee-doe | usˈteðes aˈβian teˈniðo |
| You all are (European Spanish) | Vosotros habíais tenido / Vosotras habíais tenido | voh-soh-trohs ah-bee-ice teh-nee-doe / voh-soh-trahs ah-bee-ice teh-nee-doe | boˈsotɾos aˈβiajs teˈniðo | boˈsotɾas aˈβiajs teˈniðo |
| They are | Ellos habían tenido / Ellas habían tenido | eh-yoss ah-bee-ahn teh-nee-doe / eh-yass ah-bee-ahn teh-nee-doe | ˈeʎos aˈβian teˈniðo | ˈeʎas aˈβian teˈniðo |
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| When I got to the hospital, Maria had already had her kid. | Cuando llegué al hospital, María ya había tenido a su hijo. | coo-ahn-doe yeh-geh all oss-pee-tall, mah-ree-ah ya ah-bee-ah teh-nee-doe ah soo eh-ho | ˈkwando ʎeˈɣe al ospiˈtal | maˈɾia ʝa aˈβia teˈniðo a sw ˈixo ‖ |
| You had already had this problem before, it’s nothing new. | Este problema ya lo habías tenido antes, no es nada nuevo. | ess-teh proh-bleh-mah ya lo ah-bee-ahs teh-nee-doe ahn-tess, no ess nah-dah noo-eh-vo | ˈeste pɾoˈβlema ʝa lo aˈβias teˈniðo ˈantes | ˈno ˈez ˈnaða ˈnweβo ‖ |
| I had never had a purse as expensive as this one. | Nunca había tenido una bolsa tan cara como esta. | noon-cah ah-bee-ah teh-nee-doe oo-nah boll-sah tahn cah-rah coh-mo ess-tah | ˈnunka aˈβia teˈniðo ˈuna ˈβolsa ˈtan ˈkaɾa ˈkomo ˈesta ‖ |
The subjunctive tense, or subjuntivo (elle soob-whoon-tee-vo) in Spanish, describes things that could happen or you wish would happen. Use this when you want to express your wishes and desires!
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| I am | Yo tenga | yoh ten-gah | ˈʝo ˈtenɡa |
| You are | Tú tengas | too ten-gahs | ˈtu ˈtenɡas |
| You are (formal) | Usted tenga | oos-ted tehn-gah | usˈteð ˈtenɡa |
| He/she/it is | Él tenga / Ella tenga / Eso tenga | elle ten-gah / eh-yah ten-gah / eh-so ten-gah | ˈel ˈtenɡa | ˈeʎa ˈtenɡa | ˈeso ˈtenɡa |
| We are | Nosotros tengamos / Nosotras tengamos | noh-soh-trohs ten-gah-moss / noh-soh-trahs ten-gah-moss | noˈsotɾos tenˈɡamos | noˈsotɾas tenˈɡamos |
| You all are (Latin American) | Ustedes tengan | oos-teh-dehs ten-gahn | usˈteðes ˈtenɡan |
| You all are (European Spanish) | Vosotros tengáis / Vosotras tengáis | voh-soh-trohs ten-gice / voh-soh-trahs ten-gice | boˈsotɾos tenˈɡajs | boˈsotɾas tenˈɡajs |
| They are | Ellos tengan / Ellas tengan | eh-yoss ten-gahn / eh-yass ten-gahn | ˈeʎos ˈtenɡan | ˈeʎas ˈtenɡan |
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| We can go swimming when you have some free time. | Podemos ir a nadar cuando tengamos tiempo libre. | poh-deh-moss eer ah nah-dar coo-ahn-doe ten-gah-moss tee-ehm-poh lee-breh | poˈðemos ˈiɾ a naˈðaɾ ˈkwando tenˈɡamos ˈtjempo ˈliβɾe ‖ |
| What are you going to do when you’re 70 years old? | ¿Qué vas a hacer cuando tengas 70 años? | keh vass ah ah-sehr coo-ahn-doe tehn-gass seh-tehn-tah ah-nyoss? | ˈke ˈβas a aˈθeɾ ˈkwando ˈtenɡas 70 ˈaɲos ‖ |
| I hope they have the tacos I like. | ¡Espero que tengan los tacos que me gustan! | ess-peh-roh keh tehn-gahn los tah-cos keh meh goose-tahn | esˈpeɾo ˈke ˈtenɡan los ˈtakos ˈke me ˈɣustan ‖ |
The imperfect subjunctive, or el imperfecto del subjuntivo (elle eem-pehr-fec-toe dell soob-whoon-tee-voe) deals with hypotheticals. Use this when putting yourself in someone else’s shoes or when giving advice.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| I am | Yo tuviera / Yo tuviese | yoh too-vee-air-ah / to too-vee-eh-seh | ˈʝo tuˈβjeɾa | ˈʝo tuˈβjese |
| You are | Tú tuvieras / Tú tuvieses | too too-vee-air-ahs / too too-vee-eh-sehs | ˈtu tuˈβjeɾas | ˈtu tuˈβjeses |
| You are (formal) | Usted tuviera / Usted tuviese | oos-tehd too-vee-air-ah / oos-tehd too-vee-air-ah | usˈteð tuˈβjeɾa | usˈteð tuˈβjese |
| He/she/it is | Él tuviera / Él tuviese/ Ella tuviera / Él tuviese / Eso tuviera / Esto tuviese | elle too-vee-air-ah / elle too-vee-eh-seh / eh-yah too-vee-air-ah / eh-yah too-vee-eh-seh / eh-so too-vee-eh-seh | ˈel tuˈβjeɾa | ˈel tuˈβjese ˈeʎa tuˈβjeɾa | ˈel tuˈβjese | ˈeso tuˈβjeɾa | ˈesto tuˈβjese |
| We are | Nosotros tuviéramos / Nosotros tuviésemos / Nosotras tuviéramos / Nosotras tuviésemos | noh-soh-trohs too-vee-air-ah-moss / noh-soh-trohs too-vee-eh-seh-moss / noh-soh-trahs too-vee-air-ah-moss / noh-soh-trahs too-vee-eh-seh-moss | noˈsotɾos tuˈβjeɾamos | noˈsotɾos tuˈβjesemos | noˈsotɾas tuˈβjeɾamos | noˈsotɾas tuˈβjesemos |
| You all are (Latin American) | Ustedes tuvieran / Ustedes tuviesen | oos-teh-dehs too-vee-eh-rahn / oos-teh-dehs too-vee-eh-sehn | usˈteðes tuˈβjeɾan | usˈteðes tuˈβjesen |
| You all are (European Spanish) | Vosotros tuvierais / Vosotros tuvieseis / Vosotras tuvierais / Vosotras tuvieseis | voh-soh-trohs too-vee-air-ice / voh-soh-trohs too-vee-eh-seh-is / voh-soh-trahs too-vee-air-ice / voh-soh-trahs too-vee-eh-seh-is | boˈsotɾos tuˈβjeɾajs | boˈsotɾos tuˈβjesejs | boˈsotɾas tuˈβjeɾajs | boˈsotɾas tuˈβjesejs |
| They are | Ellos tuvieran / Ellos tuviesen / Ellas tuvieran / Ellas tuvieran | eh-yoss too-vee-air-ahn / eh-yoss too-vee-eh-sehn / eh-yass too-vee-air-ahn / eh-yass too-vee-eh-sehn | ˈeʎos tuˈβjeɾan | ˈeʎos tuˈβjesen | ˈeʎas tuˈβjeɾan | ˈeʎas tuˈβjeɾan |
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| If I had your age, I would take advantage of it to learn more languages. | Si yo tuviera tu edad, aprovecharía para aprender más idiomas. | see yoh too-vee-air-ah too eh-dahd ah-proh-veh-cha-ree-ah pah-rah ah-prehn-dehr mas e-dee-oh-mas | si ˈʝo tuˈβjeɾa tw eˈðað | apɾoβeʧaˈɾia ˈpaɾa apɾenˈdeɾ ˈmas iˈðjomas ‖ |
| What would you all do if you had a million dollars? | ¿Qué harían si tuvieran un millón de dólares? | keh ah-ree-ahn see too-vee-air-ahn oon mee-yohn deh doh-lah-ress? | ˈke aˈɾian si tuˈβjeɾan um miˈʎon de ˈðolaɾes ‖ |
| If we had a million dollars, we would travel all around the world. | Si tuviéramos un millón de dólares, nos iríamos de viaje por todo el mundo. | see too-vee-air-ah-moss oon mee-yohn deh doh-lah-ress, noss e-re-ah-moss deh vee-ah-heh pore toh-doe elle moon-doe | si tuˈβjeɾamos um miˈʎon de ˈðolaɾes | nos iˈɾiamoz ðe ˈβjaxe poɾ ˈtoðo el ˈmundo ‖ |
El futuro imperfecto del subjuntivo (foo-too-roh eem-pehr-fec-toe dell soob-whon-tee-vo), though quite the mouthful, is a very nifty tense. It helps us talk about things that are unlikely to happen in the future, but are still worth considering. Use this to talk about things that would be difficult — though not impossible — for you to obtain.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| I am | Yo tuviere | yoh too-vee-air-eh | ˈʝo tuˈβjeɾe |
| You are | Tú tuvieres | too too-vee-eh-rehs | ˈtu tuˈβjeɾes |
| You are (formal) | Usted tuviere | oos-tehd too-vee-air-eh | usˈteð tuˈβjeɾe |
| He/she/it is | Él tuviere / Ella tuviere / Eso tuviere | elle too-vee-air-eh / eh-yah too-vee-air-eh / eh-so too-vee-air-eh | ˈel tuˈβjeɾe | ˈeʎa tuˈβjeɾe | ˈeso tuˈβjeɾe |
| We are | Nosotros tuviéremos / Nosotras tuviéremos | noh-soh-trohs too-vee-air-eh-moss / noh-soh-trahs too-vee-air-eh-moss | noˈsotɾos tuˈβjeɾemos | noˈsotɾas tuˈβjeɾemos |
| You all are (Latin American) | Ustedes tuvieren | oos-teh-dehs too-vee-air-ehn | usˈteðes tuˈβjeɾen |
| You all are (European Spanish) | Vosotros tuviereis / Vosotras tuviereis | voh-soh-trohs too-vee-air-ace / voh-soh-trahs too-vee-air-ace | boˈsotɾos tuˈβjeɾejs | boˈsotɾas tuˈβjeɾejs |
| They are | Ellos tuvieren / Ellas tuvieren | eh-yoss too-vee-air-en / eh-yass too-vee-air-ehn | ˈeʎos tuˈβjeɾen | ˈeʎas tuˈβjeɾen |
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| Whomever were to have an objection, speak now or forever hold his peace. | El que tuviere una objeción, que hable ahora o calle para siempre. | elle keh too-vee-air-eh oo-nah ob-heh-see-ohn, keh ah-bleh pah-rah see-ehm-preh oh cah-yeh pah-rah see-ehm-preh | el ˈke tuˈβjeɾe ˈuna oβxeˈθjon | ˈke ˈaβle aˈoɾa o ˈkaʎe ˈpaɾa ˈsjempɾe ‖ |
| If I were to have more money, I would give it all to you. | Si tuviere más dinero te lo daría. | see too-vee-air-eh mahs dee-neh-roe teh loh dah-ree-ah | si tuˈβjeɾe ˈmaz ðiˈneɾo te lo ðaˈɾia ‖ |
| What would you do if you were to have superpowers? | ¿Qué harían si tuvieren superpoderes? | keh ah-ree-ahn see too-vee-air-ahn soo-pear-poh-deh-ress | ˈke aˈɾian si tuˈβjeɾen supeɾpoˈðeɾes ‖ |
El imperativo afirmativo (elle eem-peh-rah-tee-vo ah-feer-ma-tee-vo) is the mood that helps us give commands in Spanish. This is particularly helpful if you have children or small pets in the house!
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| You are | ¡ten! | ten | ˈten ‖ |
| You are (formal) | ¡tenga! | ten-gah | ˈtenɡa ‖ |
| He/she | ¡tenga! | ten-gah | ˈtenɡa ‖ |
| We are | ¡tengamos! | ten-gah-moss | tenˈɡamos ‖ |
| You all are (Latin American) | ¡tengan! | ten-gahn | ˈtenɡan ‖ |
| You all are (European Spanish) | ¡tened! | ten-ed | teˈneð ‖ |
| They are | ¡tengan! | en-gan | ˈtenɡan ‖ |
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| Be more careful! | ¡Ten más cuidado! | tehn mas coo-e-dah-doe | ˈtem ˈmas kwiˈðaðo ‖ |
| Be more compassionate! | ¡Tengan más compasión! | ten-gahn mahs coo-e-dah-doe | ˈtenɡam ˈmas kompaˈsjon ‖ |
| Here, have an umbrella! | ¡Tenga un paraguas! | ten-gah oon pah-rah-goo-ass | ˈtenɡa wm paˈɾaɣwas ‖ |
The opposite of the affirmative imperative, el imperativo negativo (elle eem-peh-rah-tee-vo neh-ga-tee-voh) allows us to tell people not to do certain things. Also helpful for those with children and pets!
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| You are | ¡no tengas! | no ten | ˈno ˈtenɡas ‖ |
| You are (formal) | ¡no tenga! | no ten-gah | ˈno ˈtenɡa ‖ |
| He/she | ¡no tenga! | no ten-gah | ˈno ˈtenɡa ‖ |
| We are | ¡no tengamos! | no ten-gah-moss | ˈno tenˈɡamos ‖ |
| You all are (Latin American) | ¡no tengáis! | no ten-gahn | ˈno tenˈɡajs ‖ |
| You all are (European Spanish) | ¡no tengáis! | no ten-ed | ˈno tenˈɡajs ‖ |
| They are | ¡no tengan! | no en-gan | ˈno ˈtenɡan ‖ |
| English | Spanish | Pronunciaton | IPA |
| Don’t be afraid! | ¡No tengas miedo! | noh tehn-gass mee-eh-doh | ˈno ˈtenɡaz ˈmjeðo ‖ |
| Don’t panic! | ¡No tengan pánico! | noh tehn-gahn pah-nee-coh | ˈno ˈtenɡam ˈpaniko ‖ |
| Let’s not be ashamed! | ¡No tengamos vergüenza! | noh tehn-gah-moss ver-goo-ehn-sah | ˈno tenˈɡamoz βeɾˈɣwenθa ‖ |
Here are a few handy tener conjugation chart cheat sheets for those of you who are already familiar with the verb tenses and just need to double-check that you got your conjugation right. If you want in on a little secret, native speakers also need some help double-checking their conjugations every now and then!
![\"Here](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt744bdbcb84685306/643635e6377e51114a7bd3a2/pexels-vlada-karpovich-4050349.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Presente | Imperfecto | Pretérito | Futuro | Condicional | |
| Yo | tengo | tenía | tuve | tendré | tendría |
| Tú | tienes | tenías | tuviste | tendrás | tendrías |
| Él / ella / usted | tiene | tenía | tuvo | tendrá | tendría |
| Nosotros / nosotras | tenemos | teníamos | tuvimos | tendremos | tendríamos |
| Vosotros / vosotras | tenéis | teníais | tuvisteis | tendréis | tendríais |
| Ellos / ellas / ustedes | tienen | tenían | tuvieron | tendrán | tendrían |
| Perfecto | Pluscuamperfecto | Futuro perfecto | Condicional perfecto | |
| Yo | he tenido | había tenido | habré tenido | habría tenido |
| Tú | has tenido | habías tenido | habrás tenido | habrías tenido |
| Él / ella / usted | ha tenido | había tenido | habrá tenido | habría tenido |
| Nosotros / nosotras | hemos tenido | habíamos tenido | habremos tenido | habríamos tenido |
| Vosotros / vosotras | habéis tenido | habíais tenido | habréis tenido | habríais tenido |
| Ellos / ellas / ustedes | han tenido | habían tenido | habrán tenido | habrían tenido |
| Presente | Imperfecto | Futuro | |
| Yo | tenga | tuviera o tuviese | tuviere |
| Tú | tengas | tuvieras o tuvieses | tuvieres |
| Él / ella / usted | tenga | tuviera o tuviese | tuviere |
| Nosotros / nosotras | tengamos | tuviéramos o tuviésemos | tuviéremos |
| Vosotros / vosotras | tengáis | tuvierais o tuvieseis | tuviereis |
| Ellos / ellas / ustedes | tengan | tuvieran o tuviesen | tuvieren |
| Pretérito perfecto | Pluscuamperfecto | |
| Yo | haya tenido | hubiera / hubiese tenido |
| Tú | hayas tenido | hubieras / hubieses tenido |
| Él / ella / usted | haya tenido | hubiera / hubiese tenido |
| Nosotros / nosotras | hayamos tenido | hubiéramos / hubiésemos tenido |
| Vosotros / vosotras | hayáis tenido | hubierais / hubieseis tenido |
| Ellos / ellas / ustedes | hayan tenido | hubieran / hubiesen tenido |
| Afirmativo | Negativo | |
| Tú | ¡ten! | ¡no tengas! |
| Él / ella / usted | ¡tenga! | ¡no tenga! |
| Nosotros / nosotras | ¡tengamos! | ¡no tengamos! |
| Vosotros / vosotras | ¡tened! | ¡no tengáis! |
| Ellos / ellas / ustedes | ¡tengan! | ¡no tengan! |
Yes! Tener is an irregular verb in Spanish, as it does not follow the general conjugation patterns. In other words, you can’t just use its stem and follow regular conjugation rules to use this verb in different tenses — you’ll have to memorize each conjugation from scratch.
The form “tener que” followed by an infinitive verb indicates duty or responsibility. The verb tener is conjugated in the present tense and the second verb — what you have to do — isn’t conjugated. For example, if you have to do your homework, you’d say “tengo que hacer la tarea” (I have to do my homework).
We told you this was going to be a comprehensive guide, and hopefully we delivered! You now know how to conjugate the verb tener in 16 different tenses and moods, so you can now talk about everything you’ve had, have, will have, could have, would have, would’ve had, wish you had, and so much more. All you have to do now is get some practice in so you can learn all the different conjugations!
Make sure to check out our Spanish blog for more helpful guides to all kinds of verbs, pronouns, adjectives, tough words, numbers, vowels, tongue twisters, abbreviations, and so, so, so much more! Oh, and by the way, they’re all 100% free!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Good afternoon in Spanish","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"How to say good afternoon in Spanish in 41 context fitting ways","url":"/blog/good-afternoon-spanish","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltf1b4811f531634f7/637f36837a64f810a29887db/664713212.jpeg"},"post_content":"Precision is one of the key differences between intermediate Spanish speakers and advanced Spanish speakers. While greeting with a simple hello or “how are you?” should be enough to get you through the beginner Spanish stage, you definitely want to use more specific greetings as you learn Spanish and become more and more fluent.
Learning how to say good afternoon in Spanish is perhaps even more important than you’d think as an English speaker. While greeting with a “good afternoon” in English is by no means uncommon, it’s also not generally the expectation. In most Spanish-speaking countries, however, you’ll notice that the most common greeting in everyday interactions addresses the time of day.
For example, if you walk into a coffee shop in the morning to order some coffee, the barista will likely greet you with a “buenos días,” which is Spanish for good morning. Similarly, you will be greeted with a “good afternoon” in Spanish when you walk into a store or interact with pretty much anyone any time after noon.
So, if your goal is to master the Spanish language like a pro, then you definitely want to make sure that you understand how to say good afternoon in Spanish! That’s why we’ve compiled over 40 ways for you to say it!
Download your free Spanish language essentials eBook here to get a head start on Spanish basics.
![\"How](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt3cbb21f47ee0c56a/637f371d5bbc64109935048a/istock-1053580076_copy.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The most common way to say good afternoon in Spanish is simply buenas tardes (boo-eh-nahs tar-dehs). As you may have noticed, this phrase is in plural, thus translating into “good afternoons.” That’s because wishing someone a good afternoon in Spanish also implies that you wish them more good afternoons in the future! Thoughtful, right?
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| Afternoon! | ¡Buenas! | ˈbwenas ‖ | boo-eh-nahs |
| Good afternoon! | ¡Buenas tardes! | ˈbwenas ˈtaɾðes ‖ | boo-eh-nahs tahr-dehs |
| Good afternoon, nice to meet you. | Buenas tardes, un gusto conocerte. | ˈbwenas ˈtaɾðes | un ˈɡusto konoˈseɾte ‖ | boo-eh-nahs tar-dehs, oohn plah-sehr |
| Good afternoon | Buena tarde | ˈbwena ˈtaɾðe | boo-eh-nah tar-deh |
| Pretty afternoon | Linda tarde | ˈlinda ˈtaɾðe | leen-dah tar-deh |
| Happy afternoon | Feliz tarde | feˈlis ˈtaɾðe | feh-leez tar-deh |
| Pretty afternoon to everyone | Linda tarde a todos | ˈlinda ˈtaɾðe a ˈtoðos | leen-dah tar-deh ah toh-dohs |
| How’s your afternoon? | ¿Qué tal tu tarde? | ˈke ˈtal tu ˈtaɾðe ‖ | keh tal too dee-ah |
| How’s your afternoon going? | ¿Cómo va tu tarde? | ˈkomo ˈβa tu ˈtaɾðe ‖ | koh-mo vah too tar-deh |
As you know, Spanish is a gendered language, so you often have to take the gender of the person you’re speaking to into consideration. Luckily, the main phrase “buenas tardes” is the same regardless of the gender of the person you’re greeting — the only gender change is the adjective “bueno” being modified to “buenas” to fit the feminine plural noun “tardes.” Need a refresher on the adjective-noun agreement rules? Check out our article on Spanish adjectives for a quick review!
If you want to be extra specific — or extra romantic — you can add a noun after buenas tardes. You can take advantage of this to sneak in a term of endearment to be extra sweet and thoughtful!
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| Good afternoon, madam. | Buenas tardes, mandam. | ˈbwenas ˈtaɾðes | manˈdam ‖ | boo-eh-nahs tar-dehs, mah-dahm |
| Good afternoon, miss. | Buenas tardes, señorita. | ˈbwenas ˈtaɾðes | seɲoˈɾita ‖ | boo-eh-nahs tar-dehs, seh-nyor-e-tah |
| Good afternoon, sir. | Buenas tardes, señor. | ˈbwenas ˈtaɾðes | seˈɲoɾ ‖ | boo-eh-nahs-tar-dehs, seh-nyor |
| Good afternoon, young woman. | Buenas tardes, jovencita. | ˈbwenas ˈtaɾðes | xoβenˈsita ‖ | boo-eh-nahs tar-dehs, ho-vehn-see-tah |
| Good afternoon, young man. | Buenas tardes, jovencito. | ˈbwenas ˈtaɾðes | xoβenˈsito ‖ | boo-eh-nahs tar-dehs, ho-vehn-see-toh |
| Good afternoon, ma’am. | Buenas tardes, señora. | ˈbwenas ˈtaɾðes | seˈɲoɾa ‖ | boo-eh-nahs tar-dehs, seh-nyor-ah |
| Good afternoon, friend. | Buenas tardes, amiga. | ˈbwenas ˈtaɾðes | aˈmiɣa ‖ | boo-eh-nahs tar-dehs, ah-me-gah |
| Good afternoon, friend. | Buenas tardes, amigo. | ˈbwenas ˈtaɾðes | aˈmiɣo ‖ | boo-eh-nahs tar-dehs, ah-me-go |
| Good afternoon, princess. | Buenas tardes, princesa. | ˈbwenas ˈtaɾðes | pɾinˈsesa ‖ | boo-eh-nahs tar-dehs, preen-seh-sah |
| Good afternoon, prince. | Buenas tardes, príncipe. | ˈbwenas ˈtaɾðes | ˈpɾinsipe ‖ | boo-eh-nahs tar-dehs, preen-see-peh |
| Good afternoon, my queen. | Buenas tardes, mi reina. | ˈbwenas ˈtaɾðes | mi ˈrejna ‖ | boo-eh-nahs tar-dehs me ray-e-nah |
| Good afternoon, my king. | Buenas tardes, mi rey. | ˈbwenas ˈtaɾðes | mi ˈrej ‖ | boo-eh-nahs tar-dehs, me ray |
| Good afternoon, beautiful. | Buenas tardes, hermosa. | ˈbwenas ˈtaɾðes | eɾˈmosa ‖ | boo-eh-nahs tar-dehs, air-mo-sah |
| Good afternoon, handsome. | Buenas tardes, guapo. | ˈbwenas ˈtaɾðes | ˈɡwapo ‖ | boo-eh-nahs tar-dehs, goo-ah-poe |
| Good afternoon, girl. | Buenas tardes, nena. | ˈbwenas ˈtaɾðes | ˈnena ‖ | boo-eh-nahs tar-dehs, neh-na |
| Good afternoon, boy. | Buenas tardes, nene. | ˈbwenas ˈtaɾðes | ˈnene ‖ | boo-eh-nahs tar-dehs, neh-neh |
| Good afternoon, dad. | Buenas tardes, papi. | ˈbwenas ˈtaɾðes | ˈpapi ‖ | boo-eh-nahs tar-dehs, pah-pee |
| Good afternoon, mom. | Buenas tardes, mami. | ˈbwenas ˈtaɾðes | ˈmami ‖ | boo-eh-nahs tar-dehs, ma-me |
It’s almost impossible to become fluent without learning some Spanish slang, so we make sure to include some helpful slang phrases wherever applicable. Whether you want to use these with your friends or simply want to be ready for when you run into it (because you will run into it!), here are a few slang phrases for good afternoon in Spanish.
![\"Good](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt93ac39fe491b368d/637f3927e07e1711051d2296/pexels-armin-rimoldi-5554256.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| Good good! | ¡Buenas buenas! | ˈbwenaz ˈβwenas ‖ | boo-eh-nahs boo-eh-nahs |
| What’s up, how’s your afternoon? | ¿Qué onda, qué tal tu tarde? | ˈke ˈonda | ˈke ˈtal tu ˈtaɾðe ‖ | keh ohn-dah, keh tal too tar-deh |
| How’s it going? | ¿Cómo va la cosa? | ˈkomo ˈβa la ˈkosa ‖ | koh-mo vah la koh-sah |
| Good and blessed! | ¡Buenas y santas! | ˈbwenas i ˈsantas ‖ | booeh-nahs e san-tahs |
| What else is new? | ¿Qué más pues? | ˈke ˈmas ˈpwes ‖ | keh mahs poo-ehs |
| Good | Wena | ˈwena | weh-nah |
| Sing it to me, tiger! | ¡Dímelo cantando, tigre! | ˈdimelo kanˈtando | ˈtiɣɾe ‖ | dee-meh-lo can-tahn-doe, tee-greh |
Another common way of wishing someone a good afternoon in Spanish is as a parting message. Here are some ways to wish someone a good afternoon or a good rest of the day after saying goodbye in Spanish.
![\"Good](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltc69786454474370b/637f3873f33b43105dcd93e7/istock-1257729297-2.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| Have a good afternoon! | ¡Que tengas una buena tarde! | ˈke ˈtenɡas ˈuna ˈβwena ˈtaɾðe ‖ | keh tehn-gas oo-nah boo-eh-nah tar-deh |
| Have a pretty afternoon! | ¡Que tengas una linda tarde! | ˈke ˈtenɡas ˈuna ˈlinda ˈtaɾðe ‖ | keh tehn-gas oo-nah leen-dah tar-deh |
| Hope the rest of your afternoon goes well. | Que te vaya bien en el resto de tu tarde | ˈke te ˈβaʝa ˈβjen en el ˈresto ðe tu ˈtaɾðe | keh teh bah-yah vee-ehn ehn ehl res-toe deh too tar-deh |
| Hope the rest of your day goes well. | Que te vaya bien en el resto del día | ˈke te ˈβaʝa ˈβjen en el ˈresto ðel ˈdia | keh teh vah-yah bee-ehn ehn ehl res-toe dell dee-ah |
| See you later, enjoy the rest of your day. | Hasta luego, disfruta el resto de tu día | ˈasta ˈlweɣo | disˈfɾuta el ˈresto ðe tu ˈðia | as-ta loo-eh-go, dees-froo-tah ehl res-toe deh too dee-ah |
| Have an excellent afternoon. | Que tengas una excelente tarde | ˈke ˈtenɡas ˈuna ekseˈlente ˈtaɾðe | keh ten-gas oo-nah ex-eh-lehn-teh tar-deh |
| Enjoy your afternoon! | ¡Disfruta tu tarde! | disˈfɾuta tu ˈtaɾðe ‖ | dees-froo-tah too tar-deh |
![\"Download](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt297a920cde7f9af9/6388419d0735354fa252b4b9/Spanish_SEO_Blog_Downloadables_Banner.gif?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Not usually. Although the world-famous Spanish siesta is still somewhat common, the truth is that almost 60% of Spaniards don’t take a siesta. Most jobs used to take the siesta into account when scheduling employees and operating hours, resulting in a 3-hour break in the afternoon. However, most offices have adopted the American “9-to-5” schedule with only a short lunch break, thus compacting the workday into fewer overall hours and reducing the need to commute twice.
Nonetheless, a good chunk of the population still takes an afternoon nap immediately after lunch to regain energy before heading back to work. Many businesses and restaurants close after lunch, so employees who are lucky enough to work in one of these do still get to take an afternoon siesta!
![\"Woman](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt4e0d41c3ce16aadb/637f38b223e12310976d1acb/pexels-pixabay-269141.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Most countries in Latin America also have the tradition of afternoon siestas, including:
However, just as in Spain, the traditional work schedule that allows for an afternoon siesta is being phased out slowly, and they’re becoming less and less common.
Maybe all this talk about afternoon siestas made you sleepy, but you shouldn’t sleep on this helpful vocab! Knowing a few ways to greet someone by saying good afternoon in Spanish can make all the difference between average and advanced proficiency.
Remember, learning a language isn’t like learning math or science. You’re learning how to communicate with other human beings — and, sometimes, the best way to do so is by including gentle wishes of well-being like a simple “good afternoon” in your conversations.
If you enjoyed this article, make sure to check out our Spanish blog. We’ve published dozens of helpful (and free!) guides to many different aspects of learning Spanish, and continue to do so every month!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Chinese alphabet","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"Why isn't there a Chinese alphabet? A useful language guide","url":"/blog/chinese-alphabet","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt90febc8f37140d9c/637dc95efa033a109b5da1eb/istock-1020489160_copy.jpeg"},"post_content":"If you’re a native speaker of English or any of the Romance languages, you’re probably used to relying on the alphabet to create words and build sentences. Perhaps you’re even more aware of the importance of the alphabet if you’ve studied Russian or any other language that’s not based on the Latin alphabet. But what’s the case with the Chinese alphabet?
\nIn essence, there is no Chinese alphabet. Unlike languages like English, Spanish, and even Korean, Chinese does not have a phonetic or syllabic writing system. Instead, the Chinese writing system is logographic, meaning that it uses symbols (Chinese characters) to represent meanings rather than sounds.
\nSo, yes, this does mean that you’ll have to learn a few thousand distinct characters in order to learn Chinese. However, don’t let that discourage you! First, there are different components to a Chinese character that work similarly to an alphabet. Many Chinese strokes are common enough that they have their own name — almost like a letter in the alphabet.
\nThen, the fact that Chinese uses its own unique writing system is one of the things that make this language so special to learn! Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Chinese alphabet — or lack thereof — and this incredibly unique writing system!
\n![\"Everything](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt7b0aca46c6405ecd/637dca3932130110b279bd2a/china_1015284454.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
In the most simple terms, the Chinese language doesn’t use an alphabet because it wouldn’t be ideal. While an alphabet may be great for a language like English, replacing the Chinese characters with an alphabet may not make things any easier. There are numerous reasons for this:
\nThe first reason why logographic characters are better suited for a language like Chinese is that there are countless homonyms. A homonym is a set of words that share the same pronunciation but have completely different meanings. There are many examples of homonyms in English, such as bark (the sound dogs make) and bark (the outermost layer of trees) or fair (just) and fair (light or pale).
\nIn English, the number of homonyms is low enough that the context would almost always make it perfectly clear which word you’re referring to. On the other hand, there are hundreds of Chinese homonyms that could prove highly confusing if characters weren’t involved. Thanks to their logographic system, Chinese words can have (and often do!) different characters while having the exact same pronunciation.
\nHere are some of the top Chinese homonyms:
\n| Pinyin | \nCharacters | \nEnglish meaning | \nCharacters | \nEnglish meaning | \n
| bēi jù | \n悲剧 | \nA tragedy | \n杯具 | \nA glass | \n
| xiāng jiāo | \n香蕉 | \nA banana | \n相交 | \nTo cross over | \n
| sòng zhōng | \n送钟 | \nTo give a clock as a present | \n送终 | \nTo pay one’s last respects | \n
| nián nián yǒu yú | \n年年有余 | \nTo wish someone abundance year after year | \n年年有鱼 | \nTo wish someone plenty of fish year after year | \n
| gōng jī | \n攻击 | \nAttack | \n公鸡 | \nRooster | \n
| jì yì | \n记忆 | \nA skill | \n技艺 | \nTo remember | \n
| chén mò | \n沉默 | \nSilent | \n沉没 | \nTo sink | \n
| máo dùn | \n茅盾 | \nA 20th-century philosopher | \n矛盾 | \nA contradiction | \n
| dài biǎo | \n戴表 | \nWearing a watch | \n代表 | \nA representative | \n
| xīng xing | \n猩猩 | \nAn orangutan | \n星星 | \nA star | \n
Keep in mind that these are homonyms that use the exact same pronunciation, including the same tones. If you include words that sound similar but have different tones, then our list of homonyms would grow exponentially!
\nAnother reason why Chinese doesn’t have an alphabet is that it separates meaning from sound. In phonetic languages like English, the words don’t actually hold the meaning — they just represent different sounds that, when combined, have a meaning.
\nWith Chinese, as you may have realized from the section above, the sound usually does not have an intrinsic connection to the meaning of the word — only the character does. That’s why dozens of characters often share the exact same sound, such as:
\nThis makes it difficult for Chinese to adopt an alphabet, as there would be far too many words with similar sounds but entirely different meanings. So, learning to read Chinese is also important for listening comprehension, as knowing the different characters will help you correctly match each sound to the right meaning.
\nChinese is an incredibly diverse language with hundreds of regional varieties and dialects. You may have heard of the two most common ones: Mandarin and Cantonese. Both of these belong to the Chinese language family, but they use pronunciations that are almost entirely different. A Mandarin speaker and a Cantonese speaker would not be able to have an oral conversation with one another.
\nHowever, separating the meaning from the sound of a character allows speakers of different dialects to still understand written Chinese. Since the characters generally hold the same meaning no matter how they’re pronounced, a speaker of Cantonese could generally understand a newspaper written in Mandarin, and vice-versa.
\nOf course, each dialect also has its own quirks and uses words and grammar differently, but the fact that written Chinese can be intelligible across dialects is a great unifying force across China. That’s why Cantonese and Mandarin are not considered different languages, even when they sound almost nothing alike.
\nAt this point, you might be wondering if it wouldn’t just be easier to do away with the Chinese writing system and replace it with an alphabet. After all, aren’t alphabets the easiest way to write? Not according to science!
\nA 2014 psychology study not only found no evidence that alphabets are optimal, but it actually found that logographic languages like Chinese may be better for reading. A different study found that Chinese readers can read about 10% faster than English readers, even when holding reading comprehension levels constant.
\nThat’s because reading in a phonetic language requires you to sound out the words in your mind when you read. A logographic language doesn’t, since a word’s meaning is separate from the sound. So, once you learn to instantly recognize Chinese characters, you’ll be able to read faster than in English!
\n![\"Once](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt355fcbcc7c8b8a14/637dca858db6e810ab77be65/china_934696812.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
As you can probably tell by now, Chinese characters are incredible features that pack a big punch. While they may not work the same way as an alphabet, learning how to read and understand characters will help you think about language in brand-new ways.
\nHere are some things you should know about Chinese characters and the alphabet.
\nIf you’re just starting to learn Chinese, you may be wondering what the difference is between simplified and traditional characters. Fortunately, the difference is exactly what it sounds like!
\nSimplified characters are simplified versions of traditional characters. They mean the exact same thing — they’re just written using fewer strokes to keep things simple.
\nSimplified characters were introduced in the 1950s by the Chinese government to make reading and writing more accessible to the people. Since then, the literacy rate in China has gone from just 20% in 1950 to 99.83% in 2021! After you see our examples below, you’ll surely understand why!
\nCurrently, simplified characters are used in Mainland China, Singapore, and Malaysia. Traditional characters are used in Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. Japanese kanji characters also rely on traditional Chinese characters.
\nHere are 16 simplified Chinese characters along with their traditional counterparts:
\n| English | \nSimplified | \nTraditional | \nPinyin | \n
| Old | \n旧 | \n舊 | \njiù | \n
| Dragon | \n龙 | \n龍 | \nlóng | \n
| Leaf | \n叶 | \n葉 | \nyè | \n
| To listen | \n听 | \n聽 | \ntīng | \n
| This | \n这 | \n這 | \nzhè | \n
| Country | \n国 | \n國 | \nguó | \n
| To study | \n学 | \n學 | \nxué | \n
| Right | \n对 | \n對 | \nduì | \n
| Still | \n还 | \n還 | \nhái | \n
| Without | \n无 | \n無 | \nwú | \n
| To open | \n开 | \n開 | \nkāi | \n
| Noodle | \n面 | \n麵 | \nmiàn | \n
| Will | \n会 | \n會 | \nhuì | \n
| Plural marker | \n们 | \n們 | \nmen | \n
| To speak | \n说 | \n說 | \nshuō | \n
| Unit | \n个 | \n個 | \ngè | \n
The exact origin of the Chinese language is still debated, although most of the evidence points toward the Sino-Tibetan language family. The Chinese language originated around 6,000 years ago, with the earliest known evidence of written Chinese dating back to 1250 BCE.
\nOriginally, Chinese characters were inscribed on animal bones since paper hadn’t been invented yet. Also known as oracle bones, these ancient character scriptures were used for divination in ancient China. Characters were inscribed on the bones and then placed on a fire. The heat cracked the bones, and diviners then had to interpret what the cracks meant in relation to the characters on the bones.
\nThis practice gave rise to what we now know as the Chinese writing system. If you’re familiar with any Chinese history, you also know that the Chinese civilization has gone through countless changes over the last few centuries. Going through close to a hundred unique dynasties, plenty of domestic uprisings, and a fair share of foreign invasions, the history of China is as unique and varied as its language.
![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt5d52721baa0db02a/637dcad9ed757210a0895697/china_962569644.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
New varieties of Chinese started emerging throughout the centuries, resulting in 10 major families of Chinese. These are most commonly referred to as the Chinese dialects, as they all fall under the Chinese umbrella. The 10 Chinese dialects are:
\nEach of these 10 languages includes regional variations, resulting in hundreds of different local variations of the Chinese language! When traveling in China, it’s not uncommon for the local language to vary significantly just one town over.
\nThat’s why the central government decided to mark Mandarin as the 普通话 (pǔ tōng huà) — the common language. That way, most people in China can communicate with each other using Mandarin while using their local variation with locals. For example, if you visit Shanghai, you’ll find that everybody can speak Mandarin, but many locals use Shanghainese (a variation of the Wu dialect) to communicate with each other! With a seemingly endless supply of local variations, China is the place to be for any language enthusiast!
While pinyin may resemble the English alphabet, it’s really nothing like it. Pinyin is a helpful tool for romanizing the phonetic element of Chinese characters. It is not meant to replace characters, and it wouldn’t be able to even if it tried to.
\nHere are some of the reasons why the pinyin system isn’t just a Chinese alphabet:
\nPinyin cannot represent a character — it can only represent the sound a character makes. As you now know, many characters can share the same sound, so pinyin wouldn’t help us identify each one.
\nUsing pinyin is helpful for learning Chinese, entering characters in electronic devices, and searching for words in dictionaries. But it’s not ideal for communication.
\nAs opposed to the roman alphabet, pinyin has a very strict set of possible combinations. You combine one of the 23 initials with one of the 36 finals to create a sound. You cannot just combine any sounds to make a word.
\nDespite its limitations, pinyin is still a crucial aspect of contemporary Chinese. If you’re just getting started with your Mandarin journey, check out our full guide to Pinyin to learn all about it.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhile there is no such thing as a Chinese alphabet, the characters are such a beautiful and deeply meaningful replacement that no Chinese speaker is yearning for one. If you’re just getting started with learning Chinese, don’t worry if you feel overwhelmed by all the characters! It will take some time to get comfortable with them — there’s no way around it — but getting there is achievable.
\nTry to channel all those nerves into giddy excitement. The fact that Chinese is such a hard language for English speakers to learn should motivate you to give it your best and work hard towards attaining proficiency! After all, there are over a billion fluent speakers of Chinese around the world — and you, too, can be one of them.
\nWe hope you enjoyed this comprehensive guide to the Chinese alphabet and characters! If you learned something new, make sure to check out our Chinese language blog, where we routinely publish helpful content that will serve any learner. Make sure to bookmark that page too, as all the content we publish there is completely free!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Hello in Mandarin","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"42 unique ways to say hello in Chinese [formal & informal]","url":"/blog/hello-hi-mandarin-chinese","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltf8fe2579c3e1f2ae/6369b54fd085883b6345507c/china_453698027.jpeg"},"post_content":"Maybe you’ve set your sight on mastering Chinese, or maybe you’re just curious about the language. Whatever the case may be, the first thing you’ll want to learn is how to say hello in Chinese!
\nThough you may think learning how to say hello in a new language is just a matter of learning a word or two, that’s rarely the case. In most languages—including English—there are plenty of ways to say hello depending on the context. Plus, knowing several different greetings is an easy way to add some personality to your everyday conversations!
\nWhile knowing multiple greetings is always helpful, learning how to say hi in Chinese in different ways pays off more so than in other languages. That’s because certain situations will require different greetings, and you risk being offensive if you don’t use the right one! Keep reading and we’ll tell you all about it so you don’t make a faux-pas when you’re just trying to say hello in Mandarin Chinese.
\nThis blog will take you through everything you need to know to greet a wide range of people, from your friends to your teacher and even your in-laws! Plus, we’ll even show you how to customize a greeting to any situation you’re in.
\nReady to get started?
\n\n\n\nLearning how to say hello in every language is important, of course, but it’s especially so in Chinese. Here’s why:
![\"It](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt3ae15d7ceee18b2b/6369bde1dfcded441e8a5da2/istock-143072169.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
While this is the most common greeting that you’ll hear in the streets of China, you shouldn’t rely on it forever. This is a sort of textbooky and impersonal greeting, so you want to avoid using it with people you’ve already built some rapport with. You don’t want to nǐ hǎo your way through China!
\nInterpersonal relations are extremely important for virtually every interaction in Chinese. The concept of filial piety is particularly important, as showing respect for your elders is crucial. The quickest way to annoy people is to use greetings that aren’t context-appropriate!
\nAs you’ll see when you work your way through our list of Chinese greetings, there are plenty of ways to say hello that sound like anything but a greeting! The good news is that this also means you can also use a wide variety of phrases to greet your friends—you just gotta know what to look out for!
\n\n\n\nWhether you’ve been learning Mandarin for a while or haven’t taken your first class yet, you’ve probably heard nǐ hǎo as a common way to say hello in Chinese. This is the most common way to say hello in Mandarin, but it is not the only way. Let’s break the expression down.
\n\nThus, 你好 (nǐ hǎo) literally translates into “you good.” The key takeaway here is that “hello” in Mandarin includes a subject and you’re allowed to change that subject depending on who you’re talking to! For example, if you’re talking to your boss or someone you should be extra respectful too, you can use the formal 您 (nín) instead of 你 (nǐ): 您好 (nín hǎo).
\nKeep this in mind as you make your way through the rest of the article. While we’ll cover 42 different ways to say hello, there’s really an infinite number of ways to greet people since you can swap out the subject for almost anything you want!
![\"Woman](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt901984aedda2ce0a/6369baabd30cf62a1b2a72b4/istock-915255484_copy.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
\n\n\n\n\nYou’re probably dying to get into all the different ways to say hello in Chinese by now. Without further ado, let’s get into 42 unique ways to greet your friends, family, teachers, neighbors, strangers, and just about anyone in Chinese!
\nIf you’ve just started learning Mandarin, you may still be working on nailing the pinyin pronunciation. That’s why we’ve included a pronunciation column to help you in the meantime.
\nYou can also check out the following video if you need some extra help getting your pinyin pronunciation down:
\nLearn Chinese Alphabet | Mandarin Pinyin Pronunciation Guide
\n\n| English | \nMandarin | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nContext | \n
| Hello. | \n你好 | \nNǐ hǎo | \nnee hao | \nMost basic greeting. Casual and somewhat impersonal. | \n
| Hello. (Formal) | \n您好 | \nNín hǎo | \nneen hao | \nFormal version of 您好 (nǐ hǎo), should be used when addressing superiors. | \n
| How are you? | \n你好吗？ | \nNǐ hǎo ma | \nnee hao ma | \nQuestion version of 您好 (nǐ hǎo). The 吗 (ma) at the end is similar to an English question mark. However, this expression is rarely used in casual conversation. | \n
| How are you? (Formal) | \n您好吗？ | \nNín hǎo ma | \nneen hao ma | \nFormal version of 你好吗 (nǐ hǎo ma). However, this expression is rarely used in casual conversation. | \n
| Hello. (Second person plural) | \n你们好 | \nNǐmen hǎo | \nnee men hao | \nPlural version of (nǐ hǎo). | \n
| Hello all. | \n大家好 | \nDàjiā hǎo | \nda gee-ah hao | \nQuick way to say hello to three or more people. Not too casual and not too formal. | \n
| Hello, everyone. | \n各位好 | \nGèwèi hǎo | \nguh-way hao | \nQuick way to say hello to two or more people. Not too casual and not too formal. | \n
| Hello, teacher. | \n老师好 | \nLǎoshī hǎo | \nlao shih hao | \nPolite way to say hello to your teacher (or any teacher). | \n
| Hello, friends. | \n朋友们好 | \nPéngyǒumen hǎo | \npuhng yo men hao | \nPolite way to say hello to your friends. Usually used when making public speech | \n
| Good morning. | \n早安 | \nZǎoān | \nzah-oh ahn | \nQuick way to say hello in the morning. | \n
| Good morning. | \n早上好 | \nZǎoshàng hǎo | \nzah-oh shang hao | \nQuick way to say hello in the morning. | \n
| Morning. | \n早 | \nZǎo | \nzah-oh | \nQuick way to say hello in the morning. | \n
| Good afternoon | \n下午好 | \nXiàwǔ hǎo | \nshe-ah woo hao | \nQuick way to say hello in the afternoon. | \n
| Good evening. | \n晚上好 | \nWǎnshàng hǎo | \nwahn shang hao | \nQuick way to say hello in the evening. | \n
| Good night. | \n晚安 | \nWǎnān | \nwahn ahn | \nQuick way to end the conversation at night. | \n
| Did you eat already? | \n吃了吗？ | \nChīle ma | \nchih luh ma | \nGenerally, don’t answer earnestly. Just say you’ve ate! This is commonly used around meal times. | \n
| Have you eaten? | \n吃过饭吗？ | \nChīguò fàn ma | \nchih guo fahn ma | \nSame as above. | \n
| Have you eaten yet? | \n你吃过饭了没有？ | \nNǐ chīguò fànle méiyǒu | \nnee chih guo fan luh may yo | \nSame as above. | \n
| How are you? | \n你怎么样？ | \nNǐ zěnme yàng | \nnee zuhn muh yang | \nCasual way to greet someone and ask how they’re doing. | \n
| How’ve you been lately? | \n最近你怎么样？ | \nZuìjìn nǐ zěnme yàng | \nzoo-ay jean nee zuhn muh yang | \nSame as above. | \n
| Have you been okay lately? | \n最近好吗？ | \nZuìjìn hǎo ma | \nzoo-ay jean hao ma | \nSame as above. | \n
| Pleased to meet you. (Formal) | \n幸会 | \nXìng huì | \nsing hoo-ay | \nFormal way to say you’re honored to meet someone. | \n
| It’s an honor to finally meet you. (Very formal) | \n久仰 | \nJiǔyǎng | \ngee-oh yang | \nEven more formal way to say you’re honored to meet someone. | \n
| I’ve long heard your well-known name. (Most formal) | \n久闻大名 | \nJiǔ wén dàmíng | \ngee-oh wehn dah meeng | \nMost formal way to say you’re honored to meet someone. | \n
| Hello!(When calling someone or answering the phone) | \n喂！ | \nWèi | \nway | \nUsed to say hello when calling someone or answering a phone call. | \n
| Hello? (When calling someone or answering the phone) | \n喂？ | \nWéi | \nway | \nUsed to say hello when calling someone or answering a phone call (especially if you don’t know that person). | \n
| You came too! | \n你也来了! | \nNǐ yě láile! | \nnee yeh lah-e luh | \nCasual way to say hello when unexpectedly running into someone you know. | \n
| How is it that you’re here? | \n你怎么在这里？ | \nNǐ zěnme zài zhèlǐ | \nnee zuhn-muh za-e zhuh-lee | \nSame as above. | \n
| Hello. (English loanword) | \n哈喽 | \nHā lóu | \nhallo | \nEnglish loanword of “hello.” | \n
| Hello. (English loanword) | \n哈罗 | \nHā luō | \nhallo | \nSame as above. | \n
| Hi. (English loanword) | \n嗨 | \nHāi | \nhi | \nEnglish loanword of “hi” | \n
| Hey (English loanword) | \n嘿 | \nHēi | \nhey | \nEnglish loanword of “hey.” | \n
| Long time, no see. | \n好久不见 | \nHǎojiǔ bùjiàn | \nhao gee-oh boo gee-ahn | \nUsed when you haven’t seen someone in a long time. In fact, the English expression came from this Chinese phrase! | \n
| You’re off work! | \n下班了！ | \nXiàbānle | \nsee-ah bahn luh | \nAppropriate when running into someone | \n
| What are you up to? | \n干嘛呢？ | \nGàn ma ne | \ngan ma nuh | \nCasual way to ask someone what they’re up to. | \n
| Where are you headed? | \n去哪儿？ | \nQù nǎ'er | \nchoo nar | \nSame as above. | \n
| What are you going to do? | \n去做什么? | \nQù zuò shénme | \nchoo zoo-oh shun-muh | \nSame as above. | \n
| Any news lately? | \n最近有什么新鲜事吗？ | \nZuìjìn yǒu shén me xīnxiān shì ma | \nzoo-ay geen yo shuhn-muh | \nSame as above. | \n
| Regards. | \n祝好 | \nZhùhǎo | \nzhoo hao | \nJust as in English, you can use this to send your regards to someone (used in email or letter). | \n
| I’m very happy to meet you. | \n很高兴认识你 | \nHěn gāoxìng rènshí nǐ | \nhehn gao-sing rehn-shuh nee | \nUsed to say that you’re happy to meet someone for the first time. | \n
| Nice to meet you. | \n很高兴见到你 | \nHěn gāoxìng jiàn dào nǐ | \nhehn gao-sing gee-ahn dao nee | \nSame as above. | \n
| Nice to see you again. | \n很高兴再次见到你 | \nHěn gāoxìng zàicì jiàn dào nǐ | \nhehn gao-sing za-e zuh gee-ahn dao nee | \nGenerally only used the first few times you see someone. | \n
A really cool feature of Chinese is that you can get away with a lot of customization. Grammar and day-to-day use rules aren’t as rigid as in other languages, so you’re usually able to tweak the language to fit your needs and preferences.
![\"A](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt096416b8a7b60f48/6369bc81dbc0293945e7557c/istock-1024091290.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
A great example of this is how you can use a wide variety of phrases to say hello depending on the situation. For example:
\n\n| Situation | \nEnglish | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \n
| You run into a coworker after work. | \nJust finished work? | \n下班了？ | \nxiàbān le | \n
| You run into a friend on the street. | \nWhat are you going to do? | \n去干嘛？ | \nqù gànmá | \n
| You run into a friend during lunchtime or dinnertime. | \nDid you eat? | \n吃了吗？ | \nchī le ma | \n
| You run into a friend at the store. | \nGoing to buy some stuff? | \n去买东西吗？ | \nqù mǎi dōngxi ma | \n
| You run into a friend at the basketball court. | \nGoing to play ball? | \n去打球吗？ | \nqù dǎqiú ma | \n
The possibilities are truly endless! So, don’t be surprised if someone greets you with a totally unique and super specific question!
\n\n\n\nIn Chinese, you want to pay close attention to how close you are with whoever you’re greeting. Saying hello in a way that is too formal or not formal enough could be offensive, so you want to make sure you pick one that’s just right.
![\"The](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt7a5fb03311101a20/6369bce935d5277e5bd14785/istock-1098385472.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Here’s a ranking of some common ways to say hello in Mandarin according to how formal they are:
| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nFormality | \n
| What are you up to? | \n干嘛呢？ | \nGàn ma ne | \nMost casual | \n
| Hello. (English loanword) | \n哈喽 | \nHā lóu | \nCasual | \n
| Hello. | \n你好 | \nNǐ hǎo | \nNeutral / Impersonal | \n
| Hello. (Formal) | \n您好 | \nNín hǎo | \nFormal | \n
| Pleased to meet you. (Formal) | \n幸会 | \nXìng huì | \nMore formal | \n
| I’ve long heard your well-known name. (Most formal) | \n久闻大名 | \nJiǔ wén dàmíng | \nMost formal | \n
The biggest mistake you can make when greeting someone in Chinese is not being formal enough. In general, you want to make sure you use 您 (nín) and formal greetings when saying hello to:
\nWhen in doubt, always opt for a more formal rather than a more casual greeting. Although being overly polite can be an issue too, it’s usually less severe than not being polite enough!
\nNo! Many people get this Japanese custom confused with China. You are not supposed to bow when saying hello in Chinese, as bowing when greeting someone is not a part of modern Chinese culture.
\nInstead, you’ll most likely see people do a nod or slight bow when apologizing. You may see this when someone says sorry in Chinese, like 抱歉 (bàoqiàn), 不好意思 (bùhǎoyìsi), or 对不起 (duìbuqǐ).
\n\n\n\nNow that you know how to say hi in Chinese in over 40 unique ways, don’t stop there! Mandarin Chinese is an incredibly vast and fascinating language, with plenty of unique words, sentences, and grammar structures that are sure to have you wanting to learn even more.
\nBut don’t let the vastness of the Chinese language discourage you! Although it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the thousands of characters you’ll need to learn, it’s important to focus on making slow and steady progress. Start by learning simple things like the animals in Chinese and counting in Chinese before moving on to more advanced stuff. You’ll become conversational before you know it!
\nIf you enjoyed this article, check out our Mandarin Chinese blog for more vocabulary and grammar content that will help you get better and better at Chinese.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Good luck in Spanish","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"How to say good luck & more encouraging words in Spanish","url":"/blog/good-luck-spanish","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt8a46b06fd99d2677/636b33c9ca63f21361cd9c49/istock-1047530050.jpeg"},"post_content":"Luck and fortune are the building blocks of many cultures around the world — and Spanish-speaking culture is no exception. If you are looking to make meaningful connections and go beyond a simple hello or how are you in Spanish, you’ll surely want to learn how to wish someone good luck.
These phrases will come in handy as you’re looking to support your new Spanish-speaking friends anytime they have a big test, job interview, or sports match. Not only will they appreciate your kind wishes, but you’ll also improve your Spanish fluency. Everybody wins!
In this article, we’ll go over 35 different ways to wish someone good luck in Spanish. As usual, we’ll also cover the pronunciation of each phrase so you can start using them right away!
Lastly, we’ll go into some cultural aspects of luck. While some superstitions are near-universal — like black cats and broken mirrors — others are more regional and will surprise you if you’re not a native speaker. Keep reading if you want to learn how to attract good luck and avoid bad luck according to Hispanic customs and norms!
Sometimes, just a basic understanding of Spanish language essentials is all you need. Download your free Spanish language essentials eBook here.
Here are 35 different ways to say good luck in Spanish. There are many more, so these are just a few dozen to get you started. You can tweak the phrase according to the situation, so feel free to build on these phrases with the rest of your Spanish vocabulary. For example, if you know someone is heading into an important test or meeting, you can wish them good luck as you say goodbye!
![\"Teacher](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltd9ef3651a4c88d37/636b357fcdb5a750d75c6057/istock-1071268100.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| Good luck! | ¡Buena suerte! | ˈbwena ˈsweɾte ‖ | boo-eh-nah soo-air-teh |
| A lot of luck. | ¡Mucha suerte! | ˈmuʧa ˈsweɾte ‖ | moo-chah soo-air-teh |
| Good luck my friend. | Buena suerte, mi amigo. | ˈbwena ˈsweɾte | mj aˈmiɣo ‖ | bo-eh-nah soo-air-teh, me ah-me-go |
| I wish you success. | Te deseo éxito. | te ðeˈseo ˈeksito ‖ | teh deh-seh-oh ehc-see-toh |
| I wish you good luck. | Te deseo buena suerte. | te ðeˈseo ˈβwena ˈsweɾte ‖ | teh deh-seh-oh boo-eh-nah soo-air-teh |
| Good luck with everything. | Buena suerte con todo. | ˈbwena ˈsweɾte kon ˈtoðo ‖ | boo-eh-nah soo-air-teh cohn toe-doh |
| Hope everything goes well! | ¡Que todo salga bien! | ˈke ˈtoðo ˈsalɣa ˈβjen ‖ | keh toe-doe sal-gah bee-ehn |
| I wish you well. | Que te vaya bien. | ˈke te ˈβaʝa ˈβjen ‖ | keh teh vah-yah bee-ehn |
| I wish you all well. | Que les vaya bien a todos. | ˈke ˈlez ˈβaʝa ˈβjen a ˈtoðos | keh lehs vah-yah bee-ehn ah toe-dos |
| I wish you the best. | Te deseo lo mejor. | te ðeˈseo lo meˈxoɾ ‖ | teh deh-seh-oh lo meh-hor |
| Good luck and best wishes. | Buena suerte y mis mejores deseos. | ˈbwena ˈsweɾte j miz meˈxoɾez ðeˈseos ‖ | boo-eh-nah soo-air-teh e mees meh-hoh-rehs deh-seh-ohs |
| Good luck on your test. | Buena suerte en tu exámen. | ˈbwena ˈsweɾte en tw ekˈsamen ‖ | boo-eh-nah soo-air-teh ehn too ex-ah-mehn |
| Good luck today! | ¡Buena suerte hoy! | ˈbwena ˈsweɾte ˈoj ‖ | boo-eh-nah soo-air-teh oy |
| Good luck tomorrow! | ¡Buena suerte mañana! | ˈbwena ˈsweɾte maˈɲana ‖ | boo-eh-nah soo-air-teh mah-nyah-nah |
| Success! | ¡Éxito! | ˈeksito ‖ | ex-e-toe |
| Much success! | ¡Mucho éxito! | ˈmuʧo ˈeksito ‖ | moo-cho ex-e-toe |
| God bless you. | Que Dios te bendiga. | ˈke ˈðjos te βenˈdiɣa | keh de-ohs-teh behn-dee-gah |
| I hope God hears you. | Que Dios te oiga. | ˈke ˈðjos te ˈojɣa | keh dee-ohs teh oy-gah |
| I wish you the best of the best. | Te deseo lo mejor de lo mejor. | te ðeˈseo lo meˈxoɾ ðe lo meˈxoɾ ‖ | teh deh-seh-oh lo meh-hor deh lo meh-hor |
| Best wishes. | Mis mejores deseos. | miz meˈxoɾez ðeˈseos | mes meh-hor-ehs deh-seh-ohs |
| I wish you a nice trip! | ¡Buen viaje! | ˈbwem ˈbjaxe ‖ | boo-ehn vee-ah-heh |
| I hope you have good luck. | Que tengas buena suerte. | ˈke ˈtenɡaz ˈβwena ˈsweɾte | keh tehn-gas boo-eh-nah soo-air-teh |
| I hope you have a lot of luck. | Que tengas mucha suerte. | ˈke ˈtenɡaz ˈmuʧa ˈsweɾte | keh tehn-gas moo-cha soo-air-teh |
| I hope you get a perfect score! | ¡Que te saques 100! | ˈke te ˈsakes ˈsjen ‖ | keh teh sah-kehs see-ehn |
| I hope luck is on your side! | ¡Que la suerte esté de tu lado! | ˈke la ˈsweɾte esˈte ðe tu ˈlaðo ‖ | keh la soo-air-teh ehs-teh deh too lah-doe |
| Good luck with your interview! | ¡Buena suerte en tu entrevista! | ˈbwena ˈsweɾte en tw entɾeˈβista ‖ | boo-eh-nah soo-air-teh cohn too ehn-treh vees-tah |
| Good luck with your new job. | Buena suerte en tu nuevo trabajo. | ˈbwena ˈsweɾte en tu ˈnweβo tɾaˈβaxo | boo-eh-nah soo-air-teh ehn too noo-eh-voh trah-bah-hoh |
| Good luck on your first day. | Buena suerte en tu primer día. | ˈbwena ˈsweɾte en tu pɾiˈmeɾ ˈðia | booh-eh-nah soo-air-teh ehn too pre-mehr dee-ah |
| Good luck with your wedding! | ¡Buena suerte en tu boda! | ˈbwena ˈsweɾte en tu ˈβoða ‖ | boo eh-nah soo-air-teh ehn too boh-dah |
| Good luck with the move. | Buena suerte con la mudanza. | ˈbwena ˈsweɾte kon la muˈðansa | boo-eh-nah soo-air-teh cohn la moo-dahn-sah |
| May God’s fortune smile upon you. | ¡Que te sonría la Diosa fortuna! | ˈke te sonˈria la ˈðjosa foɾˈtuna ‖ | keh teh son-ree-ah la dee-oh-sah fore-too-nah |
| All the best to you. | Todo lo mejor para ti. | ˈtoðo lo meˈxoɾ ˈpaɾa ˈti | toe-doe lo meh-hor pah-rah tee |
| Third time’s the charm! | ¡La tercera es la vencida! | la teɾˈseɾa ˈez la βenˈsiða ‖ | la tehr-seh-rah ehs la vehn-see-dah |
| I’ll cross my fingers for you! | ¡Cruzaré mis dedos por ti! | kɾusaˈɾe miz ˈðeðos poɾ ˈti ‖ | croo-zah-reh mees- deh-dohs pore tee |
| Better luck next time! | ¡Que tengas más suerte a la otra! | ˈke ˈtenɡaz ˈmas ˈsweɾte a la ˈotɾa ‖ | keh tehn-gahs mahs soo-air-teh ah la oh-trah |
They say half of everything is luck, so how do we encourage someone to keep going when luck isn’t enough? Here are over a dozen words of encouragement in Spanish that you can offer your friends, classmates, and family next time you watch a sports match or simply want to wish them well in Spanish class!
Depending on your relationship, you could also tack on some Spanish terms of endearment or words for family in Spanish when encouraging a close one.
![\"Father](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt41f3781c84325bdc/636b35e4e6c581116eff4308/istock-1071632168.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| You are awesome! | ¡Eres increíble! | ˈeɾes inkɾeˈiβle ‖ | eh-rehs een-khreh-e-bleh |
| You are going to do great! | ¡Te va a ir increíble! | te ˈβa a ˈiɾ inkɾeˈiβle ‖ | teh vah ah eer een-kreh-e-bleh |
| You can do it! | ¡Tú puedes! | ˈtu ˈpweðes ‖ | too poo-eh-dehs |
| Great job, son! | ¡Muy bien, hijo! | ||
| You’re going to do amazing on your test. | Te va a ir increíble en tu examen. | te ˈβa a ˈiɾ inkɾeˈiβle en tw ekˈsamen ‖ | teh vah ah eer een-kreh-e-bleh ehn too ex-ah-mehn |
| Give it your all! | ¡Échale ganas! | ˈeʧale ˈɣanas ‖ | eh-chah-leh gah-nahs |
| Put the batteries on | ¡Ponte las pilas! | ˈponte las ˈpilas ‖ | pohn-teh lahs pee-lahs |
| Let’s go! | ¡Adelante! | ˈdale ‖ | ah-deh-lahn-teh |
| Give it your all! | ¡Dale! | ˈanimo ‖ | dah-leh |
| Cheer up! | ¡Ánimo! | ˈno te ˈrindas ‖ | ah-nee-mo |
| Don’t give up! | ¡No te rindas! | ˈno te ˈrindas ‖ | noh teh reen-dahs |
| Believe in yourself! | ¡Cree en ti! | ˈkɾee en ˈti ‖ | kreh-eh ehn tee |
| Good job! | ¡Buen trabajo! | ˈbwen tɾaˈβaxo ‖ | boo-ehn trah-bah-hoh |
| Keep it up! | ¡Sigue así! | ˈsiɣe aˈsi ‖ | see-geh ah-see |
Picking up a new language involves so much more than just studying a textbook and memorizing vocabulary lists. To become truly proficient, you’ll have to learn a whole host of new customs, traditions, and — yes, superstitions! Even if you’re not a superstitious person yourself, you’ll definitely want to pay attention to some of these signs of good luck so you’re not taken aback when you see them in real life.
![\"Women](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt7fcd2cb92552e732/636b3733a60a2813629c67a3/pexels-vlada-karpovich-4451743.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Spanish | Context |
| Touching a pregnant woman’s belly. | Tocar la panza de una embarazada. | Rubbing a pregnant woman’s belly is supposed to bring you good luck! Don’t take it the wrong way if you’re pregnant and people keep asking to rub your belly. You can always decline if you don’t feel comfortable! |
| 12 grapes on New Year’s Eve. | Las doce uvas de año nuevo. | Forget a New Year’s Eve kiss! In Spain and Latin America, you’ll want to eat twelve grapes for good luck in the coming year! |
| Cactus on a window sill. | Un cactus en la ventana. | Cactus are spikey little plants that few would want to touch. In Spain, this includes bad vibes! Putting a cactus on your window sill can stave off bad luck. |
| Throwing rice grains at a newly wed couple. | Aventar granos de arroz a los recién casados. | Are you getting married in a Spanish-speaking country? If so, don’t be surprised if guests throw uncooked rice grains at you! It means they wish you a wonderful marriage. |
| Horseshoes | Herraduras de caballos | You’ll see plenty of horseshoes all across Spain and Latin America. These are meant to attract good luck as they are a symbol of a horse’s reliability, strength, and elegance. |
You’ve already spent all this time studying how to wish good luck in Spanish — why spoil it by inadvertently doing something that attracts bad luck? No matter if you’re the most superstitious person in your friend group or if you don’t mind stepping on the cracks of the sidewalk, you’ll want to avoid the following superstitions when you’re in a Spanish-speaking country. You’ll stave off bad luck if they actually work — and if they don’t, you’ll at least avoid the horrified stares of those around you!
| English | Spanish | Context |
| Not putting your purse on the floor. | No poner la bolsa en el piso. | Purses are for carrying money! Putting them on the floor means you’ll have bad luck with money. |
| Not passing the salt shaker. | No pasar la sal. | In Spanish, la mala sal is a synonym for bad luck. So, handing someone else the salt shaker is equivalent to giving them bad luck! The proper way to hand the shaker to someone is to put it directly on the table so they can grab them on their own. |
| Not talking about a project before it’s certain will jinx it. | No hablar de un proyecto para que no se te cebe. | Just as in English, talking about something before it’s certain could jinx it. The same is true in Spain and Latin America—don’t count your chickens before they hatch! |
| Touching wood. | Toca madera. | If you mention something that could bring bad luck, touching wood or anything made out of wood cancels out the bad luck! |
| Walking under a ladder. | Pasar por debajo de las escaleras. | Walking directly under a ladder can bring bad luck. This superstition has origins in Christianity, as the triangle shape formed by a ladder leaning against a wall can resemble the triangle of the Holy Trinity. |
| Getting out of bed with your left foot. | Levantarse de la cama con el pie izquierdo. | You’ve heard of getting up on the wrong side of the bed, but did you know that which foot you plant on the ground first can also impact how the rest of your day goes? Make sure you get off your bed on the right foot! |
If you’ve spent any time around native Spanish speakers, you know that phrases and idioms are a huge part of the culture. So, no blog on saying good luck in Spanish would be complete without some popular phrases about luck. Here are some of our favorites!
![\"istock-1067212720.jpeg\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt8eac3b6d4b593ca8/636b398de6c581116eff4310/istock-1067212720.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| Luck is a disease for which the only remedy is hard work. | La suerte es una enfermedad para la cual el trabajo duro es el único remedio. | la ˈsweɾte ˈes ˈuna emfeɾmeˈðað ˈpaɾa la ˈkwal el tɾaˈβaxo ˈðuɾo ˈes el ˈuniko reˈmeðjo | lah soo-air-teh ehs oo-nah ehn-fehr-meh-dahd pah-rah la koo-al ehl trah-bah-hoh ehs ehl oo-ne-coh reh-meh-dee-oh |
| Bad luck, you know, rarely comes unaccompanied. | Mala suerte, ya sabes, rara vez viene sola. | ˈmala ˈsweɾte | ʝa ˈsaβes | ˈraɾa ˈβez ˈβjene ˈsola | mah-lah-soo-air-teh, yah-sah-behs, rah-rah vehs vee-eh-neh soh-la |
| The ugly person’s luck is desired by the attractive person. | La suerte de la fea, la guapa la desea. | la ˈsweɾte ðe la ˈfea | la ˈɣwapa la ðeˈsea | la soo-air-teh deh lah feh-ah, lah goo-ah-pah lah deh-seh-ah |
| Luck is crazy and anyone can get it. | La suerte es loca y a cualquiera le toca. | la ˈsweɾte ˈez ˈloka j a kwalˈkjeɾa le ˈtoka | la soo-air-teh ehs lo-ca e ah coo-ahl-key-air-ah leh toh-cah |
| Good fortune favors audacious people. | La fortuna favorece a los audaces. | la foɾˈtuna faβoˈɾese a los awˈðases | la fore-too-nah fah-vore-eh-seh ah lohs ah-oo-dah-sehs |
| Work and personal finance are the best lottery. | El trabajo y la economía son la mejor lotería. | el tɾaˈβaxo j la ekonoˈmia ˈson la meˈxoɾ loteˈɾia | |
| Luck helps those who fight and sweat. | A quien lucha y suda, la suerte le ayuda. | a ˈkjen ˈluʧa j ˈsuða | la ˈsweɾte le aˈʝuða | ah key-ehn loo-cha e soo-dah, lah soo-air-teh leh ah-yoo-dah |
| If you were born to be a tamal, leaves will fall from the sky. | Al que nace ‘pa tamal, del cielo le caen las hojas. | al ˈke ˈnase ˈpa taˈmal | del ˈsjelo le ˈkaen las ˈoxas | ahl keh nah-seh pah tah-mal, dell see-eh-lo leh cah-ehn las oh-hahs |
| Good love and good death, there’s no better luck. | Buen amor y buena muerte, no hay mejor suerte. | ˈbwen aˈmoɾ i ˈβwena ˈmweɾte | ˈno ˈaj meˈxoɾ ˈsweɾte | boo-ehn ah-more e boo-eh-nah moo-air-teh, no ah-e meh-hor soo-air-teh |
| To each the luck they deserve. | Cada quien tiene la suerte que se merece. | ˈkaða ˈkjen ˈtjene la ˈsweɾte ˈke se meˈɾese | cah-dah key-ehn tee-eh-neh la soo-air-teh keh seh meh-reh-seh |
| Nobody escapes death and luck. | De la muerte y la suerte no hay quien se escape. | de la ˈmweɾte j la ˈsweɾte ˈno ˈaj ˈkjen se esˈkape | deh la moo-air-teh e la soo-air-teh no ah-e key-ehn seh ehs-cah-peh |
| Good luck isn’t forever and those at home will remember. | La buena suerte se pasa y el saber se queda en casa. | la ˈβwena ˈsweɾte se ˈpasa j el saˈβeɾ se ˈkeða en ˈkasa | la boo-eh-nah soo-air-teh seh pah-sah e ehl sah-behr seh keh-dah ehn cah-sah |
| Bad luck is still better than death. | Más vale mala suerte que la muerte. | ˈmaz ˈβale ˈmala ˈsweɾte ˈke la ˈmweɾte | mas vah-leh mah-la soo-air-teh keh la moo-air-teh |
| Not even one in a hundred is happy with their luck | Ni uno de cada ciento de su suerte está contento. | nj ˈuno ðe ˈkaða ˈsjento ðe su ˈsweɾte esˈta konˈtento | ne oo-no deh cah-dah see-ehn-toe deh soo soo-air-teh ehs-tah cohn-tehn-toe |
| Don’t go looking for luck and it will jump in your way. | No busques la suerte y te saldrá al paso. | ˈno ˈβuskez la ˈsweɾte j te salˈdɾa al ˈpaso | noh boos-kehs la soo-air-teh e teh sahl-drah al pah-soh |
| If I knew my own luck, I’d laugh of death herself. | Si yo supiera mi suerte, me reiría hasta de la muerte. | si ˈʝo suˈpjeɾa mi ˈsweɾte | me rejˈɾia ˈasta ðe la ˈmweɾte | see yoh soo-pee-air-ah me soo-air-teh, meh reh-e-ree-ah deh la moo-air-teh |
| Such is the luck of every loaned book: sometimes lost but always ruined. | Tal es la suerte de cada libro prestado: perdido a veces y siempre estropeado. | ˈtal ˈez la ˈsweɾte ðe ˈkaða ˈliβɾo pɾesˈtaðo | peɾˈðiðo a ˈβeses i ˈsjempɾe estɾopeˈaðo | tal ehs la soo-air-teh deh cah-dah lee-bro prehs-ta-doe: pair-dee-doh ah veh sehs e see-ehm-preh ehs-troh-peh-ah-doh |
| Live with such luck that you’re neither enchanted by life not afraid of death. | Vive de tal suerte que ni te encante la vida ni te espante la muerte. | ˈbiβe ðe ˈtal ˈsweɾte ˈke ni te enˈkante la ˈβiða ni te esˈpante la ˈmweɾte | vee-veh deh tal soo-air-teh keh nee teh ehn-cahn-teh la vee-dah nee teh ehs-pahn-teh la moo-air-teh |
| Good luck never gives, it only loans. | La suerte nunca da, solo presta. | la ˈsweɾte ˈnunka ˈða | ˈsolo ˈpɾesta | la soo-air-teh noon-kah dah, soh-loh prehs-tah |
| When faced with bad luck, all you can do is be patient and keep your head up high. | A suerte mala, paciencia buena y cara. | a ˈsweɾte ˈmala | paˈsjensja ˈβwena j ˈkaɾa | ah soo-air-teh mah-lah, pah-see-ehn-see-ah boo-eh-nah e cah-rah |
![\"Download](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt06f55002472a7417/6385eb1976567a10a7cbe068/Spanish_SEO_Blog_Downloadables_Banner.gif?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
You’ve now learned 35 ways to wish someone good luck in Spanish, plus several dozen words of encouragement and phrases about luck. While you don’t need to worry about learning them all right away, you should pick a few of your favorites and start using them right away!
Don’t worry too much about making mistakes or not pronouncing them right. The important part is to incorporate them into your day-to-day collection of words and phrases. The more frequently you use them, the sooner you’ll get them right! Plus, your friends and family will surely appreciate your well-meaning efforts!
If you want to push your luck and keep learning even more Spanish vocabulary, check out our Spanish blog. We routinely publish helpful content for all Spanish levels, including absolute elementary topics like the numbers in Spanish and intermediate topics like personality traits. We even have a guide to the 100 hardest words in Spanish!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"I don't know in Spanish","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"How to say I don't know and I don't understand in Spanish","url":"/blog/i-don-t-know-understand-spanish","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt355389d6ae664d47/6364508f3f01d1106f8ea861/istock-1219254607-2.jpeg"},"post_content":"We’ve all been there—you spend countless hours in Spanish class and at home studying a new language, and, suddenly, you’re hit with something you don’t understand. What did they just say?
\nAs embarrassing as these situations may be, there is absolutely nothing wrong with having to ask for clarification or admitting that you simply don’t understand something. In fact, it would be worse if you didn’t routinely put yourself in situations where you didn’t understand everything you heard. Full language immersion is one of the fastest ways to learn Spanish, and not understanding every single thing is one of the main reasons why it helps us improve so quickly.
\nWith that said, you should be prepared for when you don’t understand something. Knowing how to say I don’t know in Spanish will help you get the instant feedback that you need to improve. Not only will you avoid awkward silence or a misunderstanding, but being able to vocalize that you don’t understand something in Spanish will prompt people to help you. As you’ll find out, most would be happy to rephrase or offer an alternative explanation to help you out.
\nSo, this blog will cover 59 different ways to say I don’t know in Spanish, as well as common variations like “I’m not sure” or “I don’t understand” in Spanish. Now, you won’t have any excuses not to know how to say I don’t know! As the Spanish saying goes, “sobre aviso, no hay engaño.”
\nYou can also download your free Spanish language essentials eBook here, a trusty guide to all the Spanish basics.
\nLet’s get started!
\n![\"Knowing](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt0b05f2b7afba1e52/636465967e3fa67c6290c62a/istock-507118706.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Let’s start with the basics. The very first thing you should know is that the verb “to know” is saber, which is an irregular verb that doesn’t follow typical conjugation rules. This is a common mistake among non-native speakers. In fact, there’s a whole term for heritage speakers who can’t speak Spanish well: no sabo kids.
\nMake sure you memorize the different conjugations for the verb saber so you avoid getting lumped into this group. Not only is it useful for saying I don’t know in Spanish, but it’s also helpful for saying what you do know! Here are the conjugations for it:
\nNow, let’s get into some common ways to say I don’t know, including helpful phrases like “I don’t know what to do” and “I don’t know yet” in Spanish.
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| I don’t know. | \nNo sé. | \nˈno ˈse | \nno seh | \n
| I don’t know that. | \nNo lo sé. | \nˈno lo ˈse | \nno loh seh | \n
| I don’t know, yet. | \nAún no lo sé. | \naˈun ˈno lo ˈse | \nah-oohn no loh seh | \n
| I don’t know English. | \nNo sé hablar inglés. | \nˈno ˈse aˈβlaɾ inˈɡles | \nno seh ah-blahr een-glehs | \n
| I don’t know what to do. | \nNo sé qué hacer. | \nˈno ˈse ˈke aˈseɾ | \nno seh keh ah-sehr | \n
| I still don’t know. | \nTodavía no sé. | \ntoðaˈβia ˈno ˈse | \ntoe-dah-vee-ah no seh | \n
| I don’t think so. | \nNo lo creo. | \nˈno lo ˈkɾeo | \nno loh creh-oh | \n
| I don’t think. | \nNo creo. | \nˈno ˈkɾeo | \nnoh creh-oh | \n
| We don’t know. | \nNo sabemos. | \nˈno saˈβemos | \nno sahbeh-mohs | \n
| I have no idea. | \nNo tengo idea. | \nˈno ˈtenɡo jˈðea | \nno tehn-go e-deh-ah | \n
| I haven’t the slightest idea. | \nNo tengo la menor idea. | \nˈno ˈtenɡo la meˈnoɾ iˈðea | \nno tehn-goh la meh-nor e-deh-ah | \n
| I don’t know. | \nNo conozco. | \nˈno koˈnosko | \nno coh-nohs-coh | \n
Perhaps it’s not that you don’t know, but that you don’t understand. While there’s a subtle difference in not knowing and not understanding, using different expressions will yield different results. If you say “I don’t understand,” you’ll get an explanation from the other party, thus helping you learn that which you do not (yet!) know.
\n![\"A](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt7ae8919bfee4e469/636465a75ab2bf3011f4020c/istock-505263276.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| I don’t understand. | \nNo entiendo. | \nˈno enˈtjendo | \nno ehn-tee-ehn-doe | \n
| I don’t understand. | \nNo comprendo. | \nˈno komˈpɾendo | \nno cohm-prehn-doe | \n
| I don’t understand that. | \nNo lo entiendo. | \nˈno lo enˈtjendo | \nno loh ehn-tee-ehn-doe | \n
| I don’t understand you. | \nNo te entiendo. | \nˈno te enˈtjendo | \nno teh ehn-tee-ehn-doe | \n
| I didn’t understand you. | \nNo te entendí. | \nˈno te entenˈdi | \nno teh ehn-tehn-dee | \n
| Sorry, I don’t understand you. | \nPerdón, no te entiendo. | \npeɾˈðon | ˈno te enˈtjendo | \npear-dohn, no teh ehn-tee-ehn-doe | \n
| Sorry, I don’t understand you. (formal) | \nDisculpe, no le entiendo. | \ndisˈkulpe | ˈno le enˈtjendo | \ndees-cool-peh, no leh ehn-tee-ehn-doe | \n
| I don’t understand at all. | \nNo entiendo para nada. | \nˈno enˈtjendo ˈpaɾa ˈnaða | \nno ehn-tee-ehn-doe pah-rah nah-dah | \n
| I don’t understand anything. | \nNo entiendo nada. | \nˈno enˈtjendo ˈnaða | \nno ehn-tee-ehn-doe nah-dah | \n
| Sorry, I don’t understand. | \nPerdón, no entiendo. | \npeɾˈðon | ˈno enˈtjendo | \npear-dohn, no ehn-tee-ehn-doe | \n
| I don’t understand the question. | \nNo entiendo tu pregunta. | \nˈno enˈtjendo tu pɾeˈɣunta | \nno ehn-tee-ehn-doe too preh-goon-tah | \n
| I don’t understand English. | \nNo entiendo inglés. | \nˈno enˈtjendo jnˈɡles | \nno ehn-tee-ehn-doe een-glehs | \n
| I don’t understand why. | \nNo entiendo por qué. | \nˈno enˈtjendo poɾ ˈke | \nno ehn-tee-ehn-doe pore-keh | \n
| I don’t understand what you’re saying. | \nNo entiendo lo que dices. | \nˈno enˈtjendo lo ˈke ˈðises | \nno ehn-tee-ehn-doe loh keh dee-sehs | \n
| I don’t understand what they’re saying. | \nNo entiendo lo que están diciendo. | \nˈno enˈtjendo lo ˈke esˈtan diˈsjendo | \nno ehn-tee-ehn-doe loh keh ehs-tah pah-sahn-doe | \n
| How’d you say? | \n¿Cómo? | \nˈkomo ‖ | \ncoh-moh | \n
| I’m not following. | \nNo te sigo. | \nˈno te ˈsiɣo | \nno teh see-go | \n
| I don’t get it. | \nNo capto. | \nˈno ˈkapto | \nno cap-toe | \n
| What I don’t understand is… | \nLo que no entiendo es… | \nlo ˈke ˈno enˈtjendo ˈes | \nloh keh no ehn-tee-ehn-doe ehs | \n
| I didn’t understand. | \nNo entendí. | \nˈno entenˈdi | \nno ehn-tehn-dee | \n
| I didn’t understand anything. | \nNo entendí nada | \nˈno entenˈdi ˈnaða | \nno ehn-tehn-dee nah-dah | \n
| How is that so? | \n¿Cómo así? | \nˈkomo aˈsi ‖ | \ncoh-moh ah-see | \n
| What are you talking about? | \n¿De qué hablas? | \nde ˈke ˈaβlas ‖ | \ndeh keh ah-blahs | \n
| What do you mean? | \n¿A qué te refieres? | \na ˈke te reˈfjeɾes ‖ | \nah keh teh reh-fee-air-ehs | \n
| What do you mean by that? | \n¿Qué quieres decir con eso? | \nˈke ˈkjeɾez ðeˈsiɾ kon ˈeso ‖ | \nkeh key-air-ehs deh-seer cohn eh-so | \n
Sometimes, you just fall somewhere between knowing and not knowing. In these cases, it’s important to know how to let someone know that you have an idea but are not entirely sure. Here are a few helpful ways to say I’m not sure in Spanish.
