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Category: Expressions and Idioms in Spanish
Make your Spanish sound more natural and fluent by learning common Spanish expressions and idioms. Discover everyday phrases, cultural sayings, and figurative language that native speakers use, with clear meanings, examples, and usage tips. Perfect for intermediate and advanced learners.
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Expressions with “Hace” for Time in Spanish
One of the most useful and common ways to express time in Spanish is by using the verb “hacer.” Whether you want to talk about how long something has been happening, how long ago something occurred, or how long something took, “hace” is essential. Mastering these expressions will help you sound more fluent and natural in Spanish conversations.
In this blog post, we will explore the various ways “hace” is used to indicate time, including grammatical rules, conjugation, and example sentences to reinforce understanding. Let’s dive in!
Common Expressions with “Hace” for Time
- Hace + period of time + que + present tense – To express how long something has been happening.
- Hace tres años que vivo en España.
(I have been living in Spain for three years.) - Hace mucho tiempo que estudio español.
(I have been studying Spanish for a long time.)
- Hace tres años que vivo en España.
- Hace + period of time + que + past tense – To express how long ago something happened.
- Hace dos días que vi a Juan.
(I saw Juan two days ago.) - Hace un año que terminé la universidad.
(I graduated from university a year ago.)
- Hace dos días que vi a Juan.
- Hacía + period of time + que + imperfect tense – To express something that had been happening before another past action.
- Hacía tres meses que trabajaba en la empresa cuando me ascendieron.
(I had been working at the company for three months when they promoted me.) - Hacía cinco años que vivíamos en Madrid cuando nos mudamos a Barcelona.
(We had been living in Madrid for five years when we moved to Barcelona.)
- Hacía tres meses que trabajaba en la empresa cuando me ascendieron.
- Hace + time period – To simply state how long ago something happened.
- Hace cinco años me mudé a México.
(I moved to Mexico five years ago.) - Hace un rato que salimos.
(We left a while ago.)
- Hace cinco años me mudé a México.
- Desde hace + period of time – To indicate how long something has been happening.
- Trabajo aquí desde hace seis meses.
(I have been working here for six months.) - Vivimos en esta casa desde hace diez años.
(We have been living in this house for ten years.)
- Trabajo aquí desde hace seis meses.
Usage
1. To Express Duration (Present Tense)
Used when an action began in the past and is still happening.
- Hace tres años que vivo en España.
(I have been living in Spain for three years.) - Hace mucho tiempo que estudio español.
(I have been studying Spanish for a long time.)
2. To Express How Long Ago Something Happened (Past Tense)
Used with the preterite to indicate how much time has passed since an event occurred.
- Hace dos días que vi a Juan.
(I saw Juan two days ago.) - Hace un año que terminé la universidad.
(I graduated from university a year ago.)
3. To Express Duration Before Another Past Action (Imperfect Tense)
Used when referring to an action that was happening in the past before another event.
- Hacía tres meses que trabajaba en la empresa cuando me ascendieron.
(I had been working at the company for three months when they promoted me.) - Hacía cinco años que vivíamos en Madrid cuando nos mudamos a Barcelona.
(We had been living in Madrid for five years when we moved to Barcelona.)
4. Simple Expression of Time Passed
Used without “que” to state how long ago something happened.
- Hace cinco años me mudé a México.
(I moved to Mexico five years ago.)
5. “Desde Hace” to Indicate Duration
Used to express how long something has been occurring.
- Trabajo aquí desde hace seis meses.
(I have been working here for six months.)
Grammar Rules
- “Hace” is always used in the third-person singular form.
- Correct: Hace cinco años que vivo aquí. (I have been living here for five years.)
- Incorrect: Hacen cinco años que vivo aquí.
- When followed by “que,” the sentence structure varies depending on the tense.
- Present: Hace + time + que + present tense → Hace dos años que estudio español.
- Past: Hace + time + que + past tense → Hace un mes que visité Francia.
- “Hacía” is used instead of “hace” for past progressive expressions.
- Hacía tres años que trabajaba allí. (I had been working there for three years.)
- “Desde hace” is used instead of “hace” when “desde” is required.
- Trabajo aquí desde hace dos años. (I have been working here for two years.)
Example Sentences
- Hace tres meses que estudio francés. (I have been studying French for three months.)
- Hace dos semanas que nos conocimos. (We met two weeks ago.)
- Hacía cinco años que trabajaba allí. (I had been working there for five years.)
- ¿Cuánto tiempo hace que vives aquí? (How long have you been living here?)
- Hace un rato que salimos. (We left a while ago.)
- Hace diez años que me casé. (I got married ten years ago.)
- Hace poco que empezó la película. (The movie started a short time ago.)
- Hace tres horas que espero el autobús. (I have been waiting for the bus for three hours.)
- Hacía mucho tiempo que no te veía. (I hadn’t seen you for a long time.)
- Hace poco que aprendí a nadar. (I learned to swim recently.)
- Hace dos días que llegué a Madrid. (I arrived in Madrid two days ago.)
- Hacía diez años que no hablaba con él. (I hadn’t spoken to him in ten years.)
- Hace cinco minutos que terminó la reunión. (The meeting ended five minutes ago.)
- Hace cuatro meses que compré este coche. (I bought this car four months ago.)
- Hace seis años que empecé mi carrera. (I started my career six years ago.)
Exercise: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the word in parentheses.
- Hace cinco años que ______ en Japón. (vivir)
- ¿Cuánto tiempo hace que tú ______ español? (estudiar)
- Hace tres meses que ellos ______ en esta empresa. (trabajar)
- ¿Hace cuánto tiempo que nosotros ______ en este barrio? (vivir)
- Hace una semana que mi hermano ______ enfermo. (estar)
- ¿Cuánto tiempo hace que ustedes ______ a México? (viajar)
- Hace dos días que Ana y yo ______ a su casa. (ir)
- Hace mucho tiempo que tú no me ______. (llamar)
- ¿Hace cuánto que Pedro ______ esta película? (ver)
- Hace seis años que yo ______ en esta universidad. (estudiar)
Answers
- Hace cinco años que vivo en Japón.
- Romaji: Hace cinco años que vivo en Japón.
- English: I have been living in Japan for five years.
- ¿Cuánto tiempo hace que tú estudias español?
- Romaji: ¿Cuánto tiempo hace que tú estudias español?
- English: How long have you been studying Spanish?
- Hace tres meses que ellos trabajan en esta empresa.
- Romaji: Hace tres meses que ellos trabajan en esta empresa.
- English: They have been working at this company for three months.
- ¿Hace cuánto tiempo que nosotros vivimos en este barrio?
- Romaji: ¿Hace cuánto tiempo que nosotros vivimos en este barrio?
- English: How long have we been living in this neighborhood?
- Hace una semana que mi hermano está enfermo.
- Romaji: Hace una semana que mi hermano está enfermo.
- English: My brother has been sick for a week.
- ¿Cuánto tiempo hace que ustedes viajaron a México?
- Romaji: ¿Cuánto tiempo hace que ustedes viajaron a México?
- English: How long ago did you all travel to Mexico?
- Hace dos días que Ana y yo fuimos a su casa.
- Romaji: Hace dos días que Ana y yo fuimos a su casa.
- English: Ana and I went to their house two days ago.
- Hace mucho tiempo que tú no me llamas.
- Romaji: Hace mucho tiempo que tú no me llamas.
- English: You haven’t called me in a long time.
- ¿Hace cuánto que Pedro vio esta película?
- Romaji: ¿Hace cuánto que Pedro vio esta película?
- English: How long ago did Pedro see this movie?
- Hace seis años que yo estudio en esta universidad.
- Romaji: Hace seis años que yo estudio en esta universidad.
