Lenguia | A1 Spanish Grammar: 78 Topics & Examples

In Spanish, verbs change their endings based on who is doing the action. Regular verbs follow predictable patterns that make them easy to learn. There are three types of regular verbs: those ending in -ar (like hablar), -er (like comer), and -ir (like vivir). Once you know the pattern for each type, you can use thousands of verbs correctly. Just remove the ending and add the new one that matches the person.

Key rule

Remove the infinitive ending (-ar, -er, -ir) and add the appropriate ending for each person.

Examples

Yo hablo español.
Yo hablar español.
The verb must be conjugated - 'hablo' is the yo form of hablar.
Tú comes pizza.
Tú come pizza.
For tú with -er verbs, use -es ending: comes, not come.
Ella vive en Madrid.
Ella vivo en Madrid.
Third person singular uses -e for -ir verbs, not -o (which is for yo).

Common mistakes

Using infinitive instead of conjugated form
Yo hablar español
Yo hablo español
Unlike English, Spanish requires verb conjugation; you cannot use the infinitive as the main verb.
Confusing -er and -ir endings for nosotros
Nosotros vivemos aquí
Nosotros vivimos aquí
For -ir verbs, nosotros uses -imos, not -emos (which is for -er verbs).

A1Verb tenses

Present Tense - Ser and Estar

Presente de indicativo - Ser y Estar

Spanish has two verbs that mean 'to be': ser and estar. This might seem confusing at first, but they're used in different situations. Use 'ser' for things that are permanent or define what something is - like your nationality, profession, or personality. Use 'estar' for temporary things - like how you feel right now, where you are, or conditions that can change. Both verbs are irregular, so you'll need to memorize their forms.

Key rule

Use ser for permanent/inherent qualities and identity; use estar for location, temporary states, and conditions.

Examples

Yo soy español.
Yo estoy español.
Nationality is an inherent characteristic, requiring ser.
Ella está cansada.
Ella es cansada.
Being tired is a temporary condition, requiring estar.
El libro está en la mesa.
El libro es en la mesa.
Location always uses estar.

Common mistakes

Using estar for nationality or profession
Estoy médico
Soy médico
Profession defines who you are, which requires ser.
Using ser for location
El banco es en la esquina
El banco está en la esquina
Location always requires estar, regardless of permanence.

A1Verb tenses

Present Tense - Tener and Haber

Presente de indicativo - Tener y Haber

Tener and haber are two essential Spanish verbs. Tener means 'to have' in the sense of possessing something - like having a car or having two brothers. It's also used in many expressions where English uses 'to be', like 'I am hungry' becomes 'Tengo hambre' (I have hunger). Haber is different - it's mainly used as 'there is/there are' with the form 'hay', and later you'll use it to form compound tenses. Both verbs are irregular, so memorize their forms!

Key rule

Tener expresses possession and many physical/emotional states; hay (from haber) means 'there is/are' and never changes form.

Examples

Yo tengo dos hermanos.
Yo tiene dos hermanos.
The yo form of tener is 'tengo', not 'tiene'.
Ella tiene hambre.
Ella es hambrienta.
Spanish uses 'tener hambre' (to have hunger), not 'ser' with an adjective.
Hay un gato en el jardín.
Es un gato en el jardín.
'There is' translates to 'hay', not 'es'.

Common mistakes

Using ser/estar for age
Yo soy 25 años
Yo tengo 25 años
Spanish expresses age with 'tener + number + años', not with ser.
Using ser for physical sensations
Estoy hambre
Tengo hambre
Hunger, thirst, cold, heat are expressed with 'tener + noun' in Spanish.

A1Verb tenses

Present Tense - Ir and Venir

Presente de indicativo - Ir y Venir

Ir (to go) and venir (to come) are two very common but irregular verbs in Spanish. Ir is completely irregular - its forms don't look anything like the infinitive. Venir is a stem-changing verb with an irregular yo form. The main difference between them is direction: use ir when moving away from where you are, and venir when moving toward where you are. Ir combines with 'a' to indicate destination: 'Voy a la escuela' (I go to school).

Key rule

Ir = movement away from speaker's location (+ a + destination); venir = movement toward speaker's location.

Examples

Yo voy al supermercado.
Yo vo al supermercado.
The yo form of ir is 'voy', not 'vo'.
Ella viene a mi casa.
Ella va a mi casa.
If you're at your house and she's moving toward you, use 'viene'.
Vamos a la playa mañana.
Iremos a la playa mañana.
Both are correct, but 'vamos' is more common in conversation for near future plans.

Common mistakes

Forgetting 'a' after ir
Voy el parque
Voy al parque
Ir always requires 'a' before destinations. Al = a + el.
Using ir when venir is needed
¿Vas a mi fiesta? (speaker is hosting)
¿Vienes a mi fiesta?
Movement toward the speaker's location requires venir.

A1Verb tenses

Present Tense - Stem-Changing Verbs (e→ie)

Presente de indicativo - Verbos con cambio de raíz (e→ie)

Some Spanish verbs change their spelling in certain forms - the 'e' in the stem becomes 'ie'. This happens when the 'e' is stressed. For example, 'pensar' (to think) becomes 'pienso' when you say 'I think'. But it stays 'pensamos' for 'we think' because the stress is on a different syllable. This change happens in all forms except nosotros and vosotros. Don't worry - the endings are still regular!

Key rule

The e in the stem changes to ie when stressed (yo, tú, él/ella, ellos/ellas), but stays e when unstressed (nosotros, vosotros).

Examples

Yo quiero un café.
Yo quero un café.
Querer changes e→ie in stressed syllable: quiero, not quero.
Ella piensa mucho.
Ella pensa mucho.
Pensar changes e→ie: piensa, not pensa.
Nosotros preferimos té.
Nosotros prefierimos té.
Nosotros keeps the 'e' because stress is on the ending: preferimos.

Common mistakes

Applying stem change to nosotros/vosotros
Nosotros quieremos salir
Nosotros queremos salir
Nosotros and vosotros forms don't have the stem change because stress falls on the ending.
Forgetting stem change in singular forms
Yo penso en ti
Yo pienso en ti
Yo form has stressed stem, so e changes to ie: pienso.

A1Verb tenses

Present Tense - Stem-Changing Verbs (o→ue)

Presente de indicativo - Verbos con cambio de raíz (o→ue)

Just like the e→ie verbs, some Spanish verbs change their 'o' to 'ue' in certain forms. This happens in verbs like 'poder' (can/to be able to), 'dormir' (to sleep), and 'volver' (to return). So 'I can' is 'puedo', not 'podo'. The change happens in the same pattern - all forms except nosotros and vosotros. Once you learn this pattern, you can apply it to many useful verbs!

Key rule

The o in the stem changes to ue when stressed (yo, tú, él/ella, ellos/ellas), but stays o when unstressed (nosotros, vosotros).

Examples

Yo puedo ayudarte.
Yo podo ayudarte.
Poder changes o→ue: puedo, not podo.
Ella duerme ocho horas.
Ella dorme ocho horas.
Dormir changes o→ue: duerme, not dorme.
Nosotros volvemos a las cinco.
Nosotros volvuemos a las cinco.
Nosotros keeps the 'o': volvemos, no stem change.

Common mistakes

Forgetting the o→ue change
Yo podo hacerlo
Yo puedo hacerlo
Poder requires o→ue in stressed forms: puedo.
Applying change to nosotros/vosotros
Nosotros puedemos ir
Nosotros podemos ir
Nosotros form doesn't have stem change; stress is on ending.

A1Verb tenses

Present Tense - Stem-Changing Verbs (e→i)

Presente de indicativo - Verbos con cambio de raíz (e→i)

The third type of stem-changing verb changes 'e' to 'i'. This only happens with -ir verbs, like 'pedir' (to ask for/order) and 'repetir' (to repeat). So 'I order' is 'pido', and 'she repeats' is 'repite'. Just like the other patterns, the change happens everywhere except nosotros and vosotros. These verbs are common in restaurants and everyday requests!

Key rule

In -ir verbs only, the e in the stem changes to i when stressed (yo, tú, él/ella, ellos/ellas), keeping e in nosotros and vosotros.

Examples

Yo pido la cuenta.
Yo pedo la cuenta.
Pedir changes e→i: pido, not pedo.
El camarero sirve la comida.
El camarero serve la comida.
Servir changes e→i: sirve, not serve.
Nosotros pedimos una pizza.
Nosotros pidimos una pizza.
Nosotros keeps the 'e': pedimos, not pidimos.

Common mistakes

Forgetting e→i change
Yo pedo una cerveza
Yo pido una cerveza
Pedir requires e→i: pido, not pedo.
Applying change to nosotros
Nosotros pidimos paella
Nosotros pedimos paella
Nosotros keeps the original 'e': pedimos.

A1Verb tenses

Present Tense - Irregular Yo Forms

Presente de indicativo - Formas irregulares de yo

Some Spanish verbs are only irregular in the 'yo' form - all other forms follow regular patterns. These are called 'yo-go' verbs because many of them add a 'g' in the yo form. For example, 'hacer' (to do/make) becomes 'hago' for 'I do'. Other common ones are 'poner' (pongo), 'salir' (salgo), and 'conocer' (conozco). Learn these special yo forms, and the rest of the verb is easy!

Key rule

These verbs have irregular yo forms (often ending in -go or -zco) but follow regular patterns for all other persons.

Examples

Yo hago la tarea.
Yo haco la tarea.
Hacer → hago in yo form (not haco).
Yo pongo los libros aquí.
Yo pono los libros aquí.
Poner → pongo (adds -go).
Yo salgo a las ocho.
Yo salo a las ocho.
Salir → salgo (adds -go).

Common mistakes

Applying irregular form to other persons
Ella hago la comida
Ella hace la comida
Only yo is irregular; ella/él uses regular form: hace.
Using regular yo form
Yo haco ejercicio
Yo hago ejercicio
Hacer has irregular yo: hago, not haco.

A1Verb tenses

Present Tense - Highly Irregular Verbs

Presente de indicativo - Verbos muy irregulares

Some Spanish verbs are irregular in multiple ways and need to be memorized individually. The good news is there aren't many of them, but they're used constantly. Verbs like 'decir' (to say), 'oír' (to hear), and 'dar' (to give) have unique patterns. Since you'll use these every day, it's worth memorizing them completely. With practice, they'll become automatic!

Key rule

These verbs have multiple irregularities and must be memorized; they don't follow any single pattern.

Examples

Yo digo la verdad.
Yo deco la verdad.
Decir → digo (not deco); irregular yo + e→i change.
¿Qué dices?
¿Qué dices? (correct!)
Tú form has e→i: dices (not deces).
Yo oigo música.
Yo oo música.
Oír → oigo in yo form.

Common mistakes

Using regular forms for decir
Yo deco mentiras
Yo digo mentiras
Decir has irregular yo (digo) plus e→i in other forms.
Missing 'y' in oír forms
Tú oes bien
Tú oyes bien
Oír adds 'y' in singular and third plural: oyes, oye, oyen.

A1Verb tenses

Present Continuous (estar + gerund)

Presente continuo (estar + gerundio)

When you want to say something is happening right now, Spanish uses 'estar' plus a special verb form called the gerund. The gerund ends in -ando for -ar verbs (hablando) and -iendo for -er/-ir verbs (comiendo, viviendo). So 'I am eating' becomes 'Estoy comiendo'. Unlike English, this form is ONLY for actions happening at this exact moment, not for future plans.

Key rule

estar (conjugated) + gerund (-ando/-iendo) = action happening right now; NOT used for future plans like in English.

Examples

Estoy comiendo una manzana.
Soy comiendo una manzana.
Use estar, not ser, for the present continuous.
¿Qué estás haciendo?
¿Qué estás haces?
After estar, use gerund (haciendo), not conjugated verb.
Ella está leyendo un libro.
Ella está leiendo un libro.
Leer → leyendo (vowel + -iendo becomes -yendo).