\n![\"I'm](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt4ccb3db05bb36cbf/636465b87ec6792d067be3b5/istock-500427322.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| I’m not sure. | \nNo estoy seguro. | \nˈno esˈtoj seˈɣuɾo | \nno ehs-toy seh-goo-roh | \n
| We’re not sure. | \nNo estamos seguros. | \nˈno esˈtamos seˈɣuɾos | \nno ehs-tah-mohs seh | \n
| It’s not all clear to me. | \nNo me queda del todo claro. | \nˈno me ˈkeða ðel ˈtoðo ˈklaɾo | \nno meh keh-da dell toh-doh clah-ro | \n
| I have my doubts. | \nTengo mis dudas. | \nˈtenɡo miz ˈðuðas | \ntehn-go mees doo-dahs | \n
| Let me think about it. | \nDéjame pensarlo. | \nˈdexame penˈsaɾlo | \ndeh-hah-meh pehn-sar-lo | \n
| I’m not certain. | \nNo tengo la certeza. | \nˈno ˈtenɡo la seɾˈtesa | \nno tehn-go la sehr-teh-za | \n
| It’s unclear. | \nNo está claro. | \nˈno esˈta ˈklaɾo | \nno ehs-tah cla-roh | \n
| I don’t know for certain. | \nNo lo sé con seguridad. | \nˈno lo ˈse kon seɣuɾiˈðað | \nno lo seh cohn seh-goo-ree-dad | \n
| I’m not 100% sure. | \nNo estoy 100% seguro. | \nˈno esˈtoj ˈsjen seˈɣuɾo | \nno ehs-toy see-ehn pore see-ehn-toe seh-goo-ro | \n
If you’ve been reading our Spanish guides for a while, you know that we like to prepare you to Speak Spanish as naturally as possible. And in order to do that, you’re going to need some Spanish slang! Here are some slang and more casual ways to say I don’t know, I don’t understand, or I’m not so sure in Spanish.
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| To know. | \nSaber | \nsaˈβeɾ | \nsah-ber | \n
| Who knows. | \nSepa. | \nˈsepa | \nseh-pah | \n
| Who knows. | \nQuién sabe. | \nˈkjen ˈsaβe | \nkey-ehn sah-beh | \n
| Nobody knows. | \nNadie sabe. | \nˈnaðje ˈsaβe | \nnah-dee-eh sah-beh | \n
| God knows. | \nDios sabe. | \nˈdjos ˈsaβe | \ndee-ohs sah-beh | \n
| No idea. | \nNi idea. | \nni iˈðea | \nnee e-deh-ah | \n
| Let me check. | \nDéjame ver. | \nˈdexame ˈβeɾ | \ndeh-hah-meh-vehr | \n
| I wouldn’t know what to tell you. | \nNo sabría decirte. | \nˈno saˈβɾia ðeˈsiɾte | \nno sah-bree-ah deh-seer-teh | \n
| I don’t get you. | \nNo te agarro la onda. | \nˈno te aˈɣaro la ˈonda | \nno teh ah-gah-roh la ohn-dah | \n
| I didn’t catch that. | \nNo te caché. | \nˈno te kaˈʧe | \nno teh cah-cheh | \n
| It defeats me. | \nMe gana. | \nme ˈɣana | \nmeh gah-nah | \n
| I wish I knew. | \nOjalá supiera. | \noxaˈla suˈpjeɾa | \noh-hah-lah soo-pee-air-ah | \n
| Don’t even look at me. | \nA mí ni me veas. | \na ˈmi ni me ˈβeas | \nah me nee meh veh-ahs | \n
If you’re having a hard time putting all this new vocabulary in context, do not worry! We’ve got some handy sample sentences for you to sink your teeth into. And while there’s nothing to apologize for, you may want to work in some ways to say I’m sorry to be extra polite–make sure to check out our guide to saying sorry in Spanish!
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Sorry, I don’t know how to speak English. | \nPerdón, no sé hablar inglés. | \npeɾˈðon | ˈno ˈse aˈβlaɾ inˈɡles ‖ | \npear-dohn, no seh ah-blahr een-glehs | \n
| I’m sorry, I don’t know. | \nDisculpa, no lo sé. | \ndisˈkulpa | ˈno lo ˈse ‖ | \ndees-cool-pah, no loh seh | \n
| No, I don’t know who that is. | \nNo, no sé quién es ella. | \nˈno | ˈno ˈse ˈkjen ˈes ˈeʝa ‖ | \nno, no seh key-ehn ehs eh-yah | \n
| I don’t know how to get there | \nNo sé cómo llegar allí. | \nˈno ˈse ˈkomo ʝeˈɣaɾ aˈʝi ‖ | \nno seh coh-mo yeh-gar ah-e | \n
| I don’t think it will rain. | \nNo creo que llueva | \nˈno ˈkɾeo ˈke ˈʝweβa | \nno creh-oh keh you-eh-vah | \n
| Could you repeat that for me? I didn’t understand you. | \n¿Me lo podrías repetir? No te entendí. | \nme lo poˈðɾiaz repeˈtiɾ ‖ ˈno te entenˈdi ‖ | \nmeh loh poh-dree-ahs ex-plee-car? no teh ehn-tehn-dee | \n
| Could you explain it to me again? I still don’t understand. | \n¿Me lo podrías volver a explicar? Aún no entiendo. | \nme lo poˈðɾiaz βolˈβeɾ a ekspliˈkaɾ ‖ aˈun ˈno enˈtjendo ‖ | \nmeh lo poh-dree-ahs vol-vehr ah ex-plee-car? ah-oon no ehn-tee-ehn-doe | \n
| Could you help me with the math homework? I don’t understand anything. | \n¿Me puedes ayudar con la tarea de matemáticas? No entiendo nada. | \nme ˈpweðes aʝuˈðaɾ kon la taˈɾea ðe mateˈmatikas ‖ ˈno enˈtjendo ˈnaða ‖ | \nmeh poo-eh-dehs ah-you-dar cohn la tah-reh-ah deh mah-teh-mah-tee-cahs? no ehn-tee-ehn-doe nah-da | \n
| —Do you know what time the bus comes by? —No, I don’t know. | \n —¿Sabes a qué hora pasa el camión? —No, no sé. | \n —ˈsaβes a ˈke ˈoɾa ˈpasa el kaˈmjon ‖ —ˈno | ˈno ˈse ‖ | \n —sah-behs ah keh oh-rah pah-sah elle cah-me-ohn? —no, no seh | \n
| —When did you meet? —I’m not sure, I think maybe 7 years ago. | \n —¿Cuándo se conocieron? —No estoy seguro, creo que hace 7 años. | \n —ˈkwando se konoˈsjeɾon ‖ —ˈno esˈtoj seˈɣuɾo | ˈkɾeo ˈke ˈase ˈsjete ˈaɲos ‖ | \n —coo-ahn-doe seh coh-noh-see-air-ohn? —no ehs-toy seh-goo-roh, creh-oh keh ah-seh see-eh-teh ah-nyohs | \n
| —Who let the door open? —Who knows. | \n —¿Quién dejó la puerta abierta? —Sepa. | \n —ˈkjen deˈxo la ˈpweɾta aˈβjeɾta ‖ —ˈsepa ‖ | \n —key-ehn deh-hoh la poo-air-tah ah-bee-air-tah? —seh-pah | \n
| Okay, repeat it to me cause I still don’t get you. | \nA ver, repítemelo porque todavía no te agarro la onda. | \na ˈβeɾ | reˈpitemelo ˈpoɾke toðaˈβia ˈno te aˈɣaro la ˈonda ‖ | \nah-vehr, reh-pee-teh-meh-lo pore-keh toh-dah-vee-ah no teh ah-gah-roh la ohn-dah | \n
| —Whose dog is that? —Oh, I wouldn’t know what to tell you, | \n —¿De quién es ese perro? —Uy, no sabría decirte. | \n —de ˈkjen ˈes ˈese ˈpero ‖ —ˈuj | ˈno saˈβɾia ðeˈsiɾte ‖ | \n —deh key-ehn es eh-seh peh-roh? —oo-e, no sah-bree-ah deh-seer-teh | \n
| —Who ate my ice cream? —Don’t even look at me. | \n —¿Quién se comió mi helado? —A mí ni me voltees a ver. | \n —ˈkjen se koˈmjo mj eˈlaðo ‖ —a ˈmi ni me βolˈtees a ˈβeɾ ‖ | \n —key-ehn seh coh-mee-oh me eh-la-doh? —ah me ne meh vohl-teh-ehs ah vehr | \n
Learning how to say I don’t know in Spanish is one of those things that requires minimum effort but comes with a huge payoff. Once you’ve gotten the hang of a few of these phrases, you’ll be able to quickly communicate that you don’t know or don’t understand something and need some extra help understanding.
\nThe last thing you want is to be in a situation where you don’t understand something and you don’t know how to say that you don’t understand!
\nIf you enjoyed this article, make sure to check out our other guides to helpful Spanish phrases, such as asking where the bathroom is in Spanish and how to say goodnight in Spanish.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Goodnight in Spanish","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"54 dreamy ways to say good night and good evening in Spanish","url":"/blog/how-to-say-good-night-spanish","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blta24a15a651137d06/6348feca6a938c238802a24b/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4546117.jpg"},"post_content":"Sleeping is one of the most amazing human activities. Not only does it help us replenish our strength and optimize our brain functions, but it also feels amazing. Let’s be honest, I can’t be the only one who has felt like listing “napping” as one of my hobbies when asked to introduce myself to the rest of the class at the beginning of the semester!
\nBesides helping you feel well rested (and feeling great!), getting a good night’s sleep can help boost your memory. This means that, if you want to learn Spanish fast, getting a good night’s sleep is crucial.
\nSo, in this article, we’re going to go over 50+ ways to say good night in Spanish so you can hit the sack whenever your body tells you it’s time for some rest!
\nYou can also download your free Spanish language essentials eBook here, a trusty guide to all the Spanish basics.
\n\n
\n
Now, what you actually came here for: how to say good night in Spanish. Let’s start with the basics. Below, you’ll find eight of the most common and useful phrases.
\n![\"Father](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltfbc1dfaf39a70193/634917786a938c238802a352/pexels-rodnae-productions-10566195.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Good night | \nBuenas noches | \nˈbwenaz ˈnoʧes | \nboo-eh-nahs noh-chehs | \n
| Have a good night | \nQue tengas una linda noche | \nˈke ˈtenɡas ˈuna ˈlinda ˈnoʧe | \nkeh tehn-gas ooh-nah leen-dah noh-che | \n
| Good night, my friend | \nBuenas noches, amigo | \nˈbwenaz ˈnoʧes | aˈmiɣo | \nboo-eh-nahs noh-chehs, ah-me-go | \n
| Have a good night (formal) | \nQue tenga muy buenas noches | \nˈke ˈtenɡa muj ˈβwenaz ˈnoʧes | \nkeh tehn-gas oo-nah mooy boo-eh-nah noh-che | \n
| Bye, good night | \nAdiós, buenas noches | \naˈðjos | ˈbwenaz ˈnoʧes | \nah-dee-os, boo-eh-nahs noh-chehs | \n
| Thank you, good night | \nGracias, buenas noches | \nˈɡɾasjas | ˈbwenaz ˈnoʧes | \ngrah-see-ahs, boo-eh-nahs noh-chehs | \n
| Okay, good night | \nOkey, buenas noches | \noˈkej | ˈbwenaz ˈnoʧes | \nOh-kay, boo-eh-nahs noh-ches | \n
| Good night, everyone | \nBuenas noches a todos | \nˈbwenaz ˈnoʧes a ˈtoðos | \nboo-eh-nahs noh-ches ah toe-dos | \n
\n
Everyone has different reasons to learn Spanish, and many choose to learn the language when they get in a relationship with a Spanish speaker. Others may naturally find a partner as they travel through the Spanish-speaking countries. Others may not even have a Spanish-speaking partner, but why not spice things up with some romantic Spanish phrases?
\nWhatever the case may be, here are some cute and flirty ways to say good night! If you want to take things further, make sure to check out our blog on Spanish terms of endearment and create your own special way of saying good night to your significant other!
\n![\"A](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt04c8dad1bb56c1d8/63491816003fd824f29f9b06/pexels-katerina-holmes-5911018.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Good night, my love | \nBuenas noches, mi amor | \nˈbwenaz ˈnoʧes | mj aˈmoɾ | \nboo-eh-nahs noh-chehs, me ah-more | \n
| Good night, sweet dreams | \nBuenas noches, dulces sueños | \nˈbwenaz ˈnoʧes | ˈdulses ˈsweɲos | \nboo-eh-nahs noh-chehs, dool-sehs soo-eh-nyohs | \n
| Good night, beautiful | \nBuenas noches, hermosa | \nˈbwenaz ˈnoʧes | eɾˈmosa | \nboo-eh-nahs noh-chehs, air-mo-sah | \n
| Good night, handsome | \nBuenas noches, guapo | \nˈbwenaz ˈnoʧes | ˈɡwapo | \nboo-eh-nahs noh-chehs, goo-ah-po | \n
| Good night, my heart | \nBuenas noches, corazón | \nˈbwenaz ˈnoʧes | koɾaˈson | \nboo-eh-nahs noh-chehs, co-rah-zon | \n
| Good night, baby | \nBuenas noches, bebé | \nˈbwenaz ˈnoʧes | beˈβe | \nboo-eh-nahs noh-chehs, beh-beh | \n
| Good night, sweetie | \nBuenas noches, lindura | \nˈbwenaz ˈnoʧes | linˈduɾ | \nboo-eh-nahs noh-chehs, leen-doo-rah | \n
| Good night, princess | \nBuenas noches, princesa | \nˈbwenaz ˈnoʧes | pɾinˈsesa | \nboo-eh-nahs noh-chehs, preen-seh-sah | \n
| Good night, my prince | \nBuenas noches, mi príncipe | \nˈbwenaz ˈnoʧes | mi ˈpɾinsipe | \nboo-eh-nahs noh-chehs, me preen-see-peh | \n
| Dream of me | \nSueña conmigo | \nˈsweɲa komˈmiɣo | \nsoo-eh-nyah con me-go | \n
\n
\n
Besides the typical ways of saying good night, there are many other phrases that Spanish speakers use to convey the same meaning. Just as you can use phrases like “sleep tight” in English to say good night, there are many similar phrases in Spanish.
\n![\"A](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb99c8f9751049846/6349187fbbff0b3fd98df287/pexels-fox-764368.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Have a good evening | \nQue pases buena noche | \nˈke ˈpasez ˈβwena ˈnoʧe | \nkeh pah-sehs boo-eh-nah no-che | \n
| Sweet dreams | \nDulces sueños | \nˈdulses ˈsweɲos | \ndool-sehs soo-eh-nyos | \n
| I hope you rest well | \nQue descanses | \nˈke ðesˈkanses | \nkeh des-cahn-sehs | \n
| Rest well | \nDescansa | \ndesˈkansa | \ndes-cahn-sah | \n
| Until tomorrow | \nHasta mañana | \nˈasta maˈɲana | \nahs-tah mah-nyah-nah | \n
| See you tomorrow | \nNos vemos mañana | \nnoz ˈβemoz maˈɲana | \nnos veh-mos mah-nyah-nah | \n
| I hope you sleep well | \nQue duermas bien | \nˈke ˈðweɾmaz ˈβjen | \nkeh doo-air-mas bee-ehn | \n
| Sleep well | \nDuerme bien | \nˈdweɾme ˈβjen | \ndoo-air-meh bee-ehn | \n
| I hope you dream | \nQue sueñes con los angelitos | \nˈke ˈsweɲes kon los anxeˈlitos | \nkeh soo-eh-nyes con los ahn-heh-lee-toes | \n
| I’m going to bed | \nYa me voy a dormir | \nʝa me ˈβoj a ðoɾˈmiɾ | \nya meh voy ah door meer | \n
| I’m going to go rest | \nYa me voy a descansar | \nʝa me ˈβoj a ðeskanˈsaɾ | \nya me voy ah des-cahn-sar | \n
| Have a nice night | \nLinda noche | \nˈlinda ˈnoʧe | \nleen-da no-che | \n
| Have a happy night | \nFeliz noche | \nfeˈliz ˈnoʧe | \nfeh-leez no-che | \n
| Time for me to go to sleep | \nHora de irme a dormir | \nˈoɾa ðe ˈiɾme a ðoɾˈmiɾ | \noh-rah deh eer ah door-meer | \n
| I’ll see you in the morning | \nNos vemos por la mañana | \nnoz ˈβemos poɾ la maˈɲana | \nnos veh-mos pore lah mah-nyah-nah | \n
\n
You already know that you’re gonna have to learn some Spanish slang if you really want to sound like a native. So, here are a few slang ways to say good night in Spanish. Keep in mind that none of these are vulgar, though they are pretty informal. So, it’s best to avoid using these in a formal setting, such as your workplace.
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \nExplanation | \n
| This doll is going to a different dresser | \nEste muñeco cambia de aparador | \nˈeste muˈɲeko ˈkambja ðe apaɾaˈðoɾ | \nehs-teh moo-nyeh-co cahm-bee-ah deh ah-pah-rah-door | \nSlang way to say you’re going to bed | \n
| This teddy bear is going back to its box | \nEste osito de peluche se va para su estuche | \nˈeste oˈsito ðe peˈluʧe se ˈβa ˈpaɾa sw esˈtuʧe | \nehs-teh oh-see-toe deh peh-loo-che seh vah pah-rah sue ehs-too-che | \nSlang way to say you’re going to bed | \n
| I’m going to the envelope | \nMe voy al sobre | \nme ˈβoj al ˈsoβɾe | \nmeh voy al so-breh | \nSlang way to say you’re going to bed | \n
| I’m off to the dance with the white sheets | \nMe voy al baile de las sábanas blancas | \nme ˈβoj al ˈβajle ðe las ˈsaβanaz ˈβlankas | \nmeh voy al bah-e-leh deh las sah-bah-nahs blahn-cas | \nSlang way to say you’re going to bed | \n
| I slept like a log | \nDormí como un tronco | \ndoɾˈmi ˈkomo wn ˈtɾonko | \ndoor-me co-mo oon trohn-co | \nMeans that you slept very deeply | \n
| I fell dead | \nCaí muerto | \nkaˈi ˈmweɾto | \ncah-e moo-air-toe | \nMeans that you slept very deeply | \n
\n
\n
Along with good night, you’ll want to learn a few more sleep phrases in Spanish when talking about sleep habits. Maybe you want to talk about your dreams or ask your friends if they slept well. Here are some useful words and phrases related to sleep in Spanish.
\n![\"Man](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltc889955a05ae4f0c/63491a73e9d2c541844dfa0e/pexels-cottonbro-4113949.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Midnight snack | \nBocadillo de media noche | \nbokaˈðiʝo ðe ˈmeðja ˈnoʧe | \nbo-cah-dee-yo deh meh-dee-ah no-che | \n
| Bedtime | \nHora de dormir | \nˈoɾa ðe ðoɾˈmiɾ | \noh-ra deh door-meer | \n
| Go to bed | \nVete a dormir | \nˈbete a ðoɾˈmiɾ | \nveh-teh ah door-meer | \n
| I’m going to put on pajamas | \nMe voy a poner pijamas | \nme ˈβoj a poˈneɾ piˈxamas | \nmeh voy ah poh-nair pee-ya-mas | \n
| Let’s go to bed | \nHay que dormirnos | \nˈaj ˈke ðoɾˈmiɾnos | \nah-e keh door-meer-nos | \n
| I need to get some rest | \nNecesito descansar | \nneseˈsito ðeskanˈsaɾ | \nneh-seh-see-toe des-can-sar | \n
| I’m going to lie down | \nMe voy a acostar | \nme ˈβoj a akosˈtaɾ | \nmeh voy ah ah-cos-tar | \n
| Are you sleepy? | \n¿Tienes sueño? | \nˈtjenes ˈsweɲo ‖ | \ntee-eh-nehs soo-eh-nyoh | \n
| I am tired | \nEstoy cansado | \nesˈtoj kanˈsaðo | \nehs-toy can-sah-doe | \n
| Do you want to go to bed? | \n¿Ya te quieres dormir? | \nʝa te ˈkjeɾez ðoɾˈmiɾ ‖ | \nya teh key-air-ehs door-meer | \n
| To pull an all-nighter | \nQuedarse despierto toda la noche | \nkeˈðaɾse ðesˈpjeɾto ˈtoða la ˈnoʧe | \nkeh-dar-seh des-pee-air-toe toe-da la no-che | \n
| Dreams | \nSueños | \nˈsweɲos | \nsoo-eh-nyohs | \n
| Insomnia | \nInsomnio | \ninˈsomnjo | \neen-som-nee-oh | \n
| I can’t sleep | \nNo puedo dormir | \nˈno ˈpweðo ðoɾˈmiɾ | \nno poo-eh-doe door-meer | \n
| I’m falling asleep | \nSe me están cerrando los ojos | \nse me esˈtan seˈrando los ˈoxos | \nseh meh ehs-tan seh-ran-doe los oh-hos | \n
| Nightmares | \nPesadillas | \npesaˈðiʝas | \npeh-sa-dee-yas | \n
\n
\n
Unlike English, Spanish doesn’t differentiate between good evening and good night. So, in order to say “good evening” as a greeting, you would use the same phrase you would use for a farewell: buenas noches.
\nSure! You can usually say “good night” in Spanish and most people will understand you. Though not everyone in Spanish-speaking countries is fluent in English, most would understand simple words and phrases like good night.
\nIn fact, you may be surprised to hear some English as you travel through Latin America. it’s not uncommon to hear phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “good morning” in everyday interactions amongst Spanish speakers!
\nMany English speakers wonder why buenas noches is plural, even if you only mean it for one night in particular.
\nWhile the origins of this phrase are muddy, the most accepted theory behind why good night is plural in Spanish is that it’s short for a longer phrase: “buenas noches os dé Dios.” This phrase can be translated to “good nights may god bestow upon you.”
\nSo, the original phrase implied that you wish them a good night tonight and on all subsequent nights!
\nThe same is true for saying good morning in Spanish, as the phrase is also plural (buenos días).
\n\n
\n
\n
\n
Now that you’re familiar with dozens of ways to say good night, it’s time to start practicing them! You can use these anytime you’re saying goodbye in Spanish to someone you won’t be seeing again for the rest of the day and after the sun has set.
\nWhile you sleep on this new vocabulary, why not check out some of our other Spanish blogs to keep the momentum going? We’ve published dozens of free Spanish guides, including many that will make your daily interactions much easier, such as how to say hello in Spanish and how to say how are you in Spanish.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Adjectives in Spanish","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"153 Spanish adjectives that will add a little sparkle to your vocab","url":"/blog/spanish-adjectives-list","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt2543d1d45b35677a/635266bf4e565f1cdce2a00c/917072526.jpeg"},"post_content":"You know what those first few weeks of learning a new language feel like. Coming up with simple sentences can feel exciting and like a huge accomplishment at first, but keeping your sentences to just a handful of words can get boring and repetitive.
\nLearning how to use adjectives in Spanish will allow you to pack in much more information into your sentences so you can better describe the world around you. So, if you’re looking to work your way into intermediate Spanish, you need to start getting some adjectives under your belt.
\nLuckily, learning adjectives is one of the most fun parts of learning Spanish. Not only are they extremely helpful, but they can also be super amusing. For example, try to guess what the following adjective means: rapidisisisisísimo. No idea? We’ll tell you more down below!
\nAs fun as adjectives can be, there are some important grammar rules that you should keep in mind. Although they serve the same purpose as adjectives in English, they are used somewhat differently. For starters, Spanish adjectives have to agree in gender and number with the noun. So, you’ll have to use different forms of the adjective depending on what the noun is.
\nThis guide will take you through everything you need to know to start expertly describing in Spanish. Plus, we’ll give you a list of 153 of the most common ones so you can start using them right away!
\n\n\nAdjectives are words that help us add information to a noun or pronoun (check out our guide to Spanish pronouns for more info!). They help us to be more specific by relating a noun to physical attributes, personality traits, or even other nouns.
\nAs mentioned earlier in the article, articles can help you embellish your sentences. They can help you easily describe the nouns you’re talking about by giving the reader or listener more information about the nouns you’re using. In short, they can help take your Spanish from basic to beautiful.
![\"Flaky,](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt5d8d75cfcd798cd0/6352649b19d8652169cfc3d6/istock-868446738.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
For example:
\nBasic: Un café. (A coffee)
Beautiful: Un delicioso café. (A delicious coffee)
Basic: Una tarde. (An afternoon)
Beautiful: Una tarde maravillosa. (A wonderful afternoon)
Basic: Una canción. (A song)
Beautiful: Una melodiosa canción. (A melodious song)
You see how a simple word can completely change the meaning and feel of the simplest of sentences? Now that you know what you can do with adjectives, let’s get started with some of the different types of adjectives and how to use them.
\n\n\nSpanish has four major types of adjectives:
\nEach of them has different uses and slightly different rules, so we’ll cover each of them down below.
\n\nAs you can imagine by its name, a descriptive adjective is one that describes the noun it is modifying. It will give you more information about what the noun looks like, smells like, feels like, or anything else that will help you describe it.
![\"A](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt9753ad9caa3e0e69/635262d7b3f39b38fccff6b2/pexels-nordic-overdrive-627680.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Colors are a great example of descriptive adjectives. For example:
\n\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| The red car. | \nEl carro rojo. | \nel ˈkaro ˈroxo | \nehl cah-ro roh-hoh | \n
| The green tree. | \nEl árbol verde. | \nel ˈaɾβol ˈβeɾðe | \nehl are-bohl vehr-deh | \n
| The blue cup. | \nEl vaso azul. | \nel ˈβaso aˈsul | \nehl vah-so ah-zool | \n
If you still haven’t nailed all the colors in Spanish, check out our blog on Spanish colors to learn 90 stunning shades of colors that you can use to describe all the colorful things around you.
\nSome other examples of descriptive adjectives are:
\n\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| The big house. | \nLa casa grande. | \nla ˈkasa ˈɣɾande | \nLa cah-sah grahn-deh | \n
| The cute dog. | \nEl perro bonito. | \nel ˈpero βoˈnito | \nehl peh-ro boh-nee-toe | \n
| The bright lights. | \nLas luces brillantes. | \nlaz ˈlusez βɾiˈʝantes | \nlas loo-sehs bree-yahn-tehs | \n
Adverbial adjectives are–you guessed it–related to adverbs. This means that they modify the noun’s relation to time, mode, circumstance, place, etc. So, instead of describing the noun itself, they describe its context in terms of time and the environment.
![\"Very](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blte4f589ab6266b851/6352639820f42038fb98ab75/pexels-one-blue-eye-13033473.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Here are some examples of adverbial adjectives in Spanish:
\n\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| He is the future president of Guatemala. | \nÉl es el futuro presidente de Guatemala. | \nˈel ˈes el fuˈtuɾo pɾesiˈðente ðe ɣwateˈmala | \nehl ehs ehl foo-too-roh preh-see-dehn-teh deh goo-ah-teh-mah-lah | \n
| What has happened to the supposed offender? | \n¿Qué ha pasado con el supuesto culpable del crimen? | \nˈke ˈa paˈsaðo kon el suˈpwesto kulˈpaβle ðel ˈkɾimen | \nkeh ah pah-sah-doe cohn ehl soo-poo-ehs-toe cool-pah-bleh del cree-mehn | \n
| My dog is a frequent offender of this type of mischief. | \nMi perro es el frecuente culpable de este tipo de travesuras. | \nmi ˈpero ˈes el fɾeˈkwente kulˈpaβle ðe ˈeste ˈtipo ðe tɾaβeˈsuɾas | \nme peh-ro ehs el freh-coo-ehn-teh cool-pah-bleh deh ehs-teh tee-poh deh trah-veh-soo-rahs | \n
Relational adjectives help you relate a noun to another noun. The nouns you are relating the noun to are often unmentioned, so these adjectives help you connect the dots without having to express a direct connection.
![\"Delicious](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt1fab4d408b9eff4d/63526533cae95510643e1179/pexels-cup-of-couple-8471716.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
For example, nationalities and places of origin are types of relational adjectives in Spanish. Here are some examples:
\n\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| The Mexican food. | \nLa comida mexicana. | \nla koˈmiða mexiˈkana | \nla coh-mee-dah meh-he-cah-nah | \n
| The Argentinian wine. | \nEl vino argentino. | \nel ˈβino aɾxenˈtino | \nehl ve-no are-hehn-tee-no | \n
| The Italian clothes. | \nLa ropa italiana. | \nla ˈropa jtaˈljana | \nla ro-pah e-tah-lee-ah-na | \n
In the examples above, we use relational adjectives to establish a connection between the noun in question and their place of origin. Speaking of which, make sure to check out our guide to countries and nationalities in Spanish if you haven’t already!
\nOther examples of relational adjectives are:
\n\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| The electronic devices. | \nLos dispositivos eléctricos. | \nloz ðisposiˈtiβos eˈlektɾikos | \nlohs dees-poh-see-tee-vohs eh-lec-tree-cohs | \n
| Classical music. | \nLa música clásica. | \nla ˈmusika ˈklasika | \nla moo-see-cah clah-see-cah | \n
| Solar power. | \nLa energía solar. | \nla eneɾˈxia soˈlaɾ | \nla eh-nehr-he-ah so-lar | \n
Finally, we have the adjectives that we can use as nouns. This isn’t a specific type of adjectives, but rather a way to use adjectives. In English, the most common example of this is the phrase “The rich and famous.” Here, the adjectives “rich” and “famous” are turned into nouns, thus eliminating the need to use the noun “people” in the sentence.
![](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt4d3e74bc14c6e0cd/635265d2be627424e775cf28/pexels-brett-sayles-2479958.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Spanish works the same way as English. All you have to do to turn an adjective into a noun is add an article in front. For example:
\n\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| The rich. | \nLos ricos. | \nloz ˈrikos | \nlos ree-cohs | \n
| The creative. | \nLos creativos. | \nlos kɾeaˈtiβos | \nlos creh-ah-tee-vohs | \n
| The famous. | \nLos famosos. | \nlos faˈmosos | \nlos fah-moh-sohs | \n
They can also replace nouns other than people. Keep in mind that you can only do this when the context is extremely obvious, otherwise you risk losing the person you’re speaking to. For example:
\n\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| —Which one is your house? \n —The big one. | \n —¿Cuál es tu casa? \n —La grande. | \n —ˈkwal ˈes tu ˈkasa \n —la ˈɣɾande | \n —coo-ahl ehs too cah-sa \n —la grahn-deh | \n
| —Which dress do you like? \n —The black one. | \n —¿Qué vestido te gusta? \n —El negro. | \n —ˈke βesˈtiðo te ˈɣusta \n —el ˈneɣɾo | \n —keh vehs-tee-doe teh goose-tah \n —ehl neh-groh | \n
| —Which movie do you want to watch? \n —The new one. | \n —¿Qué película quieres ver? \n —La nueva. | \n —ˈke peˈlikula ˈkjeɾez ˈβeɾ \n —la ˈnweβa | \n —keh peh-lee-coo-lah key-air-ehs ver \n —la noo-eh-vah | \n
Though they serve the same purpose, adjectives in Spanish are used a little bit differently than in English. For starters, adjectives need to agree in gender and number with the noun in question. Then, you need to decide whether you want to put the adjective in front or behind the noun, as the adjective placement will impact the meaning of the sentence. We’ll take a look at these situations and more below.
\n\nThe first thing you need to know about using adjectives in Spanish is that they need to be changed according to the gender of the noun they’re modifying. In general, adjectives that end in -o are masculine, and adjectives that end in -a are feminine. However, there are always exceptions to those rules, and many adjectives are actually gender-neutral!
\nHere are a few examples:
\n\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \nType of Adjective | \n
| The black hair. | \nEl pelo largo. | \nel ˈpelo ˈlaɾɣo | \nehl peh-lo lar-go | \nMasculine | \n
| The long carpet. | \nLa alfombra larga. | \nla alˈfombɾa ˈlaɾɣa | \nla ahl-fom-brah lar-gah | \nFeminine | \n
| A warm day. | \nUn día caluroso. | \nun ˈdia kaluˈɾoso | \noon dee-ah cah-loo-roh-so | \nMasculine | \n
| A warm morning. | \nUna mañana calurosa. | \nˈuna maˈɲana kaluˈɾosa | \nooh-nah mah-nyah-nah cah-loo-roh-sah | \nFeminine | \n
| A hot coffee. | \nUn café caliente. | \nun kaˈfe kaˈljente | \noon cah-feh cah-lee-ehn-teh | \nNeutral | \n
| A hot soup. | \nUna sopa caliente. | \nˈuna ˈsopa kaˈljente | \noo-nah soh-pah cah-lee-ehn-teh | \nNeutral | \n
In general, all you need to do to switch the gender of an adjective is change the ending from -o to -a and vice-versa. Most adjectives that end in -n are masculine, and all you have to do to make them feminine is add an -a at the end (without replacing the -n). Most adjectives that end in any other letter are gender-neutral, so you usually don’t have to worry about changing the gender.
\nYou’ll find more examples of different genders of adjectives in the final section of this article, where we break down 153 of the most common Spanish adjectives into masculine and feminine.
\n\n\nThe other thing you need to be aware of when using Spanish adjectives is that they have to agree with the noun in number. This means that you need to use a plural adjective if you’re modifying a plural noun. Luckily, this is one of the easiest things to do in Spanish. All you have to do is follow these rules:
\nKeep in mind that some adjectives like francés or inglés can end in -s and still be singular. To make them plural, simply treat them like any other adjective that ends in a consonant and add an -es at the end: franceses, ingleses.
\nHere are some examples:
\n\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \nType of Adjective | \n
| The green grass | \nEl pasto verde. | \nel ˈpasto ˈβeɾðe | \nehl pas-toe ver-deh | \nMasculine singular | \n
| The green trees | \nLos árboles verdes. | \nlos ˈaɾβolez ˈβeɾðes | \nlos are-boh-lehs ver-dehs | \nMasculine plural | \n
| The upcoming week | \nLa próxima semana. | \nla ˈpɾoksima seˈmana | \nla prox-e-mah seh-mah-nah | \nFeminine singular | \n
| The upcoming months | \nLos próximos meses. | \nlos ˈpɾoksimoz ˈmeses | \nlos prox-e-mos meh-sehs | \nMasculine plural | \n
| The English tea | \nEl té inglés. | \nel ˈte jnˈɡles | \nehl teh een-glehs | \nMasculine singular | \n
| The English cars | \nLos autos ingleses. | \nlos ˈawtos inˈɡleses | \nlos ah-oo-tohs een-gleh-sehs | \nMasculine plural | \n
Another great use of adjectives is that they can help us compare similar nouns. We can use them to compare two nouns (this car is faster than that one) or we can use them to compare one noun with all other similar nouns (this car is the fastest).
\nHere is how to form comparative adjectives in Spanish:
\n\n| Use | \nFormula | \nExample | \n
| To compare two same nouns | \nEste + noun + es + más/menos + adjective + (que ese) | \n
| \n
| To compare two different nouns | \nNoun 1 + es + más/menos + adjective + que + noun 2 | \n
| \n
| To compare two nouns that are equal | \nLos + noun (plural) + son + igual de + adjective | \n
| \n
Superlative adjectives help us qualify a noun as the most adjective of them all. In English, you do this by adding the -est suffix at the end: fastest, loudest, largest, etc, or using most. In Spanish, the adjective itself usually doesn’t change–all you need to do is add an article plus más or menos. As usual, there are some examples, which we’ll take a look at below.
\n\n| Use | \nFormula | \nExamples | \n
| To compare one noun with all other similar nouns (most) | \nEl + noun + más + adjective | \n
| \n
| To compare one noun with all other similar nouns (least) | \nEl + noun + menos + adjective | \n
| \n
| Exceptions | \nAdjective form changes | \n
| \n
Adding emphasis to adjectives in Spanish can be a thrill. Why, you ask? Well, there are several ways to do it. First, you can add a qualitative word like “muy” (very) just as you would in English. However, something unique about Spanish is that you can also add emphasis to an adjective by adding the suffix -ísimo. And if you wanna take it to the next level, you can just keep growing that suffix: -isisisísimo.
\n| Use | \nFormula | \nExample | \n
| Add emphasis | \nnoun + es + muy + adjective | \n
| \n
| Add a lot of emphasis | \nnoun + es + adjective + -ísimo suffix | \n
| \n
| Add an extreme amount of emphasis | \nnoun + es + adjective + -isisísimo suffix | \n
| \n
Keep in mind that you cannot combine these types of emphasis. So, you cannot say things like muy rapidísimo. Also, you can keep growing the -ísimo suffix as much as you want, depending on how much emphasis you need, such as in rapidisisisisísimo.
\n\n\n\nAnother thing to keep in mind when using adjectives in Spanish is that some change form when used before a single masculine noun. Fortunately, this isn’t too complicated–all you have to do is drop the final vowel in the adjective.
\nHere are some examples:
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nChanged form | \nExample | \n
| Good | \nBueno | \nBuen | \nNada como leer un buen libro. | \n
| First | \nPrimero | \nPrimer | \nEste es mi primer trabajo. | \n
| Third | \nTercero | \nTercer | \nNo gané, pero quedé en tercer lugar. | \n
| Bad | \nMalo | \nMal | \nTodos tenemos un mal día de vez en cuando. | \n
| None | \nNinguno | \nNingún | \nNo hay ningún problema. | \n
| Some | \nAlguno | \nAlgún | \n¿Alguien sabe si hay algún café por aquí? | \n
| Any | \nCualquiera | \nCualquier | \nTengo mucha hambre, podría comer cualquier cosa. | \n
Unlike English, most Spanish adjectives are placed after the noun. This is true for almost all descriptive and relational adjectives, while most adverbial adjectives are placed after the noun. Adjectives that change form go before the noun.
\nA simple way to think about it is this: if the adjective describes the noun itself, then it goes after. If it describes the relations of the noun, then it goes before.
\nHowever, as you probably know by now, Spanish is full of exceptions, and there are plenty of those to the rule of thumb above. Getting more exposure to Spanish sentences and paying attention to adjective placement will help you identify where yours should go.
\n\n\n\nNow, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: our ultimate list of descriptive Spanish adjectives for beginners. Below, you’ll find 153 of the most common adjectives in Spanish, along with their masculine, feminine, and plural forms. Plus, we’ve even added an example sentence for each one so you know if it goes before or after the noun as well as how to use it.
![\"Smiling](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt8cb0e3b916b36968/63526791dcd7cf2a10751651/istock-924948430_copy.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish, masculine | \nSpanish, feminine | \nPlural | \nExample sentence | \n
| Good | \nBueno | \nBuena | \nBuenos | \nBuenos días. | \n
| Bad | \nMal | \nMala | \nMalos | \nNo hay nada peor que un mal café. | \n
| Great | \nGran | \nGran | \nGrandes | \nSin lugar a duda, es un gran actor. | \n
| Small | \nChico | \nChica | \nChicos | \n¿Tienes un plato más chico? | \n
| Tall | \nAlto | \nAlta | \nAltos | \nAndrea es más alta que Jessica. | \n
| Short | \nBajo | \nBaja | \nBajos | \nNo me gusta usar tacones, prefiero zapatos más bajos. | \n
| Quick | \nRápido | \nRápida | \nRápidos | \nEste es el avión más rápido del mundo. | \n
| Slow | \nLento | \nLenta | \nLentos | \nHay que apresurarnos, ¡vamos muy lento! | \n
| Cold | \nFrío | \nFría | \nFríos | \nMe gusta tomar bebidas frías en el verano. | \n
| Warm | \nCaliente | \nCaliente | \nCalientes | \nNada mejor que un chocolate caliente en invierno. | \n
| Pretty | \nBonito | \nBonita | \nBonitos | \nMira qué bonita camisa me compré. | \n
| Ugly | \nFeo | \nFea | \nFeos | \nNo compré manzanas porque todas estaban feas. | \n
| Expensive | \nCaro | \nCara | \nCaros | \nMe compraría estos lentes, pero están muy caros. | \n
| Cheap | \nBarato | \nBarata | \nBaratos | \nLa pera es más barata que la fresa. | \n
| Happy | \nFeliz | \nFeliz | \nFelices | \n¡Que tengas un feliz cumpleaños! | \n
| Sad | \nTriste | \nTriste | \nTristes | \nNo estés triste, nos volveremos a ver pronto. | \n
| Simple | \nSencillo | \nSencilla | \nSencillo | \nTerminé la tarea muy rápido, fue muy sencilla. | \n
| Complicated | \nComplicado | \nComplicada | \nComplicados | \nLa vida no es tan complicada como parece. | \n
| Humid | \nHúmedo | \nHúmeda | \nHúmedos | \nLos veranos aquí son muy húmedos. | \n
| Dry | \nSeco | \nSeca | \nSecos | \nLa toalla aún no está completamente seca. | \n
| Fun | \nDivertido | \nDivertida | \nDivertidos | \nEres una persona muy divertida. | \n
| Boring | \nAburrido | \nAburrida | \nAburridos | \nLas matemáticas me parecen muy aburridas. | \n
| Smart | \nInteligente | \nInteligente | \nInteligentes | \nLos estudiantes de esta universidad son muy inteligentes. | \n
| Dumb | \nTonto | \nTonta | \nTontos | \nNo seas tonto, ¡ahorra tu dinero! | \n
| Rich | \nRico | \nRica | \nRicos | \nLo más importante la vida no es ser rico. | \n
| Poor | \nPobre | \nPobre | \nPobres | \nEste programa del gobierno ayuda a las personas pobres. | \n
| Beautiful | \nHermoso | \nHermosa | \nHermosos | \nVe los hermosos cisnes en ese lago. | \n
| Horrible | \nHorrible | \nHorrible | \nHorrible | \nQué horribles muebles hay en esa casa. | \n
| Kind | \nAmable | \nAmable | \nAmables | \nLos locales son muy amables. | \n
| Rude | \nGrosero | \nGrosera | \nGroseros | \nMaría no me cae bien porque es muy grosera. | \n
| New | \nNuevo | \nNueva | \nNuevos | \n¿Te gusta mi nueva bolsa? | \n
| Old | \nViejo | \nVieja | \nViejos | \nHace mucho que no voy a mi viejo vecindario. | \n
| Talkative | \nParlanchín | \nParlanchina | \nParlanchines | \nQué parlanchina es tu hija, amiga. | \n
| Shy | \nTímido | \nTímida | \nTímidos | \nEra muy tímida cuando era pequeña, pero de grande se me quitó. | \n
| Thin | \nDelgado | \nDelgada | \nDelgados | \n¡Te ves muy delgada en ese vestido! | \n
| Fat | \nGordo | \nGorda | \nGordos | \nQué bonito el gatito gordo | \n
| Tired | \nCansado | \nCansada | \nCansados | \nSiempre termino muy cansada después de trabajar. | \n
| Well-rested | \nDescansado | \nDescansada | \nDescansados | \nMe siento muy descansado después de una siesta. | \n
| Strong | \nFuerte | \nFuerte | \nFuertes | \nElla es la más fuerte del salón. | \n
| Weak | \nDébil | \nDébil | \nDébiles | \nNo importa si eres débil, hay que ser valientes. | \n
| Intrepid | \nIntrépido | \nIntrépida | \nIntrépidos | \nQué intrépida mi mamá que se aventó en paracaídas. | \n
| Lazy | \nPerezoso | \nPerezosa | \nPerezosos | \nSolo las personas perezosas no tienden su cama. | \n
| Courageous | \nValiente | \nValiente | \nValientes | \nHay que ser valientes ante la adversidad. | \n
| Cowardly | \nCobarde | \nCobarde | \nCobardes | \n¡Vuelvan, cobardes! | \n
| Open | \nAbierto | \nAbierta | \nAbiertos | \nVe y cierra la puerta abierta. | \n
| Closed | \nCerrado | \nCerrada | \nCerrados | \nNo seas tan cerrado. | \n
| Active | \nActivo | \nActiva | \nActivos | \nHe tenido una manana muy activa. | \n
| Inactive | \nInactivo | \nInactiva | \nInactivo | \nLas computadoras inactivas deben ser apagadas. | \n
| Crazy | \nLoco | \nLoca | \nLocos | \nEl clima de hoy está muy loco. | \n
| Calm | \nTranquilo | \nTranquila | \nTranquilos | \nNada como navegar las tranquilas aguas del Mar de Cortez. | \n
| Round | \nRedondo | \nRedonda | \nRedondos | \nPásame esa almohada redonda, por favor. | \n
| Square | \nCuadrado | \nCuadrada | \nCuadrados | \n¿Te gustan las mesas cuadradas, o las rectangulares? | \n
| Hungry | \nHambriento | \nHambrienta | \nHambrientos | \nLos leones hambrientos se devoraron a su presa. | \n
| Full | \nLleno | \nLlena | \nLlenos | \nYa no puedo comer más, estoy muy llena. | \n
| Thirsty | \nSediento | \nSedienta | \nSedientos | \nLos perros sedientos corrieron al río a tomar agua. | \n
| Satisfied | \nSatisfecho | \nSatisfecha | \nSatisfechos | \n¿No quedaste satisfecha con la cena? | \n
| Sick | \nEnfermo | \nEnferma | \nEnfermos | \nLos árboles enfermos se ven muy mal ahí. | \n
| Healthy | \nSano | \nSana | \nSanos | \nLa comida sana no tiene que ser cara. | \n
| Sweet | \nDulce | \nDulce | \nDulces | \n¡Qué tengas dulces sueños! | \n
| Salty | \nSalado | \nSalada | \nSalados | \nNo me gustan las galletas saladas. | \n
| Sour | \nAgrio | \nAgria | \nAgrio | \nLa crema agria es típica de Michoacán. | \n
| Bitter | \nAmargo | \nAmarga | \nAmargos | \nEl café amargo es uno de los placeres de la vida. | \n
| Dirty | \nSucio | \nSucia | \nSucios | \nDeja aquí tu ropa sucia. | \n
| Clean | \nLimpio | \nLimpia | \nLimpios | \nAsegúrate de doblar la ropa limpia. | \n
| Fair | \nJusto | \nJusta | \nJustos | \nMe gusta esta tienda porque sus precios son justos. | \n
| Unfair | \nInjusto | \nInjusta | \nInjustos | \nLa vida a veces es muy injusta. | \n
| Noisy | \nRuidoso | \nRuidosa | \nRuidoso | \nNo compres esa casa, está en una calle muy ruidosa. | \n
| Quiet | \nCallado | \nCallada | \nCallados | \nQué callados están, ¿todo bien? | \n
| Easy | \nFácil | \nFácil | \nFáciles | \nEstas son más fáciles de abrir. | \n
| Hard | \nDifícil | \nDifícil | \nDifíciles | \nLa tarea de español no es tan difícil. | \n
| Public | \nPúblico | \nPública | \nPúblicos | \n¿Sabes si la alberca pública está abierta hoy? | \n
| Private | \nPrivado | \nPrivada | \nPrivados | \nNo podemos entrar ahí, es propiedad privada. | \n
| Safe | \nSeguro | \nSegura | \nSeguros | \nMe gusta esta ciudad porque es muy segura. | \n
| Dangerous | \nPeligroso | \nPeligrosa | \nPeligroso | \nNo toques ese insecto, se ve peligroso. | \n
| Foreign | \nExtranjero | \nExtranjera | \nExtranjeros | \nMi amiga extranjera quiere conocer ese museo. | \n
| Local | \nLocal | \nLocal | \nLocales | \nVamos a un restaurante donde podamos probar platillos locales. | \n
| Strange | \nExtraño | \nExtraña | \nExtraños | \nNo hables con personas extrañas. | \n
| Familiar | \nFamiliar | \nFamiliar | \nFamiliares | \nEstaba feliz mientras disfrutaba de los familiares sabores de la comida de mi mamá. | \n
| Unknown | \nDesconocido | \nDesconocida | \nDesconocidos | \nUn sonido desconocido me despertó a media noche. | \n
| Known | \nConocido | \nConocida | \nConocidos | \nEsta marca es muy conocida en España. | \n
| Generous | \nGeneroso | \nGenerosa | \nGenerosos | \nQué generosa oferta, muchas gracias. | \n
| Stingy | \nTacaño | \nTacaña | \nTacaños | \nSon muy tacaños en este restaurante, ¡hasta las tostadas te cobran! | \n
| Hardworking | \nTrabajador | \nTrabajadora | \nTrabajadores | \nSolo la gente trabajadora sale adelante en la vida. | \n
| Lazy | \nFlojo | \nFloja | \nFlojos | \nMis gatos son muy flojos, ¡todo el día duermen! | \n
| Prudent | \nPrudente | \nPrudente | \nPrudentes | \nQué prudentes son tus hijos, felicidades. | \n
| Imprudent | \nImprudente | \nImprudente | \nImprudentes | \nTus comentarios me parecieron un poco imprudentes. | \n
| Organized | \nOrganizado | \nOrganizada | \nOrganizados | \nSon muy bien organizados en este trabajo. | \n
| Disorganized | \nDesorganizado | \nDesorganizada | \nDesorganizados | \nEs imposible ser productivo con una rutina tan desorganizada. | \n
| Optimist | \nOptimista | \nOptimista | \nOptimistas | \nEn esta vida, las personas optimistas son más felices. | \n
| Pessimist | \nPesimista | \nPesimista | \nPesimistas | \nNo tengas opiniones tan pesimistas, no te va a hacer bien. | \n
| Positive | \nPositivo | \nPositiva | \nPositivos | \n¡Qué noticia tan positiva! | \n
| Negative | \nNegativo | \nNegativa | \nNegativos | \nNo dejes que las opiniones negativas te afecten, tú siempre tienes que confiar en ti. | \n
| Interesting | \nInteresante | \nInteresante | \nInteresantes | \nQué interesante película acabamos de ver. | \n
| Honest | \nHonesto | \nHonesta | \nHonestos | \nUna amistad honesta vale más que cien falsas. | \n
| Lying | \nMentiroso | \nMentirosa | \nMentirosos | \nUn empleado mentiroso nunca saldrá adelante. | \n
| Selfish | \nEgoísta | \nEgoísta | \nEgoístas | \nLas personas egoístas son las más infelices. | \n
| Altruistic | \nAltruista | \nAltruista | \nAltruistas | \nAna es una persona simpática, amable, y sobre todo, altruista. | \n
| Trustworthy | \nConfiable | \nConfiable | \nConfiables | \nEs importante rodearse de gente confiable. | \n
| Suspicious | \nSospechoso | \nSospechosa | \nSospechosos | \nNo aceptes ofertas sospechosas de desconocidos. | \n
| Red | \nRojo | \nRoja | \nRojos | \nLos carros rojos me parecen muy llamativos. | \n
| Blue | \nAzul | \nAzul | \nAzules | \nLa ropa azul se te ve muy bien. | \n
| Adorable | \nAdorable | \nAdorable | \nAdorables | \n¿Ya viste qué adorables son los conejitos? | \n
| Repugnant | \nRepugnante | \nRepugnante | \nRepugnantes | \nAbrí el refrigerador y de pronto olí un repugnante olor. | \n
| Elegant | \nElegante | \nElegante | \nElegantes | \nYa no se ven los elegantes vestidos de los setentas. | \n
| Ordinary | \nCorriente | \nCorriente | \nCorrientes | \nNo compres esas telas, se ven muy corrientes. | \n
| Fine | \nFino | \nFina | \nFinos | \nHoy vienen mis suegros a cenar, hay que usar la vajilla fina. | \n
| Generic | \nGenérico | \nGenérica | \nGenéricos | \nMuchas veces, la calidad de productos genéricos es igual o mejor a la de marca. | \n
| Unique | \nÚnico | \nÚnica | \nÚnicos | \nAunque seguir la moda es importante, tener un estilo único también lo es. | \n
| Common | \nComún | \nComún | \nComunes | \nTen cuidado, mucha gente se contagia de la gripa común en estas fechas. | \n
| Spontaneous | \nEspontáneo | \nEspontánea | \nEspontáneos | \nNada mejor que un viaje espontáneo para arreglar una semana difícil. | \n
| Pensive | \nPensativo | \nPensativa | \nPensativos | \nUna mirada pensativa en la costa. | \n
| Smooth | \nLiso | \nLisa | \nLisos | \nUn collar con una hermosa joya lisa de adorno. | \n
| Rough | \nRoñoso | \nRoñosa | \nRoñosos | \nEl lado roñoso de la toalla está sucio. | \n
| Distant | \nLejano | \nLejana | \nLejanos | \nÉrase una vez, en una tierra muy lejana… | \n
| Near | \nCercano | \nCercana | \nCercanos | \nHay que parar en la gasolinera más cerana. | \n
| Bald | \nCalvo | \nCalva | \nCalvos | \nAunque eran muy atractivos en su juventud, los hermanos calvos no envejecieron muy bien. | \n
| Hairy | \nPeludo | \nPeluda | \nPeludos | \nLos gatos peludos tienden a soltar mucho pelo. | \n
| Blonde | \nRubio | \nRubia | \nRubios | \nLe fue infiel con la secretaria rubia. | \n
| Redhead | \nPelirojo | \nPelirroja | \nPelirrojo | \nLa actriz pelirroja fue galardonada por su excelente actuación. | \n
| Pale | \nPálido | \nPálida | \nPálidos | \nMi mamá quedó pálida al escuchar la noticia. | \n
| Brunette | \nMoreno | \nMorena | \nMorenos | \nLa chica de piel morena te está viendo. | \n
| Wide | \nAncho | \nAncha | \nAnchos | \nUnos zapatos anchos no me harían nada mal. | \n
| Narrow | \nAngosto | \nAngosta | \nAngostos | \nSigue aquel angosto camino. | \n
| Wrinkled | \nArrugado | \nArrugada | \nArrugados | \nMi abuelita siempre será hermosa, por más arrugada que esté. | \n
| Enthusiastic | \nEntusiástico | \nEntusiástica | \nEntusiásticos | \nTe mando un entusiástico saludo. | \n
| Free | \nLibre | \nLibre | \nLibres | \nToma la carretera libre, no la de cuota. | \n
| Natural | \nNatural | \nNatural | \nNaturales | \nPrefiero usar productos naturales. | \n
| Normal | \nNormal | \nNormal | \nNormales | \nEn tiempos normales, esta plaza es muy concurrida. | \n
| Nervous | \nNervioso | \nNerviosa | \nNerviosos | \nDisculpa, prometo que solo es una risa nerviosa. | \n
| Nocturnal | \nNocturno | \nNocturna | \nNocturnos | \nLos animales nocturnos son los los más difíciles de domesticar. | \n
| Weird | \nRaro | \nRara | \nRaros | \nDisfrutó de una rara tormenta de verano. | \n
| Romantic | \nRomántico | \nRomántica | \nRomanticos | \nPlaneó una cena romántica para su aniversario. | \n
| Annoying | \nNefasto | \nNefasta | \nNefastos | \nLos mosquitos son muy nefastos, pero también son indispensables para el medio ambiente. | \n
| Young | \nJoven | \nJoven | \nJóvenes | \nLos jóvenes creen que todo es muy fácil. | \n
| Rude | \nRudo | \nRuda | \nRudos | \nEsas personas se ven muy rudas. | \n
| Pretty | \nBello | \nBella | \nBellos | \nQué bella mañana. | \n
| Narrow | \nEstrecho | \nEstrecha | \nEstrechos | \nEl estrecho camino que lleva al lago está cubierto de nieve. | \n
| Fortunate | \nAfortunado | \nAfortunada | \nAfortunados | \nEres una mamá muy afortunada. | \n
| Tight | \nApretado | \nApretada | \nApretados | \nNo podemos irnos en mi carro, iremos muy apretados. | \n
| Loose | \nSuelto | \nSuelta | \nSueltos | \nMis pantalones me quedan un poco sueltos. | \n
| Short | \nCorto | \nCorta | \nCortos | \n¿Tienes alguna falda más corta? | \n
| Hard | \nDuro | \nDura | \nDuros | \nA veces, la vida puede ser un poco dura. | \n
| Smooth | \nSuave | \nSuave | \nSuaves | \nQuisiera comprar una almohada un poco más suave. | \n
| Educated | \nEducado | \nEducada | \nEducados | \nTus hijos son muy educados. | \n
| Thick | \nGrueso | \nGruesa | \nGruesos | \nPonte un suéter más grueso, pues está haciendo mucho frío. | \n
| Important | \nImportante | \nImportante | \nImportantes | \nEstos documentos son muy importantes, no los vayas a perder. | \n
| Preoccupied | \nPreocupado | \nPreocupada | \nPreocupados | \nTe veo muy preocupada ¿estás bien? | \n
| Profound | \nProfundo | \nProfunda | \nProfundos | \nTen cuidado, por aquí hay un pozo muy profundo. | \n
| Any | \nCualquier | \nCualquier | \nCualesquiera | \nPuedes tomar cualquier asiento libre. | \n
| Grave | \nGrave | \nGrave | \nGraves | \nEstán muy graves en el hospital. | \n
| Severe | \nSevero | \nSevera | \nSevero | \nSu acción amerita severas consecuencias. | \n
| Truthful | \nVerdadero | \nVerdadera | \nVerdaderos | \nÉl es el verdadero rey de este reino. | \n
| False | \nFalso | \nFalsa | \nFalsos | \nTranquilo, no es una bruja de verdad, es falsa. | \n
Now that you know how describing in Spanish works, you’ll be able to transform your sentences from basic to beautiful. Who knew it could be that easy?
\nAnd if you’re still getting a grasp of all the adjective usage rules, don’t get discouraged. It can take a while to get them all under your belt, but constant practice will help you attain that proficiency you’re after. And if you’d like to supercharge your studies, check out our blog for tips to learn Spanish, fast.
\nWe hope you found this guide descriptiva and entretenida! If you did and feel up for learning even more adjectives, check out some of our other Spanish blogs. We have published plenty of articles with helpful adjectives, such as our blog on 137 personality traits in Spanish and our article on Spanish terms of endearment.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Hard Spanish words","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"An easy guide to pronouncing 100 of the hardest Spanish words","url":"/blog/hard-spanish-words-pronounce","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt449c0943c90be23f/63491bd60528631ea567e9d2/pexels-mentatdgt-1346197.jpg"},"post_content":"Although Spanish isn’t even one of the hardest languages for English speakers to learn, there are plenty of words that will make your head spin. Getting ahead of the curve and tackling these hard Spanish words will help prevent any embarrassing situations. Not only will you know what they mean, but you’ll also be able to pronounce them expertly, thanks to our pronunciation guides!
In addition to expanding your vocabulary, nailing the toughest words will make every other word seem like a piece of cake. If you’re an intermediate Spanish learner, one of the best ways to push past the intermediate plateau is to learn some advanced words. By training yourself at a higher level, you will ensure that everything else seems relatively easier.
Also, any time you spend working on your pronunciation is time well spent. If you read our guide to learning Spanish fast, you already know that working hard on your pronunciation will pay off down the line. Research shows that mispronouncing words early on will make it harder to correct your speech down the line. That’s why mastering these challenging words and sounds now will help you tremendously with the rest of your Spanish vocabulary.
So, if you’re feeling up for the challenge, make sure to grab some snacks, brew some coffee, and settle in for a fun ride!
![\"Make](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blte6e21392d66ec2d7/63491c75be627424e7758863/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-927451.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Spanish and English have a lot of similarities, but pronunciation is not one of them. While many English words may be spelled similarly to Spanish words (and vice-versa), these languages have entirely different pronunciation systems.
However, I do have good news for you. Everything in Spanish is pronounced exactly as it is written. So, if you can read a word, you can say it aloud!
The problem is that many people don’t spend enough time drilling the most common Spanish sounds and keep relying on their native language pronunciation. This is true even for Spanish heritage speakers who may know how to speak the language but struggle with pronouncing basic words. For example, check out the following clip of a young Selena from the 1997 movie.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to expertly pronounce some of the hardest words and sounds in Spanish.
If there was a chameleon of all Spanish letters, it would certainly be the letter X. This mysterious letter can seemingly take on any possible sound, from sh to s to ks to even j sounds. Here’s a quick guide on how to deal with it:
G is another word in Spanish with a little bit of an identity crisis. It sometimes sounds like an English G, while it sometimes sounds like a Spanish J. So, what gives?
Luckily, there are a few hard and fast rules that will help you know how to pronounce the letter G in each situation.
The letter G sounds like a Spanish J (as in Javier) when it is:
The letter G sounds like an English G (as in goose) when it is:
As you study more and more Spanish, you’ll be able to pronounce Spanish words with G like a pro. In the meantime, these handy rules will help you figure out how to pronounce any word with the letter G in it!
Unlike its copycat cousin G, the letter J is pronounced pretty consistently across the board. In Spanish, the letter J is pronounced like a strong English H. Think words like jalapeño (HAH-lah-peh-nyoh) and Javier (HAH-ree-air). You definitely don’t want to pronounce the J in jalapeño like an English J–people won’t understand you!
The letter K in Spanish is pronounced almost exactly like the letter K in English, and it only has one sound. Unlike the letter C, which has two different sounds (potentially more depending on the region!), you don’t have to worry about different pronunciations when you see a word with the letter K, like kilo or Tokio.
Ñ is the one letter in the Spanish alphabet that is not in the English alphabet. While other languages like French and Italian have equivalent sounds, English doesn’t have a sound that is the same as or even similar to the letter Ñ.
The best way to think of it is kind of like the gn sound in lasagna. However, that’s still not very accurate. So, the best way to learn how to pronounce the letter Ñ in Spanish is by watching the following short video.
R is one of the hardest letters to pronounce in Spanish. First, we have the infamous rolling R, which is often cited as the single hardest Spanish sound to learn for non-native speakers.
In reality, it’s not that difficult a sound to emulate. Many languages have rolling Rs, including Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, and Hindi–but not English. Since this sound is absent from English, it’s one of the hardest for English speakers to emulate.
Here are a few things that will trigger a rolling R sounds in Spanish:
To roll your Rs, all you have to do is touch the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth, just behind your top teeth. Then, blow air through your mouth but try to only separate your tongue from the roof of your mouth just a tiiiiiny bit. The air will cause your tongue to flap against the roof of your mouth, thus creating the rolling R sound.
If you thought the last two letters were on the complicated side, then I have good news for you: the H is completely silent in Spanish! You never want to pronounce the letter H in any Spanish word, even if the English-speaking part of your brain is telling you that hospital and hotel need to do right by the H at the beginning.
The only exceptions are when the H is part of a two-letter sound, such as in:
This word is the stuff a Spanish learner’s nightmares are made of. It has not one but two sets of double Rs! So, if you can’t roll your Rs to perfection yet, this word will keep you honest. Plus, the -il ending adds a challenging twist at the end, keeping your tongue busy after that second set of double Rs.
If you don’t have a lot of patience to pronounce long words, you’re going to have to muster up as much as you can for this one. While not one of the longest words in Spanish, this multi-syllabic word will take you on a rollercoaster ride as you work your way through six syllables, a set of double Rs, and a set of double Ls. Buckle up!
This word is challenging to pronounce, even for native speakers. Just as in English, the aero prefix means “air”. So, “aeropuerto” (aero-puerto) literally translates into airport (air-port). However, Spanish has another word for air: aéreo. This is commonly used for anything related to air transport, such as transportes aéreos.
Thus, many people end up saying “aereopuerto,” when what they really mean to say is aeropuerto. Don’t fall for this rookie mistake, and you’ll be well on your way to speaking Spanish better than many native speakers!
This word is challenging, once again thanks to the Rs. However, it doesn’t have any double Rs. As you know now, you don’t necessarily need double Rs to trigger a rolling r. So,in the word ronronear, you have two hard r’s and one soft Rs, with the last R being the soft one. Can you identify the pronunciation rules we laid out in the section above?
The platypus is an odd fellow, with a name that perfectly matches its quirky vibes. The same is true for Spanish, though the word ornitorrinco may have slightly more chaotic energy. Thus, this word landed right in the middle of our ranking for the hardest words in Spanish.
Medical terms are notoriously hard to pronounce in many languages, and Spanish is no exception. An otorrinolaringólogo is an ENT doctor (ears, nose, and throat), which is an abbreviation for the full name “otorhinolaryngologist.”
While English smartly uses the acronym ENT to avoid having to pronounce this word, I regret to inform you that otorrinoralingólogo is widely used in Spanish. So, if you feel that you may have a throat or ear infection, you may have to hunker down and learn how to pronounce this word before going to the hospital.
Luckily, there’s a great song that will help you recall the pronunciation of this word without any problems. Legendary Mexican singer Laura León managed to turn this spooky word into a wonderfully-catchy chorus.
This word is hard to pronounce because it has four tricky sounds:
Once you get a handle on all four of these sounds, though, it’s not too tricky a word to pronounce. Just make sure to think about how you need to pronounce each of these components!
This is the shortest word in our top ten rankings, but that doesn’t make it any less challenging to say out loud. This word belongs in the top ten hardest words to say in Spanish list simply because of the deadly -rd combo.
You might think that you’ve nailed down your Rs. You might think you’ve got no problem pronouncing your Ds. But a combo of the two can make even native speakers quiver.
This combo is so hard to say out loud because it really is a tongue workout. Rolling your R and having to immediately press it against your front teeth will have you feeling like you’re at the gym!
The J sound in jirafa will trip up lots of Spanish learners, particularly English speakers. If you’re just getting started on your Spanish-learning journey, you may have looked at this word and thought, “oh, easy! It’s just like giraffe.” And that’s part of the reason why pronouncing this word is so tough.
In Spanish, the J sounds more like an English H. That makes this word he-ra-fah, as opposed to gee-raff, as in English.
If you’re looking at this word and don’t even know where to start, we don’t blame you! This word has a lot of different things going on, but the pronunciation guides above will help you break it down.
Put that all together, and you get ah-goo-heh-ro. Not too bad!
Spanish is a complicated language that–unfortunately–has many complicated words. So, if you’re looking for a list of the most complicated words in Spanish, here are over 90 of the hardest words in Spanish for you to feast on!
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| Bat | Murciélago | muɾˈsjelaɣo | moore-see-eh-lah-go |
| Disconsolately | Desconsoladamente | deskonsolaðaˈmente | dehs-con-soh-lah-dah-mehn-teh |
| Constitutionally | Constitucionalmente | konstitusjonalˈmente | cohn-stee-too-see-oh-nal-mehn-teh |
| Internationalization | Internacionalización | inteɾnasjonalisaˈsjon | een-tehr-nah-see-oh-nah-lee-sah-see-ohn |
| Counter-revolutionary | Contrarrevolucionario | kontɾareβolusjoˈnaɾjo | con-trah-reh-voh-loo-see-oh-nah-ree-oh |
| Idiosyncrasy | Idiosincrasia | iðjosinˈkɾasja | e-dee-oh-seen-crah-see-ah |
| American | Estadounidense | estaðowniˈðense | ehs-tah-doe-ooh-nee-dehn-seh |
| Sad | Triste | ˈtɾiste | trees-teh |
| Petroleum | Petróleo | peˈtɾoleo | peh-troh-leh-oh |
| Entertained | Entretenido | entɾeteˈniðo | ehn-treh-teh-nee-doe |
| Attraction | Atracción | atɾakˈsjon | ah-tehn-see-ohn |
| Abstract | Abstracto | aβsˈtɾakto | abs-trac-toe |
| Puertorican | Puertorriqueño | pweɾtoriˈkeɲo | poo-air-toe-ree-keh-nyoh |
| Dog | Perro | ˈpero | peh-ro |
| Horseshoe | Herradura | eraˈðuɾa | eh-rah-doo-rah |
| Guitar | Guitarra | ɡiˈtara | ghee-tah-rah |
| Favorite | Favorito | faβoˈɾito | fah-vh-ree-toe |
| Error | Error | eˈroɾ | eh-ror |
| Highway | Carretera | kareˈteɾa | cah-reh-teh-ra |
| Bored | Aburrido | aβuˈriðo | ah-boo-ree-doe |
| Zoo | Zoológico | sooˈloxiko | zoh-loh-he-coe |
| Tiger | Tigre | ˈtiɣɾe | tee-greh |
| Tangible | Tangible | tanˈxiβle | tan-he-bleh |
| Gynecologist | Ginecólogo | xineˈkoloɣo | he-neh-coe-lo-goh |
| Geneology | Geneaología | xeneaoloˈxia | heh-neh-ah-lo-he-ah |
| Giant | Gigante | xiˈɣante | he-gan-teh |
| Throat | Garganta | ɡaɾˈɣanta | gar-gan-tah |
| To take | Coger | koˈxeɾ | coh-hehr |
| Needle | Aguja | aˈɣuxa | ah-goo-hah |
| To shake | Agitar | axiˈtaɾ | ah-he-tar |
| Cozy | Acogedor | akoxeˈðoɾ | ah-coe-heh-door |
| Slice | Tajada | taˈxaða | tah-hah-dah |
| To blush | Sonrojar | sonroˈxaɾ | son-ro-har |
| Bird | Pájaro | ˈpaxaɾo | pah-hah-roe |
| Wet | Mojado | moˈxaðo | mo-hah-doe |
| Far away | Lejano | leˈxano | leh-hah-no |
| Orange | Anaranjado | anaɾanˈxaðo | ah-nah-ran-hah-doe |
| To stutter | Balbucear | balβuseˈaɾ | bal-boo-seh-ar |
| To perform | Desempeñar | desempeˈɲaɾ | dehs-ehm-peh-nyar |
| Disproportionately | Desmesuradamente | dezmesuɾaðaˈmente | dehs-meh-soo-rah-dah-mehn-teh |
| Distributors | Distribuidores | distɾiβwiˈðoɾes | dees-tree-boo-e-door-ehs |
| Scarecrow | Espantapájaros | espantaˈpaxaɾos | ehs-pan-tah-pah-hah-ros |
| Hardware store | Ferretería | fereteˈɾia | feh-reh-teh-ree-ah |
| Hardware store | Tlapalería | tlapaleˈɾia | tlah-pah-leh-ree-ah |
| Introspective | Introspectivo | intɾospekˈtiβo | een-tros-pec-tee-vo |
| Playful | Juguetón | xuɣeˈton | who-geh-ton |
| Hopefully | Ojalá | oxaˈla | oh-hah-lah |
| To belong | Pertenecer | peɾteneˈseɾ | pehr-teh-neh-sehr |
| Penguin | Pingüino | pinˈɡwino | peen-goo-e-no |
| Extension | Prórroga | ˈpɾoroɣa | pro-ro-gah |
| Similar | Semejante | semeˈxante | seh-meh-hahn-teh |
| Disorder | Trastorno | tɾasˈtoɾno | tras-tore-no |
| Triangle | Triángulo | ˈtɾjanɡulo | tree-ahn-goo-lo |
| Tentacle | Tentáculo | tenˈtakulo | ten-tah-coo-lo |
| Waterproof | Impermeabilizante | impeɾmeaβiliˈsante | em-pear-meh-ah-bee-lee-zahn-teh |
| Unfortunately | Desafortunadamente | desafoɾtunaðaˈmente | dehs-ah-fore-too-nah-dah-mehn-teh |
| Probably | Probablemente | pɾoβaβleˈmente | pro-bah-bleh-mehn-teh |
| Statistic | Estadística | estaˈðistika | ehs-tah-dees-tee-cah |
| Idea | Idea | iˈðea | e-deh-ah |
| European | Europeo | ewɾoˈpeo | eh-ooh-ro-peh-oh |
| Skyscraper | Rascacielos | raskaˈsjelos | ras-cah-see-eh-los |
| Squirrel | Ardilla | aɾˈðiʝa | ar-dee-yah |
| Dragonfly | Libélula | liˈβelula | lee-beh-loo-la |
| Paw | Garra | ˈɡara | gah-ra |
| Liver | Hígado | ˈiɣaðo | e-gah-doe |
| Bladder | Vejiga | beˈxiɣa | veh-he-gah |
| Bored | Aburrido | aβuˈriðo | ah-boo-re-doe |
| Corkscrew | Sacacorchos | sakaˈkoɾʧos | sah-cah-core-chos |
| Ashtray | Cenicero | seniˈseɾo | seh-nee-seh-ro |
| To boil | Hervir | eɾˈβiɾ | air-veer |
| To fry | Freír | fɾeˈiɾ | freh-eer |
| Armadillo | Armadillo | aɾmaˈðiʝo | ar-mah-dee-yo |
| Health | Salubridad | saluβɾiˈðað | sah-loo-breh-dad |
| Elevator | Ascensor | asenˈsoɾ | ah-sehn-soor |
| Rare | Raro | ˈraɾo | ra-ro |
| Turtle | Tortuga | toɾˈtuɣa | tore-too-gah |
| Race | Carrera | kaˈreɾa | cah-reh-rah |
| Rodent | Roedor | roeˈðoɾ | roh-eh-door |
| Terrestrial | Terrestre | teˈrestɾe | teh-rehs-treh |
| Surrounding | Alrededor | alreðeˈðoɾ | al-reh-deh-door |
| Refrigerator | Refrigerador | refɾixeɾaˈðoɾ | reh-free-heh-rah-door |
| Freezer | Congelador | konxelaˈðoɾ | con-heh-la-door |
| Rural | Rural | ruˈɾal | roo-ral |
| Climbing plant | Enredadera | enreðaˈðeɾa | ehn-reh-dah-deh-rah |
| Stationery | Papelería | papeleˈɾia | pah-peh-leh-ree-ah |
| Tropical gar | Pejelagarto | pexelaˈɣaɾto | peh-heh-lah-gar-toe |
| Lizard | Lagartija | laɣaɾˈtixa | lah-gar-tee-hah |
| Sympathyze | Simpatizar | simpatiˈsaɾ | seem-pah-tee-zar |
| To fumigate | Fumigar | fumiˈɣaɾ | foo-me-gar |
| Roadrunner | Correcaminos | korekaˈminos | coh-reh-cah-mee-nos |
| Crocodile | Cocodrilo | kokoˈðɾilo | coh-coh-dree-lo |
Naturally, a language with many difficult words to pronounce will also have some fun and complex tongue twisters. Spanish tongue twisters–or, trabalenguas–are a great way to practice your pronunciation. Saying these out loud over and over will help your mouth get more comfortable with producing Spanish sounds. Don’t be shy, and take some time to give these trusty tongue twisters a try!
![\"Students](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt37ffaf7fa8711a8e/63491d506a938c238802a3b1/pexels-christina-morillo-1181743.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| R and R cigar, R and R barrel, how fast the sugar-loaded railroad cars run | Erre con erre cigarro, erre con erre barril, qué rápido corren los carros cargados de azúcar del ferrocarril | ˈere kon ˈere siˈɣaro | ˈere kon ˈere βaˈril | ewˈe ˈrapiðo ˈkoren los ˈkaros kaɾˈɣaðoz ðe aˈsukaɾ ðel ferokaˈril | eh-reh cohn eh-reh see-gah-ro, eh-reh cohn eh-reh bah-reel, keh rah-pee-doe coe-rehn lohs cah-ros car-gah-dos deh ah-zoo-car del feh-ro-cah-reel |
| Three sad tigers ate wheat in a wheat field on three sad plates | Tres tristes tigres tragaban trigo en un trigal en tres tristes trastos | ˈtɾes ˈtɾistes ˈtiɣɾes tɾaˈɣaβan ˈtɾiɣo en un tɾiˈɣal en ˈtɾes ˈtɾistes ˈtɾastos | trehs trees-tehs tee-grehs trah-gah-bahn tree-go ehn oon tree-gal ehn trehs trees-tehs trahs-tohs |
| The king of Constantinople is looking to de-Constantinopolize himself, whomever can de-Constantinopolize him will be a good de-Constantinopolizer | El rey de Constantinopla se quiere descontantinopolizar, el que lo desconstantinopolizare buen desconstantinopolizador será | el ˈrej ðe konstantiˈnopla se ˈkjeɾe ðeskontantinopoliˈsaɾ | el ˈke lo ðeskonstantinopoliˈsaɾe ˈβwen deskonstantinopolisaˈðoɾ seˈɾa | elle ray deh cohn-stahn-tee-no-plah seh key-air-eh dehs-cohn-stahn-tee-no-poh-lee-zar, elle keh loh dehs-cohn-stahn-tee-no-poh-lee-zar-eh, boo-ehn dehs-cohn-stahn-tee-no-po-lee-zah-door seh-rah |
| The dog of San Roque has no tail because Ramón Rodríguez has stolen it | El perro de San Roque no tiene rabo, porque Ramón Rodríguez se lo ha robado | el ˈpero ðe ˈsan ˈroke ˈno ˈtjene ˈraβo | ˈpoɾke raˈmon roˈðɾiɣes se lo ˈa roˈβaðo | elle peh-ro deh san roh-keh no tee-eh-neh rah-bo, pore-keh rah-mohn roh-dree-gehz seh lo ah ro-bah-doh |
| Little by little, Paco packs the cup a little bit. | Poco a poco, Paco empaca un poco la copa. | ˈpoko a ˈpoko | ˈpako emˈpaka wm ˈpoko la ˈkopa ‖ | poh-coh ah poh-coh, pah-coh ehm-pah-cah oon poh-co la coh-pah |
| Pablito nailed a nail on the bald head of a bald man. | Pablito clavó un clavito en la calva de un calvito. | paˈβlito klaˈβo wn klaˈβito en la ˈkalβa ðe wn kalˈβito ‖ | pah-blele-toe clah-voh oohn clah-vee-toe ehn la cal-vah deh oohn cal-vee-toe |
| When you tell stories, count how many stories you tell, because if you don’t count how many stories you tell, you’ll never know how many stories you’ve told. | Cuando cuentes cuentos, cuenta cuántos cuentos cuentas, porque si no cuentas cuántos cuentos cuentas, nunca sabrás cuántos cuentos cuentas tú. | ˈkwando ˈkwentes ˈkwentos | ˈkwenta ˈkwantos ˈkwentos ˈkwentas | ˈpoɾke si ˈno ˈkwentas ˈkwantos ˈkwentos ˈkwentas | ˈnunka saˈβɾas ˈkwantos ˈkwentos ˈkwentas ˈtu ‖ | coo-ahn-doe coo-ehn-tehs coo-ehn-toes, coo-ehn-tah coo-ahn-toes coo-ehn-toes coo-ehn-tahs, pore-keh see noh cooh-ehn-tahs coo-ahn-toes coo-ehn-toes coo-ehn-tahs, noon-cah sah-brahs coo-ahn-toes coo-ehn-toes coo-ehn-tahs too |
If you’ve tried to follow our pronunciation guide above, but somehow still can’t get the sounds just right–do not panic! Nailing the pronunciation of a new language takes lots of pratice, so make sure to take it slow and don’t stress too much about pronouncing everything perfectly right away.
Here are some tips that will help you improve your pronunciation in Spanish.
Jumping right to the hardest words in Spanish can feel like you’re going into the lion’s den. But, getting over these hurdles early on will make the rest of the words on your Spanish journey seem like a piece of cake. So, we applaud you for facing this challenge early on!
And, if you’re still hungry for more Spanish topics, check out our Spanish blog. We regularly publish challenging content that will help you push your Spanish further, like our guide to possessive adjectives in Spanish and our guide to weather expressions in Spanish. And best of all? They’re all free!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Good morning in Spanish","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"How to say good morning in Spanish in 33 fitting ways","url":"/blog/how-to-say-good-morning-spanish","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blta125f5111e898e36/633cd42c8edd6411a37cb4a1/pexels-jopwell-2422293.jpg"},"post_content":"Nowadays, everyone’s got a million things going on. And with our smartphones offering a refuge 24/7, it’s easy for everyone to live in our own bubbles. However, saying good morning to our friends, coworkers, classmates, and even strangers on the street is a great way to break out of that bubble and interact with those around us.
\nWhether you want to order coffee in Spanish or simply greet your coworkers, knowing how to say good morning will help you have more pleasant and natural interactions with those around you.
\nThat’s why we’ve compiled 33 ways to say good morning. So, no matter the context or the situation, we’ll provide you with the best way to wish someone a good morning or a good day in Spanish.
\nKeep reading to learn some fun Spanish phrases to brighten people’s day!
\nYou can also download your free Spanish language essentials eBook here, a trusty guide to all the Spanish basics.
\n\n
Now, what you came here for: how to actually say good morning in Spanish. You may already be familiar with this phrase if you read our article on how to say hi in Spanish, but don’t worry if you’re completely unfamiliar, as it’s pretty simple.
\nGood morning is buenos días. This directly translates to “good days.” If you’re wondering why you would use plurals, it’s kind of a long story. The most accepted version is that it used to stand for “buenos días os dé Dios,” which translates to “may God bless you with good days.” Eventually, the phrase was shortened to simply “good days,” or buenos días.
\n![\"Two](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltcf5f194110a97be5/633cdc7e8edd6411a37cb4b8/pexels-marcus-aurelius-9789454.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Morning! | \n¡Buenos! | \nˈbwenos ‖ | \nboo-eh-nos | \n
| Good morning! | \n¡Buenos días! | \nˈbwenoz ˈðias ‖ | \nboo-eh-nos dee-ahs | \n
| Good day! | \n¡Buen día! | \nˈbwen ˈdia ‖ | \nBoo-ehn dee-ah | \n
| Good morning to everyone | \nBuenos días a todos | \nˈbwenoz ˈðias a ˈtoðos | \nboo-eh-nos dee-ahs ah-toe-dos | \n
| Good morning, nice to meet you. | \nBuenos días, un placer conocerte. | \nˈbwenoz ˈðias | um plaˈseɾ konoˈseɾte ‖ | \nboo-eh-nohs dee-ahs, oon plah-ser co-no-sehr-teh | \n
| Good morning, teacher | \nBuenos días, maestra | \nˈbwenoz ˈðias | maˈestɾa | \nboo-eh-nohs dee-ahs, mah-ehs-trah | \n
| Good morning, doctor | \nBuenos días, doctor | \nˈbwenoz ˈðias | dokˈtoɾ | \nboo-eh-nohs dee-ahs, doc-tore | \n
\n
\n
If you want to be even more specific, you can follow your good morning greeting with a title for a man or a woman. If you’ve already learned how to say how are you in Spanish, you surely already know that adding señor or señorita at the end of a greeting isn’t uncommon.
\nAnd if you’ve been learning Spanish for any amount of time, you already know that this is a highly gendered language. So, knowing a few ways to say good morning to a woman or a man will come in quite handy.
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Good morning, madam. | \nBuenos días, madam | \nˈbwenoz ˈðias | maˈðam | \nBoo-eh-nohs dee-ahs, ma-dam | \n
| Good morning, miss. | \nBuenos días, señorita | \nˈbwenoz ˈðias | seɲoˈɾita | \nboo-eh-nohs dee-ahs, seh-nyoh-ree-tah | \n
| Good morning, sir. | \nBuenos días, señor | \nˈbwenoz ˈðias | seˈɲoɾ | \nboo-eh-nos dee-ahs, seh-nyor | \n
| Good morning, young lady | \nBuenos días, jovencita | \nˈbwenoz ˈðias | xoβenˈsita | \nboo-eh-nos dee-ahs, ho-vehn-see-tah | \n
| Good morning, young man | \nBuenos días, jovencito | \nˈbwenoz ˈðias | xoβenˈsito | \nboo-eh-nos dee-ahs, ho-vehn-see-toe | \n
| Good morning, ladies and gentlemen | \nBuenos días, señoras y señores | \nˈbwenoz ˈðias | seˈɲoɾas i seˈɲoɾes | \nboo-eh-nos dee-ahs seh-nyor-ahs e seh-nyor-ehs | \n
\n
\n
French gets all the hype for being the language of love, but Spanish can be quite romantic, too! If you have a special someone, you can make sure they don’t wake up on the right side of the bed by greeting them with a romantic good morning in Spanish.
