230 Spanish words for basic conversations (CEFR A2). Opinions, feelings, descriptions, hobbies, personality traits, and social interactions with example sentences.
CEFR A2 — Elementary
At this level you can handle daily routines, describe your background. Vocabulary: ~1,200 words (cumulative).
Spanish → English239 words~24 days at 10 words/day0 downloadsA2
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Tiene is 3rd-person singular present of tener (e→ie stem change). Un matches masc. noun aspecto.
delgado
thin / slim
Mi hermana es alta y delgada.
My sister is tall and thin.
Ser + adjective for inherent traits. Alta/delgada use feminine -a endings to agree with hermana.
gordo
fat / overweight
El gato de mi vecina está muy gordo.
My neighbor's cat is very fat.
Estar + adjective for states/conditions. De mi vecina shows possession with de. Gordo agrees with el gato (masc.).
rubio
blond
Tiene el pelo rubio y los ojos verdes.
She has blond hair and green eyes.
Spanish uses definite articles with body parts: el pelo, los ojos. Rubio/verdes agree in gender/number with their nouns.
moreno
dark-haired / dark-skinned
Es moreno y tiene los ojos marrones.
He is dark-haired and has brown eyes.
Ser + adjective for permanent traits. Los ojos marrones: definite article with body parts; marrones is invariable for gender.
pelirrojo
redhead
Mi amiga pelirroja es de Irlanda.
My redhead friend is from Ireland.
Pelirroja agrees with feminine amiga. Ser de + place expresses origin.
rizado
curly
Tiene el pelo rizado y muy bonito.
She has curly and very pretty hair.
Tiene (3rd-person tener) + el pelo: definite article with body parts. Rizado/bonito agree with el pelo (masc.).
liso
straight (hair) / smooth
Prefiero tener el pelo liso.
I prefer to have straight hair.
Prefiero is 1st-person present of preferir (e→ie stem change). Infinitive tener follows conjugated verb.
calvo
bald
Mi padre se quedó calvo a los cuarenta.
My father went bald at forty.
Quedarse + adjective means 'to become.' Se quedó is preterite 3rd-person. A los cuarenta: a + los for age expressions.
la barba
beard
Se dejó crecer la barba durante las vacaciones.
He grew his beard during the vacation.
Dejarse + infinitive means 'to let oneself.' Se dejó is preterite reflexive 3rd-person. Durante + noun for duration.
el bigote
mustache
Mi abuelo siempre llevaba bigote.
My grandfather always had a mustache.
Llevaba is imperfect of llevar, used for habitual past actions. Siempre signals imperfect tense.
la cicatriz
scar
Tiene una cicatriz en la frente.
He has a scar on his forehead.
Una (fem. article) matches cicatriz (fem. noun). En la frente: preposition en + definite article for body location.
guapo
handsome / good-looking
Ese actor es muy guapo.
That actor is very handsome.
Ese is a masc. demonstrative adjective (that). Ser + adjective for inherent qualities. Muy modifies the adjective.
simpático
nice / friendly
Mi vecino es muy simpático.
My neighbor is very nice.
Ser + adjective for personality traits. Simpático agrees with masc. vecino.
tímido
shy
De pequeño era muy tímido.
As a child I was very shy.
Era is imperfect of ser, for past descriptions/states. De pequeño = 'as a child,' a common time expression.
generoso
generous
Es una persona muy generosa.
He is a very generous person.
Generosa is fem. to agree with persona (always fem. regardless of the person's gender).
elegante
elegant / stylish
Siempre viste de forma elegante.
She always dresses in a stylish way.
Viste is 3rd-person present of vestir (e→i stem change). De forma elegante is an adverbial phrase.
parecerse
to look like / to resemble
Te pareces mucho a tu madre.
You look a lot like your mother.
Parecerse a = 'to resemble.' Te pareces: reflexive 2nd-person present. A introduces the person resembled.
la opinión
opinion
En mi opinión, deberíamos esperar.
In my opinion, we should wait.
Deberíamos is conditional 1st-person plural of deber, expressing polite suggestion. En mi opinión is a set phrase.
estar de acuerdo
to agree
Estoy de acuerdo contigo en todo.
I agree with you on everything.
Estar de acuerdo is a fixed expression using estar. Contigo = con + ti (special prepositional form for tú).
depende
it depends
Depende del tiempo que haga.
It depends on the weather.
Del = de + el (contraction). Haga is present subjunctive of hacer, triggered by the uncertainty of depende.
preferir
to prefer
Prefiero el cine al teatro.
I prefer cinema to theater.
Prefiero is 1st-person present of preferir (e→ie). Al = a + el (contraction); preferir X a Y = 'prefer X to Y.'
encantar
to love (something)
Me encanta la música clásica.
I love classical music.
Gustar-type verb: indirect object pronoun me + 3rd-person encanta. La música is the grammatical subject.
importar
to matter / to mind
No me importa llegar un poco tarde.
I don't mind arriving a little late.
Gustar-type construction: me importa. The infinitive llegar acts as the subject. No negates the verb.
parecer
to seem / to appear
Parece que va a llover esta tarde.
It seems like it's going to rain this afternoon.
Parece que introduces a clause. Ir a + infinitive (va a llover) expresses near future.
sin embargo
however / nevertheless
Es caro; sin embargo, merece la pena.
It's expensive; however, it's worth it.
Sin embargo is a conjunctive adverb linking contrasting clauses. Merece la pena is a fixed expression (3rd-person merecer).
aunque
although / even though
Voy a salir aunque llueva.
I'm going out even though it rains.
Aunque + subjunctive (llueva) expresses concession about an uncertain event. Voy a + infinitive for near future.
además
besides / moreover
Además, no tenemos tiempo suficiente.
Besides, we don't have enough time.
Además is a discourse connector placed at sentence start. Tenemos is 1st-person plural present of tener.
en cambio
on the other hand
A mí me gusta el frío; ella, en cambio, prefiere el calor.
I like the cold; she, on the other hand, prefers the heat.
A mí me gusta: emphatic form with prepositional pronoun + indirect object. En cambio introduces contrast.
por eso
that's why / therefore
Estaba cansado, por eso no fui a la fiesta.
I was tired, that's why I didn't go to the party.
Estaba (imperfect) describes a state; fui (preterite of ir) is a completed action. Por eso links cause and effect.
el plan
plan
¿Tienes algún plan para el fin de semana?
Do you have any plans for the weekend?
Algún is the apocopated form of alguno before a masc. singular noun. Para expresses purpose/time frame.
cita a ciegas
blind date
Mi amiga me organizó una cita a ciegas.
My friend set me up on a blind date.
Organizó is preterite 3rd-person of organizar. Me is an indirect object pronoun. A ciegas = 'blindly,' a set phrase.
proponer
to propose / to suggest
Te propongo ir al cine esta noche.