Common mistakes

Using ser instead of estar
Yo soy trabajando
Yo estoy trabajando
The present continuous always uses estar, never ser.
Using for future plans (English interference)
Mañana estoy visitando a mi abuela
Mañana voy a visitar a mi abuela / Mañana visito a mi abuela
Spanish doesn't use present continuous for future; use ir a + infinitive or simple present.

A1Verb tenses

Gerund Formation

Formación del gerundio

The gerund is the '-ing' form in Spanish. For -ar verbs, change -ar to -ando (hablar → hablando = speaking). For -er and -ir verbs, change to -iendo (comer → comiendo = eating, vivir → viviendo = living). Some verbs have spelling changes to keep pronunciation smooth. The gerund never changes - it's always the same no matter who's doing the action.

Key rule

-ar verbs → -ando; -er/-ir verbs → -iendo; the gerund never changes form regardless of subject.

Examples

hablando (from hablar)
habliendo
-ar verbs use -ando ending: hablando.
comiendo (from comer)
comando
-er verbs use -iendo ending: comiendo.
viviendo (from vivir)
vivando
-ir verbs use -iendo ending: viviendo.

Common mistakes

Using -iendo for -ar verbs
habliendo
hablando
-ar verbs always use -ando, never -iendo.
Using -ando for -er/-ir verbs
comando, vivando
comiendo, viviendo
-er and -ir verbs always use -iendo.

A1Verb tenses

Immediate Future (ir a + infinitive)

Futuro próximo (ir a + infinitivo)

To talk about what you're going to do, use 'ir' (to go) + 'a' + infinitive. It's like English 'going to'. So 'I'm going to eat' is 'Voy a comer'. This is the most common way to talk about future plans in everyday Spanish. Just conjugate 'ir' for the person and keep the main verb in infinitive form.

Key rule

ir (conjugated) + a + infinitive expresses future plans and intentions; it's the most common way to talk about the future in conversation.

Examples

Voy a estudiar esta noche.
Voy estudiar esta noche.
Must include 'a' between ir and infinitive: voy A estudiar.
Ella va a cocinar paella.
Ella va cocina paella.
Main verb stays in infinitive: va a cocinar, not va cocina.
¿Vas a venir a la fiesta?
¿Estás viniendo a la fiesta?
Use ir a + infinitive for future plans, not present continuous.

Common mistakes

Omitting 'a' between ir and infinitive
Voy comer
Voy a comer
The preposition 'a' is required: ir + a + infinitive.
Conjugating the main verb
Vamos a comemos
Vamos a comer
The main verb stays in infinitive form.

A1Verb usage

Reflexive Verbs - Basic

Verbos reflexivos - Básico

Reflexive verbs are actions you do to yourself. In Spanish, these verbs have 'se' at the end of the infinitive form, like 'lavarse' (to wash oneself). Before the verb, you add a small word that matches who is doing the action: me, te, se, nos, os, se. Think of it like saying 'I wash myself' instead of just 'I wash.' These verbs are super common in daily Spanish, so learning them will help you talk about your everyday activities.

Key rule

Place the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os, se) before the conjugated verb to show the action is done to oneself.

Examples

Me lavo las manos.
Lavo las manos.
Use 'me' to show you wash YOUR OWN hands. Without it, it sounds like you wash someone else's hands.
Él se afeita todos los días.
Él afeita todos los días.
The reflexive 'se' shows he shaves himself. Without it, it implies he shaves someone else.
Nos levantamos temprano.
Levantamos temprano.
'Nos' indicates we get ourselves up. The reflexive is required for this action done to oneself.

Common mistakes

Omitting the reflexive pronoun
Despierto a las siete.
Me despierto a las siete.
Without 'me,' this means you wake someone else up, not yourself.
Wrong pronoun-subject agreement
Nosotros se levantamos.
Nosotros nos levantamos.
The pronoun must match the subject: nosotros uses 'nos,' not 'se.'

A1Verb usage

Reflexive Verbs - Daily Routine

Verbos reflexivos - Rutina diaria

When you talk about your daily routine in Spanish, you use special verbs that show you're doing something to yourself. Getting up, showering, brushing your teeth, getting dressed - all these use reflexive verbs. The little words me, te, se tell us who is doing the action to themselves. Learning these verbs helps you describe your whole day, from the moment you wake up until you go to sleep. It's one of the most practical things to learn in Spanish!

Key rule

Daily routine actions done to yourself require reflexive verbs with the matching pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os, se) placed before the conjugated verb.

Examples

Me despierto a las siete.
Despierto a las siete.
'Despertarse' is reflexive - you wake yourself up. The 'me' is essential.
Ella se cepilla los dientes.
Ella cepilla sus dientes.
Use reflexive 'se' with body parts, not possessive adjectives. Spanish uses definite articles with body parts.
Nos acostamos a las diez.
Acostamos a las diez.
'Acostarse' (to go to bed) requires 'nos' for 'we.' Note the stem change o→ue.

Common mistakes

Using possessives instead of articles with body parts
Me lavo mis manos.
Me lavo las manos.
In Spanish, the reflexive pronoun already indicates possession; use definite articles with body parts.
Forgetting stem changes
Me acosto tarde.
Me acuesto tarde.
'Acostarse' has an o→ue stem change: acuesto, acuestas, acuesta, etc.

A1Verb usage

Gustar-type Verb Structure

Estructura de verbos tipo gustar

In Spanish, saying you like something works differently than in English. Instead of 'I like pizza,' Spanish says 'Pizza is pleasing to me' - 'Me gusta la pizza.' The thing you like is the subject! You use 'gusta' for one thing and 'gustan' for multiple things. Before the verb, you add me, te, le, nos, os, or les to show WHO likes it. Several other verbs work the same way: interesar (to interest), encantar (to love), molestar (to bother), and more.

Key rule

With gustar-type verbs, the thing liked is the subject (determining verb conjugation), and the person who likes it is expressed with an indirect object pronoun (me, te, le, nos, os, les).

Examples

Me gusta el chocolate.
Yo gusto el chocolate.
'El chocolate' is the subject that does the 'pleasing.' Use 'me' to show it pleases YOU.
Me gustan los perros.
Me gusta los perros.
'Los perros' is plural, so use 'gustan.' The verb agrees with what is liked, not who likes it.
A ella le gusta bailar.
Ella gusta bailar.
Use 'le' for 'she/her' and 'a ella' for clarity. Infinitives use singular 'gusta.'

Common mistakes

Using subject pronouns instead of indirect objects
Yo gusto la música.
Me gusta la música.
With gustar, YOU don't do the action; the music 'pleases' you. Use 'me,' not 'yo.'
Wrong verb agreement
Me gusta las películas.
Me gustan las películas.
The verb agrees with what is liked. 'Las películas' is plural, so use 'gustan.'

A1Verb usage

Hay for Existence

Hay para expresar existencia

When you want to say 'there is' or 'there are' in Spanish, you use the word 'hay.' The great news is that 'hay' stays the same whether you're talking about one thing or many things! You can use it to describe what exists in a place, what's available, or to ask if something exists. 'Hay' comes from the verb 'haber' and it's one of the most useful words in Spanish for describing your surroundings.

Key rule

'Hay' means both 'there is' and 'there are' and never changes form; use it with indefinite articles or numbers to express existence.

Examples

Hay un libro en la mesa.
Es un libro en la mesa.
Use 'hay' to say something exists in a location. 'Es' doesn't express existence in a place.
Hay muchos estudiantes.
Hay mucho estudiantes.
'Muchos' agrees with 'estudiantes' (plural masculine). 'Hay' itself doesn't change.
¿Hay leche en el refrigerador?
¿Está leche en el refrigerador?
Use 'hay' to ask if something exists. 'Está' is for known items' locations.

Common mistakes

Using estar instead of hay
Está un banco en la esquina.
Hay un banco en la esquina.
Use 'hay' to introduce that something exists. 'Está' is for locating known things.
Making hay agree with plural nouns
Han muchas personas.
Hay muchas personas.
'Hay' is invariable - it never changes form, even with plural nouns.

A1Verb usage

Ser vs Estar - Basic Distinction

Ser y estar - Distinción básica

Spanish has two verbs for 'to be': ser and estar. Think of 'ser' for things that define what something IS - identity, origin, characteristics, profession. Think of 'estar' for how something IS RIGHT NOW - location, temporary states, feelings. For example, 'Soy estudiante' (I am a student - identity) vs. 'Estoy cansado' (I am tired - current state). It takes practice, but you'll get the feel for it!

Key rule

Use 'ser' for permanent/defining characteristics (identity, origin, profession) and 'estar' for temporary states (location, emotions, conditions).

Examples

Soy de México.
Estoy de México.
Origin is permanent - use 'ser' for where you're from.
Estoy en la oficina.
Soy en la oficina.
Location uses 'estar' - where you ARE (located), not what you ARE.
Mi hermana es alta.
Mi hermana está alta.
Physical descriptions (height) are inherent characteristics - use 'ser.'

Common mistakes

Using ser for location
Mi casa es en Madrid.
Mi casa está en Madrid.
Location always uses 'estar,' even for permanent locations like buildings.
Using estar for professions
Ella está profesora.
Ella es profesora.
Professions define identity, so use 'ser.'

A1Verb usage

Ser for Permanent Characteristics

Ser para características permanentes

Use 'ser' when you describe what something or someone IS - their identity, where they're from, their job, what they look like, and their personality. These are the essential qualities that define someone or something. 'María es inteligente' tells us about María's character. 'La mesa es de madera' tells us what the table is made of. Think of 'ser' as the verb for descriptions that answer 'What kind of person/thing is this?'

Key rule

Use 'ser' to describe inherent qualities, identity, origin, professions, materials, time, and characteristics that define what something fundamentally IS.

Examples

Mi padre es alto y moreno.
Mi padre está alto y moreno.
Physical features like height and coloring are permanent characteristics - use 'ser.'
Ellas son muy inteligentes.
Ellas están muy inteligentes.
Intelligence is a defining characteristic of a person - use 'ser.'
El anillo es de oro.
El anillo está de oro.
Material composition is inherent to the object - always 'ser.'

Common mistakes

Using estar for physical descriptions
Ella está alta y delgada.
Ella es alta y delgada.
Height and body type are inherent physical characteristics - use 'ser.'
Using estar for personality
Mi hermano está muy generoso.
Mi hermano es muy generoso.
Personality traits define who someone IS - use 'ser.'

A1Verb usage

Estar for Location and States

Estar para ubicación y estados

Use 'estar' for two main things: WHERE something is (location) and HOW something is RIGHT NOW (temporary states). 'El libro está en la mesa' tells us where the book is located. 'Estoy cansado' tells us how you feel at this moment. Even if something seems permanent, like 'Madrid está en España,' we use 'estar' because it's about location. And feelings like happy, sad, tired, sick all use 'estar' because they describe your current state.

Key rule

Use 'estar' for physical location (where things are) and for temporary states including emotions, health conditions, and results of actions.

Examples

Mi hermano está en Francia.
Mi hermano es en Francia.
Location always uses 'estar,' even for extended stays.
Estoy muy nervioso por el examen.
Soy muy nervioso por el examen.
Current emotional states use 'estar' - you're nervous right now.
La ventana está cerrada.
La ventana es cerrada.
The state of being closed (result of an action) uses 'estar.'

Common mistakes

Using ser for location
El banco es en la plaza.
El banco está en la plaza.
ALL locations use 'estar,' even permanent buildings.
Using ser for emotions
Soy triste hoy.
Estoy triste hoy.
Emotions are temporary states - use 'estar.'

