A1

Beginner Spanish

A1 Spanish Vocabulary: 250 Essential Words

Build your first practical Spanish vocabulary with 250 beginner words, clear English meanings, and short examples for everyday situations.

At A1, the goal is not to know every possible word. It is to recognize and use a dependable core for introductions, home life, food, places, and simple routines. Read each Spanish example aloud, then replace one detail to make the sentence your own.

01

Essential little words

Connect simple ideas, ask basic questions, and locate people and things.

25 entries

de

preposition

of; from

Forms
de

Soy de Venezuela.

I'm from Venezuela.

Usage note Marks origin here; it also introduces possession, material, and topic.

a

preposition

to; at

Forms
a

Voy a casa a las seis.

I go home at six.

Usage note Introduces a destination and appears in clock times.

en

preposition

in; on

Forms
en

Las llaves están en la mesa.

The keys are on the table.

Usage note Covers both in and on for location; Spanish does not make the English distinction.

con

preposition

with

Forms
con

Tomo café con leche.

I drink coffee with milk.

Usage note Introduces company or something combined with another thing.

sin

preposition

without

Forms
sin

Quiero agua sin hielo.

I want water without ice.

Usage note Directly precedes a noun or an infinitive: sin azúcar, sin pagar.

para

preposition

for; in order to

Forms
para

Este regalo es para Ana.

This gift is for Ana.

Usage note Often marks a recipient, purpose, or destination.

por

preposition

through; because of

Forms
por

Paseamos por el parque.

We walk through the park.

Usage note Here it marks movement through a place; it also expresses cause and exchange.

y

conjunction

and

Forms
y

Luis y Marta son amigos.

Luis and Marta are friends.

Usage note Changes to e before an i sound: padre e hijo.

o

conjunction

or

Forms
o

¿Té o café?

Tea or coffee?

Usage note Changes to u before an o sound: siete u ocho.

pero

conjunction

but

Forms
pero

Es pequeño, pero cómodo.

It's small but comfortable.

Usage note Joins two contrasting statements without changing word order.

porque

conjunction

because

Forms
porque

Estudio español porque vivo aquí.

I study Spanish because I live here.

Usage note Gives a reason; unlike por qué, it is written as one unaccented word.

si

conjunction

if

Forms
si

Si tienes tiempo, llama.

If you have time, call.

Usage note Introduces a condition and has no written accent.

no

adverb

no; not

Forms
no

No como carne.

I don't eat meat.

Usage note Placed immediately before the conjugated verb to make a sentence negative.

sí

adverb

yes

Forms
sí

Sí, hablo un poco de español.

Yes, I speak a little Spanish.

Usage note The accent distinguishes affirmation sí from conditional si.

muy

adverb

very

Forms
muy

La sopa está muy caliente.

The soup is very hot.

Usage note Modifies adjectives and adverbs; it does not change for gender or number.

también

adverb

also

Forms
también

Mi hermana también estudia aquí.

My sister also studies here.

Usage note Usually appears before the focused verb or at the end of a short statement.

aquí

adverb

here

Forms
aquí

El baño está aquí.

The bathroom is here.

Usage note Refers to a place close to the speaker.

allí

adverb

there

Forms
allí

Mi mochila está allí.

My backpack is over there.

Usage note Points to a place away from the speaker; allá is a common alternative.

hoy

adverb

today

Forms
hoy

Hoy trabajo desde casa.

Today I work from home.

Usage note A time adverb that normally needs no preposition.

ahora

adverb

now

Forms
ahora

Ahora no puedo hablar.

I can't talk now.

Usage note Refers to the present moment; ahora mismo adds immediacy.

qué

pronoun

what; which

Forms
qué

¿Qué quieres comer?

What do you want to eat?

Usage note Carries an accent in direct and indirect questions.

quién

pronoun

who

Forms
quién; quiénes

¿Quién es tu profesor?

Who is your teacher?

Usage note The plural is quiénes; both forms keep the written accent in questions.

cuándo

adverb

when

Forms
cuándo

¿Cuándo llega el tren?

When does the train arrive?

Usage note Written with an accent when asking about time.

dónde

adverb

where

Forms
dónde

¿Dónde vives?

Where do you live?

Usage note Question form of donde; movement often uses adónde.

cómo

adverb

how

Forms
cómo

¿Cómo te llamas?

What's your name?

Usage note Written with an accent in questions; also asks about condition: ¿Cómo estás?

02

People and family

Introduce yourself and talk about close relationships and basic personal information.

25 entries

la persona

noun

person

Gender
feminine
Forms
la persona, las personas

Hay una persona en la puerta.

There is someone at the door.

Usage note Grammatically feminine even when it refers to a man.

el hombre

noun

man

Gender
masculine
Forms
el hombre, los hombres

Ese hombre es mi vecino.

That man is my neighbor.

Usage note The h is silent; hombre refers to an adult male.

la mujer

noun

woman; wife

Gender
feminine
Forms
la mujer, las mujeres

La mujer de Pablo es médica.

Pablo's wife is a doctor.

Usage note Can mean woman or wife depending on context.

el niño

noun

boy; child

Gender
masculine
Forms
el niño, los niños

El niño juega con su perro.

The boy plays with his dog.

Usage note The feminine is la niña; plural los niños may include mixed-gender children.

la niña

noun

girl

Gender
feminine
Forms
la niña, las niñas

La niña tiene ocho años.

The girl is eight years old.

Usage note Age is expressed with tener, not ser.

la madre

noun

mother

Gender
feminine
Forms
la madre, las madres

Mi madre vive cerca.

My mother lives nearby.

Usage note Mamá is the familiar form used when addressing one's mother.

el padre

noun

father

Gender
masculine
Forms
el padre, los padres

Mi padre cocina los domingos.

My father cooks on Sundays.

Usage note Los padres commonly means parents, not only fathers.

el hermano

noun

brother

Gender
masculine
Forms
el hermano, los hermanos

Mi hermano se llama David.

My brother's name is David.

Usage note The feminine is la hermana.

la hermana

noun

sister

Gender
feminine
Forms
la hermana, las hermanas

Su hermana trabaja conmigo.

His sister works with me.

Usage note Possessive su can mean his, her, your formal, or their.

el hijo

noun

son

Gender
masculine
Forms
el hijo, los hijos

Nuestro hijo va a la escuela.

Our son goes to school.

