A2

Elementary Spanish

A2 Spanish Vocabulary: 250 Everyday Words

Expand your elementary Spanish with 250 useful words for routines, travel, shopping, health, work, and everyday descriptions.

At A2, vocabulary starts connecting into longer descriptions and practical exchanges. These terms help you handle familiar situations with less hesitation. Notice the complete phrase around each word instead of memorizing an isolated translation.

01

Relationships and personal history

Talk about relatives, friendships, life events, and personal changes.

25 entries

la familia

noun

family

Gender
feminine
Forms
la familia, las familias

Toda mi familia se reúne en diciembre.

My whole family gets together in December.

Usage note A collective singular noun; use a singular verb when it is the subject.

los padres

noun

parents

Gender
masculine
Forms
los padres

Mis padres celebran treinta años de casados.

My parents are celebrating thirty years of marriage.

Usage note Plural normally means parents; el padre alone means father.

el abuelo

noun

grandfather

Gender
masculine
Forms
el abuelo, los abuelos

Mi abuelo cuenta historias de su juventud.

My grandfather tells stories about his youth.

Usage note Los abuelos may mean grandparents of both genders.

la abuela

noun

grandmother

Gender
feminine
Forms
la abuela, las abuelas

Mi abuela aprendió a usar el móvil.

My grandmother learned to use a cell phone.

Usage note The related affectionate forms include abuelita and yaya in some regions.

el tío

noun

uncle

Gender
masculine
Forms
el tío, los tíos

Mi tío nos invita a su casa de campo.

My uncle invites us to his country house.

Usage note Tío also means guy informally in Spain; context distinguishes it.

la tía

noun

aunt

Gender
feminine
Forms
la tía, las tías

Mi tía vive en otra provincia.

My aunt lives in another province.

Usage note Tía can also be an informal term for woman in Spain.

el primo

noun

male cousin

Gender
masculine
Forms
el primo, los primos

Mi primo y yo nacimos el mismo año.

My cousin and I were born the same year.

Usage note The feminine is la prima.

la pareja

noun

partner; couple

Gender
feminine
Forms
la pareja, las parejas

Vivo con mi pareja desde 2022.

I've lived with my partner since 2022.

Usage note Grammatically feminine regardless of the partner's gender; also means couple.

el vecino

noun

male neighbor

Gender
masculine
Forms
el vecino, los vecinos

El vecino de arriba hace mucho ruido.

The upstairs neighbor makes a lot of noise.

Usage note The feminine is la vecina; de arriba identifies the floor above.

el compañero

noun

classmate; colleague

Gender
masculine
Forms
el compañero, los compañeros

Un compañero me ayuda con el informe.

A colleague helps me with the report.

Usage note Context determines classmate, coworker, or companion; feminine compañera.

casarse

verb

to get married

Forms
casarse; me caso, te casas, se casa, nos casamos, se casan

Laura se casa con Andrés en junio.

Laura is marrying Andrés in June.

Usage note Reflexive; the spouse follows con.

nacer

verb

to be born

Forms
nacer; nazco, naces, nace, nacemos, nacen

Nací en Caracas, pero crecí en Mérida.

I was born in Caracas, but I grew up in Mérida.

Usage note Irregular nazco in present; birth is normally narrated with the preterite nací.

crecer

verb

to grow; to grow up

Forms
crecer; crezco, creces, crece, crecemos, crecen

Los niños crecen muy rápido.

Children grow very quickly.

Usage note Irregular crezco in first-person present.

mudarse

verb

to move house

Forms
mudarse; me mudo, te mudas, se muda, nos mudamos, se mudan

Nos mudamos a un barrio más tranquilo.

We're moving to a quieter neighborhood.

Usage note Reflexive; destination follows a.

reunirse

verb

to meet; to gather

Forms
reunirse; me reúno, te reúnes, se reúne, nos reunimos, se reúnen

Nos reunimos con unos amigos los viernes.

We meet up with some friends on Fridays.

Usage note Reflexive; con introduces the people met.

invitar

verb

to invite; to treat

Forms
invitar; invito, invitas, invita, invitamos, invitan

Te invito a cenar por tu cumpleaños.

I'm taking you out to dinner for your birthday.

Usage note Invitar a + infinitive; invitar a alguien can also mean pay for them.

visitar

verb

to visit

Forms
visitar; visito, visitas, visita, visitamos, visitan

Visitamos a nuestros abuelos cada verano.

We visit our grandparents every summer.

Usage note Uses personal a with people but no preposition with places.

recordar

verb

to remember; to remind

Forms
recordar; recuerdo, recuerdas, recuerda, recordamos, recuerdan

No recuerdo su apellido.

I don't remember his last name.

Usage note Recuerdo changes stressed o to ue; recordamos does not. The remembered fact is direct.

olvidar

verb

to forget

Forms
olvidar; olvido, olvidas, olvida, olvidamos, olvidan

Siempre olvido dónde dejo el paraguas.

I always forget where I leave my umbrella.

Usage note Can also be reflexive: se me olvidó emphasizes an accidental lapse.

llevarse bien

verb

to get along

Forms
llevarse bien; me llevo bien, te llevas bien, se lleva bien

Me llevo bien con mis compañeros de piso.

I get along with my roommates.

Usage note Fixed reflexive expression followed by con.

solo

adjective

alone

Forms
solo, sola, solos, solas

Mi abuelo no vive solo.

My grandfather doesn't live alone.

Usage note As an adjective it agrees with the person; solo without an accent can also mean only.

junto

adjective

together

Forms
junto, junta, juntos, juntas

Mis hermanas trabajan juntas.

My sisters work together.

Usage note It agrees with the people involved even when English uses the invariable word together.

casado

adjective

married

Forms
casado, casada, casados, casadas

Están casados desde hace diez años.

They've been married for ten years.

Usage note Used with estar; desde hace expresses duration continuing to the present.

soltero

adjective

single; unmarried

Forms
soltero, soltera, solteros, solteras

Su hermano sigue soltero.

Her brother is still single.

Usage note Refers to marital status; seguir + adjective means to remain.

la edad

noun

age

Gender
feminine
Forms
la edad, las edades

A esa edad ya vivía fuera de casa.

At that age I was already living away from home.

Usage note To state age, Spanish uses tener plus a number of años.

02

Home and expanded routines

Describe household tasks, habits, schedules, and practical arrangements.

25 entries

el salón

noun

living room

Gender
masculine
Forms
el salón, los salones

Pintamos el salón de color verde claro.

We're painting the living room light green.

Usage note Sala is a frequent regional alternative.

el dormitorio

noun

bedroom

Gender
masculine
Forms
el dormitorio, los dormitorios

El dormitorio da a un patio interior.

The bedroom faces an interior courtyard.

Usage note Dar a means to face or open onto a place.

el armario

noun

closet; wardrobe

Gender
masculine
Forms
el armario, los armarios

Cuelga el abrigo en el armario.

Hang the coat in the closet.

Usage note Closet or freestanding wardrobe depending on the home.

la nevera

noun

refrigerator

Gender
feminine
Forms
la nevera, las neveras

Queda poca verdura en la nevera.

There are few vegetables left in the refrigerator.