- English: I have been studying at this university for six years.
Summary
- “Hace” is used to express time-related concepts in different tenses.
- “Hace + time + que + present” is used for actions that started in the past and continue.
- “Hace + time + que + past” is used for actions that happened a certain time ago.
- “Hacía + time + que + imperfect” is used for actions that had been happening before another past action.
- “Desde hace” is used when expressing how long something has been happening.
- “Hace” is always in the third-person singular form (e.g., “Hace cinco años…”).
- The tense used after “que” depends on whether the event is ongoing or completed.
- Understanding “hace” expressions helps in discussing durations and past events fluently in Spanish.
Conclusion
Mastering expressions with “hace” is crucial for achieving fluency in Spanish, as they are commonly used in everyday conversations. Understanding how to correctly structure sentences with “hace” will allow you to express durations and past events accurately. Keep practicing with real-life examples to reinforce these concepts, and soon, using “hace” will become second nature in your Spanish communication!
If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.
Happy learning! 😊
📚 Continue Learning Spanish
- Hace + period of time + que + present tense – To express how long something has been happening.
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Impersonal “Se” in Spanish Grammar
The impersonal “se” is a crucial aspect of Spanish grammar that allows speakers to express general statements without specifying a subject. It is commonly used in formal speech, instructions, advertisements, and everyday conversation. Understanding impersonal “se” enhances fluency and helps learners sound more natural in Spanish.
This guide will explore the meaning, usage, rules, and examples of impersonal “se” with structured explanations, tables, and exercises.
Common Expressions Using Impersonal “Se”
Here are some common daily expressions using impersonal “se” in Spanish:
- Se habla español. (Spanish is spoken here.)
- Se dice que va a llover. (It is said that it will rain.)
- Se busca camarero. (Waiter wanted.)
- No se permite fumar. (Smoking is not allowed.)
- Se necesita ayuda. (Help is needed.)
- Se vive bien aquí. (One lives well here.)
- Se recomienda paciencia. (Patience is recommended.)
- Se come bien en este restaurante. (People eat well in this restaurant.)
- Se venden coches aquí. (Cars are sold here.)
- Se aprende mucho en esta escuela. (One learns a lot in this school.)
Grammar Rules
How “Se” Works in Impersonal Sentences
- Impersonal “se” is used with third-person singular verbs.
- It does not refer to a specific subject.
- It is often followed by an infinitive or a noun.
- When followed by a plural noun, the verb agrees in plural form.
Common Sentence Structures
Singular Form:
- Se necesita paciencia. (Patience is needed.)
- Se cree que ella es honesta. (It is believed that she is honest.)
Plural Form:
- Se venden frutas frescas. (Fresh fruits are sold.)
- Se contratan empleados nuevos. (New employees are hired.)
When to Use Impersonal “Se”
1. General Statements
Used when making general claims without specifying a subject.
- Se dice que la ciudad es hermosa. (It is said that the city is beautiful.)
- Se piensa que es una buena idea. (It is thought to be a good idea.)
2. Rules & Prohibitions
Used in warnings, rules, or public signs.
- No se permite fumar aquí. (Smoking is not allowed here.)
- Se prohíbe el acceso sin autorización. (Access is prohibited without authorization.)
3. Passive Voice Alternative
Used instead of passive voice for natural-sounding Spanish.
- Se construyó la casa en 1990. (The house was built in 1990.)
- Se ha cambiado la dirección. (The address has been changed.)
4. Unspecified Subjects
Used when referring to people in general.
- Se come bien en México. (People eat well in Mexico.)
- Se duerme mejor con una buena almohada. (One sleeps better with a good pillow.)
Conjugation
Regular Verbs
Verb Infinitive Impersonal Form Hablar Hablar Se habla español. Comer Comer Se come bien aquí. Vivir Vivir Se vive en paz. Irregular Verbs
Verb Infinitive Impersonal Form Decir Decir Se dice la verdad. Hacer Hacer Se hace el trabajo rápidamente. Ver Ver Se ve el mar desde aquí.
Things to Keep in Mind
- “Se” is always used with third-person singular or plural verbs.
- It does not refer to a specific subject.
- When a plural noun follows, use a plural verb.
Example Table
Example Sentence (Spanish) English Translation Se vende pan fresco. Fresh bread is sold. Se aprende rápido. One learns quickly. Se busca profesor de inglés. An English teacher is wanted. Se necesita ayuda. Help is needed. Se prohíbe la entrada. Entry is prohibited. Se recomienda paciencia. Patience is recommended. Se vive bien en esta ciudad. One lives well in this city. Se come mejor aquí. One eats better here. Se trabaja mejor con buena luz. One works better with good lighting. Se dice que es un buen país. It is said that it is a good country. Se piensa que lloverá mañana. It is thought that it will rain tomorrow. Se llega temprano a la escuela. One arrives early at school. Se habla rápido en algunas regiones. People speak fast in some regions. Se duerme mejor con una manta. One sleeps better with a blanket. Se trabaja bien bajo presión. One works well under pressure.
More Example Sentences
- Se alquilan apartamentos cerca de la playa. (Apartments for rent near the beach.)
- Se recomienda leer antes de dormir. (Reading before sleeping is recommended.)
- Se come paella en España. (People eat paella in Spain.)
- Se necesita paciencia para aprender un idioma. (Patience is needed to learn a language.)
- Se buscan voluntarios para el evento. (Volunteers are wanted for the event.)
- Se ve mejor desde aquí. (It is seen better from here.)
- Se trabaja mejor con buena luz. (One works better with good lighting.)
- Se aprende rápido con práctica. (One learns quickly with practice.)
- Se habla francés en Canadá. (French is spoken in Canada.)
- Se dice que el clima cambiará pronto. (It is said that the weather will change soon.)
Exercise
Fill in the blanks with the correct form using the impersonal “se.”
- _______ (hablar) español en muchos países del mundo.
- _______ (comer) mucha paella en Valencia.
- _______ (prohibir) fumar en lugares públicos.
- _______ (vender) ropa de alta calidad en esta tienda.
- _______ (necesitar) experiencia para este trabajo.
- _______ (usar) demasiado plástico en el mundo.
- _______ (ver) muchas películas extranjeras en este cine.
- _______ (recomendar) hacer ejercicio todos los días.
- _______ (decir) que el desayuno es la comida más importante del día.
- _______ (aprender) español fácilmente con práctica diaria.
Answers:
- Se habla español en muchos países del mundo. (Spanish is spoken in many countries around the world.)
- Se come mucha paella en Valencia. (A lot of paella is eaten in Valencia.)
- Se prohíbe fumar en lugares públicos. (Smoking is prohibited in public places.)
- Se vende ropa de alta calidad en esta tienda. (High-quality clothing is sold in this store.)
- Se necesita experiencia para este trabajo. (Experience is needed for this job.)
- Se usa demasiado plástico en el mundo. (Too much plastic is used in the world.)
- Se ven muchas películas extranjeras en este cine. (Many foreign movies are watched in this cinema.)
- Se recomienda hacer ejercicio todos los días. (It is recommended to exercise every day.)
- Se dice que el desayuno es la comida más importante del día. (It is said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.)
- Se aprende español fácilmente con práctica diaria. (Spanish is learned easily with daily practice.)
Conclusion
Mastering the impersonal “se” helps Spanish learners communicate effectively and naturally. This structure is essential in everyday speech, formal writing, and professional settings. By practicing and using the impersonal “se” in real-life situations, you can enhance your fluency and sound more like a native speaker.
Keep practicing, and soon, using “se” will become second nature!
If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.