A1Verb usage

Tener Expressions

Expresiones con tener

In Spanish, many feelings and states that use 'to be' in English actually use 'tener' (to have). Instead of saying 'I am hungry,' Spanish says 'Tengo hambre' (I have hunger). Common expressions include: tener hambre (hungry), tener sed (thirsty), tener frío/calor (cold/hot), tener sueño (sleepy), tener miedo (afraid), tener suerte (lucky), tener razón (right), tener años (age). It's like you 'have' these feelings rather than 'being' them!

Key rule

Use 'tener' + noun for states that English expresses with 'to be' + adjective (hungry, thirsty, cold, hot, afraid, etc.), and use 'mucho/mucha' for intensity.

Examples

Tengo mucha hambre.
Estoy muy hambre.
'Hambre' is a noun, so use 'tener' + 'mucha' (not 'muy'). Literally: I have much hunger.
¿Tienes frío?
¿Estás frío?
Feeling cold uses 'tener frío.' 'Estar frío' would mean you ARE cold (like a cold object).
Ella tiene veinte años.
Ella es veinte años.
Age uses 'tener' - she 'has' twenty years.

Common mistakes

Using estar instead of tener
Estoy hambre.
Tengo hambre.
Hunger is a noun in Spanish - you 'have' it with 'tener,' not 'are' it.
Using muy instead of mucho/mucha
Tengo muy sed.
Tengo mucha sed.
'Muy' modifies adjectives; 'mucho/mucha' modifies nouns. 'Sed' is a noun.

A1Verb usage

Hacer for Weather

Hacer para el tiempo meteorológico

When talking about weather in Spanish, you often use the verb 'hacer' (to do/make). We say 'Hace calor' (It's hot), 'Hace frío' (It's cold), 'Hace sol' (It's sunny), 'Hace viento' (It's windy). It's like saying 'It makes heat' instead of 'It is hot.' Some weather uses other verbs: 'Llueve' (It rains), 'Nieva' (It snows), 'Está nublado' (It's cloudy). Learning these helps you talk about the weather every day!

Key rule

Use 'hace' + noun for most weather (calor, frío, sol, viento) and 'mucho/mucha' for intensity; use 'llueve/nieva' for precipitation and 'está' for conditions.

Examples

Hace mucho calor en verano.
Es muy calor en verano.
Weather uses 'hace' + noun. Use 'mucho' (not 'muy') because 'calor' is a noun.
¿Qué tiempo hace hoy?
¿Qué tiempo es hoy?
'¿Qué tiempo hace?' is the standard question for weather. Use 'hacer.'
Hace viento y está nublado.
Hace viento y hace nublado.
'Viento' uses 'hace,' but 'nublado' (cloudy) is an adjective, so use 'está.'

Common mistakes

Using ser/estar instead of hacer
Es calor hoy.
Hace calor hoy.
Most weather expressions require 'hace' + noun, not 'ser' or 'estar.'
Using muy instead of mucho
Hace muy frío.
Hace mucho frío.
'Frío' is a noun here, so use 'mucho,' not 'muy.'

A1Orthography

Written Accents - Basic Rules

Acentuación - Reglas básicas

Spanish uses written accent marks (tildes) on vowels to show which syllable is stressed when the word doesn't follow the normal stress pattern. They also distinguish between words that sound the same but have different meanings.

Key rule

Accent marks show where to stress a word or distinguish between words that sound the same but have different meanings.

Examples

Él es mi amigo.
El es mi amigo.
'Él' with accent means 'he'; 'el' without accent means 'the'.
Tú eres estudiante.
Tu eres estudiante.
'Tú' with accent means 'you'; 'tu' without accent means 'your'.
Sí, me gusta.
Si, me gusta.
'Sí' with accent means 'yes'; 'si' without accent means 'if'.

Common mistakes

Omitting accents on question words
¿Donde vives?
¿Dónde vives?
Question words (qué, cómo, dónde, cuándo, etc.) always need accents when asking questions.
Confusing 'el' and 'él'
El tiene un perro.
Él tiene un perro.
'Él' (he) needs an accent to distinguish it from 'el' (the).

A1Orthography

Basic Punctuation

Puntuación básica

Spanish punctuation is similar to English but has some important differences. The main unique features are inverted question marks (¿) and exclamation marks (¡) at the beginning of questions and exclamations. Periods, commas, and colons work similarly to English.

Key rule

Spanish uses inverted marks (¿ ¡) at the start of questions and exclamations, and the marks must match at the end (? !).

Examples

¿Cómo estás?
Cómo estás?
Questions need ¿ at the beginning and ? at the end.
¡Qué bonito!
Qué bonito!
Exclamations need ¡ at the beginning and ! at the end.
Me llamo Juan.
Me llamo Juan
Statements end with a period.

Common mistakes

Forgetting the inverted question mark
Dónde vives?
¿Dónde vives?
Spanish questions always begin with ¿ to signal a question is starting.
Forgetting the inverted exclamation mark
Qué sorpresa!
¡Qué sorpresa!
Spanish exclamations always begin with ¡ to signal an exclamation is starting.

A1Orthography

Inverted Question/Exclamation Marks

Signos de interrogación/exclamación invertidos

Spanish is unique in using upside-down question marks (¿) and exclamation marks (¡) at the beginning of questions and exclamations. This tells readers right away that a question or exclamation is coming, which is helpful in longer sentences.

Key rule

Always place ¿ at the start of a question and ¡ at the start of an exclamation, exactly where that question or exclamation begins.

Examples

¿Hablas español?
Hablas español?
Every question needs ¿ at the beginning.
¡Qué alegría!
Qué alegría!
Every exclamation needs ¡ at the beginning.
Pedro, ¿dónde estás?
¿Pedro, dónde estás?
The ¿ goes where the question actually starts, after the name.

Common mistakes

Completely omitting inverted marks
Cómo te llamas?
¿Cómo te llamas?
Spanish always requires ¿ to open a question.
Placing ¿ at wrong position
¿Oye, qué hora es?
Oye, ¿qué hora es?
'Oye' is an interjection, not part of the question itself.

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Tú vs Usted Selection

Selección tú/usted

Spanish has two ways to say 'you': 'tú' for friends, family, and casual situations, and 'usted' for formal situations like talking to strangers, older people, or in professional settings. Using the right one shows respect and social awareness.

Key rule

Use 'tú' with friends, family, and peers; use 'usted' with strangers, elders, and in formal or professional situations.

Examples

Profesor, ¿puede usted repetir?
Profesor, ¿puedes tú repetir?
Use 'usted' with teachers and authority figures.
Mamá, ¿puedes ayudarme?
Mamá, ¿puede ayudarme?
Use 'tú' with family members.
Disculpe, ¿tiene usted hora?
Disculpa, ¿tienes hora?
Use 'usted' when asking strangers for help.

Common mistakes

Using tú with strangers
Señor, ¿cómo estás?
Señor, ¿cómo está usted?
Use 'usted' when addressing strangers, especially with titles like 'señor'.
Using usted with friends
Juan, ¿cómo está?
Juan, ¿cómo estás?
Use 'tú' with friends and peers you know well.

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Formal Greetings and Closings

Saludos y despedidas formales

When speaking or writing to someone formally (strangers, bosses, elders, in business), Spanish uses special greetings and closings that show respect. These include 'Buenos días', 'Estimado/a', 'Atentamente', and using 'usted' forms.

Key rule

Use time-appropriate greetings (Buenos días/tardes/noches), 'usted' forms, and respectful closings (Atentamente, Cordialmente) in formal situations.

Examples

Buenos días, señor Rodríguez.
Hola, señor Rodríguez.
'Buenos días' is more formal than 'Hola' for professional greetings.
¿Cómo está usted?
¿Qué tal?
'¿Cómo está usted?' is the formal way to ask how someone is.
Encantado de conocerle.
¡Qué guay conocerte!
'Encantado de conocerle' is the formal way to say 'Nice to meet you'.

Common mistakes

Using 'Hola' in formal business contexts
Hola, director.
Buenos días, señor director.
'Hola' is too casual for formal business communication.
Using informal closings in professional emails
Besos, Juan
Atentamente, Juan García
'Besos' is inappropriate in professional correspondence.

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Informal Greetings and Closings

Saludos y despedidas informales

When talking to friends, family, or people your age, Spanish uses casual greetings and goodbyes like '¡Hola!', '¿Qué tal?', '¡Chao!', and '¡Hasta luego!' These are friendly and relaxed expressions for everyday conversations.

Key rule

Use '¡Hola!', '¿Qué tal?', '¡Chao!', and '¡Nos vemos!' with friends, family, and in casual situations. Match the relaxed tone with 'tú' verb forms.

Examples

¡Hola! ¿Qué tal?
Buenos días. ¿Cómo está usted?
'¡Hola! ¿Qué tal?' is perfect for friends and casual encounters.
¡Ey, qué pasa!
Buenas tardes, ¿cómo se encuentra?
'¡Ey, qué pasa!' is very casual for close friends.
¡Chao! ¡Nos vemos!
Hasta luego, que tenga buen día.
'¡Chao! ¡Nos vemos!' is casual; the other is formal.

Common mistakes

Being too formal with friends
Buenos días, María. ¿Cómo está?
¡Hola, María! ¿Qué tal?
Use informal register with friends to sound natural.
Using usted forms in casual greetings
¿Cómo está?
¿Cómo estás?
Use tú forms (estás) with friends and peers.

A1Vocabulary usage

Recognizing Cognates

Reconocimiento de cognados

Cognates are words that look and mean similar things in Spanish and English because they come from the same origin. Words like 'hotel', 'música', 'teléfono', and 'familia' are easy to recognize. But watch out for false cognates - words that look similar but mean different things!

Key rule

Many Spanish-English words look similar and share meanings (cognates), but beware of false cognates that look similar but mean different things.

Examples

El teléfono es importante.
El telephone es importante.
'Teléfono' is a cognate of 'telephone' - similar meaning, Spanish spelling.
Estoy embarazada. (I'm pregnant)
Estoy embarazada. (meaning: I'm embarrassed)
False cognate! 'Embarazada' means pregnant, not embarrassed.
La universidad está cerca.
The university está cerca.
'Universidad' is a cognate of 'university'.

Common mistakes

Using 'embarazada' for embarrassed
Estoy muy embarazada.
Estoy muy avergonzada.
'Embarazada' means pregnant. 'Embarrassed' is 'avergonzado/a'.
Using 'éxito' for exit
¿Dónde está el éxito?
¿Dónde está la salida?
'Éxito' means success. 'Exit' is 'salida'.

A1Numbers dates time

Cardinal Numbers 1-30

Números cardinales 1-30

Learn to count from 1 to 30 in Spanish. Numbers 1-15 each have their own unique word (uno, dos, tres...). Numbers 16-19 are written as one word combining 'dieci' + the ones digit. Numbers 21-29 are written as 'veinti' + ones digit. 20 is 'veinte' and 30 is 'treinta'.

Key rule

1-15 are unique words; 16-19 use 'dieci-'; 21-29 use 'veinti-'. Remember 'uno' becomes 'un' before masculine nouns.

Examples

Tengo veintitrés años.
Tengo veinte y tres años.
21-29 are written as one word: veintitrés, not 'veinte y tres'.
Hay dieciséis estudiantes.
Hay diez y seis estudiantes.
16-19 are written as one word: dieciséis.
Necesito un libro.
Necesito uno libro.
'Uno' shortens to 'un' before masculine nouns.

Common mistakes

Writing 16-19 as two words
diez y seis
dieciséis
16-19 are single words in modern Spanish.
Writing 21-29 as two words
veinte y uno
veintiuno
21-29 are single words in modern Spanish.

A1Numbers dates time

Days of the Week

Días de la semana

The seven days of the week in Spanish are: lunes (Monday), martes (Tuesday), miércoles (Wednesday), jueves (Thursday), viernes (Friday), sábado (Saturday), domingo (Sunday). Days are not capitalized in Spanish. Use 'el' for one specific day and 'los' for every week.

Key rule

Days aren't capitalized. Use 'el' for one day, 'los' for every week. Only 'sábado' and 'domingo' add -s for plural.