\nIf you haven’t yet, make sure to check out our article on how to say I love you in Spanish for some romantic phrases that you can tack on to your morning greeting. And if you’re not ready for full-blown declarations of love before you’ve had your first cup of coffee, you can also get some inspiration from our articles on Spanish terms of endearment and royalty vocab in Spanish.
\n![\"A](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt5931688abb12e88a/633cdaf31338101198fcbf0c/pexels-taryn-elliott-5581736.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Good morning, my love. | \nBuenos días, mi amor. | \nˈbwenoz ˈðias | mj aˈmoɾ ‖ | \nboo-eh-nos dee-ahs me ah-more | \n
| Good morning, beautiful. | \nBuenos días, hermosa. | \nˈbwenoz ˈðias | eɾˈmosa ‖ | \nboo-eh-nos dee-ahs, air-mo-sa | \n
| Good morning, handsome. | \nBuenos días, guapo. | \nˈbwenoz ˈðias | ˈɡwapo ‖ | \nboo-eh-nos dee-ahs, goo-ah-poh | \n
| Good morning, princess | \nBuenos días, princesa. | \nˈbwenoz ˈðias | pɾinˈsesa ‖ | \nboo-eh-nos dee-ahs, preen-seh-sa | \n
| Good morning, heart. | \nBuenos días, corazón. | \nˈbwenoz ˈðias | koɾaˈson ‖ | \nboo-eh-nos dee-ahs, core-ah-zon | \n
\n
\n
Besides the typical good morning greetings, there are a few more ways to get creative and express your creativity. Particularly in Latin America, where people tend to be very warm and casual, you’ll more than likely hear many of the expressions below instead of the rather formal buenos días.
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Rise and shine | \nLevántate y brilla | \nleˈβantate j ˈβɾiʝa | \nleh-vahn-tah-teh e bree-yah | \n
| Have a nice day! | \n¡Qué tengas un buen día! | \nˈke ˈtenɡas um ˈbwen ˈdia ‖ | \nkeh ten-gas oon boo-ehn dee-ah | \n
| Time to rise | \nHora de levantarse | \nˈoɾa ðe leβanˈtaɾse | \noh-rah deh leh-van-tar-seh | \n
| Wake up, sleeping beauty | \nDespierta, bella durmiente | \ndesˈpjeɾta | ˈbeʝa ðuɾˈmjente | \ndes-pee-air-tah, beh-yah door-me-ehn-teh | \n
| Time to get up! | \n¡Arriba! | \naˈriβa ‖ | \nah-ree-bah | \n
| Wake up! | \n¡Despierta! | \ndesˈpjeɾta ‖ | \ndes-pee-air-tah | \n
| It’s daytime already! | \n¡Ya amaneció! | \nʝa amaneˈsjo ‖ | \nya ah-mah-neh-see-oh | \n
| How did you wake up? | \n¿Cómo amaneciste? | \nˈkomo amaneˈsiste ‖ | \nkoh-mo ah-mah-neh-sees-teh | \n
| How did you sleep? | \n¿Cómo dormiste? | \nˈkomo ðoɾˈmiste ‖ | \nkoh-mo door-mees-teh | \n
| Did you sleep well? | \n¿Dormiste bien? | \ndoɾˈmiste ˈβjen ‖ | \ndore-mees-teh bee-ehn | \n
| Did you rest well? | \n¿Descansaste? | \ndeskanˈsaste ‖ | \ndehs-can-sahs-teh | \n
| Did you dream of the little angels? | \n¿Soñaste con los angelitos? | \nsoˈɲaste kon los anxeˈlitos ‖ | \nsoh-nyahs-teh con los ahn-heh-lee-toes | \n
| ¿How’s your morning going so far? | \n¿Qué tal va tu mañana? | \nˈke ˈtal ˈβa tu maˈɲana ‖ | \nkeh tal vah too mah-nyah-nah | \n
| Have a nice morning | \nQue tengas una bonita mañana | \nˈke ˈtenɡas ˈuna βoˈnita maˈɲana | \nkeh tehn-gas oo-nah boh-nee-tah mah-nyah-nah | \n
| What a lovely morning | \n¡Qué hermosa mañana! | \nˈke eɾˈmosa maˈɲana ‖ | \nkeh air-mo-sa mah-nyah-na | \n
\n
If you’re planning to wake someone up for a special occasion, what better way to do it than with a good morning song in Spanish? Of course, if you’re surprising someone for their birthday, then check out our blog on how to say happy birthday in Spanish. You’ll find some fun birthday songs that you can use to wake someone up on their special day!
\nThe following song by legendary reggaetón singer Wisin is a great song to start the day with a burst of energy.
\nIf you want something that the kids can sing along to, then check out the following good morning song for children. This is a great choice if you’re looking for a good morning song for your class or your child.
\n\n
\n
Now that you know what to say when you wake up, you can start your days with a little Spanish. Even if you’re still a beginner at Spanish and can’t say much yet, saying buenos días in the morning will put you in the right mindset to tackle the day.
\nRemember, one of the fastest ways to become fluent in Spanish is to just immerse yourself in the language, and what better way to do that than by starting your day speaking the language?
\nAnd if you feel like you’ve already mastered how to wish someone a good morning in Spanish, check out the rest of our free Spanish resources. We regularly publish guides that will help you learn useful and creative phrases in Spanish, so make sure to bookmark our page and check back for new content!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Beer in Spanish","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"How to order 25 types of ice-cold, delicious beer in Spanish","url":"/blog/beer-spanish","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blted59fa7663cb2577/633fa286c2df9d10fa383ece/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-5055195.jpg"},"post_content":"We get it, learning Spanish can be a long and often challenging process. It takes many hours of study time and years of dedication to truly master a language. However, it can also be fun and exciting at times–and this is definitely one of those times.
After all, what’s not to like about being able to enjoy your favorite brews while traveling through Spain or Latin America? Sure, maybe you could get away with simply learning cerveza or perhaps even by just pointing to a picture of a beer bottle and signaling with your finger that you want one, but that won’t cut it for true connoisseurs.
Every half-serious beer drinker knows that choosing the right beer is like picking a bottle of wine. Not all beers are made the same, and sometimes you want to pair your fish tacos with a refreshing blonde ale or your tapas with a tangy India pale ale.
Whatever the case, we’ll show you how to order 25 kinds of beer in Spanish. We’ll also go over several common ways to enjoy a beer, and we’ll even cover some beer slang in Spanish!
Keep reading to learn how to order your favorite beer like a local.
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If you already have some Spanish drinks vocabulary under your belt, you probably already know how to say beer: cerveza. And what’s better than one cerveza? Two cervezas! Since this is a regular noun, all you have to do to make it plural is to add an -s at the end.
If you’re a beer enthusiast, knowing how to order a beer won’t cut it–you need to know how to order several types of beer. As diverse as the world of beer is, we’ve compiled a list of 25 beer types in Spanish so you can order your favorite hops no matter where you are.
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| Beer | Cerveza | seɾˈβesa | ser-veh-sah |
| Lager | Lager | laˈxeɾ | lah-gehr |
| Stout | Stout | ˈstowt | stout |
| Pilsner | Pilsener | pilseˈneɾ | pilsner |
| Wheat beer | Cerveza de trigo | seɾˈβesa ðe ˈtɾiɣo | ser-veh-sah deh tree-go |
| Ale | Ale | ˈale | ale |
| Sour ale | Cerveza agria | seɾˈβesa ˈaɣɾja | ser-veh-sah ah-gree-ah |
| Blonde ale | Ale rubia | ˈale ˈruβja | ale roo-bee-ah |
| Brown ale | Brown ale | ˈbɾown ˈale | brown ale |
| Pale ale | Ale pálida | ˈale ˈpaliða | ale pah-lee-dah |
| India pale ale (IPA) | India pale ale | ˈindja ˈpale ˈale | een-dee-ah pale ale |
| Old ale | Ale antigua | ˈale anˈtiɣwa | ale ahn-tee-goo-ah |
| Belgian ale | Ale belga | ˈale ˈβelɣa | ale bell-gah |
| Porter | Porter | poɾˈteɾ | porter |
| Weißbier | Cerveza blanca | seɾˈβesa ˈβlanka | ser-veh-sah blahn-cah |
| Bock | Bock | ˈbokk | bock |
| Imperial stout | Stout imperial | ˈstowt impeˈɾjal | stout eem-pear-e-al |
| Root beer | Cerveza de raíz | seɾˈβesa ðe raˈis | ser-veh-sah deh rah-eez |
| Cold beer | Cerveza fría | seɾˈβesa ˈfɾia | ser-veh-sah free-ah |
| Draft beer | Cerveza de barril | seɾˈβesa ðe βaˈril | ser-veh-sah deh bah-reel |
| Craft beer | Cerveza artesanal | seɾˈβesa aɾtesaˈnal | ser-veh-sah ar-teh-sah-nal |
| Low carb beer | Cerveza baja en carbohidratos | seɾˈβesa ˈβaxa en kaɾβoiˈðɾatos | ser-veh-sah bah-hah ehn car-bo-e-drah-toes |
| Non-alcoholic beer | Cerveza sin alcohol | seɾˈβesa sin alkoˈol | ser-veh-sah seen al-cole |
| Gluten-free beer | Cerveza sin gluten | seɾˈβesa sin ˈɡluten | ser-veh-sah seen glue-ten |
| Low-calorie beer | Cerveza baja en calorías | seɾˈβesa ˈβaxa en kaloˈɾias | ser-veh-sah bah-hah ehn cah-lo-ree-ahs |
Did you know that Mexico is–by far–the largest exporter of beer in the world? Corona, one of the most popular beer brands worldwide, was created right in the heart of Mexico City! Clearly, Spanish-speakers know a thing or two about making beer.
Plus, with amazing weather in most Spanish-speaking countries, it’s no surprise that people in Hispanic countries love having an ice-cold beer. Here are the most popular beer brands in each Spanish-speaking country:
![\"Men](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt00c379e651d0e899/633f8a5190be9f1178378bcb/pexels-kampus-production-7893767.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Country | Beer Brand | IPA | Pronunciation |
| Spain | Cruzcampo | kɾusˈkampo | crooz-cam-poh |
| Mexico | Corona | koˈɾona | coh-ro-nah |
| Cuba | La Tropical | la tɾopiˈkal | la tro-pee-cal |
| Dominican Republic | Presidente | pɾesiˈðente | preh-see-dehn-teh |
| Puerto Rico | Medalla | meˈðaʝa | meh-dah-yah |
| Guatemala | Gallo | ˈɡaʝo | gah-yo |
| Nicaragua | Toña | ˈtoɲa | toh-nyah |
| Honduras | Salva Vida | ˈsalβa ˈβiða | sal-vah vee-da |
| El Salvador | Pilsener | pilseˈneɾ | pilsner |
| Costa Rica | Imperial | impeˈɾjal | eem-pear-e-al |
| Panama | Balboa | balˈβoa | bal-boh-ah |
| Colombia | Poker | poˈkeɾ | poh-ker |
| Venezuela | Polar | poˈlaɾ | poh-lar |
| Ecuador | Pilsener | pilseˈneɾ | pilsner |
| Peru | Cristal | kɾisˈtal | crees-tal |
| Bolivia | Pacena | paˈsena | pah-ceh-nah |
| Paraguay | Brahma | ˈbɾama | brah-mah |
| Chile | Cristal | kɾisˈtal | crees-tal |
| Argentina | Quilmes | ˈkilmes | keyl-mehs |
| Uruguay | Pilsen | ˈpilsen | pilsen |
| Equatorial Guinea | Castel | kasˈtel | cas-tel |
As you already know, Spanish slang is a huge part of the culture no matter where you go. This is especially true in causal or informal environments, which can easily lead to a beer or two. So, if you find yourself introducing yourself in Spanish quite a lot, you’ll definitely want to know some Spanish beer slang!
| Country | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| Mexico | Cheve | ˈʧeβe | che-veh |
| Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala, Chile, Peru | Chela | ˈʧela | che-la |
| Mexico | Caguama | kaˈɣwama | cah-goo-ah-ma |
| Colombia | Pola | ˈpola | po-lah |
| Ecuador | Biela | ˈbjela | bee-eh-la |
| Argentina, Venezuela | Birra | ˈbira | bee-ra |
| Venezuela, Puerto Rico | Fría | ˈfɾia | free-ah |
| Cuba | Lagarto | laˈɣaɾto | la-gar-toe |
| Panama | Pinta | ˈpinta | peen-ta |
| Spain | Caña | ˈkaɲa | cah-nyah |
| Ecuador | Pescuezuda | peskweˈsuða | pes-coo-eh-zoo-dah |
| Spain | Corto | ˈkoɾto | core-toe |
| Spain, Mexico | Doble | ˈdoβle | do-bleh |
| Mexico | Cuartito | kwaɾˈtito | coo-ar-tee-toe |
| Spain | Litrona | liˈtɾona | lee-tro-nah |
| Basque Country | Zurito | suˈɾito | zoo-ree-toe |
If you’re reaching intermediate Spanish levels and want to really push yourself, you can try to describe the flavor, aroma or even appearance of beer in Spanish. Next time you go out with your friends, try using one of the following words to describe your beer!
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| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| Delicious | Deliciosa | deliˈsjosa | deh-lee-see-oh-sah |
| Cold | Fría | ˈfɾia | free-ah |
| Light | Ligera | liˈxeɾa | lee-heh-rah |
| Hoppy | Lupulosa | lupuˈlosa | loo-poo-lo-sah |
| Fresh | Fresca | ˈfɾeska | frehs-cah |
| Fruity | Frutal | fɾuˈtal | froo-tal |
| Malty | Maltosa | malˈtosa | mal-toe-sah |
| Buttery | Diacetilo | djaseˈtilo | dee-ah-seh-tee-lo |
| Roasty | Tostada | tosˈtaða | tos-tah-dah |
| Sour | Agria | ˈaɣɾja | ah-gree-ah |
| Sharp | Aguda | aˈɣuða | ah-goo-dah |
| Bright | Clara | ˈklaɾa | clah-rah |
| Earthy | Terrosa | teˈrosa | teh-ro-sah |
| Grainy | Granosa | ɡɾaˈnosa | grah-no-sah |
| Bitter | Amarga | aˈmaɾɣa | ah-mar-gah |
| Frothy | Espumosa | espuˈmosa | ehs-poo-mo-sah |
| Premium | Premium | pɾeˈmjum | preh-me-oom |
| Organic | Orgánica | oɾˈɣanika | ore-gah-nee-cah |
| Natural | Natural | natuˈɾal | nah-too-ral |
| Ascetic | Acética | aˈsetika | ah-seh-tee-cah |
The way your beer is served is almost as important as the beer itself. Few things are nicer than an ice-cold lager on a hot summer day, but maybe that’s not what most of us would crave on a cozy winter afternoon. So, knowing a few ways beers are served can help elevate your experience.
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| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| Beer bottle | Cerveza en botella | seɾˈβesa em boˈteʝa | ser-veh-sah ehn boh-teh-yah |
| Beer can | Cerveza en lata | seɾˈβesa en ˈlata | ser-veh-sah ehn la-tah |
| Beer jug | Cerveza en tarro | seɾˈβesa en ˈtaro | ser-veh-sah ehn tah-ro |
| With lime and salt | Con limón y sal | kon liˈmon i ˈsal | con lee-mon e sal |
| Beer with lime, salt, and sauces | Michelada | miʧeˈlaða | me-cheh-la-dah |
| Ice-cold beer | Una cerveza bien helada | ˈuna seɾˈβesa ˈβjen eˈlaða | ser-beh-sah bee-ehn eh-lah-dah |
| Draft beer | Una cerveza de barril | ˈuna seɾˈβesa ðe βaˈril | ser-beh-sah deh bah-reel |
| Beer pitcher | Una jarra de cerveza | ˈuna ˈxara ðe seɾˈβesa | hah-rah deh ser-veh-sah |
| Beer tasting | Degustación de cervezas artesanales | deɣustaˈsjon de seɾˈβesas aɾtesaˈnales | deh-goose-tah-see-ohn deh ser-veh-sas are-teh-sah-nah-lehs |
| Domestic | Nacional | nasjoˈnal | nah-see-oh-nal |
| Imported | De importación | de jmpoɾtaˈsjon | deh eem-pore-tah-see-ohn |
| Local | Local | loˈkal | loh-cahl |
Now, if you’ve read our guide on ordering at a restaurant in Spanish, you know we wouldn’t just hit you with dozens of new vocabulary words and expect you to instantly know what to do with them. Of course not! We’ll now give you a few helpful sample sentences on how to order this delicious beverage.
If you’re not super comfortable counting yet, we recommend you check out our guide to numbers in Spanish before continuing. This can be helpful if you want to order a round of beers for you and your friends!
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| I would like a beer, please. | Quiero una cerveza, por favor. | ˈkjeɾo ˈuna seɾˈβesa | poɾ faˈβoɾ ‖ | key-air-oh oo-nah ser-veh-sah, pore fah-vore |
| I need a beer. | Necesito una cerveza. | neseˈsito ˈuna seɾˈβesa ‖ | neh-seh-see-toe oo-nah ser-veh-sah |
| Another beer, please. | Otra cerveza, por favor. | ˈotɾa seɾˈβesa | poɾ faˈβoɾ ‖ | oh-trah ser-veh-sah, pore fah-vore |
| Excuse me, could I get a beer? | Disculpe, ¿me podría servir una cerveza? | disˈkulpe | me poˈðɾia seɾˈβiɾ ˈuna seɾˈβesa ‖ | dees-cool-peh, meh poh-dree-ah ser-veer oo-nah ser-veh-sah |
| Three domestic beers, please. | Tres cervezas nacionales, por favor. | ˈtɾes seɾˈβesaz nasjoˈnales | poɾ faˈβoɾ ‖ | trehs ser-veh-sas nah-see-oh-nah-les, pore fah-vore |
| Excuse me, do you have draft beer? | Disculpa, ¿tienes cerveza de barril? | disˈkulpa | ˈtjenes seɾˈβesa ðe βaˈril ‖ | dees-cool-pah, tee-eh-ness ser-veh-sah deh bah-reel |
| Which domestic beers do you have? | ¿Qué cervezas nacionales tienes? | ˈke seɾˈβesaz nasjoˈnales ˈtjenes ‖ | keh ser-veh-sahs nah-see-oh-nah-les tee-eh-nes |
| Which craft beers do you have? | ¿Qué cervezas artesanales tienes? | ˈke seɾˈβesas aɾtesaˈnales ˈtjenes ‖ | keh ser-veh-sahs ar-teh-sah-nah-les tee-eh-nes |
| Do you have any local beer? | ¿Tienes alguna cerveza local? | ˈtjenes alˈɣuna seɾˈβesa loˈkal ‖ | tee-eh-nehs al-goo-nah ser-veh-sah lo-cal |
| A corona beer with lime, salt, and sauces, please. | Una michelada con cerveza Corona, por favor. | ˈuna miʧeˈlaða kon seɾˈβesa koˈɾona | poɾ faˈβoɾ ‖ | oo-nah me-cheh-la-dah con ser-veh-sah co-ro-na, pore fah-vore |
| Two ice-cold beers, please. | Dos cervezas bien heladas, por favor. | ˈdos seɾˈβesaz ˈβjen eˈlaðas | poɾ faˈβoɾ ‖ | dos ser-veh-sahs bee-ehn eh-la-das, pore fah-vore |
| A beer in a jug with lime and salt, please. | Una cerveza en un tarro con limón y sal, por favor. | ˈuna seɾˈβesa en un ˈtaro kon liˈmon i ˈsal | poɾ faˈβoɾ ‖ | oo-nah ser-veh-sah ehn oon tah-ro con lee-mon e sal, pore fah-vore |
| A pitcher of lager beer with three ice-cold glasses, please. | Una jarra de cerveza lager y tres vasos bien helados, por favor. | ˈuna ˈxara ðe seɾˈβesa laˈxeɾ i ˈtɾez ˈβasoz ˈβjen eˈlaðos | poɾ faˈβoɾ ‖ | oo-nah hah-rah deh ser-veh-sah e trehs vah-sohs bee-ehn eh-la-dos |
| A pint of India pale ale, please. | Una pinta de India pale ale, por favor. | ˈuna ˈpinta ðe ˈindja ˈpale ˈale | poɾ faˈβoɾ ‖ | oo-nah peen-tah deh een-dee-ah pale ale, pore fah-vore |
Learning Spanish to fluency can be a big commitment, but you’ve got this! Since you’ve made it this far, you’re already doing fantastic. So, there’s nothing wrong with relaxing with a beer after a long day of hard work.
If you enjoyed this guide and learned plenty of new ways to order beer, make sure to check out the rest of our free Spanish guides. If you’re a foodie at heart, you’ll want to check out our guides on how to order coffee in Spanish, fruits in Spanish, and more!
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While focusing on acing your exams and prep courses can be a great way to learn English, there’s much more to the language than what you’ll learn in class. Indeed, many English learners find that navigating formal classes and real life can be two entirely different things. And what’s one thing that most textbooks don’t cover? Abbreviations.
Knowing some common abbreviations in English will help you acclimate better to daily life in English. Most people use abbreviations daily to save time, make their speech more casual, and be more concise. Plus, English has a few words that are so long you’ll be begging for a way to shorten them!
From texting with friends to dealing with bureaucratic government agencies, you’ll find no way to escape all the popular acronyms, initialisms, and abbreviations. So, why not start now, before you make a faux pas by misunderstanding someone’s abbreviations? Similarly to English slang, you’ll want to take some time to study some abbreviations before you run into them in the wild.
Now, before we keep you waiting even longer, let’s dive into the English abbreviations!
Abbreviations are shortened forms of words and phrases. While some abbreviations are informal in nature and border on slang, many of them are also appropriate in formal contexts. In fact, some of the most common abbreviations are “Mr.” and “Mrs.” which are almost exclusively used in formal contexts.
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The words “abbreviations” and “acronyms” are often used interchangeably, although there are some important differences between the two. In fact, there are
Although there are more types of contractions, these are by far the most common ones. And with 275 examples in this article alone, you’ll have no shortage of abbreviations to study with just these five types!
There are thousands of common English abbreviations out there that are worth studying. However, it’s not a good idea to try to learn too many of them at once. n fact, abbreviations are continuously changing with the trends, so you couldn’t possibly learn all of them even if you wanted to. So, just relax, and enjoy learning some fun (and fast!) new ways to say a few words and phrases that you were already familiar with.
Here are the top abbreviations and acronyms.
| English | What it stands for | Pronunciation | IPA |
| ASAP | As soon as possible | as soon as poh-see-buhl | ˈæz ˈsun ˈæz ˈpɑsəbəl |
| RSVP | Répondez s’il vous plaît | are es vee pee | ˈɑr ˈiz ˈvi ˈpi |
| FAQs | Frequently asked questions | eff ay cues | ˈfɹikwəntli ˈæskt ˈkwɛstʃənz |
| TGIF | Thank god it’s Friday | thank god its fry-day | ˈθæŋk ˈɡɑd ˈɪts ˈfɹaɪˌdeɪ |
| IMO | In my opinion | een my oh-pee-nee-ohn | ˈɪn ˈmaɪ əˈpɪnjən |
| IMHO | In my humble opinion | een my hum-boll oh-pee-nee-ohn | ˈɪn ˈmaɪ ˈhʌmbəl əˈpɪnjən |
| N/A | Not available | not ah-vay-luh-bull | ˈnɑt əˈveɪləbəl |
| DIY | Do-it-yourself | do eet your self | ˈdu ˈɪt jɚˈsɛlf |
| FIY | For your information | fore your een-fore ma-tee-on | ˈfɔr ˈjɔr ˌɪnfɚˈmeɪʃən |
| AKA | Also known as | all-so known as | ˈɔlˌsoʊ ˈnoʊn ˈæz |
| FKA | Formerly known as | fore-mer-lee nown as | ˈfɔrmɚli ˈnoʊn ˈæz |
| BYOB | Bring your own beverage | breeng your own beh-vuh-rij | ˈbɹɪŋ ˈjɔr ˈoʊn ˈbɛvɹɪdʒ |
| BO | Body odor | bo-dee oh-door | ˈbɑdi ˈoʊdɚ |
| ETA | Estimated time of arrival | es-tee-ma-ted tiem of ah-ri-val | ˈɛstəˌmeɪtəd ˈtaɪm əv ɚˈɹaɪvəl |
| LGBTQ | Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer | les-bee-an, gay, bye-sex-oo-al, trans, and coo-eer | ˈlɛzbiən | ˈɡeɪ | baɪˈsɛkʃəwəl | ˈtɹæns ənd ˈkwɪr |
| Q&A | Questions and answers | coo-es-tee-ons and an-swers | ˈkwɛstʃənz ənd ˈænsɚz |
| ID | Identification | i-den-tee-fee-ca-shon | aɪˌdɛntəfəˈkeɪʃən |
| RIP | Rest in peace | rest een pees | ˈɹɛst ˈɪn ˈpis |
| VIP | Very important person | ve-ree eem-por-tant per-son | ˈvɛri ɪmˈpɔrtn̩t ˈpɝsn̩ |
| ATM | Automatic teller machine | au-toe-ma-teec te-lur ma-sheen | ˌɔtəˈmætɪk ˈtɛlɚ məˈʃin |
| i.e. | In other words | een oh-thur words | ˈɪn ˈʌðɚ ˈwɝdz |
| i.g. | For example | fore ex-ample | ˈfɔr ɪɡˈzæmpəl |
| PIN | Personal identification number | per-soh-nall i-den-tee-fee-ca-tee-on num-bur | ˈpɝsənəl aɪˌdɛntəfəˈkeɪʃən ˈnʌmbɚ |
| SOS | Save our ship (help) | sayv or sheep | ˈseɪv ˈaʊɚ ˈʃɪp |
| SO | Significant other | sig-nee-fee-cant oh-ther | sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt ˈʌðɚ |
| TMI | Too much information | too much een-fore-may-shon | ˈtu ˈmʌtʃ ˌɪnfɚˈmeɪʃən |
| POV | Point of view | poo-eent of vee-u | ˈpɔɪnt əv ˈvju |
| HBD | Happy birthday | ha-pee buhrth-day | ˈhæpi ˈbɝθˌdeɪ |
Texting is essential if you want to maintain friendships with your English-speaking friends. While this can be a great way to improve your language, it can also be difficult to follow along when every other word is a texting-specific abbreviation. Luckily, you’ve got this handy table to show you some of the most common texting abbreviations!
| English | What it stands for | Pronunciation | IPA |
| lol | Laugh out loud | laf aut laud | ˈlæf ˈaʊt ˈlaʊd |
| lmk | Let me know | let me no | ˈlɛt ˈmi ˈnoʊ |
| nvm | Nevermind | neh-ver-mind | ˈnɛvɚˌmaɪnd |
| omw | On my way | on my way | ˈɔn ˈmaɪ ˈweɪ |
| idk | I don’t know | eye don’t no | ˈaɪ ˈdoʊnt ˈnoʊ |
| thx | Thanks | thanks | ˈθæŋks |
| ty | Thank you | thank yoo | ˈθæŋk ˈju |
| brb | Be right back | be rite bac | ˈbi ˈɹaɪt ˈbæk |
| btw | By the way | by thuh way | ˈbaɪ ðə ˈweɪ |
| omg | Oh my god | o my god | ˈoʊ ˈmaɪ ˈɡɑd |
| lmao | Laughing my ass off | laff-ing my ass off | ˈlæfɪŋ ˈmaɪ ˈæs ˈɔf |
| wtf | What the **** | what thuh **** | ˈwɑt ðə ˈfʌk |
| wth | What the hell | what thuh hell | ˈwɑt ðə ˈhɛl |
| iykyk | If you know, you know | If yoo no yoo no | juː nəʊ |
| sthu | Shut the hell up | shut thuh hell up | ʃʌt ðə hɛl ʌp |
| yolo | You only live once | yoo on-lee liv uans | ˈju ˈoʊnli ˈlɪv ˈwʌns |
| TL;DR | Too long, didn’t read | too long, deedn’t reed | ˈtu ˈlɔŋ | ˈdɪdn̩t ˈɹid |
| 2day | Today | to-day | təˈdeɪ |
| 2moro | Tomorrow | to-morrow | təˈmɑroʊ |
| atm | At the moment | at thu mo-ment | ət ðə ˈmoʊmənt |
| b4 | Before | bee-fore | bɪˈfɔr |
| l8r | Later | lay-tur | ˈleɪtɚ |
| cu | See you | see yoo | ˈsi ˈju |
| cya | See ya | see ya | ˈsi ˈjɑ |
| gr8 | Great | grayt | ˈɡɹeɪt |
| ily | I love you | I lov yoo | ˈaɪ ˈlʌv ˈju |
| ily2 | I love you too | I lov yoo too | ˈaɪ ˈlʌv ˈju ˈtu |
| pls | Please | plees | ˈpliz |
| r u srs | Are you serious? | are yoo see-ree-us | ˈɑr ˈju ˈsɪriəs ‖ |
| y | Why? | why | ˈwaɪ ‖ |
| ttyl | Talk to you later | tak too yoo lay-tur | ˈtɔk ˈtu ˈju ˈleɪtɚ |
| bc | Because | bee-cos | bɪˈkɔz |
| DM | Direct message | dee-rect muh-saj | dɚˈɹɛkt ˈmɛsɪdʒ |
| ftw | For the win | for thuh ween | ˈfɔr ðə ˈwɪn |
| iirc | If I remember correctly | eef eye ruh-mem-bur co-rect-lee | ˈɪf ˈaɪ ɹɪˈmɛmbɚ kɚˈɹɛktli |
| jk | Just kidding | just kee-deeng | ˈdʒʌst ˈkɪdɪŋ |
| nbd | No big deal | no beeg deel | ˈnoʊ ˈbɪɡ ˈdil |
| rn | Right now | rite now | ˈɹaɪt ˈnaʊ |
| DAE | Does anyone else? | dos a-nee-wuan els | ˈdʌz ˈɛniˌwʌn ˈɛls ‖ |
| hmu | Hit me up | hit mee up | ˈhɪt ˈmi ˈʌp |
| wyd | What (are) you doing? | what yoo doo-ing | ˈwɑt | ˈɑr | ˈju ˈduɪŋ ‖ |
| idc | I don’t care | I don’t care | ˈaɪ ˈdoʊnt ˈkɛr |
| h8 | Hate | hayt | ˈheɪt |
![\"Smiling](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt7e08a20f6d3d0c28/63ed992a0841b256b996bd4a/Texting_while_on_yoga_mat.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Abbreviations and acronyms are extremely important — even in the business world. This is especially important as English is one of the top languages for business, making these business acronyms extra important for anyone looking to make big business in one of the English-speaking countries.
Here are some of the most common business abbreviations and acronyms you might run into at the office.
| English | What it stands for | Pronunciation | IPA |
| CC | Carbon copy | car-bohn coh-pee | ˈkɑrbən ˈkɑpi |
| BCC | Blind carbon copy | blind car-bohn coh-pee | ˈblaɪnd ˈkɑrbən ˈkɑpi |
| FTE | Full-time employment | full time em-ploy-ment | ˈfʊlˌtaɪm ɪmˈplɔɪmənt |
| EOD | End-of-day | end of day | ˈɛndəvˈdeɪ |
| RE | Regarding | re-gar-deeng | ɹɪˈɡɑrdɪŋ |
| P.S. | Post script | post screept | ˈpoʊst ˈskɹɪpt |
| PTO | Paid time off | payd taim off | ˈpeɪd ˈtaɪm ˈɔf |
| NB | Nota Bene | no-ta beh-nuh | ˈnoʊtə ˈbɛni |
| OOO | Out of office | aut of au-fees | ˈaʊt əv ˈɑfəs |
| OT | Overtime | o-ver-taim | ˈoʊvɚˌtaɪm |
| P&C | Private & confidential | pri-vait and con-fee-den-shal | ˈpɹaɪvət | ˌkɑnfəˈdɛnʃəl |
| SMART | Specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time-bound | spuh-see-feec, muh-shoo-ruh-bol, ah-tain-uh-bol, re-uh-lis-tic, taim-baund | spɪˈsɪfɪk | ˈmɛʒɚɹəbəl | əˈteɪnəbəl | ˌɹiəˈlɪstɪk | ˈtaɪmˈbaʊnd |
| TIA | Thanks in advance | thanks een ad-vans | ˈθæŋks ˈɪn ədˈvæns |
| WFH | Work from home | work from hom | ˈwɝk fɹəm ˈhoʊm |
You might already be familiar with some of these if you know how to tell time in English. Truthfully, many of these are used across languages, and a big chunk of them have origins in Latin. So, if you speak one of the Romance languages, you may already have a few of these in the bag!
| English | What it stands for | Pronunciation | IPA |
| AD | Anno Domini | ah-no do-me-ne | ˈæn(ˌ)oʊ ˈdɑmɪni |
| BC | Before Christ | be-for cry-st | bɪˈfɔr ˈkɹaɪst |
| CE | Common Era | co-mon eh-ruh | ˈkɑmən ˈɛrə |
| BCE | Before Common Era | be-for co-mon eh-ruh | bɪˈfɔr ˈkɑmən ˈɛrə |
| ETA | Estimated time of arrival | es-tee-may-ted taim of ah-ri-val | ˈɛstəˌmeɪtəd ˈtaɪm əv ɚˈɹaɪvəl |
| a. m. | Ante meridiem | an-te me-re-dee-em | ˈænti #meridiem# |
| p. m. | Post meridiem | post me-re-dee-em | ˈpoʊst #meridiem# |
| h | Hour | a-woor | ˈaʊɚ |
| min | Minute | me-noot | ˈmɪnət |
| s | Seconds | se-conds | ˈsɛkəndz |
| N | North | north | ˈnɔrθ |
| S | South | sauth | ˈsaʊθ |
| E | East | est | ˈist |
| W | West | west | ˈwɛst |
| NW | Northwest | north-west | nɔrθˈwɛst |
| NE | Northeast | north-est | nɔrθˈist |
| SW | Southwest | sauth-west | saʊθˈwɛst |
| SE | Southeast | sauth-est | saʊθˈist |
![](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt9bc001e5b124efef/619b33e409389f76634d1daa/Monthly_calendar_planner.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Learning the months in English is one of the first things on any English learner’s agenda. But what about abbreviations? Truthfully, you’ll see the abbreviated versions of the months much more often, especially on event invitations and Zoom call invites.
Here are the most common abbreviations for all 12 months of the year in English.
| English | What it stands for | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Jan | January | jan-oo-ary | ˈdʒænjəˌwɛri |
| Feb | February | feb-oo-ary | ˈfɛbjəˌwɛri |
| Mar | March | march | ˈmɑrtʃ |
| Apr | April | ay-prill | ˈeɪpɹəl |
| May | May | may | ˈmeɪ |
| Jun | June | joon | ˈdʒun |
| Jul | July | joo-ly | dʒʊˈlaɪ |
| Aug | August | o-goost | ɔˈɡʌst |
| Sept | September | sep-tem-bur | sɛpˈtɛmbɚ |
| Oct | October | oc-to-bur | ɑkˈtoʊbɚ |
| Nov | November | no-vem-bur | noˈvɛmbɚ |
| Dec | December | de-sem-bur | dɪˈsɛmbɚ |
Another big ticket item on an English learner’s agenda is learning the days of the week in English. Unlike other abbreviations in this article, the days of the week only use one or two letters for their shortened version. In fact, most of these are initialisms, although most initialisms are reserved for phrases or groups of words.
| English | What it stands for | Pronunciation | IPA |
| M | Monday | mon-day | ˈmʌnˌdeɪ |
| T | Tuesday | toos-day | ˈtuzˌdeɪ |
| W | Wednesday | wens-day | ˈwɛnzˌdeɪ |
| Th | Thursday | thurs-day | ˈθɝzˌdeɪ |
| F | Friday | fri-day | ˈfɹaɪˌdeɪ |
| S | Saturday | sat-oor-day | ˈsætɚˌdeɪ |
| Su | Sunday | sun-day | ˈsʌnˌdeɪ |
Abbreviating your profession is extremely common, especially for business cards and email signatures. Even if you’re not looking to do business in an English-speaking country, knowing these professions abbreviations will help you understand what those letters in people’s email signatures mean!
| English | What it stands for | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Acct | Accountant | ac-cown-tant | əˈkaʊntn̩t |
| Asst | Assistant | a-sis-tant | əˈsɪstənt |
| PA | Personal assistant | per-so-nal a-sis-tant | ˈpɝsənəl əˈsɪstənt |
| VA | Virtual assistant | vir-too-al a-sis-tant | ˈvɝtʃəwəl əˈsɪstənt |
| Capt | Captain | cap-tan | ˈkæptən |
| Dir | Director | dee-rec-toor | dɚˈɹɛktɚ |
| Exec | Executive | ex-eh-coo-tiv | ɪɡˈzɛkjətɪv |
| CEO | Chief Executive Officer | cheef ex-eh-coo-tiv oh-fee-sehr | ˈtʃif ɪɡˈzɛkjətɪv ˈɑfəsɚ |
| COO | Chief Operation Officer | cheef o-per-ay-shon oh-fee-sehr | ˈtʃif ˌɑpɚˈɹeɪʃən ˈɑfəsɚ |
| CFO | Chief Financial Officer | cheef fye-nan-shal oh-fee-sehr | ˈtʃif fəˈnænʃəl ˈɑfəsɚ |
| CMO | Chief Marketing Officer | cheef mar-ket-eeng oh-fee-sehr | ˈtʃif ˈmɑrkətɪŋ ˈɑfəsɚ |
| VP | Vice president | vais pre-see-dent | ˈvaɪs ˈpɹɛzədənt |
| PM | Project manager | pro-ject ma-na-jer | ˈpɹɑˌdʒɛkt ˈmænɪdʒɚ |
| UX Designer | User interface designer | oo-ser in-ter-face de-si-ner | ˈjuzɚ ˈɪntɚˌfeɪs dɪˈzaɪnɚ |
| UI Designer | User experience designer | oo-ser ex-pe-re-ens de-si-ner | ˈjuzɚ ɪkˈspɪriəns dɪˈzaɪnɚ |
| CPA | Certified Public Accountant | ser-tee-faid poo-blic ac-cown-tant | ˈsɝtəˌfaɪd ˈpʌblɪk əˈkaʊntn̩t |
| CFA | Chartered Financial Analyst | char-terd fye-nan-shal a-na-list | ˈtʃɑrtɚd fəˈnænʃəl ˈænələst |
| QA Analyst | Quality Assurance Analyst | coo-a-lee-tee a-shoor-ans a-na-list | ˈkwɑləti əˈʃʊrəns ˈænələst |
| RN | Registered Nurse | re-gist-terd noors | ˈɹɛdʒəstɚd ˈnɝs |
| Prof | Professor | pro-feh-sur | pɹəˈfɛsɚ |
Similar to professional abbreviations, educational abbreviations are used in business cards and email signatures. Instead of indicating a person’s current occupation, these abbreviations help people easily explain their level of education and any professional certifications they possess. These are usually initialisms and will follow a person’s full name after a comma.
| English | What it stands for | Pronunciation | IPA |
| EFL | English as a foreign language | en-gleesh as a fo-ren lan-goo-aj | ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ ˈæz ə ˈfɔrən ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ |
| ELT | English language teaching | en-gleesh lan-goo-aj tee-cheeng | ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ ˈtitʃɪŋ |
| ESL | English as a second language | en-gleesh as a se-cond lan-goo-aj | ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ ˈæz ə ˈsɛkənd ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ |
| BA | Bachelor of Arts | bach-eh-lor of arts | ˈbætʃəlɚ əv ˈɑrts |
| BS | Bachelor of Science | bach-eh-lor of sye-ens | ˈbætʃəlɚ əv ˈsaɪəns |
| BFA | Bachelor of Fine Arts | bach-eh-lor of fain arts | ˈbætʃəlɚ əv ˈfaɪn ˈɑrts |
| MA | Master of Arts | mas-ter of arts | ˈmæstɚ əv ˈɑrts |
| MS | Master of Science | mas-ter of si-ens | ˈmæstɚ əv ˈsaɪəns |
| MBA | Master of Business Administration | mas-ter of bis-ness ad-me-nees-tray-shon | ˈmæstɚ əv ˈbɪznəs ədˌmɪnəˈstɹeɪʃən |
| MPhil | Master of Philosophy | mas-ter of fee-lo-so-fee | ˈmæstɚ əv fəˈlɑsəfi |
| MFA | Master of Fine Arts | mas-ter of fain arts | ˈmæstɚ əv ˈfaɪn ˈɑrts |
| LLM | Master of Laws | mas-ter of laws | ˈmæstɚ əv ˈlɔz |
| MSW | Master of Social Work | mas-ter of so-shall work | ˈmæstɚ əv ˈsoʊʃəl ˈwɝk |
| PhD | Doctor of Philosophy | doc-toor of fee-lo-so-fee | ˈdɑktɚ əv fəˈlɑsəfi |
| EdD | Doctor of Education | doc-toor of e-doo-ca-shon | ˈdɑktɚ əv ˌɛdʒəˈkeɪʃən |
| JD | Juris Doctor | yoo-rees doc-toor | ˈdʒʊrɪs ˈdɑktɚ |
| MD | Doctor of Medicine | doc-toor of meh-dee-seen | ˈdɑktɚ əv ˈmɛdəsən |
| ND | Doctor of Nursing | doc-toor of noor-sing | ˈdɑktɚ əv ˈnɝsɪŋ |
| TOELF | Test of English as a Foreign Language | test of en-gleesh as a fo-ren lan-goo-aj | ˈtɛst əv ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ ˈæz ə ˈfɔrən ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ |
| IELTS | International English Language Testing System | een-ter-na-sho-nall en-gleesh lan-goo-aj tes-teeng sis-tem | ˌɪntɚˈnæʃənl̩ ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ ˈtɛstɪŋ ˈsɪstəm |
The United States is one of the very few countries that still uses the Imperial measuring system, so you’ll have to get used to much more than just a new set of abbreviations if you’re not from here! Although measuring in inches and feet rather than meters and centimeters can take some getting used to, we can help you get started with the abbreviations for measurements so you at least know what people are talking about.
![\"Family](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltfd6a896697958475/63ed9b92fb32ec1b0e9c9efb/Family_making_breakfast_in_the_kitchen.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | What it stands for | Pronunciation | IPA |
| oz. | Ounce | auns | ˈaʊns |
| fl. oz. | Fluid ounce | floo-eed auns | ˈfluəd ˈaʊns |
| gal. | Gallon | ga-lon | ˈɡælən |
| pt. | Pint | pie-nt | ˈpaɪnt |
| qt. | Quart | coo-art | ˈkwɔrt ‖ |
| tbsp. | Tablespoon | tay-ble-spoon | ˈteɪbəlˌspun |
| tsp. | Teaspoon | tee-spoon | ˈtiˌspun |
| in. | Inch | eench | ˈɪntʃ |
| ft. | Foot | foot | ˈfʊt |
| mi. | Mile | ˈmaɪəl | |
| mph | Miles per hour | mails per awr | ˈmaɪəlz ˈpɝ ˈaʊɚ |
| n.m. | Nautical miles | naw-tee-cal mails | ˈnɔtɪkəl ˈmaɪəlz |
| sq. | Square | scoo-air | ˈskwɛr |
| yd. | Yard | yard | ˈjɑrd |
| lb. | Pound | paund | ˈpaʊnd |
| cm | Centimeter | sen-tee-mee-ter | ˈsɛntəˌmitɚ |
| m | Meter | mee-ter | ˈmitɚ |
| km | Kilometer | kee-lo-mee-ter | kəˈlɑmətɚ |
| g | Gram | gram | ˈɡɹæm |
| kg | Kilogram | kee-lo-gram | ˈkɪləˌɡɹæm |
| T | Ton | ton | ˈtʌn |
| ml | Milliliter | me-lee-lee-ter | ˈmɪləˌlitɚ |
| l | Liter | lee-ter | ˈlitɚ |
Just as in any other language, slang is a crucial part of everyday conversations in English. However, even if you’re already familiar with English slang, you might be surprised to find out that slang words and phrases can be abbreviated too! You’ll get this as you continue making friends and having conversations, but for now, here’s a list of the most common English slang abbreviations.
| English | What it stands for | Pronunciation | IPA |
| iktr | I know that’s right | I no that’s rite | ˈaɪ ˈnoʊ ˈðæts ˈɹaɪt |
| fomo | Fear of missing out | feer of mee-sing aut | ˈfɪr əv ˈmɪsɪŋ ˈaʊt |
| ikyl | I know you’re lying | I no yoor lie-ing | ˈaɪ ˈnoʊ ˈjɔr ˈlaɪɪŋ |
| smh | Shaking my head | shay-keeng my hed | ˈʃeɪkɪŋ ˈmaɪ ˈhɛd |
| tbh | To be honest | to be oh-nest | ˈtu ˈbi ˈɑnəst |
| rofl | Rolling on the floor laughing | roll-ing on thuh floor laf-ing | ˈɹoʊlɪŋ ˈɔn ðə ˈflɔr ˈlæfɪŋ |
| xoxo | Hugs and kisses | hugs and kee-ses | ˈhʌɡz ənd ˈkɪsəz |
| ikr | I know, right? | I no, rite | ˈaɪ ˈnoʊ | ˈɹaɪt ‖ |
| ofc | Of course | of cors | əv ˈkɔrs |
| tfw | The feel when | thuh feel wen | ðə ˈfil ˈwɛn |
| tfti | Thanks for the invite | thanks for thuh een-vait | ˈθæŋks ˈfɔr ði ɪnˈvaɪt |
| b/w | Between | be-tween | bɪˈtwin |
| dl | Down-low | down-low | ˈdaʊnˈloʊ |
| fr | For real | for reel | ˈfɔr ˈɹiəl |
| qt | Cutie | cue-tee | ˈkjuti |
| w/e | Whatever | what-eh-ver | wɑtˈɛvɚ |
| w/o | Without | with-aut | wɪˈðaʊt |
| ngl | Not gonna lie | not gon-na li | ˈnɑt ˈɡʌnə ˈlaɪ |
| obv | Obviously | ob-vee-os-lee | ˈɑbviəsli |
| grl | Girl | girl | ˈɡɝl |
As a global language, English has many regional variations with their own distinct vocabularies. Although most English speakers can understand each other, perhaps it’d be difficult for someone with a heavy Essex accent to communicate with someone with a deep Southern accent. Not only are the accents different, but so is much of the slang.
Even if you stick to purely professional speech, there are many government agencies that don’t translate well across countries. Even within the USA, two abbreviations can mean different things depending on the context. So, let’s take a look at some local abbreviations by country.
Before we dive into the different countries, let’s take a look at some abbreviations of global importance. These are abbreviations that either encompass several countries or straight-up involve the entire world, so make sure to keep them in mind!
| English | What it stands for | Pronunciation | IPA |
| UN | United Nations | oo-ni-ted nay-shons | jʊˈnaɪtəd ˈneɪʃənz |
| OECD | Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development | ore-gah-ne-say-shon for ec-con-no-mic co-o-per-ay-shon and de-vel-op-ment | ˌɔrɡənəˈzeɪʃən ˈfɔr ˌɛkəˈnɑmɪk ˈkoʊˌɑpɚˈɹeɪʃən ənd dɪˈvɛləpmənt |
| UNESCO | The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization | tuh oo-ni-ted nay-shons eh-doo-cay-sho-nal, si-ehn-tee-feec and cool-too-ral or-ga-nee-say-shon | ðə jʊˈnaɪtəd ˈneɪʃənz ˌɛdʒəˈkeɪʃənl̩ | ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪk ənd ˈkʌltʃɚɹəl ˌɔrɡənəˈzeɪʃən |
| EU | European Union | u-ro-pee-an oo-nee-on | ˌjʊrəˈpiən ˈjunjən |
| FIFA | International Federation of Football Association | in-ter-na-sho-nal feh-deh-ray-shon of foot-ball ah-so-see-ay-shon | ˌɪntɚˈnæʃənl̩ ˌfɛdɚˈɹeɪʃən əv ˈfʊtˌbɔl əˌsoʊsiˈeɪʃən |
| NASA | National Aeronautics and Space Administration | na-sho-nal air-oh-naw-teecs and spays ad-min-es-tray-shon | ˈnæʃənl̩ ˌɛrəˈnɔtɪks ənd ˈspeɪs ədˌmɪnəˈstɹeɪʃən |
| NATO | North Atlantic Treaty Organization | north a-tlan-teec tree-tee or-ga-nee-say-shon | ˈnɔrθ ətˈlæntɪk ˈtɹiti ˌɔrɡənəˈzeɪʃən |
| USMCA | United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement | oo-ni-ted states mex-e-co ca-na-da a-gree-ment | jʊˈnaɪtəd ˈsteɪts | ˈmɛksɪˌkoʊ | ˈkænədə əˈɡɹimənt |
| WHO | World Health Organization | world health or-ga-nee-say-shon | ˈwɝld ˈhɛlθ ˌɔrɡənəˈzeɪʃən |
As a large and dynamic country, it’s very difficult to narrow down the abbreviations and acronyms used from coast to coast. Even within states, regional slang can vary significantly, as evidenced by the enormous difference between New York slang and California slang. With that said, there are a few essential acronyms and abbreviations that everyone must learn before stepping foot on U.S. soil.
| English | What it stands for | Pronunciation | IPA |
| IRS | Internal Revenue Service | in-ter-nal reh-veh-new ser-vis | ɪnˈtɝnl̩ ˈɹɛvəˌnu ˈsɝvəs |
| DMV | Department of Motor Vehicles | de-part-ment of mo-tor ve-e-cls | dɪˈpɑrtmənt əv ˈmoʊtɚ ˈviəkəlz |
| JFK | John F. Kennedy | john eff keh-ne-dee | ˈdʒɑn ˈɛf ‖ ˈkɛnədi |
| MLK | Martin Luther King | mar-teen loo-ther keeng | ˈmɑrtn̩ ˈluθɚ ˈkɪŋ |
| USAF | United States Air Force | oo-ni-ted states air fors | jʊˈnaɪtəd ˈsteɪts ˈɛr ˈfɔrs |
| FBI | Federal Bureau of Investigations | feh-der-al boo-row of in-ves-tee-gay-shons | ˈfɛdɚɹəl ˈbjʊroʊ əv ɪnˌvɛstəˈɡeɪʃənz |
| CIA | Central Intelligence Agency | sen-tral een-teh-lee-jens ay-jen-see | ˈsɛntɹəl ɪnˈtɛlədʒəns ˈeɪdʒənsi |
| POTUS | President of the United States | pre-see-dent of the oo-ni-ted states | ˈpɹɛzədənt əv ðə jʊˈnaɪtəd ˈsteɪts |
| SCOTUS | Supreme Court of the United States | soo-preem cort of the oo-ni-ted states | səˈpɹim ˈkɔrt əv ðə jʊˈnaɪtəd ˈsteɪts |
| LA | Los Angeles | los an-gel-es | ˈloʊz ˈɑŋɡɛˌleɪs |
| NYC | New York City | new york see-tee | ˈnu ˈjɔrk ˈsɪti |
| SF | San Francisco | san fran-sees-co | ˈsɑn fɹænˈsɪskoʊ |
| SLC | Salt Lake City | salt layk see-tee | ˈsɔlt ˈleɪk ˈsɪti |
| MIA | Miami | my-ah-me | maɪˈæmi |
| DMV Area | Delaware-Maryland-Virginia | deh-la-ware mar-e-land veer-jee-nee-ah | ˈdɛləˌwɛrˈmɛrələndvɚˈdʒɪnjə |
| The Fed | The Federal Reserve Bank | thuh feh-deh-ral re-serv bank | ðə ˈfɛdɚɹəl ɹɪˈzɝv ˈbæŋk |
| BOFA | Bank of America | bank of a-mer-e-ca | ˈbæŋk əv əˈmɛrəkə |
| ASL | American Sign Language | ah-mer-e-can sin lan-goo-aj | əˈmɛrəkən ˈsaɪn ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ |
| TSA | Transportation Security Administration | trans-por-tay-shon se-coor-e-tee ad-me-nees-tray-shon | ˌtɹænspɚˈteɪʃən sɪˈkjʊrəti ədˌmɪnəˈstɹeɪʃən |
| FAA | Federal Aviation Administration | fed-er-al ay-vee-ay-shon ad-me-nees-tray-shon | ˈfɛdɚɹəl ˌeɪviˈeɪʃən ədˌmɪnəˈstɹeɪʃən |
| USDA | United States Department of Agriculture | oo-ni-ted states de-part-ment of ag-ree-cool-toor | jʊˈnaɪtəd ˈsteɪts dɪˈpɑrtmənt əv ˈæɡɹɪˌkʌltʃɚ |
| DOD | Department of Defense | de-part-ment of de-fens | dɪˈpɑrtmənt əv dɪˈfɛns |
| DHS | Department of Homeland Security | de-part-ment of home-land sec-oo-ree-tee | dɪˈpɑrtmənt əv ˈhoʊmˌlænd sɪˈkjʊrəti |
| DOJ | Department of Justice | the de-part-ment of jus-tees | dɪˈpɑrtmənt əv ˈdʒʌstəs |
| USPS | United States Postal Service | oo-ni-ted states pos-tal ser-vees | jʊˈnaɪtəd ˈsteɪts ˈpoʊstl̩ ˈsɝvəs |
| FDA | Food and Drug Administration | food and drug ad-me-nees-tray-shon | ˈfud ənd ˈdɹʌɡ ədˌmɪnəˈstɹeɪʃən |
| EPA | Environmental protection Agency | en-vi-ron-men-tal pro-tec-shon a-gen-see | ɪnˌvaɪɹənˈmɛntl̩ pɹəˈtɛkʃən ˈeɪdʒənsi | ˌiˌpiˈeɪ | |
| CDC | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | sen-ters for dee-sees con-trol and pre-ven-shon | ˈsɛntɚz ˈfɔr dɪˈziz kənˈtɹoʊl ənd pɹɪˈvɛnʃən |
Whether you’re just visiting the United Kingdom or planning to move there, there are a few abbreviations and acronyms you’ll want to get familiar with before you board your flight. Here are some of the most common United Kingdom abbreviations.
| English | What it stands for | Pronunciation | IPA |
| BBC | British Broadcasting Corporation | bree-tish brod-cas-teeng cor-por-ay-shon | ˈbɹɪtɪʃ ˈbɹɔdˌkæstɪŋ ˌkɔrpɚˈɹeɪʃən |
| BA | British Airways | bree-tish air-ways | ˈbɹɪtɪʃ ˈɛrˌweɪz |
| BoE | Bank of England | bank of en-gland | ˈbæŋk əv ˈɪŋɡlənd |
| BR | British Rail | bree-tish rail | ˈbɹɪtɪʃ ˈɹeɪl |
| innit | Isn’t it? | isn’t it | ˈɪzn̩t ˈɪt ‖ |
| Sammie | Sandwich | sand-wich | ˈsændˌwɪtʃ |
| A cuppa | A cup of tea | a cup of tee | ə ˈkʌp əv ˈti |
| Soz | Sorry | sor-ry | ˈsɑri |
| Manc | Manchester | man-ches-ter | ˈmænˌtʃɛstɚ |
| P’s | Pounds (£) | paunds | ˈpaʊndz | |
If you’re visiting Australia soon, you must start preparing for the sheer number of abbreviations you will hear on a daily basis. Rather than an abundance of initialisms or acronyms, most Australian abbreviations are in the form of clipped words, usually as a shortened form of the first half of a word with a cute ending. You’ll see what we mean in the table below.
| English | What it stands for | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Chrissie | Christmas | crist-mas | ˈkɹɪsməs |
| Brekky | Breakfast | brek-fast | ˈbɹɛkfəst |
| Avo | Avocado | a-vo-ca-do | ˌɑvəˈkɑdoʊ |
| Servo | Gas station | gas stay-shon | ˌɑvəˈkɑdoʊ |
| Maccas | McDonald’s | mac-doh-nalds | məkˈdɑnəldz |
| Bevos | Beverages | beh-vuh-ra-jes | ˈbɛvɹɪdʒəz |
| Sanga | Sandwich | sand-which | ˈsændˌwɪtʃ |
| Aggro | Aggressive | ah-greh-seev | əˈɡɹɛsɪv |
| Barbie | Barbecue | bar-be-cue | ˈbɑrbɪˌkju |
| Cab Sav | Cabernet Sauvignon | ca-ber-neh sah-vee-nyoh | ˌkæbɚˈneɪ ˌsɔˈvɪnjɑn |
| Devo | Devastated | deh-vas-tay-ted | ˈdɛvəˌsteɪtəd |
| Mushie | Mushroom | mush-room | ˈmʌʃrum |
| Ambo | Ambulance | am-byoo-lens | æmbjələns |
As we promised earlier, we’ve got English acronyms for you! While these don’t fall into any particular category, they are all extremely helpful and worth at least being aware of. We’re sure you’ll run into them in the wild at some point, and when you do, don’t forget to think about us!
| English | What it stands for | Pronunciation | IPA |
| DOB | Date of birth | dayt of burth | ˈdeɪt əv ˈbɝθ |
| TBA | To be announced | too bee ah-nounsed | ˈtu ˈbi əˈnaʊnst |
| TBD | To be determined | too bee de-tehr-minned | ˈtu ˈbi dɪˈtɝmənd |
| TBC | To be continued | too bee con-tee-newd | ˈtu ˈbi kənˈtɪnjud |
| VAT | Value-added Tax | va-lew a-ded tax | ˈvæljuˈædəd ˈtæks |
| DOA | Dead on arrival | ded on ah-ri-val | ˈdɛd ˈɔn ɚˈɹaɪvəl |
| GMO | Genetically modified organisms | guh-ne-tee-cuh-lee mo-dee-fyed ore-gah-neesms | dʒəˈnɛtɪkli ˈmɑdəˌfaɪd ˈɔrɡəˌnɪzəmz |
| MIA | Missing in action | miss-ing in ac-tee-on | ˈmɪsɪŋ ˈɪn ˈækʃən |
| OCD | Obsessive Compulsive Disorder | ob-sess-iv com-pool-siv dis-ore-der | ɑbˈsɛsɪv kəmˈpʌlsɪv dɪsˈɔrdɚ |
| BOGO | Buy one, get one | bye wuhn get wuhn | ˈbaɪ ˈwʌn | ˈɡɛt ˈwʌn |
| ICYMI | In case you missed it | een case yoo missd eet | ˈɪn ˈkeɪs ˈju ˈmɪst ˈɪt |
| FWIW | For what it’s worth | fore wuht its worth | ˈfɔr ˈwɑt ˈɪts ˈwɝθ |
Now that you know 275 different abbreviations, from texting abbreviations to acronyms don’t be shy to start using them! The more often you use these English acronyms and abbreviations, the sooner you’ll become proficient in them — and the more time you’ll save!
If you feel like you’ve already got these under control, why not try out our list of the hardest words in English? We’ve got over 250 incredibly challenging words, so you’re sure to find a few tricky new words regardless of your level! And if even that’s a piece of cake, take a look at our English language blog. We’re sure you’ll find something that will pique your interest!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Mandarin vs. Cantonese","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"Mandarin vs. Cantonese: What's the difference? An easy guide","url":"/blog/mandarin-vs-cantonese","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt10404c2c9d2a3fdc/64226d91d794441fc0f4507d/pexels-angela-roma-7364082.jpg"},"post_content":"This post compares Mandarin and Cantonese, two major Chinese dialects, discussing their differences in pronunciation, grammar, and cultural significance.
If you grew up speaking English, then you can probably think of many dialects: British English, North American English, Australasian English, and so on. And, although it may take a little getting used to, you likely can understand almost everything any speaker of any English dialect can say without much trouble. That means that English dialects are mutually intelligible — you can understand someone who speaks a different dialect within the same language.
But what about Chinese? Most know that Chinese is made up of different “dialects,” but does that mean that everyone can understand each other regardless of the specific dialect they speak?
Well, the answer is a bit complicated. For starters, most Chinese languages are not mutually intelligible. That means that two people could both speak “Chinese” and still not understand each other. It also means that there are multiple types of “Chinese” that you can learn as a foreign language.
So, why are both Mandarin and Cantonese considered to be the same language? That’s because of shared historical roots and the use of the Chinese writing system. Though these dialects sound almost nothing alike, they pretty much use the same characters for the same words.
If all of that sounds very complicated, do not worry. We’ll take a close look at both Mandarin and Cantonese over the next couple of sections to help you get a clear understanding of the differences in pronunciation, characters, vocab, and grammar between these two dialects. We’ll also give you some advice on which one to pick if you’re looking to learn Mandarin or Cantonese.
Let’s get started!
![\"Woman](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb7050f37953c1268/64226e906f5dc30fb7649026/pexels-sam-lion-6002000_(1).jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Mandarin | Cantonese | |
| Language family | Mandarin Chinese | Yue Chinese |
| Where it’s spoken | Mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia | Southeast China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Chinese diaspora |
| Romanization system | Pinyin | Jyutping |
| Spoken characteristics | 23 initials | 19 initials |
| 35 finals | 58 finals | |
| 4 tones (plus neutral tone) | 6 tones plus 3 entering tones | |
| Characters | Mostly simplified characters | Mostly traditional characters |
| Usefulnenss | Used across the Sinosphere as a common tongue | Mostly useful in Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangdong |
First, you should know that Mandarin is by far the most common Chinese dialect. That’s because it’s the official language of mainland China, Taiwan, and Singapore, and serves as an official or recognized language in Hong Kong, Macao, Malaysia, and even the United Nations!
The wide territorial expanse of Mandarin is mostly due to it being recognized as the lingua franca of the Sinosphere. No matter one’s native dialect, almost all Chinese speakers are able to communicate in Mandarin to some extent.
The Chinese name for Mandarin is 普通话 (pǔ tōng huà), which translates into the common language. Its status as a common language has also propelled its importance in classrooms across China and consequently made Mandarin the most common language in Chinese TV shows, movies, and books.
Additionally, the overwhelming majority of the Chinese population speaks Mandarin as its first language. Some of the regions and provinces with the most native Mandarin speakers include:
![\"Tourist](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blte15da9808cf4d10b/64226f033ef5155e035cad1f/pexels-sabel-blanco-1486577.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Cantonese, on the other hand, is spoken natively almost exclusively in Southeast China. The Chinese city of Guangzhou and the province of Guangdong both used to be romanized as Canton, which is where the name Cantonese came from. Although this may sound like a small area, Guangdong is actually the most populous province in China, helping make Cantonese one of the top 20 most spoken languages in the world!
Besides natives in and near Guangzhou, Cantonese is also a common language amongst the Chinese diaspora in Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America, with Cantonese speakers making a majority of Chinese migrants up until the mid-20th century.
Cantonese has significant native speakers in the following regions:
All in all, Cantonese has around 75 million native speakers worldwide.
As you now know, Mandarin and Cantonese aren’t mutually intelligible as most words have different pronunciations. However, the phonetic differences don’t end there — they also have different tonal rules!
Mandarin uses four tones to differentiate words. There’s also a fifth “neutral” tone, so you could consider a grand total of five tones for Mandarin.
| Tone number | Tone name | Description | Pinyin diacritic | IPA diacritic | Example | Example pinyin |
| 1 | 阴平 - yīnpíng | High | ā | /á/ | 巴 | bā |
| 2 | 阳平 - yángpíng | Rising | á | /ǎ/ [a᷄] | 拔 | bá |
| 3 | 上 - shǎng | Low (dipping) | ǎ | /à/ [à̤, a̤᷆, a̤᷉] | 把 | bǎ |
| 4 | 去 - qù | Falling | à | /â/ | 爸 | bà |
| 5 | 轻 - qīng | Neutral | a | Various | 吧 | ba |
Cantonese, on the other hand, uses nine tones to differentiate pronunciation! Of these nine tones, three are known as “checked tones,” which are used exclusively by syllables that end in a stop consonant or a glottal stop (-p, -t, -k).
These are the nine tones in Cantonese:
| Type | Tone number | Tone name | Description | Example | Tone letter | IPA |
| Open syllables | 1 | dark flat (陰平) | high level, high falling | 詩, 思 | siː˥, siː˥˧ | síː, sîː |
| 2 | dark rising (陰上) | medium rising | 史 | siː˧˥ | sǐː | |
| 3 | dark departing (陰去) | medium level | 試 | siː˧ | sīː | |
| 4 | light flat (陽平) | low falling, very low level | 時 | siː˨˩, siː˩ | si̖ː, sı̏ː | |
| 5 | light rising (陽上) | low rising | 市 | siː˩˧ | si̗ː | |
| 6 | light departing (陽去) | low level | 是 | siː˨ | sìː | |
| Checked syllables | 7 (or 1) | upper dark entering (上陰入) | high level | 識 | sek˥ | sék |
| 8 (or 2) | lower dark entering (下陰入) | medium level | 錫 | sɛːk˧ | sɛ̄ːk | |
| 9 (or 3) | light entering (陽入) | low level | 食 | sek˨ | sèk |
We saw earlier in the article that written Chinese is largely the same across dialects. But, now that you know how extensive the differences in pronunciation are, you’re probably wondering how Mandarin and Cantonese use the same characters.
The truth is, standard written Cantonese is based largely on written Mandarin. Thus, those who speak Cantonese technically use Mandarin to write in non-informal situations. Cantonese is actually in a state of digraphia, which means that there are two written standards for this dialect. Cantonese speakers use a colloquial adaptation of spoken Cantonese when writing in very informal situations and for Cantonese words that aren’t present in Mandarin. In all other cases, Cantonese speakers use a form of written Chinese that more closely resembles that of Mandarin.
This isn’t a new concept, as Classical Chinese was used as a common written language up until the early 20th century. Although not specifically tied to any single Chinese dialect, all literate Chinese speakers followed Classical Chinese written rules. Throughout the 20th century, though, the use of Classical Chinese was replaced with written Mandarin, largely due to national efforts to increase the literacy rate across mainland China.
![\"Differences](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt664636d4e9dee96a/6422702b3ef5155e035cad23/pexels-sandra-peng-5620808.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Another big difference you might notice is the prevalence of traditional characters in Cantonese-speaking environments. Today, simplified Chinese is used almost exclusively everywhere in mainland China and Singapore. However, Cantonese-speaking Hong Kong and Macau still use traditional characters for writing. Given that Hong Kong is a media powerhouse largely thanks to the success of the Hong Kong film industry, you’ll likely encounter plenty of traditional characters in Cantonese-speaking places.
Keep in mind that Cantonese speakers in mainland China tend to use simplified characters, and Mandarin speakers in Taiwan use traditional characters. Thus, you can’t assume that traditional characters mean that something’s in Cantonese or that simplified characters mean it’s in Mandarin.
Although Cantonese follows the same grammar rules as Mandarin, there are certain Cantonese words that simply don’t exist in Mandarin. So, a Mandarin speaker won’t be able to understand 100% of Cantonese texts, as some characters are completely unique to Cantonese. Here are some of the most common Cantonese characters that don’t exist in Mandarin.
| Cantonese | Jyutping | Mandarin equivalent | Meaning |
| 佢 | keoi5 | N/A | He, she, it |
| 嘅 | ge3 | 的 | Possessive particle equivalent to Mandarin 的 (de) |
| 嗰 | go3 | 那 | That as in “that one” |
| 喺 | hai2 | 在 | To be at |
| 佬 | lou2 | N/A | Male |
| 乜嘢 | mat1 je5 | 什么 | What or why |
| 咗 | zo2 | 了 or 过 | Puts the sentence in past tense |
| 咁 | gam3 | 这样 | So as in “so good” |
| 啱 | ngaam1 | 对 | Correct |
| 瞓 | fan3 | 睡 | Sleep |
Besides pronunciation and characters, Mandarin and Cantonese are also different in terms of vocabulary and grammar. I know, at this point, you’re probably wondering why they’re even considered part of the same language family if they’re so different. Well, luckily, this is one part where they actually have some similarities in addition to differences! Let’s get into the vocab and grammar differences and similarities between Mandarin and Cantonese.
Most words in Mandarin and Cantonese are written with the same characters. This gives the languages a level of mutual intelligibility, allowing Mandarin speakers to understand written Cantonese and vice-versa.
However, that doesn’t mean that both dialects use the exact same words all the time. Beyond the unique Cantonese words we just learned above, there are a few vocabulary words that can be different in each dialect.
| English | Mandarin | Pinyin | Cantonese | Jyutping |
| To eat | 吃 | chī | 食 | sik6 |
| Beautiful | 美 | měi | 靚 | leng3 |
| To look | 看 | kàn | 睇 | tai2 |
| To stand | 站 | zhàn | 企 | kei5 |
| To cry | 哭 | kū | 喊 | haam3 |
| Potato | 土豆 | tǔ dòu | 薯仔 | syu4 zai2 |
| Eggplant | 茄子 | qié zi | 矮瓜 | ai2 gwaa1 |
| Grape | 葡萄 | pú tao | 提子 | tai4 zi2 |
| Tomorrow | 明天 | míng tiān | 聽日 | ting1 jat6 |
Mandarin and Cantonese grammar are very similar, as evidenced by their basic sentence structures:
Subject + Verb + Object (SVO structure)
Subject + Verb + Object (SVO structure)
On a superficial level, both Mandarin and Cantonese follow the same pattern. However, that doesn’t mean that grammar rules are identical. After all, each dialect is its own language and comes with its own distinct grammar rules.
Here are the most common grammar differences between Mandarin and Cantonese:
If that seems a bit difficult to visualize, check out the following sample sentences comparing Mandarin sentences to Cantonese sentences.
| English | Mandarin | Pinyin | Cantonese | Jyutping |
| You go out first | 你先出去 | nǐ xiān chū qù | 你出去先 | nei5 ceot1 heoi3 sin1 |
| Where are you from? | 你是哪国人？ | nǐ shì nǎ guó rén? | 你係邊度人呀？ | nei5 hai6 bin1 dou6 jan4 aa1？ |
| He gives me money | 他给我钱 | tā gěi wǒ qián | 他給錢我 | keoi5 bei2 cin2 ngo5 |
| What’s your name? | 你叫什么名字？ | nǐ jiào shén me míng zi? | 你叫做乜野名呀？ | nei5 giu3 zou6 mat1 je5 ming4 aa1？ |
| Long time no see | 好久不见 | hǎo jiǔ bu jiàn | 好耐冇见 | hou2 noi6 mou5 gin3 |
Deciding whether to learn Mandarin or Cantonese is a personal decision that largely depends on your goals. In terms of utility, Mandarin will be far more useful than Cantonese, as it’s the only official language of mainland China and has over 10 times as many speakers. If you want to do business in mainland China, this is the language for you.
Mandarin is also the lingua franca of mainland China, meaning that many people speak it as a second language. For example, many Shanghai natives will use Shanghainese to communicate with each other, although virtually everyone in Shanghai can speak Mandarin. So, even if you’re not in a Mandarin-speaking region, being able to speak it may still help you communicate with locals. The same cannot be said for Cantonese, as very few people outside of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau speak Cantonese if it’s not their native language.
However, Cantonese could be more helpful for you if you’re planning to relocate to Guangdong, Hong Kong, or Macau. While Mandarin will take you far in the Cantonese-speaking regions of mainland China, that isn’t the case for either of the Chinese Special Administrative Regions (SARs). So, if life is taking you to Guangdong, Hong Kong or Macau, then your best bet is to learn Cantonese.
![\"Deciding](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb70c840c6a8a5fbc/642270ce8cbb571155db192f/pexels-vanessa-garcia-6325938.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
We know what you’re thinking: okay, the utility of each dialect is one thing but, is Mandarin or Cantonese harder? And we don’t blame you! After all, Chinese is one of the hardest languages for English speakers, so approaching it with some caution is quite prudent.
Most people will agree that Mandarin is slightly easier to learn than Cantonese. Cantonese has four more tones than Chinese, and then traditional characters tend to be more common in Cantonese than in Mandarin. If you’re looking for the one that will take the least amount of effort to learn, then it’s going to be Mandarin.
However, most of our top tips to learn Chinese characters require a continued interest in studying and learning the language. Your personal interests, family and friends, business endeavors, and even learning opportunities will drastically impact how well you can study a language. So, if you have a passion for Hong Kong cinema or found a killer business venture in Guangzhou, don’t worry too much about Cantonese being slightly harder than Mandarin and simply go with your gut instinct!
If there’s a Chinatown in or near your hometown, then you’re much more likely to be familiar with Cantonese than with Mandarin. In fact, did you know that the first Chinatown in the United States used to be called Little Canton? That’s because most Chinese immigrants in the 20th century came from Hong Kong and Guangdong province, thus spreading the use of Cantonese among the Chinese diaspora.
Mandarin is spoken by over 1.1 billion speakers around the world, with about 929 million people calling it their native tongue. That makes Mandarin the language with the most native speakers in the world and the second-most spoken language after English. Cantonese, on the other hand, is estimated to have around 75 million speakers around the world, making the Mandarin-to-Cantonese speaker ratio almost 15-to-1!
Don’t let Mandarin’s relative might trick you into thinking that Cantonese is a small or uncommon language. Although it has far fewer speakers than its sister tongue, Cantonese is still one of the 20 largest languages in the world, with more speakers than popular languages like Korean and Persian!
Although the most common romanization for the city of Guangzhou (and, by extension, the province of Guangdong) was Canton for centuries, the locals never referred to it as such. It comes from the Portuguese Cidade de Cantão, with Cantão being a misunderstanding of a dialectical pronunciation of Guangdong.
As the Portuguese established the first contact between Europe and East Asia in 1517, the name Canton stuck among Europeans and later among most Western countries. However, this name comes from a misunderstanding, which is why it’s since been mostly phased out. Maybe it’s time to rename Cantonese into Guangongnese or Guangzhousian!
Not all Chinese speakers speak a Mandarin dialect, but an overwhelming majority of them do. It is estimated that around 80% of the population of mainland China can speak Mandarin, with plans to increase the level to 85% by 2025. However, the younger generation is almost fully fluent in Mandarin not only in mainland China but also in Hong Kong and Macau, as Mandarin has found its way into school curriculums.
Mandarin and Cantonese speakers cannot understand each other. The difference is pronunciation is too high for the languages to be mutually understandable. However, the differences in the written language are small enough that Mandarin and Chinese speakers could understand each other when texting or writing letters to each other.
![\"Can](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt77e2b3e5fc6c01bd/642271e1d8094d0e9ee08763/pexels-arnie-chou-927485.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
About half of the people in Hong Kong (48%) can speak Mandarin, largely due to the rising number of mainland immigrants and tourists and the growing prevalence of Mandarin in education. However, if you’re a foreigner who speaks English and Mandarin but not Cantonese, your best bet is going to be to use English to communicate with the locals. English is still a very popular language and one of the official languages of Hong Kong, so you won’t run into any trouble with English.
Mandarin is the official language of both mainland China and Taiwan. While the Mandarin spoken in Taiwan and that on the mainland are very similar, there are key differences in pronunciation, grammar, writing style, and vocabulary. Most significantly, Taiwan uses traditional characters, while mainland China uses simplified characters. So, if you’ve learned simplified Chinese and find yourself in Taiwan, you may have some trouble reading signs on the street!
We hope that clears things up! Although comparing Mandarin vs. Cantonese can be a little complicated, they are still both part of the Chinese language family. If you’re interested in picking either one of them up, then we encourage you to give it a shot! Although learning Chinese can seem like a gargantuan task, there are well over a hundred million people studying Chinese as a foreign language right now, serving as proof that learning this fascinatingly-complex language is certainly doable.
If you enjoyed learning more about Mandarin and Cantonese, check out our Chinese blog, where we regularly publish insightful content to help you reach your learning goals. Best of all? All of our articles are always free, even if you aren’t already taking online classes with Berlitz! Why not dip your toes into Chinese by learning to count in Chinese numbers, understanding pinyin, or finding creative ways to say hi in Chinese?
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Chinese measure words","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"232 Chinese measure words you need to know: A useful guide","url":"/blog/chinese-measure-words","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt2ba30e7daa2e9dff/6418f6b045a1e83b57965b56/pexels-matilda-wormwood-4099320.jpg"},"post_content":"Although you’ll likely hear that there are shortcuts to avoiding the measure words, the truth is that you won’t attain true Chinese mastery unless you have a good handle on the measure words. Luckily for you, measure words shouldn’t be a completely foreign concept — English uses measure words quite frequently. The difference is that measure words aren’t always required in English, whereas they are always required when quantifying in Chinese.
\nIn English, most nouns have pretty universal measurements, making the use of measure words unnecessary in most situations. For example, if you say you want to have a beer or a coffee, few people would have trouble picturing what you’ll be drinking. But the same isn’t true if you said you want “an ice cream.” Are you having a scoop of ice cream? A pint? A cone? A sundae? You’ll have to be more specific and say you want a pint of ice cream (no judgment!).
\nIn Chinese, you always have to specify the unit of each noun, making measure words infinitely more important than in English. So, in this guide, we’ll get into everything you need to know about measure words, including what they are, what the most indispensable ones are, and — of course — some handy tips for learning measure words quickly.
\nIf you can’t count the minutes until you’ve learned a few helpful measure words, we’ll get started right away!
\n\nA measure word helps us indicate the amount or quantity of a specific noun or verb. In Chinese, these are known as 量词 (liàng cí) and are also known as classifiers.
\nFor example, when you go to a restaurant, you might start by asking for a cup of water, followed by a bowl of noodles and perhaps one or two bottles of beer or a can of soda. The words cup, bowl, bottle, and can are all measure words, as they help quantify how much of something you want.
\nMandarin measure words are used similarly to English measure words, and they generally follow this simple structure:
\nHere are some examples of the structure in action:
\n| Chinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nEnglish | \n
| 来两瓶啤酒。 | \nlái liǎng píng pí jiǔ. | \nlai leang pyng pyi jeou. | \nI’ll have two bottles of beer. | \n
| 我养了三只狗。 | \nwǒ yǎng le sān zhī gǒu. | \nwoo yeang .lhe san jy goou | \nI have raised three dogs. | \n
| 我想买一辆车。 | \nwǒ xiǎng mǎi yí liàng chē. | \nwoo sheang mae yi lianq che. | \nI would like to buy one car. | \n
![\"我养了三只狗。\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltd3b4a04ca45398e4/6418f752542f593a7e8ba027/pexels-yaroslav-shuraev-8499461.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
\n\nBefore we show you our ultimate list of Chinese measure words, we want to make sure that we can steer you in the right direction. Spending your time memorizing measure words definitely won’t be a productive use of your time. Although being able to pair the right measure word to the appropriate noun is the true sign of an advanced speaker, you won’t have to worry about that for a long time.
\nLuckily, there are a few measure words that are much more common than the others. That means that mastering even just ten measure words will put you ahead of the rest, and you won’t have to worry too much about the rest of the measure words until you significantly grow your vocabulary.
\nHere are ten of the most helpful measure words in Chinese.
\n\nThe first measure word on our list simply has to be 个 (gè). This is perhaps the most basic of the measure words, and it simply means “individual” or “units.” Although not all Chinese nouns use this measure word, you can think of this as a universal measure word that you can use when in doubt. Though it will still sound weird if you use 个 (gè) for a noun that goes with a different measure word, it will be less weird than using the incorrect measure word. So, when in doubt, go with 个 (gè)!
\nWith that said, there are also countless nouns for which 个 (gè) is the appropriate measure word, so it’s still worth being the first one on your list. Here are some examples. Note that 个 (gè) loses its fourth tone when used as a measure word, and instead uses the neutral tone.
\n| Chinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nEnglish | \n
| 他是一个好人。 | \ntā shì yí ge hǎo rén. | \nta shyh yi .ge hao ren | \nHe is a good man. | \n
| 这个问题很难解决。 | \nzhè ge wèn tí hěn nán jiě jué. | \njeh .ge wenn tyi heen nan jiee jyue | \nThis problem is very hard to solve. | \n
| 一个小小的误会。 | \nyí ge xiǎo xiǎo de wù huì. | \nyi .ge sheau sheau .de wuh huey | \nA very small misunderstanding. | \n
This is one of the most useful measure words for actions. As opposed to 个 (gè), which is used exclusively with nouns, 次 (cì) is used with verbs to express the number of times something has happened. It is used very similarly to the word “times,” in English. As in English, you’ll need to use some Chinese numbers right before it to indicate the number of times something has happened.
\n| Chinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nEnglish | \n
| 我去了两次。 | \nwǒ qù le liǎng cì. | \nwoo chiuh .lhe leang tsyh | \nI went two times. | \n
| 我每周去学校三次。 | \nwǒ měi zhōu qù xué xiào sān cì. | \nwoo meei jou chiuh shyue shiaw san tsyh | \nI go to school three times a week. | \n
| 这本书我已经看了两次。 | \nzhè běn shū wǒ yǐ jīng kàn le liǎng cì. | \njeh been shu woo yii jing kann .lhe leang tsyh | \nI have already read this book twice. | \n
This measure word means “portion” or “part,” and is another very versatile measure word. You can use this for portions of food as well as for things that come in parts or volumes, like gifts, newspaper, magazine, papers, reports, and more!
\n| Chinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nEnglish | \n
| 两份米饭 | \nliǎng fèn mǐ fàn | \nleang fenn mii fann | \nTwo orders of rice. | \n
| 一份报纸 | \nyí fèn bào zhǐ | \nyi fenn baw jyy | \nA newspaper. | \n
| 一份炒面 | \nyí fèn chǎo miàn | \nyi fenn chao miann | \nAn order of stir-fried noodles. | \n
If you’re a beginner Chinese learner, then you’re probably already familiar with this word. It’s a word that can wear many hats, such as family, house, and schools of thought. On top of that, this word can also work as a measure word for businesses like shops, restaurants, and families.
\n| Chinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nEnglish | \n
| 这家餐馆很好吃。 | \nzhè jiā cān guǎn hěn hǎo chī. | \njeh jia tsan goan heen hao chy | \nThis restaurant is very good. | \n
| 那家酒吧已经关门了。 | \nnà jiā jiǔ bā yǐ jīng guān mén le. | \nnah jia jeou ba yii jing guan men .lhe | \nThat bar is already closed. | \n
| 三家银行 | \nsān jiā yín háng | \nsan jia yn harng | \nThree banks. | \n
If you’re still working up the courage to order at Chinese restaurants, then you need to get acquainted with this measure word. Any time you want to order a cup of any beverage, you can use 杯 (bēi). Here are some examples.
\n| Chinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nEnglish | \n
| 来四杯燕麦拿铁。 | \nlái sì bēi yàn mài ná tiě. | \nlai syh bei yann may na tiee | \nWe’ll have four oat milk lattes. | \n
| 我喝了两杯红酒。 | \nwǒ hē le liǎng bēi hóng jiǔ. | \nwoo he .lhe leang bei horng jeou | \nI drank two glasses of red wine. | \n
| 一杯绿茶 | \nyì bēi lǜ chá. | \nyih bei liuh char | \nA cup of green tea. | \n
This is another measure word that’s used for pieces of things, although it also has a very popular use with money. You may have already heard of 元 (yuán) being used for money, which is certainly true. However, 块 (kuài) is used much more frequently in informal settings. So, if you’re shopping for fruits and vegetables on the street, you’re much more likely to hear 块 (kuài) instead of 元 (yuán) to refer to prices.
\n| Chinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nEnglish | \n
| 一块蛋糕 | \nyí kuài dàn gāo | \nyi kuay dann gau | \nOne piece of cake. | \n
| 三百块钱 | \nsān bǎi kuài qián | \nsan bae kuay chyan | \n300 Yuan (RMB). | \n
| 五块巧克力 | \nwǔ kuài qiǎo kè lì | \nwuu kuay cheau keh lih | \nFive pieces of chocolate. | \n
This measure word is very helpful as it can be used to refer to slices of all kinds of thin, round things. You can use it to ask for a slice of bread or a slice of watermelon. You can also use it to ask for thin and flat things, like cookies and discs.