I suggest we go to the cinema tonight.
Propongo is irregular 1st-person present (poner-type: -go ending). Te is indirect object. Al = a + el contraction.
explicar
to explain
¿Me puedes explicar cómo funciona?
Can you explain to me how it works?
Me puedes + infinitive: pronoun before conjugated verb. Cómo introduces an indirect question.
invitar
to invite
Te invito a cenar el sábado.
I'm inviting you to dinner on Saturday.
Invitar a + infinitive: preposition a links the verb to cenar. Te is a direct object pronoun (you).
prometer
to promise
Te prometo que no llego tarde.
I promise you I won't be late.
Te prometo que: indirect object + present tense used for emphatic promise. Que introduces a noun clause.
sugerir
to suggest
Te sugiero que descanses un poco.
I suggest you rest a little.
Sugiero is 1st-person of sugerir (e→ie). Que + subjunctive (descanses) is required after verbs of suggestion.
organizar
to organize
Quiero organizar una cena en mi casa.
I want to organize a dinner at my house.
Quiero + infinitive: conjugated verb + infinitive pattern. En mi casa: preposition en for location.
celebrar
to celebrate
Vamos a celebrar su cumpleaños el sábado.
We're going to celebrate her birthday on Saturday.
Ir a + infinitive (vamos a celebrar) for near future. Su = 'his/her/their' (possessive, no gender change).
la sorpresa
surprise
Le preparamos una fiesta sorpresa.
We prepared a surprise party for him.
Le is indirect object pronoun (for him/her). Preparamos is preterite 1st-person plural. Sorpresa modifies fiesta as an adjective.
apetecer
to feel like / to fancy
¿Te apetece tomar un café?
Do you feel like having a coffee?
Gustar-type verb: te apetece + infinitive. The infinitive tomar is the grammatical subject.
disponible
available
¿Estás disponible el jueves por la tarde?
Are you available on Thursday afternoon?
Estar + adjective for temporary states. Por la tarde = 'in the afternoon,' using por for general time of day.
ocupado
busy / occupied
Lo siento, estoy ocupado esta semana.
I'm sorry, I'm busy this week.
Estar + adjective for temporary conditions. Lo siento is a fixed expression (sentir, e→ie).
el compromiso
commitment / engagement
Tengo un compromiso previo ese día.
I have a prior commitment that day.
Tengo is 1st-person present of tener (irregular -go). Ese día: demonstrative adjective + time noun.
confirmar
to confirm
¿Puedes confirmar tu asistencia?
Can you confirm your attendance?
Poder + infinitive for ability/permission. Tu (possessive, no accent) modifies asistencia.
disfrutar
to enjoy
Disfruté mucho de la cena de anoche.
I really enjoyed last night's dinner.
Disfruté is preterite 1st-person. Disfrutar de: requires preposition de before the object.
aburrir
to bore
Las películas largas me aburren.
Long movies bore me.
Gustar-type construction: me aburren. Las películas is the plural subject, so aburren is 3rd-person plural.
molestar
to bother / to annoy
¿Te molesta si abro la ventana?
Does it bother you if I open the window?
Gustar-type verb: te molesta. Si + present indicative (abro) for real/likely conditions.
echar de menos
to miss (someone/something)
Echo de menos a mis amigos del colegio.
I miss my friends from school.
Echar de menos is a fixed verbal phrase. Personal a before mis amigos (people). Del = de + el contraction.
el sentimiento
feeling / emotion
Es difícil expresar mis sentimientos.
It's difficult to express my feelings.
Es + adjective + infinitive: impersonal construction. Mis sentimientos: possessive + plural noun.
el humor
mood / humor
Hoy está de buen humor.
He's in a good mood today.
Estar de buen humor is a fixed expression using estar for temporary states. Buen is apocopated form of bueno before masc. noun.
el ánimo
spirit / encouragement
No tengo ánimo para salir esta noche.
I don't have the spirit to go out tonight.
Tener + noun (no article) for states: tengo ánimo. Para + infinitive expresses purpose.
el deseo
wish / desire
Mi mayor deseo es viajar por el mundo.
My greatest wish is to travel around the world.
Mayor is an irregular comparative (grande→mayor). Por el mundo: por expresses movement through/around.
la esperanza
hope
Todavía tengo esperanza de encontrar trabajo.
I still have hope of finding a job.
Esperanza de + infinitive: preposition de links noun to action. Todavía = 'still,' an adverb of time.
la confianza
trust / confidence
La confianza es la base de una buena relación.
Trust is the basis of a good relationship.
Ser for definitions/essence. De una buena relación: de shows belonging. Buena agrees with relación (fem.).
la vergüenza
shame / embarrassment
Me da vergüenza hablar en público.
I'm embarrassed to speak in public.
Dar vergüenza is a gustar-type construction: me da. The infinitive hablar is the grammatical subject.
el orgullo
pride
Siento mucho orgullo por mis hijos.
I feel a lot of pride for my children.
Siento is 1st-person present of sentir (e→ie). Por expresses cause/reason here.
la soledad
loneliness / solitude
La soledad puede ser difícil de soportar.
Loneliness can be hard to bear.
Poder + ser + adjective + de + infinitive: chain of verb complements. Difícil de + infinitive = 'hard to.'
la alegría
joy / happiness
La boda fue un día lleno de alegría.
The wedding was a day full of joy.
Fue is preterite of ser. Lleno de: adjective + de for 'full of.' Un día: masc. indefinite article.
la tristeza
sadness
Sentí una gran tristeza al despedirme.
I felt great sadness when saying goodbye.
Sentí is preterite 1st-person of sentir. Al + infinitive = 'upon/when doing.' Gran before noun = 'great.'
la envidia
envy
Siente envidia de su compañero de trabajo.
He feels envy towards his coworker.
Sentir envidia de: noun + de for the target. Siente is 3rd-person present of sentir (e→ie).
la ilusión
excitement / hope / illusion
Tengo mucha ilusión por las vacaciones.
I'm very excited about the vacation.
Tener ilusión por is a fixed expression for excitement. Mucha agrees with ilusión (fem.).
la experiencia
experience
Fue una experiencia increíble.
It was an incredible experience.
Fue is preterite of ser. Una (fem.) matches experiencia. Increíble is gender-invariable (-e ending).
la nostalgia
nostalgia / homesickness
Siento nostalgia cuando pienso en mi ciudad natal.
I feel nostalgia when I think about my hometown.
Cuando + present indicative for habitual time clauses. Pensar en: pensar requires en before its object.
la aventura
adventure
El viaje fue toda una aventura.
The trip was quite an adventure.