Examples

El lunes tengo examen.
El Lunes tengo examen.
Days of the week are not capitalized in Spanish.
Los viernes salgo con amigos.
Los viernes voy con amigos.
'Los viernes' means every Friday; 'salgo' means I go out.
Hoy es miércoles.
Hoy es Miercoles.
'Miércoles' needs an accent and isn't capitalized.

Common mistakes

Capitalizing days
Hoy es Lunes.
Hoy es lunes.
Unlike English, Spanish doesn't capitalize days of the week.
Using 'en' instead of 'el'
Trabajo en lunes.
Trabajo el lunes.
Use 'el' before days, not 'en'.

A1Numbers dates time

Months of the Year

Meses del año

The twelve months in Spanish are: enero, febrero, marzo, abril, mayo, junio, julio, agosto, septiembre, octubre, noviembre, diciembre. Like days, months are NOT capitalized. Dates are written as 'el [number] de [month]': el 5 de mayo.

Key rule

Months aren't capitalized. Dates use: 'el + number + de + month'. Use 'en' for 'in [month]'.

Examples

Mi cumpleaños es en marzo.
Mi cumpleaños es en Marzo.
Months are not capitalized in Spanish.
Hoy es el 15 de septiembre.
Hoy es 15 de septiembre.
Dates include 'el' before the number.
El primero de enero es Año Nuevo.
El uno de enero es Año Nuevo.
'Primero' is typically used for the 1st of the month.

Common mistakes

Capitalizing months
en Enero
en enero
Spanish doesn't capitalize months.
Omitting 'el' in dates
Hoy es 20 de mayo.
Hoy es el 20 de mayo.
Include 'el' before the date number.

A1Numbers dates time

Telling Time (Hours)

La hora (horas)

To tell time in Spanish, use 'Es la una' for 1:00 and 'Son las [number]' for all other hours. Add 'y' + minutes for past the hour, 'menos' + minutes for before the hour. Use 'de la mañana' (AM), 'de la tarde' (PM afternoon), and 'de la noche' (PM evening).

Key rule

'Es la una' for 1:00; 'Son las [number]' for all other hours. Add 'y' for minutes past, 'menos' for minutes before.

Examples

Es la una de la tarde.
Son la una de la tarde.
Use 'Es' (singular) with 'la una' because one is singular.
Son las tres y media.
Es las tres y media.
Use 'Son' (plural) with all hours except one.
Son las diez menos cuarto.
Son las diez menos quarto.
'Cuarto' (quarter) is spelled with 'c', not 'qu'.

Common mistakes

Using 'Son' with una
Son la una.
Es la una.
'Una' is singular, so use 'Es la una'.
Using 'Es' with other hours
Es las tres.
Son las tres.
All hours except one are plural, so use 'Son las'.

A1Numbers dates time

Expressing Age with Tener

Expresar la edad con tener

In Spanish, you don't 'are' a certain age - you 'have' years! Use 'tener + number + años': 'Tengo veinte años' (I have twenty years = I am twenty). This is different from English which uses 'to be'.

Key rule

Use 'tener + number + años' to express age. Never use 'ser' for age in Spanish.

Examples

Tengo veinte años.
Soy veinte años.
Use 'tener', not 'ser', to express age in Spanish.
¿Cuántos años tienes?
¿Cuántos años eres?
The question also uses 'tener': '¿Cuántos años tienes?'
Mi abuelo tiene ochenta años.
Mi abuelo es ochenta años.
All ages use 'tener', regardless of the person.

Common mistakes

Using 'ser' instead of 'tener'
Soy veinticinco años.
Tengo veinticinco años.
Spanish uses 'tener' (to have) for age, not 'ser' (to be).
Omitting 'años'
Tengo veinticinco.
Tengo veinticinco años.
'Años' must be included; it can't be dropped like 'years old' in English.

A1Numbers dates time

Basic Time Expressions

Expresiones de tiempo básicas

Learn essential time expressions: 'hoy' (today), 'mañana' (tomorrow), 'ayer' (yesterday), 'por la mañana' (in the morning), 'por la tarde' (in the afternoon), 'por la noche' (at night). These help you talk about when things happen.

Key rule

'Por la mañana/tarde/noche' for general time of day; 'de la mañana/tarde/noche' with specific clock times. 'Mañana' means both 'tomorrow' and 'morning'.

Examples

Hoy es lunes.
Este día es lunes.
'Hoy' is the standard word for 'today'.
Mañana voy al médico.
El mañana voy al médico.
'Mañana' (tomorrow) doesn't need an article.
Estudio por la mañana.
Estudio en la mañana.
'Por la mañana' means 'in the morning' for habitual actions.

Common mistakes

Using 'en' instead of 'por'
Trabajo en la mañana.
Trabajo por la mañana.
Use 'por' with parts of day for general/habitual times.
Confusing 'por' and 'de' with times
A las 9 por la noche.
A las 9 de la noche.
Use 'de' with specific clock times, 'por' for general time of day.

A1Agreement

Noun-Adjective Agreement - Basic

Concordancia nombre-adjetivo - Basica

In Spanish, adjectives must match the noun they describe in both gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural). If the noun is feminine, the adjective needs a feminine ending. If the noun is plural, the adjective must be plural too. For example, 'el gato negro' (the black cat - masculine singular) becomes 'la gata negra' (feminine singular), 'los gatos negros' (masculine plural), or 'las gatas negras' (feminine plural). Most adjectives that end in -o change to -a for feminine.

Key rule

Adjectives must match their nouns in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural): -o/-a for gender, add -s or -es for plural.

Examples

La casa blanca
La casa blanco
'Casa' is feminine, so the adjective 'blanco' must change to 'blanca' to match.
Los libros interesantes
Los libros interesante
'Libros' is plural, so 'interesante' needs the plural -s ending: 'interesantes.'
Las flores rojas
Las flores rojos
'Flores' is feminine plural, so use 'rojas' (feminine plural), not 'rojos.'

Common mistakes

Not changing -o to -a for feminine nouns
La mesa redondo
La mesa redonda
Feminine nouns require feminine adjectives: 'redondo' becomes 'redonda' with 'mesa.'
Forgetting plural agreement
Las casas grande
Las casas grandes
Plural nouns need plural adjectives. Add -s to 'grande' for plural.

A1Agreement

Adjective Position

Posicion del adjetivo

In Spanish, adjectives usually come AFTER the noun, unlike English where they come before. So 'a red car' becomes 'un coche rojo' (literally 'a car red'). Some short, common adjectives like 'bueno' (good), 'malo' (bad), 'grande' (big), and 'pequeno' (small) can go before the noun, and when they do, some of them shorten: 'bueno' becomes 'buen,' 'grande' becomes 'gran.' Putting an adjective before the noun often adds emotion or emphasis.

Key rule

Most adjectives follow the noun in Spanish. Common short adjectives (bueno, malo, grande) often precede the noun and may shorten (buen, mal, gran).

Examples

Un coche rojo
Un rojo coche
Most adjectives follow the noun. 'Red car' = 'coche rojo,' not 'rojo coche.'
Una buena idea
Una idea buena
'Bueno/a' commonly precedes the noun for emphasis. Both positions are grammatically correct, but preceding is more natural.
Un buen libro
Un bueno libro
'Bueno' shortens to 'buen' before masculine singular nouns.

Common mistakes

Placing all adjectives before the noun (English pattern)
Una interesante pelicula
Una pelicula interesante
Most adjectives follow the noun in Spanish. This isn't wrong but sounds unusual.
Not shortening bueno/malo before masculine nouns
Un bueno amigo
Un buen amigo
'Bueno' becomes 'buen' before masculine singular nouns.

A1Agreement

Grammatical Gender - Basic

Genero gramatical - Basico

Every noun in Spanish is either masculine or feminine - even things like tables and books! Masculine nouns usually end in -o and use 'el' (the) and 'un' (a). Feminine nouns usually end in -a and use 'la' (the) and 'una' (a). For example: 'el libro' (the book - masculine), 'la mesa' (the table - feminine). When you learn a new noun, always learn it with its article so you remember the gender!

Key rule

Nouns ending in -o are usually masculine (el), nouns ending in -a are usually feminine (la). Always learn new nouns with their articles.

Examples

El libro es nuevo.
La libro es nueva.
'Libro' ends in -o and is masculine. Use 'el' and masculine adjective 'nuevo.'
La mesa es grande.
El mesa es grande.
'Mesa' ends in -a and is feminine. Use 'la.'
El problema es dificil.
La problema es dificil.
'Problema' ends in -a but is masculine (Greek origin). Use 'el.'

Common mistakes

Assuming -a endings are always feminine
La problema
El problema
Some -a words (from Greek) are masculine: el problema, el tema, el sistema, el clima.
Assuming -o endings are always masculine
El mano
La mano
'Mano' is a common exception - it's feminine despite ending in -o.

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A1Agreement

Gender Exceptions

Excepciones de genero

While most Spanish nouns follow the -o = masculine and -a = feminine pattern, there are important exceptions you need to memorize. Some words ending in -a are masculine (el problema, el dia, el mapa) and some ending in -o are feminine (la mano, la foto, la moto). Also, words starting with stressed 'a-' use 'el' even when feminine: 'el agua' but 'las aguas.' Learning these exceptions will make your Spanish sound much more natural!

Key rule

Memorize Greek-origin -a words as masculine (el problema), feminine -o words (la mano, la foto), and stressed 'a-' feminine words that use 'el' in singular (el agua but las aguas).

Examples

El problema es dificil.
La problema es dificil.
'Problema' is masculine (Greek origin). Use 'el' and masculine adjectives.
La mano derecha
El mano derecho
'Mano' is feminine despite -o ending. Use 'la' and 'derecha.'
El agua esta fria.
La agua esta fria.
'Agua' is feminine but uses 'el' because it starts with stressed 'a-'. Note: 'fria' is feminine!

Common mistakes

Treating problema as feminine
Tengo una problema grande.
Tengo un problema grande.
'Problema' is masculine. All -ema words from Greek are masculine.
Treating mano as masculine
Dame el mano.
Dame la mano.
'Mano' is the most common exception - feminine despite -o ending.

A1Agreement

Plural Formation - Basic

Formacion del plural - Basica

Making words plural in Spanish is easy! If a word ends in a vowel (a, e, i, o, u), just add -s: 'libro' becomes 'libros,' 'casa' becomes 'casas.' If a word ends in a consonant, add -es: 'ciudad' becomes 'ciudades,' 'papel' becomes 'papeles.' Don't forget that articles also change: 'el' becomes 'los,' 'la' becomes 'las,' 'un' becomes 'unos,' 'una' becomes 'unas.' And adjectives must match too!

Key rule

Add -s to vowel endings, add -es to consonant endings. Words ending in -z change to -ces. Articles and adjectives must also become plural.

Examples

Los libros nuevos
Los libro nuevo
Both noun and adjective must be plural: 'libros' and 'nuevos.'
Las ciudades grandes
Las ciudads grandes
Consonant endings add -es, not just -s: 'ciudades.'
Los lapices rojos
Los lapizes rojos
Words ending in -z change to -ces: 'lapiz' becomes 'lapices.'

Common mistakes

Adding only -s to consonant endings
Las ciudads
Las ciudades
Words ending in consonants need -es, not just -s.
Forgetting z > c change
Los lapizes
Los lapices
Before adding -es, change z to c: lapiz > lapices.

A1Agreement

Article-Noun Agreement

Concordancia articulo-nombre

In Spanish, the article (the/a) must match the noun in gender and number. Use 'el' with masculine singular nouns (el libro), 'la' with feminine singular nouns (la casa), 'los' with masculine plural nouns (los libros), and 'las' with feminine plural nouns (las casas). The same applies to 'un/una/unos/unas' (a/some). Getting this right is the foundation of Spanish grammar!