Usage note The h is silent; the feminine is la hija.

la hija

noun

daughter

Gender
feminine
Forms
la hija, las hijas

Su hija habla inglés.

Their daughter speaks English.

Usage note The initial h is silent.

el amigo

noun

male friend

Gender
masculine
Forms
el amigo, los amigos

Carlos es un buen amigo.

Carlos is a good friend.

Usage note Amigo means friend, not boyfriend unless the context makes that clear.

la amiga

noun

female friend

Gender
feminine
Forms
la amiga, las amigas

Una amiga viene a cenar.

A friend is coming for dinner.

Usage note Use novia for girlfriend in a romantic relationship.

el nombre

noun

name

Gender
masculine
Forms
el nombre, los nombres

Mi nombre completo es Julia Pérez.

My full name is Julia Pérez.

Usage note Nombre is given name or name in general; apellido is family name.

ser

verb

to be

Forms
ser; soy, eres, es, somos, son

Soy estudiante y Ana es profesora.

I'm a student and Ana is a teacher.

Usage note Irregular; used for identity, origin, profession, and defining characteristics.

llamarse

verb

to be called

Forms
llamarse; me llamo, te llamas, se llama, nos llamamos, se llaman

Me llamo Samuel.

My name is Samuel.

Usage note A reflexive verb; the pronoun changes with the person.

tener

verb

to have

Forms
tener; tengo, tienes, tiene, tenemos, tienen

Tenemos dos hijos.

We have two children.

Usage note Irregular tengo; also used for age and many physical states.

vivir

verb

to live

Forms
vivir; vivo, vives, vive, vivimos, viven

Vivo en un piso pequeño.

I live in a small apartment.

Usage note Regular -ir verb; the place normally follows en.

conocer

verb

to know; to meet

Forms
conocer; conozco, conoces, conoce, conocemos, conocen

Conozco a tu hermana.

I know your sister.

Usage note Uses personal a with people; conozco is irregular in the first person.

querer

verb

to want; to love

Forms
querer; quiero, quieres, quiere, queremos, quieren

Quiero llamar a mi madre.

I want to call my mother.

Usage note Quiero shows the e→ie change; queremos keeps e. An infinitive may follow directly.

ayudar

verb

to help

Forms
ayudar; ayudo, ayudas, ayuda, ayudamos, ayudan

Ayudo a mi abuelo con las compras.

I help my grandfather with the shopping.

Usage note Takes a before the person helped and con for the task.

hablar

verb

to speak; to talk

Forms
hablar; hablo, hablas, habla, hablamos, hablan

Hablo español con mis vecinos.

I speak Spanish with my neighbors.

Usage note Languages normally appear without an article after hablar.

gustar

verb

to like

Forms
gustar; me gusta, te gusta, le gusta, nos gusta, les gusta

Me gusta esta ciudad.

I like this city.

Usage note The liked thing is the grammatical subject; use gusta with singular nouns or infinitives.

joven

adjective

young

Forms
joven, jóvenes

Mis padres son jóvenes.

My parents are young.

Usage note Gender does not change joven; the plural jóvenes gains an accent.

mayor

adjective

older; elderly

Forms
mayor, mayores

Mi hermano mayor tiene veinte años.

My older brother is twenty.

Usage note Placed after a family noun to mean older; una persona mayor means an elderly person.

03

Everyday actions

Use the most frequent verbs for routines, needs, movement, and simple plans.

25 entries

estar

verb

to be

Forms
estar; estoy, estás, está, estamos, están

Estoy cansada esta mañana.

I'm tired this morning.

Usage note Irregular; used for states and locations, unlike ser for identity.

haber

verb

there is; there are

Forms
haber; hay

Hay pan en la cocina.

There is bread in the kitchen.

Usage note Impersonal hay serves both singular and plural nouns.

hacer

verb

to do; to make

Forms
hacer; hago, haces, hace, hacemos, hacen

Hago la cena a las siete.

I make dinner at seven.

Usage note Irregular hago; many weather expressions also use hace.

ir

verb

to go

Forms
ir; voy, vas, va, vamos, van

Vamos al mercado en autobús.

We go to the market by bus.

Usage note Highly irregular; destination a combines with el as al.

venir

verb

to come

Forms
venir; vengo, vienes, viene, venimos, vienen

Mi amigo viene mañana.

My friend is coming tomorrow.

Usage note Irregular vengo and e→ie stem change except in nosotros.

llegar

verb

to arrive

Forms
llegar; llego, llegas, llega, llegamos, llegan

El autobús llega a las nueve.

The bus arrives at nine.

Usage note The destination follows a; clock time uses a las.

salir

verb

to leave; to go out

Forms
salir; salgo, sales, sale, salimos, salen

Salgo de casa temprano.

I leave home early.

Usage note Irregular salgo; origin commonly follows de.

entrar

verb

to enter; to go in

Forms
entrar; entro, entras, entra, entramos, entran

Entramos en la tienda.

We go into the store.

Usage note Usually takes en for the place entered; entrar a is common in the Americas.

comer

verb

to eat

Forms
comer; como, comes, come, comemos, comen

Como fruta en el desayuno.

I eat fruit for breakfast.

Usage note Regular -er verb; meals often follow en or para.

beber

verb

to drink

Forms
beber; bebo, bebes, bebe, bebemos, beben

Bebo mucha agua.

I drink a lot of water.

Usage note Regular -er verb; mucha agrees with the feminine noun agua despite el agua in singular.

dormir

verb

to sleep

Forms
dormir; duermo, duermes, duerme, dormimos, duermen

Los niños duermen ocho horas.

The children sleep eight hours.

Usage note The stressed o becomes ue in duermo and duermen, but not dormimos.

levantarse

verb

to get up

Forms
levantarse; me levanto, te levantas, se levanta, nos levantamos, se levantan

Me levanto a las seis y media.

I get up at six thirty.

Usage note Reflexive; clock time follows a.

ducharse

verb

to take a shower

Forms
ducharse; me ducho, te duchas, se ducha, nos duchamos, se duchan

Me ducho antes del desayuno.

I shower before breakfast.

Usage note Reflexive when referring to washing oneself.

vestirse

verb

to get dressed

Forms
vestirse; me visto, te vistes, se viste, nos vestimos, se visten

Los niños se visten rápido.

The children get dressed quickly.