\n| Chinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nEnglish | \n
| 一片饼干 | \nyì piān bǐng gān | \nyih pian biing gan | \nOne cookie. | \n
| 两片面包 | \nliǎng piàn miàn bāo | \nleang piann miann bau | \nTwo slices of bread. | \n
| 一片西瓜 | \nyì piān xī guā | \nyih pian shi gua | \nA slice of watermelon. | \n
This measure word is used for long and skinny things like rivers, snakes, fish, pants, roads, and more. Perhaps surprisingly, it’s also the measure word for dogs! Now not all dogs are long and skinny, but imagine a funky little dachshund when thinking of the right measure word for your favorite pup.
\n| Chinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nEnglish | \n
| 一条鱼 | \nyì tiáo yú | \nyih tyau yu | \nOne fish. | \n
| 这条路很难找到。 | \nzhè tiáo lù hěn nán zhǎo dào. | \njeh tyau luh heen nan jao daw | \nThis road is very hard to find. | \n
| 我只有四条裤子。 | \nwǒ zhǐ yǒu sì tiáo kùzi. | \nwoo jyy yeou syh tyau kuh.tzy | \nI only have four pairs of pants. | \n
This object is used for flat things like papers, cards, tables, tickets, beds, newspapers, pictures, and much more. When not used as a measure word, this word can also mean “to open up” or “to spread,” so imagine opening up a newspaper next time you’re thinking of the right measure word for paper.
\n| Chinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nEnglish | \n
| 两张火车票已经买好了。 | \nliǎng zhāng huǒ chē piào yǐ jīng mǎi hǎo le. | \nleang jang huoo che piaw yii jing mae hao .lhe | \nI already bought two train tickets. | \n
| 这张画是你自己画的吗？ | \nzhè zhāng huà shì nǐ zì jǐ huà de ma? | \njeh jang huah shyh nii tzyh jii huah .de .mha | \nDid you paint this painting yourself? | \n
| 我只有一张银行卡。 | \nwǒ zhǐ yǒu yì zhāng yín háng kǎ. | \nwoo jyy yeou yih jang yn harng kaa | \nI only have one bank card. | \n
Although many animals have different measure words, many of them use the measure word 只 (zhī). You can think of this as the general measure word for animals. It’s also used for body parts that come in pairs, like hands, arms, and feet.
\n| Chinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nEnglish | \n
| 那只猫是谁的？ | \nnà zhī māo shì shéi de? | \nnah jyy mhau shyh sheir .de | \nWhose cat is that? | \n
| 四只鸟 | \nsì zhī niǎo | \nsyh jyy neau | \nFour birds. | \n
| 那只熊猫太可爱！ | \nnà zhī xióng māo tài kě ài! | \nnah jyy shyong mhau tay kee ay | \nThat panda is too cute! | \n
![\"那只熊猫太可爱！\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt4093cc6a9fdb0a64/6418f849e3ee2c7de118dafc/pexels-greecechina-news-8788326.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
\nThere are over 200 measure words in Chinese, and we’ve compiled a list of 232 of them to help you out in any situation. While this list can seem daunting even to intermediate speakers, keep in mind that not all of them are used on a regular basis. In fact, an overwhelming majority of them are frequently ignored, and native speakers often simplify by using a generic measure word even if there’s a more appropriate measure word.
\nHowever, this list can serve as a reference for you as you advance in your Chinese studies, so feel free to bookmark this page! You can always refer to this table if you have a question about what measure word is used
\n| Number | \nMeasure word | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nUse | \nExamples | \n
| 1 | \n把 | \nbǎ | \nbaa | \nBunches of things and objects with handles | \n叉子 - fork, 伞 - umbrella, 椅子 - chair | \n
| 2 | \n班 | \nbān | \nban | \nFor classes/groups, work shifts and schedules | \n飞机 - flight, 学生 - students\n | \n
| 3 | \n瓣 | \nbàn | \nbann | \nFor pieces, segments and section | \n橘子 - orange, 蒜 - garlic, 西瓜 - watermelon | \n
| 4 | \n帮 | \nbāng | \nbang | \nGroups of people | \n匪徒 - gangster / bandit | \n
| 5 | \n磅 | \nbàng | \nbanq | \nPound (unit of weight) | \n水果 - fruit | \n
| 6 | \n包 | \nbāo | \nbau | \nThings in packages or bags | \n饼干 - cracker, 礼品 - gift | \n
| 7 | \n杯 | \nbēi | \nbei | \nLiquids | \n酒 - liquor, 茶 - tea, 咖啡 - coffee | \n
| 8 | \n辈 | \nbèi | \nbey | \nGenerations | \n人 - people | \n
| 9 | \n倍 | \nbèi | \nbey | \nFor multiples and multiplications | \n利润 - profits | \n
| 10 | \n本 | \nběn | \nbeen | \nBooks | \n词典 - dictionary, 护照 - passport, 日记 - diary | \n
| 11 | \n笔 | \nbǐ | \nbii | \nSums of money | \n贷款 - loan, 奖金 - bonus, 业务 - business | \n
| 12 | \n遍 | \nbiàn | \nbiann | \nOne-time actions | \n朗诵 - recital | \n
| 13 | \n拨 | \nbō | \nbo | \nSmall groups of people | \n人 - people | \n
| 14 | \n部 | \nbù | \nbuh | \nFilms, machines, and dictionaries | \n词典 - dictionary, 电话 - phone call, 电影 - movie | \n
| 15 | \n餐 | \ncān | \ntsan | \nMeals | \n饭 - food | \n
| 16 | \n册 | \ncè | \ntseh | \nBooks (with fewer pages) | \n画集 - an album of paintings | \n
| 17 | \n层 | \ncéng | \ntserng | \nFloors, levels, and layers | \n冰 - ice, 楼 - building, 台阶 - flight of step | \n
| 18 | \n场 | \nchǎng | \nchaang | \nEvents, films, and shows | \n电影 - movie, 比赛 - competition, 舞会 - a dance | \n
| 19 | \n车 | \nchē | \nche | \nThings transported by vehicles | \n煤炭 - coal, 货物 - goods | \n
| 20 | \n成 | \nchéng | \ncherng | \nDegrees or levels | \n熟 - cooked, 胜算 - degrees of success | \n
| 21 | \n池 | \nchí | \nchyr | \nSome bodies of water | \n污水 - sewage | \n
| 22 | \n尺 | \nchǐ | \nchyy | \nUnit of length | \n布 - a cloth | \n
| 23 | \n出 | \nchū | \nchu | \nDramas, plays, and operas | \n京剧 - Beijing opera, 闹剧 - farce | \n
| 24 | \n处 | \nchù | \nchuh | \nLocations | \n场所 - location, 风景 - landscape | \n
| 25 | \n串 | \nchuàn | \nchuann | \nItems that come in clusters | \n葡萄 - grape, 钥匙 - keys | \n
| 26 | \n床 | \nchuáng | \nchwang | \nSheets | \n被子 - quilt, 席子- mat | \n
| 27 | \n次 | \ncì | \ntsyh | \nEnumerating | \n会议 - meeting, 机会 - opportunity, 实验 - test | \n
| 28 | \n簇 | \ncù | \ntsuh | \nBunched objects | \n鲜花 - fresh flowers | \n
| 29 | \n寸 | \ncùn | \ntsuenn | \nUnit of length | \n布 - cloth, 宽 - wide | \n
| 30 | \n撮 | \ncuō | \ntsuo | \nSmall groups of people, livestock or utensils | \n人 - person, 头发 - hair | \n
| 31 | \n打 | \ndá | \ndar | \nDozens of things | \n铅笔 - pencil | \n
| 32 | \n袋 | \ndài | \nday | \nThings that come in bags or snacks | \n肥料 - fertilizer, 米 - rice | \n
| 33 | \n代 | \ndài | \nday | \nGenerations | \n人 - person | \n
| 34 | \n担 | \ndān | \ndan | \nA unit of mass | \n柴 - firewood, 水 - water | \n
| 35 | \n档 | \ndàng | \ndanq | \nGrades or levels | \n商品 - merchandise | \n
| 36 | \n道 | \ndào | \ndaw | \nLong things | \n菜 - vegetable, 闪电 - lightning, 手续 - procedure | \n
| 37 | \n滴 | \ndī | \ndi | \nDrops | \n汗 - sweat, 墨水 - ink | \n
| 38 | \n点 | \ndiǎn | \ndean | \nTo measure time or to indicate just a little of something | \n时间 - time, 意见 - idea | \n
| 39 | \n叠 | \ndié | \ndye | \nStacked items | \n钱 - money, 账本 - ledgers | \n
| 40 | \n顶 | \ndǐng | \ndiing | \nThings that have a top | \n帽子 - hat | \n
| 41 | \n锭 | \ndìng | \ndinq | \nIngots | \n金子 - gold | \n
| 42 | \n栋 | \ndòng | \ndonq | \nBuildings | \n房子 - house | \n
| 43 | \n堵 | \ndǔ | \nduu | \nWalls and fences | \n墙 - wall | \n
| 44 | \n段 | \nduàn | \nduann | \nSegments or sections of something | \n时间 - time, 路 - road | \n
| 45 | \n堆 | \nduī | \nduei | \nThings that come in stacks or piles | \n沙子 - spoon, 垃圾 - trash, 粮食 - food | \n
| 46 | \n对 | \nduì | \nduey | \nPairs of items | \n耳环 - earring, 夫妻 - husband and wife | \n
| 47 | \n队 | \nduì | \nduey | \nTeams, lines or rows | \n士兵 - soldier, 骆驼 - camel | \n
| 48 | \n吨 | \ndūn | \nduen | \nMetric ton | \n钢材 - steel, 煤 - coal | \n
| 49 | \n顿 | \ndùn | \nduenn | \nTime and meals | \n骂 - a scolding, 早餐 - breakfast | \n
| 50 | \n朵 | \nduǒ | \nduoo | \nFor flowers, clouds and things that look as such | \n花 - flower, 蘑菇 - mushroom, 云 - cloud | \n
| 51 | \n发 | \nfā | \nfa | \nRounds of gunshots | \n炮弹 - artillery shell | \n
| 52 | \n番 | \nfān | \nfan | \nOccurrences, iterations, situations | \n好意 - good intention, 话 - talk | \n
| 53 | \n方 | \nfāng | \nfang | \nSquare things | \n石碑 - stele | \n
| 54 | \n分 | \nfēn | \nfen | \nCents | \n钱 - money | \n
| 55 | \n分钟 | \nfēn zhōng | \nfen jong | \nMinutes | \n时间 - time | \n
| 56 | \n份 | \nfèn | \nfenn | \nPart or portion | \n报纸 - newspaper, 礼物 - gift | \n
| 57 | \n封 | \nfēng | \nfeng | \nSealed objects like letters | \n邮件 - mail, 信 - letter | \n
| 58 | \n峰 | \nfēng | \nfeng | \nFor things look like summit, such as camels | \n骆驼 - camel | \n
| 59 | \n幅 | \nfú | \nfwu | \nTextiles or pictures | \n地图 - map, 画 - painting | \n
| 60 | \n服 | \nfú | \nfwu | \nMedicine | \n中药 - traditional Chinese medicine | \n
| 61 | \n伏 | \nfú | \nfwu | \nVoltages | \n电压 - voltage | \n
| 62 | \n付 | \nfù | \nfuh | \nMedicine | \n药 - medicine | \n
| 63 | \n副 | \nfù | \nfuh | \nSets of things and facial expressions | \n表情 - facial expression, 耳环 - earring, 眼镜 - glasses | \n
| 64 | \n杆 | \ngǎn | \ngaan | \nThings that look like sticks | \n旗 - flag, 枪 - gun | \n
| 65 | \n缸 | \ngāng | \ngang | \nJug | \n酒 - alcohol | \n
| 66 | \n个 | \ngè | \ngeh | \nIndividual or unit | \n组织 - organization, 人 - person | \n
| 67 | \n根 | \ngēn | \ngen | \nLong and slender objects | \n头发 - hair, 香肠 - sausage, 针 - needle | \n
| 68 | \n公尺 | \ngōng chǐ | \ngong chyy | \nMeter | \n布 - cloth | \n
| 69 | \n公分 | \ngōng fēn | \ngong fen | \nCentimeter | \n长 - long | \n
| 70 | \n公斤 | \ngōng jīn | \ngong jin | \nKilogram | \n面粉 - flour | \n
| 71 | \n公里 | \ngōng lǐ | \ngong lii | \nKilometer | \n路 -- road | \n
| 72 | \n公顷 | \ngōng qǐng | \ngong chiing | \nHectare | \n田 - field | \n
| 73 | \n公升 | \ngōng shēng | \ngong sheng | \nLiter | \n汽油 - gasoline | \n
| 74 | \n股 | \ngǔ | \nguu | \nSmell, flavor, strength, and more | \n香味 - smell/flavor, 烟 - cigarette, 志气 - spirit | \n
| 75 | \n挂 | \nguà | \nguah | \nThings in strings | \n鞭炮 - firecrackers | \n
| 76 | \n管 | \nguǎn | \ngoan | \nTubular items | \n牙膏 - toothpaste | \n
| 77 | \n罐 | \nguàn | \nguann | \nJars or cans | \n苏打 - soda, 蜂蜜 - honey | \n
| 78 | \n行 | \nháng | \nharng | \nLine | \n泪水 - teardrops, 树 - tree, 字 - letter | \n
| 79 | \n毫米 | \nháo mǐ | \nhaur mii | \nMillimeter | \n宽 - width | \n
| 80 | \n毫升 | \nháo shēng | \nhaur sheng | \nMillimeter | \n水 - water | \n
| 81 | \n号 | \nhào | \nhaw | \nPeople | \n人 - person | \n
| 82 | \n盒 | \nhé | \nher | \nThings in a box | \n巧克力 - chocolate | \n
| 83 | \n壶 | \nhú | \nhwu | \nLiquids in the pot | \n茶 - tea, 酱油 - soy sauce | \n
| 84 | \n户 | \nhù | \nhuh | \nHouseholds and families | \n人家 - household | \n
| 85 | \n回 | \nhuí | \nhwei | \nActs of a play or sections of a chapter | \n演出 - performance | \n
| 86 | \n伙 | \nhuǒ | \nhuoo | \nCrowds of people | \n叛徒 - traitor, 人 - person | \n
| 87 | \n级 | \njí | \njyi | \nRanks or levels | \n风 - custom, 台阶 - flights of steps | \n
| 88 | \n记 | \njì | \njih | \nBlows, kicks, shots | \n耳光 - a slap on the face | \n
| 89 | \n剂 | \njì | \njih | \nMedicine, chemical substance | \n药 - medicine, 疫苗 - vaccine | \n
| 90 | \n家 | \njiā | \njia | \nBusinesses or families | \n酒店 - hotel, 银行 - bank, 医院 - hospital | \n
| 91 | \n加仑 | \njiā lún | \njia luen | \nGallon | \n汽油 - gasoline | \n
| 92 | \n架 | \njià | \njiah | \nLarge vehicles and radios | \n飞机 - airplane, 钢琴 - piano | \n
| 93 | \n架次 | \njià cì | \njiah tsyh | \nNumber of flights | \n一千架次 - a thousand flights of stairs. | \n
| 94 | \n间 | \njiān | \njian | \nRooms and houses | \n教室 - classroom, 卧室 - bedroom | \n
| 95 | \n件 | \njiàn | \njiann | \nClothes, items and events | \n衬衫 - shirt, 家具 - furniture, 急事 - urgent matter | \n
| 96 | \n角 | \njiǎo | \njeau | \n10 Cents | \n钱 - money | \n
| 97 | \n截 | \njié | \njye | \nSections and segments | \n粉笔 - chalk, 木头 - log | \n
| 98 | \n节 | \njié | \njye | \nSections and lengths | \n车厢 - carriage, 电池 - battery, 课 - class | \n
| 99 | \n届 | \njiè | \njieh | \nEvents, meetings, elections, classes | \n运动会 - sports event, 毕业生 - graduates | \n
| 100 | \n斤 | \njīn | \njin | \nUnit of measurement equal to half a kilogram | \n苹果 - apple, 肉 - meat | \n
| 101 | \n局 | \njú | \njyu | \nGames and matches | \n棋 - chess/go, 球赛 - sports match | \n
| 102 | \n具 | \njù | \njiuh | \nDevices, coffins, and dead bodies | \n棺材 - coffin, 尸体 - corpse | \n
| 103 | \n句 | \njù | \njiuh | \nPhrases or sentences | \n诗 - poem, 玩笑 - a joke, 谣言 - a rumor | \n
| 104 | \n卷 | \njuǎn | \njeuan | \nRolls | \n胶卷 - roll of film, 手纸 - toilet paper, 毛线 - wool | \n
| 105 | \n棵 | \nkē | \nke | \nTrees and plants | \n白菜 - Chinese cabbage , 果树 - fruit trees | \n
| 106 | \n颗 | \nkē | \nke | \nSmall spheres | \n葡萄 - grape, 花生 - peanut, 炸弹 - bomb | \n
| 107 | \n克 | \nkè | \nkeh | \nGram | \n黄金 - gold | \n
| 108 | \n课 | \nkè | \nkeh | \nLessons | \n一课 - one class | \n
| 109 | \n刻 | \nkè | \nkeh | \nQuarter of an hour | \n一刻 - a quarter of an hour | \n
| 110 | \n孔 | \nkǒng | \nkoong | \nCave dwellings | \n窑 - coal, 石 - stone, 桥 - bridge | \n
| 111 | \n口 | \nkǒu | \nkoou | \nThings with mouths like people, cannons, wells, and more | \n锅 - pot, 井 - a well, 人 - person | \n
| 112 | \n块 | \nkuài | \nkuay | \nPieces, chunks, and money | \n钱 - money, 蛋糕 - cake | \n
| 113 | \n筐 | \nkuāng | \nkuang | \nBaskets of things | \n菜 - vegetable | \n
| 114 | \n捆 | \nkǔn | \nkoen | \nBunches and bundles | \n柴火 - firewood, 葱 - scallion, 书 - book | \n
| 115 | \n篮 | \nlán | \nlan | \nBaskets of things | \n蔬菜 - vegetables | \n
| 116 | \n类 | \nlèi | \nley | \nTypes, class, and categories | \n矛盾 - contradiction, 人 - person, 药品 - medicine | \n
| 117 | \n里 | \nlǐ | \nlii | \n500 meters | \n路程 - route | \n
| 118 | \n粒 | \nlì | \nlih | \nRound, grain-like things | \n种子 - seed, 沙子 - sand | \n
| 119 | \n立方米 | \nlì fāng mǐ | \nlih fang mii | \nCubic meter | \n石 - stone, 料 - grain | \n
| 120 | \n两 | \nliǎng | \nleang | \nTea and gold | \n茶叶 - tea leaves | \n
| 121 | \n辆 | \nliàng | \nlianq | \nVehicles | \n出租车 - taxi, 自行车 - bicycle | \n
| 122 | \n列 | \nliè | \nlieh | \nLines or rows of things | \n火车 - train, 队伍 - troops, 士兵 - soldiers | \n
| 123 | \n轮 | \nlún | \nluen | \nRound, for sports, game, meeting, etc | \n比赛 - competition, 谈判 - negotiation | \n
| 124 | \n摞 | \nluò | \nluoh | \nThings that can be put in stacks | \n书 - books, 砖 - bricks | \n
| 125 | \n缕 | \nlǚ | \nleu | \nFor wisps (of smoke, mist or vapor), strands, locks (of hair) | \n头发 - hair, 麻 - linen, 烟 - cigarette | \n
| 126 | \n毛 | \nmáo | \nmau | \nA dime (one-tenth of a yuan) | \n钱 - money | \n
| 127 | \n枚 | \nméi | \nmei | \nCoins, stamps, and some weapons | \n大炮 - canon, 硬币 - coin, 邮票 - postage stamp | \n
| 128 | \n门 | \nmén | \nmen | \nLarge guns, lessons, and study subjects | \n大炮 - canon, 课程 - class, 学说 - theory | \n
| 129 | \n米 | \nmǐ | \nmii | \nMeter | \n绸子 - silk fabric, 距离 - distance | \n
| 130 | \n面 | \nmiàn | \nmiann | \nFor flat things | \n国旗 - national flag, 镜子 - mirror, 墙 - wall | \n
| 131 | \n秒 | \nmiǎo | \nmeau | \nSecond (time) | \n一秒 - one second | \n
| 132 | \n名 | \nmíng | \nming | \nPeople | \n学生 - student, 工人 - worker, 会员 - member | \n
| 133 | \n亩 | \nmǔ | \nmuu | \nLand and fields | \n地 - land, 田地 - farmland | \n
| 134 | \n幕 | \nmù | \nmuh | \nPlays and shows | \n歌剧 - Western opera, 话剧 - stage play | \n
| 135 | \n年 | \nnián | \nnian | \nA year | \n一年 - one year | \n
| 136 | \n排 | \npái | \npair | \nThings that can be arranged in rows | \n士兵 - soldier, 椅子 - chair | \n
| 137 | \n派 | \npài | \npay | \nFor school of thought, political group, scene, speech etc. | \n观点 - point of view, 胡言 - mustache, 景象 - scene | \n
| 138 | \n盘 | \npán | \nparn | \nDishes and games | \n牛肉 - beef, 棋 - chess, 比赛 - competition | \n
| 139 | \n泡 | \npāo | \npaw | \nUrine and stool | \n尿 - urine, 屎 - stool | \n
| 140 | \n盆 | \npén | \npern | \nWater and other liquids | \n凉水 - cool water | \n
| 141 | \n匹 | \npī | \npi | \nHorses, mules, and rolls of cloth | \n马 - horse, 缎子 - satin, 骡子 - mule | \n
| 142 | \n批 | \npī | \npi | \nBatches of things or people | \n员工 - employee, 产品 - products | \n
| 143 | \n篇 | \npiān | \npian | \nPaper, pages, articles, and other papers with words. | \n报告 - report, 论文 - paper, 日记 - diary | \n
| 144 | \n片 | \npiàn | \npiann | \nFor slices, tablets, a stretch of land, a water surface, scene, atmosphere, sound, feeling, etc. | \n海 - ocean, 面包 - bread, 肉 - meat | \n
| 145 | \n瓶 | \npíng | \npyng | \nLiquids contained in bottles | \n葡萄酒 - wine, 香水 - perfume | \n
| 146 | \n平方公里 | \npíng fāng gōng lǐ | \npyng fang gong lii | \nSquare kilometer | \n地 - land | \n
| 147 | \n平方米 | \npíng fāng mǐ | \npyng fang mii | \nSquare meter | \n面积 - land | \n
| 148 | \n期 | \nqī | \nchi | \nThings that can be divided into periods of time | \n杂志 - magazine | \n
| 149 | \n起 | \nqǐ | \nchii | \nUnpredictable events | \n车祸 - car crash, 火灾 - serious fire | \n
| 150 | \n千克 | \nqiān kè | \nchian keh | \nKilogram | \n大米 - rice | \n
| 151 | \n千瓦 | \nqiān wǎ | \nchianwaa | \nKilowatt | \n功率 - power | \n
| 152 | \n腔 | \nqiāng | \nchiang | \nA body cavity | \n愤怒 - anger | \n
| 153 | \n顷 | \nqǐng | \nchiing | \nUnit of area equal to 100 mu | \n土地 - soil | \n
| 154 | \n曲 | \nqǔ | \ncheu | \nSongs | \n歌 - song, 戏 - drama | \n
| 155 | \n群 | \nqún | \nchyun | \nGroups or flocks of people and animals | \n人 - person, 羊 - lamb | \n
| 156 | \n人次 | \nrén cì | \nren tsyh | \nSpecifying the number of people participating | \n三千人次 - three thousand people participating | \n
| 157 | \n人年 | \nrén nián | \nren nian | \nEffort estimates, person per year | \n工作量 - workload | \n
| 158 | \n日 | \nrì | \nryh | \nA day | \n一日 - one day | \n
| 159 | \n扇 | \nshàn | \nshann | \nWindows and doors | \n窗户 - window, 门 - door | \n
| 160 | \n勺 | \nsháo | \nshaur | \nSpoon, for liquid like soup | \n汤 - soup, 药 - medicine | \n
| 161 | \n身 | \nshēn | \nshen | \nBody, means “a suits of” or \"a body full of\" | \n西服 - suit, 泥 - mud | \n
| 162 | \n升 | \nshēng | \nsheng | \nLiter and dry grain | \n大米 - rice, 汽油 - gasoline | \n
| 163 | \n声 | \nshēng | \nsheng | \nSounds | \n喊叫 - shouting, 枪响 - gun | \n
| 164 | \n手 | \nshǒu | \nshoou | \nHand, for skills and proficiency | \n菜 - dish, 绝活 - specialty, 字 - handwriting | \n
| 165 | \n首 | \nshǒu | \nshoou | \nPoems and songs | \n歌 - song, 诗 - poem | \n
| 166 | \n束 | \nshù | \nshuh | \nBundles and bunches | \n鲜花 - fresh flower, 光 - light | \n
| 167 | \n双 | \nshuāng | \nshuang | \nPairs | \n脚 - foot, 筷子 - chopsticks | \n
| 168 | \n丝 | \nsī | \nsy | \nWires and strings, also means a little | \n希望 - a wish | \n
| 169 | \n艘 | \nsōu | \nsou | \nBoats and ships | \n帆船 - sailboat, 客船 - passenger ship | \n
| 170 | \n所 | \nsuǒ | \nsuoo | \nBuildings and institutions | \n幼儿园 - kindergarten, 医院 - hospital | \n
| 171 | \n台 | \ntái | \ntair | \nMachines | \n电脑 - computer, 电视机 - television | \n
| 172 | \n滩 | \ntān | \ntan | \nFor liquid and paste-like substances | \n泥 - mud, 血 - blood | \n
| 173 | \n摊 | \ntān | \ntan | \nThings that need to be handled, like tasks or businesses | \n业务 - business | \n
| 174 | \n坛 | \ntán | \ntarn | \nLiquids like wine and vinegar | \n酒 - alcohol, 醋 - vinegar | \n
| 175 | \n堂 | \ntáng | \ntarng | \nClasses | \n课 - class | \n
| 176 | \n趟 | \ntàng | \ntanq | \nTimes and trips | \n班机 - flight, 火车 - train, 公差 - errand | \n
| 177 | \n套 | \ntào | \ntaw | \nCollections or sets | \n书 - books, 设备 - equipment | \n
| 178 | \n天 | \ntiān | \ntian | \nDay | \n三天 - three days | \n
| 179 | \n条 | \ntiáo | \ntyau | \nLong and narrow things, bar-shaped objects, and life | \n腿 - leg, 人命 - human life, 路 - road | \n
| 180 | \n贴 | \ntiē | \ntie | \nThings that can be stuck on | \n膏药 - herbal plaster applied to a wound | \n
| 181 | \n听 | \ntīng | \nting | \nCanned beverages | \n苏打 - soda | \n
| 182 | \n挺 | \ntǐng | \ntiing | \nMachine guns | \n机枪 - machine gun | \n
| 183 | \n通 | \ntōng | \ntong | \nFor communications like phone calls and conversations | \n电话 - phone call | \n
| 184 | \n筒 | \ntǒng | \ntoong | \nThings contained in canisters | \n茶叶 - tea leaves | \n
| 185 | \n桶 | \ntǒng | \ntoong | \nThings contained in barrels | \n石油 - petroleum | \n
| 186 | \n头 | \ntóu | \ntour | \nFor animals, livestock, and garlic | \n大象 - elephant, 牛 - cow, 蒜 - garlic | \n
| 187 | \n团 | \ntuán | \ntwan | \nFor something in the shape of a ball | \n火 - fire, 毛线 - wool | \n
| 188 | \n坨 | \ntuó | \ntwo | \nFor lumps of soft things | \n泥 - mud | \n
| 189 | \n丸 | \nwán | \nwan | \nFor something in the shape of a small ball, like chinese medicine | \n药 - medicine | \n
| 190 | \n碗 | \nwǎn | \nwoan | \nThings contained in bowls | \n汤 - soup, 米饭 - cooked rice | \n
| 191 | \n微米 | \nwēimǐ | \nueimii | \nMeasuring unit (one thousandth of a millimeter) | \n宽 - width, 长 - length | \n
| 192 | \n尾 | \nwěi | \nwoei | \nFor things with tail, like fish | \n鱼 - fish | \n
| 193 | \n位 | \nwèi | \nwey | \nPeople | \n官员 - an official, 科学家 - scientist | \n
| 194 | \n窝 | \nwō | \nuo | \nNest, for animals | \n蚂蚁 - ant, 猪 - pig | \n
| 195 | \n席 | \nxí | \nshyi | \nBanquets and conversations | \n话 - conversation, 盛宴 - banquet | \n
| 196 | \n系列 | \nxì liè | \nshih lieh | \nSeries | \n报道 - report, 文章 - essay | \n
| 197 | \n下 | \nxià | \nshiah | \nTo indicate the repetition of an action | \n几下 - a few times | \n
| 198 | \n线 | \nxiàn | \nshiann | \nRay or hope | \n亮光 - beam of light, 希望 - a wish | \n
| 199 | \n箱 | \nxiāng | \nshiang | \nCases of things | \n苹果 - apples, 衣服 - clothes | \n
| 200 | \n项 | \nxiàng | \nshianq | \nItems, tasks, and projects | \n方案 - program, 合同 - contract, 业务 - business | \n
| 201 | \n些 | \nxiē | \nshie | \nA few or some items | \n零钱 - small changes, 耐心 - patience, 人 - person | \n
| 202 | \n宿 | \nxiǔ | \nsheou | \nNight | \n一宿 - one night | \n
| 203 | \n眼 | \nyǎn | \nyean | \nFor big hollow things | \n井 - well, 泉水 - spring water | \n
| 204 | \n样 | \nyàng | \nyanq | \nPatterns and types | \n点心 - dim sum, 工具 - tool | \n
| 205 | \n页 | \nyè | \nyeh | \nFor thing in pages | \n传单 - leaflet | \n
| 206 | \n夜 | \nyè | \nyeh | \nNight | \n一夜 - one night | \n
| 207 | \n英亩 | \nyīng mǔ | \ning muu | \nAcre | \n土地 - land | \n
| 208 | \n员 | \nyuán | \nyuan | \nCertain kinds of people | \n猛将 - valiant general | \n
| 209 | \n元 | \nyuán | \nyuan | \nUnit of money, RMB | \n钱 - money, 人民币 - RMB | \n
| 210 | \n匝 | \nzā | \ntza | \nNumber of revolutions | \n一匝 - one revolution | \n
| 211 | \n载 | \nzǎi | \ntzae | \nYear | \n三载 - three years | \n
| 212 | \n则 | \nzé | \ntzer | \nShort sections of written documents | \n新闻 - news | \n
| 213 | \n盏 | \nzhǎn | \njaan | \nLamps | \n灯 - lamp | \n
| 214 | \n站 | \nzhàn | \njann | \nStation | \n路 - road | \n
| 215 | \n章 | \nzhāng | \njang | \nChapters | \n小说 - novel | \n
| 216 | \n张 | \nzhāng | \njang | \nFor objects with flat surfaces | \n脸 - face, 邮票 - stamp, 床 - bed | \n
| 217 | \n丈 | \nzhàng | \njanq | \nUnit of length equal to 3.3 meters | \n布 - cloth | \n
| 218 | \n阵 | \nzhèn | \njenn | \nEvents of short duration | \n雨 - rain, 笑声 - laughter | \n
| 219 | \n帧 | \nzhèng | \njenq | \nPictures and frames | \n画面 - picture | \n
| 220 | \n支 | \nzhī | \njy | \nFor long, thin, inflexible objects and musical compositions | \n蜡烛 - candle, 歌 - song | \n
| 221 | \n只 | \nzhī | \njy | \nMostly for animals, but can also used for other certain things | \n猫 - cat, 耳朵 - ear | \n
| 222 | \n种 | \nzhǒng | \njoong | \nKinds or types of things | \n本能 - instinct, 动物 - animal | \n
| 223 | \n轴 | \nzhóu | \njour | \nRolls and spools | \n线 - money, 画 - painting | \n
| 224 | \n株 | \nzhū | \nju | \nTrees and plants | \n麦子 - wheat, 树苗 - sapling | \n
| 225 | \n注 | \nzhù | \njuh | \nFor deals or sums of money | \n彩票 - lottery ticket | \n
| 226 | \n桩 | \nzhuāng | \njuang | \nConditions and business transactions | \n案件 - (law/crime) case, 买卖 - business deal | \n
| 227 | \n幢 | \nzhuàng | \njuanq | \nBuildings | \n大厦 - skyscraper | \n
| 228 | \n桌 | \nzhuō | \njuo | \nTable, for meals and food | \n西餐 - Western food, 宴席 - banquet | \n
| 229 | \n宗 | \nzōng | \ntzong | \nFor matter, loan, etc. | \n货款 - payment, 生意 - business | \n
| 230 | \n组 | \nzǔ | \ntzuu | \nGroups of things or people | \n电池 - battery, 雕塑 - a statue | \n
| 231 | \n尊 | \nzūn | \ntzuen | \nCannons and statues | \n大炮 - canon, 雕塑 - a statue | \n
| 232 | \n座 | \nzuò | \ntzuoh | \nBuildings, mountains, and large things | \n宫殿 - palace, 山 - mountain, 雕像 - sculpture | \n
If you saw the impressive list of over 200 measure words above and didn’t immediately exit the page, we salute you. Although learning specific measure words for each noun can feel tedious, it’s also one key thing that distinguishes serious Chinese learners from casual enthusiasts. Not only will using the correct measure word impress your native-speaking friends, but it’s also something that comes later in the learning journey.
\nWith that said, here are a few tips for learning the Chinese measurement words.
\n![\"Total](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt1af1fd002b5fdff3/6418f9000c2596708b32e3f7/pexels-sam-lion-5709280.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
\nTotal immersion is one of the best things you can do for your Chinese learning. That’s one of the main pillars of the Berlitz Method, which has been helping students increase their foreign language proficiency level for over a hundred years.
\nPart of the reason this immersive method works so well is that you get to see first-hand how people interact with the language. At the end of the day, you want to be able to communicate with people, not textbooks. That’s the beauty about living languages — people interact with them in creative ways, resulting in a spoken language that differs significantly from the official rules.
\nSo, if you’re looking for a less painful way than simply memorizing hundreds of measure words, then you’ll want to find a way to increase your immersion. The obvious route is to spend some time in a Chinese-speaking country, but here are some other creative ways to experience some Chinese immersion:
\nAlthough the first few times you experience full immersion will surely come as a shock to you, the beauty of it is that it gets easier the more you do it. So, don’t be scared to put yourself out of your comfort zone!
\nAs any advanced Chinese learner will tell you, there is no escaping memorization when learning Chinese. Since there isn’t such a thing as a Chinese alphabet, you’ll have to memorize thousands of characters on your own. While there are tools to help you figure out the sound or meaning of characters — like the Chinese radicals — you’ll have to find an efficient way to memorize new words.
\nScience has shown time and time again that spaced repetition is one of the best study techniques for memorization. This involves using flashcards or software to schedule reviews of vocabulary based on each word’s difficulty. In other words, you’ll review difficult words much more frequently than words you get right consistently, helping you conquer those tough words.
\n\nLearning Chinese cannot be separated from learning about Chinese culture and history, and Chengyu are a clear example of this. Also known as the Chinese idioms, Chengyu most often consist of four characters that tell a longer story. Of course, to understand Chengyu, you must also be familiar with the story that is being referenced.
\nAs you progress in your Mandarin Chinese learning journey, you’ll start understanding some of the wise and interesting stories behind these Chengyu. To help you move right along, here are some helpful Chengyu including measure words.
\n| Chengyu | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nLiteral meaning | \nChengyu meaning | \n
| 斤斤计较 | \njīn jīn jì jiào | \njin jin jih jiaw | \nTo worry about every catty (500 grams) | \nTo be precise about every little detail | \n
| 得寸进尺 | \ndé cùn jìn chǐ | \nder tsuenn jinn chyy | \nWin an inch, want a foot | \nThe more you get, the more you want | \n
| 事半功倍 | \nshì bàn gōng bèi | \nshyh bann gong bey | \nHalf the work, double achievement | \nTo attain maximum results with minimal effort | \n
| 半斤八两 | \nbàn jīn bā liǎng | \nbann jin ba leang | \nHalf a catty (500 grams), eight 1/16 of a catty | \nA negligible difference | \n
![\"Chinese](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltdc39075455933a42/6418fb1a49e8cc4fc47b9cc9/pexels-karolina-kot-6107014.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
\nChinese uses several measure words for money, including:
\nThe most common measure word in spoken Chinese is 块 (kuài), while the most common in written Chinese is 元 (yuán).
\nThe most common Chinese measure word for people is 个 (gè), which also happens to be the most common measure word out there. Chinese also uses the following measure words to refer to people depending on the context:
\nDescribing Individuals:
\nDescribing a group of people:
\nStudying Mandarin Chinese is a long process, and it can often feel like your progress is very slow. Lucky for you, learning Mandarin measure words is a quick and easy way to score a significant improvement in your proficiency level.
\nHowever, don’t stress yourself out too much by attempting to learn 200+ measure words in Chinese. Just getting a handle on the ten most common measure words will have a tremendous impact on the accuracy of your Mandarin!
\nIf you enjoyed this article, make sure to take a look at our Mandarin Chinese blog, where we publish helpful guides to improve your Chinese. If you haven’t yet, check out our top ten tips for learning Chinese characters to supercharge your learning!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Abbreviations in Spanish","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"186 top useful Spanish abbreviations & acronyms you need in life","url":"/blog/spanish-abbreviations-acronyms-texting","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt32b86cd419a7779e/64013dc8a7d98e0267ed2880/Spanish_abbreviations_business_friends.jpg"},"post_content":"It seems that everyone is in a rush these days, and that comes through even in how we speak. From the way we talk to the way we write, abbreviations help us be succinct by shortening long words, thus helping us avoid unnecessary repetition.
While abbreviations in Spanish very commonly involve some Spanish slang, they are also used in formal settings all the time. Abbreviations like Dr. or Mr. can be spotted in the fanciest of events, and even organizations of global importance, like the UN or the IMF, rely on acronyms. So, whether you’re learning Spanish to talk with your extended family, to do big business in a Spanish-speaking country, or simply to order a meal at a restaurant, learning some acronyms will be truly helpful.
In the spirit of brevity, let’s get right to it! We’ve covered 180+ acronyms and abbreviations in Spanish, which we’ve broken down into different categories to help you navigate them more easily.
Abbreviations are shortened forms of words or phrases that are generally understood by the majority of the population. For example, a common abbreviation in English is “USA.” Through extensive use, this three-word acronym has become synonymous with — if not central to the identity of — the United States of America. See how that three-word acronym saved us 18 whole characters? Nifty!
![\"Spanish](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt0cbaa5b21077d79a/64013ec642ee69354723830e/USA_map_in_Spanish.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
There are many different types of abbreviations. While many of them are initialisms, such as in our example above, there are many other common types of abbreviations that we use in our daily life. Here are some of the most common ones:
One common type of abbreviation that is absent from Spanish is contractions. These are very common in English, as they help us contract two words into one, such as it’s (it is), they’re (they are), and won’t (will not). Spanish doesn’t use contractions, so you’ll have to spell out each word individually.
There are countless abbreviations that may be a little confusing to a non-native speaker. But fret not! This handy guide will walk you through all the essential acronyms, initialisms, and symbols that you need. In no time, you’ll be using these to speak Spanish like a true native!
Here are the most common Spanish abbreviations.
| Spanish | What it stands for | English | Spanish pronunciation | IPA |
| tqm | Te quiero mucho | I like you a lot | te ˈkjeɾo ˈmuʧo | teh key-air-oh moo-cho |
| Sr. | Señor | Mr. | seˈɲoɾ | seh-nyor |
| Sra. | Señora | Mrs. | seˈɲoɾa | seh-nyor-ah |
| Srita. | Señorita | Miss | seɲoˈɾita | seh-nyor-e-tah |
| cc | Con copia | Carbon copy (cc) | kon ˈkopja | cohn co-pee-ah |
| kilo | Kilogramo | Kilogram | kiloˈɣɾamo | kee-lo-gra-mo |
| min. | Minuto | Minute | miˈnuto | me-noo-toe |
| aprox. | Aproximadamente | Approximately | apɾoksimaðaˈmente | ah-prox-e-ma-da-mehn-teh |
| EE. UU. | Estados Unidos | United States | esˈtaðos uˈniðos | ehs-tah-doss oo-nee-doss |
| c/u | Cada uno | Each one | ˈkaða ˈuno | cah-dah oo-no |
| etc. | Etcétera | Etc. | etˈθeteɾa | eht-seh-teh-rah |
| pag. | Página | Page | ˈpaxina | pah-he-nah |
| qepd | Que en paz descanse | Rest in peace (RIP) | ˈke em ˈpað ðesˈkanse | keh ehn paz dess-cahn-seh |
| tel. | Teléfono | Phone number | teˈlefono | teh-leh-fo-no |
| Ud. | Usted | You (formal) | usˈteð | oos-tehd |
| ej. | Ejemplo | Example | eˈxemplo | eh-hehm-plo |
| P. D. | Posdata | PS | pozˈðata | pos-da-tah |
| sig. | Siguiente | Next | siˈɣjente | see-gee-ehn-teh |
| atte. | Atentamente | Sincerely (signing off on an email or letter) | atentaˈmente | ah-tehn-ta-mehn-teh |
| C.P. | Código postal | Zip code | ˈkoðiɣo posˈtal | coh-dee-goh poss-tahl |
| cía. | Compañía | Company | kompaˈɲia | com-pah-nyee-ah |
| máx. | Máximo | Maximum | ˈmaksimo | max-e-mo |
| mín. | Mínimo | Minimum | ˈminimo | me-ne-mo |
| m. n. | Moneda nacional | National currency | moˈneða naθjoˈnal | mo-neh-dah nah-see-oh-nal |
| admon. | Administración | Administration | aministɾaˈθjon | ad-me-nees-trah-see-ohn |
| dto. | Descuento | Discount | desˈkwento | des-coo-ehn-toe |
| OVNI | Objeto volador no identificado | UFO | oβˈxeto βolaˈðoɾ ˈno jðentifiˈkaðo | ob-heh-toe vo-lah-door no e-dehn-tee-fee-cah-do |
| VIP | Very important person | VIP | ˈbeɾi impoɾˈtant ˈpeɾson | veep |
If you’ve checked out our tips to learn Spanish fast, you know that making Spanish-speaking friends is one of the best ways to give your learning a boost. As you keep in touch with your friends through WhatsApp, you’ll definitely run into some of the following common Spanish abbreviations for texting.
| Spanish | What it stands for | English | Spanish pronunciation | IPA |
| tkm | Te kiero mucho | I like you a lot | te ˈkjeɾo ˈmuʧo | teh key-air-oh moo-cho |
| x | Por | For | poɾ | pore |
| q | Que | What | ˈke | kay |
| xq | Por qué/porque | Why/because | poɾ ˈkepoɾke | pore kay/pore keh |
| q tal? | ¿Qué tal? | What’s up? | ˈke ˈtal ‖ | keh tall |
| esq | Es que | It’s just that | ˈes ˈke | ess keh |
| gpi | Gracias por invitar | Thanks for the invite | ˈɡɾaθjas poɾ imbiˈtaɾ | grah-see-ass pore een-vee-tar |
| bn | Bien | Good | ˈbjen | bee-ehn |
| xfa | Por favor | Please | poɾ faˈβoɾ | pore fah-vore |
| tb | También | Also | tamˈbjen | tam-bee-ehn |
| tq | Te quiero | I like you | tamˈbjen | teh key-air-oh |
| ntp | No te preocupes | Don’t worry | ˈno te pɾeoˈkupes | no teh preh-oh-coo-pess |
| npw | No ‘pos wow | Wow | ˈno ˈpos ˈwow | no poss wow |
| cdt | Cuídate | Take care | ˈkwiðate | coo-e-da-teh |
| dnd | De nada | You’re welcome | de ˈnaða | deh na-dah |
| d+ | De más | Extra | de ˈmas | de mas |
| msj | Mensaje | Message | menˈsaxe | men-sah-heh |
| nls | No lo sé | IDK | ˈno lo ˈse | no lo seh |
| wno | Bueno | Okay | ˈbweno | boo-eh-no |
| salu2 | Saludos | Greetings | saˈluðos | sa-loo-dos |
| bs | Besos | Kisses | ˈbesos | beh-sos |
| maso | Más o menos | More or less | ˈmas o ˈmenos | mas o meh-noss |
| vdd | Verdad | Right? | beɾˈðað | ver-dad |
| ntc | No te creas | JK | ˈno te ˈkɾeas | no teh creh-ass |
| kn | Quien | Who | ˈkjen | key-ehn |
| no c | No sé | IDK | ˈno ˈse | no seh |
![\"Two](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt8e1871adf13d7997/64013f469a3afb6a24eb99d7/Spanish_texting_abbreviations.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Abbreviating time and space is one of the best ways to save time and energy. Who wants to say, “Hey, let’s grab a coffee at 1 post meridien”? Nobody! That’s why we use these handy abbreviations to help us simplify our everyday conversations.
| Spanish | What it stands for | English | Spanish pronunciation | IPA |
| a. m. | Antes del mediodía | a. m. | ˈantez ðel meðjoˈðia | an-tess del meh-dee-oh-dee-ah |
| p. m. | Post meridien | p. m. | ˈpost meˈɾiðjen | post meridien |
| a. C. | Antes de Cristo | Before Christ (BC) | ˈantez ðe ˈkɾisto | ahn-tess deh crees-toe |
| d. C. | Después de Cristo | After Christ (AC) | desˈpwez ðe ˈkɾisto | des-poo-ess deh crees-toe |
| d | Día | Day | ˈdia | dee-ah |
| h | Hora | Hour | ˈoɾa | oh-ra |
| min | Minuto | Minute | miˈnuto | me-noo-toe |
| s | Segundo | Second | seˈɣundo | seh-goon-doe |
| N | Norte | North | ˈnoɾte | nor-teh |
| S | Sur | South | ˈsuɾ | soor |
| E | Este | East | ˈeste | ess-teh |
| W | Oeste | West | oˈeste | oh-ess-teh |
| NW | Noroeste | Northwest | noɾoˈeste | nor-oh-ess-teh |
| NE | Noreste | Northeast | noˈɾeste | nor-ess-teh |
| SW | Suroeste | Southwest | suɾoˈeste | soor-oh-ess-teh |
| SE | Sureste | Southeast | suˈɾeste | soor-ess-teh |
Abbreviating the months in Spanish can be an easy way to make specific plans with friends and family. You can even use these on a digital flier if you want to plan a fun party!
| Spanish | What it stands for | English | Spanish pronunciation | IPA |
| Ene | Enero | January | eˈneɾo | eh-neh-ro |
| Feb | Febrero | February | feˈβɾeɾo | feh-breh-ro |
| Mar | Marzo | March | ˈmaɾθo | mar-so |
| Abr | Abril | April | aˈβɾil | ah-breel |
| May | Mayo | May | ˈmaʝo | mah-yo |
| Jun | Junio | June | ˈxunjo | who-nee-oh |
| Jul | Julio | July | ˈxuljo | who-lee-oh |
| Ago | Agosto | August | aˈɣosto | ah-goss-toe |
| Sep | Septiembre | September | sepˈtjembɾe | sep-tee-ehm-breh |
| Oct | Octubre | October | okˈtuβɾe | oc-too-breh |
| Nov | Noviembre | November | noˈβjembɾe | no-vee-ehm-breh |
| Dic | Diciembre | December | diˈθjembɾe | de-see-ehm-breh |
Like the month abbreviations above, these can help you when you need to plan an event or simply want to get an ice-cold beer with your friends. We all know the days of the week in Spanish, so why waste time writing them out when we’re all on the same page?
| Spanish | What it stands for | English | Spanish pronunciation | IPA |
| Lu | Lunes | Monday | ˈlunes | loo-ness |
| Ma | Martes | Tuesday | ˈmaɾtes | mar-tess |
| Mie | Miércoles | Wednesday | ˈmjeɾkoles | mee-air-coh-less |
| Jue | Jueves | Thursday | ˈxweβes | who-eh-vess |
| Vie | Viernes | Friday | ˈbjeɾnes | vee-air-ness |
| Sa | Sábado | Saturday | ˈsaβaðo | sa-bah-doe |
| Dom | Domingo | Sunday | doˈminɡo | do-meen-go |
Abbreviated professions and titles are very common ways to introduce people. You’ll very commonly see these in directories, name lists, business cards, office doors, and even on event invitations!
| Spanish | What it stands for | English | Spanish pronunciation | IPA |
| Dr. | Doctor | Doctor | dokˈtoɾ | doc-toor |
| Ing. | Ingeniero | Engineer | inxeˈnjeɾo | een-heh-nee-air-oh |
| Arq. | Arquitecto | Architect | aɾkiˈtekto | ar-key-tec-toe |
| Gral. | General | General | xeneˈɾal | heh-neh-ral |
| Dir. | Director | Director | diɾekˈtoɾ | dee-rec-toor |
| Lic. | Licenciado | Graduate | liθenˈθjaðo | lee-sehn-see-ah-doe |
| Prof. | Profesor | Professor | pɾofeˈsoɾ | pro-feh-soor |
| Coord. | Coordinador | Coordinator | kooɾðinaˈðoɾ | coor-dee-na-door |
| Mtro. | Maestro | Teacher | maˈestɾo | ma-ess-troh |
| Pdte. | Presidente | President | pɾesiˈðente | preh-see-dehn-teh |
| Sgto. | Sargento | Sargeant | saɾˈxento | sar-hehn-toe |
| trad. | Traductor | Translator | tɾaðukˈtoɾ | tra-dooc-toor |
| Psic. | Psicólogo | Psychologist | siˈkoloɣo | see-coh-lo-go |
![\"How](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blta72d6d42c865f453/6385307e5834861044c23030/istock-1046150528.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
We use abbreviations for measurements all the time. From cooking recipes to clothes sizing guides, we can’t escape them! And in case you’re wondering, all Spanish-speaking countries use the metric measuring system, so forget about inches and start getting used to centimeters!
| Spanish | What it stands for | English | Spanish pronunciation | IPA |
| mg | Miligramo | Miligram | miliˈɣɾamo | me-lee-gra-mo |
| g | Gramo | Gram | ˈɡɾamo | gra-mo |
| kg | Kilogramo | Kilogram | kiloˈɣɾamo | kee-lo-gra-mo |
| t | Tonelada | Ton | toneˈlaða | toe-neh-la-dah |
| ml | Mililitro | Milliliter | miliˈlitɾo | me-lee-lee-tro |
| L | Litro | Liter | ˈlitɾo | lee-tro |
| A | Área | Area | ˈaɾea | ah-reh-ah |
| hec | Hectárea | Hectare | ekˈtaɾea | ec-tah-reh-ah |
| mm | Milimetro | Millimeter | miliˈmetɾo | me-lee-meh-troh |
| cm | Centimetro | Centimeter | θentiˈmetɾo | sehn-tee-meh-troh |
| m | Metro | Meter | ˈmetɾo | meh-troh |
| mts | Metros | Meters | ˈmetɾos | meh-tross |
| km | Kilómetro | Kilometer | kiˈlometɾo | kee-lo-meh-troh |
| cm2 | Centímetro cuadrado | Squared centimeter | θenˈtimetɾo kwaˈðɾaðo | sehn-tee-meh-troh coo-ah-drah-doe |
| m2 | Metro cuadrado | Squared meter | ˈmetɾo kwaˈðɾaðo | meh-troh coo-ah-dra-doh |
| km2 | Kilómetro cuadrado | Squared kilometer | kiˈlometɾo kwaˈðɾaðo | kee-lo-meh-troh coo-ah-dra-doh |
| cm3 | Centímetro cúbico | Cubic centimeter | θenˈtimetɾo ˈkuβiko | sehn-tee-meh-troh coo-bee-coh |
| m3 | Metro cuadrado | Cubic meter | ˈmetɾo kwaˈðɾaðo | meh-troh coo-ah-dra-doh |
| km3 | Kilómetro cuadrado | Cubic kilometer | kiˈlometɾo kwaˈðɾaðo | kee-lo-meh-troh coo-ah-dra-doh |
| km/h | Kilómetros por hora | Kilometers per hour | kiˈlometɾos poɾ ˈoɾa | kee-lo-meh-tross pore oh-rah |
| tza | Taza | Cup | ˈtaθa | tah-zah |
| cda | Cucharada | Tablespoon | kuʧaˈɾaða | coo-cha-ra-dah |
| cdta | Cucharadita | Teaspoon | kuʧaɾaˈðita | coo-cha-ra-dee-ta |
| gal | Galón | Gallon | ɡaˈlon | ga-lohn |
Even within Spanish speaking countries, there are many regional and national variations of abbreviations. What could mean something in one place can also mean something completely different in another. For example, the acronym SAT in Spain stands for Sociedades Agrarias de Transformación (agrarian societies), whereas in Mexico it stands for the much-dreaded Servicio de Administración Tributaria — the tax authority!
We’ll cover a few variations of common abbreviations in a few Spanish-speaking countries.
Before we go in on the individual countries, let’s take a look at some acronyms of global importance. Here are a few international organizations and agencies that you
| Spanish | What it stands for | English | Spanish pronunciation | IPA |
| ONU | Organización de las Naciones Unidas | United Nations | oɾɣaniθaˈθjon de laz naˈθjones uˈniðas | ore-gah-nee-sa-see-ohn deh lass nah-see-oh-ness oo-nee-das |
| OCDE | Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económico | OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development | oɾɣaniθaˈθjom ˈpaɾa la koopeɾaˈθjon j el desaˈroʎo ekoˈnomiko | ore-gah-nee-sah-see-ohn pa-rah la co-oh-peh-rah-see-ohn e elle deh-sah-ro-yoh eh-co-no-me-co |
| UNESCO | Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la educación,ciencia y cultura | UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) | oɾɣaniθaˈθjon de laz naˈθjones uˈniðas ˈpaɾa la eðukaˈθjon |ˈθjenθja j kulˈtuɾa ‖ | ore-gah-nee-sah-see-ohn deh lass nah-see-oh-ness oo-nee-das pah |
| UE | Unión Europea | European Union | uˈnjon ewɾoˈpea | oo-nee-ohn eh-oo-ro-peh-ah |
| COI | Comíté Olímpico Internacional | International Olympic Committee | komiˈte oˈlimpiko jnteɾnaθjoˈnal | coh-mee-teh oh-leem-pee-co een-tehr-nah-see-oh-nahl |
| FIFA | Federación Internacional de Fútbol Asociación | International Association Football Federation | feðeɾaˈθjon inteɾnaθjoˈnal de ˈfutβol asoθjaˈθjon | feh-deh-rah-see-ohn een-tehr-na-see-oh-nall deh foot-boll ah-so-see-ah-see-ohn |
| IVA | Impuesto al valor agregado | Value-added tax (VAT) | imˈpwesto al βaˈloɾ aɣɾeˈɣaðo | eem-poo-ehs-toe all vah-lore ah-greh-ga-doe |
| Mercosur | Mercado Común del Sur | Southern Common Market | meɾˈkaðo koˈmun del ˈsuɾ | mer-ca-doe co-moon dell soor |
| NASA | Administración Nacional de Aeronáutica y el Espacio | National Aeronautic and Space Administration | aðministɾaˈθjon naθjoˈnal de aeɾoˈnawtika j el esˈpaθjo | add-me-nees-trah-see-ohn nah-see-oh-nall deh ah-eh-ro-nah-oo-tee-cah e elle ess-pah-see-oh |
| OTAN | Organización del Tratado del Atlántico Norte | North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) | oɾɣaniθaˈθjon del tɾaˈtaðo ðel atˈlantiko ˈnoɾte | ore-gah-nee-sah-see-ohn dell trah-ta-doe dell ah-tlan-tee-co nore-teh |
| Unasur | Unión de Naciones Suramericana | Union of South American Nations | uˈnjon de naˈθjones suɾameɾiˈkana | oo-nee-ohn deh nah-see-oh-ness soor-ah-meh-ree-cah-nass |
| UNESCO | Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Educación, la Ciencia y la Cultura | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization | oɾɣaniθaˈθjon de laz naˈθjones uˈniðas ˈpaɾa la eðukaˈθjon | la ˈθjenθja j la kulˈtuɾa | ore-gah-nee-sah-see-ohn deh lass nah-see-oh-ness oo-nee-dass pah-rah la eh-doo-cah-see-ohn e cool-too-rah |
| UNICEF | Fondo de las Naciones Unidas para la Infancia | United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund | ˈfondo ðe laz naˈθjones uˈniðas ˈpaɾa la jmˈfanθja | fon-doh deh lass nah-see-oh-ness oo-nee-das pah-rah la een-fan-see-ah |
| ONG | Organización no gubernamental | Non-governmental organization | oɾɣaniθaˈθjon ˈno ɣuβeɾnamenˈtal | ore-gah-nee-sah-see-ohn no goo-behr-na-men-tall |
| OMS | Organización Mundial de la Salud | World Health Organization (WHO) | oɾɣaniθaˈθjom munˈdjal de la saˈluð | ore-gah-nee-sah-see-ohn moon-dee-all deh la sah-lood |
| FMI | Fondo Monetario Internacional | International Monetary Fund (IMF) | ˈfondo moneˈtaɾjo jnteɾnaθjoˈnal | fon-doe mo-neh-ta-ree-oh een-ter-nah-see-oh-nall |
| UEFA | Unión de Asociaciones Europeas de Fútbol | Union of European Football Associations | uˈnjon de asoθjaˈθjones ewɾoˈpeaz ðe ˈfutβol | oo-nee-ohn deh ah-so-see-ah-see-oh-ness eh-oo-ro-peh-ass deh foot-boll |
| Pyme. | Pequeña y mediana empresa | Small and medium sized business | peˈkeɲa j meˈðjana emˈpɾesa | peh-keh-nyah e meh-dee-ah-na em-preh-sah |
Spain uses acronyms to describe a number of governmental and non-governmental agencies. These are just a few to keep in mind if you’re thinking about moving to Spain or even for a fun summer trip!
| Spanish | What it stands for | English | Spanish pronunciation | IPA |
| RAE | Real Academia Española | Royal Academy of Spanish | reˈal akaˈðemja espaˈɲola | eh-all ah-ca-deh-me-ah es-pah-nyol-ah |
| Drae. | Diccionario de la Real Academia Española | Dictionary of the Royal Academy of Spanish | dikθjoˈnaɾjo ðe la reˈal akaˈðemja espaˈɲola | deec-see-oh-nah-ree-oh deh la reh-all ah-ca-deh-me-ah ess-pah-nyol-ah |
| EEE | Espacio Económico Europeo | European Economic Space | esˈpaθjo ekoˈnomiko ewɾoˈpeo | es-pah-see-oh eh-co-no-me-co eh-oo-ro-peh-oh |
| DNI | Documento Nacional de Identidad | National Identity Document | dokuˈmento naθjoˈnal de jðentiˈðað | do-coo-mehn-toe nah-see-oh-nal de e-dehn-tee-dad |
| CE | Comunidad Europea | European Community | komuniˈðað ewɾoˈpea | co-moo-nee-dad eh-oo-ro-peh-ah |
| INE | Instituto Nacional de Estadística | National Institute of Statistics | instiˈtuto naθjoˈnal de estaˈðistika | eens-tee-too-to nah-see-oh-nall deh ess-ta-dees-tee-cah |
Mexico uses acronyms and abbreviations for a number of places, agencies, and even food! Knowing a few of these can be extremely helpful even if you’re just going down to Mexico for a quick weekend trip.
| Spanish | What it stands for | English | Spanish pronunciation | IPA |
| CDMX | Ciudad de México | Mexico City | θjuˈðað ðe ˈmexiko | see-ooh-dad deh meh-he-co |
| SAT | Servicio de Administración Tributaria | Mexican tax authority, equivalent to the IRS in the U.S. | seɾˈβiθjo ðe aðministɾaˈθjon tɾiβuˈtaɾja | ser-vee-see-oh deh ad-me-nees-trah-see-ohn tree-boo-ta-re-ah |
| SRE | Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores | Secretary of Foreign Affairs | sekɾetaˈɾia ðe relaˈθjones eksteˈɾjoɾes | seh-creh-ta-ree-ah deh reh-la-see-oh-ness ex-teh-ree-oh-ress |
| COFEPRIS | Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios | Mexican health authority | komiˈsjom feðeˈɾal ˈpaɾa la pɾotekˈθjon ˈkontɾa ˈrjezɣos saniˈtaɾjos | co-me-see-ohn feh-deh-rall pah-ra la pro-tec-see-ohn con-trah ree-ess-goss sa-nee-ta-re-oss |
| Banxico | Banco de México | Bank of Mexico | ˈbanko ðe ˈmexiko | ban-co deh meh-he-co |
| Conacyt | Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología | National council on science and technology | konˈsexo naθjoˈnal de ˈθjenθja j teknoloˈxia | con-seh-ho nah-see-oh-nall deh see-ehn-see-ah e tec-no-lo-he-ah |
| INE | Instituto Nacional Electoral | National Electoral Institute | instiˈtuto naθjoˈnal elektoˈɾal | eens-tee-too-to nah-see-oh-nall eh-lec-tore-all |
| UNAM | Universidad Nacional de México | National University of Mexico (Top public university in the country) | uniβeɾsiˈðað naθjoˈnal de ˈmexiko | oo-nee-ver-see-dad nah-see-oh-nall deh meh-he-co |
| Dogo | Hot dog | Hot dog | ˈxot ˈðoɣ | hot dog |
Like the other countries on this list, Colombia uses abbreviations for government agencies and other organizations. Here are a few important ones to keep in mind.
| Spanish | What it stands for | English | Spanish pronunciation | IPA |
| Colfútbol | Federación Colombiana de Fútbol | Colombian Federation of Football (Soccer) | feðeɾaˈθjon kolomˈbjana ðe ˈfutβol | feh-deh-rah-see-ohn co-lom-bee-ah-na deh foot-ball |
| DAMA | Departamento Administrativo del Medio Ambiente | Administrative Department of the Environment | depaɾtaˈmento aðministɾaˈtiβo ðel ˈmeðjo amˈbjente | deh-par-ta-men-toe ad-me-nees-tra-tee-vo dell meh-dee-oh am-bee-ehn-teh |
| Dian. | Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales | National Directorate of Taxes and Customs | diɾekˈθjon de jmˈpwestos j aˈðwanaz naθjoˈnales | dee-rec-see-ohn deh eem-poo-ess-toss e ah-doo-ah-nass nah-see-oh-nah-less |
| UNAL | Universidad Nacional de Colombia | National University of Colombia | uniβeɾsiˈðað naθjoˈnal de koˈlombja | oo-nee-ver-see-dad nah-see-oh-nall deh co-lom-bee-ah |
If you’re visiting Argentina, there is one abbreviation that you must know: Bs As. Perhaps you can figure out what it means if you already have some experience in the country, and if not, we’ll let you know in the table below!
| Spanish | What it stands for | English | Spanish pronunciation | IPA |
| Bs. As. | Buenos Aires | Buenos Aires | ˈbwenos ˈajɾes | boo-eh-noss ah-e-ress |
| Cofema | Consejo Federal de Medio Ambiente | Federal Council on the Environment | konˈsexo feðeˈɾal de ˈmeðjo amˈbjente | con-seh-hoh feh-deh-rall deh meh-dee-oh am-bee-ehn-teh |
| Sectur | Secretaría de Turismo | Secretariat of Tourism | sekɾetaˈɾia ðe tuˈɾizmo | seh-creh-tah-ree-ah deh toor-ees-mo |
| UBA | Universidad de Buenos Aires | Buenos Aires University | uniβeɾsiˈðað ðe ˈβwenos ˈajɾes | oo-nee-ver-see-dad deh boo-eh-noss ah-e-ress |
You’re probably used to saying “LOL” “lol” or any of the many variations to express that something is really funny in English. However, in Spanish, using acronyms to laugh isn’t all that popular. Instead, we use one of the following:
Of course, “jaja” is the most common, and the more “ja”s you add, the louder and deeper the laugh! You can also use all caps if you found something intensely funny — don’t be shy!
![\"How](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltf6e5c0760ffd695e/6401445d26b2ac6bf80eb936/How_to_abbreviate_lol_in_Spanish.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Yes! Abbreviating ordinal numbers in Spanish is as easy as adding a º or ª after the number. This is depending on the gender of the noun that you’re trying to modify — º for masculine and ª for feminine. Here are some examples:
| Spanish | What it stands for | English | IPA | Pronunciation |
| 1º / 1ª | Primero, primera | 1st | pɾiˈmeɾo | pɾiˈmeɾa | pre-meh-ro / pre-meh-ra |
| 2º / 2ª | Segundo, segunda | 2nd | seˈɣundo | seˈɣunda | seh-goon-doe / seh-goon-da |
| 3º / 3ª | Tercero, tercera | 3rd | teɾˈθeɾo | teɾˈθeɾa | tehr-seh-ro / teh-seh-ra |
| 4º / 4ª | Cuarto, cuarta | 4th | ˈkwaɾto | ˈkwaɾta | coo-are-toe / coo-are-ta |
| 5º / 5ª | Quinto, quinta | 5th | ˈkinto | ˈkinta | keen-toe / keen-ta |
| 6º / 6ª | Sexto, sexta | 6th | ˈseksto | ˈseksta | sex-toe / sex-ta |
| 7º / 7ª | Séptimo, séptima | 7th | ˈseptimo | ˈseptima | sep-tee-mo / sep-tee-ma |
| 8º / 8ª | Octavo, octava | 8th | okˈtaβo | okˈtaβa | oc-ta-vo / oc-ta-va |
| 9º / 9ª | Noveno, novena | 9th | noˈβeno | noˈβena | no-veh-no / no-veh-na |
| 10º / 10ª | Décimo, décima | 10th | ˈdeθimo | ˈdeθima | deh-see-mo / deh-see-ma |
The abbreviation of the United States in Spanish is EE. UU. This abbreviation uses two initials because it is abbreviating a plural word. In Spanish, you have to use double initials to represent a plural word. If you abbreviated Estados Unidos as simply E.U., then it would stand for Estado Unido!
Here are a few examples of the initial doubling in Spanish:
| Spanish | What it stands for | English | IPA | Pronunciation |
| EE. UU. | Estados Unidos | United States | esˈtaðos uˈniðos | ess-ta-doss oo-nee-doss |
| RR. II. | Relaciones internacionales | International relations | relaˈθjones inteɾnaθjoˈnales | reh-la-see-oh-ness een-tehr-na-see-oh-na-less |
| DD. HH | Derechos humanos | Human rights | deˈɾeʧos uˈmanos | deh-re-chos oo-mah-noss |
Just because you’ve learned some great new abbreviations and acronyms doesn’t mean you have to cut your study time short! Now you can use the time saved to continue working on improving your Spanish fluency. Perhaps you might want to try out some of the longest words in Spanish to balance it out!
Make sure to take a look at our free Spanish blog vocabulary lessons for more helpful guides. We publish actionable, vocabulary-centered content that is designed to help you improve your Spanish right away.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Spanish vowels","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"A useful pronunciation guide to Spanish vowels and diphthongs","url":"/blog/spanish-vowels-dipthongs","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltc273df2dbfaf62fc/641007309f200410a50b3147/Pronouncing_Spanish_Diphthongs.jpg"},"post_content":"If you thought that simply learning what the Spanish vowels are was enough to carry you through, you’re in for a fun ride. Although, yes, the vowels in Spanish are the exact same as the English vowels, that’s about all they have in common. That's because they have special pronunciation and grammar rules that you need to be aware of.
From the pronunciation of individual vowels to diphthongs and triphthongs, there are plenty of things to consider when looking at the vowels in Spanish. Mastering all of them will help you pronounce even the hardest Spanish words and round out your mastery of the Spanish alphabet.
Although there are only five vowels, we have a lot of ground to cover, so let’s get started!
![\"Pronouncing](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt060e4b99c910ea7e/641007b3e16bc77f583333f6/pexels-shvets-production-9052594.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Vowels are letters that are pronounced with an open mouth. There are five Spanish vowels: a, e, i, o, and u. The letter y is also sometimes considered a vowel, but most consider it to not be so. For this article, we won’t consider the letter y as a vowel since it is used differently from the five “standard” vowels.
One of the best features of the Spanish language is its consistent pronunciation rules. Namely, all letters are always pronounced the same — including vowels. In English, the e in “team” and “dead” sound nothing alike. In fact, words like “lead” and “lead” can have totally different meanings depending on the sound of the e!
In Spanish, you won’t have to worry about any of that. All vowels are always pronounced the same, except for the u in words with –gue and –gui, which is silent. In all other cases, vowel pronunciation is always identical. So, you’ll only have to worry about pronouncing five sounds! Here’s how to pronounce the five vowels in Spanish.
| Vowel | Pronunciation | Lip position | Examples |
| a | ah | Lips and mouth wide open. | Cama, mamá, azúcar |
| e | eh | Lips slightly open and mouth stretched. | Especie, estadio, ese |
| i | e | Lips slightly open and mouth stretched. | Índigo, imagina, iría |
| o | oh | Lips rounded and opened slightly. | Oso, hoyo, asombroso |
| u | oo | Lips rounded and almost fully closed. | Universo, usuario, universidad |
Diphthongs are sounds that are made when combining two vowels in the same syllable. In many languages, including English, French, and German, the sound of the combined vowels changes — often drastically so. That’s why Deutschland sounds like doych-land in German and oui sounds like wee in French. But, luckily for you, this is one thing you do not have to worry about in Spanish!
In Spanish, diphthongs are pronounced almost exactly like two separate vowels. The only difference is that, since they’re in the same syllable, their sounds are compressed. A good trick to figure out how to say a Spanish diphthong is to say the vowels individually and slowly start saying them faster. Eventually, they will morph into one and — voilà! You’ve got yourself a diphthong!
The Spanish word for diphthongs is diptongo (deep-tong-oh). If you’re more of a visual learner, here’s a quick Spanish diphthongs video showing a demonstration of how to pronounce each of them.
Now that you’re a pro at pronouncing the Spanish diphthongs, here’s a table with all the vowel diphthongs along with some handy examples.
| Vowel diphthongs | Pronunciation | Examples |
| uo | oo-oh | Antiguo, cuota, ambiguo |
| ui | oo-e | Ruina, cuidar, fuimos |
| ue | oo-eh | Sueño, cuerpo, suero |
| ua | oo-ah | Acuario, paraguas, mensual |
| iu | e-oo | Ciudades, triunfo, oriundo |
| io | e-oh | Violencia, edificio, comercio |
| ie | e-eh | Tiembla, siembra, caliente |
| ai | ah-e | Caiga, vaina, traición |
| ou | oh-oo | Estadounidense |
| oi | oh-e | Oigo, heroico, boicot |
| eu | eh-oo | Eucalipto, reunir, deudor |
| ei | eh-e | Reinar, aceite, peinarse |
| au | ah-oo | Autopista, causal, ausencia |
| ia | e-ah | Mundial, magia, rabia |
If a diphthong is when two vowels are next to each other in the same syllable, then a triphthong is when three vowels are in the same syllable. If you thought two vowels in one syllable were tough enough, don’t worry! Triphthongs are not very common, and they work very similarly to diphthongs. So, once you’ve mastered the two, you’ll master the three in no time!
The Spanish word for triphthongs is triptongo (trip-tong-oh). Here’s a list of all the Spanish triphthongs along with their pronunciation and some examples.
| Vowel triphthongs | Pronunciation | Examples |
| iai | e-ah-e | Limpiáis, riais |
| iei | e-eh-e | Apreciéis, estudiéis |
| ioi | e-oh-e | Opioide, dioico |
| iau | e-ah-oo | Miau, semiautomático |
| ieu | e-eh-oo | Antieuropeo, haliéutica |
| iou | e-oh-oo | Sioux |
| uai | oo-ah-e | Actuáis, habituáis |
| uei | oo-eh-e | Consensuéis, atestigüéis |
| uau | oo-ah-oo | Guau, Cuautepec |
Also known as an adiptongo, a vowel hiatus happens when two vowels are next to each other but in different syllables. So, instead of having their individual sounds compressed into one syllable, their sounds are emphasized separately, almost as the opposite of a diphthong.
The term in Spanish for this phenomenon is hiato (ee-ah-toe). A hiatus can occur under four circumstances:
If you’re familiar with accent rules in Spanish, you may notice that some words with hiatuses override regular accentuation rules. If you’re unfamiliar with accentuation rules, feel free to jump down to the section below for a refresher and then come back.
As you may have noticed, Spanish breaks down the five vowels into two groups: open (or strong) vowels, and weak (or closed) vowels. This differentiation is helpful when figuring out when a hiatus is happening, and, consequently, whether a word needs an accent mark or not. The two groups of vowels are:
For example, the common name María breaks down into the following syllables: Ma-rí-a. Since it has an accent mark on the second-to-last syllable, we know it’s a palabra grave. But wait, didn’t palabras graves go with an accent mark only if they end in a consonant other than n or s? That’s true! But, because a closed vowel (i) comes before an open vowel (a), and we want to emphasize the sound of the closed vowel, then we need to put an accent mark over it to make the emphasis clear.
| Hiatus | Pronunciation | Examples |
| aí | ah-e | Caída, maíz, país, distraído |
| aú | ah-oo | Raúl, baúl, ataúd |
| oí | oh-e | Oído, Eloísa, oír |
| eí | eh-e | Cafeína, leído, creído |
| eú | eh-oo | Reúno, anteúltima, Bernabéu |
| ía | e-ah | Batería, biografía, dormía |
| íe | e-eh | Sonríe, fríe, deslíe |
| ío | e-oh | Río, hastío, baldío |
| úa | oo-ah | Púa, reditúan, actúan |
| úe | oo-eh | Licúe, adecúe, evalúe |
| úo | oo-oh | Evalúo, búho, licúo |
| ae | ah-eh | Acaecida, hexaedro, aéreos |
| ao | ah-o | Caos, Laos, Palaos |
| aa | ah-ah | Isaac, Bahamas, Abraham |
| ea | eh-ah | Marea, abofetear, aldea, teatro |
| eo | eh-oh | Apogeo, peón, deseo, peor |
| ee | eh-eh | Creer, poseer, proveer, leer |
| oa | oh-ah | Toalla, boa, loable, coartada |
| oe | oh-eh | Corroe, poeta, peón, coexistir |
| oo | oh-oh | Cooperar, coordinar, zoológico |
| ii | e-e | Chiita, priismo, tiito |
Some topics are much more easily understood with a video, and this is one of them. In fact, a simple Spanish vowel song could be the best way to help you learn the correct pronunciation of each of the five vowels. The science is pretty clear, and using music to learn a language is a great move!
The above video from Jack Hartmann is a fun and catchy Spanish vowel song with fun visuals. If you’re looking for something engaging and entertaining, this one’s for you!
If you want a Spanish vowel song that is a bit more straightforward and full of great examples, then the video above is exactly what you’re looking for. With plenty of sample words and sentences for each of the vowels, you’ll have no problem remembering how to pronounce each of the five vowels after singing along a couple of times!
As a Spanish learner, one of the most important things to tackle will be vowel pronunciation. Whether you’ve been learning Spanish for a while now or are just getting started, making sure you can nail the pronunciation of each vowel and diphthong (and triphthong!) will be a crucial part of your journey forward.
If you’re still struggling with getting the pronunciation just right, the following five tips for nailing the pronunciation of the vowels in Spanish will help you get better.
![\"Quick](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt7206c1b25d7e1a1d/641008dd8f134b10597de5ef/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-927022.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Languages like English and French change the pronunciation of vowels depending on their placement within a word and the surrounding letters. That’s not the case with Spanish. Save for a few very specific situations, all vowels in Spanish are pronounced exactly the same every time. This is great news for learners, as you only have to worry about learning one pronunciation for each vowel!
English is a repeat offender of extending the sounds of vowels and other letters. For example, take the word “no” in English. Its phonetic pronunciation (ˈnoʊ) shows that there is a “ʊ” sound after the “o,” making it sound almost like you’re saying “no-uh” instead of a dry “noh.” Compare that to the Spanish pronunciation of “no” (ˈno) and you’ll see that Spanish vowels are completely dry and don’t carry any additional sounds beyond the vowel itself.
While accent marks don’t change the sound of a vowel per se, they do change the emphasized syllable of the word. This can be crucial and making sure you pronounce the stressed syllable correctly can save you from plenty of confusion. A good example of this is the case of “papá” (dad) and “papa” (potato). Although people will probably be able to figure out whether you’re talking about your dad or your potato from the context, this is a potentially embarrassing mistake that you can easily avoid!
Mixing up the E and I sounds in Spanish is one of the most common mistakes native English speakers make. That’s because the Spanish I sounds like the English E, making it easy to get the two sounds mixed up.
A good tip to keep the two of them separate is to remember that Spanish vowels always make the same sound in Spanish no matter what, so pick one word with E and one word with I in Spanish and use them as references. For example, you can pick “España” and use the “E” in there any time you forget how to pronounce any word with an E in Spanish.
As you now know, diphthongs aren’t much more difficult to pronounce than individual vowels. However, you do have to say two vowels one after another very quickly, which might make it difficult if you’re still getting comfortable with individual vowels. Try not to stress too much about getting the diphthongs just right at the beginning. Take your time working through them, and you’ll naturally start saying them faster!
The only way to prepare for those times when you can’t buy a vowel is to do the work ahead of time. After all, you never know when you’re going to run into a Spanish tongue twister! And while learning the Spanish vowels isn’t hard, it can have a huge payoff. So, why not spend the time now and get ahead of the curve?
Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an intermediate Spanish speaker, perfecting your vowels is sure to pay off. And if you’ve already got all five vowels (plus diphthongs and triphthongs!) under your belt, then you might want to head on over to our Spanish blog for something more challenging. Perhaps test your grammar knowledge with our guides to possessive adjectives or our guide with over 150 Spanish adjectives? Choose any topic you’d like and improve your Spanish today!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Spanish tongue twisters","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"55 easy & hard Spanish tongue twisters that'll give you a laugh","url":"/blog/hard-easy-spanish-tongue-twisters","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltf50c7c97d3d40fa6/6410121bc448032f744a941a/Spanish_tongue_twisters.jpg"},"post_content":"Indeed, learning tongue twisters can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a great way to work on improving your Spanish pronunciation. If you’re a native English speaker, it’ll probably take some time to nail your pronunciation — particularly with the Spanish vowels. So, that’s why we’re giving you one more tool to improve your Spanish pronunciation!
Plus, tongue twisters are often as ridiculous as they are challenging to say. You’d be surprised at the lengths people will go to make clever tongue twisters that will blow your mind!
In this handy guide, we’ll walk you through everything you’ll need to handle your first (and 55th!) Spanish tongue twister. From the science behind tongue twisters to tongue twister videos and tips for learning them, your Spanish pronunciation skills will be unstoppable when you’re done with this article.
Before we jump into all the fun tongue twisters, let’s start by going over how to say tongue twister in Spanish: trabalenguas (trah-bah-lehn-goo-as). As you may have noticed, this is a compound word made of traba (trah-bah), which means “stuck,” and lenguas (lehn-goo-as), which means “tongues.” Makes sense!
Although tongue twisters can be pretty controversial study techniques, the science is pretty clear on their effectiveness for foreign language learners. A 2023 study found that tongue twisters are effective at improving pronunciation overall — not just for tongue twisters.
A different study found that tongue twisters also cultivate an enjoyable learning environment. Even if it didn’t actually improve your pronunciation, spending some time practicing tongue twisters is a fun way to interact with Spanish. Remember that it’s always easier to stick to your study routine if you enjoy it!
Here are some of the most challenging tongue twisters in Spanish. We’ve broken them up into three categories: easy, intermediate, and hardest. That way, you can find an adequate place to start! But don’t feel discouraged from looking at the hardest tongue twisters. Even if you’re still a beginner at Spanish, you might get a kick out of them, and it’s good to try them to build your confidence in pronunciation, even to have a laugh.