Toda una + noun is an emphatic expression meaning 'quite a.' Fue is preterite of ser.
la anécdota
anecdote
Mi abuelo siempre cuenta anécdotas divertidas.
My grandfather always tells funny anecdotes.
Cuenta is 3rd-person present of contar (o→ue stem change). Siempre signals habitual present. Divertidas agrees with anécdotas (fem. pl.).
suceder
to happen / to occur
¿Qué sucedió ayer en la oficina?
What happened yesterday at the office?
Sucedió is preterite 3rd-person. Qué is interrogative. Ayer signals preterite tense.
olvidar
to forget
Se me olvidó comprar el pan.
I forgot to buy bread.
Se me olvidó: involuntary construction (se + indirect object + verb). The subject is comprar el pan.
describir
to describe
¿Puedes describir cómo es tu casa?
Can you describe what your house is like?
Poder + infinitive. Cómo es: indirect question with ser for descriptions. Tu casa: possessive + noun.
mencionar
to mention
No mencionó nada sobre el problema.
He didn't mention anything about the problem.
Mencionó is preterite 3rd-person. Nada = 'nothing' after no (double negative). Sobre = 'about.'
comentar
to comment / to discuss
Quería comentarte algo importante.
I wanted to discuss something important with you.
Quería is imperfect of querer, softening the request. Comentarte: infinitive + te (indirect object pronoun attached).
comparar
to compare
No deberías compararte con los demás.
You shouldn't compare yourself to others.
Deberías is conditional of deber (polite advice). Compararte: infinitive + reflexive te. Con for 'with.'
mejor
better / best
Este restaurante es mejor que el otro.
This restaurant is better than the other one.
Mejor is irregular comparative of bueno (not más bueno). Que introduces the comparison.
peor
worse / worst
El tráfico hoy fue peor que ayer.
Traffic today was worse than yesterday.
Peor is irregular comparative of malo. Fue is preterite of ser. Que ayer: comparison with adverb.
igual
equal / the same
Los dos vestidos son casi iguales.
The two dresses are almost the same.
Ser for inherent qualities. Iguales is plural to agree with los dos vestidos. Casi = 'almost' (adverb).
parecido
similar
Tu casa es parecida a la mía.
Your house is similar to mine.
Parecida agrees with casa (fem.). Parecido a = 'similar to.' La mía: fem. possessive pronoun matching casa.
tan
so / as (comparison)
No es tan difícil como parece.
It's not as difficult as it seems.
Tan + adjective + como: equality comparison structure. Parece is 3rd-person present of parecer.
como
like / as
Cocina como su madre.
She cooks like her mother.
Como without accent = 'like/as' (comparison). Cocina is 3rd-person present of cocinar.
mayor
older / bigger
Mi hermana mayor vive en Londres.
My older sister lives in London.
Mayor is irregular comparative of grande, meaning 'older' for people. Placed after the noun here.
menor
younger / smaller
Es dos años menor que yo.
He is two years younger than me.
Menor is irregular comparative of pequeño for age. Dos años: measure phrase. Que yo: que + subject pronoun.
a menudo
often
A menudo vamos a cenar fuera los viernes.
We often go out for dinner on Fridays.
A menudo is a frequency adverbial. Ir a + infinitive: vamos a cenar. Los viernes: definite article for recurring days.
casi nunca
hardly ever
Casi nunca como comida rápida.
I hardly ever eat fast food.
Casi nunca is a negative frequency adverb (no extra 'no' needed when placed before verb). Como is 1st-person present of comer.
de vez en cuando
from time to time
De vez en cuando voy al teatro.
From time to time I go to the theater.
De vez en cuando is a fixed frequency phrase. Al = a + el contraction. Voy is irregular 1st-person of ir.
normalmente
normally / usually
Normalmente me acuesto a las once.
I normally go to bed at eleven.
Adverb ending in -mente from normal. Acostarse is reflexive (o→ue): me acuesto. A las once: a + article for clock time.
raramente
rarely
Raramente llego tarde al trabajo.
I rarely arrive late to work.
Adverb in -mente from raro/a. Al = a + el contraction. Tarde functions as an adverb here ('late').
diariamente
daily
Hago ejercicio diariamente.
I exercise daily.
Hago is irregular 1st-person of hacer (-go form). Diariamente: -mente adverb from diario/a.
mientras
while / meanwhile
Escucho música mientras trabajo.
I listen to music while I work.
Mientras is a temporal conjunction linking two simultaneous present-tense actions.
entonces
then / so
¿Entonces vienes o no?
So are you coming or not?
Entonces is a discourse connector for consequence. Vienes is 2nd-person present of venir (e→ie).
luego
then / later
Primero como y luego salgo a pasear.
First I eat and then I go for a walk.
Primero...luego: sequencing adverbs. Salgo is irregular 1st-person of salir (-go form). A pasear: a + infinitive for purpose.
anteayer
the day before yesterday
Anteayer fue el cumpleaños de mi hermano.
The day before yesterday was my brother's birthday.
Anteayer is a compound time adverb. Fue is preterite of ser. De mi hermano: de for possession.
pasado mañana
the day after tomorrow
Pasado mañana tenemos una reunión importante.
The day after tomorrow we have an important meeting.
Pasado mañana is a compound time expression. Present tense tenemos for scheduled future events.
antiguo
old / ancient / former
Visitamos un castillo antiguo muy bonito.
We visited a very beautiful ancient castle.
Visitamos is preterite 1st-person plural. Antiguo after noun = 'ancient'; before noun = 'former.' Muy + adjective.
moderno
modern
El edificio es muy moderno y tiene mucho cristal.
The building is very modern and has a lot of glass.
Ser + adjective for inherent characteristics. Mucho cristal: mucho agrees with masc. noun (no article needed).
típico
typical
Es un plato típico de esta región.
It's a typical dish from this region.
De esta región: de indicates origin. Esta is a fem. demonstrative matching región.
especial
special
Hoy es un día muy especial para nosotros.
Today is a very special day for us.
Ser for categorization. Para nosotros: para + prepositional pronoun expresses 'for us.'
normal
normal / usual
Es normal sentirse nervioso el primer día.
It's normal to feel nervous on the first day.
Es + adjective + infinitive: impersonal structure. Sentirse: reflexive infinitive. Primer: apocopated form of primero.
extraño
strange / odd
Escuché un ruido extraño en la cocina.
I heard a strange noise in the kitchen.
Escuché is preterite 1st-person of escuchar. Un ruido extraño: adjective after noun for descriptive emphasis.
increíble
incredible / unbelievable
La vista desde la montaña es increíble.
The view from the mountain is incredible.
Ser + adjective for inherent qualities. Desde = 'from' (spatial). Increíble ends in -e, invariable for gender.
maravilloso
wonderful / marvelous
Pasamos un fin de semana maravilloso.