Usage note Reflexive pronouns are required; viste and visten change e to i, unlike vestimos.

trabajar

verb

to work

Forms
trabajar; trabajo, trabajas, trabaja, trabajamos, trabajan

Trabajo en un hotel.

I work in a hotel.

Usage note The workplace usually follows en.

estudiar

verb

to study

Forms
estudiar; estudio, estudias, estudia, estudiamos, estudian

Estudiamos español por la tarde.

We study Spanish in the afternoon.

Usage note Regular -ar verb; school subjects normally omit the article.

leer

verb

to read

Forms
leer; leo, lees, lee, leemos, leen

Leo el periódico en el café.

I read the newspaper in the café.

Usage note The two e vowels are pronounced in separate syllables.

escribir

verb

to write

Forms
escribir; escribo, escribes, escribe, escribimos, escriben

Escribo un mensaje a Laura.

I write a message to Laura.

Usage note The recipient can follow a; escribirle adds an indirect-object pronoun.

abrir

verb

to open

Forms
abrir; abro, abres, abre, abrimos, abren

Abro la ventana porque hace calor.

I open the window because it's hot.

Usage note Regular in the present; the past participle abierto is irregular.

cerrar

verb

to close

Forms
cerrar; cierro, cierras, cierra, cerramos, cierran

Cierra la puerta, por favor.

Close the door, please.

Usage note Present forms such as cierro change e to ie; cerramos retains the stem.

empezar

verb

to begin

Forms
empezar; empiezo, empiezas, empieza, empezamos, empiezan

La clase empieza a las diez.

The class starts at ten.

Usage note Stem-changing e→ie; empezar a introduces an infinitive.

terminar

verb

to finish

Forms
terminar; termino, terminas, termina, terminamos, terminan

Termino el trabajo a las cinco.

I finish work at five.

Usage note Terminar de + infinitive means to have just finished doing something.

dar

verb

to give

Forms
dar; doy, das, da, damos, dan

Le doy agua al perro.

I give the dog water.

Usage note Irregular doy; the recipient is marked with le and often repeated with a.

poner

verb

to put

Forms
poner; pongo, pones, pone, ponemos, ponen

Pongo los vasos en la mesa.

I put the glasses on the table.

Usage note Irregular pongo; location commonly follows en.

tomar

verb

to take; to drink

Forms
tomar; tomo, tomas, toma, tomamos, toman

Tomo el metro todos los días.

I take the subway every day.

Usage note Often means take transport or have food and drink; coger is another regional option.

04

Food and shopping

Order simple meals, recognize staple foods, and handle basic purchases.

25 entries

el agua

noun

water

Gender
feminine
Forms
el agua, las aguas

Quiero un vaso de agua.

I want a glass of water.

Usage note Feminine noun that uses el in singular before its stressed initial a.

el pan

noun

bread

Gender
masculine
Forms
el pan, los panes

Compro pan fresco cada mañana.

I buy fresh bread every morning.

Usage note Usually uncountable without an article when speaking generally.

la leche

noun

milk

Gender
feminine
Forms
la leche, las leches

El niño bebe leche caliente.

The child drinks warm milk.

Usage note Usually uncountable; plural can refer to types of milk.

el café

noun

coffee; café

Gender
masculine
Forms
el café, los cafés

Un café con leche, por favor.

A coffee with milk, please.

Usage note Countable when ordering servings; the accent stays in the plural cafés.

el té

noun

tea

Gender
masculine
Forms
el té, los tés

Prefiero el té sin azúcar.

I prefer tea without sugar.

Usage note The written accent distinguishes té from the pronoun te.

la fruta

noun

fruit

Gender
feminine
Forms
la fruta, las frutas

La fruta está en la nevera.

The fruit is in the refrigerator.

Usage note Collective in singular; las frutas emphasizes different kinds.

la manzana

noun

apple

Gender
feminine
Forms
la manzana, las manzanas

Llevo una manzana al trabajo.

I take an apple to work.

Usage note A regular feminine count noun.

el arroz

noun

rice

Gender
masculine
Forms
el arroz, los arroces

Hoy comemos arroz con pollo.

Today we're eating rice with chicken.

Usage note Usually uncountable; plural arroces refers to rice dishes or varieties.

la carne

noun

meat

Gender
feminine
Forms
la carne, las carnes

No como carne, pero como pescado.

I don't eat meat, but I eat fish.

Usage note Usually uncountable when referring to food.

el pescado

noun

fish as food

Gender
masculine
Forms
el pescado, los pescados

El pescado está muy bueno.

The fish tastes very good.

Usage note Use pez for a live fish and pescado for fish as food.

la verdura

noun

vegetable; vegetables

Gender
feminine
Forms
la verdura, las verduras

Necesitamos verduras para la sopa.

We need vegetables for the soup.

Usage note Singular can be collective; plural refers to individual kinds.

el desayuno

noun

breakfast

Gender
masculine
Forms
el desayuno, los desayunos

El desayuno está listo.

Breakfast is ready.

Usage note Desayunar is the related verb and normally needs no hacer.

la comida

noun

food; lunch

Gender
feminine
Forms
la comida, las comidas

La comida de este restaurante es buena.

The food at this restaurant is good.

Usage note In many regions, la comida also means the main midday meal.

la cena

noun

dinner

Gender
feminine
Forms
la cena, las cenas

La cena es a las ocho.

Dinner is at eight.

Usage note Cenar is the related verb.

comprar

verb

to buy

Forms
comprar; compro, compras, compra, compramos, compran

Compro tomates en el mercado.

I buy tomatoes at the market.

Usage note The seller or store can follow en; the price often follows por.

pagar

verb

to pay

Forms
pagar; pago, pagas, paga, pagamos, pagan

Pago con tarjeta.

I pay by card.

Usage note Payment method follows con; pagar por introduces what is paid for.

costar

verb

to cost

Forms
costar; cuesta, cuestan

¿Cuánto cuesta esta camisa?

How much does this shirt cost?

Usage note Stem-changing o→ue; use cuesta with singular items and cuestan with plural ones.

pedir

verb

to ask for; to order

Forms
pedir; pido, pides, pide, pedimos, piden

Pido una sopa y agua.

I order soup and water.

Usage note Pido, pides, and piden change e to i; restaurant orders use this verb.

preferir

verb

to prefer

Forms
preferir; prefiero, prefieres, prefiere, preferimos, prefieren

Prefiero la mesa junto a la ventana.

I prefer the table by the window.