![\"Woman](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltea0781448de7f633/641012c5254351108d4f64fd/pexels-karolina-grabowska-7679639.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Calling these the easy tongue twisters might not be the most appropriate since they’re all pretty challenging — even for native speakers. However, they are the easiest of all tongue twisters for beginners. Remember that tongue twisters are difficult by definition, so don’t feel discouraged if you feel challenged by some of them!
| Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA | English |
| Pancha plancha con cuatro planchas. ¿Con cuántas planchas Pancha plancha? | pahn-cha plahn-cha cohn coo-ah-troh plahn-chas. cohn coo-ahn-tass plahn-chas pahn-cha plahn-cha | ˈpanʧa ˈplanʧa kon ˈkwatɾo ˈplanʧas ‖ kon ˈkwantas ˈplanʧas ˈpanʧa ˈplanʧa ‖ | Pancha irons with four irons. With how many irons does Pancha iron? |
| Cuando cuentes cuentos, cuenta cuantos cuentos cuentas, cuando cuentes cuentos. | coo-ahn-doe coo-ehn-tess coo-ehn-toes, coo-ehn-tah coo-ahn-toes coo-ehn-toes coo-ehn-tass, coo-ahn-doe coo-ehn-tess coo-ehn-toes | ˈkwando ˈkwentes ˈkwentos | ˈkwenta ˈkwantos ˈkwentos ˈkwentas | ˈkwando ˈkwentes ˈkwentos ‖ | When you tell stories, count how many stories you count, when you tell stories. |
| Compré pocas copas, pocas copas compré y como compré pocas copas, pocas copas pagué. | com-preh poh-cahs co-pas, poh-cas co-pas com-preh y co-mo com-preh poh-cas co-pas, poh-cas co-pas pa-geh | komˈpɾe ˈpokas ˈkopas | ˈpokas ˈkopas komˈpɾe j ˈkomo komˈpɾe ˈpokas ˈkopas | ˈpokas ˈkopas paˈɣe ‖ | I bought a few drinks, I bought a few drinks and since I bought a few drinks, I paid for a few drinks. |
| Yo lloro si lloras, si lloras yo lloro. Tu llanto es mi llanto; y tu llanto, mi lloro. Si tu ya no lloras, tampoco yo lloro. | yo yoh-roe see too yoh-rahs, see yoh-rahs yo yoh-roe. too yahn-toe ess me yahn-toe; e too yahn-toe, me yoh-roe. see too ya no yoh-rahs, tam-poe-coe yo yoh-roe | ˈʝo ˈʎoɾo si ˈʎoɾas | si ˈʎoɾaz ˈʝo ˈʎoɾo ‖ tu ˈʎanto ˈez mi ˈʎanto | i tu ˈʎanto | mi ˈʎoɾo ‖ si tu ʝa ˈno ˈʎoɾas | tamˈpoko ˈʝo ˈʎoɾo ‖ | I cry if you cry, if you cry I cry. Your crying is my crying; and your crying, my crying. If you don't cry anymore, I don't cry either. |
| Camarón, caramelo. Caramelo, camarón.Camarón, caramelo. Caramelo, camarón. | cah-mah-ron, cah-rah-meh-lo. cah-mah-ron, cah-rah-meh-lo. cah-mah-ron, cah-rah-meh-lo. cah-mah-ron, cah-rah-meh-lo | kamaˈɾon | kaɾaˈmelo ‖ kaɾaˈmelo | kamaˈɾon ‖ kamaˈɾon | kaɾaˈmelo ‖ kaɾaˈmelo | kamaˈɾon ‖ | Shrimp, caramel. Caramel, shrimp.Shrimp, caramel. Caramel, shrimp. |
| Si tu gusto no gusta con el gusto que gusta mi gusto, qué disgusto tiene mi gusto al saber que tu gusto no gusta con el gusto que gusta mi gusto. | see too goose-toe no goose-tah cohn elle goose-toe keh goose-tah me goose-toe, keh dees-goose-toe tee-eh-neh me goose-toe ahl sah-bear keh too goose-toe no goose-tah cohn elle goose-toe keh goose-tah me goose-toe | si tu ˈɣusto ˈno ˈɣusta kon el ˈɣusto ˈke ˈɣusta mi ˈɣusto | ˈke ðizˈɣusto ˈtjene mi ˈɣusto al saˈβeɾ ˈke tu ˈɣusto ˈno ˈɣusta kon el ˈɣusto ˈke ˈɣusta mi ˈɣusto ‖ | If your taste does not please with the taste that my taste pleases with, what disgust my taste has to know that your taste does not please with the taste that my taste pleases with. |
| Pepe Pecas pica papas con un pico, con un pico pica papas Pepe Pecas | peh-peh peh-cas pee-ca pa-pas cohn oon pee-co, cohn oon pee-co pee-ca pa-pas peh-peh peh-cas | ˈpepe ˈpekas ˈpika ˈpapas kon um ˈpiko | kon um ˈpiko ˈpika ˈpapas ˈpepe ˈpekas | Pepe freckles dices potatoes with a spike, with a spike dices potatoes Pepe freckles. |
| ¿Cómo quieres que te quiera si quien quiero que me quiera no me quiere como quiero que me quiera? | ko-mo key-air-ehs kay teh key-air-ah see key-ehn key-air-oh keh meh key-air-ah no meh key-air-eh ko-mo key-air-oh keh meh key-air-ah | ˈkomo ˈkjeɾes ˈke te ˈkjeɾa si ˈkjen ˈkjeɾo ˈke me ˈkjeɾa ˈno me ˈkjeɾe ˈkomo ˈkjeɾo ˈke me ˈkjeɾa ‖ | How do you want me to want you if whom I want to want me doesn’t want me the way I want them to want me? |
| Papá pone pan para Pepín. Para Pepín pone pan papá. | pah-pah poe-neh pan pah-rah peh-peen. pah-rah peh-peen poe-neh pan pah-pah | paˈpa ˈpone ˈpam ˈpaɾa peˈpin ‖ ˈpaɾa peˈpim ˈpone ˈpam paˈpa ‖ | Dad puts out bread for Pepín. For Pepín dad puts out bread. |
| Hoy ya es ayer y ayer ya es hoy, ya llegó el día, y hoy es hoy. | oy ya ehs ah-yehr e ah-yehr ya ehs oy, ya yeh-go elle dee-ah, e oy ehs oy | ˈoj ʝa ˈes aˈʝeɾ j aˈʝeɾ ʝa ˈes ˈoj | ʝa ʎeˈɣo el ˈdia | j ˈoj ˈes ˈoj ‖ | Today is already yesterday and yesterday is already today, the day has arrived, and today is today. |
| Pedro Pérez Pereira, pobre pintor portugués, pinta pinturas por poca plata, para pasear por Portugal. | peh-dro peh-res peh-ray-ra, po-breh peen-tore pore-too-gehs, peen-ta peen-too-ras pore po-ca pla-tah, pa-rah pah-seh-are pore pore-too-gall | ˈpeðɾo ˈpeɾeθ peˈɾejɾa | ˈpoβɾe pinˈtoɾ poɾtuˈɣes | ˈpinta pinˈtuɾas poɾ ˈpoka ˈplata | ˈpaɾa paseˈaɾ poɾ poɾtuˈɣal ‖ | Pedro Pérez Pereira, poor Portuguese painter, paints painting for little money, to travel around Portugal. |
| De generación en generación las generaciones se degeneran con mayor degeneración. | deh heh-neh-rah-see-ohn ehn heh-neh-rah-see-ohn las heh-neh-rah-see-oh-ness seh deh-heh-neh-rahn con mah-yore deh-heh-neh-rah-see-ohn | de xeneɾaˈθjon en xeneɾaˈθjon las xeneɾaˈθjones se ðexeˈneɾan kom maˈʝoɾ ðexeneɾaˈθjon ‖ | From generation to generation, the generations degenerate with greater degeneration. |
| Si yo como como como, y tu comes como comes, ¿Cómo comes como como si yo como como comes? | see yo co-moe co-moe co-moe, e too co-mess co-moe co-mess, co-moe co-moe co-moe co-moe see yo co-moe co-moe co-mess | si ˈʝo ˈkomo ˈkomo ˈkomo | i tu ˈkomes ˈkomo ˈkomes | ˈkomo ˈkomes ˈkomo ˈkomo si ˈʝo ˈkomo ˈkomo ˈkomes ‖ | If I eat the way I eat, and you eat the way you eat, how do you eat the way I eat if I eat the way you eat? |
| Aviso al público de la república que el agua pública se va a acabar, para que el público de la república tenga agua pública para tomar. | ah-vee-so all poo-blee-coe deh la reh-poo-blee-cah keh elle ah-goo-ah poo-blee-cah seh vah ah ah-ca-bar, pah-rah keh elle poo-blee-coe deh la reh-poo-blee-cah ten-gah ah-goo-ah pah-rah toe-mar | aˈβiso al ˈpuβliko ðe la reˈpuβlika ˈke el ˈaɣwa ˈpuβlika se ˈβa a akaˈβaɾ | ˈpaɾa ˈke el ˈpuβliko ðe la reˈpuβlika ˈtenɡa ˈaɣwa ˈpuβlika ˈpaɾa toˈmaɾ ‖ | Announcement for the public of the republic that public water will run out, so that the public of the republic has public water to drink. |
| Pablito clavó un clavito en la calva de un calvito. En la calva de un calvito un clavito clavó Pablito. | pa-blee-toe cla-vo oon cla-vee-toe ehn la cal-va deh oon cla-vee-toe. ehn la cal-vah deh oon cal-vee-toe cla-vee-toe cla-vo pah-blee-toe | paˈβlito klaˈβo wn klaˈβito en la ˈkalβa ðe wn kalˈβito ‖ en la ˈkalβa ðe wn kalˈβito wn klaˈβito klaˈβo paˈβlito ‖ | Pablito nailed a nail on the bald head of a bald person. On the bald head of a bald person Pablito nailed a nail. |
| Juan junta juncos junto a la zanja | who-ahn hoon-tah hoon-coss hoon-toe ah la zan-hah | ˈxwan ˈxunta ˈxunkos ˈxunto a la ˈθanxa | Juan gathers trash next to the ditch. |
| Si Sara se casa con la casaca que saca paca, ni se casa Sara, ni saca la casaca paca de la saca. | see sah-rah seh ca-sah con la cah-sah-cah keh sah-cah pah-ca, nee seh ca-sah sah-rah, nee sah-cah la cah-sah-cah pah-cah deh la sah-cah | si ˈsaɾa se ˈkasa kon la kaˈsaka ˈke ˈsaka ˈpaka | ni se ˈkasa ˈsaɾa | ni ˈsaka la kaˈsaka ˈpaka ðe la ˈsaka ‖ | If Sara got married with the coat that makes bale, neither Sara nor the coat that makes bale are getting married. |
| No me mires, que miran que nos miramos. Miremos la manera de no mirarnos. Mira, no nos miremos. Y cuando no nos miren, nos miraremos. | no meh mee-ress, keh mee-ran keh nos mee-ra-moss. mee-reh-moss la mah-neh-rah deh no mee-rar-noss. mee-rah, noh noss me-reh-mos. e coo-ahn-doe no noss me-rehn, noss me-rah-moss. | ˈno me ˈmiɾes | ˈke ˈmiɾan ˈke noz miˈɾamos ‖ miˈɾemoz la maˈneɾa ðe ˈno miˈɾaɾnos ‖ ˈmiɾa | ˈno noz miˈɾemos ‖ i ˈkwando ˈno noz ˈmiɾen | noz miɾaˈɾemos ‖ | Don’t look at me, a people are looking at us for looking at each other. Let’s look for a way to not look at each other. Look, we’re not looking. And when they’re not looking at us, we can look at each other. |
| El amor es una locura que solo el cura lo cura, pero el cura que lo cura comete una gran locura. | elle ah-moor ehs oo-nah lo-coo-rah keh so-lo elle coo-rah lo coo-rah, peh-ro elle coo-rah keh lo coo-rah co-meh-teh oo-nah grahn lo-coo-rah | el aˈmoɾ ˈes ˈuna loˈkuɾa ˈke ˈsolo el ˈkuɾa lo ˈkuɾa | ˈpeɾo el ˈkuɾa ˈke lo ˈkuɾa koˈmete ˈuna ˈɣɾan loˈkuɾa ‖ | Love is a crazy thing that only a priest can cure, but a priest that cures it committs a crazy act. |
| La pelota bota, bota en la bota de Carlota. ¡Quita la bota Carlota que la pelota bota! | la peh-lo-tah bo-tah, bo-tah ehn la bo-tah deh car-lo-tah. key-tah la bo-tah car-lo-tah keh la peh-lo-tah bo-tah | la peˈlota ˈβota | ˈbota en la ˈβota ðe kaɾˈlota ‖ ˈkita la ˈβota kaɾˈlota ˈke la peˈlota ˈβota ‖ | The ball bounces, it bounces on Carlota’s boot. Remove the boot Carlota cause the ball bounces! |
| Poquito a poquito Paquito empaca poquitas copitas en pocos paquetes. | po-key-toe ah po-key-toe pa-key-toe em-pa-cah po-key-tass co-pee-tass ehn po-coss pah-keh-tess | pokejˈtoe ˈa pokejˈtoe pakejˈtoe emˈpaka poˈkejtass kopeˈetass ˈem ˈpokoss paˈketess | Little by little, little Paquito packs little cups in few packages. |
If you’re already studying intermediate Spanish, here are some fun and extra challenging Spanish tongue twisters. These will help you work on certain tricky Spanish sounds, like the rolled R and the Ñ. See if you can say them all out loud!
| Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA | English |
| Tres tristes tigres tragaban trigo en un trigal. | trehs trees-tehss tee-gress trah-gah-bahn tree-go ehn oon tree-gal | ˈtɾes ˈtɾistes ˈtiɣɾes tɾaˈɣaβan ˈtɾiɣo en un tɾiˈɣal ‖ | Three sad tigers swallowed wheat in a wheat field. |
| La araña con maña amaña la laña. La araña con maña es una tacaña. | la ah-rah-nyah con mah-nyah ah-mah-nyah la lah-nyah. la ah-rah-nyah con mah-nyah ess oo-nah ta-cah-nyah | la aˈɾaɲa kom ˈmaɲa aˈmaɲa la ˈlaɲa ‖ la aˈɾaɲa kom ˈmaɲa ˈes ˈuna taˈkaɲa ‖ | The spider with skill rigs the rod. The crafty spider is stingy. |
| Saca las cosas del saco de casa, le dijo el sapo a la sapa Tomasa, las cosas del saco no las sacaré, que la casa es mía y el saco también. | sa-cah las co-sahs dell sa-coe deh ca-sah, le dee-ho elle sa-po ah la sa-pah toe-ma-sa, las co-sas dell sa-co no las sa-cah-reh, keh la ca-sah ess me-ah e elle sa-coe tam-bee-ehn. | ˈsaka las ˈkosaz ˈðeʎ saˈkoe ˈðe ˈkasa | le ðeˈeo ˈeʎe ˈsapo ˈa la ˈsapa toeˈmasa | las ˈkosaz ˈðeʎ ˈsako ˈno las saˈkaɾe | ˈke la ˈkasa ˈesz ˈmea ˈe ˈeʎe saˈkoe tambeˈeen ‖ | Take out the stuff from the house coat, said the toad to the toad Tomasa, the things from the coat I won’t take out, because the house is mine and so is the coat. |
| El perro de Rita me irrita, dile a Rita que cambie el perro por una perrita. | elle peh-ro deh ree-ta meh e-ree-tah, dee-leh ah ree-tah keh cam-bee-eh elle peh-ro pore oo-na peh-ree-tah | ˈeʎe ˈpeɾo ˈðe reˈeta ˈme eɾeˈeta | deˈele ˈa reˈeta ˈke kambeˈee ˈeʎe ˈpeɾo ˈpoɾe oˈona peɾeˈeta | Rita’s dog irritates me, tell Rita that I will change the little male dog for a little female dog. |
| Un dragón tragón tragó carbón y el carbón que tragó el dragón tragón le hizo salir barrigón | oon dra-gone tra-gone tra-goh car-bon e elle car-bon keh tra-go elle dra-gone tra-gone leh ee-zo sa-leer ba-re-gone | ˈoon dɾaˈɣone tɾaˈɣone ˈtɾaɣo ˈkaɾβon ˈe ˈeʎe ˈkaɾβon ˈke ˈtɾaɣo ˈeʎe ðɾaˈɣone tɾaˈɣone ˈle eˈeθo saleˈeɾ βaɾeˈɣone | A guzzling dragon guzzled coal, and the coal that the guzzling dragon guzzled made him look bloated. |
| Un zapatero zambo, zapateaba zapateados de zapata, de zapata zapateaba zapateados un zapatero zambo. | oon za-pa-teh-ro zam-bo, za-pa-teh-ah-bah za-pah-teh-ah-dos deh za-pa-tah, deh za-pa-tah za-pa-teh-ah-bah za-pa-teh-ah-dos oon za-pa-teh-ro zam-bo | ˈoon θapaˈteɾo ˈθambo | θapateˈaβa θapateˈaðoz ˈðe θaˈpata | ˈde θaˈpata θapateˈaβa θapateˈaðos ˈoon θapaˈteɾo ˈθambo | The bow-legged shoemaker tap-danced tap-dancing moves from Zapata, tap-dancing moves from Zapata tap-danced a bow-legged shoemaker. |
| Las tramas tristes teatrales, traen trabajo de arrendajo, temen tretas terrenales, tristes tramas, trastos viejos. | las tra-mas trees-tehs teh-ah-tra-less, trah-ehn tra-bah-ho deh ah-rehn-dah-ho, teh-men treh-tahs teh-reh-nah-les, trees-tess tra-mas, tras-toss vee-eh-hos. | las ˈtɾamas tɾeˈestes teaˈtɾaless | ˈtɾaen tɾaˈβao ˈðe aɾenˈdao | ˈtemen ˈtɾetas teɾeˈnales | tɾeˈestess ˈtɾamas | ˈtɾastosz βeeˈeos ‖ | The sad theatrical plots, bring about the work of a jay, fearing earthly plots, sad plots, and old junk. |
| La bruja piruja tejió mi cojín, tejiendo tejidos viajó hasta el jardín, juntó tres lentejas en un cajetín, y se hizo una sopa con mi perejil. | la broo-ha pee-roo-ha teh-heh-oh me co-heen, teh-he-ehn-doe teh-he-dos vee-ah-ho ahs-tah elle har-deen, hoon-toe tres len-teh-hahs ehn oon ca-heh-teen, e seh e-zo oo-nah soh-pah con me peh-reh-heel. | la βɾoˈoa peeɾoˈoa teˈeo me koˈeen | teeenˈdoe teˈeðoz βeeˈao ˈasta ˈeʎe aɾˈðeen | oonˈtoe ˈtɾez lenˈteas ˈen ˈoon kaeˈteen | ˈe ˈse ˈeθo oˈona ˈsopa kom me peɾeeˈel ‖ | The promiscuous witch knitted my cushion, by knitting fabrics she traveled all the way to the garden, gathered three lentils in a small box, and made herself a soup with my parsley. |
| La tribu triste tritura un triste tinte, el triste tinte que tritura la tribu triste, es el triste tinte que la triste tribu trituró. | La tree-boo trees-teh tree-too-rah oon trees-teh teen-teh, elle trees-teh teen-teh keh tree-too-rah la tree-boo trees-teh es elle trees-teh teen-teh keh la trees-teh tree-boo tree-too-roh | la tɾeeˈβoo tɾeˈeste tɾeetoˈoɾa ˈoon tɾeˈeste teˈente | ˈeʎe tɾeˈeste teˈente ˈke tɾeetoˈoɾa la tɾeeˈβoo tɾeˈeste ˈes ˈeʎe tɾeˈeste teˈente ˈke la tɾeˈeste tɾeeˈβoo tɾeetoˈoɾo | The sad tribe tortures a sad dye, the sad dye that’s being tortured by the sad tribe, is the sad dye that the sad tribe tortured. |
| Mariana Magaña desenmarañará mañana la maraña que enmarañara Mariana Magaña. | ma-ree-ah-nah ma-gah-nyah des-ehn-ma-rah-nyah-rah mah-nyah-nah la mah-rah-nyah keh ehn-ma-rah-nyah-rah ma-ree-ah-nah mah-gah-nyah | maˈɾjana maˈɣaɲa ðesemmaɾaɲaˈɾa maˈɲana la maˈɾaɲa ˈke emmaɾaˈɲaɾa maˈɾjana maˈɣaɲa ‖ | Mariana Magaña will untangle tomorrow the tangle that will be untangled by Mariana Magaña. |
| Juan tuvo un tubo, y el tubo que tuvo se le rompió, y para recuperar el tubo que tuvo, tuvo que comprar un tubo igual al tubo que tuvo y rompió. | who-ahn too-vo oon too-bo, e elle too-bo keh too-vo seh leh rom-pee-oh, e pa-rah reh-coo-peh-rar elle too-bo keh too-vo, too-vo keh com-prar oon too-bo e-goo-all al too-bo keh too-vo e rom-pee-oh | ˈxwan ˈtuβo wn ˈtuβo | j el ˈtuβo ˈke ˈtuβo se le romˈpjo | i ˈpaɾa rekupeˈɾaɾ el ˈtuβo ˈke ˈtuβo | ˈtuβo ˈke komˈpɾaɾ un ˈtuβo jˈɣwal al ˈtuβo ˈke ˈtuβo j romˈpjo ‖ | Juan had a pipe, and the pipe that he had broke, and to replace the pipe that he had, he had to buy a pipe just as the pipe that he had that broke. |
| Filo, filo, filo, corta el hilo, hilo, hilo, hilo, corre y dilo, dilo, dilo, dilo, que vigilo, corre, vigila y dilo, que el filo cortó el hilo. | fee-lo, fee-lo, fee-lo, core-tah elle e-lo, e-lo, e-lo, e-lo core-eh e dee-lo, dee-lo, dee-lo, dee-lo, keh ve-he-lo, co-reh, ve-he-la e dee-lo, keh elle fee-lo core-toe elle e-lo | ˈfilo | ˈfilo | ˈfilo | ˈkoɾta el ˈilo | ˈilo | ˈilo | ˈilo | ˈkore j ˈðilo | ˈdilo | ˈdilo | ˈdilo | ˈke βiˈxilo | ˈkore | biˈxila j ˈðilo | ˈke el ˈfilo koɾˈto el ˈilo ‖ | Edge, edge, edge, cut the thread, thread, thread, thread run and say it, say it, say it, say it that I stay vigilant, run and stay vigilant and say it, that the edge cut the thread. |
| Treinta y tres tramos de troncos trozaron tres tristes trozadores de troncos y triplicaron su trabajo de trozar troncos y troncos. | train-tah e trehs tra-mos deh tron-coss tro-sah-rohn trehs trees-tess tro-sah-door-ess deh tron-coss e tree-plee-cah-rohn soo trah-bah-ho deh troh-sar tron-coss e tron-coss | ˈtɾejnta j ˈtɾes ˈtɾamoz ðe ˈtɾonkos tɾoˈθaɾon ˈtɾes ˈtɾistes tɾoθaˈðoɾez ðe ˈtɾonkos i tɾipliˈkaɾon su tɾaˈβaxo ðe tɾoˈθaɾ ˈtɾonkos i ˈtɾonkos ‖ | Thirty three traces of trunks cut through three sad trunk cutters and tripled their work of cutting trunks and trunks. |
| Quiero y no quiero querer a quien no queriendo quiero. He querido sin querer y estoy sin querer queriendo. Si por mucho que te quiero, quieres que te quiera más, te quiero más que me quieres. ¿Qué más quieres? ¿Quieres más? | key-air-oh e no key-air-oh keh-rehr ah key-ehn no keh-ree-ehn-doe key-air-oh. eh keh-ree-doe seen keh-rehr e es-toy seen keh-rehr keh-ree-ehn-doe. see pore moo-cho keh teh key-air-oh, key-air-ehs keh teh key-air-ah mas, teh key-air-oh mas keh meh key-air-ehs. keh mas key-air-ehs? key-air-ehs mas? | ˈkjeɾo j ˈno ˈkjeɾo keˈɾeɾ a ˈkjen ˈno keˈɾjendo ˈkjeɾo ‖ ˈe keˈɾiðo sin keˈɾeɾ j esˈtoj sin keˈɾeɾ keˈɾjendo ‖ si poɾ ˈmuʧo ˈke te ˈkjeɾo | ˈkjeɾes ˈke te ˈkjeɾa ˈmas | te ˈkjeɾo ˈmas ˈke me ˈkjeɾes ‖ ˈke ˈmas ˈkjeɾes ‖ ˈkjeɾez ˈmas ‖ | I want to and also don’t want to want who I wishfully want. I’ve wanted without wanting and am wanting without wanting to. Even as much as I want you, if you want me to want you more, I already want you more than you want me. What else you want from me? Do you want more? |
| Teodoro el Moro con su oro, compró un loro. Por eso el loro de Teodoro es un loro moro con oro. Al loro y a Teodoro imploro que sean moros con decoro. | teh-oh-doe-ro elle mo-roe con soo oh-roe, com-pro oon loh-roh. pore eh-so elle loh-roh deh teh-oh-doe-ro ess oon loh-roh mo-roe con oh-roe. all lo-roe e ah teh-oh-doh-roe eem-plo-roe keh seh-ahn mo-roes con deh-coh-roe. | teoˈðoɾo el ˈmoɾo kon sw ˈoɾo | komˈpɾo wn ˈloɾo ‖ poɾ ˈeso el ˈloɾo ðe teoˈðoɾo ˈes un ˈloɾo ˈmoɾo kon ˈoɾo ‖ al ˈloɾo j a teoˈðoɾo jmˈploɾo ˈke ˈseam ˈmoɾos kon deˈkoɾo ‖ | Theodore the Moor with his gold, bought a parrot. That’s why Theodore’s parrot is a parrot with a Moor with gold. To both the parrot and Theodore I implore to be Moors with decorum. |
| Un burro comía berros y el perro se los robó. El burro lanzó un rebuzno y el perro al barro cayó. | oon boo-roe co-me-ah beh-ross e elle peh-ro seh los ro-boh. elle boo--ro lan-so oon reh-boos-nah-so e elle peh-ro all bah-ro cah-yo | um ˈburo koˈmia ˈβeros j el ˈpero se loz roˈβo ‖ el ˈβuro lanˈθo wn reˈβuðno j el ˈpero al ˈβaro kaˈʝo ‖ | A donkey was eating watercress and the dog stole them from him. The donkey started braying and the dog fell down into the watercress. |
| Esteban es escalador, escala y escala. Esteban el escalador, de tanto escalar, en una cima quedó. | ess-teh-ban ehs ehs-ca-la-door ehs-cah-lah e ehs-cah-lah. ehs-teh-bahn elle ehs-cah-lah-door, deh tahn-toe ehs-cah-lar, ehn oo-nah see-mah keh-doe | esˈteβan ˈes eskalaˈðoɾ | esˈkala j esˈkala | esˈteβan el eskalaˈðoɾ | de ˈtanto eskaˈlaɾ | en ˈuna ˈθima keˈðo ‖ | Esteban is a scaler, he scales and scales. From scaling so much, he ended up on a summit. |
| La sucesión sucesiva de sucesos sucede sucesivamente con la sucesión del tiempo. | la soo-seh-see-ohn soo-seh-see-vah deh soo-seh-sos soo-seh-deh soo-seh-see-vah-mehn-teh con la soo-seh-see-ohn dell tee-ehm-poe | la suθeˈsjon suθeˈsiβa ðe suˈθesos suˈθeðe suθesiβaˈmente kon la suθeˈsjon del ˈtjempo ‖ | The successive succession of events takes place in succession with the succession of time. |
| Amador está adormecido, ¿quién lo desadormecerá? El desadormecedor que lo desadormezca, buen desadormecedor será. | ah-mah-door ehs-tah ah-door-meh-see-doe, key-ehn lo des-ah-door-meh-seh-rah | amaˈðoɾ esˈta aðoɾmeˈθiðo | ˈkjen lo ðesaðoɾmeθeˈɾa ‖ el desaðoɾmeθeˈðoɾ ˈke lo ðesaðoɾˈmeθka | ˈbwen desaðoɾmeθeˈðoɾ seˈɾa ‖ | Amador is sleepy, who will make him unsleepy? Whoever can make him unsleepy will be a good at making people unsleepy. |
Even if you’re already an advanced Spanish speaker, there are plenty of challenging tongue twisters for your level. Even native speakers will struggle with these, so give yourself a pat on the back for giving any of these a shot!
| Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA | English |
| Erre con erre cigarro, erre con erre barril. Rápido corren los carros cargados de azúcar del ferrocarril. | eh-reh cohn eh-reh see-gah-roe, eh-reh cohn eh-reh bah-reel. rah-pee-doe coh-rehn los cah-roes car-gah-doss deh ah-zoo-car dell feh-roe-cah-reel | ˈere kon ˈere θiˈɣaro | ˈere kon ˈere βaˈril ‖ ˈrapiðo ˈkoren los ˈkaros kaɾˈɣaðoz ðe aˈθukaɾ ðel ferokaˈril ‖ | R with R cigar, R with R barrel. The railroad cars loaded with sugar run fast. |
| Al rey de Parangaricutirimícuaro lo quieren desparangaricutirimicuarizar. El que logre desparangaricutirimicuarizarlo un buen desparangaricutirimicuatizador será. | ahl ray deh pah-rahn-gah-ree-coo-tee-ree-me-coo-ah-roe lo key-air-ehn dess-pah-rahn-gah-ree-coo-tee-ree-me-coo-ah-re-zar. elle keh loh-greh dess-pah-rahn-gah-ree-coo-tee-ree-me-coo-ah-re-zar-lo oon boo-ehn dess-pah-rahn-gah-ree-coo-tee-ree-me-coo-ah-door seh-rah | al ˈrej ðe paɾanɡaɾikutiɾiˈmikwaɾo lo ˈkjeɾen despaɾanɡaɾikutiɾimikwaɾiˈθaɾ ‖ el ˈke ˈloɣɾe ðespaɾanɡaɾikutiɾimikwaɾiˈθaɾlo wm ˈbwen despaɾanɡaɾikutiɾimikwatiθaˈðoɾ seˈɾa ‖ | They want to desparangaricutirimicuaro to the king of Parangaricutirimicuaro. Whoever manages to deparangaricutirimiquarize him will be a good deparangaricutirimiquatizer. |
| Tengo una gallina pinta pipiripinta gorda pipirigorda pipiripintiva y sorda que tiene tres pollitos pintos pipiripintos gordos pipirigordos pipiripintivos y sordos. Si la gallina no hubiera sido pinta pipiripinta gorda pipirigorda pipiripintiva y sorda, los pollitos no hubieran sido pintos pipiripintos gordos pipirigordos pipiripintivos y sordos. | ten-go oo-nah gah-yee-nah peen-tah pee-pee-ree-peen-tah gore-dah pee-pee-ree-gore-dah pee-pee-ree-peen-tee-va e sore-dah keh tee-eh-neh trehs po-yee-toss peen-toss pee-pee-ree-peen-toss gore-doss pee-pee-ree-gore-doss pee-pee-ree-peen-tee-vos e sore-dos. see la gah-yee-nah no ooh-vee-air-ah see-doe peen-tah pee-pee-ree-peen-tah gore-dah pee-pee-ree-gore-dah pee-pee-ree-peen-tee-vah e sore-dah, los po-yee-toss no ooh-vee-air-ahn see-doe peen-toss pee-pee-ree-peen-toss gore-doss pee-pee-ree-gore-doss pee-pee-ree-peen-tee-voss e sore-doss | ˈtenɡo ˈuna ɣaˈʎina ˈpinta pipiɾiˈpinta ˈɣoɾða pipiɾiˈɣoɾða pipiɾipinˈtiβa j ˈsoɾða ˈke ˈtjene ˈtɾes poˈʎitos ˈpintos pipiɾiˈpintoz ˈɣoɾðos pipiɾiˈɣoɾðos pipiɾipinˈtiβos i ˈsoɾðos ‖ si la ɣaˈʎina ˈno wˈβjeɾa ˈsiðo ˈpinta pipiɾiˈpinta ˈɣoɾða pipiɾiˈɣoɾða pipiɾipinˈtiβa j ˈsoɾða | los poˈʎitoz ˈno wˈβjeɾan ˈsiðo ˈpintos pipiɾiˈpintoz ˈɣoɾðos pipiɾiˈɣoɾðos pipiɾipinˈtiβos i ˈsoɾðos ‖ | I have a spotted pipirispotted fat pipirifat pipirispotted and deaf chicken that has three spotted pipirispotted fat pipirifat pipirispotted and deaf chicks. If the chicken hadn’t been spotted pipirispotted fat pipirifat pipirispotted and deaf, then the chicks wouldn’t have been spotted pipirispotted fat pipirifat pipirispotted and deaf. |
| El otorrinolaringólogo se quiere desotorrinolaringolizar, el que lo desotorrinolaringolize, buen desotorrinolaringolizador será. | elle oh-toe-ree-no-ra-leen-go-lo-go seh key-air-eh dess-oh-toe-ree-no-rah-leen-go-lo-gee-zar, elle keh lo des-oh-toe-ree-no-rah-leen-go-lo-gee-zeh, boo-ehn des-oh-toe-ree-no-rah-leen-go-lo-gee-za-door seh-rah. | el otorinolaɾinˈɡoloɣo se ˈkjeɾe ðesotorinolaɾinɡoliˈθaɾ | el ˈke lo ðesotorinolaɾinɡoˈliθe | ˈbwen desotorinolaɾinɡoliθaˈðoɾ seˈɾa ‖ | The otorhinolaryngologist wants to deotorhinolaryngologize himself, whoever can deotorhinolaryngologize him will be a good deotorhinolaryngologizer. |
| El perro perra encontró pera, pero perro perra peras no come, en cambio perra perro peros no encontró para comerse la pera que perro perra dejó | elle peh-roh peh-rah ehn-con-troe peh-rah, peh-roh peh-roh peh-rah peh-ras no co-meh, ehn cam-bee-oh peh-rah peh-roh peh-ros no ehn-con-troh pah-rah co-mehr-seh la peh-rah keh peh-roh peh-rah deh-ho | el ˈpero ˈpera enkonˈtɾo ˈpeɾa | ˈpeɾo ˈpero ˈpera ˈpeɾaz ˈno ˈkome | en ˈkambjo ˈpera ˈpero ˈpeɾoz ˈno enkonˈtɾo ˈpaɾa koˈmeɾse la ˈpeɾa ˈke ˈpero ˈpera ðeˈxo | The dog dog found a pear, but the dog dog doesn’t eat pears, instead, the dog dog found no reasons not to eat the pear that dog dog left behind. |
| Me han dicho que has dicho un dicho, que han dicho que he dicho yo. El que lo ha dicho mintió; y en caso que hubiese dicho ese dicho que han dicho que he dicho yo, dicho y redicho quedó, y estará bien dicho ese dicho, que han dicho que he dicho yo. | meh ahn dee-cho keh ahs dee-cho oon dee-cho, keh ahn dee-cho keh eh dee-cho yo. elle keh lo ah dee-cho meen-tee-oh, e ehn cah-so keh ooh-bee-eh-seh dee-cho eh-seh dee-cho keh ahn dee-cho keh eh dee-cho yo, dee-cho e reh-dee-cho keh-doh ehs-tah-rah bee-ehn dee-cho eh-seh dee-cho, keh ahn dee-cho keh eh dee-cho yo. | me ˈan ˈdiʧo ˈke ˈaz ˈðiʧo wn ˈdiʧo | ˈke ˈan ˈdiʧo ˈke ˈe ˈðiʧo ˈʝo ‖ el ˈke lo ˈa ˈðiʧo minˈtjo | j en ˈkaso ˈke wˈβjese ˈðiʧo ˈese ˈðiʧo ˈke ˈan ˈdiʧo ˈke ˈe ˈðiʧo ˈʝo | ˈdiʧo j reˈðiʧo keˈðo | j estaˈɾa ˈβjen ˈdiʧo ˈese ˈðiʧo | ˈke ˈan ˈdiʧo ˈke ˈe ˈðiʧo ˈʝo ‖ | I’ve been told that you’ve told a saying, that you’ve been told that I’ve told. He who told you so lied; and in case that I had told that saying that you’ve been told that I’ve told myself, told and retold it stands, and will be well said that saying, that you’ve been told that I’ve told. |
| La bruja Maruja prepara un brebaje, con cera de abeja, dos dientes de ajo, cuarenta lentejas y un pelo de oveja. | la broo-hah mah-roo-hah preh-pah-rah oon breh-bah-heh cohn seh-rah deh ah-beh-hah, dos dee-ehn-tess deh ah-ho, coo-ah-rehn-tah len-teh-hahs e oon peh-lo deh oh-veh-hah | la ˈβɾuxa maˈɾuxa pɾeˈpaɾa wm bɾeˈβaxe | kon ˈθeɾa ðe aˈβexa | ˈdoz ˈðjentez ðe ˈaxo | kwaˈɾenta lenˈtexas j um ˈpelo ðe oˈβexa ‖ | The domestic witch prepares a disgusting beverage, with beeswax, two garlic cloves, forty lentils and a sheep’s hair. |
| La rata ingrata, ingrata rata en una lata guardó la plata y la pobre rata, por insensata, quedó sin la plata y sin la lata. | la ra-tah een-grah-tah, een-grah-tah rah-tah ehn oo-nah la-tah goo-are-doh la plah-tah e la poh-breh rah-tah, pore een-sehn-sah tah, keh-doe seen la pla-tah e seen la rah-tah. | la ˈrata jnˈɡɾata | inˈɡɾata ˈrata en ˈuna ˈlata ɣwaɾˈðo la ˈplata j la ˈpoβɾe ˈrata | poɾ insenˈsata | keˈðo sin la ˈplata j sin la ˈlata ‖ | The ingrate rat, ingrate rat in a can saved her money and the poor rat, out of foolishness, was left without the money and without the can. |
| Una caracatrepa trepa con tres caracatrepitos. Cuando la caracatrepa trepa, trepan los tres caracatrepitos. | oo-nah cah-rah-cah-treh-pah treh-pah con trehs cah-rah-cah-treh-pee-tos. coo-ahn-doe la cah-rah-cah-treh-pah treh-pah, treh-pahn los trehs cah-rah-cah-treh-pee-toss. | ˈuna kaɾakaˈtɾepa ˈtɾepa kon ˈtɾes kaɾakatɾeˈpitos ‖ ˈkwando la kaɾakaˈtɾepa ˈtɾepa | ˈtɾepan los ˈtɾes kaɾakatɾeˈpitos ‖ | A caracatrepa climbs with three little caracatrepas. When the caracatrepa clims, the little three caracatrepas also climb. |
| Buscaba el bosque Francisco, un vasco bizco, muy brusco, y al verlo le dijo un chusco, “¿Busca el bosque, vasco bizco?” | boos-cah elle boss-keh fran-sees-co, oon vas-co veez-co, mooy broos-co, e al ver-lo leh dee-ho oon choos-co, “boos-cah elle bos-keh, vas-co beez-co?” | busˈkaβa el ˈβoske fɾanˈθisko | um ˈbasko ˈβiθko | muj ˈβɾusko | j al ˈβeɾlo le ˈðixo wn ˈʧusko | ˈbuska el ˈβoske | ˈbasko ˈβiθko ‖ | Francisco, a cross-eyed Basque, was looking for the forest very abruptly, and, upon seeing it, made a jokester told him, “Are you looking for the forest, cross-eyed Basque?” |
| Niño, ñame y ñandú uña, rebaño y pequeño caño, peña, piña y ñu paño, baño, caña y leño. Dueño, peldaño, enseño, extraño, y escudriño con empeño, acompaño añiles y ensueños soñando con años muy añejos. | nee-nyoh, nyah-meh e nyahn-doo ooh-nyah, reh-bah-nyoh e peh-keh-nyoh cah-nyoh, peh-nyah, pee-nyah e nyooh pah-nyoh, bah-nyoh, cah-nyah e leh-nyoh. doo-eh-nyoh, pell-dah-nyoh, ehn-seh-nyoh, ex-trah-nyoh, e ehs-coo-dree-nyoh con em-peh-nyoh, ah-com-pah-nyoh ah-nyh-less e ehn-soo-eh-nyos soh-nyahn-doe con ah-nyoss mooy ah-nyeh-hoss. | ˈniɲo | ˈɲame j ɲanˈdu ˈuɲa | reˈβaɲo j peˈkeɲo ˈkaɲo | ˈpeɲa | ˈpiɲa j ˈɲu ˈpaɲo | ˈbaɲo | ˈkaɲa j ˈleɲo ‖ ˈdweɲo | pelˈdaɲo | enˈseɲo | eksˈtɾaɲo | j eskuˈðɾiɲo kon emˈpeɲo | akomˈpaɲo aˈɲiles j enˈsweɲos soˈɲando kon ˈaɲoz muj aˈɲexos ‖ | Child, yam and rhea, nail, stable and small, spout, grief, pineapple and wildebeest, cloth, bathroom, cane, and log. Owner, rung, teach, miss, and scrutinize with determination, accompany indigo and dreaming dreams of very well-aged years. |
| María Chuchena su choza techaba; un techador que por allí pasaba le dijo: – María Chuchena, ¿techas tu choza o techas la ajena? – No techo mi choza, ni techo la ajena; que techo la choza de María Chuchena. | mah-ree-ah choo-cheh-nah soo cho-za teh-cha-bah, oon teh-cha-door keh pore ah-yee pah-sah-bah leh dee-ho: mah-ree-ah choo-cheh-nah, teh-chas too cho-za o teh-chas lah ah-heh-nah? no teh-cho me cho-za, nee teh-cho la ah-heh-nah, keh teh-cho la cho-za deh mah-ree-ah choo-cheh-nah | maˈɾia ʧuˈʧena su ˈʧoθa teˈʧaβa | un teʧaˈðoɾ ˈke poɾ aˈʎi paˈsaβa le ˈðixo || maˈɾia ʧuˈʧena | ˈteʧas tu ˈʧoθa o ˈteʧaz la aˈxena ‖ˈno ˈteʧo mi ˈʧoθa | ni ˈteʧo la aˈxena | ˈke ˈteʧo la ˈʧoθa ðe maˈɾia ʧuˈʧena | María Chuchena was putting a roof on her shack; a roofer that was passing by asked her, – María Chuchena, are you roofing your shack or someone else’s shack? – I’m not roofing my shack, nor am I roofing someone else’s shack; I am roofing the shack of María Chuchena. |
| ¡Jamás jamé jamón y jamás lo jamaré! Gemía la monja Gema mientras jamaba jamón en Jaén. Cómo jama jamón Gema, una monja de Jaén, mientras gime: ¡yo no jamo ni jamás lo jamaré! | hah-mas hah-meh hah-mon e hah-mas lo hah-mah-reh! heh-me-ah la mon-hah heh-mah mee-ehn-tras hah-mah-bah hah-mon ehn hah-ehn. co-mo hah-mah hah-mon heh-mah, oo-nah mon-hah deh hah-ehn, mee-ehn-tras he-meh, yo no hah-mo nee hah-mahs lo hah-mah-reh | xaˈmas xaˈme xaˈmon i xaˈmaz lo xamaˈɾe ‖ xeˈmia la ˈmonxa ˈxema ˈmjentɾas xaˈmaβa xaˈmon en xaˈen ‖ ˈkomo ˈxama xaˈmon ˈxema | ˈuna ˈmonxa ðe xaˈen | ˈmjentɾas ˈxime | ˈʝo ˈno ˈxamo ni xaˈmaz lo xamaˈɾe ‖ | I’ve never hammed ham and I never will! Groaned Gema the nn as she hammed ham in Jaén. How Gema hammed ham, a nun from Jaén, as she groaned: I don’t ham and I never will! |
| Una gata ética pelética pelada peluda con el rabo lanudo, tuvo tres hijos éticos peléticos pelados peludos con el rabo lanudo. Si la gata no fuese ética pelética peluda con el rabo lanudo, los hijos no fuesen éticos peléticos pelados peludos con el rabo lanudo | oo-nah ga-tah eh-tee-kah pel-eh-tee-cah peh-la-dah peh-loo-dah con elle rah-boh lah-noo-doh, too-voh trehs e-hohs eh-tee-cos peh-leh-tee-cos peh-la-dos peh-loo-dos con elle rah-bo la-noo-doh, see la ga-tah no foo-eh-seh eh-tee-cah peh-leh-tee-cah peh-loo-dah con elle rah-boh lah-noo-doh, los e-hos no foo-eh-sehn eh-tee-cos peh-lah-dos peh-loo-dos con elle rah-boh lah-noo-doe | ˈuna ˈɣata ˈetika peˈletika peˈlaða peˈluða kon el ˈraβo laˈnuðo | ˈtuβo ˈtɾes ˈixos ˈetikos peˈletikos peˈlaðos peˈluðos kon el ˈraβo laˈnuðo | si la ˈɣata ˈno ˈfwese ˈetika peˈletika peˈluða kon el ˈraβo laˈnuðo | los ˈixoz ˈno ˈfwesen ˈetikos peˈletikos peˈlaðos peˈluðos kon el ˈraβo laˈnuðo | An ethical, peletic, bald, and furry cat with a woolly tail, had three ethical, peletic, bald, and furry kittens with woolly tails. If the cat wasn’t ethical, peletic, bald, and furry with a woolly tail, the kittens wouldn’t be ethical, peletic, bald, and furry with woolly tails. |
| En la ciudad de Pamplona hay una plaza. En la plaza hay una esquina, en la esquina hay una casa. En la casa hay una pieza. En la pieza hay una cama. En la cama hay una estera. En la estera hay una barra. En la barra hay una lora. Luego la lora a la barra, la barra a la estera, la estera a la cama, la cama a la pieza, la pieza a la casa, la casa a la esquina, la esquina a la plaza, la plaza a la ciudad de Pamplona. | ehn la see-ooh-dad deh pam-plo-nah ay oo-nah plah-za. ehn la plah-za ay oo-nah ess-key-nah, ehn la ehs-key-nah ay oo-nah cah-sah. ehn la cah-sah ay oo-nah pee-eh-za. ehn la pee-eh-za ay oo-nah cah-mah. ehn la cah-mah ay oo-nah ehs-teh-rah. ehn lah ehs-teh-rah ay oo-nah bah-rah. ehn la bah-rah ay oo-nah lo-rah. loo-eh-go la lo-rah ah la bah-rah, la bah-rah ah la ess-teh-rah, la ess-teh-rah ah la ca-mah, la ca-mah ah la pee-eh-za, la pee-eh-za ah la ca-sah, la ca-sah ah la ess-key-nah, la es-key-nah ah la see-oo-dahd deh pam-ploh-nah | en la θjuˈðað ðe pamˈplona ˈaj ˈuna ˈplaθa ‖ en la ˈplaθa ˈaj ˈuna esˈkina | en la esˈkina ˈaj ˈuna ˈkasa ‖ en la ˈkasa ˈaj ˈuna ˈpjeθa ‖ en la ˈpjeθa ˈaj ˈuna ˈkama ‖ en la ˈkama ˈaj ˈuna esˈteɾa ‖ en la esˈteɾa ˈaj ˈuna ˈβara ‖ en la ˈβara ˈaj ˈuna ˈloɾa ‖ ˈlweɣo la ˈloɾa a la ˈβara | la ˈβara a la esˈteɾa | la esˈteɾa a la ˈkama | la ˈkama a la ˈpjeθa | la ˈpjeθa a la ˈkasa | la ˈkasa a la esˈkina | la esˈkina a la ˈplaθa | la ˈplaθa a la θjuˈðað ðe pamˈplona ‖ | In the city of Pamplona there is a plaza. In that plaza there is a corner, and in that corner there is a house. In that house, there is a room. In that room, there is a bed. In that bed, there is a mat. On that mat there is a bar. On that bar, there is a parrott. Then, the parrot to the bar, the bar to the mat, the mat to the bed, the bed to the room, the room to the house, the house to the corner, the corner to the square, the square to the city of Pamplona. |
Found these too easy? You better move onto a new challenge of pronouncing the hardest words in Spanish, in that case!
Some things are far easier to explain with video or audio, and tongue twisters are definitely one of them. If you’re still looking for more help nailing the pronunciation of some of these tongue twisters, a video is exactly what you need!
If you’re serious about mastering the pronunciation of these tongue twisters, you need to watch the video above. You’ll be able to follow along an expert pronunciation with the text on screen, helping you ace that pronunciation after a couple watches (or maybe a few more!).
If you want to enjoy tongue twisters on a more casual level, then you must watch this hilarious tongue twister video. As if these tongue twisters weren’t hard enough on their own, see what happens when you add tequila to the mix!
If you don’t even know where to start with all these impressively imaginative phrases, we’ve got your back. With these Spanish tongue twister tips, you’ll find a way to say any tongue twister out loud with no problem!
Seriously. Go slow! While saying a tongue twister super fast can be great fun, you don’t have to rush yourself into saying them incorrectly. Take plenty of time as you work your way through each tongue twister, even if it feels a bit tedious. In time, you’ll be able to say them at normal pace.
Whispering tongue twisters is one of the best tips for getting through a tongue twister for the first time. Although it may sound strange, whispering can help you smooth over the intricate parts of these phrases that are designed to trip you up. Give it a shot!
If you’re having trouble saying a tongue twister from start to finish, you might not fully understand it. Writing it down on paper can be a great way to understand it fully, giving you a better shot at acing its pronunciation. Old school works best here! So, grab a pen and some paper, and jot the tongue twister down!
What makes a tongue twister complicated is often its use of unnecessarily long words. Indeed, some of the longest Spanish words make frequent appearances in the hardest tongue-twisters in Spanish, so get ready to work your way through some long words.
The best way to ride out a long word like a pro is to break it down into syllables. That way, you’ll have more manageable chunks instead of an incomprehensively-long string of letters. With enough practice, even the hardest words to pronounce in Spanish will be a walk in the park for you!
Recording yourself is the last step before you master any tongue twister. This works best if you have a Spanish-speaking friend you can send the recording to. And if you don’t have a friend who could help you, you better start looking for one now! Making friends in your target language is one of our tips for becoming fluent in Spanish quickly.
In fact, the best thing you could do for your Spanish is to spend some time in one of the 21 Spanish-speaking countries. That way, you’ll not only have countless friends who’d be willing to help you practice but you’ll also be fully immersed in the language. This level of immersion is a crucial part of the Berlitz Method, which has helped countless people develop fluency in foreign languages for well over a hundred years.
Knowing these tongue twisters is just the start! Now that you’ve worked your way through 55 of the hardest tongue twisters in Spanish, you’re ready to tackle any Spanish word or phrase you’d like!
So, if you’re ready to put your newly-acquired Spanish pronunciation skills to the test, why not move on to another one of our Spanish blogs? We regularly publish fun and innovative guys to help you attain Spanish fluency faster, so make sure to bookmark us!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Ask questions in Spanish","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"111 Spanish questions to ask to spark interesting conversations","url":"/blog/how-to-ask-basic-questions-spanish","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt8617b415d57b543a/63f576c3b403b512a35ab6a2/Questions_in_Spanish_holding_a_map.jpg"},"post_content":"Learning Spanish can be challenging enough to, on top of it, have to wander around not knowing how to ask questions. Indeed, one of the most frustrating things about moving to a different country is the amount of help you’ll need as you settle into a new life in a different part of the world. And if you’re still at the beginner level, every question you ask in Spanish can feel like a monumental task — especially if you haven’t learned how to use question words in Spanish.
\nFortunately, you can learn a few targeted questions to make your interactions much easier. If you’re learning Spanish for business, you can take some time to memorize a few questions about work that will go a long way. If you’re going to a Spanish-speaking country to learn Spanish, you can learn a few questions about school. And if you simply want to meet new people, all you need to do is learn a few questions about general hobbies and interests.
\nNow, this won’t make you fluent or magically make you an advanced speaker, but learning how to ask questions in Spanish means you’ve already won half the battle! Plus, each Spanish interaction you handle successfully will give you the confidence to push forward on your path to Spanish fluency.
\nReady to get started? We’ve broken down 111 questions in Spanish into different categories to help you find the types of questions that are most relevant to you. And if you’re feeling extra motivated, don’t hesitate to tackle them all! These are all common questions that may come in handy at some point, so there’s no harm in spending the extra time learning them.
\n\n
If you’re an absolute beginner and will find yourself in a Spanish-speaking region soon, there are a few questions that you must absolutely learn before you go. Not only will these questions ensure that you’ll survive (and find a bathroom when you need one!), but they may even help you walk away with brand-new friends!
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nPronunciation | \nIPA | \n
| What’s your name? | \n¿Cómo te llamas? | \nkoh-mo teh yah-mas | \nˈkomo te ˈʝamas ‖ | \n
| How old are you? | \n¿Cuántos años tienes? | \nkoo-ahn-toss ah-nyos tee-eh-ness | \nˈkwantos ˈaɲos ˈtjenes ‖ | \n
| Where are you from? | \n¿De dónde eres? | \ndeh don-deh eh-ress | \nde ˈðonde ˈeɾes ‖ | \n
| How are you? | \n¿Cómo estás? | \nkoh-mo ehs-tass | \nˈkomo esˈtas ‖ | \n
| Where are the restrooms? | \n¿Dónde están los baños? | \ndon-deh ehs-tahn loss bah-nyos | \nˈdonde esˈtan loz ˈβaɲos ‖ | \n
| Howmuch is it? | \n¿Cuánto cuesta? | \nkoo-ahn-toe koo-ehs-tah | \nˈkwanto ˈkwesta ‖ | \n
| Whose is this? | \n¿De quién es esto? | \ndeh key-ehn ehs es-toe | \nde ˈkjen ˈes ˈesto ‖ | \n
| Are you hungry? | \n¿Tienes hambre? | \ntee-eh-ness ahm-breh | \nˈtjenes ˈambɾe ‖ | \n
| Do you speak Spanish? | \n¿Hablas español? | \nah-blas ehs-pah-nyol | \nˈaβlas espaˈɲol ‖ | \n
| What do you do? | \n¿A qué te dedicas? | \nah keh teh deh-dee-kas | \na ˈke te ðeˈðikas ‖ | \n
![\"These](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blteb0746aaad2f25e8/63c0f882adb01e2e7b05232d/Friends_drinking_coffee.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
\nMeeting someone for the first time can be incredibly awkward if you don’t know what questions to ask. Beyond just asking “what’s your name?” and “how are you?”, you’ll also want to know how to ask a few important details about the person you’ve just met, like how they’re doing, what their contact information is, and what they do for a living.
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| My name is Marco, what’s yours? | \nMe llamo Marco, ¿y tú? | \nmeh yah-mo mar-koh, e too | \nme ˈʎamo ˈmaɾko | i ˈtu ‖ | \n
| How’s it going? | \n¿Qué tal? | \nkeh tahl | \nˈke ˈtal ‖ | \n
| Very well, and you? | \nMuy bien, ¿y tú? | \nmooy bee-ehn e too | \nmuj ˈβjen | i ˈtu ‖ | \n
| What country are you from? | \n¿De qué país eres? | \ndeh keh pah-ees eh-rehs | \nde ˈke paˈis ˈeɾes ‖ | \n
| What’s your phone number? | \n¿Cuál es tu número de teléfono? | \nkoo-ahl ehs too noo-meh-roh | \nˈkwal ˈes tu ˈnumeɾo ðe teˈlefono ‖ | \n
| What’s your email address? | \n¿Cuál es tu correo electrónico? | \nkoo-ahl ehs too koh-reh-oh eh-lec-troh-nee-koh | \nˈkwal ˈes tu koˈreo elekˈtɾoniko ‖ | \n
| When is your birthday? | \n¿Cuándo es tu cumpleaños? | \ncoo-ahn-do ehs too coom-pleh-ah-nyohs | \nˈkwando ˈes tu kumpleˈaɲos ‖ | \n
| What do you do? | \n¿A qué te dedicas? | \nah keh teh deh-dee-kas | \na ˈke te ðeˈðikas ‖ | \n
Once you’ve moved past the initial pleasantries of meeting someone, you’ll want to have some questions handy to help you break the ice. Learning more about others and finding things in common can help you start building a bond that could turn into a lifelong friendship.
\nA great way to do this is by asking questions about seemingly-trivial things, like their favorite color, favorite animal, or even favorite flower! Who knows where an innocuous conversation may lead!
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Are you married? | \n¿Estás casado/casada? | \ness-tahs cahn-sah-doe, cahn-sah-dah | \nesˈtas kasaðokaˈsaða ‖ | \n
| Do you have a partner? | \n¿Tienes pareja? | \ntee-eh-ness pah-reh-hah | \nˈtjenes paˈɾexa ‖ | \n
| Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend? | \n¿Tienes novio/novia? | \ntee-eh-ness noh-vee-oh/noh-vee-ah | \nˈtjenez noβjoˈnoβja ‖ | \n
| Do you have children? | \n¿Tienes hijos? | \ntee-eh-nehs e-hoss | \nˈtjenes ˈixos ‖ | \n
| Do you live nearby? | \n¿Vives por aquí? | \nvee-vehs pore ah-key | \nˈbiβes poɾ aˈki ‖ | \n
| Around where do you live? | \n¿Por dónde vives? | \npore dohn-deh vee-vehs | \npoɾ ˈðonde ˈβiβes ‖ | \n
| What’s your favorite color? | \n¿Cuál es tu color favorito? | \ncoo-ahl ehs too coe-lore fah-vore-e-toe | \nˈkwal ˈes tu koˈloɾ faβoˈɾito ‖ | \n
| What’s your sign? | \n¿Qué signo eres? | \nkeh seeg-no air-ehs | \nˈke ˈsiɣno ˈeɾes ‖ | \n
| What’s your favorite drink? | \n¿Cuál es tu bebida favorita? | \ncoo-ahl ess too beh-bee-dah fah-vore-e-tah | \nˈkwal ˈes tu βeˈβiða faβoˈɾita ‖ | \n
| What’s your favorite movie? | \n¿Cuál es tu película favorita? | \ncoo-ahl ess too peh-lee-coo-lah fah-vore-e-tah | \nˈkwal ˈes tu peˈlikula faβoˈɾita ‖ | \n
| What are you doing today? | \n¿Qué vas a hacer hoy? | \nkeh vahs ah ah-sehr oy | \nˈke ˈβas a aˈθeɾ ˈoj ‖ | \n
| Where are you headed from here? | \n¿A dónde vas a ir después de aquí? | \nah dohn-deh vahs ah eer dehs-poo-ess deh ah-key | \na ˈðonde ˈβas a ˈiɾ ðesˈpwez ðe aˈki ‖ | \n
| What did you do last night? | \n¿Qué hiciste anoche? | \nkeh e-sees-teh ah-no-cheh | \nˈke jˈθiste aˈnoʧe ‖ | \n
| What are you doing tomorrow? | \n¿Qué vas a hacer mañana? | \nkeh vahs ah ah-sehr mah-nyah-nah | \nˈke ˈβas a aˈθeɾ maˈɲana ‖ | \n
| Do you have any pets? | \n¿Tienes mascotas? | \ntee-eh-ness mas-coe-tasss | \nˈtjenez masˈkotas ‖ | \n
![\"Two](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt8024d2ac3d1437e9/63f429bc17801132419c9133/Friends_and_dates_having_a_drink_and_flirting.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
\nGetting through daily life can be incredibly difficult without a few key questions. From asking, “what time is it?” to asking for help, the following questions will be extremely helpful for navigating everyday life in a Spanish-speaking country.
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Could you help me? | \n¿Me podrías ayudar? | \nmeh poe-dree-ahs ah-you-dar | \nme poˈðɾias aʝuˈðaɾ ‖ | \n
| Can you do me a favor? | \n¿Me puedes hacer un favor? | \nmeh poo-eh-dess ah-sehr oon fah-vore | \nme ˈpweðes aˈθeɾ um faˈβoɾ ‖ | \n
| Could you hand me that book? | \n¿Me podrías pasar ese libro? | \nmeh poe-dree-ahs pah-sahr eh-seh lee-broh | \nme poˈðɾias paˈsaɾ ˈese ˈliβɾo ‖ | \n
| Could you open the window? | \n¿Podrías abrir la ventana? | \npoe-dree-ahs ah-breer la vehn-tah-nah | \npoˈðɾias aˈβɾiɾ la βenˈtana ‖ | \n
| How can I help you? | \n¿Cómo te puedo ayudar? | \nkoh-moh teh poo-eh-doe ah-you-dar | \nˈkomo te ˈpweðo aʝuˈðaɾ ‖ | \n
| How do you feel? | \n¿Cómo te sientes? | \nkoh-moh teh see-ehn-tess | \nˈkomo te ˈsjentes ‖ | \n
| What is this? | \n¿Qué es esto? | \nkeh ess es-toe | \nˈke ˈes ˈesto ‖ | \n
| Do you need help? | \n¿Necesitas ayuda? | \nneh-seh-see-tass ah-you-dah | \nneθeˈsitas aˈʝuða ‖ | \n
| Are you sick? | \n¿Estás enfermo? | \ness-tass ehn-fehr-mo | \nesˈtas emˈfeɾmo ‖ | \n
| Do you feel sick? | \n¿Te sientes mal? | \nteh see-ehn-tess mal | \nte ˈsjentez ˈmal ‖ | \n
| Have you gone to the doctor’s yet? | \n¿Ya fuiste al doctor? | \nya foo-ees-teh ahl doc-tore | \nʝa ˈfwiste al dokˈtoɾ ‖ | \n
Traveling abroad can be an exhilarating experience, but it can also be quite frustrating! Taking just a few minutes to prepare a handful of questions in advance can prevent any anxiety-inducing situations so you can focus on enjoying the wonderful beauty and culture of wherever you may be traveling to!
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Where is the subway? | \n¿Dónde está el metro? | \ndohn-deh ehs-tah ehl meh-troh | \nˈdonde esˈta el ˈmetɾo ‖ | \n
| How can I get to the airport? | \n¿Cómo puedo llegar al aeropuerto? | \nkoh-mo poo-eh-doe yeh-gar ahl ah-eh-ro-poo-air-toe | \nˈkomo ˈpweðo ʎeˈɣaɾ al aeɾoˈpweɾto ‖ | \n
| Can you call me a cab? | \n¿Me puedes pedir un taxi? | \nmeh poo-eh-dehs peh-deer oon taxi | \nme ˈpweðes peˈðiɾ un ˈtaksi ‖ | \n
| Where can I exchange money? | \n¿Dónde puedo cambiar dinero? | \ndohn-deh poo-eh-doe cam-bee-ahr dee-neh-roe | \nˈdonde ˈpweðo kamˈbjaɾ ðiˈneɾo ‖ | \n
| Is there an ATM nearby? | \n¿Hay algún cajero automático por aquí? | \nay ahl-goon cah-heh roe ah-oo-toe-mah-tee-coh pore ah-key | \nˈaj alˈɣun kaˈxeɾo awtoˈmatiko poɾ aˈki ‖ | \n
| Is there a pharmacy nearby? | \n¿Hay alguna farmacia por aquí? | \nay ahl-goo-nah far-mah-see-ah pore ah-key | \nˈaj alˈɣuna faɾˈmaθja poɾ aˈki ‖ | \n
| How can I get to the museum? | \n¿Cómo puedo llegar al museo? | \ncoh-moe poo-eh-doe yeh-gar ahl moo-seh-oh | \nˈkomo ˈpweðo ʎeˈɣaɾ al muˈseo ‖ | \n
| Where can I check my bags? | \n¿Dónde puedo documentar mis maletas? | \ndohn-deh poo-eh-doe doh-coo-men-tahr mees mah-leh-tahs | \nˈdonde ˈpweðo ðokumenˈtaɾ miz maˈletas ‖ | \n
| How long are you staying in Colombia? | \n¿Cuánto tiempo te quedas en Colombia? | \ncoo-ahn-toe tee-ehm-poe teh keh-dass en coh-lom-bee-ah | \nˈkwanto ˈtjempo te ˈkeðas en koˈlombja ‖ | \n
![\"Spanish](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt38e2075fa91afdd5/6164f56380546f073a034df3/Map_of_Romance_languages_list.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
\nMoving to a new country can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t already know many people in your new environment. One of the best ways to make friends is by finding people who share the same passions and hobbies as you do. And how do you find people interested in the same things as you? Well, you have to ask them what they’re into, whether they like sports, reading or something else!
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Do you like working out? | \n¿Te gusta hacer ejercicio? | \nteh goose-tah ah-sehr eh-hair-see-see-oh | \nte ˈɣusta aˈθeɾ exeɾˈθiθjo ‖ | \n
| Do you play any sports? | \n¿Juegas algún deporte? | \nwho-eh-gass al-goon deh-pore-teh | \nˈxweɣas alˈɣun deˈpoɾte ‖ | \n
| What do you like to do? | \n¿Qué te gusta hacer? | \nkeh teh goose-tah ah-sehr | \nˈke te ˈɣusta aˈθeɾ ‖ | \n
| What are your favorite hobbies? | \n¿Cuáles son tus pasatiempos favoritos? | \ncoo-ah-lehs sohn toos pah-sah-tee-ehm-poss fah-vore-e-toss | \nˈkwales ˈson tus pasaˈtjempos faβoˈɾitos ‖ | \n
| What are you doing after work? | \n¿Qué te vas a hacer después del trabajo? | \nkeh vass ah ah-sehr dess-poo-ess dell trah-bah-ho | \nˈke te ˈβas a aˈθeɾ ðesˈpwez ðel tɾaˈβaxo ‖ | \n
If you know anything about Hispanic culture, you know just how important families are. Perhaps what’s most contrasting to Anglo-Saxon culture is how close Spanish speakers are even with extended family members, so you’ll have to be ready to talk about cousins, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-aunts, great-great-grandparents, and more! Luckily, we have a whole guide to family members in Spanish to help you out. But for now, check out the following essential conversational questions about family in Spanish.
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Where do your parents live? | \n¿Dónde viven tus papás? | \ndon-deh vee-venn toos pah-pahs | \nˈdonde ˈβiβen tus paˈpas ‖ | \n
| How many kids do you have? | \n¿Cuántos hijos tienes? | \ncoo-ahn-toss e-hoss tee-eh-ness | \nˈkwantos ˈixos ˈtjenes ‖ | \n
| Do you have any siblings? | \n¿Tienes hermanos? | \ntee-eh-ness air-mah-noss | \nˈtjenes eɾˈmanos ‖ | \n
| Are you thinking about having children? | \n¿Estás pensando en tener hijos? | \ness-tass-pehn-sahn-doe ehn teh-nehr e-hoss | \nesˈtas penˈsando en teˈneɾ ˈixos ‖ | \n
| How many children do you want? | \n¿Cuántos hijos quieres tener? | \ncoo-ahn-toss e-hoss key-air-ess teh-nair | \nˈkwantos ˈixos ˈkjeɾes teˈneɾ ‖ | \n
| What’s your brother/sister’s name? | \n¿Cómo se llama tu hermano/hermana? | \nkoh-mo seh yah-mah too air-mah-no/air-mah-nah | \nˈkomo se ˈʎama tw eɾmanoeɾˈmana ‖ | \n
| Do you have nephews or nieces? | \n¿Tienes sobrinos o sobrinas? | \ntee-eh-ness soh-bree-noss oh soh-bree-nass | \nˈtjenes soˈβɾinos o soˈβɾinas ‖ | \n
| Are you close to your cousins? | \n¿Eres cercano con tus primos? | \neh-rehs sehr-cah-no cohn toos pree-moss | \nˈeɾes θeɾˈkano kon tus ˈpɾimos ‖ | \n
| Who’s the eldest in your family? | \n¿Quién es el mayor en tu familia? | \nkey-ehn ess ehl mah-yore ehn too fah-me-lee-ah | \nˈkjen ˈes el maˈʝoɾ en tu faˈmilja ‖ | \n
| Does your family live far away? | \n¿Tu familia vive lejos? | \ntoo fah-me-lee-ah vee-veh leh-hoss | \ntu faˈmilja ˈβiβe ˈlexos ‖ | \n
| How often do you visit your family? | \n¿Qué tan seguido visitas a tu familia? | \nkeh tan seh-gee-doe vee-see-tass ah too fah-me-le-ah | \nˈke ˈtan seˈɣiðo βiˈsitas a tu faˈmilja ‖ | \n
| Do you see your family often? | \n¿Ves a tu familia seguido? | \nvess seh-gee-doe ah too fah-me-lee-ah | \nˈbes a tu faˈmilja seˈɣiðo ‖ | \n
![\"Two](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt46e33eea7c5e4281/63d34295e4e29e75dc5de0bf/Catching_the_train.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
\nAlthough talking about the weather might get a bad rap for being a conversation topic of last resort, it can be a great way to make plans and learn about the local climate. You can ask specific questions about the weather that can help you plan your day, or questions about the seasons so you can plan a future trip. You could even ask about landforms and special geographic features of the region. There’s plenty to learn about when you know the right questions to ask!
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| How’s the weather? | \n¿Cómo está el clima? | \nkoh-mo ess-tah ehl clee-mah | \nˈkomo esˈta el ˈklima ‖ | \n
| Is it cold? | \n¿Está haciendo frío? | \ness-tah ah-see-ehn-doe free-oh | \nesˈta aˈθjendo ˈfɾio ‖ | \n
| Is it hot? | \n¿Está haciendo calor? | \ness-tah ah-see-ehn-doe cah-lore | \nesˈta aˈθjendo kaˈloɾ ‖ | \n
| Will it rain? | \n¿Va a llover? | \nvah ah yo-ver | \nˈba a ʎoˈβeɾ ‖ | \n
| Do you know when it will stop raining? | \n¿Sabes a qué hora va a dejar de llover? | \nsah-bess ah keh oh-rah vah ah deh-hahr deh yo-ver | \nˈsaβes a ˈke ˈoɾa ˈβa a ðeˈxaɾ ðe ʎoˈβeɾ ‖ | \n
| What’s the temperature? | \n¿Cuál es la temperatura? | \ncoo-ahl ess la tem-peh-ra-too-ra | \nˈkwal ˈez la tempeɾaˈtuɾa ‖ | \n
| Should I bring warm clothes? | \n¿Debería de llevar ropa cálida? | \ndeh-beh-ree-ah deh yeh-var roe-pah | \ndeβeˈɾia ðe ʎeˈβaɾ ˈropa ˈkaliða ‖ | \n
| What’s your favorite season? | \n¿Cúal es tu temporada del año favorita? | \ncoo-ahl ess too tehm-poh-rah-dah dehl ah-nyoh fah-voh-ree-tah | \nˈkual ˈes tu tempoˈɾaða ðel ˈaɲo faβoˈɾita ‖ | \n
| What do you like to do over the summer? | \n¿Qué te gusta hacer en verano? | \nkeh teh goose-tah ah-sehr ehn veh-rah-no | \nˈke te ˈɣusta aˈθeɾ em beˈɾano ‖ | \n
| Do you like snow? | \n¿Te gusta la nieve? | \nteh goose-tah la nee-eh-veh | \nte ˈɣusta la ˈnjeβe ‖ | \n
Let’s face it, one of the best parts of traveling and exploring new cultures is tasting new foods. Whether you enjoy going to restaurants or trying out exotic fruits from street vendors, you’re sure to drastically improve your experience by incorporating just a few questions about food in Spanish.
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| What do you want to eat? | \n¿Qué quieres comer? | \nkeh key-air-ess coe-mehr | \nˈke ˈkjeɾes koˈmeɾ ‖ | \n
| What type of food do you like? | \n¿Qué comida te gusta? | \nkeh coe-mee-dah teh goose-tah | \nˈke koˈmiða te ˈɣusta ‖ | \n
| Should we go to a restaurant or order takeout? | \n¿Vamos a un restaurante o pedimos a domicilio? | \nvah-moss ah oon ress-tah-ooh-rahn-teh oh peh-dee-moss ah doe-me-see-lee-oh | \nˈbamos a wn restawˈɾante o peˈðimos a ðomiˈθiljo ‖ | \n
| Do you have a table for four? | \n¿Tienen mesa para cuatro? | \ntee-eh-nehn meh-sah pah-rah coo-ah-troh | \nˈtjenem ˈmesa ˈpaɾa ˈkwatɾo ‖ | \n
| Can I see the menu? | \n¿Puedo ver el menú? | \npoo-eh-doe bear elle meh-noo | \nˈpweðo ˈβeɾ el meˈnu ‖ | \n
| Do you want dessert? | \n¿Quieres postre? | \nkey-air-ess poss-treh | \nˈkjeɾes ˈpostɾe ‖ | \n
| How’s your food? | \n¿Qué tal está tu comida? | \nkeh tahl ehs-tah too coh-mee-dah | \nˈke ˈtal esˈta tu koˈmiða ‖ | \n
| What does it taste like? | \n¿A qué sabe? | \nah keh sah-beh | \na ˈke ˈsaβe ‖ | \n
| Do you have any dietary restrictions? | \n¿Tienes alguna restricción alimentaria? | \ntee-eh-ness ahl-goo-nah ress-treec-see-ohn ah-lee-mehn-tee-see-ah | \nˈtjenes alˈɣuna restɾikˈθjon alimenˈtaɾja ‖ | \n
| Do you prefer sweet or savory foods? | \n¿Prefieres la comida dulce o salada? | \npreh-fee-air-ess coh-me-dah dool-seh oh sah-lah-dah | \npɾeˈfjeɾez la koˈmiða ˈðulθe o saˈlaða ‖ | \n
| What’s the traditional food here? | \n¿Cuál es la comida típica de aquí? | \ncoo-ahl ess la coh-me-dah tee-pee-cah deh ah-key | \nˈkwal ˈez la koˈmiða ˈtipika ðe aˈki ‖ | \n
| Do you want something else to eat? | \n¿Quieres algo más de comer? | \nkey-air-ess al-go mas deh coe-mehr | \nˈkjeɾes ˈalɣo ˈmaz ðe koˈmeɾ ‖ | \n
![\"Couple](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb2da5c4bc3ca1d04/62b5335781636b0f767f7c47/couple-restaurant-italy.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
\n\n
Many people choose to learn Spanish for businesses, especially those who live close to Spain or Latin America. Whether you’re traveling to a Spanish-speaking country for a business meeting or are fully relocating to a new country, you’ll want to have some of these questions about work under your belt.
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| What do you do for work? | \n¿En qué trabajas? | \nehn keh trah-bah-hahs | \nen ˈke tɾaˈβaxas ‖ | \n
| What company do you work for? | \n¿Para qué compañía trabajas? | \npah-rah keh com-pah-nyee-ah trah-bah-hahs | \nˈpaɾa ˈke kompaˈɲia tɾaˈβaxas ‖ | \n
| What time do you get off work? | \n¿A qué hora sales de trabajar? | \nah keh oh-rah sah-less deh trah-bah-har | \na ˈke ˈoɾa ˈsalez ðe tɾaβaˈxaɾ ‖ | \n
| For how long have you worked there? | \n¿Desde hace cuánto tiempo trabajas ahí? | \ndess-deh ah-seh coo-ahn-toe tee-ehm-poe trah-bah-hahs ah-e | \nˈdezðe ˈaθe ˈkwanto ˈtjempo tɾaˈβaxas aˈi ‖ | \n
| What time does the meeting start? | \n¿A qué hora empieza la junta? | \nah keh oh-rah ehm-pee-eh-za la hoon-tah | \na ˈke ˈoɾa emˈpjeθa la ˈxunta ‖ | \n
| What time does the meeting end? | \n¿A qué hora termina la junta? | \nah keh oh-rah tear-me-nah | \na ˈke ˈoɾa teɾˈmina la ˈxunta ‖ | \n
Finally, you may be headed to a Spanish-speaking country precisely to work on your Spanish. If that’s the case, you’ll surely need some time to adapt to going to school not just in a different country but in a different language! These questions will help you navigate school life in Spanish much more smoothly — and perhaps make a new friend or two!
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| What are you studying? | \n¿Qué estudias? | \nkeh ess-too-dee-ahs | \nˈke esˈtuðjas ‖ | \n
| Where do you go to school? | \n¿Dónde estudias? | \ndohn-deh ess-too-dee-ahs | \nˈdonde esˈtuðjas ‖ | \n
| What time do you go to school? | \n¿A qué hora vas a la escuela? | \nah keh oh-rah vahs ah la es-coo-eh-lah | \na ˈke ˈoɾa ˈβas a la esˈkwela ‖ | \n
| What’s your major? | \n¿Cuál es tu carrera? | \ncoo-ahl ehs too cah-reh-rah | \nˈkwal ˈes tu kaˈreɾa ‖ | \n
| When are you graduating? | \n¿Cuándo te gradúas? | \ncoo-ahn-doe teh grah-doo-ahs | \nˈkwando te ɣɾaˈðuas ‖ | \n
| What do you want to do after graduation? | \n¿Qué quieres hacer después de graduarte? | \nkeh key-air-ess ah-ser dess-poo-ess deh grah-doo-ahr-teh | \nˈke ˈkjeɾes aˈθeɾ ðesˈpwez ðe ɣɾaˈðwaɾte ‖ | \n
| Why do you want to learn Spanish? | \n¿Por qué quieres aprender español? | \npore keh key-air-ess ah-prehn-dehr ehs-pah-nyol | \npoɾ ˈke ˈkjeɾes apɾenˈdeɾ espaˈɲol ‖ | \n
| How did you learn Spanish? | \n¿Cómo aprendiste español? | \nkoe-moe ah-prehn-dees-teh ehs-pah-nyol | \nˈkomo apɾenˈdiste espaˈɲol ‖ | \n
| How many languages can you speak? | \n¿Cuántos idiomas sabes hablar? | \ncoo-ahn-toss e-dee-oh-mas sah-bess ah-blar | \nˈkwantos iˈðjomas ˈsaβes aˈβlaɾ ‖ | \n
| Can you speak English? | \n¿Sabes hablar inglés? | \nsah-bess ah-blar een-gless | \nˈsaβes aˈβlaɾ inˈɡles ‖ | \n
| What grade are you in? | \n¿En qué año estás? | \nehn keh ah-nyoh ess-tass | \nen ˈke ˈaɲo esˈtas ‖ | \n
| Do you have exams coming up? | \n¿Tienes exámenes pronto? | \ntee-eh-ness ex-ah-meh-ness prohn-toe | \nˈtjenes ekˈsamenes ˈpɾonto ‖ | \n
| What’s your favorite class? | \n¿Cuál es tu clase favorita? | \ncoo-ahl ess too clah-seh fah-vor-e-tah | \nˈkwal ˈes tu ˈklase faβoˈɾita ‖ | \n
There you have it! Well over a hundred (111, to be exact!) common, basic and more diverse questions in Spanish to help you find the answers you’re looking for! Don’t be shy. Go out and start practicing some of these questions right away! The more you use them, the sooner you’ll be comfortable asking basic questions in Spanish.
\nIf you think this practical guide will be very helpful to you in your future Spanish endeavors, don’t forget to check out our Spanish blog article lessons. We focus on publishing vocabulary-centered guides with actionable tips, so you can walk away with something you can use. To see what we mean, check out our recent guides on how to say I don’t know in Spanish and 41 different ways to say good afternoon in Spanish.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"What is Pinyin?","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"What is Pinyin? An excellent guide, plus a handy Pinyin chart","url":"/blog/what-is-pinyin-chart","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt5981e81c173ce6f0/63913a4a244135120f7ec3e8/Group_of_friends_hanging_out_learning_Chinese_radicals.jpg"},"post_content":"While you’ll want to stop relying on Pinyin as you develop fluency, Pinyin can be an incredible tool in your early stages of Chinese learning. Most Mandarin Chinese classes start by introducing new students to Pinyin as it’s a great place to get comfortable with this beautifully unique language. If you’re just getting started with Mandarin, making sure you have a strong foundation of Pinyin will save you a lot of trouble down the road!
\nTaking some time to learn Pinyin can help you:
\nSo, is that enough to get you pumped to learn Pinyin? Let’s get started!
\n\nPinyin is the most common romanization system today and the only one accepted by the Chinese government. Pinyin is a system for assigning roman letters to each Chinese character. Each character is assigned a monosyllabic roman equivalent with one of four accent marks (mā má mǎ mà), which correspond to the tone.
\nToday, you can use Pinyin to get a good idea of how to pronounce each character. You can also use Pinyin to type characters on your phone and computer, as typing out the Pinyin will show you all the corresponding characters.
\nHowever, if you’re learning Chinese, you should be very careful any time you’re dealing with Pinyin. While it can be extremely helpful when learning new vocabulary, it can also turn into a crutch very quickly. Try to maximize your exposure to characters without Pinyin so that you can slowly lean off Pinyin for the characters you’ve already learned.
\nIf you’re just starting to learn Chinese, make sure you spend enough time nailing down the Pinyin pronunciation. This will help you down the line as you grow your vocabulary and learn an even larger number of Chinese characters.
\nCheck out the following video for a quick introduction to Pinyin pronunciations if you’re not familiar yet.
\n\n\nPinyin is a relatively simple romanization method that uses letters from the Roman alphabet to approximate the sounds of Chinese words. However, that doesn’t mean that you can use any Roman letter to approximate sounds as you see fit. In fact, Pinyin is quite a rigid system, and each character has a specific corresponding Pinyin romanization.
\nHere are the three components of every Pinyin syllable:
\nSince initials and finals are just like any other letters in the Roman alphabet, it’s probably the tone marks that will need a little extra attention to really nail down Pinyin. Let’s get right into them.
\n\nMastering the Chinese tones is a long, slow process that will take many years to perfect. As such, you should approach this section from a place of abundant patience and an understanding that you will not become a master at differentiating all the tones overnight. However, the best first step is to start by learning about the basics, and you’ve come to the right place!
\nLet’s break down how each tone works, along with tone pairs. As you’ll learn as you progress in your studies, an overwhelming majority of Chinese words are made up of two characters. Thus, mastering how to pronounce tone pairs is more important than individual tones.
\nHowever, don’t worry about this too much if you’re a beginner. Your first goal should be to be able to differentiate each of the four tones and then to recreate them successfully. Once you’ve gotten a handle on tones, make sure you don’t forget to practice your tone pairs!
\nWithout further ado, let’s get into each of the four tones of Mandarin Chinese.
\nThe first tone is the flat tone, meaning that your voice stays flat as you pronounce the vowel. There is no need to raise or lower your intonation. Remembering this tone is easy since the Pinyin tone mark for it is a flat line: ¯.
\nHere are some example words:
\n| Word | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nMeaning | \n
| 他 | \ntā | \ntah | \nHe, him | \n
| 一 | \nyī | \ne | \nOne | \n
| 中 | \nzhōng | \njong | \nMiddle | \n
| 说 | \nshuō | \nshuoh | \nTo speak | \n
The second tone is a rising tone, meaning that it starts low and goes high. In English, this is sometimes common when asking a question. Think of a confused, “wait, what??” to get a better idea of what this tone sounds like. The rising intonation at the end of what is what this tone should sound like. The accent mark for this tone is — quite appropriately — a rising sign: ´.
\nHere are some example words:
\n| Word | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nMeaning | \n
| 人 | \nrén | \nrehn | \nPerson | \n
| 园 | \nyuán | \nyuan | \nGarden | \n
| 文 | \nwén | \nwehn | \nWriting | \n
| 拿 | \nná | \nnah | \nTo take | \n
The third tone is perhaps the most difficult tone for non-native speakers to learn. In essence, this is a tone that falls and then rises again. Think of the sound Scooby Doo makes when he’s confused: “huh??” It starts high, then falls, and then rises again. Its accent mark — also highly appropriate — is the following: ˇ.
\nHowever, one of the reasons why this tone is hard for beginners to master is that it comes with quite a few rules, both official and unofficial. One of the official rules is that you can never have two third tone syllables together. Whenever that happens, you need to change the tone of the first syllable to a second tone.
\nThe unofficial rules, however, are what really make this a tricky tone to master. For example, the initial dip is supposed to be very slight, so much so that you should almost avoid trying to make your voice go down on purpose. And while the tone does go up at the end, it generally doesn’t when spoken in a sentence or as a part of a word. Instead of rising again at the end, it just stays low, almost like a lower version of the first tone.
\nOnly when spoken in isolation does the third tone have a “full ride” from high to low and back to high again. That’s why Chinese learners tend to keep trying to force the full sound as they start speaking more Chinese — they were taught the third tone in isolation. When used with other syllables, you should use the more subtle “half” tone instead.
\nAgain, you shouldn’t beat yourself up over tones if you’re just getting started. Just keep these tips in mind as you keep learning all about Pinyin, and you’ll make progress before you know it!
\nHere are a few examples of third tone words:
\n| Word | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nMeaning | \n
| 好 | \nhǎo | \nhaoh | \nGood | \n
| 我 | \nwǒ | \nwoh | \nMe, I | \n
| 走 | \nzǒu | \ntzow | \nTo walk | \n
| 也 | \nyě | \nyeh | \nAnd, also | \n
The fourth tone is relatively straightforward, especially after the third tone. It is a falling tone, meaning it starts high and ends low. In practice, this means that syllables in the fourth tone start with a bang. Think of when you spot your dog dangerously close to your plate of food and with full intentions of stealing your lunch and you say “No!” That’s what a fourth tone is supposed to sound like. The accent mark for the fourth tone is: `.
\nHere are some examples of fourth tone words:
\n| Word | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nMeaning | \n
| 去 | \nqù | \nchoo | \nTo go | \n
| 上 | \nshàng | \nshahng | \nUpper | \n
| 不 | \nbù | \nboo | \nNo | \n
| 爱 | \nài | \nay | \nTo love | \n
Technically, this isn’t a fifth tone but rather the absence of a tone. Also known as the neutral tone, the “fifth” tone is much lighter than the other tones. However, this isn’t normally considered a separate tone, as it is not a tone that can be isolated. Neutral syllables always follow a character from a different tone, and their precise sound varies depending on the tone that they follow.
\nHere are some examples of words with neutral tone characters.
\n| Word | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nMeaning | \n
| 妈妈 | \nmā ma | \nmah mah | \nMother | \n
| 什么 | \nshén me | \nshehn muh | \nWhat? | \n
| 你呢 | \nnǐ ne | \nknee nuh | \nAnd you? | \n
| 我们 | \nwǒ men | \nwoh men | \nUs, we | \n
| 朋友 | \npéng you | \npuhng yo | \nFriend | \n
As you now know, pronouncing tone pairs correctly is more useful than being able to get them right in isolation. As such, it’s important to spend some time thinking about how the tones interact with each other and practicing a few examples of each set.
\nFollowing a first tone is relatively easy as it doesn’t affect how you pronounce the second syllable. However, there are some exceptions. One such case would be when pronouncing certain 1-3 tone pairs, the first syllable should be emphasized, and you need to use a neutral tone to pronounce the second syllable. For example, in 桌子 (zhuō zi, table), the first syllable 桌 is emphasized, while the second syllable 子 (zǐ) drops the third tone. However, this doesn’t happen when the second syllable is emphasized, as is the case in our example (喝水) below.
\nHere are some examples of first tone pairs in Chinese:
\n| Word | \nTone pair | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nMeaning | \n
| 今天 | \n1-1 | \njīn tiān | \ngene tiahn | \nToday | \n
| 中国 | \n1-2 | \nzhōng guó | \njong gwoh | \nChina | \n
| 喝水 | \n1-3 | \nhē shuǐ | \nheh shuay | \nTo drink water | \n
| 工作 | \n1-4 | \ngōng zuò | \ngong tzuo | \nTo work | \n
Second tone pairs can be a little tricky, especially with 2-2 and 2-3 pairs.