We had a wonderful weekend.
Pasamos is preterite 1st-person plural (same form as present). Maravilloso agrees with fin (masc.).
horrible
horrible / terrible
El tiempo fue horrible durante todo el viaje.
The weather was horrible during the whole trip.
Fue is preterite of ser. Durante todo el viaje: durante + noun for time span. Todo agrees with el viaje (masc.).
perfecto
perfect
La cena estuvo perfecta.
The dinner was perfect.
Estar (not ser) for a resulting state of an event. Perfecta agrees with la cena (fem.).
terrible
terrible
Tuve un día terrible en el trabajo.
I had a terrible day at work.
Tuve is irregular preterite 1st-person of tener. Terrible is gender-invariable (-e ending).
interesante
interesting
La conferencia fue muy interesante.
The lecture was very interesting.
Fue is preterite of ser. Interesante ends in -e, invariable for gender. Muy + adjective.
aburrirse
to get bored
Los niños se aburren cuando llueve.
The children get bored when it rains.
Reflexive se aburren: 3rd-person plural. Cuando + present indicative for habitual conditions. Llueve is impersonal.
divertido
fun / amusing
La fiesta fue muy divertida.
The party was a lot of fun.
Ser for categorizing the event. Divertida is fem. to agree with la fiesta.
divertirse
to have fun
Nos divertimos mucho en la playa.
We had a lot of fun at the beach.
Nos divertimos: reflexive 1st-person plural (preterite, same form as present). En la playa: en for location.
agradable
pleasant / nice
Es una persona muy agradable.
He's a very pleasant person.
Ser for personality traits. Persona is always fem.; agradable ends in -e, invariable for gender.
desagradable
unpleasant
El olor del vertedero es desagradable.
The smell of the landfill is unpleasant.
Del = de + el contraction. Ser for inherent characteristics. Des- prefix negates agradable.
la emoción
emotion / excitement
Sentí una gran emoción al verlos.
I felt great excitement when I saw them.
Sentí is preterite of sentir (e→i). Al + infinitive = 'upon doing.' Verlos: infinitive + direct object pronoun los.
enfadarse
to get angry
Se enfadó porque llegué tarde.
He got angry because I arrived late.
Se enfadó: reflexive preterite 3rd-person. Porque introduces a causal clause. Llegué: preterite 1st-person.
preocuparse
to worry
No te preocupes, todo va a salir bien.
Don't worry, everything is going to be fine.
No te preocupes: negative tú imperative uses present subjunctive. Va a + infinitive: near future.
sorprenderse
to be surprised
Me sorprendí al ver la nota.
I was surprised when I saw the grade.
Me sorprendí: reflexive preterite 1st-person. Al + infinitive = 'upon/when.' La nota: fem. definite article.
emocionarse
to get emotional / excited
Se emocionó al recibir el regalo.
She got emotional when she received the gift.
Se emocionó: reflexive preterite 3rd-person. Al + infinitive = 'upon.' Recibir el regalo: infinitive + direct object.
la relación
relationship
Tienen una relación muy buena.
They have a very good relationship.
Tienen is 3rd-person plural of tener. Buena agrees with relación (fem.). Muy + adjective.
la pareja
partner / couple
Mi pareja y yo llevamos tres años juntos.
My partner and I have been together for three years.
Llevar + time = 'to have been doing for.' Llevamos: 1st-person plural present. Juntos: masc. plural adjective.
la amistad
friendship
Nuestra amistad empezó en la universidad.
Our friendship started at university.
Nuestra agrees with amistad (fem.). Empezó is preterite of empezar (e→ie only in present). En la: preposition + article.
respetar
to respect
Es importante respetar las opiniones de los demás.
It's important to respect other people's opinions.
Es + adjective + infinitive: impersonal construction. De los demás: de for possession/belonging.
confiar
to trust
Confío plenamente en mi mejor amigo.
I fully trust my best friend.
Confiar en: requires preposition en. Confío has accent on í (hiatus). Mejor: irregular comparative of bueno.
apoyar
to support
Mis padres siempre me apoyan en todo.
My parents always support me in everything.
Me is direct object pronoun (me). Apoyan: 3rd-person plural present. En todo: preposition + pronoun.
disculparse
to apologize
Se disculpó por llegar tarde.
He apologized for arriving late.
Reflexive preterite: se disculpó. Por + infinitive = 'for doing.' Llegar tarde: infinitive + adverb.
agradecer
to thank / to be grateful
Te agradezco mucho tu ayuda.
I really appreciate your help.
Agradezco is irregular 1st-person (-zco form, like conocer). Te is indirect object pronoun.
discutir
to argue / to discuss
Discutieron por una tontería.
They argued over something silly.
Discutieron is preterite 3rd-person plural. Por indicates cause/reason.
compartir
to share
Me gusta compartir mis experiencias con los demás.
I like to share my experiences with others.
Me gusta + infinitive: gustar-type construction. Con los demás: con + article + pronoun for 'with others.'
convencer
to convince
No pude convencerlo de que viniera.
I couldn't convince him to come.
Pude is irregular preterite of poder. Convencerlo: infinitive + direct object lo. Viniera: imperfect subjunctive after de que.
decidir
to decide
Decidimos ir de vacaciones a la playa.
We decided to go on vacation to the beach.
Decidimos is preterite 1st-person plural. Ir de vacaciones: fixed expression. A la playa: a for destination.
influir
to influence
La familia influye mucho en nuestra forma de ser.
Family influences our way of being a lot.
Influye: 3rd-person of influir (adds y before endings). Influir en: requires preposition en.
depender
to depend
Todo depende de lo que decidáis vosotros.
Everything depends on what you all decide.
Depender de: requires preposition de. Decidáis is present subjunctive vosotros form, used in a relative clause with lo que.
conseguir
to get / to achieve
Conseguí entradas para el concierto.
I got tickets for the concert.
Conseguí is preterite 1st-person of conseguir (e→i in 3rd-person). Para for purpose/destination.
intentar
to try / to attempt
Voy a intentar llegar antes de las ocho.
I'm going to try to arrive before eight.
Ir a + infinitive for near future. Intentar + infinitive: verb chain. Antes de: compound preposition for 'before.'
lograr
to manage / to achieve
Logró terminar la carrera a pesar de las dificultades.
He managed to finish his degree despite the difficulties.
Logró is preterite 3rd-person. Lograr + infinitive = 'to manage to.' A pesar de: compound preposition for 'despite.'
mejorar
to improve
Mi español ha mejorado mucho este año.
My Spanish has improved a lot this year.
Ha mejorado: present perfect (haber + past participle). Used for actions relevant to the present.
empeorar
to worsen / to get worse
El tiempo ha empeorado desde ayer.