Usage note Frigorífico and refrigerador are common regional alternatives.

la lavadora

noun

washing machine

Gender
feminine
Forms
la lavadora, las lavadoras

La lavadora termina dentro de diez minutos.

The washing machine finishes in ten minutes.

Usage note Derived from lavar; typically refers to the appliance, not a person.

la basura

noun

trash; garbage

Gender
feminine
Forms
la basura, las basuras

Saco la basura antes de acostarme.

I take out the trash before going to bed.

Usage note Usually uncountable; tirar la basura means to throw it away.

el alquiler

noun

rent; rental

Gender
masculine
Forms
el alquiler, los alquileres

El alquiler incluye el agua y la luz.

The rent includes water and electricity.

Usage note Can refer to the payment or the act of renting.

el ruido

noun

noise

Gender
masculine
Forms
el ruido, los ruidos

Anoche había mucho ruido en la calle.

There was a lot of noise in the street last night.

Usage note Countable for separate noises and uncountable for noise in general.

acostarse

verb

to go to bed

Forms
acostarse; me acuesto, te acuestas, se acuesta, nos acostamos, se acuestan

Me acuesto tarde los sábados.

I go to bed late on Saturdays.

Usage note Uses reflexive pronouns; acuesto has ue, while acostamos keeps o.

despertarse

verb

to wake up

Forms
despertarse; me despierto, te despiertas, se despierta, nos despertamos, se despiertan

Me despierto cuando suena el despertador.

I wake up when the alarm clock rings.

Usage note The reflexive pronoun is obligatory; despierto has ie but despertamos has e.

peinarse

verb

to comb one's hair

Forms
peinarse; me peino, te peinas, se peina, nos peinamos, se peinan

Se peina frente al espejo.

She combs her hair in front of the mirror.

Usage note Reflexive; Spanish normally omits the possessive for the body part.

afeitarse

verb

to shave

Forms
afeitarse; me afeito, te afeitas, se afeita, nos afeitamos, se afeitan

Mi padre se afeita después de ducharse.

My father shaves after showering.

Usage note Reflexive when a person shaves themself.

preparar

verb

to prepare

Forms
preparar; preparo, preparas, prepara, preparamos, preparan

Preparo la mochila la noche anterior.

I pack my backpack the night before.

Usage note Can mean prepare food or get an object or person ready.

ordenar

verb

to tidy; to organize

Forms
ordenar; ordeno, ordenas, ordena, ordenamos, ordenan

Ordenamos el piso antes de la visita.

We tidy the apartment before the visit.

Usage note In household contexts it means put in order; it can also mean command.

barrer

verb

to sweep

Forms
barrer; barro, barres, barre, barremos, barren

Barro la cocina después de cocinar.

I sweep the kitchen after cooking.

Usage note Regular -er verb; the tool is una escoba.

planchar

verb

to iron

Forms
planchar; plancho, planchas, plancha, planchamos, planchan

No hace falta planchar esta camisa.

This shirt doesn't need ironing.

Usage note Hacer falta + infinitive expresses necessity.

arreglar

verb

to fix; to arrange

Forms
arreglar; arreglo, arreglas, arregla, arreglamos, arreglan

El técnico arregla la calefacción.

The technician fixes the heating.

Usage note Covers repairing objects and arranging spaces; arreglarse means to get ready.

quedar

verb

to remain; to arrange to meet

Forms
quedar; quedo, quedas, queda, quedamos, quedan

Quedamos a las seis delante del cine.

We're meeting at six in front of the movie theater.

Usage note With people, it means arrange to meet; with things, it can mean remain.

soler

verb

to usually do

Forms
soler; suelo, sueles, suele, solemos, suelen

Suelo leer antes de dormir.

I usually read before sleeping.

Usage note Suelo and suele contain ue, but solemos does not; another verb follows in the infinitive.

tardar

verb

to take time

Forms
tardar; tardo, tardas, tarda, tardamos, tardan

Tardo media hora en llegar al trabajo.

It takes me half an hour to get to work.

Usage note Tardar + time + en + infinitive states how long an action takes.

quedarse

verb

to stay

Forms
quedarse; me quedo, te quedas, se queda, nos quedamos, se quedan

Esta noche nos quedamos en casa.

Tonight we're staying home.

Usage note Reflexive form means remain or stay in a place.

a menudo

adverb

often

Forms
a menudo

A menudo cocinamos para toda la semana.

We often cook for the whole week.

Usage note Fixed frequency phrase; no article is added.

casi

adverb

almost

Forms
casi

Casi siempre desayuno a la misma hora.

I almost always have breakfast at the same time.

Usage note Placed immediately before what it modifies.

nunca

adverb

never

Forms
nunca

Nunca dejo platos sucios por la noche.

I never leave dirty dishes overnight.

Usage note Before the verb it needs no no; after the verb use no ... nunca.

ya

adverb

already; now

Forms
ya

Ya he terminado las tareas de casa.

I've already finished the household chores.

Usage note Position and context determine already, now, or no longer in ya no.

03

Meals and purchases

Shop for clothes and groceries, order in restaurants, and discuss quantities.

25 entries

el menú

noun

menu; set meal

Gender
masculine
Forms
el menú, los menús

El menú del día incluye postre y bebida.

The set menu includes dessert and a drink.

Usage note Menú del día is a fixed-price set meal in Spain and elsewhere.

el plato

noun

plate; dish

Gender
masculine
Forms
el plato, los platos

La paella es el plato más popular.

Paella is the most popular dish.

Usage note Can mean the physical plate or a prepared dish.

la bebida

noun

drink; beverage

Gender
feminine
Forms
la bebida, las bebidas

La bebida no está incluida en el precio.

The drink isn't included in the price.

Usage note Related to beber; usually refers to a prepared or served drink.

el postre

noun

dessert

Gender
masculine
Forms
el postre, los postres

De postre quiero fruta.

For dessert I want fruit.

Usage note De postre is the usual phrase for choosing dessert.

el pollo

noun

chicken

Gender
masculine
Forms
el pollo, los pollos

Hacemos pollo al horno con patatas.

We're making baked chicken with potatoes.

Usage note Can refer to the animal or its meat; al horno means baked.

el huevo

noun

egg

Gender
masculine
Forms
el huevo, los huevos

Desayuno dos huevos con pan.

I have two eggs with bread for breakfast.

Usage note The h is silent; note the spelling change from huevo to huevos only adds s.

el queso

noun

cheese

Gender
masculine
Forms
el queso, los quesos

Este queso tiene un sabor fuerte.

This cheese has a strong flavor.

Usage note Plural can refer to different cheeses or individual pieces.

la patata

noun

potato

Gender
feminine
Forms
la patata, las patatas

Cortamos las patatas en trozos pequeños.

We cut the potatoes into small pieces.

Usage note Papa is the usual regional term across much of Latin America.

el tomate

noun

tomato

Gender
masculine
Forms
el tomate, los tomates

Añade un tomate maduro a la ensalada.

Add a ripe tomato to the salad.

Usage note Masculine despite ending in -e.

la botella

noun

bottle

Gender
feminine
Forms
la botella, las botellas

Pedimos una botella de agua para compartir.

We order a bottle of water to share.