Happy learning! 😊
📚 Continue Learning Spanish
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Mastering the Passive Reflexive ‘Se’ in Spanish
The passive reflexive ‘se’ is one of the most versatile and commonly used constructions in the Spanish language. It allows speakers to express actions in a way that emphasizes the action itself rather than who is performing it. This structure is particularly useful when the subject is unknown, irrelevant, or generalized. For example, instead of saying “Someone sells fruits here,” you can say “Se venden frutas aquí,” which translates to “Fruits are sold here.”
Understanding the passive reflexive ‘se’ is essential for achieving fluency in Spanish, as it appears frequently in both spoken and written language.
In this blog post, we’ll explore its usage, conjugation, common expressions, and everything you need to know to master this grammatical structure.
Common Expressions Using Passive Reflexive
The passive reflexive ‘se’ is used in many everyday expressions. Here’s a list of common ones:
- Se habla español – Spanish is spoken.
- Se venden casas – Houses are sold.
- Se necesita ayuda – Help is needed.
- Se prohíbe fumar – Smoking is prohibited.
- Se permite estacionar – Parking is allowed.
- Se dice que… – It is said that…
- Se recomienda reservar – It is recommended to book.
- Se ofrecen clases – Classes are offered.
- Se busca empleado – Employee wanted.
- Se alquila apartamento – Apartment for rent.
These expressions are widely used in signs, advertisements, and general conversation.
Things to Keep in Mind
When using the passive reflexive ‘se,’ there are a few key points to remember:
- Articles and Agreement: The verb must agree in number (singular or plural) with the subject. For example:
- Se vende la casa (The house is sold) – Singular.
- Se venden las casas (The houses are sold) – Plural.
- Gender Agreement: While the verb doesn’t change for gender, the noun or adjective accompanying it does. For example:
- Se venden camisas rojas (Red shirts are sold).
- No Specific Subject: The passive reflexive ‘se’ is used when the subject performing the action is either unknown or unimportant.
- Avoiding Redundancy: Unlike English, Spanish often omits the subject entirely when using the passive reflexive. For example, instead of saying “Se venden las manzanas por alguien” (Apples are sold by someone), simply say “Se venden las manzanas.”
When to Use the Passive Reflexive ‘Se’
The passive reflexive ‘se’ is used in the following situations:
- General Statements: When making broad or general statements.
- Se come bien en México (People eat well in Mexico).
- Impersonal Actions: When the subject is unknown or irrelevant.
- Se construyó este edificio en 1990 (This building was built in 1990).
- Instructions or Warnings: In signs, manuals, or public notices.
- Se prohíbe el paso (No entry allowed).
- Advertising or Offers: To promote products or services.
- Se venden coches usados (Used cars for sale).
Conjugation of Regular Verbs in Passive Reflexive
The passive reflexive ‘se’ is formed by combining the pronoun ‘se’ with the third-person singular or plural form of the verb, depending on the subject. Here’s how it works for regular verbs:
1. -AR Verbs
- Hablar (to speak): Se habla / Se hablan
- Se habla español aquí (Spanish is spoken here).
- Se hablan muchos idiomas (Many languages are spoken).
2. -ER Verbs
- Vender (to sell): Se vende / Se venden
- Se vende la casa (The house is sold).
- Se venden libros (Books are sold).
3. -IR Verbs
- Abrir (to open): Se abre / Se abren
- Se abre la tienda a las 9 (The store opens at 9).
- Se abren las ventanas (The windows are opened).
Irregular Verbs and Their Conjugation
Some irregular verbs also follow the passive reflexive structure. Here are a few examples:
- Hacer (to do/make): Se hace / Se hacen
- Se hace el trabajo (The work is done).
- Se hacen pasteles (Cakes are made).
- Decir (to say): Se dice / Se dicen
- Se dice que es verdad (It is said to be true).
- Se dicen muchas cosas (Many things are said).
- Poner (to put): Se pone / Se ponen
- Se pone la mesa (The table is set).
- Se ponen los libros aquí (The books are put here).
10 Regular Verbs in Passive Reflexive Form
Verb Example Sentence 1 Example Sentence 2 Hablar Se habla español aquí. (Spanish is spoken here.) Se hablan muchos idiomas. (Many languages are spoken.) Vender Se vende la casa. (The house is sold.) Se venden coches usados. (Used cars are sold.) Abrir Se abre la puerta. (The door is opened.) Se abren las ventanas. (The windows are opened.) Comer Se come bien en este restaurante. (People eat well at this restaurant.) Se comen las manzanas. (The apples are eaten.) Escribir Se escribe una carta. (A letter is written.) Se escriben libros interesantes. (Interesting books are written.) Leer Se lee el periódico. (The newspaper is read.) Se leen muchos libros. (Many books are read.) Cerrar Se cierra la tienda. (The store is closed.) Se cierran las ventanas. (The windows are closed.) Comprar Se compra pan fresco. (Fresh bread is bought.) Se compran regalos. (Gifts are bought.) Limpiar Se limpia la casa. (The house is cleaned.) Se limpian los platos. (The dishes are cleaned.) Usar Se usa el teléfono. (The phone is used.) Se usan computadoras. (Computers are used.)
More Example Sentences
- Se venden flores en el mercado. (Flowers are sold at the market.)
- Se necesita paciencia. (Patience is needed.)
- Se construyen casas nuevas. (New houses are built.)
- Se habla mucho de política. (Politics is talked about a lot.)
- Se permite nadar aquí. (Swimming is allowed here.)
- Se ofrecen descuentos. (Discounts are offered.)
- Se busca un perro perdido. (A lost dog is being searched for.)
- Se alquilan bicicletas. (Bicycles are rented.)
- Se recomienda llegar temprano. (It is recommended to arrive early.)
- Se dice que va a llover. (It is said that it will rain.)
Fill in the Blanks
- Se _______ (vender) frutas en el mercado.
- Se _______ (necesitar) más tiempo.
- Se _______ (hablar) español en Argentina.
- Se _______ (permitir) estacionar aquí.
- Se _______ (construir) un nuevo edificio.
- Se _______ (ofrecer) clases de yoga.
- Se _______ (buscar) un gato perdido.
- Se _______ (alquilar) coches baratos.
- Se _______ (recomendar) leer este libro.
- Se _______ (decir) que es verdad.
Answers:
- venden
- necesita
- habla
- permite
- construye
- ofrecen
- busca
- alquilan
- recomienda
- dice
Conclusion
The passive reflexive ‘se’ is a powerful and versatile tool in Spanish that allows you to express actions in a clear and concise manner. By mastering its usage, conjugation, and common expressions, you’ll be able to communicate more effectively and naturally in Spanish. Whether you’re reading signs, giving instructions, or making general statements, the passive reflexive ‘se’ will undoubtedly enhance your language skills.
Practice regularly, pay attention to agreement rules, and soon you’ll find yourself using this construction with confidence.
¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.
Happy learning! 😊
📚 Continue Learning Spanish
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Reported Speech (Estilo Indirecto) in Spanish
Reported speech, or estilo indirecto, is a fundamental aspect of Spanish grammar that allows us to relay what someone else has said without quoting their exact words. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, making it an essential skill for effective communication in Spanish. Whether you’re recounting a conversation, sharing news, or summarizing someone’s thoughts, mastering estilo indirecto will significantly enhance your fluency.
In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about estilo indirecto, including common expressions, conjugation rules, irregular verbs, and practical examples. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to use reported speech confidently in Spanish.
Common Expressions Using Estilo Indirecto
Here’s a list of common expressions used in daily life with estilo indirecto. These phrases are frequently used to report speech or thoughts:
- Dijo que… – He/She said that…
- Me preguntó si… – He/She asked me if…
- Quería saber si… – He/She wanted to know if…
- Explicó que… – He/She explained that…
- Comentó que… – He/She commented that…
- Aseguró que… – He/She assured that…
- Negó que… – He/She denied that…
- Prometió que… – He/She promised that…
- Sugirió que… – He/She suggested that…
- Advirtió que… – He/She warned that…
These expressions are often followed by a verb in the indicative or subjunctive mood, depending on the context.