Key rule

Articles must match nouns in gender (el/la for singular, los/las for plural) and number. Use el/un for masculine, la/una for feminine.

Examples

El coche nuevo
La coche nuevo
'Coche' is masculine, so use 'el' (not 'la').
La mesa grande
El mesa grande
'Mesa' is feminine, so use 'la' (not 'el').
Los estudiantes inteligentes
Las estudiantes inteligentes (for mixed group)
Use 'los' for masculine or mixed-gender groups.

Common mistakes

Wrong gender article
El casa es grande
La casa es grande
'Casa' is feminine, so it requires 'la,' not 'el.'
Singular article with plural noun
La libros son interesantes
Los libros son interesantes
Plural nouns need plural articles: 'los libros,' not 'la libros.'

A1Agreement

Subject-Verb Agreement

Concordancia sujeto-verbo

In Spanish, verbs change their endings to match who is doing the action. 'Yo hablo' (I speak), 'tu hablas' (you speak), 'el habla' (he speaks). Each person (yo, tu, el/ella, nosotros, vosotros, ellos) has its own verb ending. This is called conjugation, and it's so important that Spanish often drops the subject pronoun because the verb already tells us who is acting!

Key rule

Verbs must match their subjects: each person (yo, tu, el/ella, nosotros, vosotros, ellos/ellas) has its own verb ending. Subject pronouns are often omitted.

Examples

Yo hablo espanol.
Yo habla espanol.
With 'yo,' use the -o ending: 'hablo,' not 'habla.'
Ella come pizza.
Ella como pizza.
With 'ella,' use third person -e ending: 'come,' not 'como' (which is for 'yo').
Nosotros vivimos aqui.
Nosotros vive aqui.
With 'nosotros,' use -imos ending: 'vivimos.'

Common mistakes

Using infinitive instead of conjugated form
Yo hablar espanol.
Yo hablo espanol.
Use the conjugated form 'hablo,' not the infinitive 'hablar.'
Wrong person ending
Tu come mucho.
Tu comes mucho.
With 'tu,' use -es ending: 'comes,' not 'come' (which is for el/ella).

A1Determiners

Definite Articles

Articulos definidos

Spanish has four words for 'the': el (masculine singular), la (feminine singular), los (masculine plural), and las (feminine plural). Use them when talking about specific things: 'el libro' (the book), 'la casa' (the house), 'los libros' (the books), 'las casas' (the houses). Spanish uses 'the' more often than English - with general concepts (Me gusta el cafe), days of the week (el lunes), and body parts (Me lavo las manos).

Key rule

Use el/la/los/las for specific nouns. Spanish uses 'the' more than English: with general concepts, days, titles, and body parts.

Examples

Me gusta el chocolate.
Me gusta chocolate.
Spanish uses 'the' with general concepts: 'el chocolate' (chocolate in general).
El lunes tengo clase.
Lunes tengo clase.
Use 'el' with days of the week for specific or routine events.
Me lavo las manos.
Me lavo mis manos.
With body parts and reflexive verbs, use articles, not possessives.

Common mistakes

Omitting articles with general concepts
Me gusta musica.
Me gusta la musica.
Spanish requires articles with general concepts: 'la musica' (music in general).
Using possessives with body parts
Me duele mi cabeza.
Me duele la cabeza.
With body parts, use definite articles, not possessives.

A1Determiners

Indefinite Articles

Articulos indefinidos

Spanish has four words for 'a/an' and 'some': un (masculine singular), una (feminine singular), unos (masculine plural), and unas (feminine plural). Use them for non-specific things: 'un libro' (a book), 'una casa' (a house), 'unos libros' (some books), 'unas casas' (some houses). Unlike English, Spanish often OMITS the indefinite article after 'ser' for professions: 'Soy profesor' (I am a teacher), not 'Soy un profesor.'

Key rule

Use un/una for singular non-specific items, unos/unas for 'some.' Omit articles after 'ser' for professions: 'Soy profesor,' not 'Soy un profesor.'

Examples

Soy profesor.
Soy un profesor.
Omit the article after 'ser' for unmodified professions.
Soy un buen profesor.
Soy buen profesor.
WITH a modifier, include the article: 'un buen profesor.'
Tengo un coche.
Tengo coche.
Use 'un' when introducing something you have.

Common mistakes

Using article with professions after ser
Ella es una doctora.
Ella es doctora.
Omit articles after 'ser' for unmodified professions.
Using article before otro/otra
Quiero una otra oportunidad.
Quiero otra oportunidad.
Never use 'un/una' directly before 'otro/otra.'

A1Determiners

Demonstrative Determiners

Determinantes demostrativos

Demonstratives point to specific things based on how close they are to you. Spanish has three levels: 'este/esta' (this - near me), 'ese/esa' (that - near you), and 'aquel/aquella' (that over there - far from both). Each has masculine, feminine, singular, and plural forms. So 'this book' is 'este libro,' 'that book near you' is 'ese libro,' and 'that book way over there' is 'aquel libro.' Don't forget they must match the noun in gender and number!

Key rule

Use este/esta (this-here), ese/esa (that-there), aquel/aquella (that-way over there). Match gender and number with the noun.

Examples

Este libro es interesante.
Esta libro es interesante.
'Libro' is masculine, so use 'este,' not 'esta.'
Esa casa es grande.
Eso casa es grande.
'Casa' is feminine, so use 'esa.' 'Eso' is neuter (for ideas/unknown things).
Aquellas montanas son hermosas.
Aquellos montanas son hermosas.
'Montanas' is feminine plural, so use 'aquellas.'

Common mistakes

Wrong gender agreement
Esta coche es rapido.
Este coche es rapido.
'Coche' is masculine, so use 'este,' not 'esta.'
Using neuter with nouns
Eso libro es bueno.
Ese libro es bueno.
'Eso' is neuter for ideas/unknowns. Use 'ese' with masculine nouns.

A1Determiners

Possessive Determiners

Determinantes posesivos

Possessive determiners show who owns something: mi/mis (my), tu/tus (your informal), su/sus (his/her/your formal/their), nuestro/nuestra/nuestros/nuestras (our), vuestro/vuestra/vuestros/vuestras (your plural, Spain). They go before the noun and must agree in number: 'mi libro' (my book), 'mis libros' (my books). Only 'nuestro' and 'vuestro' also change for gender: 'nuestro padre' but 'nuestra madre.'

Key rule

Possessives agree with the thing possessed in number. Only nuestro/vuestro also agree in gender. Use 'su' for his/her/your(formal)/their.

Examples

Mis libros estan aqui.
Mi libros estan aqui.
'Libros' is plural, so use 'mis,' not 'mi.'
Nuestra casa es grande.
Nuestro casa es grande.
'Casa' is feminine, so use 'nuestra,' not 'nuestro.'
?Donde estan tus llaves?
?Donde estan tu llaves?
'Llaves' is plural, so use 'tus,' not 'tu.'

Common mistakes

Not matching number with possessed item
Mi amigos son divertidos.
Mis amigos son divertidos.
'Amigos' is plural, so use 'mis.'
Not matching gender with nuestro/vuestro
Nuestro madre es profesora.
Nuestra madre es profesora.
'Madre' is feminine, so use 'nuestra.'

A1Determiners

Basic Quantifiers

Cuantificadores basicos

Quantifiers tell us how much or how many of something. The main ones are: mucho/mucha/muchos/muchas (much/many), poco/poca/pocos/pocas (little/few), todo/toda/todos/todas (all/every), algun/alguno/alguna/algunos/algunas (some), ningun/ninguno/ninguna (no/none), otro/otra/otros/otras (other/another). Most of these change for gender and number to match the noun: 'mucho dinero' (much money) but 'muchas personas' (many people).

Key rule

Quantifiers agree in gender and number with nouns: mucho/a/os/as, poco/a/os/as, todo/a/os/as. 'Algun' and 'ningun' shorten before masculine singular nouns.

Examples

Tengo mucho trabajo.
Tengo muchos trabajo.
'Trabajo' is singular, so use 'mucho,' not 'muchos.'
Hay muchas personas aqui.
Hay mucho personas aqui.
'Personas' is feminine plural, so use 'muchas.'
Todos los dias estudio.
Todo los dias estudio.
'Dias' is plural, so use 'todos.' Also need 'los' with 'todos.'

Common mistakes

Wrong gender agreement with mucho
Tengo mucho hambre.
Tengo mucha hambre.
'Hambre' is feminine (el hambre but feminine), so use 'mucha.'
Not shortening alguno/ninguno
?Hay alguno restaurante cerca?
?Hay algun restaurante cerca?
Before masculine singular nouns, use 'algun' not 'alguno.'

A1Determiners

Cardinal Numbers

Numeros cardinales

Cardinal numbers tell you 'how many': uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco... Most numbers don't change, but 'uno' becomes 'un' before masculine nouns (un libro) and 'una' before feminine nouns (una casa). From 21-29, numbers are written as one word (veintiuno, veintidos...). At 31 and above, they're written as separate words connected by 'y' (treinta y uno, cuarenta y dos). The hundreds (doscientos, trescientos...) change for gender: doscientos libros but doscientas paginas.

Key rule

'Uno' changes to 'un/una' before nouns. Hundreds (200-900) agree in gender: doscientos/doscientas. Use 'cien' alone, 'ciento' before other numbers.

Examples

Tengo un libro.
Tengo uno libro.
'Uno' shortens to 'un' before masculine nouns.
Hay veintiuna sillas.
Hay veintiuno sillas.
'Uno' in 21 becomes 'una' before feminine nouns: 'veintiuna.'
Cuesta treinta y cinco euros.
Cuesta treintaycinco euros.
Numbers 31+ are separate words connected by 'y.'

Common mistakes

Not shortening uno before nouns
Hay uno coche.
Hay un coche.
'Uno' becomes 'un' before masculine nouns.
Wrong gender in compound numbers
Veintiun paginas
Veintiuna paginas
'Uno' in compound numbers also changes: 'veintiuna' for feminine.

A1Pronouns

Subject Pronouns

Pronombres de sujeto - Básicos

Subject pronouns are words like 'I', 'you', 'he', and 'she' that tell us who is doing the action. In Spanish, these are yo (I), tú (you informal), él (he), ella (she), usted (you formal), nosotros/nosotras (we), vosotros/vosotras (you all, Spain), ellos/ellas (they), and ustedes (you all). Unlike English, Spanish has different words for 'you' depending on how formal the situation is. You'll also notice that some pronouns have masculine and feminine versions, like nosotros (we, masculine or mixed) and nosotras (we, all female).

Key rule

Spanish has formal (usted/ustedes) and informal (tú/vosotros) 'you' pronouns, and plural pronouns distinguish between masculine and feminine groups.

Examples

Yo soy estudiante.
Mi soy estudiante.
'Yo' is the subject pronoun for 'I', not 'mi' which is a possessive or object of preposition.
Tú eres mi amigo.
Tu eres mi amigo.
The subject pronoun 'tú' (you) has an accent mark; without the accent, 'tu' means 'your'.
Él trabaja en un banco.
El trabaja en un banco.
'Él' (he) requires an accent to distinguish it from 'el' (the).

Common mistakes

Confusing él/ella with el/la
El es mi padre.
Él es mi padre.
Subject pronouns él (he) and ella (she) have accents; el/la without accents are articles meaning 'the'.
Using tú without accent
Tu hablas español.
Tú hablas español.
'Tú' with accent means 'you' (subject pronoun); 'tu' without accent means 'your' (possessive adjective).

A1Pronouns

Subject Pronoun Omission

Omisión del pronombre sujeto

In Spanish, you don't always need to say the subject pronoun because the verb ending already tells you who's doing the action. For example, 'hablo' can only mean 'I speak' so you don't need to say 'yo'. Spanish speakers usually drop the pronoun unless they want to emphasize who's doing something or make a contrast. If you use pronouns all the time like in English, it sounds unnatural and repetitive. Learning when to drop the pronoun will make your Spanish sound much more natural!