Usage note De introduces the contents.

el kilo

noun

kilogram

Gender
masculine
Forms
el kilo, los kilos

Quiero medio kilo de uvas.

I want half a kilo of grapes.

Usage note Quantities use de before the product.

la talla

noun

size

Gender
feminine
Forms
la talla, las tallas

¿Tiene esta chaqueta en una talla más grande?

Do you have this jacket in a larger size?

Usage note Used mainly for clothing; shoe size may be número.

el precio

noun

price

Gender
masculine
Forms
el precio, los precios

El precio de los billetes ha subido.

Ticket prices have gone up.

Usage note De identifies the item priced.

la cuenta

noun

bill; check; account

Gender
feminine
Forms
la cuenta, las cuentas

¿Nos trae la cuenta, por favor?

Could you bring us the check, please?

Usage note At a restaurant it means the bill; it also means an account.

probar

verb

to try; to taste

Forms
probar; pruebo, pruebas, prueba, probamos, prueban

¿Puedo probarme estos pantalones?

Can I try on these pants?

Usage note Stem-changing o→ue; reflexive probarse is used for clothes.

elegir

verb

to choose

Forms
elegir; elijo, eliges, elige, elegimos, eligen

Elijo el pescado porque parece fresco.

I choose the fish because it looks fresh.

Usage note Elijo has both a g→j spelling change and e→i; elegimos keeps e.

vender

verb

to sell

Forms
vender; vendo, vendes, vende, vendemos, venden

Aquí venden productos locales.

They sell local products here.

Usage note Third-person plural can express an unspecified they.

devolver

verb

to return; to give back

Forms
devolver; devuelvo, devuelves, devuelve, devolvemos, devuelven

Devuelvo los zapatos porque me quedan pequeños.

I'm returning the shoes because they're too small.

Usage note Stem-changing o→ue; takes the item directly.

cambiar

verb

to change; to exchange

Forms
cambiar; cambio, cambias, cambia, cambiamos, cambian

Quiero cambiar esta camisa por otra.

I want to exchange this shirt for another one.

Usage note Por introduces the replacement in an exchange.

servir

verb

to serve; to be useful

Forms
servir; sirvo, sirves, sirve, servimos, sirven

Sirven la cena a partir de las ocho.

They serve dinner starting at eight.

Usage note Sirvo and sirven change e to i, unlike servimos; servir para expresses usefulness.

añadir

verb

to add

Forms
añadir; añado, añades, añade, añadimos, añaden

Añade un poco de sal a la sopa.

Add a little salt to the soup.

Usage note A introduces what receives the added ingredient.

quedar bien

verb

to fit; to look good

Forms
quedar bien; me queda bien, te queda bien

Ese color te queda muy bien.

That color looks very good on you.

Usage note Works like gustar: the clothing or color is the subject.

lleno

adjective

full

Forms
lleno, llena, llenos, llenas

El restaurante está lleno esta noche.

The restaurant is full tonight.

Usage note Normally used with estar for current capacity.

fresco

adjective

fresh; cool

Forms
fresco, fresca, frescos, frescas

Compramos pescado fresco en el puerto.

We buy fresh fish at the harbor.

Usage note For food it means fresh; for weather it means cool.

demasiado

determiner

too much; too many

Forms
demasiado, demasiada, demasiados, demasiadas

Esta salsa tiene demasiada sal.

This sauce has too much salt.

Usage note Agrees as a determiner; before an adjective it is invariable: demasiado caro.

04

Travel and accommodation

Plan journeys, use transport, check in, and solve common travel needs.

25 entries

el viaje

noun

trip; journey

Gender
masculine
Forms
el viaje, los viajes

Nuestro viaje dura cinco días.

Our trip lasts five days.

Usage note Masculine despite ending in -e.

el billete

noun

ticket; banknote

Gender
masculine
Forms
el billete, los billetes

Compro un billete de ida y vuelta.

I buy a round-trip ticket.

Usage note Boleto and pasaje are common travel-ticket alternatives in the Americas.

la maleta

noun

suitcase

Gender
feminine
Forms
la maleta, las maletas

Mi maleta pesa menos de veinte kilos.

My suitcase weighs less than twenty kilos.

Usage note Equipaje is the collective word luggage.

el equipaje

noun

luggage

Gender
masculine
Forms
el equipaje, los equipajes

El equipaje de mano va debajo del asiento.

Carry-on luggage goes under the seat.

Usage note Usually collective singular; equipaje de mano means carry-on luggage.

la reserva

noun

reservation; booking

Gender
feminine
Forms
la reserva, las reservas

Tengo una reserva a nombre de Torres.

I have a reservation under the name Torres.

Usage note A nombre de gives the name used for the booking.

la recepción

noun

reception; front desk

Gender
feminine
Forms
la recepción, las recepciones

Dejo la llave en recepción.

I leave the key at reception.

Usage note Hotel usage often omits the article after en.

el mapa

noun

map

Gender
masculine
Forms
el mapa, los mapas

Marco la ruta en el mapa.

I mark the route on the map.

Usage note Masculine despite ending in -a.

la parada

noun

stop

Gender
feminine
Forms
la parada, las paradas

La próxima parada es la terminal.

The next stop is the terminal.

Usage note Used for bus, tram, or taxi stops.

el andén

noun

platform

Gender
masculine
Forms
el andén, los andenes

El tren sale del andén cuatro.

The train leaves from platform four.

Usage note The singular accent disappears in the plural andenes.

la carretera

noun

road; highway

Gender
feminine
Forms
la carretera, las carreteras

Hay mucho tráfico en la carretera de la costa.

There's heavy traffic on the coastal road.

Usage note Typically an intercity road, unlike urban calle.

reservar

verb

to book; to reserve

Forms
reservar; reservo, reservas, reserva, reservamos, reservan

Reservamos una habitación doble para dos noches.

We book a double room for two nights.

Usage note Para introduces the date, purpose, or intended stay.

alojarse

verb

to stay; to lodge

Forms
alojarse; me alojo, te alojas, se aloja, nos alojamos, se alojan

Nos alojamos en un hostal cerca de la catedral.

We're staying in a hostel near the cathedral.

Usage note Reflexive for staying in accommodation; location follows en.

facturar

verb

to check in baggage; to invoice

Forms
facturar; facturo, facturas, factura, facturamos, facturan

Tenemos que facturar una maleta.

We have to check one suitcase.

Usage note At an airport it means check baggage; in business it means invoice.

perder

verb

to lose; to miss

Forms
perder; pierdo, pierdes, pierde, perdemos, pierden

Corremos para no perder el tren.

We run so we don't miss the train.

Usage note Pierdo has ie while perdemos retains e; it covers lost objects and missed transport.

volver

verb

to return; to come back

Forms
volver; vuelvo, vuelves, vuelve, volvemos, vuelven

Volvemos de vacaciones el lunes.

We come back from vacation on Monday.

Usage note Vuelvo changes o to ue, unlike volvemos; the point of origin can follow de.

traer

verb

to bring

Forms
traer; traigo, traes, trae, traemos, traen

¿Puedes traer otra almohada a la habitación?

Can you bring another pillow to the room?