Things to Keep in Mind
When using estilo indirecto, there are several key points to remember:
- Verb Tense Changes: The tense of the verb in the original statement often changes in reported speech. For example, present tense may shift to imperfect, and preterite may shift to pluperfect.
- Pronoun Adjustments: Pronouns often change to reflect the new perspective. For example, yo (I) may become él/ella (he/she).
- Time and Place References: Words like hoy (today) may change to aquel día (that day) in reported speech.
- Use of Que: The word que (that) is frequently used to introduce reported speech.
- Subjunctive Mood: If the original statement expresses doubt, uncertainty, or a recommendation, the subjunctive mood is used in estilo indirecto.
- Gender and Number Agreement: Ensure that adjectives and articles agree in gender and number with the nouns they modify.
When to Use Estilo Indirecto
Estilo indirecto is used in the following situations:
- Reporting Statements: To relay what someone has said.
- Example: Juan dijo que tenía hambre. (Juan said he was hungry.)
- Reporting Questions: To report questions asked by someone.
- Example: Me preguntó si quería café. (He asked me if I wanted coffee.)
- Reporting Commands or Requests: To relay instructions or requests.
- Example: Ella me pidió que cerrara la puerta. (She asked me to close the door.)
- Reporting Thoughts or Feelings: To share someone’s thoughts or emotions.
- Example: Pensé que no vendrías. (I thought you wouldn’t come.)
Conjugation
Regular Verbs
In estilo indirecto, regular verbs follow the same conjugation rules as in direct speech. However, the tense may change depending on the context. Here’s how to conjugate regular verbs in the three main categories:
- -AR Verbs (e.g., hablar)
- Present: habla → Imperfect: hablaba
- Preterite: habló → Pluperfect: había hablado
- -ER Verbs (e.g., comer)
- Present: come → Imperfect: comía
- Preterite: comió → Pluperfect: había comido
- -IR Verbs (e.g., vivir)
- Present: vive → Imperfect: vivía
- Preterite: vivió → Pluperfect: había vivido
Irregular Verbs
Irregular verbs in estilo indirecto follow the same conjugation patterns as in direct speech, but their forms must be memorized. Here are some common irregular verbs and their conjugations:
- Ser (to be)
- Present: es → Imperfect: era
- Preterite: fue → Pluperfect: había sido
- Ir (to go)
- Present: va → Imperfect: iba
- Preterite: fue → Pluperfect: había ido
- Decir (to say)
- Present: dice → Imperfect: decía
- Preterite: dijo → Pluperfect: había dicho
- Hacer (to do/make)
- Present: hace → Imperfect: hacía
- Preterite: hizo → Pluperfect: había hecho
- Tener (to have)
- Present: tiene → Imperfect: tenía
- Preterite: tuvo → Pluperfect: había tenido
List of common Verbs in Estilo Indirecto
Verb Estilo Indirecto Form Example Sentence 1 Example Sentence 2 Meaning Hablar hablaba Dijo que hablaba con su madre. Ella comentó que hablaba español. He said he was talking to his mom. / She mentioned she spoke Spanish. Comer comía Me dijo que comía pizza. Ellos aseguraron que comían saludable. He told me he was eating pizza. / They assured they ate healthy. Vivir vivía Explicó que vivía en Madrid. Pensé que vivías cerca. He explained he lived in Madrid. / I thought you lived nearby. Ser era Dijo que era médico. Creí que era tarde. He said he was a doctor. / I thought it was late. Ir iba Me preguntó si iba al cine. Ella dijo que iba a llamarte. He asked me if I was going to the cinema. / She said she was going to call you. Decir dijo Juan dijo que no vendría. Ellos dijeron que tenían prisa. Juan said he wouldn’t come. / They said they were in a hurry. Hacer hizo Aseguró que hizo la tarea. Pensé que hacías ejercicio. He assured he did the homework. / I thought you were exercising. Tener tenía Me dijo que tenía sueño. Creí que tenías razón. He told me he was sleepy. / I thought you were right. Poder podía Dijo que podía ayudarme. Ellos comentaron que podían venir. He said he could help me. / They mentioned they could come. Querer quería Me preguntó si quería café. Ella dijo que quería viajar. He asked me if I wanted coffee. / She said she wanted to travel.
More Example Sentences
- Dijo que no podía venir a la fiesta. (He said he couldn’t come to the party.)
- Me preguntó si había terminado el proyecto. (He asked me if I had finished the project.)
- Ella aseguró que sabía la respuesta. (She assured she knew the answer.)
- Explicó que no tenía tiempo. (He explained he didn’t have time.)
- Comentó que le gustaba el café. (He mentioned he liked coffee.)
- Advirtió que llovería mañana. (He warned it would rain tomorrow.)
- Prometió que llamaría más tarde. (He promised he would call later.)
- Negó que hubiera robado el dinero. (He denied he had stolen the money.)
- Sugirió que fuéramos al parque. (He suggested we go to the park.)
- Quería saber si habías visto la película. (He wanted to know if you had seen the movie.)
Fill in the Blanks
- Ella _____ que no _____ tiempo. (decir, tener)
- Me _____ si _____ al cine. (preguntar, ir)
- Dijo que _____ la tarea. (hacer)
- Nos _____ que _____ temprano. (pedir, llegar)
- Creí que _____ en casa. (estar)
- Explicó que no _____ la respuesta. (saber)
- Ellos _____ que _____ a la fiesta. (decir, venir)
- Pensé que _____ más tarde. (llamar)
- Aseguró que _____ el libro. (leer)
- Me _____ si _____ ayuda. (preguntar, necesitar)
Answers:
- dijo, tenía
- preguntó, iba
- había hecho
- pidió, llegáramos
- estabas
- sabía
- dijeron, vendrían
- llamarías
- había leído
- preguntó, necesitaba
Conclusion
Mastering estilo indirecto is a crucial step toward achieving fluency in Spanish. By understanding the rules of conjugation, recognizing common expressions, and practicing with real-life examples, you’ll be able to report speech accurately and naturally. Remember to pay attention to verb tense changes, pronoun adjustments, and the use of the subjunctive mood when necessary. With consistent practice, you’ll soon find yourself using estilo indirecto with confidence in everyday conversations.
¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.
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Acabar de + Infinitivo in Spanish
In Spanish, the phrase “Acabar de + infinitivo” is a common and useful construction that allows speakers to express that an action has just been completed. It translates to “to have just done something” in English. This structure is widely used in everyday conversations and is essential for anyone learning Spanish to master. Whether you’re talking about finishing a meal, completing a task, or arriving somewhere, “Acabar de + infinitivo” is a go-to phrase.
In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this construction, including common expressions, conjugation rules, and practical examples.
Common Expressions Using Acabar de + Infinitivo
Here’s a list of common expressions using “Acabar de + infinitivo” that you’ll hear in daily Spanish conversations:
- Acabar de comer – To have just eaten
- Acabar de llegar – To have just arrived
- Acabar de terminar – To have just finished
- Acabar de hablar – To have just spoken
- Acabar de salir – To have just left
- Acabar de escribir – To have just written
- Acabar de limpiar – To have just cleaned
- Acabar de estudiar – To have just studied
- Acabar de trabajar – To have just worked
- Acabar de ducharse – To have just showered
These expressions are used frequently in everyday life, making them essential for conversational Spanish.