\nHere are some examples of second tone pairs:
\n| Word | \nTone pair | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nMeaning | \n
| 时间 | \n2-1 | \nshí jiān | \nshih jian | \nTime | \n
| 如何 | \n2-2 | \nrú hé | \nroo huh | \nHow | \n
| 没有 | \n2-3 | \nméi yǒu | \nmay yo | \nTo not have | \n
| 文化 | \n2-4 | \nwén huà | \nwehn hua | \nCulture | \n
As you can probably imagine, the third tone pairs are a little difficult to get just right. First, you should always remember that 3-3 tone pairs do not exist. Any time you encounter a word that should be a 3-3 pair, you need to switch the first syllable to a second tone. For all other tone pairs, use the less emphasized “half” tone that we talked about in the third tone’s section.
\nHere are some examples of third tone pairs:
\n| Word | \nTone pair | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nMeaning | \n
| 北京 | \n3-1 | \nběi jīng | \nbay jeeng | \nBeijing | \n
| 爱情 | \n3-2 | \nài qíng | \nay ching | \nRomance | \n
| 你好 | \n3-3 (2-3) | \nnǐ hǎo | \nknee haw | \nHello | \n
| 暖气 | \n3-4 | \nnuǎn qì | \nnuan chee | \nHeating | \n
Fourth tone pairs are pretty straightforward. The only potential issue that you should look out for is a 4-4 pair. While both syllables remain fourth tones, the first one should be emphasized more than the second one. On a scale of 1 to 10, the first syllable would be a 10 and the second syllable would be a 6.
\nHere are some examples of fourth tone pairs:
\n| Word | \nTone pair | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nMeaning | \n
| 唱歌 | \n4-1 | \nchàng gē | \nchang guh | \nTo sing | \n
| 问题 | \n4-2 | \nwèn tí | \nwehn tee | \nQuestion or problem | \n
| 汉语 | \n4-3 | \nhàn yǔ | \nhan you | \nChinese language | \n
| 动物 | \n4-4 | \ndòng wù | \ndong woo | \nAnimal | \n
Some things can be much more easily explained with visuals, and the Chinese tones are one of them. Check out the following video for a comprehensive demonstration of how each of the tones is pronounced.
\nIf you think you’ve got the tones down, how about a li ttle quiz to test yourself? Even if you think you’ve nailed the pronunciation of each tone pair, the following quiz can be a quick and effective way to spot any areas that you might still need to work on.
\n\n\n\nEmbarassing yourself by making tone mistakes is almost a rite of passage in every Chinese learner’s journey. Just as anyone who’s learned Spanish can attest, the subtle difference between “papa” and “papá” can be as large as that between a potato and a parent. Chinese is no different and, in fact, Chinese learners are much more prone to making unintentionally funny tone mistakes than anyone else.
\nIf you do find yourself making a tone error, though, don’t let it discourage you! Approaching this from a place of humor will make the experience that much more enjoyable. At the end of the day, context will almost always make it easy enough for others to understand what you meant, although it may be a funny encounter.
\nHere are eight funny tone mistakes to keep an eye on!
\n| Characters | \nPinyin | \nMeaning | \n
| Pairing 1 | \n\n | \n |
| 我可以问你吗？ | \nwǒ kě yǐ wèn nǐ ma? | \nCan I ask you? | \n
| 我可以吻你吗？ | \nwǒ kě yǐ wěn nǐ ma? | \nCan I kiss you? | \n
| Pairing 2 | \n\n | \n |
| 我爱我老板！ | \nwǒ ài wǒ lǎo bǎn! | \nI love my boss! | \n
| 我爱我老伴！ | \nwǒ ài wǒ lǎo bàn! | \nI love my wife! | \n
| Pairing 3 | \n\n | \n |
| 水饺多少钱一碗？ | \nshuǐ jiǎo duō shǎo qián yì wǎn? | \nHow much for a bowl of noodles? | \n
| 睡觉多少钱一晚？ | \nshuì jiào duō shǎo qián yì wǎn? | \nHow much for a night of sleep? | \n
| Pairing 4 | \n\n | \n |
| 我找不到我的眼镜 | \nwǒ zhǎo bú dào wǒ de yǎn jìng | \nI can’t find my glasses. | \n
| 我找不到我的眼睛 | \nwǒ zhǎo bú dào wǒ de yǎn jing | \nI can’t find my eyes. | \n
| Pairing 5 | \n\n | \n |
| 你是中国人，你怎么不会说汉语？ | \nnǐ shì zhōng guó rén, nǐ zěn me bú huì shuō hàn yǔ? | \nYou’re Chinese, how can you not speak Chinese? | \n
| 你是中国人，你怎么不会说韩语？ | \nnǐ shì zhōng guó rén, nǐ zěn me bú huì shuō hán yǔ? | \nYou’re Chinese, how can you not speak Korean? | \n
| Pairing 6 | \n\n | \n |
| 这家饭馆怎么没有杯子？ | \nzhè jiā fàn guǎn zěn me méi yǒu bēi zi? | \nHow does this restaurant not have cups? | \n
| 这家饭馆怎么没有被子？ | \nzhè jiā fàn guǎn zěn me méi yǒu bèi zi? | \nHow does this restaurant not have quilts? | \n
| Pairing 7 | \n\n | \n |
| 我爱熊猫 | \nwǒ ài xióng māo | \nI love pandas. | \n
| 我爱胸毛 | \nwǒ ài xiōng máo | \nI love chest hair. | \n
| Pairing 8 | \n\n | \n |
| 你什么时候去山西？ | \nnǐ shén me shí hou qù shān xī? | \nWhen are you going to Shanxi? | \n
| 你什么时候去陕西？ | \nnǐ shén me shí hou qù shǎn xī? | \nWhen are you going to Shaanxi? | \n
With 23 initials and 36 finals, there are hundreds of possible Pinyin combinations. However, not every single intial and final can go together. Here is a complete chart of all the possible Pinyin combinations in pdf format.
\n\n![\"Complete](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltc4fac938092c487b/640a5c40e35cc90ebcbd388e/Berlitz-Pinyin-Chart.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
\n\nUnfortunately, there isn’t a specific system for converting characters into Pinyin or the other way around. If you know some of the Chinese radicals, you may be able to guess what the Pinyin is based on the radical. Otherwise, you’ll have to use a digital tool to convert Pinyin to characters and vice-versa.
\nFortunately, most Chinese characters these days will allow you to search for words using both Pinyin and characters, making it an easy way to find the corresponding Pinyin to any character.
\n\nIt was 1958 that pinyin was officially adopted in China, and there were many phonetic writing systems for Chinese even before that. Though most of them aren’t used anymore, you’ll still see them every now and then, particularly in proper nouns and names of historical documents.
\nThe Wade–Giles romanization system was the most popular before Pinyin was introduced. Today, it is still very commonly used in Taiwan and in proper names. For example, have you ever wondered why the city of Beijing is sometimes referred to as Peking? That’s because the Wade–Giles romanization for 北京 (běi jīng) is Peking!
\nThat doesn’t mean that Beijing used to be pronounced as pay-king, though. Each romanization system has different spelling and pronunciation rules that attempt to get as close as possible to the actual pronunciation of the characters. Even Pinyin isn’t perfect, so you’ll still have to learn how to pronounce each character when learning Chinese!
\nThe Yale romanization system was developed by George Kennedy of Yale university in 1943. This system was specifically developed to help members of the US military learn Chinese faster, and it became the standard romanization system across most of the US. However, this system became less popular as Pinyin started gaining traction, and it all but disappeared after the 70s.
\nWhile you likely won’t run into this system anymore, it does have one key legacy: the tone accent marks. The Yale system introduced the four tones (mā má mǎ mà) that are still used by Pinyin today.
\nWhile Pinyin is pretty much the only transliteration system you will find in Mainland China, bopomofo is what you will find in Taiwan. Also known as 注音 (zhù yīn), this is another attempt at helping learners pronounce characters. However, bopomofo is nothing like Pinyin as it doesn’t use the roman alphabet. In fact, it doesn’t actually look like any other language.
\nBopomofo was designed not to help foreign learners understand how to pronounce Chinese characters, but to help children. This system uses uber-simplified characters to represent specific sounds, much like letters do. They are used alongside accent marks to indicate the tone of the word.
\n\nPinyin was officially adopted as the official romanization method on February 11,1958. The system was developed by a group of linguists led by Zhou Youguang and was largely based on previous systems of romanization. The United Nations adopted Pinyin as the official romanization for Chinese in 1986, making it the de-facto internationally-recognized system of romanization.
\nYes! Pinyin isn’t just helpful for learners — native speakers use it on a daily basis. Pinyin helps Chinese speakers quickly input Chinese characters in phones, tablets, and computers. Instead of having to draw each character by hand, typing in the Pinyin and selecting the character from a bank of matches is much more efficient.
\nYou can learn Chinese without learning Pinyin, although it is highly unadvisable to do so. First, making sense of the Chinese characters at the very beginning will take much more time as you won’t have a way to relate them to your native language. Then, entering the characters into your phone or computer will be much more of a hassle without Pinyin. Finally, getting the tones right might be difficult if you learn Chinese without using Pinyin as a guide for tones.
\nWith that said, Chinese was used for thousands of years without Pinyin, so it is completely possible to learn Chinese without Pinyin — you just might end up making it more complicated than it needs to be.
\nIn theory, maybe. In practice, it’d be extremely difficult. If your main objective is to speak Chinese and have no intentions of learning how to read or write, then you may be able to get away with relying on Pinyin. This may be a good choice for someone who wants to learn Chinese to communicate with relatives or in-laws and doesn’t want to get too bogged down with characters.
\nHowever, keep in mind that you will have to learn the Chinese characters if you want to send text messages in Chinese, use Chinese social media, and read or write anything. Plus, learning Chinese characters isn’t actually that hard. Check out these 10 science-backed tips for learning Chinese characters.
\n\nLearning the basics of Pinyin can really unravel a whole new era in your Chinese learning. Now, you can easily look up words in the dictionary, look up the pronunciation of a word you’re unsure of, and perfect your pronunciation! Remember that nailing every single tone takes a long time, so don’t feel discouraged if you still get a few (or most!) tones wrong even after hours of studying. Consistent practice makes perfect, and you’ll get there too in enough time!
\nMake sure to check out our Mandarin Chinese blog for more helpful (and free!) guides that will help you unleash your potential. Let us help you learn the numbers in Chinese and 36 different ways to say goodbye
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Chinese numbers","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"An easy beginner's guide on how to count in Chinese numbers","url":"/blog/count-chinese-numbers-mandarin","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt96ef61a62209ac69/63d0abdcffb55251d231bf88/Chinese_lanterns.jpg"},"post_content":"One of the first things that you’ll learn in your Mandarin Chinese classes is how to count to ten. Unsurprisingly, this will require some rote memorization, as each number has a different name. However, as you may have suspected, things get interesting after ten. Despite Mandarin being classed as more challenging for English speakers to learn, you might be pleasantly surprised to find that counting beyond ten and well into the trillions is really quite simple!
Indeed, you can go from absolute novice to near-accountant levels in a matter of hours, thanks to the Chinese counting system. Counting in Mandarin is so easy, in fact, that Chinese children regularly outperform their Western, English-speaking peers. There are two main reasons why learning to count in Mandarin is easier than you may think:
So, let’s get started!
![\"Count](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt71fb212748d7919a/63d0ac10cdfaf53dfdb4f3cf/Happy_family_sitting_around_dinner_table.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Spending just a few hours learning how to count in Chinese can have massive payoffs. For example, knowing how to count will help you:
At this point, you must be so ready to get started with Chinese. So, without further ado, let’s dive into how to actually read and write numbers in Chinese.
The first thing you need to know about reading and writing numbers in Chinese is that there are two ways to represent numbers: with Arabic numerals and Chinese characters. Just as in English, you can use actual numbers or “spell out” the numbers by writing their names in characters.
For the most part, only single or perhaps double-digit numbers are ever written using characters. Years, addresses, phone numbers, and all other large numbers are written using Arabic numbers, just as in English. What a relief! No need to memorize hundreds of different characters just to learn how to write numbers.
But… that’s not the case. Even if years and phone numbers were written with characters, you still wouldn’t need to memorize more than just over 11 characters to write any number. The way the writing system is structured ensures that you won’t actually have to do a whole lot of memorizing. As long as you know some basic arithmetic (and we really mean basic!), you’ll be fine with just around a dozen characters.
Ready to get into it? Let’s start counting!
Counting to ten is the absolute hardest thing about counting in Chinese. Yes, we do mean that! Once you’ve mastered the first ten, everything else is all about stacking them in different orders. But we’ll get to that in a second! For now, let’s get started with the first ten numbers in Mandarin.
| Number | Mandarin | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| 0 | 零 | líng | leeng |
| 1 | 一 | yī | e |
| 2 | 二 | èr | ahr |
| 3 | 三 | sān | sahn |
| 4 | 四 | sì | sih |
| 5 | 五 | wǔ | woo |
| 6 | 六 | liù | liow |
| 7 | 七 | qī | chee |
| 8 | 八 | bā | bah |
| 9 | 九 | jiǔ | jeou |
| 10 | 十 | shí | shih |
We promised you that learning the first ten numbers was the hardest part, and we’re not ones to break our promises! Here’s the great news: if you already know how to count to ten, then you already have what it takes to count to 100! Beyond 10, all you need to do is stack your numbers a certain way to get to a hundred. Here’s a quick formula:
Where A is multiplied by 10, and then B is added to the result. Let’s plug in some numbers into our formula:
And that’s it! That’s all the math you will need to know, and doing these calculations will become second nature as you start practicing. Truthfully, you don’t even need to make the operations in your head: just as long as you remember that the first digit comes first, followed by 十 (shí) and then the second digit, you’ll be fine.
Two things to keep in mind, and part of the reason the math formula above is important, is that you do not need to say one before the ten for 11-19. Since multiplying one by ten is redundant, you can omit the one completely and just say “ten-five” for 15.
The other thing to consider is when the second digit is a zero. Using our formula above, you would be adding a zero, which is redundant. So, instead of saying “three-ten-zero” for 30, you can just say “three-ten.”
Here’s a detailed table of the numbers from 11 to 99. Take a look at it, and we’re sure you’ll find the rhythm of counting in Chinese in no time.
| Number | Mandarin | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| 11 | 十一 | shí yī | shih e |
| 12 | 十二 | shí èr | shih ahr |
| 13 | 十三 | shí sān | shih sahn |
| 14 | 十四 | shí sì | shih sih |
| 15 | 十五 | shí wǔ | shih woo |
| 16 | 十六 | shí liù | shih liow |
| 17 | 十七 | shí qī | shih chee |
| 18 | 十八 | shí bā | shih bah |
| 19 | 十九 | shí jiǔ | shih jeou |
| 20 | 二十 | èr shí | ahr shih |
| 21 | 二十一 | èr shí yī | ahr shih |
| 22 | 二十二 | èr shí èr | ahr shih ahr |
| 23 | 二十三 | èr shí sān | ahr shih sahn |
| 24 | 二十四 | èr shí sì | ahr shih sih |
| 25 | 二十五 | èr shí wǔ | ahr shih woo |
| 26 | 二十六 | èr shí liù | ahr shih liow |
| 27 | 二十七 | èr shí qī | ahr shih chee |
| 28 | 二十八 | èr shí bā | ahr shih bah |
| 29 | 二十九 | èr shí jiǔ | ahr shih jeou |
| 30 | 三十 | sān shí | sahn shih |
| 31 | 三十一 | sān shí yī | sahn shih |
| 32 | 三十二 | sān shí èr | sahn shih ahr |
| 33 | 三十三 | sān shí sān | sahn shih sahn |
| 34 | 三十四 | sān shí sì | sahn shih sih |
| 35 | 三十五 | sān shí wǔ | sahn shih woo |
| 36 | 三十六 | sān shí liù | sahn shih liow |
| 37 | 三十七 | sān shí qī | sahn shih chee |
| 38 | 三十八 | sān shí bā | sahn shih bah |
| 39 | 三十九 | sān shí jiǔ | sahn shih jeou |
| 40 | 四十 | sì shí | sih shih |
| 41 | 四十一 | sì shí yī | sih shih |
| 42 | 四十二 | sì shí èr | sih shih ahr |
| 43 | 四十三 | sì shí sān | sih shih sahn |
| 44 | 四十四 | sì shí sì | sih shih sih |
| 45 | 四十五 | sì shí wǔ | sih shih woo |
| 46 | 四十六 | sì shí liù | sih shih liow |
| 47 | 四十七 | sì shí qī | sih shih chee |
| 48 | 四十八 | sì shí bā | sih shih bah |
| 49 | 四十九 | sì shí jiǔ | sih shih jeou |
| 50 | 五十 | wǔ shí | woo shih |
| 51 | 五十一 | wǔ shí yī | woo shih |
| 52 | 五十二 | wǔ shí èr | woo shih ahr |
| 53 | 五十三 | wǔ shí sān | woo shih sahn |
| 54 | 五十四 | wǔ shí sì | woo shih sih |
| 55 | 五十五 | wǔ shí wǔ | woo shih woo |
| 56 | 五十六 | wǔ shí liù | woo shih liow |
| 57 | 五十七 | wǔ shí qī | woo shih chee |
| 58 | 五十八 | wǔ shí bā | woo shih bah |
| 59 | 五十九 | wǔ shí jiǔ | woo shih jeou |
| 60 | 六十 | liù shí | liow shih |
| 61 | 六十一 | liù shí yī | liow shih |
| 62 | 六十二 | liù shí èr | liow shih ahr |
| 63 | 六十三 | liù shí sān | liow shih sahn |
| 64 | 六十四 | liù shí sì | liow shih sih |
| 65 | 六十五 | liù shí wǔ | liow shih woo |
| 66 | 六十六 | liù shí liù | liow shih liow |
| 67 | 六十七 | liù shí qī | liow shih chee |
| 68 | 六十八 | liù shí bā | liow shih |
| 69 | 六十九 | liù shí jiǔ | liow shih jeou |
| 70 | 七十 | qī shí | chee shih |
| 71 | 七十一 | qī shí yī | chee shih |
| 72 | 七十二 | qī shí èr | chee shih ahr |
| 73 | 七十三 | qī shí sān | chee shih sahn |
| 74 | 七十四 | qī shí sì | chee shih sih |
| 75 | 七十五 | qī shí wǔ | chee shih woo |
| 76 | 七十六 | qī shí liù | chee shih liow |
| 77 | 七十七 | qī shí qī | chee shih chee |
| 78 | 七十八 | qī shí bā | chee shih bah |
| 79 | 七十九 | qī shí jiǔ | chee shih jeou |
| 80 | 八十 | bā shí | bah shih |
| 81 | 八十一 | bā shí yī | bah shih |
| 82 | 八十二 | bā shí èr | bah shih ahr |
| 83 | 八十三 | bā shí sān | bah shih sahn |
| 84 | 八十四 | bā shí sì | bah shih sih |
| 85 | 八十五 | bā shí wǔ | bah shih woo |
| 86 | 八十六 | bā shí liù | bah shih liow |
| 87 | 八十七 | bā shí qī | bah shih chee |
| 88 | 八十八 | bā shí bā | bah shih bah |
| 89 | 八十九 | bā shí jiǔ | bah shih jeou |
| 90 | 九十 | jiǔ shí | jeou shih |
| 91 | 九十一 | jiǔ shí yī | jeou shih |
| 92 | 九十二 | jiǔ shí èr | jeou shih ahr |
| 93 | 九十三 | jiǔ shí sān | jeou shih sahn |
| 94 | 九十四 | jiǔ shí sì | jeou shih sih |
| 95 | 九十五 | jiǔ shí wǔ | jeou shih woo |
| 96 | 九十六 | jiǔ shí liù | jeou shih liow |
| 97 | 九十七 | jiǔ shí qī | jeou shih chee |
| 98 | 九十八 | jiǔ shí bā | jeou shih bah |
| 99 | 九十九 | jiǔ shí jiǔ | jeou shih jeou |
After learning how to count to 99, the natural next progression is to keep going. Counting beyond 100 works the same, except that you’d use 百 (bǎi) for 100 instead of 十 (shí) to go beyond a hundred.
Check out how easy it is to count from 100 to 1,000 in Chinese.
| Number | Mandarin | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| 100 | 一百 | yì bǎi | e buy |
| 200 | 二百 | èr bǎi | ahr buy |
| 300 | 三百 | sān bǎi | sahn buy |
| 400 | 四百 | sì bǎi | sih buy |
| 500 | 五百 | wǔ bǎi | woo buy |
| 600 | 六百 | liù bǎi | liow buy |
| 700 | 七百 | qī bǎi | chee buy |
| 800 | 八百 | bā bǎi | bah buy |
| 900 | 九百 | jiǔ bǎi | jeou buy |
| 1000 | 一千 | yì qiān | e chian |
Surely, counting into the millions in Chinese must be extremely difficult. Right? Nope! Counting beyond 1,000 is just as easy as counting to 1,000. In fact, it may be even easier if you already have the basics down!
The only thing you need to keep in mind is that large numbers are separated by four digits instead of three. For example, in English, we count in thousands, millions, billions, trillions, and so on. In Chinese, we count in ten thousands, one hundred millions, trillions, and so on. Just keep in mind that commas still go every three digits when typing numbers in Arabic numerals, just as in English!
Here’s a chart on how to count up to one trillion in Chinese!
| Number | Mandarin | Pinyin | Pronunciation | English name | Literal Translation |
| 0 | 零 | líng | leeng | Zero | Zero |
| 10 | 十 | shí | shih | Ten | Ten |
| 100 | 一百 | yì bǎi | e bye | One hundred | One hundred |
| 1000 | 一千 | yì qiān | e chian | One thousand | One thousand |
| 10,000 | 一万 | yí wàn | e wan | Ten thousand | Ten thousand |
| 100,000 | 十万 | shí wàn | shih wan | One-hundred thousand | Ten ten thousands |
| 1,000,000 | 一百万 | yì bǎi wàn | e bye wan | One million | One-hundred ten thousands |
| 10,000,000 | 一千万 | yì qiān wàn | e chian wan | Ten million | One thousand ten thousands |
| 100,000,000 | 一亿 | yí yì | e yee | One-hundred million | One hundred million |
| 1,000,000,000 | 十亿 | shí yì | shih yee | One billion | Ten one hundred millions |
| 10,000,000,000 | 一百亿 | yì bǎi yì | e bye yee | Ten billion | One hundred one hundred millions |
| 100,000,000,000 | 一千亿 | yì qiān yì | e chian yee | One-hundred billion | One thousand one hundred millions |
| 1,000,000,000,000 | 一兆 | yí zhào | e jao | One trillion | One trillion |
Now that you know the general structure of counting in Chinese, it’s time to put it all together. Here are some “difficult” numbers that — as you will see — aren’t all that difficult to put together after all!
| Number | Mandarin | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| 387 | 三百八十七 | sān bǎi bā shí qī | sahn buy bah shih chee |
| 756 | 七百五十六 | qī bǎi wǔ shí liù | chee buy woo shih liow |
| 120 | 一百二(十) | yì bǎi èr (shí) | e buy ahr shih |
| 566 | 五百六十六 | wǔ bǎi liù shí liù | woo buy liow shih liow |
| 803 | 八百零三 | bā bǎi líng sān | bah buy leeng sahn |
| 222 | 二百二十二 | èr bǎi èr shí èr | ahr buy ahr shih ahr |
| 678 | 六百七十八 | liù bǎi qī shí bā | liow buy chee shih bah |
If musical learning is your thing, this catchy and exhaustive song will teach you how to count all the way to a hundred! Just listen to this catchy tune a handful of times, and you’ll learn to count in Chinese before you know it.
If you want to take things to a whole different level, try memorizing the Chinese multiplication song 九九乘法 (jiǔ jiǔ chéng fǎ). Even if you’ve already learned your multiplication tables, this fun song can demonstrate just how easy it is to count and do math in Mandarin Chinese!
Now that you’ve learned the cardinal numbers in Chinese, figuring out how to say the ordinal numbers will take no time. All you need to learn is the ordinal word 第 (dì) and add it before the number. For example, to turn “one” into “first,” you just say 第一 (dì yī). The same for second, third, fourth, tenth, fiftieth, hundredth, and so on!
Here are some example sentences for using ordinal numbers in Chinese:
| Chinese | Mandarin | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| 这是我第一次坐飞机 | This is the first time I take a flight | zhè shì wǒ dì yī cì zuò fēi jī | zhuh shih woh dee e tzi tzuo fay-gee |
| 第三课 | The third lesson | dì sān kè | dee sahn kuh |
| 第十六个人 | The sixteenth person | dì shí liù gè rén | dee shih liow guh rehn |
| 第五十句话 | The fiftieth sentence | dì wǔ shí jù huà | dee woo shih joo hua |
If you’re already learning Mandarin online with us, you know we love to include real-life applications of the language whenever possible. After all, your goal isn’t to learn how to read textbooks and communicate with people!
So, we would be remiss to teach you how to count in Chinese without mentioning some helpful Chinese slang numbers as well. These are very common in text messages, so you’ll definitely want to take a close look at these if you follow our tips to learn Chinese characters and get a Chinese language partner!
| Number | Meaning | Reason | Characters |
| 886 | Goodbye | It sounds like 拜拜了 (bái bái le), which is a common way to say goodbye in Chinese. | 八八六 |
| 520 | I love you | Sounds like 我爱你 (wǒ ài nǐ), which means “I love you” | 五二零 |
| 555 | Crying | Sounds like crying. | 五五五 |
| 666 | Awesome! | Six is one of the luckiest numbers in Chinese, and using it repeatedly means “cool” or “awesome!” | 六六六 |
| 484 | Yes or no? | Sounds like 是不是 (shì bú shì), which means yes or no. | 四八四 |
| 1314 | Forever | Sounds like 一生一世 (yì shēng yī shì), which means “in all one's life” | 一三一四 |
| 233 | Laughter | Represents 哈哈哈 (hā hā hā) which means to laugh. | 二三三 |
| 996 | The 996 working schedule | Common work schedule in Chinese tech companies that includes work from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. 6 days a week. | 九九六 |
If you’re in the United States, you know not to walk under a ladder, to beware of broken mirrors, and to avoid the number 666 at all costs. But do you know what to avoid when you visit China?
The most unlucky number in China is the number 4. This is because four 四 (sì) sounds like 死 (sǐ), which means death. Therefore, the number four is to be avoided at all costs in Chinese. This causes most people to avoid the number four altogether in their phone numbers or residential address!
The luckiest number in Chinese is the number 8 八 (bā), as it is associated with wealth and success. It sounds similar to 发 (fā) as in 发财 (fā cái), which means “to get rich.” So, if it’s riches and fortunes you’re after, try incorporating more eights into your life!
Other lucky numbers are 2, 6, and 9. The number two is lucky because it is considered that all good things come in pairs. The number 6 is considered lucky because of the Chinese Idiom 六六大顺, which means everything going smoothly. ! And finally, 9 is considered lucky in Chinese because 九 (jiǔ) sounds like 久 (jiǔ), which means “long time” or “everlasting.”
You probably already know how to count to 5 using one hand, but what about 6-10? Would you get your other hand involved, then? Well, in Chinese, there’s a way to count all the way up to 10 with a single hand! You’ll definitely want to learn this before you visit China, as this is a very popular way to count to ten in everyday interactions.
Check out this short video for a quick demonstration of how to count to ten in Chinese with one hand.
You may have noticed that there are two ways to say two in Chinese: 二 (èr) and 两 (liǎng). The main difference is that 二 (èr) is generally used when counting or doing any kind of math, while 两 (liǎng) is used when expressing “two of” something. Saying 两 (liǎng) in Chinese is similar to saying “a couple of” in English, except that using 两 (liǎng) isn’t optional. You should use 两 (liǎng) whenever talking about two of anything, including:
You already know that there are special rules for reading years in English (happy twenty-twenty-three!), so what about Chinese? Do you have to read the whole number when mentioning a specific year? No! Luckily, reading years in Chinese is extremely easy: all you have to do is read each individual digit! No need to add anything up or read things together.
All you need to do is add the word for “year” at the end of the number: 年 (nián). Here are some examples:
| Year | Mandarin | Pinyin | Pronunciation |
| 2023 | 2023年 | èr líng èr sān nián | ahr leeng ahr sahn niehn |
| 1997 | 1997年 | yī jiǔ jiǔ qī nián | e jiow jiow chee niehn |
| 1830 | 1830年 | yī bā sān líng nián | e bah sahn leeng niehn |
| 2000 | 2000年 | èr líng líng líng nián | ahr leeng leeng leeng niahn |
And just like that, you now know how to count all the way to 100 and beyond in Mandarin Chinese! Learning to count is undoubtedly a major milestone in every language learner’s journey, and you should pat yourself on the back for reaching it!
Why not complement this lesson with a few more of our helpful Chinese articles, like our full guide to Chinese radicals and our quick intro to saying hello in Mandarin? Keep the momentum going!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Nicknames in Spanish","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"222 super fun nicknames in Spanish to use with your loved ones","url":"/blog/cute-funny-nicknames-spanish","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt21857444c27df099/633f6ae79bac8c116ac59847/places-to-practice-conversational-spanish-princeton-nj.jpg"},"post_content":"The article presents a variety of endearing and humorous nicknames used in Spanish-speaking cultures, highlighting their meanings and contexts for use.
\n\nFrom the top of Catalonia to the southern tip of Chile, you’ll find that Spanish speakers everywhere love to use nicknames to refer to their friends and family. As anyone who’s spent any time in a Hispanic country can attest, most Spanish speakers are extremely warm and friendly. And part of what makes the community so approachable is its embrace of colorful, creative, and unique nicknames.
\nBelow are just a few reasons why you should learn a few nicknames in Spanish.
\nUsing thoughtful nicknames with your friends can help you cultivate deep and meaningful relationships. Just make sure to use a nickname that actually fits your friend – otherwise, it might come across as insincere! You know your friends best, which is why we’ve compiled a list of over 222 unique nicknames in Spanish.
\nJust as your friends will come up with creative nicknames for you, they will do the same for the rest of your friends. That means there will be potentially dozens of nicknames to keep track of if you want to stay on top of what your friends are calling each other!
\nYou may be expecting nicknames from your friends, but did you know that casual acquaintances and even strangers could call you by a nickname? Indeed, it’s not uncommon at all for strangers to use a nickname to call on you in casual interactions.
\nFor example, if you have blonde hair and order tacos from a taco stand, you can expect the taquero (the taco person) to call you güero or güera (which means blonde). Likewise, if you have curly hair, they might call you chino or china as short for pelo chino (curly hair).
\nUsing nicknames for your friends and family can be a great way to make your everyday interactions a little more fun. Though this is true for every language, it is especially so for Spanish, as there are some funny Spanish nicknames out there!
\nReady to get started? We’ll cover over 222 unique nicknames in Spanish, from the funniest to the most romantic ones! From now on, you’ll know exactly what to call every important person in your life.
\n\n
The Spanish word for a nickname is apodo (ah-poe-doe) and its plural is apodos (ah-poe-dohs).
\n![\"Nicknames](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltfcabeb76ff07926e/613ea9556892396b3b00b88d/Cultural_competence_in_the_workplace_pizza_with_friends.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
We’ll start with gender-neutral nicknames you can use for your loved ones. You may have learned some of these before if you’ve studied terms of endearment in Spanish. The ones below are great gender-neutral options that you can use with your partner, family members, close friends, and sometimes even strangers! Don’t be surprised if an older woman calls you corazón out of the blue, she’s probably not trying to flirt with you!
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA spelling | \nPronunciation | \n
| My love | \nMi amor | \nmj aˈmoɾ | \nme ah-more | \n
| Baby | \nBebé | \nbeˈβe | \nbeh-beh | \n
| Heart | \nCorazón | \nkoɾaˈson | \ncoh-rah-zohn | \n
| My life | \nMi vida | \nmi ˈβiða | \nme ve-dah | \n
| My sky | \nMi cielo | \nmi ˈsjelo | \nme see-eh-loh | \n
| My sun | \nMi sol | \nmi ˈsol | \nme sol | \n
| Treasure | \nTesoro | \nteˈsoɾo | \nteh-soh-roh | \n
| My little cake | \nPastelito | \npasteˈlito | \npas-teh-lee-toe | \n
| My light | \nMi luz | \nmi ˈlus | \nme looz | \n
| Sugar | \nAzúcar | \naˈsukaɾ | \nah-sue-car | \n
| Fattie (no negative connotation, gender-neutral) | \nGordi | \nˈɡoɾði | \ngore-dee | \n
| The light of my eyes | \nLa luz de mis ojos | \nla ˈluz ðe mis ˈoxos | \nla looz deh mees oh-hos | \n
| My little love | \nAmorcito | \namoɾˈsito | \nah-more-see-toe | \n
If you have a special guy in your life and you’re tired of saying “I love you” to him over and over, you can try using any of these loving and romantic nicknames. While none of them are overwhelmingly cheesy, you should probably exercise some caution when in formal situations. Avoid using them unless you’re speaking to your man — or trying to find one!
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA spelling | \nPronunciation | \n
| Marshmallow | \nBombón | \nbomˈbon | \nbom-bon | \n
| Daddy | \nPapi | \nˈpapi | \npah-pee | \n
| Cute daddy | \nPapi chulo | \nˈpapi ˈʧulo | \npah-pee choo-loh | \n
| Baby | \nNene | \nˈnene | \nneh-neh | \n
| Doll (male) | \nMuñeco | \nmuˈɲeko | \nmoo-nyeh-coe | \n
| Little one | \nChiquitito | \nʧikiˈtito | \nchee-key-tee-toe | \n
| Fattie (non-derogatory) | \nGordito | \nɡoɾˈðito | \ngore-dee-toe | \n
| Little chickie | \nPollito | \npoˈʝito | \npo-yee-toe | \n
| Cutie | \nChulo | \nˈʧulo | \nchoo-loh | \n
| Handsome | \nGuapo | \nˈɡwapo | \ngoo-ah-poh | \n
| Cutie | \nLindo | \nˈlindo | \nleen-doe | \n
| Prince | \nPríncipe | \nˈpɾinsipe | \npreen-see-peh | \n
| King | \nRey | \nˈrej | \nray | \n
| My man | \nMi hombre | \nmj ˈombɾe | \nme ohm-breh | \n
| Beautiful | \nHermoso | \neɾˈmoso | \nair-mo-soh | \n
| Little angel | \nAngelito | \nanxeˈlito | \nahn-heh-lee-toe | \n
Expressing your love and appreciation for your girlfriend or wife on a daily basis can be as easy as using a thoughtful and romantic nickname. If you want to find the right Spanish nickname for your queen or princess, check out these romantic options below!
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA spelling | \nPronunciation | \n
| Princess | \nPrincesa | \npɾinˈsesa | \npreen-seh-sah | \n
| My queen | \nMi reina | \nmi ˈrejna | \nme ray-nah | \n
| My mermaid | \nMi sirenita | \nmi siɾeˈnita | \nme see-reh-nee-tah | \n
| Mommy | \nMami | \nˈmami | \nmah-mee | \n
| Little one | \nChiquitita | \nʧikiˈtita | \nchee-key-tee-tah | \n
| Fattie (non-derogatory) | \nGordita | \nɡoɾˈðita | \ngore-dee-ta | \n
| Little chickie | \nPollita | \npoˈʝita | \npoe-yee-tah | \n
| Cutie | \nChula | \nˈʧula | \nchoo-lah | \n
| Beautiful | \nGuapa | \nˈɡwapa | \ngoo-ah-pah | \n
| Cutie | \nLinda | \nˈlinda | \nleen-dah | \n
| Baby | \nNena | \nˈnena | \nneh-nah | \n
| Doll | \nMuñeca | \nmuˈɲeka | \nmoo-nyeh-cah | \n
| Beautiful | \nHermosa | \neɾˈmosa | \nair-mo-sah | \n
| Pearl | \nPerla | \nˈpeɾla | \npear-la | \n
Spanish families are famously large, but they’re also extremely close. If you have any Spanish-speaking family, you probably already know how common nicknames are among relatives — both immediate and distant. Check out these useful ones for your family members in Spanish, from gender-neutral grandpa and grandma nicknames, to your nieces and nephews.
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nRelationship | \nIPA spelling | \nPronunciation | \n
| Mommy | \nMami | \nMother | \nˈmami | \nmah-me | \n
| Daddy | \nPapi | \nFather | \nˈpapi | \npah-pee | \n
| Madam | \nSeñora | \nMother | \nseˈɲoɾa | \nseh-nyoh-rah | \n
| Sir | \nSeñor | \nFather | \nseˈɲoɾ | \nseh-nyore | \n
| Ma | \nMa | \nMother | \nˈma | \nmah-mah | \n
| Pa | \nPa | \nFather | \nˈpa | \npah-pah | \n
| Boss | \nJefa | \nMother | \nˈxefa | \nheh-fah | \n
| Boss | \nJefe | \nFather | \nˈxefe | \nheh-feh | \n
| My old ones | \nMis viejos | \nParents | \nmiz ˈβjexos | \nmees vee-eh-hos | \n
| Bro | \nMano | \nBrother | \nˈmano | \nmah-no | \n
| Sis | \nMana | \nSister | \nˈmana | \nmah-nah | \n
| Granpa (gender-neutral) | \nAbue | \nGrandparent | \nˈaβwe | \nah-boo-eh | \n
| Cousin (gender-neutral) | \nPrimi | \nCousin | \nˈpɾimi | \npree-me | \n
| Little person | \nMuchachito, muchachita | \nYounger family members, like nephews or nieces | \nmuʧaˈʧito, muʧaˈʧita | \nmoo-cha-chee-toe, moo-cha-chee-tah | \n
| Baby chicks | \nPolluelos | \nChildren | \npoˈʝwelos | \npoh-you-eh-lohs | \n
![\"Cute](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt36fa624009b1d305/639fafa3b5b2a64bae67618c/Nicknames_for_grandmother_in_French.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Having a few badass nicknames for guys in Spanish can come in very handy when you’re trying to catch the attention of that cute guy you pass by all the time in school or trying to start a conversation with the cutie sitting next to you at the bar. Beyond doling out some handy compliments in Spanish, you could try your luck with one of these steezy nicknames any guy would appreciate.
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA spelling | \nPronunciation | \n
| Slick | \nEl galán | \nɣaˈlan | \ngah-lahn | \n
| Heart thief | \nEl ladrón de corazones | \nlaˈðɾon de koɾaˈsones | \nlah-drohn deh coh-rah-zoh-ness | \n
| Heartbreaker | \nEl rompecorazones | \nrompekoɾaˈsones | \nrom-peh-coh-rah-zoh-ness | \n
| Stud | \nEl casanova | \nkasaˈnoβa | \nca-sa-no-va | \n
| Don Juan | \nEl donjuán | \ndonˈxwan | \ndon-who-ahn | \n
| Charming | \nEl conquistador | \nkonkistaˈðoɾ | \ncon-keys-tah-door | \n
| Tiger | \nEl tigre | \nˈtiɣɾe | \ntee-greh | \n
| Male | \nEl macho | \nˈmaʧo | \nma-choh | \n
| Captain | \nEl capitán | \nkapiˈtan | \ncah-pee-tahn | \n
| Boss | \nEl patrón | \npaˈtɾon | \npah-trohn | \n
| The Hulk | \nEl hulk | \nˈulk | \nhulk | \n
| Soldier | \nEl soldado | \nsolˈdaðo | \nsole-dah-doe | \n
| Alpha | \nEl alfa | \nˈalfa | \nalfa | \n
\n
\n
If you’re already at an intermediate Spanish level and can readily consume Spanish media, you probably already know how funny Spanish speakers can be. If you take pride in your sense of humor, don’t pass up the opportunity to use some of these hilarious Spanish nicknames!
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nContext | \nIPA spelling | \nPronunciation | \n
| Crazy | \nLoco, loca | \nCan be used with friends, doesn’t have a negative connotation | \nˈloko, ˈloka | \nloh-coe, loh-cah | \n
| Father | \nPapá | \nCan be used with friends | \npaˈpa | \npah-pah | \n
| My king | \nMi Rey | \nUsually when talking up a friend | \nmi ˈrej | \nme ray | \n
| Brain | \nCerebro | \nUsed with very smart people | \nseˈɾeβɾo | \nseh-reh-broh | \n
| Chatty cathy | \nLengua larga | \nUsed with someone who talks a lot | \nˈlenɡwa ˈlaɾɣa | \nlehn-goo-ah lar-gah | \n
| Clown | \nPallaso, Pallasa | \nUsed with funny people | \npaˈʝaso, paˈʝasa | \npah-yah-so, pah-yah-sah | \n
| Tasmanian Devil | \nDemonio de Tasmania | \nUsed with people who are loud, messy, or clumsy | \ndeˈmonjo ðe tazˈmanja | \ndeh-moh-nee-oh deh tass-mah-nee-ah | \n
| Party animal | \nFiestero, Fiestera | \nUsed with people who like to party | \nfjesˈteɾo, fjesˈteɾa | \nfee-ehs-teh-roe, fee-ehs-teh-rah | \n
| Chicken | \nGallina | \nUsed with people who are easily scared | \nɡaˈʝina | \ngah-yee-nah | \n
| Person who loves gossip | \nChismoso, Chismosa | \nUsed with people who love to gossip | \nʧizˈmoso, ʧizˈmosa | \ncheese-mo-so, cheese-mo-sah | \n
| Toad | \nSapo | \nA snitch | \nˈsapo | \nsah-poe | \n
\n
![\"dog-3610168.jpg\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltd68be8dffc82e990/61f72d2608a505715149598b/dog-3610168.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
There are hundreds of different terms of endearment that you can use to refer to just about anyone in your life. If you want to find the perfect cute nickname in Spanish for all the special people — and pets — in your life, here’s a great list to get you started.
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nRelationship | \nIPA spelling | \nPronunciation | \n
| Little spark | \nChispita | \nAnyone | \nʧisˈpita | \nchees-pee-tah | \n
| My son, my daughter | \nMijo, Mija | \nA younger person, doesn’t have to be family | \nˈmixo, ˈmixa | \nmee-hoh, mee-hah | \n
| Small one | \nChiquito, Chiquita | \nA younger person | \nʧiˈkito, ʧiˈkita | \nchee-key-toe, chee-key-tah | \n
| Candy | \nDulce | \nA romantic parter or a close friend | \nˈdulse | \ndool-seh | \n
| Girl | \nChica | \nA female friend | \nˈʧika | \nchee-cah | \n
| Significant other | \nPichurri | \nSignificant other | \npiˈʧuri | \npee-choo-ree | \n
| Significant other | \nChurri | \nSignificant other | \nˈʧuri | \nchoo-ree | \n
| Melon heart | \nCorazón de melón | \nA significant other or close family member | \nkoɾaˈson de meˈlon | \ncoh-rah-sohn deh meh-lohn | \n
| Half orange | \nMedia naranja | \nA significant other | \nˈmeðja naˈɾanxa | \nmeh-dee-ah nah-rahn-hah | \n
| Piece of heaven | \nPedacito de cielo | \nA significant other or close family member | \npeðaˈsito ðe ˈsjelo | \npeh-dah-see-toe deh see-eh-loe | \n
| Little bunny | \nConejito | \nA significant other or younger person | \nkoneˈxito | \ncoh-neh-he-toe | \n
| Little bear | \nOsito | \nA significant other | \noˈsito | \noh-see-toe | \n
| Little monkey | \nMonito, Monita | \nA significant other or close friend | \nmoˈnito, moˈnita | \nMo-nee-toe, mo-nee-tah | \n
| Little bug | \nBichito | \nA significant other | \nbiˈʧito | \nbee-chee-toe | \n
| Pretty little thing | \nCosita linda | \nA significant other or close friend | \nkoˈsita ˈlinda | \ncoh-see-tah leen-dah | \n
| Candy | \nCaramelo | \nA significant other | \nkaɾaˈmelo | \ncah-rah-meh-loh | \n
| Colleague | \nColegui | \nCoworker | \nkoˈleɣi | \ncoh-leh-gee | \n
| Dear | \nCariño | \nA significant other or close friend | \nkaˈɾiɲo | \ncah-ree-nyoh | \n
| Small one | \nPeque | \nA child | \nˈpeke | \npeh-keh | \n
| Little eyes | \nOjitos | \nA close friend with pretty eyes | \noˈxitos | \noh-he-toes | \n
| Curly hair | \nRicitos | \nA close friend with curly hair | \nriˈsitos | \nree-see-toes | \n
| Dog | \nPerruchis | \nDog | \npeˈruʧis | \npeh-roo-cheese | \n
| Dog | \nChanda | \nDog | \nˈʧanda | \nchahn-da | \n
| Boy, girl | \nChico, Chica | \nAny pet | \nˈʧiko, ˈʧika | \nchee-coh, chee-cah | \n
| The woof woof | \nEl guau guau | \nDog | \nel ˈɣwaw ˈɣwaw | \ngoo-ah goo-ah | \n
| Full of fleas | \nPulgoso, pulgosa | \nDog | \npulˈɣoso, pulˈɣosa | \npool-go-so | \n
| Fur ball | \nBola de pelos | \nAny furry pet | \nˈbola ðe ˈpelos | \nboh-lah deh peh-loss | \n
| Dog | \nFirulais | \nDog | \nfiˈɾulajs | \nfee-roo-la-is | \n
| Cat | \nMichi | \nCat | \nˈmiʧi | \nme-chee | \n
| Meow | \nMiau | \nCat | \nˈmjaw | \nmee-ah-ooh | \n
| Little devil | \nDiablito | \nAny pet | \ndjaˈβlito | \ndee-ah-blee-toe | \n
| Puppy | \nCachorrito | \nDog | \nkaʧoˈrito | \ncah-choh-ree-toe | \n
\n
With 21 countries that speak Spanish, it’s no surprise that each one has its own unique vocabulary for nicknames. Whether you have friends from all over or you want to travel far and wide, here are some regional Spanish nickname variations you can use.
\nAs the country of origin of the Spanish language, perhaps you’d think that Spanish from Spain is the standard dialect. However, that’s not really the case, since an overwhelming majority of Spanish speakers live in Latin America. In fact, as the only country in Europe that speaks Spanish, Spain has developed a unique set of slang and nicknames.
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA Spelling | \nPronunciation | \n
| Uncle | \nTío | \nˈtio | \ntee-oh | \n
| Friend | \nMajo | \nˈmaxo | \nmah-hoh | \n
| Friend | \nGuaje | \nˈɡwaxe | \ngoo-ah-heh | \n
| Mine | \nMeu | \nˈmew | \nmeh-ooh | \n
| Little boy | \nTete | \nˈtete | \nteh-teh | \n
| Friend | \nAcho | \nˈaʧo | \nah-cho | \n
\n
\n
As the country with the most Spanish speakers in the world, it’s no surprise that Mexico has many unique nicknames. If you plan to spend time in historic Mexico City or along the Riviera Maya, don’t forget to learn a few of these common nicknames!
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA Spelling | \nPronunciation | \n
| Dude | \nGüey | \nˈɡwej | \nway | \n
| Guy | \nVato | \nˈbato | \nvah-toe | \n
| Friend | \nCompa | \nˈkompa | \ncom-pah | \n
| Someone from Mexico City | \nChilango | \nʧiˈlanɡo | \nchee-lahn-goe | \n
| Short | \nChaparrito, chaparrita | \nʧapaˈrito, ʧapaˈrita | \nchah-pah-ree-toe, chah-pah-ree-tah | \n
| That one | \nEse | \nˈese | \neh-seh | \n
| Young guy | \nChavo, chava | \nˈʧaβo, ˈʧaβa | \ncha-voh, cha-vah | \n
| Someone who is really good at something | \nCrack | \nˈkɾakk | \ncrack | \n
\n
\n
Argentina has some famously unique nicknames that you won’t hear anywhere outside this country. Fun fact, did you know that the winning team of the 2022 World Cup has its own nickname? See below to find out what it is!
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA Spelling | \nPronunciation | \n
| Bro | \nBoludo | \nboˈluðo | \nboh-loo-doe | \n
| Dude | \nChe | \nˈʧe | \ncheh | \n
| Guy, girl | \nPibe, piba | \nˈpiβe, ˈpiβa | \npee-beh, pee-bah | \n
| Argentina’s soccer team | \nLa albiceleste | \nalβiseˈleste | \nahl-bee-see-ehs-teh | \n
\n
\n
Even if Colombia isn’t the most-populated Spanish-speaking country, it is an incredibly diverse one. You’ll find that regional accents and slang vary tremendously from departamento to departamento (their equivalent of states), which makes their regional linguistics extremely rich. Here are some of the most common nicknames in Colombia.
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA Spelling | \nPronunciation | \n
| Friend | \nMarica | \nmaˈɾika | \nmah-ree-cah | \n
| Friend | \nParcero | \npaɾˈseɾo | \npar-seh-roe | \n
| Friend | \nParce | \nˈpaɾse | \npar-seh | \n
| My best friend | \nMi llave | \nmi ˈʝaβe | \nme yah-veh | \n
| An expert | \nUna nota | \nˈuna ˈnota | \noo-nah no-tah | \n
| A child | \nChino | \nˈʧino | \nchee-no | \n
\n
\n
Whether you’re headed to the seaside metropolis of Lima or the picturesque town of Cusco, you’ll need to have a few of these Peruvian nicknames under your belt.
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA Spelling | \nPronunciation | \n
| Friend | \nPata | \nˈpata | \npah-tah | \n
| Young person | \nChibolo | \nʧiˈβolo | \nchee-boh-loh | \n
| Close friend | \nChoche | \nˈʧoʧe | \ncho-che | \n
| Dude | \nCholo | \nˈʧolo | \ncho-loh | \n
| Driver | \nFercho | \nˈfeɾʧo | \nfer-cho | \n
\n
\n
As all coffee lovers already know, the Central American country of Guatemala has a lot to offer. From its warm people to its impressive geographic landforms, Guatemala is truly a unique country — and its local nicknames are no exception!
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA Spelling | \nPronunciation | \n
| Someone from Guatemala | \nChapín, Chapina | \nʧaˈpin, ʧaˈpina | \ncha-peen, cha-pee-nah | \n
| A curly-haired person | \nColocho | \nkoˈloʧo | \nco-lo-cho | \n
| Blonde | \nCanche | \nˈkanʧe | \ncahn-cheh | \n
| A child | \nPatojo | \npaˈtoxo | \npah-to-hoh | \n
| A cheap person | \nChucho | \nˈʧuʧo | \nchoo-cho | \n
| A bright person | \nChispudo | \nʧisˈpuðo | \nchees-poo-doh | \n
\n
\n
If you’ve met someone from the Dominican Republic, you know how easily they can fill the room with positive energy. Part of that is their lively slang, which includes many funny and creative nicknames.
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA Spelling | \nPronunciation | \n
| Friend | \nPana | \nˈpana | \npah-nah | \n
| A hustler | \nTiguere | \ntiˈɣeɾe | \ntee-geh-reh | \n
| Someone who’s good at something | \nBacano | \nbaˈkano | \nba-cah-no | \n
| Mom | \nMai | \nˈmaj | \nma-e | \n
| Dad | \nPai | \nˈpaj | \npa-e | \n
| Girlfriend | \nJeva | \nˈxeβa | \nheh-va | \n
| Boyfriend | \nJevo | \nˈxeβo | \nheh-vo | \n
\n
Nicknames by given name are incredibly popular in Spanish-speaking countries. Most of your friends will probably never call you by your real name unless it’s extremely unique. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of some of the most common Spanish nicknames.
\n| English equivalent | \nName | \nNickname | \nIPA spelling | \nPronunciation | \n
| Albert | \nAlberto | \nBeto | \nˈbeto | \nbeh-toe | \n
| Alexander | \nAlejandro | \nAlex | \nˈaleks | \nalex | \n
| Alexandra | \nAlejandra | \nAle | \nˈale | \nah-leh | \n
| Alfred | \nAlfredo | \nFreddy | \nˈfɾeðði | \nfreh-dee | \n
| Anthony | \nAntonio | \nToño | \nˈtoɲo | \ntoh-nyoh | \n
| Benjamin | \nBenjamín | \nBenji | \nˈbenxi | \nben-yee | \n
| Caroline | \nCarolina | \nCaro | \nˈkaɾo | \ncah-roe | \n
| Cecilia | \nCecilia | \nCeci | \nˈsesi | \nseh-see | \n
| Claudia | \nClaudia | \nClau | \nˈklaw | \nclah-ooh | \n
| Christian | \nCristian | \nCris | \nˈkɾis | \ncrees | \n
| Christine | \nCristina | \nCris | \nˈkɾis | \ncrees | \n
| None | \nConcepción | \nConcha | \nˈkonʧa | \ncon-cha | \n
| Dolores | \nDolores | \nLola | \nˈlola | \nlola | \n
| Edward | \nEduardo | \nLalo | \nˈlalo | \nlalo | \n
| Henry | \nEnrique | \nQuique | \nˈkike | \nkey-keh | \n
| Ernest | \nErnesto | \nNeto | \nˈneto | \nneh-toe | \n
| Frederick | \nFederico | \nKiko | \nˈkiko | \nkey-koh | \n
| Francis | \nFrancisco | \nPaco, Pancho | \nˈpako, ˈpanʧo | \npah-coh, pan-cho | \n
| Francesca | \nFrancisca | \nPaquita | \npaˈkita | \npah-key-tah | \n
| Gabriel | \nGabriel | \nGabo | \nˈɡaβo | \ngah-boe | \n
| None | \nGuadalupe | \nLupe, Lupita | \nˈlupe, luˈpita | \nloo-peh, loo-pee-tah | \n
| William | \nGuillermo | \nMemo | \nˈmemo | \nmeh-moe | \n
| None | \nIgnacio | \nNacho | \nˈnaʧo | \nnah-cho | \n
| Jesus | \nJesús | \nChuy | \nˈʧuj | \nchewy | \n
| Joseph | \nJosé | \nPepe | \nˈpepe | \npeh-peh | \n
| Joseph Mary | \nJosé María | \nChema | \nˈʧema | \ncheh-mah | \n
| John Paul | \nJuan Pablo | \nJuanpa | \nˈxwampa | \nwho-ahn-pah | \n
| John Francis | \nJuan Francisco | \nJuancho | \nˈxwanʧo | \nwho-ahn-cho | \n
| John Joseph | \nJuan José | \nJuanjo | \nˈxwanxo | \nwho-ahn-hoh | \n
| Leonard | \nLeonardo | \nLeo | \nˈleo | \nleh-oh | \n
| Lawrence | \nLorenzo | \nLencho | \nˈlenʧo | \nlehn-cho | \n
| Raymond | \nRaymundo | \nMundo | \nˈmundo | \nmoon-doe | \n
| None | \nSergio | \nCheco | \nˈʧeko | \ncheh-coh | \n
| Thomas | \nTomás | \nTommy | \nˈtommi | \ntoh-me | \n
| Lucy | \nLucia | \nLuci | \nˈlusi | \nloo-see | \n
| None | \nLuis Fernando | \nLuisfer | \nlwisˈfeɾ | \nloo-is-fair | \n
| Mary Joseph | \nMaría José | \nMajo | \nˈmaxo | \nmah-hoh | \n
| Mary Isabelle | \nMaría Isabel | \nMaribel | \nmaɾiˈβel | \nmah-ree-belle | \n
| None | \nMaría Fernanda | \nMafer | \nmaˈfeɾ | \nmah-fehr | \n
| None | \nMaría Elena | \nMalena | \nmaˈlena | \nmah-leh-nah | \n
| Magdalene | \nMagdalena | \nMagda | \nˈmaɣða | \nmag-dah | \n
| Monica | \nMónica | \nMoni | \nˈmoni | \nmoh-nee | \n
| None | \nMonserrat | \nMonse | \nˈmonse | \nmon-seh | \n
| None | \nRosario | \nChayo | \nˈʧaʝo | \ncha-yoh | \n
| Sandra | \nSandra | \nSandy | \nˈsandi | \nsan-dee | \n
| Susan, Suzanne | \nSusana | \nSusi | \nˈsusi | \nsoo-see | \n
| Theresa | \nTeresa | \nTere | \nˈteɾe | \nteh-reh | \n
| None | \nViridiana | \nViri | \nˈbiɾi | \nvee-ree | \n
| Veronica | \nVerónica | \nVero | \nˈbeɾo | \nveh-roe | \n
| Vincent | \nVicente | \nChente | \nˈʧente | \nchehn-teh | \n
| None | \nXochitl | \nXochi | \nˈsoʧi | \nsoh-chee | \n
| Yolanda | \nYolanda | \nYoli | \nˈʝoli | \nyo-lee | \n
| None | \nYuridia | \nYuri | \nˈʝuɾi | \nyoo-ree-dee-ah | \n
\n
![\"Signpost_of_cool_places_and_cities_on_Earth.jpg\"](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt8f3bd59399c62a1e/63d093f1bf2b513f9caf8c39/Signpost_of_cool_places_and_cities_on_Earth.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
The Big Apple, The Emerald City, and The Big Easy. All of these are common English nicknames for major cities in the United States that non-natives might not understand. Spanish has similar nicknames that would probably confuse you unless you’ve spent some time in the city — or read our handy guide to Spanish city nicknames!
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA Spelling | \nPronunciation | \n
| United States | \nEl gabacho | \nel ɣaˈβaʧo | \ngah-bah-cho | \n
| Buenos Aires | \nLa Reina del Plata | \nla ˈrejna ðel ˈplata | \nla ray-nah dell plah-tah | \n
| Barcelona | \nLa Ciudad Condal | \nla sjuˈðað konˈdal | \nla see-ooh-dahd cohn-dall | \n
| Rome | \nLa Ciudad Eterna | \nla sjuˈðað eˈteɾna | \nla see-ooh-dahd eh-tehr-nah | \n
| Madrid | \nLa Villa y Corte | \nla ˈβiʝa j ˈkoɾte | \nla vee-yah e core-teh | \n
| Paris | \nLa Ciudad de la Luz | \nla sjuˈðað ðe la ˈlus | \nla see-ooh-dahd deh la looz | \n
| Mexico City | \nChilangolandia | \nʧilanɡoˈlandja | \nchee-lan-go-lan-dee-ah | \n
| Monterrey | \nLa Sultana del Norte | \nla sulˈtana ðel ˈnoɾte | \nla sool-tah-nah dell nor-teh | \n
| Guadalajara | \nGuanatos | \nɡwaˈnatos | \ngoo-ah-nah-toss | \n
| Cuzco | \nEl Ombligo del Mundo | \nel omˈbliɣo ðel ˈmundo | \nehl ohm-blee-goh dell moon-doe | \n
| Lima | \nLa Ciudad de los Reyes | \nla sjuˈðað ðe loz ˈreʝes | \nla see-ooh-dahd deh los reh-yes | \n
| Bogotá | \nEl Balcón de los Andes | \nel βalˈkon de los ˈandes | \nelle bal-cohn deh los ahn-dehs | \n
| Cartagena | \nLa Heróica | \nla eˈɾojka | \nla eh-roh-e-cah | \n
| Ushuaia | \nLa Ciudad del Fin del Mundo | \nla sjuˈðað ðel ˈfin del ˈmundo | \nla see-ooh-dahd dell feen dell moon-doe | \n
\n
Learning a few Spanish nicknames will make you sound like a true native, and with our helpful list of over 222 nicknames in Spanish, you have no excuses not to!
\nIf you enjoyed this article, check out our Spanish blog where we publish friendly and helpful Spanish lessons for you — for free! Even if you’re not taking online Spanish classes with us, we’re happy to help you and anyone else who is keen on becoming an expert in Spanish. Our goal is to help you open your world with the language skills, cultural understanding, and confidence you need to succeed internationally.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Questions in Spanish","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"How to ask questions in Spanish: A top guide to question words","url":"/blog/spanish-questions-interrogative-words","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blteb0746aaad2f25e8/63c0f882adb01e2e7b05232d/Friends_drinking_coffee.jpg"},"post_content":"Asking questions is one of the first few things we learn how to do as we’re growing up. And for good reason! We learn about the world around us by asking questions. That’s how we check in on people, make new friends in a different country, and navigate daily life.
Learning how to ask questions in Spanish can help us:
If you’re unsure what something means, knowing how to ask questions in Spanish will help you get clarification. As the popular Spanish saying goes, “al que no habla, ¡Dios no lo oye!” (God doesn’t help those who don’t speak). Plus, asking plenty of questions is one of the fastest ways to learn Spanish!
Seriously! Some questions are essential for daily life, like asking people for their name or where the bathroom is.
A simple “hey, how are you?” can be incredibly important in your friendships. Knowing how to ask personalized questions is a sure way to let your friends know that you care about them.
What better way to strike up a conversation than by asking about the weather, a recent sports match, or what the time is? Who knows, even romance might be around the corner if you ask the right questions!
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to tackle the Spanish questions once and for all!
![\"Two](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blta7a454daefa65aae/63c0f8de5b62d545a10b2d4b/pexels-anna-tarazevich-8151610.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Interrogative words help us ask a question. They can be adjectives, pronouns or adverbs. Both English and Spanish use interrogative words to specify what kind of information the speaker is asking for. For example, when you ask your friend “How did you get here?”, you want to know how they physically got to your location — not when or why they got there.
That means that a single word can change the entire meaning of a question. That’s why learning how to use each of them appropriately is so important. Here is an example of how a pronoun could change the entire meaning of a question just by using a different question word.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| What do you paint? | ¿Qué pintas? | keh peen-tahs | ˈke ˈpintas ‖ |
| When do you paint? | ¿Cuándo pintas? | coo-ahn-doh peen-tahs | ˈkwando ˈpintas ‖ |
| How do you paint? | ¿Cómo pintas? | koh-moh peen-tahs | ˈkomo ˈpintas ‖ |
| Why do you paint? | ¿Por qué pintas? | pore keh peen-tahs | poɾ ˈke ˈpintas ‖ |
| Where do you paint? | ¿Dónde pintas? | dohn-deh peen-tahs | ˈdonde ˈpintas ‖ |
| Whom do you paint? | ¿A quién pintas? | ah key-ehn peen-tahs | a ˈkjem ˈpintas ‖ |
| How much do you paint? | ¿Qué tanto pintas? | keh tahn-toe peen-tahs | ˈke ˈtanto ˈpintas ‖ |
Asking questions in English vs. Spanish isn’t all that different. Both languages use question marks to indicate a question in text and voice inflections to indicate a question in speech. However, there are a few key differences that you should keep in mind when asking questions in Spanish.
As in English, you can use an interrogative word to start a question in Spanish. You would then follow it with a conjugated verb and may follow that with extra information if needed. However, Spanish is less strict when it comes to question structures. In fact, you can turn any statement into a question simply by adding question marks or using the right intonation.
Here are some examples.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Should we go get coffee? | ¿Vamos por un café? | vah-mos pore oon kah-feh | ˈbamos poɾ un kaˈfe ‖ |
| Let’s go get coffee. | Vamos por un café. | vah-mos pore oon kah-feh | ˈbamos poɾ un kaˈfe ‖ |
| Are winters in Madrid cold? | ¿Los inviernos en Madrid son fríos? | los een-vee-air-nos ehn mah-dreed sohn free-ohs | los imˈbjeɾnos em maˈðɾið ˈsom ˈfɾios ‖ |
| Winters in Madrid are cold. | Los inviernos en Madrid son fríos. | los een-vee-air-nos ehn mah-dreed sohn free-ohs | los imˈbjeɾnos em maˈðɾið ˈsom ˈfɾios ‖ |
| Is China the most populated country in the world? | ¿China es el país más poblado del mundo? | chee-nah ehs ehl pah-ees mahs poe-blah-doe dell moon-doe | ˈʧina ˈes el paˈiz ˈmas poˈβlaðo ðel ˈmundo ‖ |
| China is the most populated country in the world. | China es el país más poblado del mundo. | chee-nah ehs ehl pah-ees mahs poe-blah-doe dell moon-doe | ˈʧina ˈes el paˈiz ˈmas poˈβlaðo ðel ˈmundo ‖ |
One of the most obvious differences between English and Spanish questions is the use of the inverted question mark. If you’re just getting started with Spanish, you may feel intimidated by the upside-down question point. However, using it is really quite simple. Just as the regular question mark is used as punctuation at the end of a sentence, an upside-down question mark is used to open a question. This can be at the beginning of a sentence or in the middle of it.
We’ll go into more details in a separate guide, but here are a few quick examples of how to use the inverted question mark in Spanish.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Hi, what’s your name? | Hola, ¿cómo te llamas? | oh-lah, koh-moh teh yah-mas | ˈola | ˈkomo te ˈʝamas ‖ |
| My parents and my siblings are going, are you? | Mis papás y mis hermanos van a ir, ¿qué tal ustedes? | mees pah-pahs e mees air-mah-nohs vahn ah veh-neer, keh tal oos-teh-dess | mis paˈpas i mis eɾˈmanoz ˈβan a ˈiɾ | ˈke ˈtal usˈteðes ‖ |
| Good morning, how may I help you? | Buenos días, ¿cómo le puedo ayudar? | boo-eh-nohs dee-ahs, koh-moh leh poo-eh-doh ah-you-dar | ˈbwenoz ˈðias | ˈkomo le ˈpweðo aʝuˈðaɾ ‖ |
As you may have noticed in the section above, Spanish question words always have an accent mark. That helps us differentiate interrogative words from other types of words, as sentence structure often doesn’t vary when asking questions in Spanish. In general, if you see an interrogative word with an accent mark, it means it is asking a question.
Here are some examples.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Who invented electricity? | ¿Quién descubrió la gravedad? | kee-ehn des-coo-bree-oh la grah-veh-dad | ˈkjen deskuˈβɾjo la ɣɾaβeˈðað ‖ |
| Issac Newton, who invented gravity, was an English physicist. | Isaac Newton, quien descubrió la gravedad, fue un físico inglés. | Isaac Newton, key-ehn dehs-coo-bree-oh la grah-veh-dahd, foo-eh oon fee-see-coh een-glehs | isaˈak ˈnewton | ˈkjen deskuˈβɾjo la ɣɾaβeˈðað | ˈfwe wm ˈfisiko jnˈɡles ‖ |
| When is Australia the least warm? | ¿Cuándo hace menos calor en Australia? | koo-ahn-doe ah-seh meh-noss cah-lore ehn ah-oos-trah-lee-ah | isaˈak ˈnewton | ˈkjen deskuˈβɾjo la ɣɾaβeˈðað | ˈfwe wm ˈfisiko jnˈɡles ‖ |
| July is when Australia is the least warm. | Julio es cuando hace menos calor en Australia. | who-lee-oh ess coo-ahn-doe ah-seh meh-noss cah-lore ehn ah-oos-trah-lee-ah | ˈxuljo ˈes ˈkwando ˈase ˈmenos kaˈloɾ en awsˈtɾalja ‖ |
| How do I get to the Economics department? | ¿Cómo llego a la facultad de economía? | koh-moh yeh-goh ah la fa-cool-tad deh eh-coh-no-mee-ah | ˈkomo ˈʝeɣo a la fakulˈtað ðe ekonoˈmia ‖ |
| Go straight, just how you would if you were going to the Sociology department, but make a right at the end. | Te vas todo derecho, como si fueras a la facultad de sociología, y al final das vuelta a la derecha. | teh vas toe-doe deh-reh-cho, ko-mo see foo-eh-rahs ah lah fa-cool-tad deh soh-see-oh-lo-he-ah, e al fee-nal das voo-el-tah ah la deh-reh-cha | te ˈβas ˈtoðo ðeˈɾeʧo | ˈkomo si ˈfweɾas a la fakulˈtað ðe sosjoloˈxia | j al fiˈnal ˈdaz ˈβwelta a la ðeˈɾeʧa ‖ |
Now that you know how to use interrogative pronouns and inverted question marks, you’re ready to start asking questions in Spanish. We’ll cover each of the question words in more detail along with several examples to get you asking questions in Spanish like a pro!
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Who | Quién | key-ehn | ˈkjen |
| What | Qué | keh | ˈke |
| When | Cuándo | koo-ahn-doe | ˈkwando |
| Where | Dónde | don-deh | ˈdonde |
| Why | Por qué | pore keh | poɾ ˈke |
| Which | Cuál | koo-all | ˈkwal |
| How | Cómo | koh-moe | ˈkomo |
| How many, how much | Cuánto, Cuánta, Cuántos, Cuántas | koo-ahn-toe, koo-ahn-ta, koo-ahn-tohs, koo-ahn-tahs | ˈkwanto | ˈkwanta | ˈkwantos | ˈkwantas |
If you’re trying to figure out who someone is, who ate the last slice of cake, or who let the dogs out, then these are the question words you’re looking for. Although English uses the same question word for singular and plural, Spanish uses two:
Here are some examples of how to use these Spanish question words.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Who ate the food I left in the fridge? | ¿Quién se comió la comida que dejé en el refrigerador? | key-ehn seh koh-me-oh la ko-me-dah keh deh-heh ehn ehl reh-free-heh-ra-door | ˈkjen se koˈmjo la koˈmiða ˈke ðeˈxe en el refɾixeɾaˈðoɾ ‖ |
| Who here has been to Spain? | ¿Quiénes de ustedes han ido a España? | key-eh-ness deh oos-teh-dess ahn ee-do ah ess-pah-nyah | ˈkjenez ðe wsˈteðes ˈan ˈiðo a esˈpaɲa ‖ |
| Do you know who went to Lucia’s party? | ¿Sabes quiénes fueron a la fiesta de Lucía? | sah-bess key-eh-ness foo-eh-rohn ah la fee-ehs-tah deh loo-see-ah | ˈsaβes ˈkjenes ˈfweɾon a la ˈfjesta ðe luˈsia ‖ |
| Who could have done this? | ¿Quién pudo haber hecho esto? | key-ehn poo-doe ah-behr eh-cho ehs-toe | ˈkjem ˈpuðo aˈβeɾ ˈeʧo ˈesto ‖ |
| Who told you so? | ¿Quién te dijo eso? | key-ehn teh dee-hoh | ˈkjen te ˈðixo ˈeso ‖ |
| Who is she? | ¿Quién es ella? | key-ehn ess eh-yah | ˈkjen ˈes ˈeʝa ‖ |
These pronouns serve very similar purposes, which often causes people to mix them up. They are all question words that translate to both “what?” and “which?” The word “¿qué?” never changes, while “¿cuál?” can change to “¿cuáles?” when referring to plural objects.
The main difference between “¿qué?” and “¿cuál?/¿cuáles?” boils down to specificity: “¿cuál?/¿cuáles?” are generally more specific than “¿qué?”
Mastering how to use these in every scenario takes a lot of practice, but here are a few helpful scenarios to help you start getting a sense of when to use each of these question words.
You use “qué” when you’re asking what something is, what something means, and when you genuinely have no idea what something could be. In other words, this is the least specific type of question, as you don’t really know anything about the answer.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| What is that? | ¿Qué es eso? | keh ess eh-so | ˈke ˈes ˈeso ‖ |
| What is on Mars? | ¿Qué hay en Marte? | keh ah-e ehn mar-teh | ˈke ˈaj em ˈmaɾte ‖ |
| What is biodiversity? | ¿Qué es la biodiversidad? | keh ess la bee-oh-dee-ver-see-dad | ˈke ˈez la βjoðiβeɾsiˈðað ‖ |
Use “¿cuál?/¿cuáles?” when asking about the name of someone or something. In other words, you use this to ask questions when you have an idea of what the answer could be, but you don’t know its name.
Here are some examples.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| What is your name? | ¿Cuál es tu nombre? | koo-ahl es too nom-breh | ˈkwal ˈes tu ˈnombɾe ‖ |
| What is the traditional dish of Japan? | ¿Cuál es el platillo típico de Japón? | koo-ahl ess ehl pla-tee-yoh tee-pee-koh deh hah-pon | ˈkwal ˈes el plaˈtiʝo ˈtipiko ðe xaˈpon ‖ |
| What are the colors of the Italian flag? | ¿Cuáles son los colores de la bandera de Italia? | koo-ah-less soh loss koh-lore-ess deh la ban-deh-rah deh ee-ta-lee-ah | ˈkwales ˈson los koˈloɾez ðe la βanˈdeɾa ðe jˈtalja ‖ |
Again, the less specific a question is, the more likely the question word will be “¿qué?” Use this question word when there is an infinite possible number of answer choices, as the answer could be possibly anything.
Here are some examples.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| What happened last night? | ¿Qué pasó anoche? | keh pah-so ah-no-che | ˈke paˈso aˈnoʧe ‖ |
| What do you like to do? | ¿Qué te gusta hacer? | keh teh goose-tah ah-ser | ˈke te ˈɣusta aˈseɾ ‖ |
| What do hippopotamuses eat? | ¿Qué comen los hipopótamos? | keh koh-mehn loss e-po-po-tah-moss | ˈke ˈkomen los ipoˈpotamos ‖ |
| What did you give your mother for her birthday? | ¿Qué le regalaste a tu mamá por su cumpleaños? | keh leh reh-gah-las-teh ah too mah-mah pore soo coom-pleh-ah-nyoss | ˈke le reɣaˈlaste a tu maˈma poɾ su kumpleˈaɲos ‖ |
If you’re asking someone to choose from a defined group of like items, then you should use “¿cuál?/¿cuáles?” In some cases, the list of possible answer choices may be so obvious that you don’t even have to specify the objects you’re asking about.
Here are a few example sentences.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Which one do you prefer? | ¿Cuál prefieres? | koo-all preh-fee-eh-res | ˈkwal pɾeˈfjeɾes ‖ |
| Which ones are you taking? | ¿Cuáles te vas a llevar? | koo-all-ess teh vas ah yeh-var | ˈkwales te ˈβas a ʝeˈβaɾ ‖ |
| Which of these do you want? | ¿Cuál de estos quieres? | koo-all deh ess-toes key-air-ess | ˈkwal de ˈestos ˈkjeɾes ‖ |
| What is your favorite movie? | ¿Cuál es tu película favorita? | koo-all ehs too peh-lee-coo-la fah-vore-e-tah | ˈkwal ˈes tu peˈlikula faβoˈɾita ‖ |
| Which pants do you like the most? | ¿Cuáles pantalones te gustan más? | koo-all-ess pahn-tah-loh-ness teh goose-tahn mas | ˈkwales pantaˈlones te ˈɣustam ˈmas ‖ |
| Which one is mine? | ¿Cuál es el mío? | koo-all ehs elle mee-oh | ˈkwal ˈes el ˈmio ‖ |
Use this question word when there is a small list of available options that are not all the same. For example, you may be asking someone to choose their favorite food. It could be sushi, pizza, burgers, fruits, vegetables, tacos… who knows!
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| What do you want to eat? | ¿Qué quieres comer? | keh key-air-ess co-mer | ˈke ˈkjeɾes koˈmeɾ ‖ |
| What are you buying? | ¿Qué vas a comprar? | keh vass ah com-prar | ˈke ˈβas a komˈpɾaɾ ‖ |
| What do you prefer, washing or drying? | ¿Qué prefieres, lavar o secar? | keh preh-fee-air-ess | ˈke pɾeˈfjeɾes | laˈβaɾ o seˈkaɾ ‖ |
| What do you like more, fish or beef? | ¿Qué te gusta más, el pescado o la carne? | keh teh goose-tah mas, elle pes-cah-doe oh la car-neh | ˈke te ˈɣusta ˈmas | el pesˈkaðo o la ˈkaɾne ‖ |
| What flavor do you want? | ¿Qué sabor quieres? | keh sah-boor key-eh-ress | ˈke saˈβoɾ ˈkjeɾes ‖ |
This is one of the easiest question words in Spanish. Simply use this any time you want to inquire about the general time of something. Keep in mind that this is just the general time, and if you want to ask about the specific time or date of something, you’ll have to use “¿que?” Check out our article on telling time in Spanish for more details on asking about specific times!
For now, here are a few examples of how to use when.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| When are you coming to see me? | ¿Cuándo vas a venir a verme? | koo-ahn-doe vas ah veh-neer ah ver-meh | ˈkwando ˈβas a βeˈniɾ a ˈβeɾme ‖ |
| When are we seeing each other? | ¿Cuándo nos vemos? | koo-ahn-doe nos veh-moss | ˈkwando noz ˈβemos ‖ |
| Pedro! When did you get here!? | ¡Pedro! ¿¡Cuándo llegaste!? | peh-dro! koo-ahn-doe yeh-gas-teh | ˈpeðɾo ‖ ˈkwando ʝeˈɣaste ‖ |
This question word could save you a lot of trouble if you’re traveling in Spain or Latin America. In fact, knowing how to ask a few questions using “¿dónde?” could even save your life! From finding the nearest hospital to finding a place to charge your phone, this question word can help you find all the things you need.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Where is the bathroom? | ¿Dónde está el baño? | don-deh ehs-tah elle bah-nyoh | ˈdonde esˈta el ˈβaɲo ‖ |
| Where is the nearest subway station? | ¿Dónde está la estación del metro? | don-deh ehs-tah la ehs-tah-see-ohn dell meh-tro | ˈdonde esˈta la estaˈsjon del ˈmetɾo ‖ |
| Excuse me, do you know where I could buy water? | Disculpa, ¿sabes dónde puedo comprar agua? | dees-cool-pah, sah-bess don-deh poo-eh-doe com-prar ah-goo-ah | disˈkulpa | ˈsaβez ˈðonde ˈpweðo komˈpɾaɾ ˈaɣwa ‖ |
| Excuse me, do you know where the nearest hospital is? | Disculpa, ¿sabes dónde está el hospital más cercano? | des-cool-pah, sah-bes don-deh ehs-tah elle ohs-pee-tal mas ser-kah-no | disˈkulpa | ˈsaβez ˈðonde esˈta el ospiˈtal ˈmas seɾˈkano ‖ |
| Excuse me, do you know where there’s Wi-Fi nearby? | Disculpa, ¿sabes dónde hay wifi por aquí? | dees-cool-pah, sah-bess dohn-deh ah-e wifi pore ah-key | disˈkulpa | ˈsaβez ˈðonde ˈaj ˈwifi poɾ aˈki ‖ |
| Excuse me, do you know where I could charge my phone? | Disculpa, ¿sabes dónde puedo cargar mi celular? | dees-cool-pah, sah-behs don-deh poo-eh-doe car-gar me seh-loo-lar | disˈkulpa | ˈsaβez ˈðonde ˈpweðo kaɾˈɣaɾ mi seluˈlaɾ ‖ |
One of the first things you will likely learn in your Spanish classes is to ask “¿por qué?” Just as toddlers go through the “why” phase, new language learners should also take advantage of this handy question word to acquire more knowledge at every chance they get.
Here are a few examples of how to use “¿por qué?” in Spanish.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| Why does this word have an accent mark? | ¿Por qué se usa una tilde en esta palabra? | pore keh seh oo-sah oo-nah teel-deh ehn ehs-tah pah-la-brah | poɾ ˈke se ˈusa ˈuna ˈtilde en ˈesta paˈlaβɾa ‖ |
| Why didn’t you come to my birthday party? | ¿Por qué no fuiste a mi fiesta de cumpleaños? | pore keh no foo-ees-teh ah me fee-ehs-tah deh coom-pleh-ah-nyos | poɾ ˈke ˈno ˈfwiste a mi ˈfjesta ðe kumpleˈaɲos ‖ |
| Why did you bring an umbrella if it’s sunny? | ¿Por qué trajiste paraguas si está soleado? | pore keh trah-hees-teh pah-rah-goo-as see ehs-tah soh-leh-ah-doe | poɾ ˈke tɾaˈxiste paˈɾaɣwas sj esˈta soleˈaðo ‖ |
| Why did you sign up for dance classes if you’re so busy? | ¿Por qué te inscribiste a clases de baile si estás tan ocupada? | pore keh teh eens-cree-bees-teh ah cla-sehs deh bah-e-leh see ehs-tass tan oh-coo-pah-dah | poɾ ˈke te jnskɾiˈβiste a ˈklasez ðe ˈβajle sj esˈtas ˈtan okuˈpaða ‖ |
| Do you know why I have a missed call from your sister? | ¿Sabes por qué tengo una llamada perdida de tu hermana? | sah-behs pore keh tehn-go oo-nah yah-mah-dah pear-dee-dah deh too air-mah-nah | ˈsaβes poɾ ˈke ˈtenɡo ˈuna ʝaˈmaða peɾˈðiða ðe tw eɾˈmana ‖ |
| But why didn’t she tell me sooner? | Pero, ¿por qué no me lo dijo antes? | peh-ro, pore keh no meh lo dee-ho ahn-tess | ˈpeɾo | poɾ ˈke ˈno me lo ˈðixo ˈantes ‖ |
This Spanish question adverb generally means “how” in English. This is what you’ll want to use if you want to ask someone how they’re doing something or how something happened.
Another possible yet less common meaning of “¿Cómo?” is “what.” The meaning in Spanish doesn’t change, but some questions are formulated differently in Spanish. For example, if you want to know someone’s name, you’d ask them what their name is. In Spanish, you would instead ask them how they’re called. Therefore, you use “¿Cómo te llamas?” in Spanish to ask someone for their name.
Here are some more examples.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| How do you know? | ¿Cómo sabes? | koh-mo sah-bess | ˈkomo ˈsaβes ‖ |
| How did you get to school? | ¿Cómo llegaste a la escuela? | koh-mo yeh-gas-teh ah la ess-coo-eh-lah | ˈkomo ʝeˈɣaste a la esˈkwela ‖ |
| What’s your name? (How are you called?) | ¿Cómo te llamas? | koh-mo teh yah-mas | ˈkomo te ˈʝamas ‖ |
| How are you? | ¿Cómo estás? | koh-mo ehs-tass | ˈkomo esˈtas ‖ |
| How do you like to drink your coffee? | ¿Cómo te gusta tomar café? | koh-mo teh goose-tah toe-mar kah-feh | ˈkomo te ˈɣusta toˈmaɾ kaˈfe ‖ |
| How are we going to make it work? | ¿Cómo le vamos a hacer? | koh-mo leh vah-moss ah ah-ser | ˈkomo le ˈβamos a aˈseɾ ‖ |
| What did he say? | ¿Cómo dijo? | koh-mo dee-hoh | ˈkomo ˈðixo ‖ |
Although these interrogative adjectives may seem complicated, they’re actually some of the simpler ones. This is what you’ll want to use when you need to know how much of something or how many items.
The tricky part is matching the right version of this adjective with what you want to ask about. Just as in English, we need to use different words when asking about indefinite nouns versus definite nouns.
For example, in English, you ask how much milk and how many sugar packets you want in your coffee. That’s because milk is an uncountable noun. In other words, you can’t ask someone how many milks they want. You’d have to use an auxiliary countable noun, like how many milk cartons or milk bottles. Sugar packets, on the other hand, can be counted, so you can just ask how many they want.
Here are the variations of this question word and when to use each one:
Here are some example sentences.