Key rule

Omit subject pronouns by default since verb endings indicate the subject; use them only for emphasis, contrast, or clarity.

Examples

Hablo español.
Yo hablo español. (when no emphasis needed)
The '-o' ending already indicates first person singular, so 'yo' is unnecessary in neutral statements.
¿Tienes hambre?
¿Tú tienes hambre?
The '-es' ending clearly indicates 'tú', so the pronoun is usually omitted in simple questions.
Yo soy el responsable, no él.
Soy el responsable, no es.
Here, 'yo' and 'él' are needed to create contrast between two people.

Common mistakes

Always including subject pronouns like in English
Yo me llamo María. Yo soy de España. Yo tengo 25 años.
Me llamo María. Soy de España. Tengo 25 años.
Repeating 'yo' sounds unnatural and egocentric; verb endings make the subject clear.
Omitting pronouns when ambiguity exists
Es muy inteligente. (Who? He? She? You formal?)
Él es muy inteligente. / Ella es muy inteligente. / Usted es muy inteligente.
Third person singular forms are identical for él/ella/usted, so clarify with pronouns.

A1Pronouns

Direct Object Pronouns

Pronombres de objeto directo

Direct object pronouns replace the thing or person that receives the action directly. Instead of saying 'I see the book' over and over, you can say 'I see it'. In Spanish, these pronouns are: me (me), te (you), lo/la (him/her/it/you formal), nos (us), os (you all), los/las (them/you all formal). The tricky part is that these pronouns usually go BEFORE the verb in Spanish, not after like in English. So 'I see it' becomes 'Lo veo' (literally 'It I-see'). Also, you need to match the gender: 'lo' for masculine things, 'la' for feminine things.

Key rule

Direct object pronouns replace nouns receiving the action directly and are placed BEFORE conjugated verbs, matching the noun in gender and number.

Examples

Veo a María. → La veo.
Veo a María. → Veo la.
The pronoun 'la' must go BEFORE the conjugated verb 'veo'.
Compro el libro. → Lo compro.
Compro el libro. → La compro.
'Libro' is masculine, so use 'lo' not 'la'.
¿Tienes las llaves? → ¿Las tienes?
¿Tienes las llaves? → ¿Los tienes?
'Llaves' is feminine plural, so use 'las' not 'los'.

Common mistakes

Placing pronoun after conjugated verb
Veo la todos los días.
La veo todos los días.
Direct object pronouns must be placed immediately before conjugated verbs in Spanish.
Using wrong gender
¿Dónde está la revista? - No lo sé, no la encuentro... digo, no lo encuentro.
¿Dónde está la revista? - No lo sé, no la encuentro.
'Revista' is feminine, so use 'la'. Use 'lo' only for masculine nouns or when 'lo' refers to an idea.

A1Pronouns

Indirect Object Pronouns

Pronombres de objeto indirecto

Indirect object pronouns show who receives the benefit or result of an action - usually the person TO whom or FOR whom something is done. In Spanish these are: me (to me), te (to you), le (to him/her/you formal), nos (to us), os (to you all), les (to them/you all formal). Notice that le and les are used for ALL genders! These also go before the verb. So 'I give the book to María' becomes 'Le doy el libro' (To-her I-give the book). One tricky thing: Spanish often uses both the pronoun AND the full name together, like 'Le doy el libro a María', which seems redundant but is very natural in Spanish!

Key rule

Indirect object pronouns (me, te, le, nos, os, les) indicate TO WHOM or FOR WHOM an action is done and are placed before conjugated verbs; 'le/les' are used for all genders.

Examples

Le doy el libro a Juan.
Doy el libro a Juan.
Spanish typically includes the indirect object pronoun 'le' even when 'a Juan' is stated.
Te escribo una carta.
Escribo una carta a ti.
Use the pronoun 'te' before the verb, not 'a ti' alone after the object.
¿Me puedes ayudar?
¿Puedes ayudar a mí?
'Me' is the natural indirect object form; 'a mí' alone sounds awkward.

Common mistakes

Using lo/la instead of le for indirect objects
La doy el libro a María.
Le doy el libro a María.
Indirect object pronouns for third person are 'le/les' regardless of gender, not 'lo/la'.
Omitting the redundant pronoun
Digo la verdad a mis padres.
Les digo la verdad a mis padres.
Spanish typically includes 'le/les' even when the indirect object noun is stated.

A1Pronouns

Reflexive Pronouns

Pronombres reflexivos

Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object of a verb are the same person - basically when you do something to yourself. In Spanish, these are: me (myself), te (yourself), se (himself/herself/itself/yourself formal), nos (ourselves), os (yourselves), se (themselves/yourselves formal). You'll see these a lot in daily routines: 'Me levanto' (I get myself up), 'Me ducho' (I shower myself), 'Me visto' (I dress myself). Many verbs that aren't reflexive in English ARE reflexive in Spanish, so you'll need to learn which verbs use these pronouns. They go before conjugated verbs, just like other object pronouns.

Key rule

Reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos, os, se) indicate the subject acts upon itself and must match the subject in person and number, placed before conjugated verbs.

Examples

Me despierto a las siete.
Despierto a las siete.
'Despertarse' is reflexive; without 'me', it would mean 'I wake someone else up'.
Ella se ducha por la mañana.
Ella la ducha por la mañana.
Use reflexive 'se' (herself), not direct object 'la' (her).
Nos acostamos temprano.
Se acostamos temprano.
The reflexive pronoun must match the subject: 'nosotros' → 'nos', not 'se'.

Common mistakes

Omitting reflexive pronoun with reflexive verbs
Levanto a las ocho.
Me levanto a las ocho.
'Levantarse' requires the reflexive pronoun; without it, the meaning changes (I lift something).
Using wrong reflexive pronoun for the subject
Nosotros se duchamos.
Nosotros nos duchamos.
The reflexive pronoun must match the subject: nosotros → nos, not se.

A1Pronouns

Pronoun Placement - Conjugated Verbs

Colocación con verbos conjugados

In Spanish, object pronouns (me, te, lo, la, le, nos, os, los, las, les, se) ALWAYS go BEFORE conjugated verbs. This is different from English where pronouns come after! So 'I see her' becomes 'La veo' (literally 'Her I-see'). Even in questions and negative sentences, the pronoun stays right before the verb: '¿Lo quieres?' (Do you want it?), 'No lo quiero' (I don't want it). When you have multiple pronouns, they all bunch together before the verb in a specific order. This is one of the biggest adjustments for English speakers!

Key rule

Object pronouns (direct, indirect, reflexive) are ALWAYS placed immediately before conjugated verbs, with nothing between them except other pronouns.

Examples

Lo compro mañana.
Compro lo mañana.
The pronoun 'lo' must come before the conjugated verb 'compro'.
¿Me entiendes?
¿Entiendes me?
Even in questions, 'me' goes before 'entiendes'.
No te veo.
No veo te.
'No' comes first, then 'te', then the verb 'veo'.

Common mistakes

Placing pronoun after conjugated verb (English word order)
Veo la todos los días.
La veo todos los días.
Spanish requires object pronouns before conjugated verbs, unlike English 'I see her'.
Putting adverbs between pronoun and verb
Lo siempre hago.
Siempre lo hago.
Adverbs cannot separate the pronoun from the verb; they go before the pronoun-verb unit.

A1Pronouns

Possessive Adjectives

Adjetivos posesivos

Possessive adjectives show who owns something - like 'my', 'your', 'his', 'her' in English. In Spanish, they are: mi(s) (my), tu(s) (your informal), su(s) (his/her/its/your formal/their), nuestro/a/os/as (our), vuestro/a/os/as (your plural, Spain). The tricky part is that they agree with WHAT IS OWNED, not the owner! So 'his books' and 'her books' are both 'sus libros' because 'libros' is plural. Also, 'su/sus' can mean his, her, its, your (formal), or their - context tells you which! 'Nuestro' and 'vuestro' also change for masculine/feminine, not just singular/plural.

Key rule

Possessive adjectives agree with the THING OWNED (not the owner): mi/tu/su change only for plural (mis/tus/sus), while nuestro/vuestro change for both gender and number.

Examples

Mi casa es grande.
Mío casa es grande.
'Mi' is the unstressed possessive adjective before nouns; 'mío' is used differently.
Mis libros están aquí.
Mi libros están aquí.
'Libros' is plural, so use 'mis' not 'mi'.
¿Dónde está tu hermana?
¿Dónde está tú hermana?
'Tu' (possessive, no accent) vs. 'tú' (subject pronoun, with accent).

Common mistakes

Not matching number with possessed noun
Mi hermanos son altos.
Mis hermanos son altos.
'Hermanos' is plural, so the possessive must be 'mis' not 'mi'.
Confusing tu/tú (possessive vs. subject pronoun)
Tú libro es interesante.
Tu libro es interesante.
'Tu' without accent is possessive (your); 'tú' with accent is subject pronoun (you).

A1Pronouns

Demonstrative Adjectives

Adjetivos demostrativos

Demonstrative adjectives help you point to things based on how close they are. Use 'este/esta' (this) for things near you, 'ese/esa' (that) for things near the person you're talking to, and 'aquel/aquella' (that over there) for things far from both of you. Just like other adjectives, they must match the noun in gender and number: 'este libro' (this book), 'estas casas' (these houses). Think of it like pointing with your finger - close, medium distance, or far away!

Key rule

Use este/esta for near you, ese/esa for near the listener, aquel/aquella for far from both. Always match gender and number with the noun.

Examples

Este libro es interesante.
Esta libro es interesante.
'Libro' is masculine, so use masculine 'este,' not feminine 'esta.'
Esa casa es bonita.
Ese casa es bonita.
'Casa' is feminine, so use feminine 'esa,' not masculine 'ese.'
Aquellas montanas son altas.
Aquellos montanas son altos.
'Montanas' is feminine plural, so use 'aquellas' and feminine adjective 'altas.'

Common mistakes

Using wrong gender agreement
Esta libro
Este libro
'Libro' is masculine, so the demonstrative must be masculine: 'este.'
Using esto/eso/aquello before nouns
Esto coche es rapido.
Este coche es rapido.
'Esto/eso/aquello' are pronouns (standalone). Before nouns, use 'este/ese/aquel.'

A1Pronouns

Interrogative Pronouns

Pronombres interrogativos

Interrogative pronouns are question words that help you ask about people, things, places, and more. The main ones are: ¿Qué? (What?), ¿Quién? (Who?), ¿Cuál? (Which?), ¿Cuánto? (How much/many?), ¿Dónde? (Where?), ¿Cuándo? (When?), ¿Cómo? (How?), and ¿Por qué? (Why?). All these words have accent marks when used in questions. Some change form: '¿quién?' becomes '¿quiénes?' for plural, and '¿cuánto?' changes for gender and number: '¿cuánta?', '¿cuántos?', '¿cuántas?'.

Key rule

Always write accent marks on question words (¿qué?, ¿quién?, ¿cuál?, etc.). Use ¿quién/quiénes? for people, ¿qué? for things, and ¿cuál? for choices.

Examples

¿Qué quieres comer?
Que quieres comer?
Question words always need accents: '¿Qué?' not 'Que.'
¿Quiénes son tus amigos?
¿Quién son tus amigos?
Use plural '¿Quiénes?' when asking about multiple people.
¿Cuántos años tienes?
¿Cuánto años tienes?
'Años' is masculine plural, so use '¿Cuántos?' to match.

Common mistakes

Forgetting accents on question words
Que hora es?
¿Qué hora es?
All interrogative words require written accents, even in indirect questions.
Confusing por qué/porque
¿Porque no vienes?
¿Por qué no vienes?
'¿Por qué?' (why) is two words for questions. 'Porque' (because) is one word for answers.