Things to Keep in Mind
When using “Acabar de + infinitivo”, there are a few key points to remember:
- No Articles Needed: Unlike other constructions, you don’t need to use articles (el, la, los, las) before the infinitive verb.
Example: Acabo de comer (I have just eaten) – Not Acabo de la comer. - Gender and Plurality: The verb “acabar” conjugates according to the subject, but the infinitive verb remains unchanged regardless of gender or number.
Example: Ella acaba de comer (She has just eaten) / Ellos acaban de comer (They have just eaten). - Tense Consistency: “Acabar de + infinitivo” is primarily used in the present tense to describe recent actions. However, it can also be used in the past tense to indicate that something had just happened.
Example: Acababa de salir (I had just left). - Reflexive Verbs: If the infinitive verb is reflexive, the reflexive pronoun must agree with the subject.
Example: Acabo de ducharme (I have just showered).
When to Use Acabar de + Infinitivo
The construction “Acabar de + infinitivo” is used in the following situations:
- To Describe Recent Actions: It’s used to talk about something that just happened.
Example: Acabo de ver a María (I have just seen María). - To Emphasize Timing: It highlights that an action was completed very recently.
Example: Acaban de llegar cuando empezó a llover (They had just arrived when it started to rain). - In Narratives: It’s often used in storytelling to indicate the sequence of events.
Example: Acababa de salir de casa cuando sonó el teléfono (I had just left the house when the phone rang).
Conjugation
Regular Verbs
The verb “acabar” is conjugated according to the subject, while the infinitive verb remains in its base form. Here’s how to conjugate “acabar” in the present tense:
Pronoun Conjugation Yo acabo Tú acabas Él/Ella/Usted acaba Nosotros/Nosotras acabamos Vosotros/Vosotras acabáis Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes acaban Examples:
- Yo acabo de comer (I have just eaten).
- Ellos acaban de llegar (They have just arrived).
Irregular Verbs
While “acabar” itself is a regular verb, some infinitive verbs used with it may be irregular. However, since the infinitive form is used, there’s no need to worry about irregular conjugations. The focus remains on conjugating “acabar” correctly.
List of Verbs in Acabar de + Infinitivo
Verb (Infinitive) Example Sentence 1 Meaning Example Sentence 2 Meaning Comer Acabo de comer. I have just eaten. Ellos acaban de comer. They have just eaten. Llegar Acabas de llegar. You have just arrived. Ella acaba de llegar. She has just arrived. Terminar Acabamos de terminar. We have just finished. Usted acaba de terminar. You have just finished. Hablar Acabo de hablar. I have just spoken. Ellos acaban de hablar. They have just spoken. Salir Acabas de salir. You have just left. Nosotros acabamos de salir. We have just left. Escribir Acabo de escribir. I have just written. Ellas acaban de escribir. They have just written. Limpiar Acabas de limpiar. You have just cleaned. Él acaba de limpiar. He has just cleaned. Estudiar Acabo de estudiar. I have just studied. Ustedes acaban de estudiar. You have just studied. Trabajar Acabas de trabajar. You have just worked. Ellos acaban de trabajar. They have just worked. Ducharse Acabo de ducharme. I have just showered. Ella acaba de ducharse. She has just showered.
More Example Sentences
- Acabo de ver una película. (I have just watched a movie.)
- Acabas de perder tu oportunidad. (You have just missed your chance.)
- Él acaba de comprar un coche nuevo. (He has just bought a new car.)
- Nosotros acabamos de limpiar la casa. (We have just cleaned the house.)
- Ellos acaban de ganar el partido. (They have just won the game.)
- Acabo de recibir una noticia importante. (I have just received important news.)
- Ella acaba de terminar su tarea. (She has just finished her homework.)
- Usted acaba de llegar a tiempo. (You have just arrived on time.)
- Acabamos de conocer a nuestros vecinos. (We have just met our neighbors.)
- Ellas acaban de salir de la reunión. (They have just left the meeting.)
Fill in the Blanks
- Yo _______ de comer. (acabar)
- Tú _______ de llegar. (acabar)
- Él _______ de terminar su trabajo. (acabar)
- Nosotros _______ de limpiar la casa. (acabar)
- Ellos _______ de estudiar para el examen. (acabar)
- Ella _______ de ducharse. (acabar)
- Usted _______ de hablar con el jefe. (acabar)
- Vosotros _______ de salir del cine. (acabar)
- Ellas _______ de escribir una carta. (acabar)
- Yo _______ de ver una película interesante. (acabar)
Answers:
- acabo
- acabas
- acaba
- acabamos
- acaban
- acaba
- acaba
- acabáis
- acaban
- acabo
Conclusion
Mastering “Acabar de + infinitivo” is a game-changer for anyone learning Spanish. It’s a simple yet powerful construction that allows you to express recent actions with ease. By understanding its conjugation, usage, and common expressions, you’ll be able to incorporate it seamlessly into your conversations. Practice with the examples and exercises provided, and soon enough, you’ll be using “Acabar de + infinitivo” like a native speaker! ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
Feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments below. If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to share it with others!
If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.
Happy learning! 😊
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Mastering “Ir a + Infinitivo” in Spanish
In Spanish, the structure “Ir a + infinitivo” is one of the most commonly used grammatical constructions to express future actions or intentions. It is the equivalent of saying “going to + verb” in English. For example, “Voy a comer” translates to “I am going to eat.” This structure is straightforward, versatile, and essential for everyday communication in Spanish. Whether you’re planning to travel, make plans with friends, or simply talk about your future goals, mastering “Ir a + infinitivo” is a must.
In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this structure, including common expressions, conjugation rules, irregular verbs, and practical examples. Let’s dive in!
Common Expressions Using “Ir a + Infinitivo”
Here’s a list of common expressions using “Ir a + infinitivo” that you’ll hear in day-to-day conversations:
- Voy a comer – I am going to eat.
- Vamos a bailar – We are going to dance.
- Va a llover – It is going to rain.
- Vas a estudiar – You are going to study.
- Van a viajar – They are going to travel.
- Voy a trabajar – I am going to work.
- Vamos a cenar – We are going to have dinner.
- Va a llegar tarde – He/She is going to arrive late.
- Vas a ganar – You are going to win.
- Van a comprar – They are going to buy.
These expressions are used frequently in Spanish, making them essential for learners to practice and memorize.
Things to Keep in Mind
When using “Ir a + infinitivo,” there are a few key points to remember:
- Articles and Gender: Unlike nouns, infinitives (the base form of verbs) do not require articles or change according to gender. For example, “Voy a leer” (I am going to read) remains the same regardless of the speaker’s gender.
- Plurality: The verb “ir” conjugates based on the subject, but the infinitive remains unchanged. For example, “Voy a correr” (I am going to run) vs. “Vamos a correr” (We are going to run).
- Contractions: In Spanish, “a” (to) and “el” (the) combine to form “al.” For example, “Voy al parque” (I am going to the park). However, this contraction does not apply to infinitives.
- Pronunciation: The “a” in “Ir a + infinitivo” is pronounced softly, almost blending with the infinitive.
When to Use “Ir a + Infinitivo”
The structure “Ir a + infinitivo” is used in the following situations:
- Future Plans: To talk about future actions or plans.
- Example: Voy a visitar a mi abuela mañana. (I am going to visit my grandmother tomorrow.)
- Predictions: To make predictions based on current evidence.
- Example: Va a llover esta tarde. (It is going to rain this afternoon.)
- Intentions: To express intentions or goals.
- Example: Voy a aprender español este año. (I am going to learn Spanish this year.)
- Immediate Future: To describe actions that will happen soon.
- Example: Vamos a salir en cinco minutos. (We are going to leave in five minutes.)