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| How much does it cost? | ¿Cuánto cuesta? | koo-ahn-toe koo-ehs-tah | ˈkwanto ˈkwesta ‖ |
| How much milk do you want in your coffee? | ¿Cuánta leche quieres en tu café? | koo-ahn-tah leh-che key-air-ehs ehn too kah-feh | ˈkwanta ˈleʧe ˈkjeɾes en tu kaˈfe ‖ |
| How many books do I need to buy for this class? | ¿Cuántos libros necesito comprar para esta clase? | koo-ahn-toss lee-brohs neh-seh-see-toe com-prar pah-rah ehs-tah clah-seh | ˈkwantoz ˈliβɾoz neseˈsito komˈpɾaɾ ˈpaɾa ˈesta ˈklase ‖ |
| How many times have I told you? | ¿Cuántas veces te lo he dicho? | koo-ahn-tass veh-sehs teh lo eh dee-cho | ˈkwantaz ˈβeses te lo ˈe ˈðiʧo ‖ |
| How much money do I need to spend a month in Costa Rica? | ¿Cuánto dinero necesito para pasar un mes en Costa Rica? | koo-ahn-toe dee-neh-ro neh-seh-see-toe pa-rah oon mehs ehn cos-tah-ree-kah | ˈkwanto ðiˈneɾo neseˈsito ˈpaɾa paˈsaɾ um ˈmes en ˈkosta ˈrika ‖ |
| How many people live in Buenos Aires? | ¿Cuántas personas viven en Buenos Aires? | koo-ahn-tass pear-soh-nass vee-vehn ehn boo-eh-noss ah-e-ress | ˈkwantas peɾˈsonaz ˈβiβen em ˈbwenos ˈajɾes ‖ |
Just like any other language, Spanish uses intonation to emphasize different words in a sentence. However, intonation is particularly important when speaking Spanish as it can be the only indication that a sentence is actually a question and not a statement. In general, you want to end your questions in a higher pitch to indicate that you’re asking a question.
Check out the following YouTube video for a verbal demonstration of how to ask questions when speaking Spanish.
If you have no idea how you’re going to learn all the question words in Spanish, here’s a good one: with a Spanish question word song!
Here’s our top recommendation. We guarantee it’s a jingle you’re already familiar with!
If you’re an absolute beginner and will find yourself in a Spanish-speaking region soon, there are a few questions that you must absolutely learn before you go. Not only will these questions ensure that you’ll survive (and find a bathroom when you need one!), but they may even help you walk away with brand-new friends!
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation | IPA |
| What’s your name? | ¿Cómo te llamas? | koh-mo teh yah-mas | ˈkomo te ˈʝamas ‖ |
| How old are you? | ¿Cuántos años tienes? | koo-ahn-toss ah-nyos tee-eh-ness | ˈkwantos ˈaɲos ˈtjenes ‖ |
| Where are you from? | ¿De dónde eres? | deh don-deh eh-ress | de ˈðonde ˈeɾes ‖ |
| How are you? | ¿Cómo estás? | koh-mo ehs-tass | ˈkomo esˈtas ‖ |
| Where are the restrooms? | ¿Dónde están los baños? | don-deh ehs-tahn loss bah-nyos | ˈdonde esˈtan loz ˈβaɲos ‖ |
| How much is it? | ¿Cuánto cuesta? | koo-ahn-toe koo-ehs-tah | ˈkwanto ˈkwesta ‖ |
| Whose is this? | ¿De quién es esto? | deh key-ehn ehs es-toe | de ˈkjen ˈes ˈesto ‖ |
| Are you hungry? | ¿Tienes hambre? | tee-eh-ness ahm-breh | ˈtjenes ˈambɾe ‖ |
| Do you speak Spanish? | ¿Hablas español? | ah-blas ehs-pah-nyol | ˈaβlas espaˈɲol ‖ |
| What do you do? | ¿A qué te dedicas? | ah keh teh deh-dee-kas | a ˈke te ðeˈðikas ‖ |
No! In fact, you often don’t need to change anything in the sentence structure to turn a statement into a question. If typing, simply add the question marks (don’t forget the inverted question mark at the beginning of the question!) to turn your statement into a question. If you’re speaking, just change your intonation to a question intonation.
Spanish uses several tools to differentiate statements from questions since they can often be very similar. One of them is the inverted question mark at the beginning of a question to let the reader know that what they’re about to read is a question. Another is the accent mark on interrogative words.
Interrogative words always have an accent mark to differentiate them from other words. For example, the interrogative word ¿cómo? (how) turns into “como” without an accent mark, which means “like” or “as.”
Generally, asking ¿cuál? means that there is a list of possible options to choose from, of which the person asking the question may be fully or vaguely aware. Asking ¿qué? means that the possible answer choices are so vast that there is no set of possible answers.
Though we’ve reached the end of this article, it really is just the beginning for the curious at heart. If you enjoyed learning how to ask questions, go out and start practicing as soon as you can! The sooner you start asking questions in Spanish, the sooner you’ll perfect the art of Spanish interrogatives — and get all the answers you’ve been looking for!
If you enjoyed this article, make sure to take a look at our Spanish blog. We publish helpful guides on a wide variety of topics, including possessive adjectives and other fun grammar topics.
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And don’t worry, even if you’re still a beginner at Spanish, you can definitely find a way to flirt. If you know how to say hi in Spanish, then you’ve already won half the battle! Flirting in Spanish can help you:
Ready to go out and find the love of your life? Though we can’t guarantee that we will find you your special person, we’ll equip you with everything you need to go out and give it your best shot! We’ll walk you through everything you need to consider, from starting a conversation all the way to cultural considerations to help you stay respectful.
Let’s get going!
Before you set out to conquer hearts in Spain or Latin America, you need to start with the very basics of flirting in Spanish. Let’s start with how you actually say flirt in Spanish: coquetear (coh-keh-teh-are). This is a regular -ar verb, so you can conjugate it as normal.
This verb can also be used as an adjective when you want to describe someone who is a flirt: coqueto/a (coh-keh-toe/coh-keh-tah).
Here are some examples of this word in action:
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| Is he flirting with her? | ¿Está coqueteando con ella? | esˈta koketeˈando kon ˈeʎa ‖ | ehs-ta coh-keh-teh-ahn-doe cohn eh-ya |
| He’s such a flirt! | Él es todo un coqueto | ˈel ˈes ˈtoðo wn koˈketo | elle ess toe-doe oon coh-keh-toe |
| Go flirt with him/her! | ¡Ve y coquetéale! | ˈbe j kokeˈteale ‖ | veh e coh-keh-teh-ah-leh |
| You’re really good at flirting! | Eres muy buena para coquetear. | ˈeɾez muj ˈβwena ˈpaɾa koketeˈaɾ ‖ | eh-ress mooy boo-eh-nah pah-rah coh-keh-teh-are |
As you already know, learning some Spanish slang is essential if you want to navigate more than just your textbook. Although the term coquetear is still quite common, you’ll likely hear some slang words more often, since you’ll usually discuss flirting with your friends. Here are some common slang words for “flirt” in Spanish.
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| To tie | Ligar | liˈɣaɾ | lee-gahr |
| To throw the wave | Tirar la onda | tiˈɾaɾ la ˈonda | tee-rahr la ohn-dah |
| To flirt | Flirtear | fliɾteˈaɾ | fleer-treh-are |
| To seduce | Seducir | seðuˈθiɾ | seh-doo-seer |
| To make small eyes | Hacer ojitos | aˈθeɾ oˈxitos | ah-sehr oh-he-toes |
| To camel | Camelar | kameˈlaɾ | cah-meh-leh-are |
| Bugger | Chinchosear | ʧinʧoseˈaɾ | cheen-cho-seh-are |
| To act like a chicken | Gallinacear | ɡaʎinaθeˈaɾ | gah-yee-nah-seh-are |
![\"Smiling](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltfc91cf7a09d06078/63db54994ad09d10da61aff6/Smiling_woman_leaning_on_textbook_flirting.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Flirting is all about starting a conversation smoothly. No matter how interested you are, you can’t just walk up to someone and tell them you love them! You’ll have to go slowly, take some time to introduce yourself, and test out a pick-up line or two. Once you see that there’s a connection, you can take things to the next level and ask them out on a formal date.
But let’s not get too ahead of ourselves! Let’s get started with a few ways to grease the wheels before diving into our favorite pick-up lines.
Possibly the most straightforward way to approach someone is by walking up to them and introducing yourself. It’s a classic that just never gets old and having the confidence to simply walk up to someone and say, “Hi, my name is,” can speak volumes about your bravery and character.
If you’re going to take this approach, it’s probably best to introduce yourself and follow up with one of the phrases in the section below. We’ve got 99+ pick-up lines in Spanish for you, so even if you don’t think they’re your thing, we’re sure you can find something that vibes with you!
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| Hi, nice you meet you. My name is Marco, what about you? | Hola, mucho gusto. Me llamo Marco, ¿y tú? | ˈola | ˈmuʧo ˈɣusto ‖ me ˈʎamo ˈmaɾko | i ˈtu ‖ | oh-la, moo-cho goose-toe. meh yah-mo mar-co, e too? |
| Hi, how are you? My name is Marco, what’s your name? | Hola, ¿cómo estás? Me llamo Marco, ¿tú cómo te llamas? | ˈola | ˈkomo esˈtas ‖ me ˈʎamo ˈmaɾko | ˈtu ˈkomo te ˈʎamas ‖ | oh-lah, coh-moh ess-tass? meh yah-mo mar-co, e too? |
| Hi, I’m thrilled to meet you. My name is Marco, what’s yours? | Hola, encantado de conocerte. Yo me llamo Marco, ¿y tú? | ˈola | enkanˈtaðo ðe konoˈθeɾte ‖ ˈʝo me ˈʎamo ˈmaɾko | i ˈtu ‖ | oh-lah, ehn-cahn-tah-doe deh co-no-sehr-teh. yo meh yah-mo mar-co, e too? |
| Hi, it’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Marco, what’s yours? | Hola, es un placer. Yo me llamo Marco, ¿tú? | ˈola | ˈes um plaˈθeɾ ‖ ˈʝo me ˈʎamo ˈmaɾko | ˈtu ‖ | oh-la, ess oon plah-sehr. yo meh yah-mo mar-co, too? |
A genuine “how are you?” can open the door to exciting conversations. Even if you don’t know someone personally, starting the conversation with an earnest inquiry into their well-being can help you give the best first impression.
After all, we’re all humans with complex feelings and emotions, and having someone who wants to make sure that you’re okay is always appreciated.
Here are a few ways to start a conversation by asking someone how they’re doing.
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| Hi, how are you? | Hola, ¿cómo estás? | ˈola | ˈkomo esˈtas ‖ | oh-la, coh-mo ess tass? |
| Hi, are you okay? | Hola, ¿estás bien? | ˈola | esˈtaz ˈβjen ‖ | oh-la ess-tass bee-ehn? |
| Hi, how’s it going? Everything all right? | Hola, ¿cómo te va? ¿Todo en orden? | ˈola | ˈkomo te ˈβa ‖ ˈtoðo en ˈoɾðen ‖ | oh-la coh-mo teh vah? toe-doe ehn or-den? |
| You look a bit worried, is there anything I can help you with? | Te ves algo preocupado/a, ¿te puedo ayudar en algo? | te ˈβes ˈalɣo pɾeokupaˈðo / pɾeokupaˈða te ˈpweðo aʝuˈðaɾ en ˈalɣo ‖ | teh vess al-goh preh-oh-coo-pah-do/prehoh-coo-pah-dah, teh poo-eh-doh ah-you-dar ehn al-go? |
Although this conversation topic is often regarded as a last resort for when you’ve truly run out of things to discuss, it can actually be a pretty good way to strike up a conversation with someone you’ve never met before!
And don’t worry. You won’t have to resort to cheesy weather pick-up lines (unless you want to!). Simply commenting on the weather can be a good enough way to initiate a conversation, and you can easily take it from there. Feel like showing off your Spanish skills? Try commenting on some local landforms, like the beach or a notorious mountain!
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| The storm is really strong, don’t you think? | Está muy fuerte esta tormenta, ¿no te parece? | esˈta muj ˈfweɾte ˈesta toɾˈmenta | ˈno te paˈɾeθe ‖ | ess-tah mooy foo-air-teh ess-tah tore-mehn-tah, no teh pah-reh-seh? |
| Do you want to borrow my umbrella? It’s raining really hard. | ¿Quieres que te preste mi paraguas? Está lloviendo muy fuerte. | ˈkjeɾes ˈke te ˈpɾeste mi paˈɾaɣwas ‖ esˈta ʎoˈβjendo muj ˈfweɾte ‖ | key-air-ess keh teh press-teh me pa-rah-goo-ass? ess-tah yoh-vee-ehn-doe mooy foo-air-teh |
| It’s really hot outside. Do you want some water? | Está haciendo mucho calor. ¿Quieres agua? | esˈta aˈθjendo ˈmuʧo kaˈloɾ ‖ ˈkjeɾes ˈaɣwa ‖ | ess-tah ah-see-ehn-doe moo-cho cah-lore. key-air-ess ah-goo-ah? |
| Have you seen the full moon tonight? It’s gorgeous! | ¿Ya viste la luna llena de hoy? ¡Está preciosa! | ʝa ˈβiste la ˈluna ˈʎena ðe ˈoj ‖ esˈta pɾeˈθjosa ‖ | ya vees-teh la loo-nah yeh-nah deh oy? ess-tah preh-see-oh-sa! |
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Asking someone where they’re from is a fantastic way to get to know them. If you’re traveling in Spain or a Latin American country, you may find yourself answering questions about your nationality when you meet someone for the first time. Connecting with people who are different from you can be one of the best ways to push yourself out of your comfort zone and learn from someone who not only speaks a different language but may also have had a completely different lived experience than you. After all, learning from different cultures is one of the biggest benefits of learning a new language!
Even if you don’t meet the love of your life, you could still make interesting connections with people you might find yourself talking to for the rest of your life.
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| Hi, are you from around here? | Hola, ¿eres de por aquí? | ˈola | ˈeɾez ðe poɾ aˈki ‖ | oh-lah, eh-ress deh pore ah-key? |
| Hi, where are you from? | Hola, ¿de dónde eres? | ˈola | de ˈðonde ˈeɾes ‖ | oh-lah, deh don-deh eh-ress? |
| Hi, do you live near here? | Hola, ¿vives por aquí? | ˈola | ˈbiβes poɾ aˈki ‖ | oh-lah, vee-vess pore ah-key? |
| Hi, I’m from the United States, what about you? | Hola, soy de los Estados Unidos, ¿y tú? | ˈola | ˈsoj ðe los esˈtaðos uˈniðos | i ˈtu ‖ | oh-lah, soy deh loss ess-tah-dohs oo-knee-doss, e too? |
Another classic way to start a conversation is by offering to buy someone a drink. Whether it’s a fancy cocktail, an ice-cold beer or a nice cup of coffee, you should know how to order a drink in Spanish so you know what to do when you run into the love of your life.
The key verb to know here is “invitar” (een-vee-tar). Its literal translation is “to invite,” but it can also mean “to treat.” If you want to buy someone a drink, you’ll want to ask a question using this verb. Here are a few examples, but make sure to check out our beverage blog lessons from above to increase your range!
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| Can I buy you a drink? | ¿Te puedo invitar una copa? | te ˈpweðo jmbiˈtaɾ ˈuna ˈkopa ‖ | teh poo-eh-doe een-vee-tar oo-nah co-pah? |
| Can I buy the next round? | ¿Te puedo invitar la siguiente ronda? | te ˈpweðo jmbiˈtaɾ la siˈɣjente ˈronda ‖ | teh poo-eh-doe een-vee-tar la seeg-e-ehn-teh rohn-dah? |
| Is it okay if I pay for the next one? | ¿Qué te parece si yo invito la siguiente? | ˈke te paˈɾeθe si ˈʝo jmˈbito la siˈɣjente ‖ | keh teh pah-reh-seh see yo een-vee-toe la seeg-e-ehn-teh |
| What do you want to drink? My treat. | ¿Qué quieres tomar? Yo te invito. | ˈke ˈkjeɾes toˈmaɾ ‖ ˈʝo te jmˈbito ‖ | keh key-air-ess toe-mahr? yo teh een-vee-toe |
Perhaps a bolder move, but starting out with some compliments in Spanish can also help you make a good first impression. If this is the case, you’ll probably want to start by complimenting something plainly obvious, like their hair, eyes, or beautiful smile (check out our guide to body parts in Spanish if you haven’t already!). Once you’ve gotten to know them for a bit, you could also try complementing their character by highlighting some of their personality traits that you like!
When complimenting physical appearance or personality traits, you’ll want to use “qué” with an accent mark and without a question mark. If you already know how to ask questions in Spanish, you probably know “qué” as the Spanish translation of “what?” However, when “qué” is used without a question mark, it becomes a determinant and can help emphasize an adjective, just as the English “what.” Here are some examples:
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| What a beautiful smile. | Qué linda sonrisa. | ˈke ˈlinda sonˈrisa ‖ | keh leen-dah sohn-ree-sah |
| What beautiful eyes! | ¡Qué bonitos ojos! | ˈke βoˈnitos ˈoxos ‖ | keh bo-nee-toes oh-hoes |
| You’re so funny. | Qué simpática eres. | ˈke simˈpatika ˈeɾes ‖ | keh seem-pah-tee-cah eh-ress |
| You’re so kind. | Qué amable eres. | ˈke aˈmaβle ˈeɾes ‖ | keh ah-mah-bleh eh-ress |
Now that you’ve got several different ways to approach someone you’re interested in, you’re finally ready to start flirting in Spanish! Below, we’ve compiled 99 of the best ways to flirt in Spanish, including terms of endearment, some clichés, interesting rhetorical questions, and, why not, a few cheesy pick-up lines.
While none of the pick-up lines below are crass or vulgar, remember to always be respectful and avoid being too pushy. Read the room before you approach someone, and don’t forget to give it your all! The worst thing that can happen is they say no, right?
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| Do you want to dance with me? | ¿Quieres bailar conmigo? | ˈkjeɾez βajˈlaɾ komˈmiɣo ‖ | key-air-ess bah-e-lar cohn-me-go |
| You’re very attractive. | Eres muy atractivo/a | ˈeɾez muj atɾakˈtiβo | atɾakˈtiβa | eh-ress mooy ah-trac-tee-voh/ah-trac-tee-vah |
| I miss you. | Te extraño | te eksˈtɾaɲo | teh ex-trah-nyoh |
| Hi cutie. | Hola lindo/a | ˈola ˈlindo | ˈlinda | oh-lah leen-doe/leen-dah |
| Hi pretty. | Hola guapo/a | ˈola ˈɣwapo | ˈɡwapa | oh-lah goo-ah-poe/oh-lah-goo-ah-pah |
| Hi beautiful. | Hola hermoso/a | ˈola eɾˈmoso | eɾˈmosa | oh-lah air-mo-so/air-mo-sah |
| Hi baby. | Hola bebé. | ˈola βeˈβe | oh-lah beh-beh |
| You’re so good-looking. | Qué guapo/a estás. | ˈke ˈɣwapo | ˈɡwapa esˈtas | keh goo-ah-po/goo-ah-pah ess-tass |
| You look so good. | Qué bien te ves. | ˈke ˈβjen te ˈβes | keh bee-ehn teh vehs |
| You’re very pretty. | Estás muy bonita. | esˈtaz muj βoˈnita | ess-tass mooy boe-nee-tah |
| You have beautiful eyes. | Tienes ojos hermosos. | ˈtjenes ˈoxos eɾˈmosos | tee-eh-ness oh-hos air-mo-sos |
| You dance so well. | Qué bien bailas. | ˈke ˈβjem ˈbajlas | keh bee-ehn bah-e-lass |
| What plans do you have tonight? | ¿Qué planes tienes hoy en la noche? | ˈke ˈplanes ˈtjenes ˈoj en la ˈnoʧe ‖ | keh plah-ness tee-eh-ness oy ehn la no-che |
| Why so lonely? | ¿Por qué tan solito/a? | poɾ ˈke ˈtan soˈlito | soˈlita ‖ | pore keh tahn so-lee-toe/so-lee-ta |
| Are you from around here? | ¿Eres de por aquí? | ˈeɾez ðe poɾ aˈki ‖ | eh-ress deh pore ah-key |
| Do you study or work? | ¿Estudias o trabajas? | esˈtuðjas o tɾaˈβaxas ‖ | ess-too-dee-ahs oh trah-bah-hass |
| Do you need a ride? | ¿Necesitas un aventón? | neθeˈsitas un aβenˈton ‖ | neh-seh-see-tass oon ah-ven-ton |
| I can’t stop thinking about you. | No puedo dejar de pensar en ti. | ˈno ˈpweðo ðeˈxaɾ ðe penˈsaɾ en ˈti | no poo-eh-doe deh-har deh pehn-sar ehn tee |
| So many curves and I have no brakes. | Tantas curvas y yo sin frenos. | ˈtantas ˈkuɾβas i ˈʝo sim ˈfɾenos | tahn-tass coor-vass e yo seen freh-noss |
| Did it hurt when you fell from heaven? | ¿Te dolió cuando te caíste del cielo? | te ðoˈljo ˈkwando te kaˈiste ðel ˈθjelo ‖ | teh doh-lee-oh coo-ahn-doe teh cah-ees-teh dell see-eh-lo |
| I lost my number, can I have yours? | Perdí mi número, ¿me das el tuyo? | peɾˈði mi ˈnumeɾo | me ˈðas el ˈtuʝo ‖ | pear-dee me noo-meh-ro, meh dass elle too-yoh |
| Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend? | ¿Tienes novio/a? | ˈtjenez ˈnoβjo | ˈnoβja ‖ | tee-eh-ness no-vee-ah/no-vee-oh |
| Can I have your number? | ¿Me pasas tu número? | me ˈpasas tu ˈnumeɾo ‖ | meh pah-sahs too noo-meh-roe |
| What’s your Instagram? | ¿Cuál es tu Instagram? | ˈkwal ˈes tw instaˈɣɾam ‖ | coo-ahl ess too Instagram |
| May I buy you something (to eat/drink)? | ¿Te puedo invitar algo? | te ˈpweðo jmbiˈtaɾ ˈalɣo ‖ | teh poo-eh-doe in-vee-tar ahl-goh |
| Would you like to go out with me? | ¿Te gustaría salir conmigo? | te ɣustaˈɾia saˈliɾ komˈmiɣo ‖ | teh goose-tah-ree-ah sah-leer con-me-go |
| Do you come here often? | ¿Vienes aquí seguido? | ˈbjenes aˈki seˈɣiðo ‖ | vee-eh-ness ah-key seh-gee-doe |
| Should we go to a more quiet place? | ¿Vamos a un lugar más tranquilo? | ˈbamos a wn luˈɣaɾ ˈmas tɾanˈkilo ‖ | vah-moss ah oon loo-gar mahs trahn-key-lo |
| I could lose myself in your eyes. | Podría perderme en tus ojos. | poˈðɾia peɾˈðeɾme en tus ˈoxos | poh-dree-ah pear-dehr-meh ehn toos oh-hoss |
| Let me buy you a drink. | Te invito una copa. | te jmˈbito ˈuna ˈkopa | teh een-vee-toe oo-nah co-pah |
| I’m crazy for you. | Estoy loco/a por ti. | esˈtoj ˈloko | ˈloka poɾ ˈti | ess-toy lo-coh/lo-cah pore tee |
| Watch out, cause marshmallows melt in the sun. | Cuidado, que los bombones al sol se derriten. | kwiˈðaðo | ˈke loz βomˈbones al ˈsol se ðeˈriten | coo-e-dah-doe, keh loss bom-beh-ross al sohl seh deh-ree-tehn |
| What’s a star doing flying so low? | ¿Qué hace una estrella volando tan bajo? | ˈke ˈaθe ˈuna esˈtɾeʎa βoˈlando ˈtam ˈbaxo ‖ | keh ah-seh oo-nah ess-treh-ya vo-lahn-doe tahn bah-hoe |
| Do you believe in love at first sight or should I walk by again? | ¿Crees en el amor a primera vista o tengo que pasar otra vez? | ˈkɾees en el aˈmoɾ a pɾiˈmeɾa ˈβista o ˈtenɡo ˈke paˈsaɾ ˈotɾa ˈβeθ ‖ | cress ehn elle ah-more ah pree-meh-rah vees-tah oh tehn-go keh pah-sar oh-trah vess |
| Your eyes shine bright like the stars. | Tus ojos brillan como las estrellas. | tus ˈoxoz ˈβɾiʎan ˈkomo las esˈtɾeʎas | toos oh-hoss bree-yahn coh-mo las ess-treh-yass |
| You have a beautiful smile. | Tienes una sonrisa preciosa. | ˈtjenes ˈuna sonˈrisa pɾeˈθjosa | tee-eh-ness oo-nah sohn-ree-sah preh-see-oh-sah |
| Don’t consume too much sugar, you’re sweet enough as is. | No tomes mucha azúcar, que ya eres muy dulce. | ˈno ˈtomez ˈmuʧa aˈθukaɾ | ˈke ʝa ˈeɾez muj ˈðulθe | no toe-mess moo-cha ah-zoo-car, keh yah eh-ress mooy dool-seh |
| Your perfume smells amazing. | Tu perfume huele increíble. | tu peɾˈfume ˈwele jnkɾeˈiβle | too pear-foo-meh ooh-eh-leh een-creh-e-bleh |
| I love your smile. | Me encanta tu sonrisa. | me enˈkanta tu sonˈrisa | meh ehn-cahn-tah too son-ree-sah |
| You’re an angel that’s fallen from heaven. | Eres un ángel que se ha caído del cielo. | ˈeɾes un ˈanxel ˈke se ˈa kaˈiðo ðel ˈθjelo | eh-ress oon ahn-hel keh seh ah cah-e-doe dell see-eh-loe |
| I can’t believe you’re single. | No puedo creer que seas soltero/a. | ˈno ˈpweðo kɾeˈeɾ ˈke ˈseas solˈteɾo | solˈteɾa | no poo-eh-doe creh-ehr keh seh-ass sol-teh-roe/sol-teh-rah |
| You’re gonna make me blush. | Vas a sacarme los colores. | ˈbas a saˈkaɾme los koˈloɾes | vas ah sah-car-meh loss co-loh-ress |
| I love it when you smile like that. | Me encanta cuando sonríes así. | me enˈkanta ˈkwando sonˈries aˈsi | meh ehn-cahn-tah coo-ahn-doe son-ree-ess ah-see |
| Should we go have a drink elsewhere? | ¿Vamos por una copa a otro lado? | ˈbamos poɾ ˈuna ˈkopa a ˈotɾo ˈlaðo ‖ | vah-moss pore ooh-nah co-pah ah oh-troh la-doe |
| I think I like you. | Creo que me gustas. | ˈkɾeo ˈke me ˈɣustas | creh-oh keh meh goose-tass |
| What do you feel about me? | ¿Qué sientes por mí? | ˈke ˈsjentes poɾ ˈmi ‖ | keh see-ehn-tess pore me |
| I can’t get you out of my head. | No te puedo sacar de mi cabeza. | ˈno te ˈpweðo saˈkaɾ ðe mi kaˈβeθa | no teh poo-eh-doe sa-car deh me cah-beh-zah |
| I want to see you again. | Quiero volverte a ver. | ˈkjeɾo βolˈβeɾte a ˈβeɾ | key-air-oh vol-ver-teh ah ver |
| You have a very pretty voice. | Tienes una voz muy bonita. | ˈtjenes ˈuna ˈβoð muj βoˈnita ‖ | tee-eh-ness oo-nah voz mooy bo-nee-tah |
| I really like your style. | Me gusta mucho tu estilo. | me ˈɣusta ˈmuʧo tw esˈtilo ‖ | meh goose-tah moo-cho too ess-tee-lo |
| I would love to see you again. What do you think? | Me encantaría verte de nuevo. ¿Qué opinas? | me enkantaˈɾia ˈβeɾte ðe ˈnweβo ‖ ˈke oˈpinas ‖ | meh ehn-can-tah-ree-ah ver-teh deh noo-eh-vo |
| Just what the doctor ordered. | Así como tú me los recomendó el doctor. | aˈsi ˈkomo ˈtu me loz rekomenˈdo el dokˈtoɾ | ah-see-co-mo too meh loss reh-co-mehn-doe elle doc-toor |
| My favorite brown is the one in your eyes. | Mi café favorito es el de tus ojos. | mi kaˈfe faβoˈɾito ˈes el de tus ˈoxos | me cah-feh fah-vore-e-toe ess elle deh toos oh-hoss |
| You’re the perfect dessert for a romantic dinner. | Eres el postre perfecto para una cena romántica. | ˈeɾes el ˈpostɾe peɾˈfekto ˈpaɾa ˈuna ˈθena roˈmantika | eh-ress elle pos-treh pear-fect-toe pah-rah oo-nah seh-nah ro-mahn-tee-cah |
| My eyes are full of desire to see you. | Tengo los ojos llenos de ganas de verte. | ˈtenɡo los ˈoxoz ˈʎenoz ðe ˈɣanaz ðe ˈβeɾte | tehn-goh loss oh-hoss yeh-noss deh gah-nass deh ver-teh |
| Your father must be a king, because his daughter is a real princess. | Tu padre debe ser un rey, porque su hija es una verdadera princesa. | tu ˈpaðɾe ˈðeβe ˈseɾ un ˈrej | ˈpoɾke sw ˈixa ˈes ˈuna βeɾðaˈðeɾa pɾinˈθesa ‖ | too pah-dreh deh-beh sehr oon ray, pore-keh soo e-hah ess oo-nah ver-dah-deh-rah preen-seh-sah |
| If beauty was a sin, you wouldn’t have God’s forgiveness. | Si la belleza fuera un pecado, tú no tendrías perdón de Dios. | si la βeˈʎeθa ˈfweɾa wm peˈkaðo | ˈtu ˈno tenˈdɾias peɾˈðon de ˈðjos | see la beh-yeh-sah foo-eh-rah oon peh-cah-doe, too noh ten-dree-ahs pear-don deh dee-oss |
| I wish I could drown in the blue ocean of your stare. | Quisiera ahogarme en el océano azul de tu mirada. | kiˈsjeɾa aoˈɣaɾme en el oˈθeano aˈθul de tu miˈɾaða ‖ | key-see-air-ah ah-oh gare-meh ehn elle oh-seh-ah-no ah-zool deh too me-rah-dah |
| I could lose myself in your eyes. | Podría perderme en tus ojos. | poˈðɾia peɾˈðeɾme en tus ˈoxos | po-dree-ah pear-dehr-meh ehn toos oh-hoss |
| There’s a party in my heart and you’re invited. | Hay una fiesta en mi corazón y tú estás invitado/a. | ˈaj ˈuna ˈfjesta em mi koɾaˈθon i ˈtu esˈtas imbiˈtaðo | imbiˈtaða | I oo-nah fee-ehs-tah ehn me core-ah-zohn e too ess-tass een-vee-tah-doe/een-vee-tah-dah |
| Your voice is music to my ears. | Tu voz es música para mis oídos. | tu ˈβoθ ˈez ˈmusika ˈpaɾa mis oˈiðos | too voz ehs moo-see-cah pah-rah mees oh-e-dos |
| I didn’t believe in love at first sight until I saw you walk in. | No creía en el amor a primera vista hasta que te vi entrar. | ˈno kɾeˈia en el aˈmoɾ a pɾiˈmeɾa ˈβista ˈasta ˈke te ˈβi enˈtɾaɾ | no creh-e-ah ehn elle ah-more ahs-tah keh teh vee |
| Should we talk or keep playing at staring at each other? | ¿Hablamos o seguimos jugando a mirarnos? | aˈβlamos o seˈɣimos xuˈɣando a miˈɾaɾnos ‖ | ah-blah-moss oh seh-gee-moss who-gahn-doe ah mee-rar-noss |
| You’re so beautiful that I forgot what I was going to say. | Eres tan bella/o que se me olvidó lo que iba a decir. | ˈeɾes ˈtam ˈbeʎa | ˈbeʎo ˈke se me olβiˈðo lo ˈke ˈiβa a ðeˈθiɾ ‖ | eh-ress tahn beh-yoh/beh-yah keh seh meh oll-vee-doe lo keh e-bah ah deh-seer |
| I didn’t know flowers could walk! | ¡No sabía que las flores andaban! | ˈno saˈβia ˈke las ˈfloɾes anˈdaβan ‖ | no sah-bee-ah keh las flo-ress ah-blah |
| I don’t know how to kiss, do you think you could teach me? | No sé besar, ¿crees que podrías enseñarme? | ˈno ˈse βeˈsaɾ | ˈkɾees ˈke poˈðɾias enseˈɲaɾme ‖ | no seh beh-sar, crehs keh poh-dree-ass ehn-seh-nyar-meh |
| Of the 24 hours in a day, I spend 16 of them thinking about you and 8 dreaming about you. | De las 24 horas del día, 16 pienso en ti y 8 sueño contigo. | de laz βejntiˈkwatɾo ˈoɾaz ðel ˈdia | djeˈsiθejs ˈpjenso en ˈti j ˈoʧo ˈsweɲo konˈtiɣo ‖ | deh lass veh-een-tee-coo-ah-troh oh-rahs dell dee-ah, dee-eh-see-says pee-ehn-soh ehn tee e oh-cho soo-eh-nyoh con tee-go |
| You spend so much time on my mind that I should start charging you rent. | Pasas tanto tiempo en mi mente que debería cobrarte renta. | ˈpasas ˈtanto ˈtjempo em mi ˈmente ˈke ðeβeˈɾia koˈβɾaɾte ˈrenta ‖ | pah-sahs tahn-toe tee-ehm-po ehn me mehn-teh keh deh-beh-ree-ah coh-brar-teh rehn-tah |
| I hope you know CPR because you’re leaving me breathless. | Espero que sepas primeros auxilios porque me estás dejando sin aliento. | esˈpeɾo ˈke ˈsepas pɾiˈmeɾos awkˈsiljos ˈpoɾke me esˈtaz ðeˈxando sin aˈljento ‖ | ess-peh-roe keh seh-pass pre-meh-ross ah-oox-e-lee-oss pore-keh meh ess-tass deh-hahn-doe seen ah-lee-ehn-toe |
| Stealing is bad but for a kiss from you I’d risk it. | Robar es malo pero por un beso tuyo me atrevería. | roˈβaɾ ˈez ˈmalo ˈpeɾo poɾ um ˈbeso ˈtuʝo me atɾeβeˈɾia | roh-bahr ess mah-loh peh-roh pore oon beh-soh too-yoh meh ah-treh-veh-ree-ah |
| I wish I were a piece of candy so I could get stuck on your lips and melt in your mouth. | Quisiera ser caramelo para pegarme en tus labios y deshacerme en tu boca. | kiˈsjeɾa ˈseɾ kaɾaˈmelo ˈpaɾa peˈɣaɾme en tuz ˈlaβjos i ðesaˈθeɾme en tu ˈβoka | key-see-eh-ra sehr cah-rah-meh-lo pah-rah peh-gar-meh ehn toos lah-bee-oss e des-ah-ser-meh ehn too bo-cah |
| Some want the world, others want the sun, but I only want a place in your heart. | Unos quieren el mundo, otros quieren el sol, yo solo quiero un lugar en tu corazón. | ˈunos ˈkjeɾen el ˈmundo | ˈotɾos ˈkjeɾen el ˈsol | ˈʝo ˈsolo ˈkjeɾo wn luˈɣaɾ en tu koɾaˈθon ‖ | oo-noss key-air-ehn elle moon-doe, oh-tros key-air-ehn elle sol, yoh soh-loh key-air-oh oon loo-gar ehn too coh-rah-zohn |
| With you, I ignored all the warning signs. | Contigo ignoré las señales de peligro. | konˈtiɣo jɣnoˈɾe las seˈɲalez ðe peˈliɣɾo ‖ | cohn-tee-go eeg-no-reh lass seh-nyah-less deh peh-lee-gro |
| Let’s flip a coin. If it’s heads, you’re mine, and if it’s tails, I’m yours. | Tiremos una moneda. Si sale cara, eres mía, si sale cruz, soy tuyo. | tiˈɾemos ˈuna moˈneða ‖ si ˈsale ˈkaɾa | ˈeɾez ˈmia | si ˈsale ˈkɾuθ | ˈsoj ˈtuʝo ‖ | tee-reh-moss oo-nah mo-neh-dah. see sah-leh cah-rah, eh-ress mee-ah, see sah-leh crooz, soy too-yoh |
| I wish I were a firefighter to put out the fire of my desire. | Ojalá fuera bombero para apagar el fuego de mi deseo. | oxaˈla ˈfweɾa βomˈbeɾo ˈpaɾa apaˈɣaɾ el ˈfweɣo ðe mi ðeˈseo ‖ | oh-hah-lah foo-eh-rah bom-beh-roh pah-rah ah-pah-gahr elle foo-eh-goh deh me deh-seh-oh |
| You make me blush. | Me haces sonrojar. | me ˈaθes sonroˈxaɾ | meh ah-sehs sohn-roh-har |
| I had forgotten what it’s like to like someone. | Había olvidado lo que era querer a alguien. | aˈβia olβiˈðaðo lo ˈke ˈeɾa keˈɾeɾ a ˈalɣjen | ah-bee-ah oll-vee-dah-doh lo keh eh-rah keh-rehr ah all-gee-ehn |
| I love your shirt! | ¡Me encanta tu camisa! | me enˈkanta tu kaˈmisa ‖ | meh ehn-cahn-tah too cah-me-sah |
| If only half the stars shined as bright as your eyes. | Ojalá la mitad de las estrellas brillaran tanto como tus ojos. | oxaˈla la miˈtað ðe las esˈtɾeʎaz βɾiˈʎaɾan ˈtanto ˈkomo tus ˈoxos | oh-hah-lah la mee-tahd deh las ehs-treh-yas bree-yah-rahn tahn-toe coe-moe toos oh-hohs |
| Hi, I’m a thief, and I’m here to steal your heart. | Hola, soy un ladrón, y estoy aquí para robar tu corazón. | ˈola | ˈsoj un laˈðɾon | j esˈtoj aˈki ˈpaɾa roˈβaɾ tu koɾaˈθon ‖ | oh-lah, soy oon lah-dron, e ess-toy ah-key pah-rah ro-bahr too coh-rah-zohn |
| If water was beauty, you’d be an entire ocean. | Si el agua fuera belleza, tú serías un mar entero. | sj el ˈaɣwa ˈfweɾa βeˈʎeθa | ˈtu seˈɾias um ˈmaɾ enˈteɾo ‖ | see ehl ah-goo-ah foo-eh-rah beh-yeh-zah, too seh-ree-ahns oon mar ehn-teh-roe |
| It looks like today’s my lucky day. | Parece que hoy es mi día de suerte. | paˈɾeθe ˈke ˈoj ˈez mi ˈðia ðe ˈsweɾte | pah-reh-seh keh oy ess me dee-ah deh soo-air-teh |
| I would like to get to know you better. | Me gustaría conocerte mejor. | me ɣustaˈɾia konoˈθeɾte meˈxoɾ | meh goose-tah-ree-ah coh-noh-sehr-teh meh-hor |
| I think we might be made for each other. | Creo que somos el uno para el otro. | ˈkɾeo ˈke ˈsomos el ˈuno ˈpaɾa el ˈotɾo | creh-oh keh soh-moss ehl oo-noh pah-rah elle oh-troh |
| You mean a lot to me. | Significas mucho para mí. | siɣniˈfikaz ˈmuʧo ˈpaɾa ˈmi | seeg-nee-fee-cass moo-cho pah-rah me |
| God must be distracted because his angels are escaping. | Dios debe estar distraído porque los ángeles se le están escapando. | ˈdjoz ˈðeβe esˈtaɾ ðistɾaˈiðo ˈpoɾke los ˈanxeles se le esˈtan eskaˈpando | dee-oss deh-beh ess-tar dees-trah-e-doe pore-keh loss ahn-heh-less seh leh ess-tahn ess-cah-pahn-doe |
| That dress fits you incredibly. | Ese vestido te queda increíble. | ˈese βesˈtiðo te ˈkeða jnkɾeˈiβle | eh-seh vess-tee-doe teh keh-dah een-creh-e-bleh |
| Even the sun is jealous of the way you shine. | Hasta el sol siente celos de la forma en la que brillas. | ˈasta el ˈsol ˈsjente ˈθeloz ðe la ˈfoɾma en la ˈke ˈβɾiʎas | ahs-tah elle sol see-ehn-seh seh-loss deh la fore-mah ehn la keh bree-yass |
| If beauty was a crime, I’d give you a life sentence. | Si la belleza fuera delito, yo te daría cadena perpetua. | si la βeˈʎeθa ˈfweɾa ðeˈlito | ˈʝo te ðaˈɾia kaˈðena peɾˈpetwa | see la beh-yeh-zah foo-eh-rah deh-lee-toe, yo teh dah-ree-ah cah-deh-nah pehr-peh-too-ah |
| Doll, which toy store did you escape from? | Muñeca, ¿de qué juguetería te escapaste? | muˈɲeka | de ˈke xuɣeteˈɾia te eskaˈpaste ‖ | moo-nyeh-cah, deh keh who-geh-teh-ree-ah teh ehs-cah-pass-teh |
| My favorite color will always be the one of your eyes. | Mi color favorito siempre será el de tus ojos. | mi koˈloɾ faβoˈɾito ˈsjempɾe seˈɾa el de tus ˈoxos | me coh-lohr fah-vore-e-toe see-ehm-preh seh-ra ehl deh toos oh-hoss |
If you find yourself on the flip side and need to tell someone that you’re not interested, we’ve got you. At the end of the day, rejection is something that you can’t take personally. As the popular Spanish saying goes, “En gustos se rompen géneros,” which is an ode to how everyone has their own unique taste and, when it comes to preferences, it’s impossible to generalize.
Here are some kind yet assertive ways to let someone know that you’re simply not interested in them.
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| I’m sorry, I’m not interested. | Disculpa, no estoy interesado/a. | disˈkulpa | ˈno esˈtoj inteɾeˈsaðo | inteɾeˈsaða ‖ | dees-cool-pah, no ess-toy een-teh-reh-sah-doe / een-teh-reh-sah-dah |
| I’m sorry, I already have a boyfriend/girlfriend. | Lo siento, ya tengo novio/a. | lo ˈsjento | ʝa ˈtenɡo ˈnoβjo | ˈnoβja ‖ | lo see-ehn-toe, yah tehn-go no-vee-oh / no-vee-ah |
| Today I just came here to have fun with my friends. | Hoy solo vine a divertirme con mis amigos/as. | ˈoj ˈsolo ˈβine a ðiβeɾˈtiɾme kom mis aˈmiɣos | aˈmiɣas ‖ | oy soh-loh vee-neh ah dee-ver-teer-meh cohn mees ah-me-goss / ah-me-gass |
| I’m not looking for anything right now. | Por ahora no estoy buscando nada. | poɾ aˈoɾa ˈno esˈtoj βusˈkando ˈnaða ‖ | pore ah-oh-rah no ess-toy boos-cahn-doh nah-dah |
| No, thank you. | No, gracias. | ˈno | ˈɡɾaθjas ‖ | no, grah-see-ass |
| Sorry, I’m too busy. | Disculpa, estoy muy ocupado/a. | disˈkulpa | esˈtoj muj okuˈpaðo | okuˈpaða ‖ | dees-cool-pah, ess-toy mooy oh-coo-pah-doe / oh-coo-pah-dah |
| Thanks, but that doesn’t sound appealing to me. | Gracias, pero no se me antoja. | ˈɡɾaθjas | ˈpeɾo ˈno se me anˈtoxa ‖ | grah-see-ass, pear-oh no seh meh ahn-toh-hah |
| I’m sorry, I already have plans. | Lo siento, ya tengo planes. | lo ˈsjento | ʝa ˈtenɡo ˈplanes ‖ | lo see-ehn-toe, ya tehn-go plah-ness |
| No, thanks, I’m not interested. | No, gracias, no me interesa. | ˈno | ˈɡɾaθjas | ˈno me jnteˈɾesa ‖ | no, grah-see-ass, no seh meh ahn-toe-hah |
| I can’t, I have stuff to do. | No puedo, ya tengo cosas que hacer. | ˈno ˈpweðo | ʝa ˈtenɡo ˈkosas ˈke aˈθeɾ ‖ | no poo-eh-doe, yah tehn-goh co-sahs keh ah-sehr |
| What a shame! I have a prior committment. | ¡Qué lástima! Ya tengo un compromiso. | ˈke ˈlastima ‖ ʝa ˈtenɡo wn kompɾoˈmiso ‖ | keh lass-tee-mah! yah tehn-go oon com-proh-me-so |
| Maybe some other day. | Tal vez otro día. | ˈtal ˈβeθ ˈotɾo ˈðia ‖ | tall vehs oh-troh dee-ah |
| You flatter me, but I’m not interested. | Me halagas, pero no me interesa. | me aˈlaɣas | ˈpeɾo ˈno me jnteˈɾesa ‖ | meh ah-lah-gass, pear-oh no meh een-teh-reh-sah |
| I already said no. | Ya te dije que no. | ʝa te ˈðixe ˈke ˈno ‖ | ya teh dee-heh keh no |
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Unless you’re married and proudly wearing your wedding ring, it may be difficult or impossible for others to guess your relationship status. As such, you might end up getting hit on when you’re in a happy relationship, situationship, it’s-more-complicated-than-it-seems relationship, or simply aren’t looking for anything. Here are some helpful ways to describe your relationship in Spanish that you can use on any occasion.
| English | Spanish | IPA | Pronunciation |
| I have a boyfriend/girlfriend. | Tengo novio/a. | ˈtenɡo ˈnoβjo | ˈnoβja | tehn-goh noh-vee-oh/noh-vee-ah |
| I’m married. | Estoy casado/a. | esˈtoj kaˈsaðo | kaˈsaða | ess-toy cah-sah-doe/cah-sah-da |
| I have a husband/wife. | Tengo esposo/a. | ˈtenɡo esˈposo | esˈposa | tehn-goh ess-poe-so/ess-poe-sa |
| I’m single. | Estoy soltero/a. | esˈtoj solˈteɾo | solˈteɾa | ess-toy sole-teh-ro/sole-teh-rah |
| I’m divorced. | Estoy divorciado/a. | esˈtoj ðiβoɾˈθjaðo | diβoɾˈθjaða | ess-toy dee-vore-see-ah-doe/dee-vore-see-ah-dah |
| I’m widowed. | Estoy viudo/a. | esˈtoj ˈβjuðo | ˈbjuða | ess-toy vee-ooh-doe/vee-ooh-da |
| I’m looking for a relationship. | Estoy buscando una relación. | esˈtoj βusˈkando ˈuna relaˈθjon | ess-toy boos-cahn-do oo-nah reh-lah-see-ohn |
| I’m not looking for anything serious. | No estoy buscando nada serio. | ˈno esˈtoj βusˈkando ˈnaða ˈseɾjo | no ess-toy boos-cahn-doe na-dah seh-ree-oh |
| We’re just dating. | Solo estamos saliendo. | ˈsolo esˈtamos saˈljendo | so-loh ess-tah-moss sah-lee-ehn-doe |
| We’re lovers. | Somos amantes. | ˈsomos aˈmantes | so-moss ah-mahn-tess |
| He/She is my ex. | Es mi ex. | ˈez mj ˈeks | ehs me ex |
| We have an open relationship. | Tenemos una relación abierta. | teˈnemos ˈuna relaˈθjon aˈβjeɾta | teh-neh-moss oo-nah reh-la-see-ohn ah-bee-air-tah |
| We’re friends with benefits. | Somos amigovios. | ˈsomos amiˈɣoβjos | so-moss ah-me-go-vee-oss |
| We’re just friends. | Solo somos amigos. | ˈsolo ˈsomos aˈmiɣos | soh-lo so-moss ah-me-goss |
| It’s complicated. | Es complicado. | ˈes kompliˈkaðo | ehs com-plee-cah-doe |
| We’re in a fight. | Estamos peleados. | esˈtamos peleˈaðos | ess-tah-mos peh-leh-ah-dos |
Dating across cultures can be challenging, but that’s part of the reason it can also be extremely rewarding. Going out of your comfort zone can be difficult, and dating someone from a different culture will certainly expose you to new things and make you consider things from new angles. While this will certainly help you grow as a person, you should also take precautions to avoid being insensitive (and to avoid embarrassing yourself!).
Latin American culture is warmer than most. That means that no matter where you’re from, you’re likely to disagree with Latin Americans on what is considered a friendly touch.
Although there is a very robust feminist movement in Latin America, there are still many gender norms that influence date night expectations. One of the biggest ones is who pays the bill at the end of the date. In the overwhelming majority of cases, men will be expected to get the check — so plan accordingly!
One of the biggest complaints that Spanish and Latin American people have about tourists — especially those from the United States — is that they can’t dance! If you’ve ever partied in Madrid, Medellín or Tulum, then you know just how much Spanish speakers love to dance!
Taking dance lessons when you arrive at your destination can help you be prepared to make a great impression on the dance floor. What better way to knock someone off their feet than with impressive dance skills? Try doing it with two left feet, though, and you might end up literally knocking them off their feet! Talk about a faux pas!
It should go without saying, but avoid dating someone just because you wanted to check them off your list. Saying things like “I’ve always wanted to date a Latina” or “I wanted to find a Colombian papi” reduces people to their identity instead of the complex individuals that they are.
Even if you mean well, it can be easy to parrot one of the many stereotypes about Latine people that are common in the media. Calling your Latine partner “spicy” or “passionate” only reinforces these stereotypes.
Traveling can be an incredibly eye-opening experience, and we don’t blame you if you fall in love with one (or several!) of the 21 Spanish-speaking countries. However, it’s important to be aware of the fact that these countries and cultures are just as complex and diverse as your own. It’s easy to see a foreign country with rose-colored glasses when we don’t have to experience the struggles and frustrations that locals do.
This can be especially problematic if you come from the United States or another high-income country. Some studies have found parallels between modern tourism and colonialism, highlighting the income inequality between the visitors and the hosts. Although this shouldn’t dissuade you from traveling and meeting locals, it serves as a gentle nudge to reconsider how we interact with the people we meet and the businesses we support in our travels.
You may be a Don Juan in your native language, but be wary of literal translations of your trusty pick-up lines. Even though they could technically make sense, they could also have a totally different meaning!
For example, the popular pick-up line “It's a good thing I have my library card, because I am totally checking you out.” translates to “Qué bueno que tengo mi tarjeta de la biblioteca, porque definitivamente te estoy rentando.” Although the English version is a clever way to tell someone you’re attracted to them, the Spanish translation implies that you want to rent them!
If you’re not an advanced Spanish speaker yet, then, by all means, stick to the pick-up lines in this guide!
Now that you’ve got close to a hundred flirty, fun phrases and pickup lines under your belt, you’re more than ready to start testing your luck with the next person you set your sights on. While these are a bit of fun, remember always to be respectful! If all goes well, you’ll be able to impress some locals with your excellent Spanish flirting skills and perhaps even find the start of a romance of a lifetime.
If this blog post made you believe in love and your ability to learn Spanish again, we have many other inspiring Spanish guides that will teach you things you may not cover in a classroom. Some of our most recent blogs include ways to say good night in Spanish, a guide to the hardest words in Spanish, and how to say good afternoon in Spanish.
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Once you’ve gone over our list of the 15 longest words in the Spanish language, any other word will seem like a piece of cake. Whether you’re a complete beginner or are already an intermediate Spanish speaker, getting acquainted with these words will ensure you don’t trip when you run into them in the wild.
If you’re still struggling with your Spanish pronunciation, having a stab at these words is one way to let go of any fears or reservations you may have. Once you’ve said some of these hilariously long Spanish words out loud, you’ll scoff at some of the shorter words that may've previously bothered you! And don’t worry, we’re including both the IPA and a simple pronunciation guide to help you along the way!
Truthfully, you won’t be using many of these words regularly, unless you’re learning Spanish for medicine (sorry, doc!). So, don’t worry about memorizing each word. Just sit back, enjoy the ride, and perhaps have a good laugh as you try to say each of these words out loud!
Colloquially, the longest Spanish word is hipopotomonstrosesquipedaliofobia, which is the fear of long words. As you can probably imagine, this word was designed to be extremely long as a tongue-in-cheek way to make fun of long words. Unfortunately, hipopotomonstrosesquipedaliofobia isn’t in the Spanish dictionary, so it doesn’t count as the longest Spanish word (officially), although it is one of the longest words in English!
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There are 93,111 words in the Real Academia Española (RAE) dictionary, and only one of them is the absolute longest word in Spanish. So, are you ready to find out what it is? Drum roll, please…
Electroencefalografista!
In the simplest terms, an electroencefalografista is quite simply a person who performs electroencefalogramas. An electroencefalograma (electroencephalogram) is a test that records brain activity and is mainly used to detect medical conditions like epilepsy and seizures.
We get it, we get it. Pronouncing the longest word in Spanish isn’t for the faint of heart. In fact, any native speaker would have some problems trying to pronounce this word!
To make things easier, we’ve broken the word down into more manageable chunks:
| Fragment | Pronunciation | IPA | Meaning |
| Electro | eh-lect-troh | eˈlektɾo | Electricity |
| En | ehn | en | Inside |
| Cefalo | seh-fah-lo | θeˈfalo | Head |
| Graf | graph | ˈɡɾaf | Recording |
| Ista | ees-ta | ˈista | A professional |
To give you even more tools to tackle this monster of a letter, let’s break it down into syllables: e-lec-tro-en-ce-fa-lo-gra-fis-ta. Try pronouncing each syllable individually, and take your time working your way through all 10 of them!
Now, let’s put them all together!
Unfortunately so for hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobics, there are many long words in Spanish that rival electroencefalografista in both length and complexity. Here are the next 15 longest words for your perusal!
We get it. It can be difficult to pronounce some of these gargantuan words when you don’t have a clear example to mimic. If you feel like you need a native Spanish speaker to show you how it’s done, check out the following video of the longest words in Spanish!
If you’re just looking for fun facts to quench your thirst for knowledge of the Spanish language, you might be interested in some of the following words. Longest monosilabic word? Longest palindrome? We’ve got answers to all that, and more!
Spanish isn’t a language that lends itself to extremely long syllables, so the contenders for the longest monosyllabic words are all just 6 letters long. There are three words that are tied for being the longest one-syllable words in Spanish:
| Word | Pronunciation | IPA | Meaning |
| Truhan | trwan | ˈtɾuan | A scammer |
| Guiais | gee-ice | ˈɡjajs | To guide |
| Guieis | gee-ays | ˈɡjejs | To guide |
This one’s a trick question — there are no words in Spanish without vowels! Unless you count the conjunction y (and) as a word, in which case, that wins as the longest word without vowels in Spanish!
A palindrome is a word that can be read the same way forwards and backward. For example, the longest palindrome word in English is tattarrattat. See how it can be read the same way from right to left?
So, what about Spanish? The longest palindrome word in Spanish is: reconocer (to recognize).
A heterogram is a word that doesn’t use any one letter more than once. The longest heterogram in Spanish is hiperblanduzcos, which is the plural of hiperblanduzco. That is an adjective used to refer to something that is excessively white.
We hope this article helped you get rid of your fear of big words — although perhaps it may have triggered it! Just kidding. No matter what, you’ve gotten through it, and you now know that you are so much stronger than any big words! Still itching for a bigger longer challenge? Check out our list of the hardest words to pronounce in Spanish, followed by the longest tongue twisters in Spanish!
Make sure to check out our Spanish blog if you enjoyed this post. We regularly publish fun new articles that will show you a different facet of Spanish learning, from our guide to asking questions in Spanish to how to wish someone good luck.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Goodbye in Chinese","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"How to say goodbye in Mandarin Chinese in 36 appropriate ways","url":"/blog/how-to-say-goodbye-chinese-mandarin","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltbd3a05aa370a0960/6396786f02724f11aaf71472/Goodbye_in_Mandarin_Chinese.jpg"},"post_content":"Really! Even if you’ve only just learned a few ways to say hello in Chinese, you shouldn’t forget to learn how to say goodbye. Learning a few ways to say bye in Mandarin will help you wrap up your conversations and it's an incredibly useful skill to have even if you’re still at the beginner level. Even if you can’t maintain a full conversation in Mandarin (yet!), you should know how to properly bid farewell!
\nLearning how to say goodbye in Chinese will help you:
\nSo, are you ready to learn how to say goodbye in Chinese? Don’t miss this invaluable lesson on your Chinese learning journey!
\nIf you’re taking in-person or online Mandarin classes, you probably already know the most basic way to say goodbye in Chinese: 再见 (zài jiàn). This is one of the most common ways to say goodbye in Mandarin, and it’s also one of the most versatile. It’s neutral so it can be used in almost all situations, except maybe in highly formal settings or when you’re saying goodbye forever to someone.
\n\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nContext | \n
| Goodbye | \n再见 | \nzài jiàn | \ntzay jiann | \nNeutral | \n
| Byebye | \n拜拜 | \nbái bái | \nbyebye | \nCasual | \n
| Bye | \n拜了 | \nbài le | \nbye | \nCasual | \n
| See you tomorrow | \n明天见 | \nmíng tiān jiàn | \nming tiehn jiann | \nNeutral | \n
| Until next time | \n下次见 | \nxià cì jiàn | \nshiah tsyh jiann | \nNeutral | \n
| See you later | \n回头见 | \nhuí tóu jiàn | \nhwei toe jiann | \nNeutral | \n
| See you in a little while | \n一会儿见 | \nyí huì(e)r jiàn | \nyi huey jiann | \nCasual | \n
| Let’s chat when you’re free | \n有空再聊 | \nyǒu kòng zài liáo | \nyeou kong tzay liau | \nCasual | \n
| Walk slowly (take care) | \n慢走 | \nmàn zǒu | \nmann tzoou | \nPolite | \n
| Have a good night | \n晚安 | \nwǎn ān | \nwoan an | \nNeutral | \n
| Farewell | \n告别 | \ngào bié | \ngao byeh | \nFormal | \n
| Take care of yourself | \n照顾好自己 | \nzhàogù hǎo zìjǐ | \njaw gu how tzyh gee | \nPolite | \n
| Until we meet again | \n再会 | \nzài huì | \ntzay huey | \nBusiness | \n
| Keep in touch | \n再联系 | \nzài liánxì | \ntzay lian she | \nNeutral | \n
| I should leave | \n告辞 | \ngào cí | \ngao tsyh | \nFormal | \n
| I’m off | \n我走了 | \nwǒ zǒu le | \nwoh tzou luh | \nCasual | \n
| I’m leaving | \n我走啦 | \nwǒ zǒu la | \nwoh tzou la | \nCasual | \n
| I must go | \n我得走啦 | \nwǒ děi zǒu la | \nwoh day tzou la | \nNeutral | \n
| (I’m) off | \n走了 | \nzǒu le | \ntzou luh | \nCasual | \n
| I have no choice but to say goodbye | \n我不得不说再见了 | \nwǒ bùdébù shuō zàijiàn le | \nwoh boo deh boo shuo tzay jiann luh | \nFormal | \n
| Let’s do this again sometime | \n下次再约 | \nxià cì zài yuē | \nshiah tsyh tzay yooeh | \nNeutral | \n
| Let’s do this again when you have time | \n有空再约 | \nyǒu kòng zài yuē | \nyeou kong tzay yooeh | \nNeutral | \n
| Excuse me | \n失陪了 | \nshīpéi le | \nshih pay luh | \nPolite | \n
| I’ll show myself out | \n留步 | \nliú bù | \nliou boo | \nPolite | \n
| I’m hanging up | \n挂了啊 | \nguà le a | \nguah luh ah | \nFor phone calls | \n
| That’s it then | \n就这样 | \njiù zhèyàng | \njiow jeh yang | \nFor phone calls | \n
| Hope you see you some other time | \n后会有期 | \nhòu huì yǒu qī | \nhow huey yeou chee | \nWhen saying goodbye to someone you may not see again | \n
![\"Hugging](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt802dcecbadf42623/6396790c5f4e9b107f648b19/People_embracing_with_a_hug.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Learning chengyu is one of the most exciting parts of Chinese. A chengyu is a Chinese idiom that is usually compressed into four characters. It is a handy way to express a long story that most people know with just a few key words. This is why learning Chinese involves so much more than just developing your linguistic skills — you’ll become acquainted with plenty of history and wisdom that has been passed down for millennia!
\n\n\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \nMeaning | \n
| To travel in the direction of the wind | \n一路顺风 | \nyí lù shùn fēng | \nyi loo shuenn fehng | \nHave a safe and pleasant trip! | \n
| Travel on a safe road | \n一路平安 | \nyí lù píng ān | \nyi loo pyng ahn | \nHave a safe and pleasant trip! | \n
| To be separated in life and death | \n生离死别 | \nshēng lí sǐ bié | \nsheng lee syh byeh | \nTo part ways forever | \n
| The shrike and the swallow each fly | \n劳燕分飞 | \nláo yàn fēn fēi | \nlau yann fen fay | \nUsed by couples when they are leaving or going to be separated for a while | \n
One of the most fun parts of learning a new language is being able to engage with it, so why not create your own way of saying goodbye in Chinese? You already know that 再见 means “see you next time,” but what if you want to be more specific? If you already know when that “next time” is, then you can specify it!
\nYou can use the following structure: [specific time] + 见
\nHere are some examples:
\n\n| English | \nChinese | \nPinyin | \nPronunciation | \n
| See you tomorrow | \n明天见 | \nmíngtiān jiàn | \nming tian jiann | \n
| See you on Friday | \n周五见 | \nzhōuwǔ jiàn | \njou woo jiann | \n
| See you next week | \n下周见 | \nxiàzhōu jiàn | \nshiah jou jiann | \n
| See you next month | \n下个月见 | \nxiàgè yuè jiàn | \nshiah geh jiann | \n
| See you this afternoon | \n下午见 | \nxiàwǔ jiàn | \nshiah woo jiann | \n
Although you’re learning how to say goodbye in Mandarin, we hope this is just the beginning for you. This wonderful language has tons of mind-bogglingly interesting grammar structures, idioms, and phrases — enough to keep you studying for an entire lifetime if you so desire!
\nBut don’t worry, now that you know how to say hello and goodbye in Chinese, you’re one step closer to having exciting conversations in this beautiful language. With consistency and some dedication, you’ll soon be able to use your Chinese skills to meet new people, order food, and even talk about your favorite animals!
\nIf you haven’t yet, be sure to check out our guide to the Chinese writing system and these ten expert-backed tips for learning Chinese characters. We regularly publish helpful guides like these in our Mandarin blog, so bookmark the page and let us help you improve your Chinese!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Chinese radicals","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"A handy list of all 214 Chinese radicals, and what they mean","url":"/blog/chinese-radicals-list","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt5981e81c173ce6f0/63913a4a244135120f7ec3e8/Group_of_friends_hanging_out_learning_Chinese_radicals.jpg"},"post_content":"Every Chinese learner goes through different stages of understanding the Chinese characters. Perhaps you’re a heritage learner, having some prior exposure to the language, or maybe you’re learning Chinese from scratch.
\nWhatever the case may be, you’ll likely consult a number of sources as you make sense of these fascinating logograms: your teacher, some textbooks, online resources, and maybe even friends and family. One suggestion that rings true across the board is to learn the Chinese radicals.
\nSo, are the radicals really the key to learning Chinese? Probably not, as they alone won’t make you proficient — but they will give you a serious boost no matter where you are on your learning journey. If you’re just getting started, knowing the radicals can help you better categorize the characters and make sense of this unique writing structure. And if you’re further along in your journey, learning them can help you get a hint of the meaning of obscure or less frequent characters.
\nSo, how can you learn radicals? We’ll show you right below!
\n\n
\n
![\"Beautiful](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blte4683fea58139868/63913af6a1a0cf5e10d8f395/Chinese_radicals_book.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Chinese radicals are components of characters. They often provide clues on the meaning or pronunciation (or both!) of a particular character, so studying them well can definitely pay off.
\nFor example, the Chinese radical 女 (nǚ) means woman. If you spot that radical in another character, it generally means that the character is related to women in some way. For example, the Chinese word for mom is 妈妈 (māma). Spot something familiar? That’s right! The 女 (nǚ) radical is there to give you a hint about the meaning of those characters you may have forgotten about!
\nHowever, this doesn’t always work. Sometimes, characters will include radicals that have absolutely nothing to do with the meaning of the word. In fact, radicals may sometimes represent the pronunciation of the character rather than allude to its meaning. For example, the radical 乙 (yǐ) means second, and the word 艺 (yì) means skill. “Second” has nothing to do with “skill,” but the radical gives you a hint on how it’s pronounced!
\nWith that said, radicals aren’t always reliable. There are many instances where a radical won’t help you gain any insights into the meaning or the pronunciation, so you should proceed with caution. Radicals can be friends, but they can’t be trusted 100% of the time!
\n\n
\n
Without further ado, here is a complete list of all the radicals! Some of them have multiple forms, which we’ve conveniently included in the radical column. We’ve also included some example characters for each radical to help you see what the radical looks like in practice.
\n| Radical number | \nRadical | \nPinyin | \nMeaning | \nExamples | \n
| 1 | \n一 | \nyī | \nOne | \n丁 万 上 下 | \n
| 2 | \n丨 | \ngǔn | \nLine | \n个 中 丰 串 临 | \n
| 3 | \n丶 | \nzhǔ | \nDot | \n丸 义 丹 为 主 | \n
| 4 | \n丿 乀 乁 | \npiě | \nSlash | \n乂 乃 久 乇 乎 | \n
| 5 | \n乙 乚 | \nyǐ | \nSecond | \n九 乞 乩 乱 | \n
| 6 | \n亅 | \njué | \nHook | \n了 争 事 | \n
| 7 | \n二 | \nèr | \nTwo | \n亍 于 云 五 亚 | \n
| 8 | \n亠 | \ntóu | \nLid | \n亡 亢 交 产 京 | \n
| 9 | \n人 亻 | \nrén | \nPerson | \n你 他 仕 仙 例 | \n
| 10 | \n儿 | \nrén | \nLegs | \n兀 元 兄 先 克 | \n
| 11 | \n入 | \nrù | \nEnter | \n內 全 氽 | \n
| 12 | \n八 丷 | \nbā | \nEight | \n兮 公 兰 关 兴 | \n
| 13 | \n冂 | \njiōng | \nDown box | \n内 冋 再 冏 最 | \n
| 14 | \n冖 | \nmì | \nCover | \n写 军 农 | \n
| 15 | \n冫 | \nbīng | \nIce | \n冰 况 冼 凊 | \n
| 16 | \n几 | \njǐ | \nTable | \n凡 凤 | \n
| 17 | \n凵 | \nqiǎn | \nOpen box | \n凶 凸 凹 出 击 | \n
| 18 | \n刂 刁 刀 | \ndāo | \nKnife | \n刅 分 切 划 刚 | \n
| 19 | \n力 | \nlì | \nPower | \n劝 办 加 务 动 | \n
| 20 | \n勹 | \nbāo | \nWrap | \n勺 勾 匀 包 | \n
| 21 | \n匕 | \nbǐ | \nLadle/Dagger | \n化 北 匙 | \n
| 22 | \n匚 | \nfāng | \nRight open box | \n匛 匤 匡 匢 匜 | \n
| 23 | \n匸 | \nxì | \nHiding enclosure | \n匹 区 医 匼 | \n
| 24 | \n十 | \nshí | \nTen | \n千 升 午 半 | \n
| 25 | \n卜 | \nbǔ | \nDivination | \n卟 占 卡 卢 卤 | \n
| 26 | \n卩 | \njié | \nSeal/Joint | \n卫 卬 卯 印 却 | \n
| 27 | \n厂 | \nhǎn | \nCliff/House | \n厄 厅 历 厉 | \n
| 28 | \n厶 | \nmǒu/sī | \nPrivate | \n去 县 参 | \n
| 29 | \n又 | \nyòu | \nAgain | \n叉 友 双 发 受 | \n
| 30 | \n口 | \nkǒu | \nMouth | \n吃 叹 品 吵 叫 | \n
| 31 | \n囗 | \nwéi | \nEnclosure | \n围 团 国 囚 困 | \n
| 32 | \n土 | \ntǔ | \nEarth | \n在 地 城 地 型 | \n
| 33 | \n士 | \nshì | \nScholar | \n壮 仕 壬 声 志 | \n
| 34 | \n夂 | \nzhǐ | \nGo | \n处 复 备 冬 | \n
| 35 | \n夊 | \nsuī | \nGo slowly | \n夌 复 変 | \n
| 36 | \n夕 | \nxī | \nNight | \n外 多 夜 夠 | \n
| 37 | \n大 | \ndà | \nBig | \n天 太 夫 央 头 | \n
| 38 | \n女 | \nnǚ | \nWoman | \n妈 好 始 姓 安 | \n
| 39 | \n子 | \nzǐ | \nChild | \n孔 字 季 学 孩 | \n
| 40 | \n宀 | \nmián | \nRoof | \n宁 它 安 定 容 | \n
| 41 | \n寸 | \ncùn | \nInch | \n对 寺 寻 寿 导 | \n
| 42 | \n小 ⺌ ⺍ | \nxiǎo | \nSmall | \n少 尔 尚 尝 | \n
| 43 | \n尢 | \nwāng | \nLame | \n尤 尧 就 尴 尬 | \n
| 44 | \n尸 | \nshī | \nCorpse | \n尼 尽 局 居 层 | \n
| 45 | \n屮 | \nchè | \nSprout | \n屯 屰 | \n
| 46 | \n山 | \nshān | \nMountain | \n岀 峰 岁 岛 岳 | \n
| 47 | \n川 巛 | \nchuān | \nRiver | \n州 巡 巢 | \n
| 48 | \n工 | \ngōng | \nWork | \n左 巧 巩 巫 | \n
| 49 | \n己 | \njǐ | \nOneself | \n纪 记 忌 改 | \n
| 50 | \n巾 | \njīn | \nTowel | \n巿 币 市 师 | \n
| 51 | \n干 | \ngān/gàn | \nDry/Do | \n平 年 并 幸 | \n
| 52 | \n幺 | \nyāo | \nYoungest | \n幻 幼 幽 | \n
| 53 | \n广 | \nguǎng | \nShelter | \n座 庄 床 店 | \n
| 54 | \n廴 | \nyǐn | \nStride | \n延 廷 建 | \n
| 55 | \n廾 | \ngǒng | \nHands joined | \n开 异 弃 弄 | \n
| 56 | \n弋 | \nyì | \nShoot with a bow | \n式 弑 | \n
| 57 | \n弓 | \ngōng | \nBow | \n弟 引 张 弘 弯 | \n
| 58 | \n彐 彑 | \njì | \nSnout | \n归 当 录 彖 | \n
| 59 | \n彡 | \nshān | \nHair | \n形 彦 彩 影 | \n
| 60 | \n彳 | \nchì | \nStep | \n行 徐 律 很 往 | \n
| 61 | \n心 忄 | \nxīn | \nHeart | \n必 忆 忘 忙 快 | \n
| 62 | \n戈 | \ngē | \nSpear | \n我 成 戒 战 或 | \n
| 63 | \n戶 户 | \nhù | \nDoor | \n房 所 扁 扇 扉 | \n
| 64 | \n扌 | \nshǒu | \nHand | \n扔 扬 扛 扱 抱 | \n
| 65 | \n支 | \nzhī | \nBranch | \n攰 攱 攲 | \n
| 66 | \n攴 攵 | \npū | \nRap/Beat | \n收 改 政 故 敌 | \n
| 67 | \n文 | \nwén | \nScript | \n齐 斌 斑 斓 斋 | \n
| 68 | \n斗 | \ndǒu | \nVessel | \n料 斛 斟 斜 | \n
| 69 | \n斤 | \njīn | \nAxe | \n斧 断 斯 新 斩 | \n
| 70 | \n方 | \nfāng | \nSquare | \n施 旁 旋 旅 旗 | \n
| 71 | \n无/旡 | \nwú/jì | \nNot/Choke on something eaten | \n既 | \n
| 72 | \n日 | \nrì | \nSun | \n时 早 明 是 晩 | \n
| 73 | \n曰 | \nyuē | \nSay | \n曲 更 曾 | \n
| 74 | \n月 | \nyuè | \nMoon | \n服 朋 青 朝 明 | \n
| 75 | \n木 朩 | \nmù | \nTree | \n森 林 相 根 本 | \n
| 76 | \n欠 | \nqiàn | \nLack | \n次 欢 欣 歆 欲 | \n
| 77 | \n止 | \nzhǐ | \nStop | \n正 此 步 武 歧 | \n
| 78 | \n歹 | \ndǎi | \nDeath | \n死 歾 殃 殉 殆 | \n
| 79 | \n殳 | \nshū | \nWeapon | \n段 殷 殴 | \n
| 80 | \n母 | \nmǔ | \nMother | \n每 毒 | \n
| 81 | \n比 | \nbǐ | \nCompare | \n毕 庇 毙 | \n
| 82 | \n毛 | \nmáo | \nFur | \n毫 毡 笔 毯 毫 | \n
| 83 | \n氏 | \nshì | \nClan | \n民 氓 | \n
| 84 | \n气 | \nqì | \nSteam | \n氲 氧 氢 | \n
| 85 | \n水 氵 氺 | \nshuǐ | \nWater | \n海 河 湖 江 洗 | \n
| 86 | \n火 灬 | \nhuǒ | \nFire | \n灯 炎 热 点 然 | \n
| 87 | \n爪 爫 | \nzhǎo/zhuǎ | \nClaw | \n爬 爱 | \n
| 88 | \n父 | \nfù | \nFather | \n爷 爸 | \n
| 89 | \n爻 | \nyáo | \nLines on a trigram | \n爼 爽 | \n
| 90 | \n爿 | \npán | \nHalf of a tree trunk | \n牀 | \n
| 91 | \n片 | \nqiáng | \nSlice | \n版 牌 | \n
| 92 | \n牙 | \nyá | \nTooth | \n|
| 93 | \n牛 牜 ⺧ | \nniú | \nCow | \n牟 牤 牧 物 牲 | \n
| 94 | \n犬 犭 | \nquǎn | \nDog | \n犮 犯 犷 狂 狗 | \n
| 95 | \n玄 | \nxuán | \nProfound | \n率 玆 | \n
| 96 | \n王 玉 | \nwáng/yù | \nKing/Jade | \n珍 现 琴 莹 玺 | \n
| 97 | \n瓜 | \nguā | \nMelon | \n瓢 瓣 | \n
| 98 | \n瓦 | \nwǎ | \nTile | \n瓶 瓷 瓮 | \n
| 99 | \n甘 | \ngān | \nSweet | \n甚 甜 某 | \n
| 100 | \n生 | \nshēng | \nLife | \n甠 甡 甥 | \n
| 101 | \n用 | \nyòng | \nUse | \n甬 甭 甫 | \n
| 102 | \n田 | \ntián | \nField | \n男 甸 画 畅 界 | \n
| 103 | \n疋 𤴔 | \npǐ | \nFoot | \n胥 疍 疏 疎 | \n
| 104 | \n疒 | \nnè | \nSick | \n病 疔 疤 疫 疯 | \n
| 105 | \n癶 | \nbō | \nUnbalanced footsteps | \n癷 癸 登 | \n
| 106 | \n白 | \nbái | \nWhite | \n百 的 皇 皁 皓 | \n
| 107 | \n皮 | \npí | \nSkin | \n皱 皲 | \n
| 108 | \n皿 | \nmǐn | \nDish | \n盂 益 盆 监 盈 | \n
| 109 | \n目 | \nmù | \nEye | \n盯 相 盲 看 眠 | \n
| 110 | \n矛 | \nmáo | \nSpear | \n矜 䂊 | \n
| 111 | \n矢 | \nshǐ | \nArrow | \n矣 知 矩 矫 矬 | \n
| 112 | \n石 | \nshí | \nStone | \n码 破 硌 硏 硬 | \n
| 113 | \n示 礻 | \nshì | \nSpirit | \n礼 社 视 禁 祭 | \n
| 114 | \n禸 | \nróu | \nRub | \n禹 禺 离 | \n
| 115 | \n禾 | \nhé | \nGrain | \n秀 秋 种 秒 租 | \n
| 116 | \n穴 | \nxué | \nCave | \n穷 究 空 穿 突 | \n
| 117 | \n立 | \nlì | \nStand | \n站 竞 章 竖 端 | \n
| 118 | \n竹 ⺮ ケ | \nzhú | \nBamboo | \n笑 笛 第 竿 等 | \n
| 119 | \n米 | \nmǐ | \nRice | \n粮 类 粉 粤 籽 | \n
| 120 | \n糸 纟 | \nsī | \nSilk | \n红 纪 组 系 紧 | \n
| 121 | \n缶 | \nfǒu | \nJar | \n缺 缸 罂 | \n
| 122 | \n网 罒 罓 | \nwǎng | \nNet | \n罗 罚 罢 罪 | \n
| 123 | \n羊 ⺶ ⺷ | \nyáng | \nSheep | \n美 着 羞 群 羚 | \n
| 124 | \n羽 | \nyǔ | \nFeather | \n翠 翁 耀 翔 | \n
| 125 | \n老 耂 | \nlǎo | \nOld | \n者 耄 者 考 | \n
| 126 | \n而 | \nér | \nAnd | \n耍 耐 | \n
| 127 | \n耒 | \nlěi | \nPlaw | \n耔 耗 耕 耘 | \n
| 128 | \n耳 | \něr | \nEar | \n聊 聆 聒 联 耿 | \n
| 129 | \n聿 | \nyù | \nBrush | \n肃 肆 肄 肇 | \n
| 130 | \n肉 月 | \nròu | \nMeat | \n肖 肘 肚 腐 | \n
| 131 | \n臣 | \nchén | \nMinister | \n卧 藏 | \n
| 132 | \n自 | \nzì | \nOneself | \n臬 臭 | \n
| 133 | \n至 | \nzhì | \nArrive | \n致 臻 | \n
| 134 | \n臼 | \njiù | \nMortar | \n臾 舀 舂 | \n
| 135 | \n舌 | \nshé | \nTongue | \n舍 舐 舔 | \n
| 136 | \n舛 | \nchuǎn | \nContrary | \n舜 | \n
| 137 | \n舟 | \nzhōu | \nBoat | \n航 船 般 舱 舫 | \n
| 138 | \n艮 | \ngèn | \nMountain | \n良 艰 根 跟 | \n
| 139 | \n色 | \nsè | \nColor | \n艳 | \n
| 140 | \n艹 | \ncǎo | \nGrass | \n花 菜 茶 茬 草 | \n
| 141 | \n虍 | \nhū | \nStripes on a tiger | \n虏 虎 虐 虔 虑 | \n
| 142 | \n虫 | \nchóng | \nInsect | \n蛇 蚊 蛋 蚤 蚀 | \n
| 143 | \n血 | \nxuè | \nBlood | \n恤 衅 | \n
| 144 | \n行 | \nxíng | \nWalk | \n衍 衔 街 | \n
| 145 | \n衣 衤 | \nyī | \nClothes | \n表 袋 袓 衷 袄 | \n
| 146 | \n覀 | \nyà | \nCover | \n要 覆 覃 | \n
| 147 | \n见 | \njiàn | \nSee | \n观 规 觉 览 | \n
| 148 | \n角 | \njiǎo | \nHorn | \n解 触 | \n
| 149 | \n讠 | \nyán | \nSpeech | \n计 讨 记 讲 识 | \n
| 150 | \n谷 | \ngǔ | \nValley | \n豁 | \n
| 151 | \n豆 | \ndòu | \nBean | \n豌 豉 | \n
| 152 | \n豕 | \nshǐ | \nPig | \n豚 豪 象 | \n
| 153 | \n豸 | \nzhì | \nLegless insect | \n豹 豺 貌 | \n
| 154 | \n贝 | \nbèi | \nShell | \n贞 负 贡 责 财 | \n
| 155 | \n赤 | \nchì | \nRed | \n赦 赫 | \n
| 156 | \n走 | \nzǒu | \nWalk | \n赶 起 超 越 | \n
| 157 | \n足 | \nzú | \nFoot | \n跃 跑 路 跳 | \n
| 158 | \n身 | \nshēn | \nBody | \n躬 躺 躲 | \n
| 159 | \n车 | \nchē | \nCart | \n轧 轨 软 轮 轻 | \n
| 160 | \n辛 | \nxīn | \nBitter | \n辜 辣 辞 辟 | \n
| 161 | \n辰 | \nchén | \nDay time | \n晨 辱 振 震 | \n
| 162 | \n辶 | \nchuò | \nWalk | \n边 达 过 运 远 | \n
| 163 | \n邑 阝 | \nyì | \nCity | \n那 邦 邮 郊 邕 | \n
| 164 | \n酉 | \nyǒu | \nWine vessel | \n酒 酱 酷 | \n
| 165 | \n釆 | \nbiàn | \nDistinguish | \n采 釉 释 | \n
| 166 | \n里 | \nlǐ | \nVillage/Unit of distance | \n重 野 量 | \n
| 167 | \n金 钅 | \njīn | \nMetal | \n银 钉 钟 钥 鉴 | \n
| 168 | \n长 | \ncháng | \nLong | \n张 帐 账 | \n
| 169 | \n门 | \nmén | \nGate | \n间 闪 闯 闭 闹 | \n
| 170 | \n阜⻏ | \nfù | \nMound | \n陡 陆 防 际 队 | \n
| 171 | \n隶 | \nlì | \nSlave | \n\n |
| 172 | \n隹 | \nzhuī | \nShort-tailed bird | \n难 雀 集 雇 | \n
| 173 | \n雨 | \nyǔ | \nRain | \n雪 零 雷 雾 | \n
| 174 | \n青 | \nqīng | \nBlue/Green | \n靓 靖 静 | \n
| 175 | \n非 | \nfēi | \nWrong | \n靠 靡 | \n
| 176 | \n面 | \nmiàn | \nFace | \n靥 腼 | \n
| 177 | \n革 | \ngé | \nLeather | \n靴 鞋 | \n
| 178 | \n韦 | \nwěi | \nSoft leather | \n韧 韩 韫 | \n
| 179 | \n韭 | \njiǔ | \nLeek | \n瀣 | \n
| 180 | \n音 | \nyīn | \nSound | \n章 竟 歆 韵 | \n
| 181 | \n页 | \nyè | \nPage | \n顶 项 须 顺 | \n
| 182 | \n风 | \nfēng | \nWind | \n飒 飓 飘 | \n
| 183 | \n飞 | \nfēi | \nFly | \n- | \n
| 184 | \n食 饣 | \nshí | \nEat | \n饥 饮 饱 饰 餐 | \n
| 185 | \n首 | \nshǒu | \nHead | \n馗 | \n
| 186 | \n香 | \nxiāng | \nFragrant | \n馥 馨 | \n
| 187 | \n马 | \nmǎ | \nHorse | \n驰 驹 骂 骇 驳 | \n
| 188 | \n骨 | \ngǔ | \nBone | \n骸 骷 骰 | \n
| 189 | \n高 | \ngāo | \nHigh | \n髚 | \n
| 190 | \n髟 | \nbiāo | \nLong hair | \n髦 鬃 鬓 | \n
| 191 | \n门/鬥 | \nmén/dòu | \nFight | \n鬧 鬦 | \n
| 192 | \n鬯 | \nchàng | \nSacrificial wine | \n- | \n
| 193 | \n鬲 | \nlì | \nCauldron | \n鬳 鬴 鬵 鬷 | \n
| 194 | \n鬼 | \nguǐ | \nGhost | \n魂 魄 魅 | \n
| 195 | \n鱼 | \nyú | \nFish | \n鲜 鲈 鲑 | \n
| 196 | \n鸟 | \nniǎo | \nBird | \n鸡 鸦 鸭 | \n
| 197 | \n卤 | \nlǔ | \nBrine | \n\n |
| 198 | \n鹿 | \nlù | \nDeer | \n麒 麓 麋 | \n
| 199 | \n麦 | \nmài | \nWheat | \n麸 | \n
| 200 | \n麻 | \nmá | \nHemp | \n麾 磨 魔 | \n
| 201 | \n黄 | \nhuáng | \nYellow | \n横 磺 簧 | \n
| 202 | \n黍 | \nshǔ | \nMillet | \n黎 黏 | \n
| 203 | \n黑 | \nhēi | \nBlack | \n墨 黔 默 黛 | \n
| 204 | \n黹 | \nzhǐ | \nEmbroidery | \n\n |
| 205 | \n黾 | \nměng | \nFrog | \n鼋 | \n
| 206 | \n鼎 | \ndǐng | \nTripod | \n\n |
| 207 | \n鼓 | \ngǔ | \nDrum | \n\n |
| 208 | \n鼠 | \nshǔ | \nRat | \n\n |
| 209 | \n鼻 | \nbí | \nNose | \n鼾 齁 | \n
| 210 | \n齐 | \nqí | \nNeat | \n挤 剂 济 | \n
| 211 | \n齿 | \nchǐ | \nTooth | \n龄 龅 | \n
| 212 | \n龙 | \nlóng | \nDragon | \n龚 笼 珑 | \n
| 213 | \n龟 | \nguī | \nTurtle | \n\n |
| 214 | \n龠 | \nyuè | \nFlute | \n\n |
\n
\n
After reviewing all 214 Chinese characters, you surely have some questions! Here are some of the most commonly asked questions.