Usage note Most present forms have ie, as in prefiero; preferimos does not.

necesitar

verb

to need

Forms
necesitar; necesito, necesitas, necesita, necesitamos, necesitan

Necesito una bolsa, por favor.

I need a bag, please.

Usage note Takes a noun or infinitive directly, without de.

llevar

verb

to carry; to take

Forms
llevar; llevo, llevas, lleva, llevamos, llevan

Llevo una botella de agua.

I carry a bottle of water.

Usage note Describes movement away from the speaker, contrasting with traer.

cocinar

verb

to cook

Forms
cocinar; cocino, cocinas, cocina, cocinamos, cocinan

Cocinamos pasta para cuatro personas.

We cook pasta for four people.

Usage note Can be transitive or stand alone; para marks who the meal is for.

bueno

adjective

good; tasty

Forms
bueno, buena, buenos, buenas; buen

Este queso está muy bueno.

This cheese tastes very good.

Usage note Buen precedes a singular masculine noun; estar bueno can describe taste.

barato

adjective

cheap

Forms
barato, barata, baratos, baratas

Las naranjas están baratas hoy.

The oranges are cheap today.

Usage note Agrees with the item; estar barato describes a current price.

cuánto

determiner

how much; how many

Forms
cuánto, cuánta, cuántos, cuántas

¿Cuántos euros cuesta?

How many euros does it cost?

Usage note Agrees with the noun and carries an accent in questions.

05

Home and everyday objects

Name rooms and common objects, and describe simple actions around the home.

25 entries

la casa

noun

house; home

Gender
feminine
Forms
la casa, las casas

Mi casa está cerca del centro.

My house is near downtown.

Usage note En casa means at home and normally omits the article.

el piso

noun

apartment; floor

Gender
masculine
Forms
el piso, los pisos

Vivimos en un piso con balcón.

We live in an apartment with a balcony.

Usage note Means apartment in Spain and floor or story throughout the Spanish-speaking world.

la habitación

noun

room; bedroom

Gender
feminine
Forms
la habitación, las habitaciones

La habitación tiene dos camas.

The room has two beds.

Usage note Can mean any room or specifically a hotel room or bedroom.

la cocina

noun

kitchen

Gender
feminine
Forms
la cocina, las cocinas

Las tazas están en la cocina.

The cups are in the kitchen.

Usage note Also means cuisine in phrases such as cocina española.

el baño

noun

bathroom

Gender
masculine
Forms
el baño, los baños

¿Dónde está el baño?

Where is the bathroom?

Usage note Can also mean bath; context distinguishes the room from the activity.

la puerta

noun

door

Gender
feminine
Forms
la puerta, las puertas

La puerta está abierta.

The door is open.

Usage note Abierta describes its state; abrir is the action.

la ventana

noun

window

Gender
feminine
Forms
la ventana, las ventanas

Hay flores junto a la ventana.

There are flowers by the window.

Usage note Junto a means next to or beside.

la mesa

noun

table

Gender
feminine
Forms
la mesa, las mesas

Los platos están sobre la mesa.

The plates are on the table.

Usage note Sobre emphasizes on top of; en is also natural.

la silla

noun

chair

Gender
feminine
Forms
la silla, las sillas

Esta silla es muy cómoda.

This chair is very comfortable.

Usage note A regular feminine count noun.

la cama

noun

bed

Gender
feminine
Forms
la cama, las camas

El gato duerme debajo de la cama.

The cat sleeps under the bed.

Usage note Ir a la cama means to go to bed.

la llave

noun

key

Gender
feminine
Forms
la llave, las llaves

No encuentro la llave de casa.

I can't find the house key.

Usage note Ll is commonly pronounced like English y in much of the Spanish-speaking world.

el teléfono

noun

telephone; phone

Gender
masculine
Forms
el teléfono, los teléfonos

Mi teléfono está en la mochila.

My phone is in my backpack.

Usage note Teléfono móvil and celular are common terms for mobile phone.

la ropa

noun

clothes

Gender
feminine
Forms
la ropa

La ropa limpia está en el armario.

The clean clothes are in the closet.

Usage note Collective singular; it normally has no plural when meaning clothes.

el dinero

noun

money

Gender
masculine
Forms
el dinero

No tengo dinero en efectivo.

I don't have any cash.

Usage note Uncountable in everyday use; efectivo specifies cash.

el libro

noun

book

Gender
masculine
Forms
el libro, los libros

El libro está junto a la lámpara.

The book is next to the lamp.

Usage note A regular masculine count noun.

buscar

verb

to look for

Forms
buscar; busco, buscas, busca, buscamos, buscan

Busco mis gafas.

I'm looking for my glasses.

Usage note Takes the object directly; Spanish does not add a preposition equivalent to for.

encontrar

verb

to find

Forms
encontrar; encuentro, encuentras, encuentra, encontramos, encuentran

Encuentro las llaves en mi bolso.

I find the keys in my bag.

Usage note Encuentro and encuentran have ue; the nosotros form encontramos preserves o.

limpiar

verb

to clean

Forms
limpiar; limpio, limpias, limpia, limpiamos, limpian

Limpio la cocina después de cenar.

I clean the kitchen after dinner.

Usage note Después de is followed by a noun or infinitive.

lavar

verb

to wash

Forms
lavar; lavo, lavas, lava, lavamos, lavan

Lavo los platos con agua caliente.

I wash the dishes with hot water.

Usage note Use the reflexive lavarse for washing oneself.

usar

verb

to use; to wear

Forms
usar; uso, usas, usa, usamos, usan

Uso el ordenador para estudiar.

I use the computer to study.

Usage note In much of Latin America, usar can also mean to wear clothing.

guardar

verb

to put away; to keep

Forms
guardar; guardo, guardas, guarda, guardamos, guardan

Guardo la leche en la nevera.

I put the milk in the refrigerator.

Usage note Can mean store, put away, or keep for later.

encender

verb

to turn on; to light

Forms
encender; enciendo, enciendes, enciende, encendemos, encienden

Enciendo la luz del salón.

I turn on the living-room light.

Usage note Enciendo shows the stressed-stem change to ie; it applies to lights, devices, and fire.

apagar

verb

to turn off

Forms
apagar; apago, apagas, apaga, apagamos, apagan

Apaga la televisión, por favor.

Turn off the television, please.

Usage note Used for devices, lights, and fire; spelling changes in some past forms.

dentro

adverb

inside

Forms
dentro

Los zapatos están dentro.