Usage note Irregular traigo; movement is toward the speaker or reference point.

conducir

verb

to drive

Forms
conducir; conduzco, conduces, conduce, conducimos, conducen

Conduzco con cuidado cuando llueve.

I drive carefully when it rains.

Usage note Irregular conduzco in first-person present.

montar

verb

to ride; to assemble

Forms
montar; monto, montas, monta, montamos, montan

Montamos en bicicleta por el paseo marítimo.

We ride bicycles along the waterfront.

Usage note Montar en describes riding transport or an animal.

recoger

verb

to pick up; to collect

Forms
recoger; recojo, recoges, recoge, recogemos, recogen

Recojo el coche de alquiler en el aeropuerto.

I pick up the rental car at the airport.

Usage note Irregular recojo; takes the collected item directly.

orientarse

verb

to find one's way

Forms
orientarse; me oriento, te orientas, se orienta, nos orientamos, se orientan

Con este mapa es fácil orientarse.

With this map it's easy to find your way.

Usage note Reflexive when meaning to get one's bearings.

directo

adjective

direct; nonstop

Forms
directo, directa, directos, directas

¿Hay un autobús directo al aeropuerto?

Is there a direct bus to the airport?

Usage note In travel, it means without transfers or intermediate stops.

disponible

adjective

available

Forms
disponible, disponibles

No hay habitaciones disponibles para esta noche.

There are no rooms available for tonight.

Usage note Disponible does not mark gender; only the plural adds s.

la ida

noun

outward journey

Gender
feminine
Forms
la ida, las idas

El billete de ida cuesta cuarenta euros.

The one-way ticket costs forty euros.

Usage note Billete de ida contrasts with billete de ida y vuelta.

la vuelta

noun

return journey

Gender
feminine
Forms
la vuelta, las vueltas

La vuelta es el domingo por la tarde.

The return trip is Sunday afternoon.

Usage note Also means turn, lap, or walk in other contexts.

enfrente

adverb

opposite; across the way

Forms
enfrente

La entrada del metro está enfrente.

The subway entrance is across the way.

Usage note Enfrente de introduces the reference place.

05

Health and appointments

Explain common symptoms, follow basic medical advice, and arrange appointments.

25 entries

la cita

noun

appointment; date

Gender
feminine
Forms
la cita, las citas

Tengo cita con el dentista a las cuatro.

I have a dentist appointment at four.

Usage note The professional follows con; article omission after tener cita is common.

el centro de salud

noun

health center

Gender
masculine
Forms
el centro de salud, los centros de salud

El centro de salud abre también los sábados.

The health center is also open on Saturdays.

Usage note Primary-care facility; terminology varies across health systems.

el dentista

noun

dentist

Gender
common
Forms
el dentista, la dentista, los dentistas, las dentistas

La dentista me revisa una muela.

The dentist checks one of my teeth.

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

la enfermera

noun

female nurse

Gender
feminine
Forms
la enfermera, las enfermeras

La enfermera me toma la temperatura.

The nurse takes my temperature.

Usage note The masculine is el enfermero.

la fiebre

noun

fever

Gender
feminine
Forms
la fiebre, las fiebres

El niño tiene fiebre desde anoche.

The child has had a fever since last night.

Usage note Normally used with tener, not estar.

la tos

noun

cough

Gender
feminine
Forms
la tos, las toses

Esta tos no me deja dormir.

This cough won't let me sleep.

Usage note Normally singular; tener tos means to have a cough.

el resfriado

noun

cold

Gender
masculine
Forms
el resfriado, los resfriados

Tengo un resfriado bastante fuerte.

I have a pretty bad cold.

Usage note Refers to the illness; frío refers to low temperature.

la espalda

noun

back

Gender
feminine
Forms
la espalda, las espaldas

Me duele la espalda después de trabajar sentado.

My back hurts after working seated.

Usage note Body parts take the definite article with doler.

el estómago

noun

stomach

Gender
masculine
Forms
el estómago, los estómagos

Me duele el estómago desde el almuerzo.

My stomach has hurt since lunch.

Usage note Carries a written accent because stress falls on the first syllable.

la garganta

noun

throat

Gender
feminine
Forms
la garganta, las gargantas

Me molesta la garganta al hablar.

My throat bothers me when I talk.

Usage note Al + infinitive means when doing something.

la receta

noun

prescription; recipe

Gender
feminine
Forms
la receta, las recetas

El médico me da una receta para el antibiótico.

The doctor gives me a prescription for the antibiotic.

Usage note Means both medical prescription and cooking recipe.

la pastilla

noun

pill; tablet

Gender
feminine
Forms
la pastilla, las pastillas

Toma una pastilla cada ocho horas.

Take one pill every eight hours.

Usage note Cada + time interval states dosage frequency.

la alergia

noun

allergy

Gender
feminine
Forms
la alergia, las alergias

Tengo alergia al polen.

I'm allergic to pollen.

Usage note Tener alergia a names the trigger; before el polen, the preposition forms al.

enfermar

verb

to become ill

Forms
enfermar; enfermo, enfermas, enferma, enfermamos, enferman

Mi hermana enfermó durante el viaje y volvió a casa antes.

My sister became ill during the trip and came home early.

Usage note Can be intransitive become ill or transitive make ill.

mejorar

verb

to improve; to get better

Forms
mejorar; mejoro, mejoras, mejora, mejoramos, mejoran

La tos mejora con descanso y líquidos.

The cough gets better with rest and fluids.

Usage note Can describe a person's recovery or improvement in a condition.

empeorar

verb

to worsen; to get worse

Forms
empeorar; empeoro, empeoras, empeora, empeoramos, empeoran

Si el dolor empeora, llama al médico.

If the pain gets worse, call the doctor.

Usage note Opposite of mejorar and can be used without an object.

respirar

verb

to breathe

Forms
respirar; respiro, respiras, respira, respiramos, respiran

Me cuesta respirar por la nariz.

It's hard for me to breathe through my nose.

Usage note Costar + infinitive expresses difficulty; por marks the passage.

caerse

verb

to fall down

Forms
caerse; me caigo, te caes, se cae, nos caemos, se caen

Se cayó de la bicicleta y se hizo daño.

He fell off the bicycle and hurt himself.

Usage note Reflexive; irregular caigo in present and cayó in preterite.

hacerse daño

verb

to hurt oneself

Forms
hacerse daño; me hago daño, te haces daño, se hace daño

Me hice daño en la rodilla jugando al fútbol.

I hurt my knee playing soccer.

Usage note Fixed reflexive expression; the body part follows en.

tomarse

verb

to take; to consume

Forms
tomarse; me tomo, te tomas, se toma, nos tomamos, se toman

Tómate este jarabe después de cenar.

Take this syrup after dinner.

Usage note Reflexive pronoun can make consumption sound complete or personally relevant.

pedir cita

verb

to make an appointment

Forms
pedir cita; pido cita, pides cita

Llamo para pedir cita con mi médica.

I'm calling to make an appointment with my doctor.

Usage note Fixed expression; para introduces the purpose of the call.

sano

adjective

healthy

Forms
sano, sana, sanos, sanas

Intento llevar una vida sana entre semana.

I try to lead a healthy life on weekdays.