A1Pronouns

Indefinite Pronouns Algo/Alguien

Pronombres indefinidos Algo/Alguien

Use 'algo' when you want to say 'something' (for things) and 'alguien' when you want to say 'someone/somebody' (for people). These words are used in positive sentences and questions. 'Algo' never changes form: 'Quiero algo' (I want something). 'Alguien' also never changes: '?Hay alguien aqui?' (Is someone here?). You can also say 'algo de' + noun to mean 'some': 'algo de agua' (some water). These are your go-to words when you don't know or don't want to specify exactly what or who!

Key rule

Use 'algo' for unspecified things (something) and 'alguien' for unspecified people (someone). Both are invariable and used in positive sentences and questions.

Examples

?Quieres algo de comer?
?Quieres alguno de comer?
'Algo' means 'something.' 'Algo de + infinitive' = something to (eat, drink, etc.).
Alguien llama a la puerta.
Algo llama a la puerta.
Use 'alguien' for people. Someone is knocking, not something.
Busco a alguien.
Busco alguien.
When 'alguien' is a direct object (person), use the personal 'a': 'a alguien.'

Common mistakes

Confusing algo/alguien
Algo me llamo por telefono.
Alguien me llamo por telefono.
'Alguien' is for people (someone called me), 'algo' is for things.
Forgetting personal 'a' with alguien
Veo alguien en el parque.
Veo a alguien en el parque.
When 'alguien' is a direct object, use 'a alguien.'

A1Pronouns

Indefinite Pronouns Nada/Nadie

Pronombres indefinidos Nada/Nadie

Use 'nada' for 'nothing' (things) and 'nadie' for 'nobody/no one' (people). In Spanish, you often use double negatives: 'No tengo nada' (I don't have nothing = I have nothing). This is correct in Spanish! You can also start sentences with 'nada' or 'nadie' without 'no': 'Nadie vino' (Nobody came). When 'nadie' is a direct object, use the personal 'a': 'No vi a nadie' (I didn't see anyone). These words are the opposite of 'algo' (something) and 'alguien' (someone).

Key rule

Use 'nada' for nothing (things) and 'nadie' for nobody (people). Spanish requires double negatives: 'No tengo nada.' Use personal 'a' with 'nadie' as direct object.

Examples

No se nada.
No se algo.
In negatives, use 'nada' (nothing), not 'algo' (something).
Nadie vino a la fiesta.
No nadie vino a la fiesta.
When 'nadie' comes before the verb, don't use 'no.'
No vi a nadie.
No vi nadie.
'Nadie' as direct object needs personal 'a': 'a nadie.'

Common mistakes

Avoiding double negatives
No tengo anything.
No tengo nada.
Spanish requires double negatives. 'No...nada' is correct grammar.
Using 'no' when nada/nadie comes first
No nada funciona.
Nada funciona.
When 'nada/nadie' precedes the verb, omit 'no.'

A1Pronouns

Tu vs Usted vs Vos

Tu, usted y vos

Spanish has different words for 'you' depending on formality and region. 'Tu' is informal - use it with friends, family, and children. 'Usted' is formal - use it with strangers, older people, and in professional settings. 'Vos' is used instead of 'tu' in Argentina, Uruguay, and parts of Central America. Each pronoun has different verb forms: 'tu tienes,' 'usted tiene,' 'vos tenes.' Choosing the right one shows respect and social awareness. When in doubt with strangers, use 'usted' - it's always polite!

Key rule

Use 'tu' (informal) with friends/family, 'usted' (formal) with strangers/elders. 'Vos' replaces 'tu' in Argentina and nearby countries. Each has different verb conjugations.

Examples

?Como estas tu?
?Como esta tu?
'Tu' uses second-person conjugation: 'estas,' not 'esta' (third-person/usted).
?Como esta usted?
?Como estas usted?
'Usted' uses third-person conjugation: 'esta,' not 'estas.'
?Vos tenes tiempo? (Argentina)
?Vos tienes tiempo?
Voseo uses special conjugation: 'tenes' not 'tienes.'

Common mistakes

Mixing tu/usted verb forms
?Tu tiene hambre?
?Tu tienes hambre? / ?Usted tiene hambre?
'Tu' needs 'tienes' (2nd person); 'usted' needs 'tiene' (3rd person).
Using tu in formal situations
Buenos dias, ?como estas? (to a boss)
Buenos dias, ?como esta usted?
Use 'usted' in professional settings to show respect.

A1Pronouns

Vosotros vs Ustedes

Vosotros y ustedes

'Vosotros' and 'ustedes' both mean 'you all' (plural 'you'), but they're used in different places. In Spain, 'vosotros' is informal (friends, family) and 'ustedes' is formal (strangers, officials). In Latin America, only 'ustedes' is used for everyone, formal or informal - 'vosotros' isn't used at all! Each has different verb forms: 'vosotros teneis' (Spain informal), 'ustedes tienen' (formal or Latin America). If you're learning Latin American Spanish, you only need to learn 'ustedes'!

Key rule

In Spain: 'vosotros' (informal plural) vs. 'ustedes' (formal plural). In Latin America: only 'ustedes' for all situations. Verb conjugations differ significantly.

Examples

?Vosotros quereis cafe? (Spain, informal)
?Vosotros quieren cafe?
'Vosotros' needs its own conjugation: 'quereis,' not 'quieren.'
?Ustedes quieren cafe? (formal/Latin America)
?Ustedes quereis cafe?
'Ustedes' uses third-person plural: 'quieren,' not 'quereis.'
Vosotras sois muy amables. (all female)
Vosotros sois muy amables. (all female)
For all-female groups, use 'vosotras.'

Common mistakes

Using vosotros conjugation with ustedes
Ustedes teneis razon.
Ustedes tienen razon.
'Ustedes' always takes third-person plural: 'tienen.'
Using ustedes conjugation with vosotros
Vosotros tienen que venir.
Vosotros teneis que venir.
'Vosotros' needs its own form: 'teneis.'

A1Prepositions

Preposition A - Basic Uses

Preposición a - Usos básicos

The preposition 'a' is one of the most common words in Spanish. You use it to show where you're going, like 'Voy a la tienda' (I'm going to the store). You also use it to say what time something happens, like 'a las tres' (at three o'clock). When you do something to a person, you need 'a' before them - this is called the personal 'a'. It's a small word but very important!

Key rule

Use 'a' for direction/destination, specific times, and before human direct objects (personal a).

Examples

Voy a la escuela.
Voy en la escuela.
'A' indicates direction or destination - where you are going to.
El concierto es a las ocho.
El concierto es en las ocho.
Use 'a' with specific clock times to mean 'at'.
Veo a mi madre.
Veo mi madre.
The personal 'a' is required before specific human direct objects.

Common mistakes

Omitting the personal 'a'
Llamo mi amigo.
Llamo a mi amigo.
When the direct object is a specific person, you must use the personal 'a' before them.
Not contracting 'a' + 'el'
Voy a el parque.
Voy al parque.
The contraction 'al' is mandatory in Spanish; 'a el' is grammatically incorrect.

A1Prepositions

Preposition De - Basic Uses

Preposición de - Usos básicos

The word 'de' is everywhere in Spanish! You use it to show where something or someone is from, like 'Soy de México' (I'm from Mexico). It also shows who owns something, like 'el libro de María' (María's book). When something is made of a material, you use 'de' too: 'una mesa de madera' (a wooden table). It's like the glue that connects things together!

Key rule

Use 'de' for origin, possession, material, and to connect nouns (replacing English's 'of' and possessive 's).

Examples

Soy de España.
Soy desde España.
'De' expresses origin - where someone or something is from.
Es el carro de mi padre.
Es mi padre's carro.
'De' shows possession - Spanish doesn't use apostrophe-s like English.
Una camisa de algodón.
Una camisa en algodón.
'De' indicates what material something is made of.

Common mistakes

Not contracting 'de' + 'el'
Salgo de el banco.
Salgo del banco.
The contraction 'del' is mandatory; 'de el' is never correct in Spanish.
Using 'desde' for origin
Soy desde Argentina.
Soy de Argentina.
'Desde' means 'since/from (a starting point)'; use 'de' for nationality/origin.

A1Prepositions

Preposition En - Basic Uses

Preposición en - Usos básicos

The word 'en' tells us where something IS or happens. When you're inside a place or at a location, use 'en': 'Estoy en casa' (I'm at home), 'Vivo en Madrid' (I live in Madrid). It also works for transportation: 'Voy en autobús' (I go by bus). Think of 'en' as showing where things are located or how you travel!

Key rule

Use 'en' for location (being somewhere), means of transportation, and time periods (months, years, seasons).

Examples

Estoy en la biblioteca.
Estoy a la biblioteca.
'En' indicates location - where you are right now.
Vivo en Barcelona.
Vivo a Barcelona.
'En' is used with 'vivir' to show where you live.
Voy al trabajo en autobús.
Voy al trabajo por autobús.
'En' indicates the means of transportation.

Common mistakes

Using 'a' for location instead of 'en'
Estoy a la escuela.
Estoy en la escuela.
'A' indicates movement toward; 'en' indicates being at a location.
Using 'por' for transportation
Viajo por tren.
Viajo en tren.
Means of transportation uses 'en', not 'por'.

A1Prepositions

Prepositions Con and Sin

Preposiciones con y sin

These two prepositions are opposites! 'Con' means 'with' and 'sin' means 'without'. Use 'con' when something or someone is together with something else: 'café con leche' (coffee with milk), 'voy con mi amigo' (I go with my friend). Use 'sin' when something is missing or not included: 'café sin azúcar' (coffee without sugar). They're simple but super useful!

Key rule

Use 'con' for accompaniment and inclusion (with); use 'sin' for absence and exclusion (without). Remember: conmigo, contigo.

Examples

Voy al cine con mis amigos.
Voy al cine y mis amigos.
'Con' expresses accompaniment - going together with someone.
Quiero un café con leche.
Quiero un café y leche.
'Con' shows what's included or added to something.
Prefiero el té sin azúcar.
Prefiero el té no azúcar.
'Sin' means 'without' - the absence of something.

Common mistakes

Using 'con mí' instead of 'conmigo'
¿Quieres venir con mí?
¿Quieres venir conmigo?
'Con' + 'mí' always contracts to 'conmigo'.
Using 'con ti' instead of 'contigo'
Quiero ir con ti.
Quiero ir contigo.
'Con' + 'ti' always contracts to 'contigo'.

A1Prepositions

Preposition Para - Basic Uses

Preposición para - Usos básicos

Use 'para' when talking about who something is for, like 'un regalo para ti' (a gift for you). It also tells us what something is used for: 'una taza para café' (a cup for coffee). When you have a goal or deadline, use 'para' too: 'Estudio para el examen' (I study for the exam). Think of 'para' as pointing to a purpose or recipient!

Key rule

Use 'para' for recipient (for whom), purpose (for what), deadlines (by when), and destination (toward where).

Examples

Este regalo es para ti.
Este regalo es por ti.
'Para' indicates the recipient - who receives something.
Necesito gafas para leer.
Necesito gafas de leer.
'Para' + infinitive shows purpose - what something is for.
La tarea es para el viernes.
La tarea es por el viernes.
'Para' indicates a deadline - by when something is due.

Common mistakes

Confusing 'para qué' and 'por qué'
¿Por qué sirve este botón?
¿Para qué sirve este botón?
'Para qué' asks about purpose/function; 'por qué' asks about reason/cause.
Using 'por' for recipients
Compro flores por mi madre.
Compro flores para mi madre.
'Para' indicates the recipient of something.

A1Prepositions

Preposition Por - Basic Uses

Preposición por - Usos básicos

Use 'por' when you want to say 'because of' something: 'Gracias por tu ayuda' (Thanks for your help). It also tells us when things happen in a general way: 'por la mañana' (in the morning). When you move through a place, use 'por': 'Camino por el parque' (I walk through the park). Think of 'por' as showing causes and general time or movement!