The shoes are inside.

Usage note Dentro de introduces a noun: dentro de la caja.

fuera

adverb

outside

Forms
fuera

El perro está fuera.

The dog is outside.

Usage note Fuera de introduces a reference point: fuera de casa.

06

Places and transport

Find essential places, move around town, and ask for simple directions.

25 entries

la calle

noun

street

Gender
feminine
Forms
la calle, las calles

La farmacia está en esta calle.

The pharmacy is on this street.

Usage note Location on a street uses en, not sobre.

la ciudad

noun

city

Gender
feminine
Forms
la ciudad, las ciudades

Madrid es una ciudad grande.

Madrid is a big city.

Usage note The final d is often soft in everyday pronunciation.

el pueblo

noun

town; village; people

Gender
masculine
Forms
el pueblo, los pueblos

Mis abuelos viven en un pueblo pequeño.

My grandparents live in a small town.

Usage note Can also mean a people or population depending on context.

la tienda

noun

store

Gender
feminine
Forms
la tienda, las tiendas

La tienda abre a las nueve.

The store opens at nine.

Usage note In tienda de campaña, it means tent.

el supermercado

noun

supermarket

Gender
masculine
Forms
el supermercado, los supermercados

El supermercado está al lado del banco.

The supermarket is next to the bank.

Usage note Often shortened informally to súper in some regions.

el restaurante

noun

restaurant

Gender
masculine
Forms
el restaurante, los restaurantes

Cenamos en un restaurante mexicano.

We have dinner at a Mexican restaurant.

Usage note Restaurante is masculine: el restaurante, los restaurantes; eating at a restaurant uses en.

el hotel

noun

hotel

Gender
masculine
Forms
el hotel, los hoteles

Nuestro hotel está cerca de la playa.

Our hotel is near the beach.

Usage note The h is silent.

la estación

noun

station

Gender
feminine
Forms
la estación, las estaciones

Nos vemos en la estación de tren.

We'll meet at the train station.

Usage note Also means season of the year; context supplies the meaning.

el aeropuerto

noun

airport

Gender
masculine
Forms
el aeropuerto, los aeropuertos

El taxi va al aeropuerto.

The taxi goes to the airport.

Usage note Going to it is ir al aeropuerto because a and el merge.

el autobús

noun

bus

Gender
masculine
Forms
el autobús, los autobuses

El autobús número cinco va al centro.

Bus number five goes downtown.

Usage note Common alternatives are bus, colectivo, and camión depending on region.

el tren

noun

train

Gender
masculine
Forms
el tren, los trenes

El tren sale a las once.

The train leaves at eleven.

Usage note En tren means by train and omits the article.

el coche

noun

car

Gender
masculine
Forms
el coche, los coches

Vamos en coche porque llueve.

We're going by car because it's raining.

Usage note Carro and auto are frequent regional alternatives.

caminar

verb

to walk

Forms
caminar; camino, caminas, camina, caminamos, caminan

Camino diez minutos hasta la oficina.

I walk for ten minutes to the office.

Usage note Hasta marks the endpoint; andar is a common synonym.

subir

verb

to go up; to get on

Forms
subir; subo, subes, sube, subimos, suben

Subimos al segundo piso.

We go up to the second floor.

Usage note Subir a also means to board transport in many contexts.

bajar

verb

to go down; to get off

Forms
bajar; bajo, bajas, baja, bajamos, bajan

Bajo del autobús en la próxima parada.

I get off the bus at the next stop.

Usage note Getting off transport normally uses de.

viajar

verb

to travel

Forms
viajar; viajo, viajas, viaja, viajamos, viajan

Viajo a Chile en julio.

I travel to Chile in July.

Usage note Destinations follow a; transport often follows en.

esperar

verb

to wait; to hope

Forms
esperar; espero, esperas, espera, esperamos, esperan

Espero el autobús frente al museo.

I wait for the bus across from the museum.

Usage note Takes its object directly when it means wait for.

cruzar

verb

to cross

Forms
cruzar; cruzo, cruzas, cruza, cruzamos, cruzan

Cruzamos la calle en el semáforo.

We cross the street at the traffic light.

Usage note Takes the place crossed directly, without a preposition.

girar

verb

to turn

Forms
girar; giro, giras, gira, giramos, giran

Gira a la derecha después del banco.

Turn right after the bank.

Usage note Directions use girar a la derecha or a la izquierda.

seguir

verb

to continue; to follow

Forms
seguir; sigo, sigues, sigue, seguimos, siguen

Sigue todo recto hasta la plaza.

Continue straight ahead to the square.

Usage note Irregular sigo and e→i except in nosotros; common in directions.

cerca

adverb

near; nearby

Forms
cerca

La parada está cerca.

The stop is nearby.

Usage note Cerca de introduces the reference point.

lejos

adverb

far; far away

Forms
lejos

La playa está lejos de aquí.

The beach is far from here.

Usage note Normally followed by de when a reference point is named.

la derecha

noun

right

Gender
feminine
Forms
la derecha

El banco está a la derecha.

The bank is on the right.

Usage note Direction phrase a la derecha requires the article.

la izquierda

noun

left

Gender
feminine
Forms
la izquierda

La estación queda a la izquierda.

The station is on the left.

Usage note Direction phrase a la izquierda requires the article.

recto

adverb

straight ahead

Forms
recto

Sigue recto hasta la segunda calle.

Continue straight to the second street.

Usage note Used adverbially in directions; todo recto is especially common.

07

Time, dates, and numbers

Tell the time, understand dates, and manage basic quantities.

25 entries

el día

noun

day

Gender
masculine
Forms
el día, los días

Trabajo ocho horas al día.

I work eight hours a day.

Usage note Masculine despite ending in -a; al día means per day.

la semana

noun

week

Gender
feminine
Forms
la semana, las semanas

Voy al gimnasio dos veces por semana.

I go to the gym twice a week.

Usage note Por semana expresses frequency per week.

el mes

noun

month

Gender
masculine
Forms
el mes, los meses

Mi curso dura tres meses.

My course lasts three months.

Usage note Months are written in lowercase in Spanish.

el año

noun

year

Gender
masculine
Forms
el año, los años

Este año estudio en México.

This year I'm studying in Mexico.

Usage note The ñ distinguishes año from ano, a completely different word.

la hora

noun

hour; time

Gender
feminine
Forms
la hora, las horas

¿Qué hora es?