Usage note As an adjective, sano agrees with the person, habit, or food it describes.

grave

adjective

serious; severe

Forms
grave, graves

Por suerte, la lesión no es grave.

Fortunately, the injury isn't serious.

Usage note Same for gender; in health contexts it means serious or severe.

mareado

adjective

dizzy; motion-sick

Forms
mareado, mareada, mareados, mareadas

Me siento mareada cuando viajo en barco.

I feel seasick when I travel by boat.

Usage note Normally used with estar or sentirse.

cuidarse

verb

to take care of oneself

Forms
cuidarse; me cuido, te cuidas, se cuida, nos cuidamos, se cuidan

Tienes que cuidarte y dormir más.

You have to take care of yourself and sleep more.

Usage note Reflexive; cuidar de alguien means to look after another person.

06

Work, study, and technology

Discuss tasks, schedules, learning, and everyday digital communication.

25 entries

la empresa

noun

company; business

Gender
feminine
Forms
la empresa, las empresas

La empresa tiene oficinas en tres países.

The company has offices in three countries.

Usage note Refers to an organization or business undertaking.

el jefe

noun

male boss

Gender
masculine
Forms
el jefe, los jefes

Mi jefe organiza una reunión semanal.

My boss organizes a weekly meeting.

Usage note The feminine is la jefa.

el horario

noun

schedule; opening hours

Gender
masculine
Forms
el horario, los horarios

Mi horario cambia durante el verano.

My schedule changes during the summer.

Usage note Also used for posted opening and closing times.

la reunión

noun

meeting

Gender
feminine
Forms
la reunión, las reuniones

La reunión empieza después del almuerzo.

The meeting starts after lunch.

Usage note Reunión de trabajo specifies a work meeting.

el informe

noun

report

Gender
masculine
Forms
el informe, los informes

Mañana entrego el informe final.

Tomorrow I hand in the final report.

Usage note Common in academic and professional contexts.

la tarea

noun

task; homework

Gender
feminine
Forms
la tarea, las tareas

Dividimos la tarea en tres partes.

We divide the task into three parts.

Usage note In school it frequently means homework, especially in the Americas.

el curso

noun

course; school year

Gender
masculine
Forms
el curso, los cursos

Me he apuntado a un curso de fotografía.

I've signed up for a photography course.

Usage note Apuntarse a un curso means to enroll.

el examen

noun

exam

Gender
masculine
Forms
el examen, los exámenes

El examen tiene una parte oral.

The exam has an oral section.

Usage note The plural adds a written accent: exámenes.

la nota

noun

grade; note

Gender
feminine
Forms
la nota, las notas

He sacado una buena nota en matemáticas.

I got a good grade in math.

Usage note Sacar una nota is the usual expression for receiving a grade.

el ordenador

noun

computer

Gender
masculine
Forms
el ordenador, los ordenadores

El ordenador tarda mucho en encenderse.

The computer takes a long time to start.

Usage note Computadora or computador is more common in much of Latin America.

la pantalla

noun

screen

Gender
feminine
Forms
la pantalla, las pantallas

Comparto la pantalla durante la llamada.

I share my screen during the call.

Usage note Used for computer, phone, cinema, and television screens.

la contraseña

noun

password

Gender
feminine
Forms
la contraseña, las contraseñas

He olvidado la contraseña del correo.

I've forgotten my email password.

Usage note Clave is a frequent alternative, especially in Latin America.

organizar

verb

to organize

Forms
organizar; organizo, organizas, organiza, organizamos, organizan

Organizo mis tareas por orden de importancia.

I organize my tasks by order of importance.

Usage note Spelling changes to organicé in the preterite first person.

explicar

verb

to explain

Forms
explicar; explico, explicas, explica, explicamos, explican

La profesora explica el problema con un dibujo.

The teacher explains the problem with a drawing.

Usage note The thing explained is direct; the listener can be marked with le.

practicar

verb

to practice

Forms
practicar; practico, practicas, practica, practicamos, practican

Practico la pronunciación con una compañera.

I practice pronunciation with a classmate.

Usage note Spelling changes to practiqué in the preterite first person.

entregar

verb

to hand in; to deliver

Forms
entregar; entrego, entregas, entrega, entregamos, entregan

Tenemos que entregar el proyecto el viernes.

We have to hand in the project on Friday.

Usage note The deadline can appear without a preposition.

aprobar

verb

to pass; to approve

Forms
aprobar; apruebo, apruebas, aprueba, aprobamos, aprueban

Aprobó el examen en el segundo intento.

She passed the exam on her second attempt.

Usage note Apruebo shows o→ue while aprobamos keeps o; exams are direct objects.

suspender

verb

to fail; to suspend

Forms
suspender; suspendo, suspendes, suspende, suspendemos, suspenden

Suspendí química, pero aprobé historia.

I failed chemistry but passed history.

Usage note In Spain it means fail an exam; reprobar is common in Latin America.

apuntarse

verb

to sign up

Forms
apuntarse; me apunto, te apuntas, se apunta, nos apuntamos, se apuntan

Me apunto al taller de conversación.

I'm signing up for the conversation workshop.

Usage note Reflexive and governed by a; before el taller, this becomes al.

descargar

verb

to download

Forms
descargar; descargo, descargas, descarga, descargamos, descargan

Descargo el documento antes de la reunión.

I download the document before the meeting.

Usage note Spelling changes in some forms to preserve the hard g sound.

subir un archivo

verb

to upload a file

Forms
subir un archivo; subo un archivo, subes un archivo

Sube el archivo a la carpeta compartida.

Upload the file to the shared folder.

Usage note Subir means upload in digital contexts; a marks the destination.

guardar un documento

verb

to save a document

Forms
guardar un documento; guardo un documento, guardas un documento

Guarda el documento antes de cerrar el programa.

Save the document before closing the program.

Usage note Guardar means save when preserving a digital file.

ocupado

adjective

busy; occupied

Forms
ocupado, ocupada, ocupados, ocupadas

Esta tarde estoy ocupada hasta las seis.

This afternoon I'm busy until six.

Usage note With estar it describes current availability; an occupied seat is also ocupado.

puntual

adjective

punctual; on time

Forms
puntual, puntuales

Siempre llega puntual a las reuniones.

She always arrives on time for meetings.

Usage note Same form for gender; llegar puntual means arrive on time.

en línea

adverb

online

Forms
en línea

La clase de mañana es en línea.

Tomorrow's class is online.

Usage note Fixed phrase used across regions; online is also heard informally.

07

Leisure, sports, and media

Talk about free-time plans, entertainment, hobbies, and simple preferences.

25 entries

el tiempo libre

noun

free time

Gender
masculine
Forms
el tiempo libre

En mi tiempo libre dibujo y escucho pódcast.

In my free time I draw and listen to podcasts.

Usage note Usually singular and introduced by en.

la película

noun

movie; film

Gender
feminine
Forms
la película, las películas

La película dura casi dos horas.

The movie lasts almost two hours.

Usage note Peli is a common informal shortening.

la serie

noun

series; TV show

Gender
feminine
Forms
la serie, las series

Estamos viendo una serie argentina.

We're watching an Argentine series.

Usage note Singular serie can refer to one entire show.

la música

noun

music

Gender
feminine
Forms
la música

Pongo música mientras limpio la casa.