The weather has worsened since yesterday.
Ha empeorado: present perfect. Desde ayer: desde = 'since,' marking a time reference.
imaginar
to imagine
No puedo imaginar la vida sin música.
I can't imagine life without music.
Poder + infinitive: puedo imaginar. Sin = 'without,' a preposition.
soñar
to dream
Anoche soñé que viajaba a Japón.
Last night I dreamed I was traveling to Japan.
Soñé is preterite 1st-person of soñar. Soñar que + imperfect (viajaba): dream content uses imperfect for ongoing action.
desear
to wish / to desire
Te deseo lo mejor en tu nuevo trabajo.
I wish you the best in your new job.
Te is indirect object pronoun. Lo mejor: neuter article lo + comparative for 'the best.' En tu: preposition + possessive.
atreverse
to dare
No me atrevo a saltar desde tan alto.
I don't dare to jump from so high up.
Reflexive: me atrevo. Atreverse a + infinitive: requires preposition a. Tan alto: tan + adjective = 'so.'
lamentar
to regret / to be sorry
Lamento no haber podido asistir a la boda.
I'm sorry I wasn't able to attend the wedding.
Lamentar + infinitive compound: no haber podido (perfect infinitive). Asistir a: requires preposition a.
relajarse
to relax
Necesito relajarme después de una semana tan dura.
I need to relax after such a hard week.
Relajarme: reflexive pronoun me attached to infinitive. Después de: compound preposition for 'after.' Tan dura: 'so hard.'
acostumbrarse
to get used to
Me costó acostumbrarme al nuevo horario.
It was hard for me to get used to the new schedule.
Costar + infinitive: gustar-type (me costó). Acostumbrarse a: requires preposition a. Al = a + el contraction.
quejarse de
to complain about
Siempre se queja de los vecinos.
He always complains about the neighbors.
Reflexive: se queja. Quejarse de: requires preposition de. Siempre signals habitual action.
despedirse
to say goodbye
Nos despedimos con un abrazo muy fuerte.
We said goodbye with a very tight hug.
Nos despedimos: reflexive 1st-person plural preterite (same form as present). Con = 'with.'
reunirse
to get together / to meet
Nos reunimos todos los domingos para comer.
We get together every Sunday for lunch.
Nos reunimos: reflexive 1st-person plural present. Todos los domingos: definite article for habitual days. Para + infinitive for purpose.
presentar
to introduce / to present
Te presento a mi amigo Carlos.
Let me introduce you to my friend Carlos.
Te presento a: personal a before the person being introduced. Te is indirect object (to you).
conversar
to converse / to chat
Me encanta conversar con personas de otros países.
I love chatting with people from other countries.
Me encanta + infinitive: gustar-type construction. Con for 'with.' De otros países: de for origin.
cotidiano
daily / everyday
La vida cotidiana puede ser muy interesante.
Everyday life can be very interesting.
Cotidiana agrees with la vida (fem.). Puede + ser: modal + infinitive chain.
la costumbre
habit / custom
Tengo la costumbre de leer antes de dormir.
I have the habit of reading before sleeping.
Tener la costumbre de + infinitive: fixed expression. Antes de: compound preposition for 'before.'
el acuerdo
agreement
Llegamos a un acuerdo después de mucho hablar.
We reached an agreement after a lot of talking.
Llegar a un acuerdo: fixed expression (llegar a = 'to reach'). Después de + infinitive = 'after doing.'
el malentendido
misunderstanding
Fue un malentendido, no quería ofenderte.
It was a misunderstanding, I didn't mean to offend you.
Fue is preterite of ser. Quería (imperfect) softens: 'I didn't mean to.' Ofenderte: infinitive + te.
la broma
joke
Era solo una broma, no te enfades.
It was just a joke, don't get angry.
Era (imperfect of ser) for background description. No te enfades: negative tú imperative uses subjunctive.
el chiste
joke (funny story)
Mi padre siempre cuenta los mismos chistes.
My father always tells the same jokes.
Cuenta is 3rd-person of contar (o→ue). Los mismos: definite article + adjective for 'the same.'
el cumplido
compliment
Le hizo un cumplido sobre su vestido.
He paid her a compliment about her dress.
Le is indirect object (to her). Hizo is irregular preterite of hacer. Sobre = 'about.'
la crítica
criticism / review
No acepta bien las críticas.
He doesn't take criticism well.
Acepta is 3rd-person present. Las críticas: fem. plural with article. Bien is an adverb modifying the verb.
el consejo
advice
¿Puedo darte un consejo?
Can I give you some advice?
Poder + infinitive. Darte: dar + te (indirect object pronoun attached to infinitive). Un consejo: singular, uncountable in English.
el secreto
secret
Puedes confiar en mí, sé guardar un secreto.
You can trust me, I know how to keep a secret.
Confiar en: requires preposition en. Mí with accent (prepositional pronoun). Sé is 1st-person of saber = 'I know how to.'
la mentira
lie
No me gustan las mentiras.
I don't like lies.
Gustar-type: no me gustan. Las mentiras (plural subject) triggers gustan (plural verb).
sincero
sincere / honest
Quiero ser sincero contigo.
I want to be sincere with you.
Querer + ser + adjective. Contigo = con + ti (special merged form for 'with you').
echar la culpa
to blame
No me eches la culpa a mí.
Don't blame me.
No eches: negative tú imperative (subjunctive). Me is indirect object. A mí: emphatic prepositional pronoun.
estar en contra
to be against
Estoy en contra de esa decisión.
I'm against that decision.
Estar en contra de: fixed prepositional expression. Esa (fem. demonstrative) matches decisión.
estar a favor
to be in favor
Estoy a favor de cambiar el horario.
I'm in favor of changing the schedule.
Estar a favor de: fixed expression with estar. De + infinitive = 'of doing.'
por supuesto
of course
Por supuesto que puedes venir.
Of course you can come.
Por supuesto que: fixed expression followed by a clause. Puedes + infinitive: modal pattern.
ni siquiera
not even
Ni siquiera me llamó para disculparse.
He didn't even call me to apologize.
Ni siquiera: emphatic negative, no extra 'no' needed before verb. Llamó: preterite 3rd-person. Para + infinitive for purpose.
tal vez
perhaps / maybe
Tal vez tenga razón.
Perhaps he's right.
Tal vez triggers subjunctive (tenga, from tener). Tener razón = 'to be right,' a fixed expression.
ojalá
hopefully / I wish
Ojalá haga buen tiempo mañana.
Hopefully the weather will be nice tomorrow.
Ojalá always triggers subjunctive: haga (present subjunctive of hacer). Buen: apocopated form of bueno before masc. noun.
en realidad
actually / in reality
En realidad, prefiero quedarme en casa.
Actually, I prefer to stay at home.