What time is it?

Usage note Use singular es la una but plural son las dos.

la mañana

noun

morning

Gender
feminine
Forms
la mañana, las mañanas

Estudio por la mañana.

I study in the morning.

Usage note Por la mañana means in the morning; mañana alone can mean tomorrow.

la tarde

noun

afternoon; evening

Gender
feminine
Forms
la tarde, las tardes

La clase termina por la tarde.

The class ends in the afternoon.

Usage note Its time range varies by culture and often extends into early evening.

la noche

noun

night; evening

Gender
feminine
Forms
la noche, las noches

Trabajo por la noche.

I work at night.

Usage note Buenas noches serves both good evening and good night.

mañana

adverb

tomorrow

Forms
mañana

Mañana vamos a la playa.

Tomorrow we're going to the beach.

Usage note Without an article it means tomorrow; la mañana means the morning.

ayer

adverb

yesterday

Forms
ayer

Ayer no trabajé.

I didn't work yesterday.

Usage note A complete past-time marker; it commonly appears with a past tense.

temprano

adverb

early

Forms
temprano

El vuelo sale muy temprano.

The flight leaves very early.

Usage note Invariable when used as an adverb.

tarde

adverb

late

Forms
tarde

Llegamos tarde a clase.

We arrive late for class.

Usage note Invariable as an adverb; la tarde is the noun afternoon.

uno

numeral

one

Forms
uno, una; un

Tengo un hermano y una hermana.

I have one brother and one sister.

Usage note Shortens to un before a masculine singular noun and agrees as una with feminine nouns.

dos

numeral

two

Forms
dos

Necesito dos billetes.

I need two tickets.

Usage note Invariable for gender.

tres

numeral

three

Forms
tres

La casa tiene tres habitaciones.

The house has three rooms.

Usage note Invariable and written without an accent.

cuatro

numeral

four

Forms
cuatro

Somos cuatro personas.

There are four of us.

Usage note Invariable for gender.

cinco

numeral

five

Forms
cinco

El tren sale en cinco minutos.

The train leaves in five minutes.

Usage note En + time span can mean in that amount of time.

diez

numeral

ten

Forms
diez

La tienda cierra a las diez.

The store closes at ten.

Usage note Final z is pronounced like s in most of the Spanish-speaking world.

veinte

numeral

twenty

Forms
veinte

Este libro cuesta veinte euros.

This book costs twenty euros.

Usage note Numbers 21–29 are written as one word: veintiuno, veintidós.

cien

numeral

one hundred

Forms
cien; ciento

El hotel tiene cien habitaciones.

The hotel has one hundred rooms.

Usage note Use cien before nouns and exact multiples; ciento appears in 101–199.

primero

numeral

first

Forms
primero, primera; primer

Vivo en el primer piso.

I live on the first floor.

Usage note Shortens to primer before a masculine singular noun.

último

adjective

last

Forms
último, última, últimos, últimas

Tomamos el último autobús.

We take the last bus.

Usage note Carries a written accent on the first syllable.

antes

adverb

before; earlier

Forms
antes

Lávate las manos antes de comer.

Wash your hands before eating.

Usage note Antes de precedes a noun or infinitive.

después

adverb

after; afterward

Forms
después

Comemos y después damos un paseo.

We eat and afterward take a walk.

Usage note Después de introduces a noun or infinitive; the accent is required.

siempre

adverb

always

Forms
siempre

Siempre desayuno en casa.

I always eat breakfast at home.

Usage note Usually placed before the verb or at the beginning for emphasis.

08

Body and basic health

Name essential body parts, express simple symptoms, and ask for help.

25 entries

el cuerpo

noun

body

Gender
masculine
Forms
el cuerpo, los cuerpos

Me duele todo el cuerpo.

My whole body hurts.

Usage note Todo agrees with cuerpo and means the whole body here.

la cabeza

noun

head

Gender
feminine
Forms
la cabeza, las cabezas

Me duele la cabeza.

I have a headache.

Usage note With doler, Spanish uses the definite article rather than a possessive.

la cara

noun

face

Gender
feminine
Forms
la cara, las caras

Lávate la cara con agua fría.

Wash your face with cold water.

Usage note Body parts normally take the definite article with reflexive verbs.

el ojo

noun

eye

Gender
masculine
Forms
el ojo, los ojos

Tengo algo en el ojo.

I have something in my eye.

Usage note The body part takes the definite article after en.

la mano

noun

hand

Gender
feminine
Forms
la mano, las manos

Levanta la mano si tienes una pregunta.

Raise your hand if you have a question.

Usage note Feminine despite ending in -o.

el pie

noun

foot

Gender
masculine
Forms
el pie, los pies

Me duele el pie derecho.

My right foot hurts.

Usage note Pie also means base or foot of an object.

el médico

noun

male doctor

Gender
masculine
Forms
el médico, los médicos

El médico llega a las diez.

The doctor arrives at ten.

Usage note The feminine is la médica; doctor and doctora are also common.

la farmacia

noun

pharmacy

Gender
feminine
Forms
la farmacia, las farmacias

Hay una farmacia cerca del hotel.

There is a pharmacy near the hotel.

Usage note In many countries it sells both medicine and basic personal-care products.

el dolor

noun

pain; ache

Gender
masculine
Forms
el dolor, los dolores

Tengo dolor de espalda.

I have back pain.

Usage note The affected area follows de: dolor de cabeza.

la medicina

noun

medicine

Gender
feminine
Forms
la medicina, las medicinas

Tomo la medicina después de comer.

I take the medicine after eating.

Usage note Can mean a specific medication or the field of medicine.

doler

verb

to hurt

Forms
doler; me duele, me duelen

Me duelen los pies.

My feet hurt.

Usage note Works like gustar: duele with singular, duelen with plural.

sentirse

verb

to feel

Forms
sentirse; me siento, te sientes, se siente, nos sentimos, se sienten

Hoy me siento mejor.

I feel better today.

Usage note Requires a reflexive pronoun; siento has ie while sentimos keeps e.

ver

verb

to see

Forms
ver; veo, ves, ve, vemos, ven

No veo bien sin mis gafas.

I can't see well without my glasses.

Usage note Irregular only in veo in the present; its past participle is visto.

oír

verb

to hear

Forms
oír; oigo, oyes, oye, oímos, oyen

No te oigo; habla más alto.

I can't hear you; speak louder.