I put on music while I clean the house.

Usage note Usually uncountable; poner música means to play music.

el concierto

noun

concert

Gender
masculine
Forms
el concierto, los conciertos

Conseguimos entradas para el concierto.

We got tickets for the concert.

Usage note Entrada is the admission ticket for an event.

el deporte

noun

sport

Gender
masculine
Forms
el deporte, los deportes

Hacer deporte me ayuda a dormir mejor.

Playing sports helps me sleep better.

Usage note Spanish usually says hacer deporte rather than play sport generally.

el fútbol

noun

soccer; football

Gender
masculine
Forms
el fútbol

Jugamos al fútbol después de clase.

We play soccer after class.

Usage note Sports follow jugar a; with el fútbol, the result is jugar al fútbol.

la bicicleta

noun

bicycle

Gender
feminine
Forms
la bicicleta, las bicicletas

Voy al trabajo en bicicleta cuando hace sol.

I bike to work when it's sunny.

Usage note Transport phrase en bicicleta normally omits the article.

el paseo

noun

walk; outing

Gender
masculine
Forms
el paseo, los paseos

Damos un paseo junto al río.

We take a walk beside the river.

Usage note Dar un paseo is the standard expression for taking a walk.

el dibujo

noun

drawing

Gender
masculine
Forms
el dibujo, los dibujos

Le envío a mi sobrina un dibujo del gato.

I send my niece a drawing of the cat.

Usage note Can mean a finished drawing or drawing as a subject.

jugar

verb

to play

Forms
jugar; juego, juegas, juega, jugamos, juegan

Los domingos jugamos a las cartas.

On Sundays we play cards.

Usage note Juego and juegan change u to ue; jugamos retains u. Games follow a.

ver una película

verb

to watch a movie

Forms
ver una película; veo una película, ves una película

Esta noche vemos una película en versión original.

Tonight we're watching a movie in the original language.

Usage note Fixed leisure collocation; en versión original describes the language format.

bailar

verb

to dance

Forms
bailar; bailo, bailas, baila, bailamos, bailan

Aprendemos a bailar salsa.

We're learning to dance salsa.

Usage note Can be transitive with a dance or intransitive.

cantar

verb

to sing

Forms
cantar; canto, cantas, canta, cantamos, cantan

Mi hija canta en un coro.

My daughter sings in a choir.

Usage note En introduces the musical group.

dibujar

verb

to draw

Forms
dibujar; dibujo, dibujas, dibuja, dibujamos, dibujan

Dibujo paisajes cuando viajo.

I draw landscapes when I travel.

Usage note Regular -ar verb; dibujo is both I draw and the noun drawing.

nadar

verb

to swim

Forms
nadar; nado, nadas, nada, nadamos, nadan

Nadamos en la piscina municipal.

We swim in the public pool.

Usage note Location normally follows en.

correr

verb

to run

Forms
correr; corro, corres, corre, corremos, corren

Corro cinco kilómetros tres veces por semana.

I run five kilometers three times a week.

Usage note Distance follows directly without a preposition.

celebrar

verb

to celebrate

Forms
celebrar; celebro, celebras, celebra, celebramos, celebran

Celebramos su cumpleaños con una cena.

We celebrate her birthday with a dinner.

Usage note Takes the occasion directly; con introduces how it is celebrated.

divertirse

verb

to have fun

Forms
divertirse; me divierto, te diviertes, se divierte, nos divertimos, se divierten

Nos divertimos mucho en la fiesta.

We have a lot of fun at the party.

Usage note Always reflexive here; divierto contains ie, whereas divertimos preserves e.

aburrirse

verb

to get bored

Forms
aburrirse; me aburro, te aburres, se aburre, nos aburrimos, se aburren

Los niños se aburren durante el viaje largo.

The children get bored during the long trip.

Usage note Reflexive for becoming bored; estar aburrido describes the state.

interesar

verb

to interest

Forms
interesar; me interesa, te interesa, le interesa, nos interesa, les interesa

Me interesa la historia de América Latina.

I'm interested in Latin American history.

Usage note Works like gustar; interesa agrees with the thing that is interesting.

quedar con amigos

verb

to meet up with friends

Forms
quedar con amigos; quedo con amigos, quedas con amigos

Los viernes suelo quedar con amigos.

On Fridays I usually meet up with friends.

Usage note Fixed social phrase; quedar con names the people one meets.

favorito

adjective

favorite

Forms
favorito, favorita, favoritos, favoritas

¿Cuál es tu canción favorita?

What's your favorite song?

Usage note Usually follows the noun and agrees with it.

gratis

adjective

free of charge

Forms
gratis

La entrada al museo es gratis los domingos.

Museum admission is free on Sundays.

Usage note Invariable for gender and number.

interesante

adjective

interesting

Forms
interesante, interesantes

El documental es corto pero interesante.

The documentary is short but interesting.

Usage note Interesante is unchanged for gender; interesantes is its plural.

08

Nature, weather, and seasons

Describe surroundings, seasonal weather, and simple outdoor conditions.

25 entries

el campo

noun

countryside; field

Gender
masculine
Forms
el campo, los campos

Pasamos el fin de semana en el campo.

We spend the weekend in the countryside.

Usage note En el campo can mean in the countryside or in a field.

la montaña

noun

mountain

Gender
feminine
Forms
la montaña, las montañas

Desde la ventana se ven las montañas.

You can see the mountains from the window.

Usage note The se construction avoids naming a specific viewer.

el río

noun

river

Gender
masculine
Forms
el río, los ríos

El camino continúa junto al río.

The path continues along the river.

Usage note Keeps the written accent in singular and plural.

el mar

noun

sea

Gender
masculine
Forms
el mar, los mares

El agua del mar está fría en mayo.

The seawater is cold in May.

Usage note Usually masculine; feminine la mar appears in poetic or maritime usage.

la playa

noun

beach

Gender
feminine
Forms
la playa, las playas

La playa está vacía a primera hora.

The beach is empty early in the morning.

Usage note Ir a la playa uses a; estar en la playa uses en.

el árbol

noun

tree

Gender
masculine
Forms
el árbol, los árboles

Comemos bajo un árbol grande.

We eat under a large tree.

Usage note Plural árboles keeps an accent because stress remains antepenultimate.

la flor

noun

flower

Gender
feminine
Forms
la flor, las flores

Estas flores huelen muy bien.

These flowers smell very nice.

Usage note Feminine despite not ending in -a.

el bosque

noun

forest; woods

Gender
masculine
Forms
el bosque, los bosques

Hay un sendero corto por el bosque.

There's a short trail through the woods.

Usage note Por indicates a route through the area.

la estación del año

noun

season

Gender
feminine
Forms
la estación del año, las estaciones del año

Mi estación del año favorita es la primavera.

My favorite season is spring.

Usage note Adding del año distinguishes it from a transport station.

la primavera

noun

spring

Gender
feminine
Forms
la primavera, las primaveras

En primavera los días son más largos.

In spring the days are longer.

Usage note Seasons normally follow en without an article.

el verano

noun

summer

Gender
masculine
Forms
el verano, los veranos

Trabajamos menos horas en verano.