\nAs you now know, the radicals can help you figure out the meaning or pronunciation of a character, which is invaluable for anyone studying Chinese. But which ones should you prioritize?
\nHere are the 10 most important ones to give your Chinese a serious boost.
\n| Radical | \nPinyin | \nMeaning | \nExamples | \n
| 女 | \nnǚ | \nWoman | \n妈 好 始 姓 安 | \n
| 水 氵 氺 | \nshuǐ | \nWater | \n海 河 湖 江 洗 | \n
| 人 亻 | \nrén | \nPerson | \n你 他 仕 仙 例 | \n
| 刂 刁 刀 | \ndāo | \nKnife | \n刅 分 切 划 刚 | \n
| 心 忄 | \nxīn | \nHeart | \n必 忆 忘 忙 快 | \n
| 月 | \nyuè | \nMoon | \n服 朋 青 朝 明 | \n
| 彳 | \nchì | \nStep | \n行 徐 律 很 往 | \n
| 子 | \nzǐ | \nChild | \n孔 字 季 学 孩 | \n
| 宀 | \nmián | \nRoof | \n宁 它 安 定 容 | \n
| 讠 | \nyán | \nSpeech | \n说 话 语 讲 试 | \n
\n
There are 214 in total. Keep in mind that some of them have several forms, and some traditional characters have been altered with the introduction of simplified characters.
\nThough that sounds like a lot, rest assured that many of them aren’t used at all in modern Chinese — and many more are not used in daily conversations.
\nNo! You don't need to learn all 214 radicals before you start learning characters. In fact, you most definitely shouldn’t — many of them are so sparsely used that you won’t run into them until you’re far more advanced in your studies. Instead, incorporate some radicals into your Chinese study routine so that they can help complement your learning.
\nIf you’re not sure where to start, take a look at our list of the 10 most common ones above. Knowing just those 10 will make a difference in your Chinese learning, but definitely don’t let the radicals get in the way of learning simple phrases like how to say hello in Chinese.
\nCertainly! Many radicals can also be used as characters on their own. This is something to keep in mind — although all of them have their own meaning, not all of them can be used on their own as stand-alone characters.
\nHere are some examples of radicals that can be used as characters on their own:
\n| Radical | \nPinyin | \nMeaning | \n
| 入 | \nrù | \nEnter | \n
| 力 | \nlì | \nPower | \n
| 女 | \nnǚ | \nWoman | \n
| 又 | \nyòu | \nAgain | \n
| 大 | \ndà | \nBig | \n
| 土 | \ntǔ | \nEarth | \n
| 工 | \ngōng | \nWork | \n
| 干 | \ngān/gàn | \nDry/Do | \n
| 日 | \nrì | \nSun | \n
| 石 | \nshí | \nStone | \n
\n
\n
214 radicals later, and now you’re well on your way to becoming a prolific Chinese speaker! As a key component to most Chinese characters, spending some time reviewing the radicals is essential for every learner. Whether you use this to your advantage or not is up to you!
\nOur recommendation? Make learning work for you. Instead of thinking of them as another thing to learn before you can really start speaking Chinese, think of them as helpful aids in your studies. With enough practice, you’ll soon start recognizing radicals in your day-to-day studies!
\nMake sure to check out our Mandarin blog if you enjoyed this guide. We publish handy grammar and vocabulary guides to help you level up your Chinese studies. And best of all? They’re all free! Save our blog to your bookmarks and let us help you grow your Mandarin skills.
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\nLearning some colorful ways to describe personality in Spanish will allow you to:
\nIf you’re convinced that learning personality adjectives will help boost your Spanish, read on. We’ll cover over 150 personality adjectives to help you describe anyone’s character traits in Spanish flawlessly.
\nWe’ll also go over some slang terms that you may encounter as you study Spanish in the wild. Let’s get started!
\n![\"Young](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blta62002beb7e897c8/632184268a5a2b30fbe283b2/pexels-anastasia-shuraeva-8943588.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
\n
\n
Adjectives are words that describe a noun. In other words, they help us easily share additional information about a person or thing that we’re talking about.
\nPersonality adjectives in Spanish are words that describe the personality traits of a person. You can describe their humor, temper, talents, and other important features of their character. Personality adjectives in Spanish fall within the category of descriptive adjectives.
\nUsing adjectives in Spanish is similar to using them in English. You must always use them in conjunction with a noun or pronoun, but you don’t always need an adjective to use a noun or pronoun.
\nKeep in mind that Spanish is a null-subject language, so you may use adjectives even if a noun or pronoun in Spanish isn’t present as long as the noun being described is implied by the verb conjugation. We’ll show you some examples of this in a bit.
\nThe most significant difference between English and Spanish personality adjectives is that adjectives in Spanish have to agree in number and gender with the person or thing they’re modifying.
\nLet’s take a look at four very similar sentences in English and Spanish to illustrate this more clearly.
\n| English | \nSpanish | \n
| He is fun. | \nÉl es divertid o. | \n
| She is fun. | \nElla es divertid a. | \n
| They are fun. | \nEllos son divertid os. | \n
| They are fun. | \nEllas son divertid as. | \n
\n
As you can tell from the sentences above, English adjectives never change. Fun is fun, no matter if the person you’re describing as fun is male, female, or multiple people. In Spanish, you’ll notice that the ending of the personality adjective divertido is different in every sentence above.
\nThis is because adjectives in Spanish have to agree in noun and gender with the noun they are modifying. In general, adjectives that end in -o (divertid o) are used to describe masculine nouns. To change it to the female form, simply replace the -o with -a (divertida). Adjectives that end in -e are gender-neutral and can be used for both male and female nouns.
\nTo make an adjective plural, simply add an -s at the end (divertidos). If you’re talking about a group of girls, you would also change the -o for an -a (divertidas). Note that you would use the male form -os (divertidos) when talking about groups containing both men and women.
\nOf course, there are a few exceptions, but following the rules above will ensure you get it right over 90% of the time. The more you practice Spanish, the easier it will be for you to memorize the different adjective forms. We promise that, with enough practice, coordinating the adjective gender and noun will be second nature to you!
\n\n
\n
Now, let’s get into the most important part of this article: the personality traits in Spanish. As usual, we’re including a pronunciation guide along with each translation so you can start using these personality adjectives right away.
\nLooking for a guide to all types of Spanish adjectives? Check out our in-depth guide here.
\n![\"Artists](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt376ee1450d357f86/632185349a6b39638424a0f6/pexels-deeana-arts-1640765.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Ambitious | \nAmbicioso | \nãmbiˈsjoso | \nahm-bee-see-oh-so | \n
| Funny | \nGracioso | \nɡɾaˈsjoso | \ngra-see-oh-so | \n
| Outgoing | \nExtrovertido | \nɛkstɾoβɛɾˈtiðo | \nex-tro-ver-tee-doe | \n
| Intelligent | \nInteligente | \nĩnteliˈxɛ̃nte | \neen-teh-lee-hen-teh | \n
| Shy | \nTímido | \nˈtimiðo | \ntee-mee-do | \n
| Creative | \nCreativo | \nkɾeaˈtiβo | \ncreh-ah-tee-vo | \n
| Patient | \nPaciente | \npaˈsjɛ̃nte | \npah-see-ehn-teh | \n
| Charismatic | \nCarismático | \nkaɾis̬ˈmatiko | \ncah-rees-mah-tee-co | \n
| Serious | \nSerio | \nˈsɛɾjo | \nseh-ree-oh | \n
| Kind | \nAmable | \naˈmaβle | \nah-ma-bleh | \n
| Mean | \nGrosero | \nɡɾoˈsɛɾo | \ngro-seh-ro | \n
| Scary | \nAterrador | \natɛraˈðoɾ | \nah-teh-ra-dor | \n
| Unfriendly | \nAntipático | \nãntiˈpatiko | \nahn-tee-pa-tee-co | \n
| Impatient | \nImpaciente | \nĩmpaˈsjɛ̃nte | \neem-pah-see-ehn-teh | \n
| Lazy | \nPerezoso | \npɛɾeˈsoso | \npeh-reh-so-so | \n
| Brave | \nValiente | \nbaˈljɛ̃nte | \nva-lee-ehn-teh | \n
| Playful | \nJuguetón | \nxuɣɛˈtõn | \nwho-geh-ton | \n
| Studious | \nEstudioso | \nɛstuˈðjoso | \nehs-too-dee-oh-so | \n
| Friendly | \nAmigable | \namiˈɣaβle | \nah-me-gah-bleh | \n
| Nice | \nAgradable | \naɣɾaˈðaβle | \nah-gra-da-bleh | \n
| Sophisticated | \nSofisticado | \nsofistiˈkaðo | \nso-fees-tee-ca-doh | \n
| Calm | \nTranquilo | \ntɾãnˈkilo | \ntran-key-lo | \n
| Boring | \nAburrido | \naβuˈriðo | \nah-boo-ree-do | \n
| Adventurous | \nAventurero | \naβɛ̃ntuˈɾɛɾo | \nah-ven-too-reh-ro | \n
| Open-minded | \nDe mente abierta | \nde ˈmɛ̃nte aˈβjɛɾta | \ndeh mehn-teh ah-bee-ehr-ta | \n
| Extroverted | \nExtrovertido | \nɛkstɾoβɛɾˈtiðo | \nex-tro-ver-tee-do | \n
| Likable | \nSimpático | \nsĩmˈpatiko | \nseem-pa-tee-co | \n
| Clever | \nAstuto | \nasˈtuto | \nahs-too-toe | \n
| Disorganized | \nDesorganizado | \ndesoɾɣaniˈsaðo | \ndes-or-gah-knee-sa-doe | \n
| Sincere | \nSincero | \nsĩnˈsɛɾo | \nseen-seh-ro | \n
| Smart | \nListo | \nˈlisto | \nlees-toe | \n
| Straightforward | \nDirecto | \ndiˈɾek̚to | \ndee-rec-toe | \n
| Pessimistic | \nPesimista | \npesiˈmista | \npeh-see-mees-ta | \n
| Selfish | \nEgoísta | \neɣoˈista | \neh-goh-ees-tah | \n
| Uncultured | \nInculto | \nĩnˈkulto | \neen-cool-toe | \n
| Egocentric | \nEgocéntrico | \neɣoˈsɛ̃ntɾiko | \neh-goh-sehn-tree-co | \n
| Discreet | \nDiscreto | \ndisˈkɾɛto | \nDees-creh-toe | \n
| Dishonest | \nDeshonesto | \ndesoˈnɛsto | \ndes-oh-nehs-toe | \n
| Naive | \nIngenuo | \nĩnˈxenwo | \neen-heh-noo-oh | \n
| Optimistic | \nOptimista | \nop̚tiˈmista | \nop-tee-mees-tah | \n
| Generous | \nGeneroso | \nxenɛˈɾoso | \nheh-neh-ro-so | \n
| Clumsy | \nTorpe | \nˈtoɾpe | \ntor-peh | \n
| Wary | \nDesconfiado | \ndɛskõmˈfjaðo | \ndes-con-fee-ah-do | \n
| Cheerful | \nAlegre | \naˈleɣɾe | \nah-leh-greh | \n
| Hard-working | \nTrabajador | \ntɾaβaxaˈðoɾ | \ntra-ba-ha-door | \n
| Polite | \nEducado | \neðuˈkaðo | \neh-doo-ca-doe | \n
| Nervous | \nNervioso | \nnɛɾˈβjoso | \nner-vee-oh-so | \n
| Anxious | \nAnsioso | \nãnˈsjoso | \nahn-see-oh-so | \n
| Unpleasant | \nDesagradable | \ndesaɣɾaˈðaβle | \ndes-ah-gra-da-bleh | \n
| Reckless | \nDescuidado | \ndɛskwiˈðaðo | \ndes-coo-eeh-da-doe | \n
| Thoughtful | \nConsiderado | \nkõnsiðɛˈɾaðo | \ncon-see-deh-ra-doe | \n
| Affectionate | \nCariñoso | \nkaɾiˈɲoso | \nca-ree-nyoh-soh | \n
| Jealous | \nCeloso | \nseˈloso | \nseh-lo-so | \n
| Cowardly | \nCobarde | \nkoˈβaɾðe | \ncoe-bar-deh | \n
| Envious | \nEnvidioso | \nɛ̃mbiˈðjoso | \nehn-vee-dee-oh-so | \n
| Evil | \nMalo | \nˈmalo | \nma-lo | \n
| Sensitive | \nSensible | \nsɛ̃nˈsiβle | \nsehn-see-bleh | \n
| Agile | \nÁgil | \nˈaxil | \nah-heel | \n
| Loving | \nAmoroso | \namoˈɾoso | \nah-mo-ro-so | \n
| Passionate | \nApasionado | \napasjoˈnaðo | \nah-pah-see-oh-na-doe | \n
| Attentive | \nAtento | \naˈtɛ̃nto | \nah-tehn-toe | \n
| Cautious | \nCuidadoso | \nkwiðaˈðoso | \ncoo-ee-dah-doe-so | \n
| Cynical | \nCínico | \nˈsiniko | \nsee-knee-coe | \n
| Cruel | \nCruel | \nˈkɾwɛl | \ncroo-ehl | \n
| Careful | \nCuidadoso | \nkwiðaˈðoso | \ncoo-ee-da-doe-so | \n
| Weak | \nDébil | \nˈdeβil | \ndeh-beel | \n
| Depressed | \nDeprimido | \ndepɾiˈmiðo | \ndeh-pree-me-doe | \n
| Careless | \nDescuidado | \ndɛskwiˈðaðo | \ndehs-coo-e-da-doe | \n
| Distant | \nDistante | \ndisˈtãnte | \ndees-tan-teh | \n
| Sweet | \nDulce | \nˈdulse | \ndool-seh | \n
| Efficient | \nEficiente | \nefiˈsjɛ̃nte | \neh-fee-see-ehn-teh | \n
| Intrusive | \nEntrometido | \nɛ̃ntɾomɛˈtiðo | \nehn-troh-meh-tee-doe | \n
| Demanding | \nExigente | \nɛksiˈxɛ̃nte | \nex-e-hehn-teh | \n
| Eccentric | \nEccéntrico | \nɛkˈsɛ̃ntɾiko | \nex-ehn-tree-coe | \n
| Cold | \nFrío | \nˈfɾio | \nfree-oh | \n
| Grumpy | \nGruñón | \nɡɾuˈɲõn | \ngroo-nyohn | \n
| Impulsive | \nImpulsivo | \nĩmpulˈsiβo | \neem-pool-see-voh | \n
| Imaginative | \nImaginativo | \nimaxinaˈtiβo | \ne-mah-he-na-tee-voh | \n
| Immature | \nInmaduro | \nĩmmaˈðuɾo | \ne-mah-doo-ro | \n
| Restless | \nInquieto | \nĩnˈkjɛto | \neen-key-eh-toe | \n
| Interesting | \nInteresante | \nĩntɛɾeˈsãnte | \neen-teh-reh-sahn-teh | \n
| Malicious | \nMalicioso | \nmaliˈsjoso | \nmah-lee-see-oh-so | \n
| Bold | \nIntrepido | \nĩntɾeˈpiðo | \neen-treh-pee-doe | \n
| Liar | \nMentiroso | \nmɛ̃ntiˈɾoso | \nmehn-tee-ro-so | \n
| Stingy | \nTacaño | \ntaˈkaɲo | \ntah-ca-nyoh | \n
| Pensive | \nPensativo | \npɛ̃nsaˈtiβo | \npehn-sah-tee-vo | \n
| Persevering | \nPerseverante | \npɛɾseβɛˈɾãnte | \npear-seh-veh-rahn-teh | \n
| Practical | \nPráctico | \nˈpɾak̚tiko | \nprac-tee-coe | \n
| Provocative | \nProvocador | \npɾoβokaˈðoɾ | \npro-vo-cah-door | \n
| Punctual | \nPuntual | \npũnˈtwal | \npoon-too-ahl | \n
| Fussy | \nQuisquilloso | \nkiskiˈʝoso | \nkeys-key-yo-so | \n
| Reserved | \nReservado | \nresɛɾˈβaðo | \nreh-ser-va-doe | \n
| Ridiculous | \nRídiculo | \nˈriðikulo | \nree-dee-coo-lo | \n
| Confident | \nSeguro de sí mismo | \nseˈɣuɾo ðe ˈsi ˈmis̬mo | \nseh-goo-ro deh see mees-mo | \n
| Sensible | \nSensato | \nsɛ̃nˈsato | \nsehn-sah-toe | \n
| Dirty | \nSucio | \nˈsusjo | \nsoo-see-oh | \n
| Shallow | \nSuperficial | \nsupɛɾfiˈsjal | \nsoo-pear-fee-see-ahl | \n
| Modest | \nModesto | \nmoˈðɛsto | \nmo-dehs-toe | \n
| Humble | \nHumilde | \nuˈmilde | \nooh-meel-deh | \n
| Proud | \nOrgulloso | \noɾɣuˈʝoso | \nore-goo-yo-so | \n
| Sad | \nTriste | \nˈtɾiste | \ntrees-teh | \n
| Pathetic | \nPatético | \npaˈtɛtiko | \npah-teh-tee-co | \n
| Talented | \nTalentoso | \ntalɛ̃nˈtoso | \ntah-lehn-toe-so | \n
| Trustworthy | \nConfiable | \nkõmˈfjaβle | \ncon-fee-ah-bleh | \n
| Thrifty | \nAhorrativo | \naoraˈtiβo | \nah-oh-rah-tee-voe | \n
| Respectful | \nRespetuoso | \nrɛspɛˈtwoso | \nrehs-peh-too-oh-so | \n
| Relaxed | \nRelajado | \nrelaˈxaðo | \nreh-la-hah-doe | \n
| Rude | \nGrosero | \nɡɾoˈsɛɾo | \ngro-seh-roe | \n
| Bossy | \nMandón | \nmãnˈdõn | \nman-don | \n
| Stubborn | \nTestarudo | \ntɛstaˈɾuðo | \ntehs-tah-roo-doe | \n
| Smug | \nPresumido | \npɾesuˈmiðo | \npreh-soo-me-doe | \n
| Nosey | \nEntrometido | \nɛ̃ntɾomɛˈtiðo | \nehn-troh-meh-tee-doe | \n
| Picky | \nCaprichoso | \nkapɾiˈʧoso | \nca-pree-cho-so | \n
| Arrogant | \nArrogante | \naroˈɣãnte | \nah-ro-gahn-teh | \n
| Absent-minded | \nDistraído | \ndistɾaˈiðo | \ndees-trah-eh-doe | \n
| Mischievous | \nTravieso | \ntɾaˈβjeso | \ntra-vee-eh-so | \n
| Cranky | \nEnojón | \nenoˈxõn | \neh-no-hon | \n
| Mature | \nMaduro | \nmaˈðuɾo | \nmah-doo-roe | \n
| Skillful | \nHábil | \nˈaβil | \nah-beel | \n
| Happy-go-lucky | \nRisueño | \nriˈsweɲo | \nree-soo-eh-nyoh | \n
| Tender | \nTierno | \nˈtjɛɾno | \ntee-air-no | \n
| Timid | \nTímido | \nˈtimiðo | \ntee-mee-doe | \n
| Witty | \nIngenioso | \nĩnxeˈnjoso | \neen-heh-nee-oh-so | \n
| Abusive | \nAbusivo | \naβuˈsiβo | \nah-boo-see-voe | \n
| Annoying | \nFastidioso | \nfastiˈðjoso | \nfahs-tee-dee-oh-so | \n
\n
If you’ve spent time in a Spanish-speaking country, you must have noticed that people use a lot of slang when speaking with friends. Of course, nobody will sound like the sample conversations in your Spanish textbook, so it’s always important to learn some slang when learning a new language.
\nHere are some slang words for character traits in Spanish. And, if you’re interested in learning even more Spanish slang, check out our full guide to Spanish slang.
\n![\"Friends](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb175883143d7436d/632188d19a6b39638424a10a/istock-1170710668.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \nContext | \n
| Vagabond | \nVago | \nˈbaɣo | \nvah-go | \nCasual | \n
| Hard-working | \nChambeador | \nʧãmbeaˈðoɾ | \ncham-beh-ah-door | \nCasual | \n
| Lazy | \nFlojo | \nˈfloxo | \nflo-ho | \nCasual | \n
| Nosey | \nChismoso | \nʧis̬ˈmoso | \nchees-mo-so | \nCasual | \n
| Stingy | \nCodo | \nˈkoðo | \nco-doe | \nCasual | \n
| Annoying | \nNefasto | \nneˈfasto | \nneh-fahs-toe | \nCasual | \n
| Stubborn | \nNecio | \nˈnesjo | \nneh-see-oh | \nCasual | \n
| Fussy | \nMañoso | \nmaˈɲoso | \nmah-nyoh-so | \nCasual | \n
| Cool | \nBakan | \nˈbakãn | \nbah-kahn | \nCasual | \n
| Cool | \nChévere | \nˈʧeβɛɾe | \ncheh-veh-reh | \nCasual | \n
| Ill-tempered | \nSangrón | \nsãnˈɡɾõn | \nsahn-gron | \nCasual | \n
| Rude | \nGrosero | \nɡɾoˈsɛɾo | \ngrow-seh-roe | \nCasual | \n
\n
Now that you’ve learned over 150 different personality adjectives in Spanish, you’re probably looking for some concrete examples of how they would be used in a sentence. Check out the table below for some helpful example sentences of character adjectives in Spanish!
\n![\"He](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt0cd0648e27e3c3a3/6321898a2975ce72ea2fb62d/pexels-tima-miroshnichenko-5427659.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| He is very studious. | \nÉl es muy estudioso. | \nˈɛl ˈɛs̬ mwj ɛstuˈðjoso ‖ | \nehl ehs mooy ehs-too-dee-oh-so | \n
| My mom is a very ambitious businesswoman. | \nMi mamá es una empresaria ambiciosa. | \nmi maˈma ˈɛs ˈuna ɛ̃mpɾeˈsaɾja ãmbiˈsjosa ‖ | \nme mah-mah ehs oo-nah ehm-preh-sah-ree-ah ahm-bee-see-oh-sa | \n
| They are very fun. | \nEllos son muy divertidos. | \nˈeʝos ˈsõm mwi ðiβɛɾˈtiðos ‖ | \neh-yos son mooy dee-ver-tee-doss | \n
| The math teachers seem very boring to me. | \nLas maestras de matemáticas me parecen muy aburridas. | \nlas̬ maˈɛstɾas̬ ðe mateˈmatikas̬ me paˈɾesɛ̃m mwj aβuˈriðas ‖ | \nlas mah-ehs-trahs deh mah-teh-mah-tee-cas meh pah-reh-sehn mooy ah-boo-ree-dass | \n
| I am very extroverted. | \nYo soy muy extrovertido. | \nˈɟʝo ˈsoi̯ mwj ɛkstɾoβɛɾˈtiðo ‖ | \nyo soy mooy ex-tro-ver-tee-do | \n
| My cat is very affectionate. | \nMi gata es muy cariñosa. | \nmi ˈɣata ˈɛs̬ mwi kaɾiˈɲosa ‖ | \nme ga-tah ehs mooy cah-ree-nyoh-sah | \n
| My dog is very agile. | \nMi perro es muy ágil. | \nmi ˈpɛro ˈɛs̬ mwj ˈaxil ‖ | \nme peh-ro ehs mooy ah-heel | \n
| Your brother sounds very reckless. | \nTu hermano suena muy descuidado. | \ntw ɛɾˈmano ˈswena mwi ðɛskwiˈðaðo ‖ | \ntoo air-ma-no soo-eh-na mooy des-coo-e-da-doe | \n
| Don’t be stupid! | \n¡No seas tonto! | \nˈno ˈseas ˈtõnto ‖ | \nno seh-ahs ton-toe | \n
| I don’t know him, but he seems very quiet. | \nNo lo conozco, pero se ve muy reservado. | \nˈno lo koˈnosko | ˈpɛɾo se ˈβe mwi resɛɾˈβaðo ‖ | \nno lo co-noz-co, pear-oh seh veh mooy reh-ser-vah-doe | \n
\n
\n
If you’ve read through this entire guide, you’re definitely one of the most estudioso students in your class! You’ve now learned over 150 personality traits in Spanish to help you describe all the lovely people in your life.
\nIf you enjoyed this guide, check out our other Spanish blog vocabulary lessons for more free and informative Spanish content. We publish new blogs every month, so make sure to bookmark the page to keep improving your Spanish with our fun guides!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Where is the toilet in Spanish","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"10 easy ways to ask where the bathroom is in Spanish","url":"/blog/where-is-the-toilet-bathroom-spanish","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb715c1dd841db481/6306d31ed39eb86e3e1eb26d/istock-1168371277.jpeg"},"post_content":"Indeed, a traveler’s worst nightmare is to find themselves in a situation where they can’t easily access a restroom. If this sounds like your worst fear, then one of the first things you need to focus on as you learn Spanish is asking where the bathroom is.
\nKnowing how to ask where the bathroom is will spare you many embarrassing and uncomfortable situations. We’ll teach you 10 different ways to ask where the bathroom is for different contexts so that you can find the nearest restroom with ease.
\nWe’ll also cover verbs and other bathroom vocabulary in Spanish to make sure you have everything you need. This vocabulary can help you ask for anything you may need when checking into a hotel or Airbnb, or while staying at your friend’s house as a guest.
\nAnd if you’re currently in a situation where you need to find a bathroom pronto, then let’s not waste any more time! Keep reading to learn 10 ways to ask where is the toilet in Spanish.
\n\n\n\nFunnily enough, there is a pretty universal way to say bathroom, restroom, washroom, lavatory, toilet, powder room, etc. in Spanish: el baño. While English has plenty of synonyms for what is essentially the same thing, Spanish keeps it simple–for once! You’ll see that over 90% of people go by this simple word, making things super easy for learners.
\nWith that said, there are many different regional words that people from different Spanish-speaking countries will use to refer to the toilet. El baño, officially, refers to a full bathroom–including both a shower and a toilet. However, if you just need to go to the bathroom and thus only need a toilet, then there are many, many other words that people may use.
\nLuckily, every single Spanish speaker will know what you mean if you say el baño, so that’s really the only Spanish word for bathroom you need to learn. However, if you want to be prepared, you should at least be familiar with the other words for toilet in Spanish in case you run into them in the wild.
\nDownload your free Spanish language essentials eBook here to get a head start on Spanish basics.
\nAnd then, there are separate components to a bathroom that also carry different names. For example, bathtubs and showers have different names, so you’ll still have to memorize some vocabulary words to ask about the bathroom in Spanish like a pro.
\n\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Bathroom | \nEl baño | \nˈβaɲo | \nbah-nyoh | \n
| Toilet | \nEl escusado | \nɛskuˈsaðo | \nehs-coo-sah-doh | \n
| Toilet | \nEl inodoro | \ninoˈðoɾo | \ne-no-doe-ro | \n
| Toilet | \nEl aseo | \naˈseo | \nah-seh-oh | \n
| Toilet | \nEl wáter | \nˈwatɛɾ | \nwah-ter | \n
| Toilet | \nEl retrete | \nrɛˈtɾɛte | \nreh-treh-teh | \n
| Toilet | \nEl servicio | \nsɛɾˈβisjo | \nser-vee-see-oh | \n
| Toilet | \nEl lavabo | \nlaˈβaβo | \nla-va-boh | \n
| Public bathrooms | \nLos sanitarios | \nsaniˈtaɾjos | \nsah-nee-tah-ree-ohs | \n
| Shower | \nLa regadera | \nreɣaˈðɛɾa | \nreh-gah-deh-rah | \n
| Bidet | \nEl bidé | \nβiˈðɛ | \nbee-deh | \n
| Bathtub | \nLa tina | \nˈtina | \ntee-na | \n
| Bathroom sink | \nEl lavamanos | \nlaβaˈmanos | \nlah-vah-ma-nos | \n
| Urinal | \nEl orinal | \noɾiˈnal | \noh-ree-nal | \n
Now, this is probably what brought you to this article in the first place. We all need to use the restroom, so it’s important to know how to ask for it no matter where we are. If you need to enquire about the bathroom situation, feel free to use any of the phrases in the table below.
\n\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \nContext | \n
| Where is the bathroom? | \n¿Dónde está el baño? | \nˈdõndɛ ɛsˈta ɛl ˈβaɲo ‖ | \ndon-deh ehs-tah ehl bah-nyoh | \nStandard. | \n
| Can I go to the bathroom? | \n¿Puedo ir al baño? | \nˈpweðo ˈiɾ al ˈβaɲo ‖ | \npoo-eh-doe eer al bah-nyoh | \nStandard, asking for permission. | \n
| Where is the toilet? | \n¿Dónde está el escusado? | \nˈdõndɛ ɛsˈta ɛl ɛskuˈsaðo ‖ | \ndon-deh ehs-tah el ehs-coo-sah-doe | \nStandard, asking for the toilet. | \n
| Excuse me, may I use the restroom? | \nDisculpe, ¿podría usar el baño? | \ndisˈkulpe | poˈðɾia u̯ˈsaɾ ɛl ˈβaɲo ‖ | \ndees-cool-peh poh-dree-ah oo-sar el bah-nyoh | \nPolite way to ask for permission to use the restroom. | \n
| I need to use the restroom. | \nNecesito ir al baño. | \nneseˈsito ˈiɾ al ˈβaɲo ‖ | \nneh-seh-see-toe eer al bah-nyoh | \nDirect way of stating that you gotta go! | \n
| I need to use the restroom right away. | \nNecesito usar el baño urgentemente. | \nneseˈsito u̯ˈsaɾ ɛl ˈβaɲo u̯ɾxɛ̃nteˈmɛ̃nte ‖ | \nneh-seh-see-toe oo-sar el bah-nyoh | \nDirect way of making it clear that you gotta go now! | \n
| Excuse me, do you know where the restrooms are? | \nDisculpa, ¿sabes dónde están los baños? | \ndisˈkulpa | ˈsaβes̬ ˈðõndɛ ɛsˈtãn los̬ ˈβaɲos ‖ | \ndees-cool-pah sah-behs don-deh ehs-tan los bah-nyos | \nPolite way to ask where the bathroom is. | \n
| Excuse me, may I use your bathroom? | \nDisculpe, ¿podría usar su baño? | \ndisˈkulpe | poˈðɾia u̯ˈsaɾ su ˈβaɲo ‖ | \ndees-cool-peh poe-dree-ah oo-sar soo bah-nyoh | \nPolite way to ask someone if you can use their toilet. | \n
| Do you mind if I go to the bathroom? | \n¿Me das chance de ir al baño? | \nme ˈðas ˈʧãnse ðe ˈiɾ al ˈβaɲo ‖ | \nmeh das chan-seh deh eer al bah-nyoh | \nCasual way to ask a friend if it’s okay to leave them alone while you go use the toilet. | \n
| I’m going to the bathroom. | \nVoy a ir al baño. | \nˈboj a ˈiɾ al ˈβaɲo ‖ | \nvoy ah eer al bah-nyoh | \nDirect way of saying that you’re excusing yourself to use the toilet. | \n
Merely finding your way to the bathroom won’t always suffice, unfortunately. Sometimes, you’ll need to ask for specific toiletries or bathroom items, such as when you check into your hotel or when you review the amenities offered by the Airbnb listing you’re trying to book.
\nHere’s a list of some helpful bathroom vocabulary words in Spanish.
\n\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Toilet paper | \nEl papel higiénico | \npaˈpɛl iˈxjeniko | \npah-pel e-he-eh-nee-co | \n
| Faucet | \nLa llave | \nʝaβe | \nyah-veh | \n
| Men’s bathroom | \nEl baño de hombres | \nˈβaɲo ðe ˈõmbɾes | \nbah-nyoh deh ohm-brehs | \n
| Women’s bathroom | \nEl baño de mujeres | \nˈβaɲo ðe muˈxɛɾes | \nbah-nyoh deh moo-heh-rehs | \n
| Unisex bathroom | \nEl baño unisex | \nˈβaɲo u̯ˈniseks | \nbah-nyoh oo-nee-sex | \n
| Dressing rooms | \nLos vestidores | \nβɛstiˈðoɾes | \nvehs-tee-doe-rehs | \n
| Locker room | \nEl vestuario | \nβɛsˈtwaɾjo | \nves-too-ah-ree-oh | \n
| Bathrobe | \nLa bata | \nˈβata | \nbah-tah | \n
| Bath mat | \nEl tapete de baño | \ntaˈpɛte ðe ˈβaɲo | \ntah-peh-teh deh bah-nyoh | \n
| Blow dryer | \nLa secadora de pelo | \nsekaˈðoɾa ðe ˈpelo | \nseh-ca-doh-ra deh peh-lo | \n
| Brush | \nEl cepillo | \nseˈpiʝo | \nseh-pee-yo | \n
| Comb | \nEl peine | \nˈpei̯ne | \npeh-e-neh | \n
| Conditioner | \nEl acondicionador | \nakõndisjonaˈðoɾ | \nah-con-dee-see-oh-na-dor | \n
| Cotton swabs | \nLos cotonetes | \nkotoˈnɛtes | \nco-toe-neh-tess | \n
| Deodorant | \nEl desodorante | \ndesoðoˈɾãnte | \ndes-oh-doe-ran-reh | \n
| Drain | \nEl drenaje | \ndɾeˈnaxe | \ndreh-nah-heh | \n
| Facial cleanser | \nEl limpiador facial | \nlĩmpjaˈðoɾ faˈsjal | \nleem-pee-ah-door fah-see-al | \n
| Floss | \nEl hilo dental | \nˈilo ðɛ̃nˈtal | \neh-lo den-tahl | \n
| Hair brush | \nEl cepillo de cabello | \nseˈpiʝo ðe kaˈβeʝo | \nseh-pee-yo deh cah-beh-yo | \n
| Laundry hamper | \nEl cesto de la ropa sucia | \nˈsɛsto ðe la ˈropa ˈsusja | \nsehs-toe deh la ro-pah soo-see-ah | \n
| Mirror | \nEl espejo | \nɛsˈpexo | \nehs-peh-ho | \n
| Mouthwash | \nEl enjuague bucal | \nɛ̃nˈxwaɣe βuˈkal | \nen-who-ah-geh boo-cal | \n
| Plunger | \nEl destapacaños | \ndɛstapaˈkaɲos | \ndehs-ta-pa-cah-nyos | \n
| Razor | \nEl rastrillo | \nrasˈtɾiʝo | \nras-tree-yo | \n
| Scale | \nLa báscula | \nˈβaskula | \nbas-coo-la | \n
| Shampoo | \nEl champú | \nʧãmˈpu | \ncham-poo | \n
| Shaving cream | \nLa crema para rasurar | \nˈkɾema ˈpaɾa rasuˈɾaɾ | \ncreh-ma pah-ra ra-soo-rar | \n
| Shower cap | \nEl gorro de baño | \nˈɣoro ðe ˈβaɲo | \ngo-roe deh bah-nyoh | \n
| Soap | \nEl jabón | \nxaˈβõn | \nhah-bon | \n
| Sponge | \nLa esponja | \nɛsˈpõnxa | \nehs-pon-hah | \n
| Toothbrush | \nEl cepillo de dientes | \nseˈpiʝo ðe ˈðjɛ̃ntes | \nseh-pee-yo deh-dee-ehn-tes | \n
| Toothpaste | \nLa pasta de dientes | \nˈpasta ðe ˈðjɛ̃ntes | \npas-tah deh dee-ehn-tes | \n
| Towel | \nLa toalla | \ntoˈaʝa | \ntoe-ah-ya | \n
| Trash bag | \nLa bolsa de basura | \nˈβolsa ðe βaˈsuɾa | \nboll-sah deh bah-sue-ra | \n
| Water | \nEl agua | \nˈaɣwa | \nah-goo-ah | \n
![\"Cat](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltcca32e044dda95cd/63082dd91ee78a063c59689f/Cat_standing_in_the_bath_in_bathroom_in_Spanish.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
As you work your way to intermediate Spanish, you’ll find yourself using all kinds of verbs to describe what you want or need to do. There are plenty of verbs that describe things you’d need to do in a bathroom, such as taking a shower or brushing your teeth.
\nIn Spanish, you’ll notice that, more often than not, these verbs will use reflexive pronouns. That’s because these are verbs where you’re doing something to yourself, so you’ll use a reflexive pronoun along with the verb. If you’re unfamiliar with the reflexive pronouns, check out our ultimate guide to Spanish pronouns.
\n\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| To flush the toilet | \nJalarle al baño | \nxaˈlaɾle al ˈβaɲo | \nhah-lar-leh al bah-nyoh | \n
| To take a shower | \nBañarse | \nbaˈɲaɾse | \nbah-nyar-seh | \n
| To take a bath | \nTomarse un baño | \ntoˈmaɾse ũ̯m ˈbaɲo | \ntoe-mar-seh oon bah-nyoh | \n
| To shave | \nRasurarse | \nrasuˈɾaɾse | \nras-ooh-rar-seh | \n
| To brush your teeth | \nLavarse los dientes | \nlaˈβaɾse los̬ ˈðjɛ̃ntes | \nla-var-seh los dee-ehn-tess | \n
| To do your makeup | \nMaquillarse | \nmakiˈʝaɾse | \nmah-key-yar-seh | \n
| To wash your face | \nLavarse la cara | \nlaˈβaɾse la ˈkaɾa | \nlah-var-seh la cah-ra | \n
| To soap up | \nEnjabonarse | \nɛ̃nxaβoˈnaɾse | \nehn-hah-boh-nar-seh | \n
| To rinse | \nEnjuagar | \nɛ̃nxwaˈɣaɾ | \nehn-hoo-ah-gar-seh | \n
| To wash your hair | \nLavarse el pelo | \nlaˈβaɾsɛ ɛl ˈpelo | \nla-var-seh el peh-lo | \n
| To gargle | \nHacer gárgaras | \naˈsɛɾ ˈɣaɾɣaɾas | \nah-ser gar-gah-ras | \n
| To put on deodorant | \nPonerse desodorante | \npoˈnɛɾse ðesoðoˈɾãnte | \npoe-nehr-seh des-oh-doe-rahn-teh | \n
| To dry yourself | \nSecarse | \nseˈkaɾse | \nseh-car-seh | \n
| To clog the toilet | \nTapar el baño | \ntaˈpaɾ ɛl ˈβaɲo | \nta-par el bah-nyoh | \n
One of the biggest differences about visiting a public bathroom in Latin America is that you’ll often be required to pay to use it. Paid public restrooms are pretty common and usually cost anywhere from 25-50¢. While they’re not expensive, you’ll find yourself in deep trouble if you don’t have some cash with you!
\nWith that said, most public places where you’d normally use the restroom won’t charge you for it. Restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping malls, etc., all usually have free restrooms available for their guests.
\n\nBidet lovers will be pleased to learn that, like in Spain and much of Southern Europe, bidets can be found in virtually every restroom in many South American countries. If you’re from the US, you’ll likely be surprised by bidets when you travel through these countries.
\nSpanish-speaking countries that use bidets include:
\n\n\nAnother culture shock for those traveling to Mexico will be the candy bar assortments in club restrooms. When you go out for a fun night at the club, you will often find bathroom attendants selling all kinds of candy bars and snacks.
\nThis is usually only available in bars and clubs that don’t serve food, so if you happen to get hungry, you know where to go!
\n\n![\"Candy](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt88e0e5d95bfca254/6308141119a34f542669f478/Candy_bars_in_toilet_in_Spanish.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Now you know 10 different ways to ask where the restroom is in Spanish. That will help you easily and appropriately ask where the toilet is and if you can use the bathroom in different levels of formality.
\nIf you found this guide to be helpful, make sure to check out the rest of our Spanish learning content! We constantly publish super helpful guides like this one to help solve your Spanish problems, answer your questions, and grow your vocabulary.
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Have you ever wondered how captains managed to get their ships to extremely far away places hundreds of years ago, before GPS? Unless properly trained, most of us would aimlessly wander around the Atlantic ocean, likely to end up shipwrecked on an island.
This is what it learning Spanish usually feels like, unless you have a detailed plan to minimize your journey across the Seven Seas. If this sounds like you, you’re probably wondering what it takes to learn Spanish, fast.
In order to successfully learn Spanish to a proficient level, you need to:
This last point is very important, as feeling stuck or like you’re not making progress quickly enough is one of the most common reasons why people quit learning a language. So, how do you learn Spanish quickly enough to avoid quitting mid-way?
We’ve compiled 12 of the best study strategies to help you learn Spanish as soon as possible. If you follow our tips, you’ll be able to make your voyage to your destination in the quickest way possible. ¡Vámonos!
Voltaire once said, “The perfect is the enemy of the good.” And boy, do we ever focus on perfection more than when learning a new language. In fact, an obsession with perfection could be what led us to believe that children are naturally better at learning languages in the first place.
Neuroplasticity is our brain’s ability to change its physical structure by creating new neural connections. This is what allows us to think differently, process new information, and learn new languages. Until recently, it was thought that neuroplasticity stopped at age 25, which is why we thought of foreign-language acquisition as something you do in your childhood and early 20s.
However, new research has found that neuroplasticity is still present through adulthood. Though our brain’s ability to change and create new pathways does decrease as we grow older, we still retain much of our ability to modify our brain structure.
So, what does change as we grow older? If neurological changes aren’t to blame for a declined perception of language-learning abilities, then behavioral changes must have something to do with it.
One thing that increases as we grow older is our fear of making mistakes. Not only that, but adults are less likely to recognize that they’ve made a mistake than children are. And you know what one of the best ways to learn a language is? Making mistakes.
So, don’t let your fear of making mistakes stop you from pushing yourself when learning Spanish. Whether you’re taking Spanish classes online or are learning with a group of people, don’t let your fear of imperfection stop you from doing your best. Getting comfortable with making mistakes will help you improve your Spanish faster than probably any other tip on this list.
![\"To](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt414f072b25a2a90a/632d04b22975ce72ea2ff249/istock-1064058192.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Your pronunciation is one area where you should strive for perfection from the start. As opposed to babies and young children, your brain has already created the neurological pathways required to identify sounds in your native language. Studies show that, as you learn a new language, your brain will try to fit the new foreign sounds into the pronunciation patterns it’s already learned.
This is why many people will learn a language to a pretty high level without sounding anything like a native speaker. One of the best things you can do to prevent this is focus on hammering down your pronunciation as you start learning Spanish.
One of the best ways to learn how to speak and write is–ironically–to listen and read. A lot. While repeating phrases out loud and mimicking their sounds can be helpful for pronunciation purposes, it doesn’t require much genuine understanding of the language.
Even birds can easily repeat phrases–as you can see in our blog on birds in Spanish–but few would consider birds to be proficient in Spanish just because they sound like it.
Instead, you should focus on consuming information that you can understand. No matter what your native language is, your teachers probably went to extraordinary lengths to get you and your classmates to read more. That’s because reading is the best way to acquire vocabulary, whether in your native language or a foreign one.
The tricky part is finding content that is just right for your level. You can’t read complex literature if you’re still an intermediate Spanish speaker, just as you can’t watch a telenovela as a beginner at Spanish.
Here are some of our favorite ways to find comprehensible input, no matter your level.
![\"To](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltf482e551d3e8d5ba/632d06c201535d6d0be371e9/istock-1091526888_copy.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Graded readers are fiction books explicitly developed for foreign language learners. If you’re learning Spanish, you can find books that use as few as 150 unique words, making them extremely easy to read.
Remember that reading for pleasure should be your goal, so try finding stories that interest you.
If you enjoy watching TV, then you’ll love to hear that you can actually study Spanish while watching TV. The problem is finding something easy enough to understand and interesting enough to get you hooked.
Believe it or not, a great tip loved by millions of language learners worldwide is to watch Peppa Pig in your target language. It is an excellent match between interesting storylines and easy-to-follow Spanish.
Peppa Pig in Spanish New full chapters Peppa Episode
This can be a great option, particularly if you have a long commute. Instead of sitting in traffic or a crowded subway, you could use that time to study Spanish! You can find podcasts for learners in all kinds of genres, including:
No matter your interests, you’re sure to find a podcast that’s both comprehensible and interesting to you!
If you want to learn Spanish fast, there’s no better way than to go all in. Finding an immersive language experience can be daunting, as you will struggle, you will make mistakes, and you will get homesick. However, you will also learn more than you would with any other strategy. You’ll acquire so much more than you ever could in a regular Spanish practice.
Even if you can’t make your way to a Spanish-speaking country, you can still find ways to fully immerse yourself in your target language at home. With so many resources available online, it’s not difficult to find learning materials, online courses, graded readers, movies and TV shows, music, and even games that will help you immerse yourself in the language.
But, if you want to take things one step further, you can check out the Berlitz Method.
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Since our inception, we have been strong believers in language immersion as the best possible language-learning strategy. Our founder Maximilian Berlitz was a strong proponent of fully-immersive language strategies since he founded Berlitz in 1878.
The Berlitz Method involves:
Ultimately, the Berlitz Method is the best way to gain Spanish fluency fast.
Let’s be clear: no matter how hard you study, you won’t be able to learn a language to perfection. But you shouldn’t let that discourage you! Even native speakers don’t learn their native languages to perfection. In fact, the English language has over 170,000 words, while most adult native English speakers only know around 20,000 to 35,000.
So, what should you take away from this? Do not set out to learn an entire language. That will only hold you back from mastering the words and contexts that you really need.
Think about it. How much would you be able to understand in your native language if you were having a conversation with a bunch of doctors? Or a bunch of economists? Or a bunch of botanists?
Instead of aimlessly working your way through countless Spanish textbooks, make a very clear and detailed learning plan depending on your interests. If you want to learn Spanish for business, focus on learning business terminology. If you want to learn Spanish for healthcare, focus on learning medical terminology.
Spaced repetition software is the newer, more tech-friendly way of studying with flashcards. Instead of spending time writing out physical flashcards, keeping track of them, reminding yourself to study, and sorting through which ones you know and which ones you don’t, an SRS program can help you automate and optimize all of these steps.
Not only will an SRS program automate most of these tasks, but it will also make your learning more efficient. Several studies have found that SRS programs can help speed up vocabulary acquisition and retention among language learners.
Using an SRS to study has some of the best yields among all study strategies. Even reviewing your flashcard deck for just five minutes a day can help you stay on top of all the new vocab you’ve learned in your Spanish classes.
Testing yourself is a great way to measure just how much you’ve learned. This will show you just how effectively you’re learning, where your areas of opportunity are, and if you are struggling with specific words or grammar patterns.
Additionally, self-pacing your study has been shown to be more effective than non-self-paced study. In other words, studying Spanish on your own and testing yourself is more effective than following a fixed course with pre-set exams, even if you spend the same amount of time studying.
So, even if you’re already taking a Spanish group class, making time to study at your own pace and testing yourself will help you learn much faster than your peers.
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Learning Spanish is so much more fun when you have friends who can speak it. With 21 Spanish-speaking countries and over 490 million speakers, there’s no question about whether you can make some Spanish-speaking friends.
Making friends will allow you to both increase your Spanish output and also receiving immediate feedback. This second part is extremely important as it will allow you to find out right away when you misuse a word or form an improper grammar pattern.
Plus, you’ll also have people to go to when you have questions about learning Spanish, particularly on the cultural side. For example, textbook Spanish is rarely used in everyday conversation, as more casual words and structures are favored. You’ll be able to pick up on these more naturally if you frequently engage in Spanish conversation with your friends.
Also, you probably wouldn’t go to your Spanish teacher to ask for slang vocabulary, right? This is an area where your Spanish-speaking friends will be able to help tremendously. If you’re eager to learn some slang, check out our ultimate guide to Spanish slang.
If you don’t live in a Spanish-speaking country or don’t know how to meet Spanish speakers, you can try attending a language meetup. These meet-ups are for language enthusiasts like yourself and happen all over the world, so you’re sure to find one near you wherever you are!
Besides studying smarter, you should also be looking to study more if you’re trying to learn Spanish as soon as possible. While actively studying for extremely long periods isn’t sustainable, a good hack to increase your time spent studying is to find leisure activities that you love in Spanish. That way, you’ll be able to get some rest while also working on your Spanish!
Here are some of our favorite ways to find leisure activities in Spanish.
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If you’re an avid social media user, one way to drastically increase your engagement with Spanish is to follow more Spanish speakers on your social media. Whether you enjoy YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter, you are guaranteed to find awesome content creators who speak Spanish.
Listening to music in your target language is an excellent way to improve your listening comprehension and pronunciation. So, instead of listening to your favorite album for the millionth time, why not spend some time exploring the Spanish music section of Spotify?
As we mentioned earlier, comprehensible input is what you should be going after. That is, consuming media at a level that you can actually understand. However, there’s only so much Peppa Pig that we can stomach.
If you’re bored and need something more binge-worthy, it’s still worth your while to find Spanish-language movies and TV shows that you can enjoy–even if you need to use English subtitles.
If you use Spanish exclusively in a classroom setting, you will have a hard time getting used to speaking Spanish outside the classroom. An SSLT study from 2021 compared the out-of-school exposure of two groups of English as a foreign language students: one from Denmark and one from Spain.
The Danish group had fewer hours of Spanish class going into the study, but had higher levels of out-of-class exposure to English during the duration of the study. For example, Danish students regularly watched movies and TV shows in English (with Danish subtitles), played videogames in English, and listened to music in English.
The Spanish group had more hours of Spanish class going into the study, but lower levels of out-of-class exposure throughout the study. The study found that the Danish students outperformed the Spanish students in two out of the three testing assessments, including listening comprehension and grammaticality judgement.
So, while spending time in class and studying from textbooks is certainly helpful, it shouldn’t be your only study strategy. Make sure to increase your exposure to the language outside of class so that you develop your ability to understand how Spanish is used in the real world.
There are many different types of learners. Some of us learn through reading, while others learn through watching videos. However, science makes one thing clear: active learning is an effective way to study a foreign language.
Pairing class or textbook study with interactive study techniques can help you improve your Spanish level beyond traditional instruction. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our top suggestions.
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Spanish and Latin American food is among some of the best in the world. In fact, traditional Mexican cuisine was the first in the world to be inscribed into UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Whether you enjoy tacos, paella, arepas or tostones, there’s something for you. Finding recipe videos on YouTube or buying a Spanish cookbook is a great way to work on your Spanish as you figure out your weekly meals. Plus, learning from native speakers will ensure that you get the most authentic recipes possible!
For example, check out the following YouTube video to perfect the world-famous Spanish rice.
Los Mejores Tips para El Arroz Rojo Perfecto
Even if you’re no longer a child, you can easily find plenty of fun games to play that will help you master your Spanish vocab. Studies show that playing games can be an effective way to improve vocabulary recall and gain exposure to words and phrases in different contexts.
Fun class games like jeopardy, bingo, and Simon says can be easily modified to help students better-retain information. They can even be tailored to suit the vocabulary or grammar points of the week, making them an excellent study strategy for every Spanish classroom.
And even if you don’t go to Spanish class, you can find plenty of videogames you can play by yourself online, such as Scrabble and Influent. Or, if you enjoy playing video games to relax, you could also just change the language of your favorite video game to Spanish.
Working out will do wonders not only for your health but also for your learning! Ineed, studies have found that working out regularly can help boost memory and improve thinking skills. So, spending a few minutes doing a workout in Spanish will keep you looking young, feeling your best, and on track to meet your language goals.
Though you can find all types of workout classes online, here’s a great yoga for beginners video in Spanish to get you started.
I know what you’re thinking. You came here to find ways to learn Spanish, not teach it! Well, hear me out. For starters, you know what Einstein said, “If you can't explain it to a six-year-old, you don't understand it yourself.” And who’s going to argue with Einstein? You don’t truly understand something – until you can explain it simply.
Then, research supports peer-instruction as an effective learning strategy. Even if you’re not quite credentialed to be a teacher, engaging with the material from a different perspective will allow you to gain more insight on complex topics. Additionally, discussing the materials with your peers will expose you to different points of view, which may allow you to get a more holistic view of the topics you’re explaining (and trying to learn yourself!).
Humans are creatures of habit, and nothing will shake you out of your comfort zone like learning a foreign language can. The best way to power through is to create small habits that will help you stay consistent.
Studies show that simpler tasks can become habits more easily. That’s because we often have the motivation to do a strenuous task once or twice, but doing it repeatedly over a longer period of time will wear us out. Thus, focus on creating small habits that you will do consistently and build upon them.
Learning an entire new language can feel like a daunting task–unless you have the right tools. Following a full immersion program like the Berlitz Method is the best way to ensure that you can hit your language goals in the shortest amount of time.
Whether you’re looking to learn Spanish to do international business or as a hobby, you’ll want to learn it as soon as possible to prevent quitting from lack of progress. No matter your ultimate goals, following out 12 tips above will help you become fluent in Spanish, fast!
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Seasons in Spanish","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"A fun vocab guide to summer, fall, winter, & spring in Spanish","url":"/blog/seasons-summer-spring-fall-winter-spanish","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blte88cf6978a006ff5/633bb0244df1082a16b62bf5/pexels-helena-lopes-745045.jpg"},"post_content":"Learning the seasons in Spanish can be great for planning a fun summer vacation in Ibiza or a winter ski trip to Bariloche. So, if you’re learning Spanish for general purposes or to acclimate to life in a Spanish-speaking country, this should help you keep your social calendar busy.
\nHowever, you should also pay close attention to the Spanish seasons if you’re learning Spanish for business. Many companies have highly seasonal trends, meaning that you’ll be lost if your boss or colleagues talk about business strategies for the summer and you haven’t yet mastered your seasons.
\nPlus, most companies operate on a quarterly basis that roughly follows the seasons, so it’s not uncommon for people to refer to the second quarter as the spring quarter and so on. So, even if you don’t work at a company with highly seasonal cycles, you’ll still want to learn the seasons to keep up with the financial results of your company.
\nAnother reason to learn the seasons is to complement your ability to tell the time in Spanish and talk about dates. You may have already learned how to talk about the months in Spanish and perhaps even the days of the week in Spanish, so knowing the seasons will help you talk about time and dates more naturally. Sometimes, you’ll just want to refer to a season as opposed to a specific month or date, such as when talking about your summer plans.
\nSo, let’s get started with the seasons of the year in Spanish!
\n\n\n\nThe first thing you should know is how to actually say season in Spanish. In Spanish, a season is a temporada. However, keep in mind that there’s another word for this: estación. Specifically, when talking about the seasons of the year, we say “las estaciones del año.”
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Summer | \nEl verano | \nβɛˈɾano | \nveh-rah-no | \n
| Autumn / Fall | \nEl otoño | \noˈtoɲo | \noh-toe-nyoh | \n
| Winter | \nEl invierno | \nĩmˈbjɛɾno | \nin-vee-air-no | \n
| Spring | \nLa primavera | \npɾimaˈβɛɾa | \npre-mah-veh-rah | \n
| Season (time) | \nLa estación del año | \nɛstaˈsjõn dɛl ˈaɲo | \nehs-tah-see-ohn del ah-nyoh | \n
| Season (period) | \nLa temporada | \ntɛ̃mpoˈɾaða | \ntem-po-rah-dah | \n
| The rainy season | \nLa temporada de lluvia | \ntɛ̃mpoˈɾaða ðe ˈʝuβja | \ntem-po-rah-dah deh yoo-vee-ah | \n
| The dry season | \nLa temporada de sequía | \ntɛ̃mpoˈɾaða ðe seˈkia | \ntem-po-rah-dah deh seh-key-ah | \n
What’s not to love about summer in a Spanish-speaking country? From an ice-cold glass to sangría in Barcelona to a refreshing bowl of Peruvian cebiche, there is no shortage of fun ways to enjoy the summer in Spanish-speaking countries.
![\"Summer](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blte6d5b9c779f0fb07/633bb0f06c4f644bc2fe7cb3/pexels-vincent-rivaud-2265875.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Country | \nSummer months range | \nAdditional notes | \n
| Spain | \nJune–August | \nThe heat in most of Spain can be pretty extreme during the summer. | \n
| Mexico | \nJune–August | \nSummer can be the coolest time of the year in many parts of Mexico because it’s also the rainy season. | \n
| Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico | \nJune–August | \nSummers in the caribbean can be extremely humid. | \n
| Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador | \nJune–August | \nSummers in Central America can be pretty tame thanks to its proximity to the equator. The South American countries of Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador are also in this list because of their proximity to the equator. | \n
| Argentina, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay | \nDecember–February | \nIf you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, then stay out of South America. The “winter” holidays are actually the “summer” holidays down here! | \n
Don’t forget to celebrate your father on his special day! While Mother’s Day tends to be a bit busier, Father’s Day is still widely celebrated across Spanish-speaking countries.
\nAnd, of course, we wouldn’t be here without our grandparents. So, if your grandparents are still with us, make sure to take them out to lunch, send them a handwritten note, or simply give them a call to wish them a good day! They’re certainly appreciate the gesture. Family values hold a very special place in Spanish culture.
\nIf you read our article on beverages in Spanish, you already know that Spain and Latin America have some wonderful wine regions. So, the summer harvest months are important for wine producers. The exact date of this holiday varies depending on the wine region, but make sure you attend at least one event if you happen to be near one during la Vendimia!
\n\n\nIf you just can’t wait to start making plans for the summer in Spanish, then here’s a list of a few words to get you started. Just remember that not every region is hot and sunny over the summer, so don’t plan to bring your lentes de sol if you’re visiting Mexico City in July!
\n\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Hot | \nCaluroso | \nkaluˈɾoso | \nkah-loo-roh-so | \n
| Sunny | \nSoleado | \nsoleˈaðo | \nsoh-leh-ah-doe | \n
| Dry | \nSeco | \nˈseko | \nseh-coe | \n
| Thirsty | \nSediento | \nseˈðjɛ̃nto | \nseh-dee-ehn-toe | \n
| Gelato | \nEl gelato | \nxeˈlato | \nyeh-la-toe | \n
| Swimming | \nNadar | \nnaˈðaɾ | \nnah-dar | \n
| Beach | \nLa playa | \nˈplaʝa | \nplah-ya | \n
| Pool | \nLa alberca | \nalˈβɛɾka | \nal-bear-cah | \n
| Towel | \nLa toalla | \ntoˈaʝa | \ntoe-ah-yah | \n
| Sunscreen | \nEl protector solar | \npɾotek̚ˈtoɾ soˈlaɾ | \npro-tec-toor soh-lar | \n
| Sunglasses | \nLos lentes de sol | \nˈlɛ̃ntes̬ ðe ˈsol | \nlehn-tess deh sol | \n
Luckily, there’s only one way to say fall in Spanish: el otoño. This is one of the best times of the year to visit Mexico, as you’ll likely get to enjoy some of the día de los muertos celebrations. This holiday is a fun way of honoring the dead and was the inspiration behind the Disney movie Coco.
\nCheck out the short clip below for more details on how Coco honors día de los muertos. If you’re up for a challenge, why not watch the entire movie in Spanish?
\nHow Coco Honors Día de los Muertos | Disney+
![\"Fall](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt7e701154a315ef30/633bb2f0763d011cd3e96746/day-of-the-dead-g5c3c96f1c_1920.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Country | \nFall months range | \n
| Spain | \nSeptember–November | \n
| Mexico | \nSeptember–November | \n
| Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico | \nSeptember–November | \n
| Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador | \nSeptember–November | \n
| Argentina, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay | \nMarch–May | \n
As mentioned above, día de los muertos is a very popular celebration all over Mexico. You’ll see a number of decorations all over the city, including altars, colorful papers, and candy skulls.
While Thanksgiving isn’t normally celebrated in Hispanic culture, many Spanish-speakers who live in the US and Canada celebrate it today. You may also find that kids who attend bilingual schools in Spanish-speaking countries have some sort of Thanksgiving celebration.
Halloween is celebrated all over the world, and Hispanic countries are no exception. While most call it Halloween, you may also hear the name víspera de todos los santos.
\n\n\n\nIf pumpkin spice season is your favorite time of the year, you’ll definitely want to take a look at the table below with some of our favorite Spanish fall words. And if you’re wondering how to order coffee in Spanish with some pumpkin spice, you’ll be happy to know that the English name is used–pumpkin spice!
\n\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Leaves | \nLas hojas | \nˈoxas | \noh-hahs | \n
| Orange | \nNaranja | \nnaˈɾãnxa | \nnah-ran-hah | \n
| Cooling down | \nEnfriar | \nɛ̃mˈfɾjaɾ | \nehn-free-are | \n
| Harvest | \nLa cosecha | \nkoˈseʧa | \nkoh-seh-cha | \n
| Pumpkin | \nLa calabaza | \nkalaˈβasa | \ncah-la-bah-za | \n
| Scarecrow | \nEl espantapájaros | \nɛspãntaˈpaxaɾos | \nehs-pan-tah-pah-hah-ross | \n
| Equinox | \nEl equinoccio | \nekiˈnoksjo | \neh-key-noc-see-oh | \n
| Solstice | \nEl solsticio | \nsolsˈtisjo | \nsols-tee-see-oh | \n
| Sunflower | \nEl girasol | \nxiɾaˈsol | \nhe-rah-sol | \n
| Forest | \nEl bosque | \nˈβoske | \nbos-keh | \n
When you think of Spanish, you probably don’t think of winter wonderland. And rightfully so, since most of Latin America is blessed with incredible year-round weather due to its proximity to the equator. However, Latin America is also an extraordinarily diverse region from a geographic and landform standpoint.
\nFirst, you have the Andes–a series of mountains that parallel the Northwestern Pacific Coast of South America. These impressive mountains reach heights of up to 22,838 feet, making the cities nearby very chilly. Some of the Andean cities include:
\nThen, we have South America’s southern tip. This region–colloquially referred to as the Southern Cone–is home to Patagonia. This area is extremely cold due to its proximity to Antarctica, which makes it an ideal winter sports destination. Ski towns like Bariloche and Puerto Montt routinely attract snowbirds from all over the world.
\nSo, you’ll surely want to learn some winter Spanish vocab, especially if you want to live in South America at some point. Some Spanish weather vocab will also be extremely helpful as you work your way through the different regions of Latin America.
![\"Winter](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blteb071f20457d73fd/633bb58626327a2498327b85/pexels-sole-d_alessandro-13275561.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Country | \nWinter months range | \nAdditional notes | \n
| Spain | \nDecember–February | \nWinters can get cold, with occasional snowfall in most of continental Spain. | \n
| Mexico | \nDecember–February | \nMild winters | \n
| Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico | \nDecember–February | \nWarm winters | \n
| Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador | \nDecember–February | \nMild winters | \n
| Argentina, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay | \nJune–August | \nHarsh winters. | \n
As a highly Christian region, Christmas is by far the biggest holiday in most Spanish-speaking countries. However, most people celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve.
New year’s eve is a huge party in most Spanish-speaking countries. Check out our blog on how to say happy new year in Spanish to learn a few fun and creative ways to ring in the new year!
This is a holiday that most English speakers aren’t familiar with. The purpose of this holiday is to commemorate the Three Wise Men, who brought gifts to baby Jesus after he was born. Continuing on with the traditions, parents give presents to their children under the guise of the reyes magos–just like how Santa Claus brings gifts to children.
\n\n\nIf you enjoy some fun in the snow, check out the following table with some Spanish winter words. So, even if you’re a snowbird flocking to the Caribbean to flee the cold, you’ll find the following vocab very useful.
\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Cold | \nFrío | \nˈfɾio | \nfree-oh | \n
| Snowing | \nNevando | \nneˈβãndo | \nneh-va-doe | \n
| Freezing | \nHelando | \neˈlãndo | \neh-lan-doe | \n
| Ice | \nEl hielo | \nˈɟʝelo | \neeh-eh-lo | \n
| Frost | \nLa escarcha | \nɛsˈkaɾʧa | \nes-car-cha | \n
| Scarf | \nLa bufanda | \nβuˈfãnda | \nboo-fan-dah | \n
| Gloves | \nLos guantes | \nˈɣwãntes | \ngoo-ahn-tess | \n
| Snowman | \nUn mono de nieve | \nˈmono ðe ˈnjeβe | \nmo-no deh nee-eh-veh | \n
| Hot chocolate | \nEl chocolate caliente | \nʧokoˈlate kaˈljɛ̃nte | \ncho-co-la-teh | \n
| Snowflake | \nUn copo de nieve | \nˈkopo ðe ˈnjeβe | \nco-poe deh nee-eh-veh | \n
| Snowball | \nUna bola de nieve | \nˈβola ðe ˈnjeβe | \nbo-la deh nee-eh-veh | \n
| Avalanche | \nUna avalancha | \naβaˈlãnʧa | \nah-va-lan-cha | \n
| To go skiing | \nIr a esquiar | \nˈiɾ a ɛsˈkjaɾ | \nes-key-are | \n
Spring is the season of the Easter Bunny in English-speaking countries, but not so much in Spanish-speaking ones. As you may already know, Spain and most of Latin America are highly religious. More specifically, most follow some type of Christian religion.
\nThis means that Christian holidays are very important for a majority of the population, and are thus deeply-ingrained in the culture. So, while spring does have the same connotations of rebirth and new beginnings, it is also a time of religious significance for most Spanish speakers.
\nRegardless, you can expect nature to do its thing every spring. The weather gets warmer, the flowers begin to bloom, and rain starts coming in in most places.
![\"Spring](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltb51c9b36bcd9e33f/633bb848fef925355ad7ea85/pexels-anthony-132474.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| Country | \nSpring months range | \n
| Spain | \nMarch–April | \n
| Mexico | \nMarch–April | \n
| Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico | \nMarch–April | \n
| Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador | \nMarch–April | \n
| Argentina, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay | \nSeptember–November | \n
Semana Santa (Holy Week) is the week before Easter and is one of the most important religious holidays in Hispanic countries. Children usually get the entire week off and adults generally get Thursday and Friday off work in observance of Holy Friday. Expect all holiday destinations to be extremely crowded during this week!
Semana de Pascua is Easter Week, and, although significantly less important than Holy Week, it’s still observed throughout Spanish-speaking countries. Children usually get the entire week off school too, while adults don’t get any time off for Easter. This means it’s still a popular week for travel, but it doesn’t even come close to the travel mayhem that is Holy Week.
Ash Wednesday is a traditional Catholic holiday when people go to church and get ashes on their forehead. This is worth mentioning as schools and employers usually allow everyone to go to church “a recibir las cenizas” (to receive the ashes). You’ll notice that many of your friends and coworkers will wear ashes on their forehead for the entire day. Observers are also required to fast before noon.
The Mexican holiday celebrated all over the world has become a popular drinking holiday, with many bars and restaurants offering tequila specials. However, Cinco de Mayo isn’t celebrated in Mexico. While many confuse this for Mexican Independence Day (which is September 16), Cinco de Mayo observes the heroic victory of the Mexican army over the French army in the battle of Puebla.
\n\n\nThe following table with Spanish spring vocabulary will help you out if you’re really passionate about spring–or want to improve as an amateur gardener! If you’re into plants, make sure to check out our article on flowers in Spanish to learn close to 250 unique flower names!
\n\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Flowers | \nLas flores | \nˈfloɾes | \nfloh-res | \n
| New life | \nVida nueva | \nˈbiða ˈnweβa | \nvee-da noo-eh-va | \n
| Birds | \nPájaros | \nˈpaxaɾos | \npah-hah-ross | \n
| Gardening | \nJardinería | \nxaɾðinɛˈɾia | \nhar-dee-neh-ree-ah | \n
| Sunny, but cool | \nSoleado pero fresco | \nsoleˈaðo ˈpɛɾo ˈfɾɛsko | \nso-leh-ah-doe | \n
| Sprout | \nUn brote | \nˈbɾote | \nbro-teh | \n
| Picnic | \nUn pícnic | \nˈpik̚nik | \npic-nic | \n
| Reborn | \nRenacer | \nrenaˈsɛɾ | \nreh-nah-ser | \n
| Life | \nLa vida | \nˈβiða | \nvee-da | \n
| Scenery | \nUn paisaje | \npai̯ˈsaxe | \npah-e-sah-heh | \n
If you’re studying the four seasons in Spanish, that likely means that you’re fast approaching the intermediate Spanish level. Congratulations! Getting here is no small feat, and you’ve likely spent many seasons working your way up to this level. Enjoy your progress and keep pushing through–you’ll reach mastery of the language in no time!
\nAnd if you feel like you’ve still got some ways to go before calling yourself an intermediate, do not worry! Our Spanish articles are great study resources that will help you get to where you want to be.
"}],"exclude_internal_ref_image":false,"contain_image":false},{"call_to_action_text":"Coffee in Spanish","basic_card":false,"align_center":false,"page_reference":[{"title":"How to order a coffee in Spanish: 11 types, and 20 variations","url":"/blog/how-to-order-coffee-spanish","image":{"url":"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt95b4c9cba9811f84/633bc103961acb239b3e1b64/pexels-mizuno-k-13735959.jpg"},"post_content":"Even if you’re not studying Spanish, you should probably still learn a few ways to order coffee in different languages. That way, you can easily get your caffeine fix no matter where in the world life takes you.
\nAnd if you’re unlike most and don’t need coffee to function, you may still enjoy an occasional cappuccino or pumpkin spice latte. If you’re traveling to any of the coffee regions in Latin America, you’d be doing yourself a disservice by not trying some of the wonderful local coffees. Indeed, with no less than half of the world’s top 10 coffee producers, Latin American coffee is like no other.
\nSo, you can already imagine that coffee is naturally a big part of Latin American culture. If you make new friends in Colombia, it’s not uncommon for them to invite you over “por un tintico.” If you’re not familiar with some of the coffee slang, you might end up passing up on a great opportunity for a fantastic conversation.
\nLuckily, this article will show you everything you need to know about coffee, from ordering your favorite coffee to coffee slang to the coffee regions in Colombia and Latin America. We’ll even show you how to place your favorite complicated Starbucks order in Spanish!
\nSo, go ahead and make yourself a cup of coffee, sit back, and read on!
\n\n![\"Woman](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltce7332ad83aec829/633bc17d4df1082a16b62c0d/pexels-chevanon-photography-324030.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
If you’ve studied the colors in Spanish, then you already know how to say coffee in Spanish: café. Yep, just like the color brown, coffee in Spanish is just café. Simple, right?
\nSince the singular already ends in -e, all you have to do to make it plural is add an -s: cafés. Couldn’t be easier!
\nAnd café is a masculine noun, so if you want to order a coffee, you just have to ask for un café. But we’ll get into more of that down below!
\nUnless all you drink is black coffee, you’ll need to know a few more words than just un café. Sometimes, a macchiato or perhaps an iced coffee is what we need to hit the spot. No matter your taste preferences, the table below will help you learn how to order coffee in Spanish
\n\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Coffee | \nUn café | \nkaˈfe | \nkah-feh | \n
| Iced coffee | \nUn café helado | \nkaˈfe eˈlaðo | \nkah-feh eh-la-doe | \n
| Black coffee | \nUn café negro | \nkaˈfe ˈneɣɾo | \nkah-feh neh-gro | \n
| A cup of coffee | \nUna taza de café | \nˈtasa ðe kaˈfe | \ntah-za deh kah-feh | \n
| Decaf coffee | \nUn café descafeinado | \nkaˈfe ðeskafejˈnaðo | \nkah-feh des-kah-feh-e-na-doe | \n
| Latte | \nUn latte | \nˈlatte | \nla-teh | \n
| Cappuccino | \nUn cappuccino | \nkappukˈsino | \nkah-poo-chee-no | \n
| Flat white | \nUn flat white | \nˈflat ˈwite | \nflat white | \n
| A shot of espresso | \nUn shot de espresso | \nˈsot ðe esˈpɾesso | \nshot deh ehs-preh-so | \n
| A double espresso | \nUn espresso doble | \nesˈpɾesso ˈðoβle | \nehs-preh-so doh-bleh | \n
| A macchiato | \nUn macchiato | \nmakˈʧjato | \nmah-key-ah-toe | \n
As mentioned earlier, coffee is a big part of most Hispanic cultures. So, even if you’re not a coffee drinker yourself, you’ll probably hear many words and phrases related to coffee in Spanish. And who knows, if you spend enough time in a coffee region in Colombia, you might end up becoming an avid coffee drinker yourself!
![\"Coffee](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/bltba239572480bac81/633bc1fa961acb239b3e1b68/pexels-quang-nguyen-vinh-2159156.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Do you want coffee? | \n¿Quieres café? | \nˈkjeɾes kaˈfe | \nkey-air-ehs kah-feh | \n
| Coffee break | \nUn descanso para tomar café | \nun desˈkanso ˈpaɾa toˈmaɾ kaˈfe | \noon des-cahn-so pah-ra toe-mar kah-feh | \n
| I need coffee! | \n¡Necesito un café! | \nneseˈsito wn kaˈfe | \nneh-seh-see-toe oon kah-feh | \n
| Can I have more coffee, please? | \n¿Me podrías servir más café, por favor? | \nme poˈðɾias seɾˈβiɾ ˈmas kaˈfe | poɾ faˈβoɾ | \nmeh poh-dree-as ser-ver mas kah-feh pore fah-vore | \n
| A coffee for here | \nUn café para tomar aquí | \nkaˈfe ˈpaɾa toˈmaɾ aˈki | \noon kah-feh pah-ra toe-mar ah-key | \n
| A coffee to go | \nUn café para llevar | \nkaˈfe ˈpaɾa ʝeˈβaɾ | \noon kah-feh pah-ra yeh-var | \n
| A coffee mug | \nUna taza de café | \nˈtasa ðe kaˈfe | \noo-nah tah-za deh kah-feh | \n
| A paper cup | \nUn vaso de cartón | \nˈbaso ðe kaɾˈton | \noon vah-so deh car-ton | \n
| A reusable cup | \nUn vaso reutilizable | \nˈbaso rewtiliˈsaβle | \noon vah-so reh-oo-tee-lee-sah-bleh | \n
| A straw | \nUn popote / Una paja | \npoˈpote / ˈpaxa | \npo-po-teh / pah-hah | \n
| A lid | \nUna tapa | \nˈtapa | \ntah-pah | \n
| A sleeve | \nUna manga | \nˈmanɡa | \nman-gah | \n
| A coffee stirrer | \nUn agitador de café | \naxitaˈðoɾ ðe kaˈfe | \nah-he-tah-door deh kah-feh | \n
If you’ve spent some time in a Spanish-speaking community, you know that day-to-day conversations seldom sound anything like the dialogues in your textbooks. Spanish slang is ubiquitous all over Spain and Latin America, so you’d be spending your time wisely by learning a few words of coffee slang in Spanish.
\n\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \nDescription | \n
| A red | \nUn tinto | \nˈtinto | \nteen-toe | \nBlack coffee | \n
| A marshmallow | \nUn bombón | \nbomˈbon | \nbom-bon | \nHalf espresso half condensed milk | \n
| A cut | \nUn cortado | \nkoɾˈtaðo | \ncore-tah-doe | \nEspresso with steamed milk | \n
| A damn | \nUn carajillo | \nkaɾaˈxiʝo | \nkah-rah-he-yo | \nIced espresso with Licor 43 | \n
| A stained milk | \nLeche manchada | \nˈleʧe manˈʧaða | \nleh-che man-cha-da | \nWarm milk with a touch of coffee | \n
Now, the time you’ve all been waiting for: how to actually order coffee in Spanish. Nowadays, there are a million different ways to order a coffee: with syrup, with foam, with a caramel swirl, with an extra shot, with milk, with soy milk, with oat milk, with no milk–you name it! The possibilities are endless.
\nRegardless, we’ve included some of the most popular ways to order coffee in Spanish in the table below. While this may not encompass the entire range and versatility of this wonderful java drink, it’s certainly a start.
![\"How](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt346f2029f26d213c/633bc2a4a920fd42f67e8fb5/pexels-los-muertos-crew-7487520.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Black | \nNegro | \nˈneɣɾo | \nneh-goh | \n
| With milk | \nCon leche | \nkon ˈleʧe | \ncon leh-che | \n
| With almond milk | \nCon leche de almendras | \nkon ˈleʧe ðe alˈmendɾas | \ncon leh-che deh al-men-drass | \n
| With soy milk | \nCon leche de soya | \nkon ˈleʧe ðe ˈsoʝa | \ncon leh-che deh so-ya | \n
| With oat milk | \nCon leche de avena | \nkon ˈleʧe ðe aˈβena | \ncon le-che deh ah-veh-na | \n
| Without milk | \nSin leche | \nsin ˈleʧe | \nseen leh-che | \n
| With sugar | \nCon azúcar | \nkon aˈsukaɾ | \ncon ah-zoo-car | \n
| With milk and sugar | \nCon leche y azúcar | \nkon ˈleʧe j aˈsukaɾ | \ncon leh-che e ah-zoo-car | \n
| With an extra shot | \nCon un shot de espresso adicional | \nkon un ˈsot ðe esˈpɾesso aðisjoˈnal | \ncon oon shot deh ehs-preh-so ah-dee-see-oh-nal | \n
| Decaf | \nDescafeinado | \ndeskafejˈnaðo | \ndes-cah-feh-e-nah-doe | \n
| Iced | \nHelado | \neˈlaðo | \neh-la-doe | \n
| Frappé | \nFrapeado | \nfɾapeˈaðo | \nfrah-peh-ah-doe | \n
| On the rocks | \nEn las rocas | \nen laz ˈrokas | \nehn las ro-cass | \n
| With foam | \nCon espuma | \nkon esˈpuma | \ncon ehs-poo-ma | \n
| With cinnamon | \nCon canela | \nkon kaˈnela | \ncon cah-neh-la | \n
| With simple syrup | \nCon jarabe natural | \nkon xaˈɾaβe natuˈɾal | \ncon hah-rah-beh nah-too-ral | \n
| With vanilla syrup | \nCon jarabe de vainilla | \nkon xaˈɾaβe ðe βajˈniʝa | \ncon hah-rah-beh deh vah-e-nee-ya | \n
| With caramel syrup | \nCon jarabe de caramelo | \nkon xaˈɾaβe ðe kaɾaˈmelo | \ncon hah-rah-beh deh ca-ra-meh-lo | \n
| With a caramel swirl | \nCon espiral de caramelo | \nkon espiˈɾal de kaɾaˈmelo | \ncon ehs-pee-ral deh cah-rah-meh-lo | \n
| With whipped cream | \nCon crema batida | \nkon ˈkɾema βaˈtiða | \ncon creh-ma bah-tee-dah | \n
If you feel like you need a little more guidance on how to place your very first coffee order in Spanish, we’ve got you covered. If you find this section helpful, you may also want to check out our blog on how to order food in Spanish.
\n\n| English | \nSpanish | \nIPA | \nPronunciation | \n
| Hello, I would like a black coffee, please. | \nHola, quisiera un café negro, por favor. | \nˈola | kiˈsjeɾa wn kaˈfe ˈneɣɾo | poɾ faˈβoɾ | \noh-la, key-see-air-ah oon cah-feh neh-gro, pore fah-vore | \n
| May I order a cappuccino with sugar, please? | \n¿Te puedo pedir un capuccino con azúcar, por favor? | \nte ˈpweðo peˈðiɾ un kapukˈsino kon aˈsukaɾ | poɾ faˈβoɾ | \nteh poo-eh-doe peh-deer oon cah-poo-chee-no con ah-zoo-car, pore fah-vore | \n
| I would like an iced macchiato with a caramel swirl and whipped cream, please. | \nQuiero un macchiato helado con espiral de caramelo y crema batida, por favor. | \nˈkjeɾo wm makˈʧjato eˈlaðo kon espiˈɾal de kaɾaˈmelo j ˈkɾema βaˈtiða | poɾ faˈβoɾ | \nkey-air-oh oon mah-key-ah-toe eh-la-doe con ehs-pee-ral deh cah-rah-meh-lo e creh-mah bah-tee-da, pore fah-vore | \n
| Do you serve frappés? | \n¿Tienes frapés? | \nˈtjenes fɾaˈpes | \ntee-eh-nes frah-pehs | \n
| An iced americano on the rocks with vanilla syrup, please. | \nUn americano en las rocas con jarabe de vainilla, por favor. | \nun ameɾiˈkano en laz ˈrokas kon xaˈɾaβe ðe βajˈniʝa | poɾ faˈβoɾ | \noon ah-meh-ree-cah-noe ehn las ro-cas con hah-rah-beh deh vah-e-nee-ya, pore fah-vore | \n
| A decaf iced latte, please. | \nUn latte helado descafeinado, por favor. | \nun ˈlatte eˈlaðo ðeskafejˈnaðo | poɾ faˈβoɾ | \noon lah-teh eh-la-doe des-cah-feh-e-na-doe, pore fah-vore | \n
As you probably already know, Colombia is a coffee powerhouse. As the world’s third-largest producer of coffee beans, you can bet that coffee is a big deal in Colombia.
\nWhether you want to visit or simply want to make a more informed decision when you buy your next bag of coffee beans, you’ll want to be familiar with the coffee regions in Colombia.
\nAn overwhelming majority of the coffee production is centered within the eje cafetero, also known as the “coffee triangle.” This region encompasses the following departments:
\nSo, if your coffee comes from any of the places above, you’ll almost certainly guaranteed a phenomenal cup.
![\"Coffee](\"https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltacc1a01c4d280f24/blt259889c2157a343b/633bc4474df1082a16b62c15/coffee-g224224959_1920.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&quality=80&\")
Any of the departments (Colombia’s equivalent of states) in the coffee triangle are the best places to visit for coffee. If you’re looking to plan a trip that is exclusively centered around coffee, then you’ll surely want to visit the town of Salento in Quindío.
\nIf you want a more touristy destination with plenty of things to do while still having a strong coffee scene, then you’ll want to visit Medellín. Though Medellín itself isn’t technically in the coffee triangle, its department–Antioquia–is. This means that you’ll be able to make a short trip into the heart of the coffee triangle to find the best beans in Colombia while still enjoying some of the best of one of Colombia’s most popular destinations.
\n\nAlthough Bogota isn’t located in the coffee triangle, there are some spectacular coffee fields nearby. So, if you’re only visiting Bogota for work or can’t otherwise travel directly to the coffee triangle, rest assured that you’ll be able to visit a coffee field that is worth your while.
\n\n\nBeyond Colombia, though, there are many other coffee powerhouses in Latin America. As mentioned in the introduction of this article, half of the world’s ten largest producers of coffee beans are located in Latin America.
\nHere is some more information about the coffee regions in other Spanish-speaking countries:
\nSometimes, the best thing you can do is just make yourself a nice cup of coffee and focus on the task ahead. If you’re learning Spanish, we salute you! You’re doing a wonderful job so far, and we don’t blame you for wanting to figure out how to get yourself a cup of coffee in Spanish as soon as possible.
\nWhile you’re at it, why not treat a new friend to a cup of coffee? After all, making friends is one of the fastest ways to become fluent in Spanish. It’s a win-win situation: you make new friends, and you learn Spanish!
\nFor more awesome study tips and helpful vocabulary guides like this one, make sure to check out our Spanish blog. We publish new guides all the time, helping you push your Spanish knowledge juuust a bit further. And all of our guides are always free, so make sure to bookmark this page!
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