Usage note Irregular forms include oigo and oyen; the accent remains in oír and oímos.

mirar

verb

to look at; to watch

Forms
mirar; miro, miras, mira, miramos, miran

Miramos una película en casa.

We watch a movie at home.

Usage note Takes its object directly; mirar a alguien includes personal a.

tocar

verb

to touch; to play

Forms
tocar; toco, tocas, toca, tocamos, tocan

No toques esa taza; está caliente.

Don't touch that cup; it's hot.

Usage note Also means to play an instrument, with no preposition.

descansar

verb

to rest

Forms
descansar; descanso, descansas, descansa, descansamos, descansan

Descanso un rato después de comer.

I rest for a while after eating.

Usage note Un rato expresses a short, unspecified period.

llamar

verb

to call

Forms
llamar; llamo, llamas, llama, llamamos, llaman

Llamo al médico esta mañana.

I call the doctor this morning.

Usage note Personal a contracts with el to al before a person.

enfermo

adjective

sick

Forms
enfermo, enferma, enfermos, enfermas

Mi hija está enferma y no va a clase.

My daughter is sick and isn't going to class.

Usage note Normally used with estar for a temporary condition.

bien

adverb

well; fine

Forms
bien

Estoy bien, gracias.

I'm fine, thank you.

Usage note Adverb and state word; bueno is the corresponding adjective before a noun.

mal

adverb

badly; unwell

Forms
mal

Me siento mal después del viaje.

I feel unwell after the trip.

Usage note Invariable adverb; malo is the adjective.

cansado

adjective

tired

Forms
cansado, cansada, cansados, cansadas

Estamos cansados después de caminar.

We're tired after walking.

Usage note Normally used with estar and agrees with the person described.

caliente

adjective

hot

Forms
caliente, calientes

La sopa está demasiado caliente.

The soup is too hot.

Usage note Caliente has no gender ending; use calor for heat or the sensation of being hot.

frío

adjective

cold

Forms
frío, fría, fríos, frías

Tengo las manos frías.

My hands are cold.

Usage note Agrees with the noun; tener frío means to feel cold.

mejor

adjective

better

Forms
mejor, mejores

Hoy estoy mejor que ayer.

I'm better today than yesterday.

Usage note Comparative of bueno and bien; normally followed by que for comparison.

09

Study, work, and communication

Handle basic classroom language, simple work situations, and everyday communication.

25 entries

la escuela

noun

school

Gender
feminine
Forms
la escuela, las escuelas

Los niños van a la escuela a pie.

The children walk to school.

Usage note Common for primary school; colegio varies by region.

la clase

noun

class; lesson

Gender
feminine
Forms
la clase, las clases

La clase de español empieza ahora.

Spanish class starts now.

Usage note De introduces the subject studied.

el profesor

noun

male teacher

Gender
masculine
Forms
el profesor, los profesores

El profesor escribe en la pizarra.

The teacher writes on the board.

Usage note The feminine is la profesora.

el estudiante

noun

student

Gender
common
Forms
el estudiante, la estudiante, los estudiantes, las estudiantes

La estudiante hace una pregunta.

The student asks a question.

Usage note Same noun form for any gender; the article shows gender.

el trabajo

noun

work; job

Gender
masculine
Forms
el trabajo, los trabajos

Tengo mucho trabajo esta semana.

I have a lot of work this week.

Usage note Uncountable for workload, countable for a job or assignment.

la oficina

noun

office

Gender
feminine
Forms
la oficina, las oficinas

Mi oficina está en el centro.

My office is downtown.

Usage note Workplace location follows en.

la palabra

noun

word

Gender
feminine
Forms
la palabra, las palabras

No entiendo esta palabra.

I don't understand this word.

Usage note Palabra refers to a word as a unit of language.

la pregunta

noun

question

Gender
feminine
Forms
la pregunta, las preguntas

Tengo una pregunta sobre la tarea.

I have a question about the homework.

Usage note Sobre introduces the topic; preguntar is the related verb.

la respuesta

noun

answer

Gender
feminine
Forms
la respuesta, las respuestas

La respuesta está en el libro.

The answer is in the book.

Usage note Responder a means to answer a question or person.

el correo

noun

mail; email

Gender
masculine
Forms
el correo, los correos

Te envío la dirección por correo.

I send you the address by email.

Usage note Correo can mean postal mail or email; correo electrónico removes ambiguity.

el mensaje

noun

message

Gender
masculine
Forms
el mensaje, los mensajes

Leo tu mensaje durante el descanso.

I read your message during the break.

Usage note Masculine despite ending in -e.

aprender

verb

to learn

Forms
aprender; aprendo, aprendes, aprende, aprendemos, aprenden

Aprendo palabras nuevas cada día.

I learn new words every day.

Usage note Aprender a + infinitive describes learning how to do something.

entender

verb

to understand

Forms
entender; entiendo, entiendes, entiende, entendemos, entienden

Entiendo la pregunta, pero no sé la respuesta.

I understand the question, but I don't know the answer.

Usage note Entiendo contains the present-tense ie change; entendemos keeps the original e.

saber

verb

to know

Forms
saber; sé, sabes, sabe, sabemos, saben

No sé su número de teléfono.

I don't know his phone number.

Usage note Irregular sé; used for facts and knowing how to do something.

preguntar

verb

to ask

Forms
preguntar; pregunto, preguntas, pregunta, preguntamos, preguntan

Pregunto la hora a una señora.

I ask a woman the time.

Usage note The question comes directly; the person asked follows a.

responder

verb

to answer

Forms
responder; respondo, respondes, responde, respondemos, responden

Responde a mi mensaje, por favor.

Please reply to my message.

Usage note Often followed by a before the thing or person answered.

repetir

verb

to repeat

Forms
repetir; repito, repites, repite, repetimos, repiten

¿Puede repetir más despacio?

Can you repeat more slowly?

Usage note Repito and repiten use i, whereas repetimos keeps e; frequent in polite requests.

escuchar

verb

to listen to

Forms
escuchar; escucho, escuchas, escucha, escuchamos, escuchan

Escucho la radio mientras desayuno.

I listen to the radio while I eat breakfast.

Usage note Takes the object directly; no equivalent of English to is needed.

enviar

verb

to send

Forms
enviar; envío, envías, envía, enviamos, envían

Envío un correo a mi jefe.

I send an email to my boss.