We work fewer hours in summer.

Usage note With en and a general seasonal meaning, the article is omitted.

el otoño

noun

fall; autumn

Gender
masculine
Forms
el otoño, los otoños

En otoño llueve bastante en esta región.

In fall it rains quite a lot in this region.

Usage note The ñ is essential to spelling and pronunciation.

el invierno

noun

winter

Gender
masculine
Forms
el invierno, los inviernos

En invierno oscurece antes.

In winter it gets dark earlier.

Usage note Seasons are lowercase in Spanish.

la nube

noun

cloud

Gender
feminine
Forms
la nube, las nubes

Hay nubes negras sobre la ciudad.

There are dark clouds over the city.

Usage note Hay + plural noun means there are.

el viento

noun

wind

Gender
masculine
Forms
el viento, los vientos

Hace mucho viento cerca del mar.

It's very windy near the sea.

Usage note Weather commonly uses hacer viento.

nevar

verb

to snow

Forms
nevar; nieva

En las montañas nieva desde noviembre.

In the mountains it snows starting in November.

Usage note Usually impersonal and stem-changing e→ie.

soplar

verb

to blow

Forms
soplar; soplo, soplas, sopla, soplamos, soplan

El viento sopla con fuerza esta tarde.

The wind is blowing strongly this afternoon.

Usage note Con fuerza is a common way to describe strong wind.

oscurecer

verb

to get dark

Forms
oscurecer; oscurece

En diciembre oscurece muy temprano.

In December it gets dark very early.

Usage note Usually impersonal for nightfall; irregular oscurezco when used personally.

salir el sol

verb

for the sun to come out

Forms
salir el sol; sale el sol

Después de la lluvia sale el sol.

The sun comes out after the rain.

Usage note Fixed weather collocation with the sun as subject.

hacer frío

verb

to be cold

Forms
hacer frío; hace frío

Hace frío por la mañana, pero luego mejora.

It's cold in the morning, but it gets better later.

Usage note Impersonal weather expression, unlike tener frío for personal sensation.

nublado

adjective

cloudy

Forms
nublado, nublada, nublados, nubladas

El cielo está nublado, pero no llueve.

The sky is cloudy, but it isn't raining.

Usage note Usually used with estar to describe current conditions.

seco

adjective

dry

Forms
seco, seca, secos, secas

El verano aquí es caluroso y seco.

Summer here is hot and dry.

Usage note Can describe climate, objects, or food lacking moisture.

húmedo

adjective

humid; damp

Forms
húmedo, húmeda, húmedos, húmedas

La ropa sigue húmeda después de varias horas.

The clothes are still damp after several hours.

Usage note Carries an initial silent h and written accent.

la temperatura

noun

temperature

Gender
feminine
Forms
la temperatura, las temperaturas

La temperatura baja por la noche.

The temperature drops at night.

Usage note Bajar without an object means to fall or decrease.

el grado

noun

degree

Gender
masculine
Forms
el grado, los grados

Hoy la temperatura llega a treinta grados.

Today the temperature reaches thirty degrees.

Usage note Temperature numbers use grados; llegar a marks the reached value.

09

Past events and connectors

Sequence a simple story, relate past events, and connect everyday explanations.

25 entries

entonces

adverb

then; so

Forms
entonces

Perdimos el autobús, entonces fuimos a pie.

We missed the bus, so we walked.

Usage note Can mark the next event or introduce a consequence in informal speech.

luego

adverb

then; later

Forms
luego

Primero cenamos y luego vimos una película.

First we had dinner and then watched a movie.

Usage note Sequences events; hasta luego is a farewell.

en primer lugar

adverb

first; first of all

Forms
en primer lugar

En primer lugar, reserva el hotel; después compra los billetes.

First, book the hotel; afterward buy the tickets.

Usage note Fixed sequencing phrase; unlike primero as an adjective, it never agrees.

al final

adverb

in the end; at the end

Forms
al final

Al final decidimos quedarnos en casa.

In the end we decided to stay home.

Usage note Can mean eventual outcome or physical end depending on context.

de repente

adverb

suddenly

Forms
de repente

De repente empezó a llover muy fuerte.

Suddenly it began to rain very hard.

Usage note Fixed adverbial phrase with de.

todavía

adverb

still; yet

Forms
todavía

Todavía no he recibido la confirmación.

I still haven't received confirmation.

Usage note Todavía no means not yet; aún can be a synonym.

además

adverb

besides; in addition

Forms
además

El piso es luminoso y, además, está bien situado.

The apartment is bright and, besides, well located.

Usage note Adds another supporting point and normally takes a written accent.

aunque

conjunction

although; even though

Forms
aunque

Aunque estaba cansado, salí a caminar.

Although I was tired, I went for a walk.

Usage note Introduces a contrast; mood choice becomes more nuanced at higher levels.

cuando

conjunction

when

Forms
cuando

Cuando llegué, todos estaban cenando.

When I arrived, everyone was having dinner.

Usage note No accent when it joins a time clause; cuándo is interrogative.

mientras

conjunction

while

Forms
mientras

Escucho música mientras preparo la cena.

I listen to music while I make dinner.

Usage note Introduces simultaneous actions; mientras que can contrast two facts.

durante

preposition

during; for

Forms
durante

Vivió en Lima durante dos años.

She lived in Lima for two years.

Usage note Followed directly by a noun phrase and expresses duration.

desde

preposition

from; since

Forms
desde

Trabajo aquí desde enero.

I've worked here since January.

Usage note Marks the starting point in time or space.

hasta

preposition

until; as far as

Forms
hasta

La biblioteca abre hasta las ocho.

The library stays open until eight.

Usage note Marks an endpoint in time, space, or quantity.

decidir

verb

to decide

Forms
decidir; decido, decides, decide, decidimos, deciden

Decidimos viajar en tren para ver el paisaje.

We decided to travel by train to see the scenery.

Usage note Followed directly by an infinitive, without de.

intentar

verb

to try; to attempt

Forms
intentar; intento, intentas, intenta, intentamos, intentan

Intenté llamarte varias veces.

I tried to call you several times.

Usage note Takes an infinitive directly; tratar de is a synonym.

recibir

verb

to receive

Forms
recibir; recibo, recibes, recibe, recibimos, reciben

Ayer recibí una carta de mi prima.

Yesterday I received a letter from my cousin.

Usage note The sender can follow de, while the person receiving something is the subject.

pasar

verb

to happen; to pass; to spend

Forms
pasar; paso, pasas, pasa, pasamos, pasan

¿Qué pasó ayer en la oficina?

What happened at the office yesterday?

Usage note Broad verb whose meaning depends on context; qué pasó asks what happened.

dejar

verb

to leave; to let

Forms
dejar; dejo, dejas, deja, dejamos, dejan

Dejé las llaves encima de la mesa.

I left the keys on the table.

Usage note It can mean leave an object somewhere or allow someone to do something.

contar

verb

to tell; to count

Forms
contar; cuento, cuentas, cuenta, contamos, cuentan

Te cuento lo que pasó en la reunión.

I tell you what happened in the meeting.

Usage note Cuento changes o to ue, while contamos keeps o; tell something to someone is contar algo a alguien.

romper

verb

to break

Forms
romper; rompo, rompes, rompe, rompemos, rompen

Ayer rompí un vaso en la cocina.