Conjugation
To form “Ir a + infinitivo,” you need to conjugate the verb “ir” (to go) according to the subject, followed by “a” and the infinitive of the main verb. Here’s how to conjugate “ir” in the present tense:
Pronoun Conjugation of “Ir” Yo Voy Tú Vas Él/Ella/Usted Va Nosotros/Nosotras Vamos Vosotros/Vosotras Vais Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes Van Regular Verbs
Regular verbs in Spanish fall into three categories based on their infinitive endings: -ar, -er, and -ir. Here’s how “Ir a + infinitivo” works with each category:
- -AR Verbs:
- Example: Voy a hablar. (I am going to speak.)
- -ER Verbs:
- Example: Vas a comer. (You are going to eat.)
- -IR Verbs:
- Example: Va a vivir. (He/She is going to live.)
Irregular Verbs
Irregular verbs do not follow the standard conjugation patterns, but their infinitives remain unchanged when used with “Ir a + infinitivo.” Here are some common irregular verbs and their conjugations:
- Hacer (to do/make):
- Voy a hacer la tarea. (I am going to do the homework.)
- Tener (to have):
- Vas a tener suerte. (You are going to have luck.)
- Decir (to say/tell):
- Va a decir la verdad. (He/She is going to tell the truth.)
- Venir (to come):
- Vamos a venir tarde. (We are going to come late.)
- Poner (to put):
- Van a poner la mesa. (They are going to set the table.)
Verbs in “Ir a + Infinitivo”
Verb (Infinitive) “Ir a + Infinitivo” Form Example Sentence 1 Example Sentence 2 Hablar (to speak) Voy a hablar Voy a hablar con él. (I am going to speak with him.) Vas a hablar en público. (You are going to speak in public.) Comer (to eat) Vamos a comer Vamos a comer pizza. (We are going to eat pizza.) Va a comer temprano. (He/She is going to eat early.) Vivir (to live) Van a vivir Van a vivir en España. (They are going to live in Spain.) Voy a vivir solo. (I am going to live alone.) Hacer (to do/make) Vas a hacer Vas a hacer ejercicio. (You are going to exercise.) Voy a hacer un pastel. (I am going to make a cake.) Tener (to have) Va a tener Va a tener una fiesta. (He/She is going to have a party.) Vamos a tener un examen. (We are going to have an exam.) Decir (to say) Voy a decir Voy a decir la verdad. (I am going to tell the truth.) Vas a decir algo importante. (You are going to say something important.) Venir (to come) Vamos a venir Vamos a venir mañana. (We are going to come tomorrow.) Va a venir tarde. (He/She is going to come late.) Poner (to put) Van a poner Van a poner la mesa. (They are going to set the table.) Voy a poner música. (I am going to put on music.) Salir (to leave) Vas a salir Vas a salir temprano. (You are going to leave early.) Voy a salir con amigos. (I am going to go out with friends.) Ver (to see) Va a ver Va a ver una película. (He/She is going to watch a movie.) Vamos a ver el partido. (We are going to watch the game.)
More Example Sentences
- Voy a estudiar para el examen. (I am going to study for the exam.)
- Vas a comprar un regalo. (You are going to buy a gift.)
- Va a escribir una carta. (He/She is going to write a letter.)
- Vamos a viajar a México. (We are going to travel to Mexico.)
- Van a jugar fútbol. (They are going to play soccer.)
- Voy a cocinar la cena. (I am going to cook dinner.)
- Vas a aprender español. (You are going to learn Spanish.)
- Va a llover esta noche. (It is going to rain tonight.)
- Vamos a bailar en la fiesta. (We are going to dance at the party.)
- Van a construir una casa. (They are going to build a house.)
Fill in the Blanks
- Voy a ___ (eat) pizza.
- Vamos a ___ (study) juntos.
- Va a ___ (rain) mañana.
- Vas a ___ (buy) un coche.
- Van a ___ (travel) a Europa.
- Voy a ___ (do) ejercicio.
- Vamos a ___ (have dinner) en un restaurante.
- Va a ___ (write) un libro.
- Vas a ___ (learn) español.
- Van a ___ (build) una casa.
Answers:
- comer
- estudiar
- llover
- comprar
- viajar
- hacer
- cenar
- escribir
- aprender
- construir
Conclusion
Mastering “Ir a + infinitivo” is a game-changer for anyone learning Spanish. It’s a simple yet powerful structure that allows you to express future plans, intentions, and predictions with ease. By practicing the conjugations, memorizing common expressions, and using the examples provided, you’ll be well on your way to sounding like a native speaker.
So, what are you waiting for? ¡Vamos a practicar! (Let’s practice!)
¡Hasta luego! (See you later!)
If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.
Happy learning! 😊
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Use of Infinitive After Prepositions in Spanish
In Spanish, when a verb follows a preposition, it must always be in its infinitive form. Unlike English, where the gerund (-ing form) is often used after prepositions, Spanish strictly requires the infinitive. Understanding this grammatical rule is essential for forming correct sentences and sounding natural in Spanish.
This blog post will cover the different situations in which the infinitive is used after prepositions, common expressions with their meanings and examples, and essential points to keep in mind while using them.
Situations Where the Infinitive is Used After Prepositions
- Purpose or Goal (para + infinitive)
- Used to indicate the purpose or objective of an action.
- Example: Estudio para aprender. (I study to learn.)
- Means or Manner (con + infinitive)
- Expresses the way in which something is done.
- Example: Mejorarás con practicar. (You will improve by practicing.)
- Cause or Reason (por + infinitive)
- Indicates the reason for an action.
- Example: Me castigaron por llegar tarde. (They punished me for arriving late.)
- Condition (de + infinitive)
- Expresses conditions in certain phrases.
- Example: De saberlo, te lo habría dicho. (Had I known, I would have told you.)
- After Prepositions of Time (antes de/después de + infinitive)
- Used when referring to actions occurring before or after another action.
- Example: Voy a ducharme después de correr. (I am going to shower after running.)
- Prepositions Indicating a Point of Reference (sin, hasta, en, etc.)
- Used in fixed expressions and idiomatic phrases.
- Example: No puedes salir sin avisar. (You can’t leave without letting us know.)
Common Expressions with Infinitives After Prepositions
Expression Meaning Example 1 Example 2 Para estudiar To study Voy a la biblioteca para estudiar. Uso aplicaciones para estudiar español. Por llegar tarde For arriving late Me regañaron por llegar tarde. Perdí el tren por salir tarde. Con practicar By practicing Mejoras con practicar cada día. Con practicar, hablas mejor. Antes de dormir Before sleeping Leo antes de dormir. Me lavo la cara antes de dormir. Después de comer After eating Me cepillo los dientes después de comer. Llamó después de almorzar. Sin avisar Without warning No puedes irte sin avisar. Entró sin avisar. Hasta terminar Until finishing No salgo hasta terminar la tarea. No puedo descansar hasta terminar. De saberlo Had I known De saberlo, no lo habría hecho. De saberlo antes, te habría avisado. En aprender In learning Invierto tiempo en aprender español. Me esfuerzo en aprender bien. A pesar de fallar Despite failing Sigo intentándolo a pesar de fallar. Aprobó a pesar de fallar el primer intento.
More Example Sentences
- Fui al mercado para comprar frutas.
- No puedes entrar sin pagar la entrada.
- Me llamó después de haber terminado el trabajo.
- Logró su meta con dedicarse al estudio.
- Antes de salir, revisa tu mochila.
- Me fui temprano por evitar el tráfico.
- No puedes dormir sin apagar la luz.
- No podré jugar hasta mejorar mi salud.
- De haber sabido la verdad, habría reaccionado diferente.
- A pesar de tener miedo, enfrentó la situación.