Usage note The written accent appears in most present-tense forms but not enviamos.

contestar

verb

to answer

Forms
contestar; contesto, contestas, contesta, contestamos, contestan

Contesto el teléfono en la oficina.

I answer the phone at the office.

Usage note Can take a direct object, unlike responder a.

fácil

adjective

easy

Forms
fácil, fáciles

Este ejercicio es fácil.

This exercise is easy.

Usage note Same for gender; the plural changes the accent position in spelling: fáciles.

difícil

adjective

difficult

Forms
difícil, difíciles

La última pregunta es difícil.

The last question is difficult.

Usage note Difícil is gender-invariable; the plural is difíciles.

nuevo

adjective

new

Forms
nuevo, nueva, nuevos, nuevas

Tenemos una profesora nueva.

We have a new teacher.

Usage note Placed after a noun for literal newness; position can change nuance.

correcto

adjective

correct

Forms
correcto, correcta, correctos, correctas

La primera respuesta es correcta.

The first answer is correct.

Usage note Agrees with the noun it describes.

despacio

adverb

slowly

Forms
despacio

Hable más despacio, por favor.

Please speak more slowly.

Usage note Invariable adverb; más despacio is a common polite request.

10

Descriptions, weather, and feelings

Describe familiar things, basic weather, and common emotional states.

25 entries

grande

adjective

big; large

Forms
grande, grandes; gran

Vivimos en una ciudad grande.

We live in a big city.

Usage note Shortens to gran before a singular noun of either gender and may mean great.

pequeño

adjective

small

Forms
pequeño, pequeña, pequeños, pequeñas

Necesito una mesa pequeña.

I need a small table.

Usage note Agrees in gender and number with the noun.

bonito

adjective

pretty; nice

Forms
bonito, bonita, bonitos, bonitas

¡Qué bonito es este parque!

This park is so pretty.

Usage note Common everyday positive description; lindo and bello are regional alternatives.

rojo

adjective

red

Forms
rojo, roja, rojos, rojas

La puerta roja está cerrada.

The red door is closed.

Usage note Color adjective that agrees with its noun.

azul

adjective

blue

Forms
azul, azules

Lleva una camisa azul.

He's wearing a blue shirt.

Usage note Same singular form for gender; plural is azules.

blanco

adjective

white

Forms
blanco, blanca, blancos, blancas

Las paredes son blancas.

The walls are white.

Usage note Agrees with the noun in gender and number.

negro

adjective

black

Forms
negro, negra, negros, negras

Tengo un gato negro.

I have a black cat.

Usage note As a color adjective, it normally follows the noun.

feliz

adjective

happy

Forms
feliz, felices

Estamos felices en nuestra nueva casa.

We're happy in our new home.

Usage note Same for gender; plural changes z to c.

triste

adjective

sad

Forms
triste, tristes

Ana está triste porque su amiga se va.

Ana is sad because her friend is leaving.

Usage note Usually takes estar for a temporary feeling.

contento

adjective

pleased; happy

Forms
contento, contenta, contentos, contentas

Estoy contento con mi trabajo.

I'm happy with my job.

Usage note Often followed by con to name the reason or situation.

el calor

noun

heat

Gender
masculine
Forms
el calor

Hoy hace mucho calor.

It's very hot today.

Usage note Weather uses hacer calor; personal sensation uses tener calor.

la lluvia

noun

rain

Gender
feminine
Forms
la lluvia, las lluvias

La lluvia empieza por la tarde.

The rain starts in the afternoon.

Usage note Usually singular; plural refers to periods or instances of rain.

el sol

noun

sun; sunshine

Gender
masculine
Forms
el sol, los soles

Hoy hay sol y hace calor.

It's sunny and hot today.

Usage note Hay sol describes sunny weather; tomar el sol means to sunbathe.

el tiempo

noun

weather; time

Gender
masculine
Forms
el tiempo, los tiempos

¿Qué tiempo hace hoy?

What's the weather like today?

Usage note Means weather in this question and time in many other contexts.

llover

verb

to rain

Forms
llover; llueve

Llueve mucho en abril.

It rains a lot in April.

Usage note Usually impersonal and used only in third-person singular.

sentir

verb

to feel; to be sorry

Forms
sentir; siento, sientes, siente, sentimos, sienten

Siento mucho frío esta noche.

I feel very cold tonight.

Usage note Siento has ie but sentimos retains e; the fixed phrase lo siento apologizes.

poder

verb

can; to be able to

Forms
poder; puedo, puedes, puede, podemos, pueden

¿Puedes abrir la ventana?

Can you open the window?

Usage note A second verb follows in the infinitive; most present forms change o to ue.

decir

verb

to say; to tell

Forms
decir; digo, dices, dice, decimos, dicen

Marta dice que el tren llega a las ocho.

Marta says the train arrives at eight.

Usage note Irregular digo; decir que introduces what someone says.

llorar

verb

to cry

Forms
llorar; lloro, lloras, llora, lloramos, lloran

El bebé llora porque tiene hambre.

The baby is crying because he's hungry.

Usage note Regular -ar verb; por can introduce the reason.

parecer

verb

to seem; to look

Forms
parecer; parezco, pareces, parece, parecemos, parecen

La habitación parece cómoda.

The room looks comfortable.

Usage note Irregular parezco; the following adjective agrees with the subject.

deber

verb

must; should

Forms
deber; debo, debes, debe, debemos, deben

Debo llamar a mi madre esta tarde.

I must call my mother this afternoon.

Usage note Followed directly by an infinitive to express duty or advice.

tener hambre

verb

to be hungry

Forms
tener hambre; tengo hambre, tienes hambre

Tengo hambre después de caminar.

I'm hungry after walking.

Usage note Spanish uses tener plus the noun hambre rather than ser or estar.

tener sed

verb

to be thirsty

Forms
tener sed; tengo sed, tienes sed

Los niños tienen sed.

The children are thirsty.

Usage note Fixed tener expression; sed has no common plural in this sense.

tener miedo

verb

to be afraid

Forms
tener miedo; tengo miedo, tienes miedo

Mi hijo tiene miedo de la oscuridad.

My son is afraid of the dark.

Usage note The cause commonly follows de.

hacer buen tiempo

verb

for the weather to be nice

Forms
hacer buen tiempo; hace buen tiempo

Hace buen tiempo para ir a la playa.

The weather is nice for going to the beach.

Usage note Impersonal weather expression with hacer.