Yesterday I broke a glass in the kitchen.

Usage note The present tense is regular; the past participle roto is irregular.

ganar

verb

to win; to earn

Forms
ganar; gano, ganas, gana, ganamos, ganan

Nuestro equipo ganó el partido por dos a uno.

Our team won the game two to one.

Usage note It means win with games and prizes, and earn with money or a salary.

regresar

verb

to return

Forms
regresar; regreso, regresas, regresa, regresamos, regresan

Regresamos al hotel después de medianoche.

We returned to the hotel after midnight.

Usage note Common across Latin America; volver is a widespread synonym.

alguna vez

adverb

ever; sometime

Forms
alguna vez

¿Has viajado alguna vez solo?

Have you ever traveled alone?

Usage note In questions it means ever; in statements it can mean sometime.

hace poco

adverb

recently; a short time ago

Forms
hace poco

Me mudé a este barrio hace poco.

I moved to this neighborhood recently.

Usage note Hace + time span places an event that far in the past.

otra vez

adverb

again

Forms
otra vez

El tren se retrasó otra vez.

The train was delayed again.

Usage note Fixed phrase; de nuevo is a synonym.

10

Opinions, descriptions, and emotions

Express reactions, compare options, and give simple reasons for preferences.

25 entries

la opinión

noun

opinion

Gender
feminine
Forms
la opinión, las opiniones

En mi opinión, el final es demasiado triste.

In my opinion, the ending is too sad.

Usage note En mi opinión is a standard way to frame a personal view.

la idea

noun

idea

Gender
feminine
Forms
la idea, las ideas

Tu idea me parece práctica y barata.

Your idea seems practical and inexpensive to me.

Usage note Feminine despite ending in -a as expected; parecer often introduces evaluation.

la razón

noun

reason

Gender
feminine
Forms
la razón, las razones

Tienes razón: hoy es festivo.

You're right: today is a holiday.

Usage note Tener razón means to be right; dar una razón means give a reason.

el problema

noun

problem

Gender
masculine
Forms
el problema, los problemas

Tenemos un problema con la reserva.

We have a problem with the reservation.

Usage note Masculine despite ending in -a.

la solución

noun

solution

Gender
feminine
Forms
la solución, las soluciones

Buscamos una solución sencilla.

We're looking for a simple solution.

Usage note Commonly followed by a to introduce the problem: solución al problema.

la diferencia

noun

difference

Gender
feminine
Forms
la diferencia, las diferencias

No noto la diferencia entre los dos modelos.

I don't notice the difference between the two models.

Usage note Entre introduces the items compared.

el éxito

noun

success

Gender
masculine
Forms
el éxito, los éxitos

La fiesta fue un éxito.

The party was a success.

Usage note Éxito is success; salida is exit, despite the false-friend resemblance.

la sorpresa

noun

surprise

Gender
feminine
Forms
la sorpresa, las sorpresas

La visita de Marta fue una sorpresa agradable.

Marta's visit was a pleasant surprise.

Usage note De introduces what caused or constituted the surprise.

creer

verb

to believe; to think

Forms
creer; creo, crees, cree, creemos, creen

Creo que este camino es más corto.

I think this route is shorter.

Usage note Creo que introduces an opinion; no creo que later takes the subjunctive.

pensar

verb

to think; to plan

Forms
pensar; pienso, piensas, piensa, pensamos, piensan

Pienso que el tren es más cómodo.

I think the train is more comfortable.

Usage note Stem-changing e→ie; pensar que introduces an opinion.

compartir

verb

to share

Forms
compartir; comparto, compartes, comparte, compartimos, comparten

Comparto piso con dos estudiantes.

I share an apartment with two students.

Usage note Con introduces the person who shares the object, space, or experience.

estar de acuerdo

verb

to agree

Forms
estar de acuerdo; estoy de acuerdo, estás de acuerdo

Estoy de acuerdo contigo en casi todo.

I agree with you on almost everything.

Usage note Fixed phrase; con introduces the person, en the point of agreement.

preferir A a B

verb

to prefer A to B

Forms
preferir A a B; prefiero A a B

Prefiero el tren al avión para viajes cortos.

I prefer the train to the plane for short trips.

Usage note The compared alternative follows a; before el avión the phrase becomes al avión.

depender

verb

to depend

Forms
depender; dependo, dependes, depende, dependemos, dependen

El precio depende de la temporada.

The price depends on the season.

Usage note Always followed by de before the determining factor.

importar

verb

to matter; to mind

Forms
importar; me importa, te importa, le importa, nos importa, les importa

No me importa esperar unos minutos.

I don't mind waiting a few minutes.

Usage note Works like gustar; importa agrees with the thing that matters.

tener ganas de

verb

to feel like; to look forward to

Forms
tener ganas de; tengo ganas de, tienes ganas de, tiene ganas de

Tengo ganas de volver a la playa.

I feel like going back to the beach.

Usage note De is followed by a noun or infinitive to express desire or anticipation.

sorprender

verb

to surprise

Forms
sorprender; sorprendo, sorprendes, sorprende, sorprendemos, sorprenden

La noticia me sorprende mucho.

The news surprises me a lot.

Usage note The experiencer is an indirect object; the cause is the grammatical subject.

preocupar

verb

to worry

Forms
preocupar; me preocupa, te preocupa, le preocupa, nos preocupa, les preocupa

Me preocupa llegar tarde a la entrevista.

I'm worried about arriving late for the interview.

Usage note Works like gustar when something causes concern.

alegrarse

verb

to be glad

Forms
alegrarse; me alegro, te alegras, se alegra, nos alegramos, se alegran

Me alegro de verte otra vez.

I'm glad to see you again.

Usage note Reflexive and followed by de before a noun or infinitive.

enfadarse

verb

to get angry

Forms
enfadarse; me enfado, te enfadas, se enfada, nos enfadamos, se enfadan

Se enfadó conmigo por llegar tarde.

She got angry with me for arriving late.

Usage note Reflexive; con marks the person and por the reason.

tranquilo

adjective

calm; quiet

Forms
tranquilo, tranquila, tranquilos, tranquilas

Este barrio es tranquilo incluso de noche.

This neighborhood is quiet even at night.

Usage note With ser it describes a usual quality; with estar, a current state.

orgulloso

adjective

proud

Forms
orgulloso, orgullosa, orgullosos, orgullosas

Sus padres están orgullosos de ella.

Her parents are proud of her.

Usage note Followed by de before the person or achievement.

seguro

adjective

sure; safe

Forms
seguro, segura, seguros, seguras

No estoy seguro de la dirección.

I'm not sure of the address.

Usage note Estar seguro de expresses certainty; ser seguro describes safety.

útil

adjective

useful

Forms
útil, útiles

Esta aplicación es útil para organizar viajes.

This app is useful for organizing trips.

Usage note Same for gender; para introduces its purpose.

parecido

adjective

similar

Forms
parecido, parecida, parecidos, parecidas

Mi nuevo horario es parecido al anterior.

My new schedule is similar to the previous one.

Usage note Parecido governs a; with el anterior, the combination is al anterior.