Fill in the Blanks
- Voy al gimnasio ________ estar en forma. (para)
- Me castigaron ________ decir una mentira. (por)
- No puedes viajar ________ tu pasaporte. (sin)
- Voy a descansar ________ trabajar todo el día. (después de)
- No saldré ________ terminar el proyecto. (hasta)
- Aprendí español ________ estudiar mucho. (con)
- De ________ que vendrías, habría preparado algo especial. (saber)
- Siempre leo un libro ________ dormir. (antes de)
- Se esforzó mucho ________ ganar el premio. (para)
- Consiguió su objetivo ________ muchos intentos fallidos. (a pesar de)
Answers
- para
- por
- sin
- después de
- hasta
- con
- saber
- antes de
- para
- a pesar de
Things to Keep in Mind
- The verb after the preposition always remains in its infinitive form.
- Prepositions like para, por, sin, antes de, and después de commonly appear before infinitives.
- In cases where an article (el, la, los, las) is used, ensure agreement in gender and number.
- Some phrases change meaning slightly depending on the preposition used (e.g., por estudiar vs. para estudiar).
Conclusion
Using the infinitive after prepositions is a fundamental rule in Spanish. Unlike English, which often uses gerunds, Spanish requires the verb to stay in its base form. Mastering this concept will improve fluency and accuracy in constructing sentences. Practice with the expressions provided, and soon, this rule will become second nature in your Spanish conversations!
If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have.
Happy learning! 😊
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- Purpose or Goal (para + infinitive)
-
Idiomatic Phrases Using Tener, Estar, and Hacer in Spanish
Mastering idiomatic expressions is essential for achieving fluency in Spanish. Many common expressions in Spanish use the verbs tener (to have), estar (to be), and hacer (to do/make), which often don’t translate literally into English. In this blog, we will explore frequently used phrases such as tener razón, tener ganas de, estar de acuerdo, and many others, along with their meanings, uses, and examples.
Understanding Tener, Estar, and Hacer in Idiomatic Expressions
In Spanish, some expressions that involve states, desires, or idiomatic ideas use tener, estar, or hacer, instead of ser or other verbs we might expect in English.
- Tener is often used for conditions, feelings, or necessity.
- Estar is used for temporary states, emotions, and agreements.
- Hacer is commonly used for weather expressions and actions.
To form these idiomatic phrases, we follow these patterns:
✅ Tener + noun → (e.g., tener razón – “to be right”)
✅ Estar + prepositional phrase/adjective → (e.g., estar de acuerdo – “to agree”)
✅ Hacer + noun → (e.g., hacer frío – “to be cold (weather-wise)”)
Common Expressions Using Tener, Estar, and Hacer
Here is a list of beginner and intermediate-level expressions along with their meanings and example sentences.
Expression Meaning Example 1 Example 2 Tener hambre To be hungry Tengo hambre, ¿puedo comer algo? (I am hungry, can I eat something?) Los niños tienen hambre después de jugar. (The children are hungry after playing.) Tener sed To be thirsty Después de correr, siempre tengo mucha sed. (After running, I am always very thirsty.) ¿Tienes sed? Hay agua en la nevera. (Are you thirsty? There is water in the fridge.) Tener razón To be right Tienes razón, era una mala idea. (You are right, it was a bad idea.) El profesor tenía razón sobre la respuesta. (The teacher was right about the answer.) Tener ganas de + infinitive To feel like (doing something) Tengo ganas de viajar a España. (I feel like traveling to Spain.) No tengo ganas de salir hoy. (I don’t feel like going out today.) Tener cuidado To be careful ¡Ten cuidado con el perro! (Be careful with the dog!) Debes tener cuidado al cruzar la calle. (You must be careful when crossing the street.) Tener sueño To be sleepy Después de estudiar, tengo mucho sueño. (After studying, I am very sleepy.) Ella siempre tiene sueño por la mañana. (She is always sleepy in the morning.) Estar de acuerdo To agree Estoy de acuerdo contigo. (I agree with you.) Mis padres no están de acuerdo con mi decisión. (My parents do not agree with my decision.) Estar de buen/mal humor To be in a good/bad mood Hoy estoy de buen humor. (Today I am in a good mood.) Después del examen, estaba de mal humor. (After the exam, I was in a bad mood.) Hacer frío/calor To be cold/hot (weather) Hace mucho frío en invierno. (It is very cold in winter.) En la playa, hace calor. (At the beach, it is hot.) Hacer falta To be necessary/to need Hace falta estudiar para el examen. (It is necessary to study for the exam.) Nos hace falta más información. (We need more information.)
More Example Sentences
- Hace mucho viento hoy. (It is very windy today.)
- Tienes razón, esto no es fácil. (You are right, this is not easy.)
- No estoy de acuerdo con esa idea. (I do not agree with that idea.)
- Hace falta paciencia para aprender un idioma. (Patience is necessary to learn a language.)
- Ten cuidado, la carretera está resbaladiza. (Be careful, the road is slippery.)
- Siempre tengo ganas de comer pizza los viernes. (I always feel like eating pizza on Fridays.)
- Mi hermana tiene sueño porque estudió hasta tarde. (My sister is sleepy because she studied late.)
- En verano hace mucho calor en mi ciudad. (In summer, it is very hot in my city.)
- Después del trabajo, mi madre siempre está de buen humor. (After work, my mom is always in a good mood.)
- Los estudiantes no están de acuerdo con las nuevas reglas. (The students do not agree with the new rules.)
Fill in the Blanks
- ______ cuidado cuando cruzas la calle.
- Después de correr, ______ sed.
- ¿Tú ______ de acuerdo con esa decisión?
- Esta sopa está caliente, ______ falta más agua fría.
- En invierno ______ frío, así que uso un abrigo.
- Hoy no ______ ganas de salir.
- Mi hermana siempre ______ sueño por la mañana.
- Tú siempre ______ razón en las discusiones.
- Mis amigos y yo ______ de buen humor porque es viernes.
- ¡______ falta estudiar más para el examen!
Answers:
- Ten
- Tengo
- Estás
- Hace
- Hace
- Tengo
- Tiene
- Tienes
- Estamos
- Hace
Things to Keep in Mind
- Tener expressions use a noun, meaning they follow gender and number rules. Example: Tener hambre (hunger, feminine noun) vs. Tener ganas de (desires, plural noun).
- Estar expressions often use prepositional phrases such as de acuerdo or de buen humor.
- Hacer expressions are commonly used for weather, e.g., Hace frío instead of Es frío.
- Some phrases change based on the subject. Example: Tengo ganas de comer (I feel like eating) vs. Tenemos ganas de viajar (We feel like traveling).
Conclusion
Using idiomatic expressions with tener, estar, and hacer correctly will make your Spanish sound more natural and fluent. These phrases often don’t translate directly into English, so understanding their structure and use in different contexts is essential. Keep practicing these expressions in daily conversations to improve your fluency and confidence in Spanish!
If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have.
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Time Expressions in Spanish: Hace + Time + Que, Desde, Desde Hace, and More
When learning Spanish, mastering time expressions is crucial for effective communication. Expressions like hace + time + que, desde, and desde hace help describe durations, points in time, and ongoing actions. In this blog post, we’ll explore these expressions in detail, provide examples, and offer practice exercises.