En realidad is a discourse marker. Quedarme: reflexive infinitive with me attached. En casa: en for location.
por cierto
by the way
Por cierto, ¿has visto la nueva película?
By the way, have you seen the new movie?
Por cierto is a discourse marker. Has visto: present perfect (haber + participle). La nueva película: adjective before noun for emphasis.
en serio
seriously
¿En serio te vas a mudar?
Are you seriously going to move?
En serio is an adverbial phrase. Te vas a mudar: reflexive ir a + infinitive for near future (mudarse).
al final
in the end / finally
Al final decidimos quedarnos en casa.
In the end we decided to stay at home.
Al final is a time expression. Decidimos: preterite 1st-person plural. Quedarnos: reflexive infinitive with nos.
desde luego
of course / certainly
Desde luego, eso no es aceptable.
Of course, that is not acceptable.
Desde luego is a fixed discourse marker for emphasis. Eso is a neuter demonstrative pronoun.
en general
in general
En general, estoy contento con mi vida.
In general, I'm happy with my life.
En general is a discourse marker. Estar + adjective for emotional states. Contento (masc.) agrees with the speaker.
en seguida
right away / immediately
Voy en seguida, espérame.
I'm coming right away, wait for me.
Voy is present of ir (used for immediate action). Espérame: affirmative tú imperative + me pronoun attached.
a propósito
on purpose
No lo hice a propósito, fue un accidente.
I didn't do it on purpose, it was an accident.
Lo hice: lo is direct object pronoun + preterite of hacer (irregular: hice). A propósito: fixed adverbial phrase.
al parecer
apparently
Al parecer, van a cerrar la tienda.
Apparently, they are going to close the store.
Al parecer is a fixed phrase (al + infinitive). Van a + infinitive: ir a + infinitive for near future (3rd-person plural).
sin duda
without a doubt
Sin duda, es la mejor opción.
Without a doubt, it is the best option.
Sin duda is a fixed phrase. Mejor: irregular superlative of buena. La mejor opción: superlative with definite article.
sobre todo
especially / above all
Me gusta la fruta, sobre todo las fresas.
I like fruit, especially strawberries.
Sobre todo is a fixed adverbial phrase. Me gusta: gustar-type with singular subject la fruta.
en cuanto
as soon as
En cuanto llegue, te llamo.
As soon as I arrive, I'll call you.
En cuanto + subjunctive (llegue) for future events not yet realized. Te llamo: present tense for planned future.
a pesar de
despite / in spite of
Salimos a pasear a pesar de la lluvia.
We went for a walk despite the rain.
A pesar de is a compound preposition. Salimos: preterite 1st-person plural. A pasear: a + infinitive for purpose.
debido a
due to / because of
Se canceló el vuelo debido a la niebla.
The flight was canceled due to fog.
Se canceló: passive se construction (the flight was canceled). Debido a: compound preposition for cause.
según
according to
Según el periódico, va a nevar mañana.
According to the newspaper, it's going to snow tomorrow.
Según is a preposition (no article change). Va a + infinitive for near future. Nevar is impersonal (weather).
a través de
through / by means of
Nos conocimos a través de un amigo común.
We met through a mutual friend.
A través de is a compound preposition. Nos conocimos: reciprocal reflexive preterite = 'we met each other.'
en vez de
instead of
En vez de quejarme, voy a buscar una solución.
Instead of complaining, I'm going to find a solution.
En vez de + infinitive: compound preposition. Quejarme: reflexive infinitive. Voy a + infinitive: near future.
respecto a
regarding / with regard to
Respecto a tu pregunta, no tengo respuesta.
Regarding your question, I don't have an answer.
Respecto a is a compound preposition. No tengo: simple negation + present tense.
enterarse
to find out
Me enteré de la noticia por la radio.
I found out about the news on the radio.
Reflexive preterite: me enteré. Enterarse de: requires preposition de. Por la radio: por for means/channel.
darse cuenta
to realize
Me di cuenta de que había olvidado el regalo.
I realized that I had forgotten the gift.
Darse cuenta de que: fixed expression. Me di: preterite reflexive of dar. Había olvidado: pluperfect (past of past).
fijarse
to notice / to pay attention
¿Te has fijado en su nuevo corte de pelo?
Have you noticed his new haircut?
Te has fijado: reflexive present perfect. Fijarse en: requires preposition en. Corte de pelo: compound noun.
tratar de
to try to / to be about
El libro trata de una familia española.
The book is about a Spanish family.
Tratar de = 'to be about' (for books/movies). Trata: 3rd-person present. De una familia: de introduces the topic.
ponerse de acuerdo
to reach an agreement
No nos ponemos de acuerdo sobre dónde cenar.
We can't agree on where to have dinner.
Reflexive: nos ponemos. Ponerse de acuerdo: fixed expression. Sobre introduces the topic. Dónde: indirect question.
llevarse bien
to get along well
Me llevo bien con todos mis compañeros.
I get along well with all my colleagues.
Reflexive: me llevo. Llevarse bien con: fixed expression with preposition con.
llevarse mal
to not get along
Se llevan mal desde que discutieron.
They don't get along since they argued.
Reflexive 3rd-person plural: se llevan. Desde que + preterite (discutieron): 'since they argued.'
caer bien
to like (a person)
Tu nuevo novio me cae muy bien.
I really like your new boyfriend.
Gustar-type verb: me cae bien. Tu nuevo novio is the subject. Bien is an adverb.
caer mal
to dislike (a person)
No sé por qué le caigo mal a su hermana.
I don't know why his sister dislikes me.
Gustar-type: le caigo mal. Yo (implied) is the subject of caigo. A su hermana: emphatic indirect object.
tener ganas de
to feel like / to want to
Tengo ganas de ir a la playa.
I feel like going to the beach.
Tener ganas de + infinitive: fixed expression. A la playa: a for destination.
tener razón
to be right
Creo que tienes razón.
I think you're right.
Creer que + indicative for belief. Tener razón: fixed expression (not ser/estar). Tienes: 2nd-person present.
valer la pena
to be worth it
Este restaurante vale la pena probarlo.
This restaurant is worth trying.
Valer la pena: fixed expression. Vale: 3rd-person present. Probarlo: infinitive + lo (direct object pronoun).
dar igual
to not matter / to not care
Me da igual, elige tú.
I don't mind, you choose.
Gustar-type: me da igual. Elige: affirmative tú imperative of elegir (e→i). Tú adds emphasis.
pasarlo bien
to have a good time
Lo pasamos muy bien en la cena.
We had a great time at the dinner.
Lo pasamos bien: fixed expression; lo is a neuter pronoun. Pasamos: preterite 1st-person plural. En for location.
pasarlo mal
to have a bad time
Lo pasé mal durante la mudanza.
I had a bad time during the move.
Lo pasé mal: fixed expression in preterite. Durante: preposition for time span. La mudanza: fem. noun with article.
tener en cuenta
to take into account
Hay que tener en cuenta todos los detalles.
You have to take all the details into account.
Hay que + infinitive: impersonal obligation ('one must'). Tener en cuenta: fixed verbal expression.
hacer caso
to pay attention / to listen to
Nunca me hace caso cuando le hablo.
He never listens to me when I talk to him.
Hacer caso: fixed expression. Me is indirect object. Cuando + present indicative for habitual actions. Le hablo: indirect object + verb.
el rollo
bore / drag
La película fue un rollo total.
The movie was a total bore.
Fue is preterite of ser. Un rollo: informal/colloquial use. Total modifies rollo as a postposed adjective.
genial
great / awesome
La idea me parece genial.
The idea seems great to me.
Parecer: gustar-type (me parece). La idea is the subject. Genial is gender-invariable (-l ending).
estupendo
wonderful / great
Hemos tenido un día estupendo.
We've had a wonderful day.
Hemos tenido: present perfect 1st-person plural. Estupendo agrees with un día (masc.).
fenomenal
phenomenal / fantastic
La comida estaba fenomenal.
The food was fantastic.
Estar (not ser) for the resulting state of a specific meal. Estaba: imperfect. Fenomenal is gender-invariable.
fatal
awful / terrible
Me siento fatal, creo que tengo fiebre.
I feel awful, I think I have a fever.
Sentirse + adverb/adjective for physical state. Creo que + indicative for belief. Tengo fiebre: no article needed.
pesado
annoying / heavy
No seas pesado, ya te dije que no.
Don't be annoying, I already said no.
No seas: negative tú imperative of ser (subjunctive). Ya te dije: ya = 'already' + preterite of decir (irregular: dije).
tonto
silly / stupid
Fue un error tonto que podía haber evitado.
It was a silly mistake that could have been avoided.
Fue is preterite of ser. Podía haber evitado: imperfect of poder + perfect infinitive for past unrealized ability.
sabio
wise
Mi abuela es una mujer muy sabia.
My grandmother is a very wise woman.
Ser for inherent traits. Sabia: fem. form of sabio, matching mujer. Muy + adjective.
capaz
capable / able
Es muy capaz de resolver el problema.
He is very capable of solving the problem.
Ser + capaz de + infinitive: fixed pattern. Capaz ends in consonant, invariable for gender.
incapaz
incapable / unable
Soy incapaz de mentir.
I'm incapable of lying.
Ser + incapaz de + infinitive. In- prefix negates capaz. Soy: 1st-person of ser.
culpable
guilty
No me siento culpable de nada.
I don't feel guilty about anything.
Sentirse + adjective for emotional state. Culpable de: requires preposition de. Nada = 'nothing' (double negative with no).
inocente
innocent
El juez declaró al acusado inocente.
The judge declared the defendant innocent.
Declaró: preterite 3rd-person. Al acusado: personal a + el = al before the person. Inocente as object complement.
justo
fair / just
No es justo que trabaje más y gane menos.
It's not fair that he works more and earns less.
Es justo que + subjunctive: value judgment triggers subjunctive (trabaje, gane). Más/menos: comparatives.
injusto
unfair / unjust
Me parece injusto que no le den el premio.
I think it's unfair that they don't give him the prize.
Parecer: gustar-type (me parece). Que + subjunctive (den): triggered by value judgment injusto. Le: indirect object.
exagerar
to exaggerate
No exageres, no fue para tanto.
Don't exaggerate, it wasn't that bad.
No exageres: negative tú imperative (subjunctive). Para tanto: fixed expression meaning 'that serious/bad.'
negar con la cabeza
to shake one's head (no)
Negó con la cabeza cuando le pregunté.
He shook his head when I asked him.
Negó: preterite 3rd-person of negar. Con la cabeza: con + definite article with body parts. Le: indirect object.
asentir
to nod / to agree
Asintió con la cabeza sin decir nada.
She nodded without saying anything.
Asintió: preterite 3rd-person of asentir (e→i). Sin + infinitive = 'without doing.' Nada = 'nothing.'
encogerse de hombros
to shrug
Se encogió de hombros y dijo que no sabía.
He shrugged and said he didn't know.
Reflexive preterite: se encogió. De hombros: de + noun in fixed expression. Dijo: irregular preterite of decir.
el gesto
gesture
Hizo un gesto de sorpresa al verme.
He made a gesture of surprise when he saw me.
Hizo: irregular preterite of hacer. De sorpresa: de for type/kind. Al + infinitive = 'upon.' Verme: ver + me.
la actitud
attitude
Su actitud positiva me inspira.
His positive attitude inspires me.
Su: possessive (his/her). Positiva agrees with actitud (fem.). Me is direct object. Inspira: 3rd-person present.
el carácter
character / personality
Tiene un carácter muy fuerte.
She has a very strong character.
Tener + noun for characteristics. Un carácter: masc. noun. Fuerte is gender-invariable (-e ending).
el comportamiento
behavior
Su comportamiento en clase ha mejorado.
His behavior in class has improved.
Ha mejorado: present perfect. En clase: en for location (no article needed). Su: possessive.
comportarse
to behave
Los niños se comportaron muy bien en la cena.
The children behaved very well at dinner.
Reflexive preterite: se comportaron (3rd-person plural). Bien: adverb modifying the verb. En la cena: en for occasion.
complicado
complicated
La situación es más complicada de lo que parece.
The situation is more complicated than it seems.
Más + adjective + de lo que: comparative with a clause ('than what'). Complicada agrees with situación (fem.).
sencillo
simple / easy
La receta es bastante sencilla.
The recipe is quite simple.
Ser for inherent qualities. Sencilla agrees with la receta (fem.). Bastante = 'quite,' modifying the adjective.
evidente
obvious / evident
Es evidente que no quiere ir.
It's obvious that he doesn't want to go.
Es + adjective + que + indicative: factual statement uses indicative (quiere). Evidente is gender-invariable.
necesario
necessary
Es necesario estudiar más para aprobar.
It's necessary to study more to pass.
Es necesario + infinitive: impersonal obligation. Para + infinitive: purpose ('in order to').
posible
possible
¿Es posible cambiar la fecha?
Is it possible to change the date?
Es posible + infinitive: impersonal construction. Cambiar: infinitive as subject. La fecha: fem. definite article.
imposible
impossible
Es imposible terminar el trabajo hoy.
It's impossible to finish the work today.
Es imposible + infinitive: impersonal. Im- prefix negates posible. El trabajo: masc. definite article.
probable
probable / likely
Es probable que llueva mañana.
It's likely that it will rain tomorrow.