Common Spanish Time Expressions
Below is a list of commonly used time expressions in Spanish, their meanings, and example sentences:
Time Expression Meaning Example 1 Example 2 Hace + time + que “It has been (time) since…” Hace dos horas que estudio. (I have been studying for two hours.) Hace un mes que vivo en Madrid. (I have been living in Madrid for a month.) Desde “Since (a point in time)” Vivo en Madrid desde 2020. (I have lived in Madrid since 2020.) No como carne desde enero. (I haven’t eaten meat since January.) Desde hace “For (a duration of time)” Trabajo aquí desde hace cinco años. (I have been working here for five years.) No veo a Juan desde hace meses. (I haven’t seen Juan for months.) Hace + time “(Time) ago” Fui a España hace tres años. (I went to Spain three years ago.) Terminó la tarea hace una hora. (He finished the homework an hour ago.) Llevar + time + gerundio “To have been (doing something) for (time)” Llevo dos años aprendiendo español. (I have been learning Spanish for two years.) Lleva tres horas esperando. (He has been waiting for three hours.) Hace tiempo que “It’s been a long time since…” Hace tiempo que no te veo. (I haven’t seen you in a long time.) Hace tiempo que no viajo. (I haven’t traveled in a long time.) Desde que “Since (something happened)” Desde que me mudé, estoy feliz. (Since I moved, I am happy.) Desde que empezó el curso, estudio más. (Since the course started, I study more.) Al cabo de “After (time period)” Al cabo de dos años, me fui. (After two years, I left.) Al cabo de un mes, nos casamos. (After a month, we got married.) En cuanto “As soon as” En cuanto llegué, comimos. (As soon as I arrived, we ate.) En cuanto lo vi, supe la verdad. (As soon as I saw him, I knew the truth.) More Example Sentences
- Hace cinco minutos que llegué. (I arrived five minutes ago.)
- No veo a mi primo desde hace tres semanas. (I haven’t seen my cousin for three weeks.)
- Estudio español desde el año pasado. (I have been studying Spanish since last year.)
- Desde que cambié de trabajo, soy más feliz. (Since I changed jobs, I am happier.)
- Llevo un mes sin fumar. (I haven’t smoked for a month.)
- Hace dos años que conozco a Marta. (I have known Marta for two years.)
- Al cabo de unos meses, aprendí a nadar. (After a few months, I learned to swim.)
- En cuanto terminó la reunión, salimos. (As soon as the meeting ended, we left.)
- Hace tiempo que no voy al cine. (I haven’t been to the cinema in a long time.)
- Desde que empezó la pandemia, trabajo desde casa. (Since the pandemic started, I have been working from home.)
Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct time expression.
- _______ dos horas que espero tu llamada.
- No veo a mi amigo _______ un año.
- Trabajo en esta empresa _______ hace cinco años.
- _______ empezó el curso, estudio mucho más.
- Mi hermano llegó _______ tres días.
- _______ un mes que no salimos a cenar.
- Llevo dos meses _______ practicar yoga.
- _______ compré este coche, no he tenido problemas mecánicos.
- _______ lo vi, me di cuenta de su felicidad.
- Al cabo _______ un año, decidimos mudarnos.
Answers
- Hace
- Desde hace
- Desde hace
- Desde que
- Hace
- Hace
- Sin
- Desde que
- En cuanto
- de
Things to Keep in Mind
- Gender and Number: Some time expressions require agreement in gender and number. For example, Hace un mes (one month) but Hace dos meses (two months).
- Articles: Desde hace is often followed by a duration (e.g., Desde hace tres años). However, desde alone is used with specific dates or points in time (e.g., Desde 2020).
- Different Uses: Hace + time is used for the past (e.g., Hace un año que fui a España), while Desde hace emphasizes duration.
- Llevar + gerund: This expression is similar to hace + que but emphasizes ongoing action (e.g., Llevo dos años estudiando español).
Conclusion
Time expressions in Spanish are essential for discussing events, durations, and actions. Understanding the differences between hace + time + que, desde, and desde hace will help you communicate fluently. Practice using these expressions in different contexts to improve your Spanish skills!
If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have.
Happy learning! 😊
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Mastering Deber, Poder and Querer in Spanish
Deber, Poder, Querer: Expressing Obligation, Possibility, and Desire in Spanish
In Spanish, the verbs deber, poder, and querer are commonly used to express obligation, possibility, and desire, respectively. Understanding how to use these verbs correctly is essential for fluent communication. In this blog post, we will explore their meanings, conjugations, and common expressions used in daily life.
1. Deber – Expressing Obligation
The verb deber translates to “must” or “should” in English and is used to indicate duty, necessity, or moral obligation.
Common Expressions with Deber
- Deber + infinitivo → “Must/should do something.”
- Debo estudiar para el examen. (I must study for the exam.)
- Debes comer más verduras. (You should eat more vegetables.)
- Deber de + infinitivo → Expresses probability or supposition.
- Debe de estar en casa. (He/She must be at home.)
Conjugation of Deber
Tense Conjugation Present Indicative debo, debes, debe, debemos, debéis, deben Preterite debí, debiste, debió, debimos, debisteis, debieron Imperfect debía, debías, debía, debíamos, debíais, debían Present Subjunctive deba, debas, deba, debamos, debáis, deban Imperative (no direct affirmative imperative; use subjunctive)
2. Poder – Expressing Possibility and Ability
The verb poder means “can” or “to be able to.” It is used to express ability, permission, or possibility.
Common Expressions with Poder
- Poder + infinitivo → “To be able to do something.”
- Puedo nadar bien. (I can swim well.)
- No puedes entrar sin permiso. (You can’t enter without permission.)
- ¿Se puede…? → Asking for permission.
- ¿Se puede fumar aquí? (Can one smoke here?)
- No poder más → “To be unable to handle something anymore.”
- No puedo más con este calor. (I can’t take this heat anymore.)
Conjugation of Poder (Irregular Verb)
Tense Conjugation Present Indicative puedo, puedes, puede, podemos, podéis, pueden Preterite pude, pudiste, pudo, pudimos, pudisteis, pudieron Imperfect podía, podías, podía, podíamos, podíais, podían Present Subjunctive pueda, puedas, pueda, podamos, podáis, puedan Imperative (no direct affirmative imperative; use subjunctive)
3. Querer – Expressing Desire and Intentions
The verb querer means “to want” or “to love.” It is used to express desires, wishes, and sometimes affection.
Common Expressions with Querer
- Querer + infinitivo → “To want to do something.”
- Quiero viajar a España. (I want to travel to Spain.)
- ¿Quieres salir esta noche? (Do you want to go out tonight?)
- Querer a alguien → “To love someone.”
- Te quiero mucho. (I love you a lot.)
- Querer decir → “To mean.”
- ¿Qué quiere decir esta palabra? (What does this word mean?)
Conjugation of Querer (Irregular Verb)
Tense Conjugation Present Indicative quiero, quieres, quiere, queremos, queréis, quieren Preterite quise, quisiste, quiso, quisimos, quisisteis, quisieron Imperfect quería, querías, quería, queríamos, queríais, querían Present Subjunctive quiera, quieras, quiera, queramos, queráis, quieran Imperative (no direct affirmative imperative; use subjunctive)
Key Considerations When Using Deber, Poder, Querer
- Articles and Gender:
- Use el, la, los, las with nouns when necessary.
- Example: Debes respetar las reglas. (You must respect the rules.)
- Plural vs. Singular:
- Conjugate the verb based on the subject.
- Example: Ellos pueden hablar inglés. (They can speak English.)
- Using the Subjunctive:
- Often follows expressions of doubt, wishes, or hypothetical scenarios.
- Example: Quiero que vengas conmigo. (I want you to come with me.)
- Negation:
- Use “no” before the verb to make it negative.
- Example: No debes mentir. (You must not lie.)
Conclusion
Mastering deber, poder, and querer is essential for effective communication in Spanish. These verbs allow you to express obligation, possibility, and desire in various situations. By understanding their conjugations, common expressions, and proper grammatical usage, you will significantly enhance your Spanish fluency. Keep practicing, and soon, you’ll be able to use them naturally in conversations!
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- Deber + infinitivo → “Must/should do something.”