Es probable que + subjunctive (llueva): uncertainty/probability triggers subjunctive. Llover is impersonal.
cierto
true / certain
¿Es cierto que te vas a vivir a otro país?
Is it true that you're going to live in another country?
Es cierto que + indicative for questions about facts. Te vas a vivir: reflexive ir a + infinitive for near future.
falso
false / fake
Esa noticia es completamente falsa.
That news is completely false.
Ser for classifying. Falsa agrees with noticia (fem.). Completamente: -mente adverb. Esa: fem. demonstrative.
This deck has 239 words in total — copy it to your library to study them all.
Grammar Guide (9)
Past Tense (Preterite)
Regular -ar/-er/-ir preterite conjugation for completed past actions
Ayer hablé con mi madre y comimos juntos.
-AR preterite endings: -é, -aste, -ó, -amos, -asteis, -aron. Hablar → hablé, hablaste, habló.
-ER/-IR preterite endings: -í, -iste, -ió, -imos, -isteis, -ieron. Comer → comí; vivir → viví.
Use for completed actions with a clear endpoint: Ayer estudié dos horas.
Common time markers: ayer (yesterday), anoche (last night), la semana pasada (last week), el año pasado (last year).
Examples: Compré un libro. Ella escribió una carta. Viajamos a Barcelona el verano pasado.
Past Tense (Imperfect)
Imperfect tense for habitual or ongoing actions in the past
Cuando era niño, jugaba en el parque todos los días.
-AR imperfect endings: -aba, -abas, -aba, -ábamos, -abais, -aban. Hablar → hablaba.
-ER/-IR imperfect endings: -ía, -ías, -ía, -íamos, -íais, -ían. Comer → comía; vivir → vivía.
Only three irregular verbs: ser (era, eras, era...), ir (iba, ibas, iba...), ver (veía, veías, veía...).
Use for: habitual past actions (Siempre comía a las dos), descriptions (Hacía sol), and ongoing states (Tenía diez años).
Preterite vs imperfect: Llovía cuando salí = It was raining (ongoing) when I left (completed).
Direct & Indirect Object Pronouns
Pronouns that replace direct and indirect objects in a sentence
Le di el libro a María. Se lo di ayer.
Direct object pronouns (what?): me, te, lo/la, nos, os, los/las. Compré el libro → Lo compré.
Indirect object pronouns (to/for whom?): me, te, le, nos, os, les. Doy un regalo a Ana → Le doy un regalo.
Pronouns go before the conjugated verb: Te llamo mañana. No lo entiendo.
With infinitives or gerunds, attach to the end or place before: Quiero verlo / Lo quiero ver.
When combining both, indirect comes first and le/les becomes se: Le lo → Se lo di (I gave it to him/her).
Prepositions of Place & Time
Common prepositions and key distinctions like por vs para
Viajo para Madrid por la autopista con mi familia.
Key prepositions: en (in/on/at), a (to), de (from/of), con (with), sin (without), sobre (on/above), debajo de (under), entre (between).
POR: reason (por la lluvia), duration (por dos horas), movement through (por la calle), exchange (por diez euros), means (por teléfono).
PARA: destination (para Madrid), purpose (para estudiar), deadline (para el lunes), recipient (para ti).
A + el contracts to al: Voy al cine. De + el contracts to del: Vengo del trabajo.
Examples: Estoy en casa. El libro está sobre la mesa. Trabajo de lunes a viernes.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparing things with más/menos...que and superlative forms
María es más alta que Pedro, pero Juan es el más alto de la clase.
Comparatives: más + adjective + que (more...than), menos + adjective + que (less...than). Es más caro que el otro.
Equality: tan + adjective + como (as...as). Es tan inteligente como su hermana.
Irregular comparatives: bueno → mejor (better), malo → peor (worse), grande → mayor (older), pequeño → menor (younger).
Superlative: el/la/los/las + más/menos + adjective + de. Es la ciudad más bonita de España.
Absolute superlative with -ísimo/a: rápido → rapidísimo, bueno → buenísimo. Está riquísimo (It's extremely delicious).
Reflexive Verbs
Verbs where the subject performs and receives the action
Me levanto a las siete y me ducho antes de desayunar.
Reflexive pronouns: me (myself), te (yourself), se (himself/herself), nos (ourselves), os (yourselves), se (themselves).
The pronoun goes before the conjugated verb: Me levanto temprano. Se acuesta tarde.
Common reflexives: levantarse (get up), ducharse (shower), vestirse (get dressed), acostarse (go to bed), lavarse (wash), peinarse (comb).
With infinitives, attach the pronoun or place it before: Voy a ducharme / Me voy a duchar.
Some verbs change meaning when reflexive: ir (to go) → irse (to leave), dormir (to sleep) → dormirse (to fall asleep).
Imperatives & Commands
Giving orders, instructions, and advice using command forms
Habla más despacio. No hables tan rápido.
Tú affirmative: use the él/ella present form: habla (speak), come (eat), escribe (write).
Tú negative: no + present subjunctive tú form: no hables, no comas, no escribas.
Usted forms use the present subjunctive: hable, coma, escriba (affirmative and negative).
Common irregular tú affirmatives: pon (put), ven (come), sal (leave), di (say), haz (do), ten (have), ve (go), sé (be).
With pronouns, attach to affirmative commands: dime (tell me), siéntate (sit down). Before negative: no me digas, no te sientes.
Possessive Pronouns
Standalone pronouns replacing a possessive adjective + noun
Este libro es el mío. ¿Dónde está el tuyo?
Possessive pronouns replace the noun and take a definite article: el mío, la mía, los míos, las mías.
Full forms: el mío/la mía, el tuyo/la tuya, el suyo/la suya, el nuestro/la nuestra, el vuestro/la vuestra, el suyo/la suya.
They agree in gender and number with the thing possessed, not the owner: La casa es la mía (fem. because of casa).
After ser, the article is optional: Este libro es (el) mío. Esos zapatos son (los) tuyos.
Used for emphasis or contrast: Mi coche es rojo; el tuyo es azul. ¿Es tuya esta bolsa? — Sí, es la mía.
Adverbs
Modifying verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs
Ella habla rápidamente y él siempre escucha atentamente.
Form adverbs from adjectives by adding -mente to the feminine form: rápida → rápidamente, lenta → lentamente.
If the adjective has no feminine form, add -mente directly: fácil → fácilmente, alegre → alegremente.
Common frequency adverbs: siempre (always), nunca (never), a veces (sometimes), a menudo (often), casi nunca (hardly ever).
Placement: adverbs usually go after the verb or before the adjective: Corre rápidamente. Es muy inteligente.
When chaining two -mente adverbs, only the last one keeps -mente: clara y concisamente (clearly and concisely).