Key rule

Use 'por' for cause/reason (because of), general time (in the morning), movement through, and exchange/price.

Examples

Gracias por el regalo.
Gracias para el regalo.
'Por' expresses cause - thank you because of/for the gift.
Estudio por la mañana.
Estudio en la mañana.
'Por' indicates general time periods (morning, afternoon, evening).
Camino por el parque.
Camino en el parque.
'Por' indicates movement through or along a place.

Common mistakes

Using 'para' with 'gracias'
Gracias para tu ayuda.
Gracias por tu ayuda.
'Gracias' always takes 'por' - thanking because of something.
Using 'en' for time of day
Trabajo en la mañana.
Trabajo por la mañana.
General parts of the day use 'por', not 'en'.

A1Prepositions

Location Prepositions

Preposiciones de lugar

These words help you say WHERE things are! Use 'en' for inside or on: 'El libro está en la mesa' (The book is on the table). 'Cerca de' means near, 'lejos de' means far from. 'Delante de' is in front of, 'detrás de' is behind. 'Encima de' is on top of, 'debajo de' is under. These are super helpful for describing rooms and giving directions!

Key rule

Most location prepositions end in 'de': cerca de, lejos de, delante de, detrás de, encima de, debajo de, al lado de. 'Entre' stands alone.

Examples

El gato está debajo de la mesa.
El gato está debajo la mesa.
Compound prepositions need 'de' before the noun.
Vivo cerca de la estación.
Vivo cerca la estación.
'Cerca de' means near - don't forget the 'de'.
El cine está delante del banco.
El cine está delante de el banco.
'De' + 'el' contracts to 'del' even in compound prepositions.

Common mistakes

Omitting 'de' in compound prepositions
Está cerca mi casa.
Está cerca de mi casa.
Most location prepositions require 'de' to connect to the noun.
Adding 'de' with 'entre'
Está entre de las dos tiendas.
Está entre las dos tiendas.
'Entre' is directly followed by nouns without 'de'.

A1Prepositions

Time Prepositions

Preposiciones de tiempo

These words help you talk about WHEN things happen! Use 'a' for specific times: 'a las tres' (at three o'clock). Use 'por' for parts of the day: 'por la mañana' (in the morning). Use 'en' for months and seasons: 'en julio' (in July), 'en verano' (in summer). 'Antes de' means before, 'después de' means after. Now you can say when everything happens!

Key rule

Use 'a' for clock times, 'por' for parts of day, 'en' for months/years/seasons, and 'antes de/después de' for sequence.

Examples

La clase empieza a las nueve.
La clase empieza en las nueve.
Specific clock times always use 'a las'.
Trabajo por la mañana.
Trabajo en la mañana.
General parts of the day use 'por', not 'en'.
Mi cumpleaños es en agosto.
Mi cumpleaños es a agosto.
Months require the preposition 'en'.

Common mistakes

Using 'en' for clock times
Llego en las tres.
Llego a las tres.
Specific times always use 'a las', not 'en las'.
Using 'en' for parts of day
Estudio en la noche.
Estudio por la noche.
General parts of the day (morning, afternoon, evening) use 'por'.

A1Prepositions

De for Possession and Material

De - Posesión y material

In Spanish, you can't use an apostrophe-s like in English ('John's book'). Instead, you say 'el libro de Juan' - literally 'the book of Juan'. This is how you show who owns something! You also use 'de' to say what something is made of: 'una mesa de madera' means 'a wooden table' (a table of wood). It takes some getting used to, but it's very logical!

Key rule

Possession: [object] + de + [owner]. Material: [object] + de + [material]. English 's becomes 'de' in Spanish.

Examples

El carro de María.
María's carro.
Spanish uses 'de' + owner, not apostrophe-s.
La casa del profesor.
La casa de el profesor.
'De' + 'el' contracts to 'del' - this is mandatory.
Los juguetes de los niños.
Los niños' juguetes.
Plural possessors also use 'de' before them.

Common mistakes

Using English possessive structure
Juan's libro.
El libro de Juan.
Spanish doesn't use apostrophe-s; use 'de' + owner instead.
Wrong word order in possession
De María el carro.
El carro de María.
The possessed item comes first, then 'de' + owner.

A1Syntax

Basic Word Order (SVO)

Orden básico de palabras

Spanish sentences usually follow the same order as English: Subject + Verb + Object. For example, 'María come una manzana' (María eats an apple). The subject (who does the action) comes first, then the verb (the action), then the object (what receives the action). However, Spanish is more flexible than English, and sometimes the order can change for emphasis. At this level, stick to the basic SVO order and you'll be understood perfectly!

Key rule

In basic Spanish sentences, place the subject first, then the verb, then the object: Sujeto + Verbo + Objeto.

Examples

María come una manzana.
Come María una manzana.
The standard order is Subject (María) + Verb (come) + Object (una manzana).
El perro bebe agua.
Bebe el perro agua.
Follow SVO order: El perro (subject) + bebe (verb) + agua (object).
Yo estudio español.
Español estudio yo.
Keep the natural order: Yo (subject) + estudio (verb) + español (object).

Common mistakes

Placing the object before the subject
Pizza quiere Juan.
Juan quiere pizza.
In declarative sentences at A1 level, maintain SVO order. Object-fronting is an advanced topic.
Separating the subject from the verb with the object
María pan come.
María come pan.
The verb should immediately follow the subject, with the object coming after the verb.

A1Syntax

Question Formation

Formación de preguntas

Making questions in Spanish is easier than in English! You don't need helper words like 'do' or 'does'. Just add question marks (¿?) and raise your voice at the end. You can also put the verb before the subject: '¿Comes pizza?' or '¿Come María pizza?' For questions with question words like '¿Qué?' (What?), '¿Dónde?' (Where?), or '¿Cuándo?' (When?), put the question word first. Remember: Spanish uses an upside-down question mark at the beginning!

Key rule

Form yes/no questions with rising intonation and optional verb-subject inversion; use interrogative words (qué, dónde, cuándo, etc.) at the start for information questions.

Examples

¿Hablas español?
¿Do you hablas español?
No auxiliary verb needed. Simply use rising intonation with the conjugated verb.
¿Dónde vives?
¿Dónde tú vives?
With question words, the subject often comes after the verb or is omitted entirely.
¿Qué comes?
¿Que comes?
The interrogative 'qué' requires an accent mark to distinguish it from the relative pronoun 'que'.

Common mistakes

Using English auxiliary verbs
¿Do tú hablas inglés?
¿Hablas inglés? / ¿Tú hablas inglés?
Spanish doesn't use auxiliary verbs like 'do/does' to form questions.
Forgetting the inverted question mark
Cómo estás?
¿Cómo estás?
Spanish requires ¿ at the beginning and ? at the end of questions.

A1Syntax

Basic Negation

Negación básica

Making negative sentences in Spanish is super easy! Just put 'no' before the verb. That's it! 'Hablo español' becomes 'No hablo español.' Unlike English, you don't need special words like 'don't' or 'doesn't'. The word 'no' does all the work. When answering a question negatively, you might say 'no' twice: 'No, no hablo francés' - the first 'no' answers the question, and the second 'no' negates the verb.

Key rule

Place 'no' directly before the conjugated verb to make any sentence negative: No + verbo.

Examples

No hablo alemán.
Hablo no alemán.
'No' must come before the verb 'hablo', not after it.
María no come carne.
María come no carne.
'No' goes before the verb 'come', between the subject and verb.
No tengo hambre.
No yo tengo hambre.
'No' precedes the verb directly; the subject can be omitted or come before 'no'.

Common mistakes

Placing 'no' after the verb
Entiendo no.
No entiendo.
In Spanish, 'no' always comes before the verb, never after.
Using English structure with auxiliary
Yo do not hablo español.
Yo no hablo español.
Spanish doesn't use auxiliary verbs for negation; just 'no' + verb.

A1Syntax

Null Subject Properties

Sujeto nulo

Great news! In Spanish, you don't always need to say 'I', 'you', 'he', etc. The verb ending tells you who's doing the action! 'Hablo' already means 'I speak' - you don't need to say 'Yo hablo' unless you want to emphasize 'I'. This makes Spanish faster and more natural. Use subject pronouns when you want to emphasize, contrast, or clarify who you're talking about. Otherwise, just let the verb do the work!

Key rule

Omit subject pronouns when the verb ending makes the subject clear; use pronouns only for emphasis, contrast, or clarity.

Examples

Hablo español.
Yo hablo español. (when no emphasis needed)
The -o ending clearly indicates 'I'; 'yo' is unnecessary in neutral contexts.
¿Cómo te llamas?
¿Cómo tú te llamas?
The verb form 'llamas' indicates 'tú'; adding the pronoun is redundant.
Vamos al cine.
Nosotros vamos al cine. (in casual context)
'Vamos' clearly means 'we go'; 'nosotros' adds unnecessary weight.

Common mistakes

Always using subject pronouns like in English
Yo tengo un hermano. Él se llama Juan. Él tiene veinte años.
Tengo un hermano. Se llama Juan. Tiene veinte años.
Once the subject is established, repeating the pronoun is redundant and unnatural.
Overusing 'yo' in conversation
Yo trabajo mucho. Yo estudio español. Yo quiero aprender.
Trabajo mucho. Estudio español. Quiero aprender.
Excessive 'yo' can sound self-centered or like a foreigner's speech.

A1Syntax

Coordination (y, o, pero, sino)

Coordinación

Coordination is how we connect words and ideas. In Spanish, use 'y' (and), 'o' (or), 'pero' (but), and 'sino' (but rather). Here's a fun rule: 'y' becomes 'e' before words starting with 'i' or 'hi' (padre e hijo), and 'o' becomes 'u' before 'o' or 'ho' (siete u ocho). 'Pero' means 'but' in most cases, while 'sino' is used after a negative to say 'but rather/instead': 'No es rojo, sino azul' (It's not red, but blue).

Key rule

Use 'y' (and), 'o' (or), 'pero' (but for contrast), and 'sino' (but rather, after negation); remember 'y'→'e' before i-/hi- and 'o'→'u' before o-/ho-.

Examples

Tengo un perro y un gato.
Tengo un perro, un gato.
'Y' connects the two items; a comma alone is insufficient.
Padre e hijo
Padre y hijo
'Y' changes to 'e' before words starting with 'i' or 'hi' sound.
Siete u ocho
Siete o ocho
'O' changes to 'u' before words starting with 'o' or 'ho' sound.

Common mistakes

Not changing 'y' to 'e' before i-/hi-
Fernando y Isabel
Fernando e Isabel
'Y' must become 'e' before words starting with the /i/ sound to avoid awkward pronunciation.
Not changing 'o' to 'u' before o-/ho-
Mujer o hombre
Mujer u hombre
'O' becomes 'u' before words starting with /o/ sound for easier pronunciation.

A1Connectors

Addition Connectors (y, también)

Conectores de adición

When you want to add information in Spanish, use 'y' (and), 'también' (also/too), and 'además' (besides/moreover). 'Y' connects words or sentences: 'Hablo español y francés.' 'También' adds similar information: 'María habla español. Juan también habla español.' Remember: 'también' usually comes before the verb or at the end of the sentence. These little words help your Spanish flow better and connect your ideas!

Key rule

Use 'y' to connect equal elements, 'también' to add similar information (also/too), and 'además' to add extra points (besides/moreover); use 'tampoco' for negative addition (neither).

Examples

Hablo español y también francés.
Hablo español, francés.
'Y' connects the languages; 'también' emphasizes the addition.
Me gusta el cine. También me gusta el teatro.
Me gusta el cine. Me gusta el teatro también el teatro.
'También' adds parallel information; avoid redundant elements.
Yo también quiero ir.
Yo quiero también ir.
'También' typically precedes the verb when emphasizing the subject.

Common mistakes

Using 'también no' instead of 'tampoco'
No tengo coche. - Yo también no tengo.
No tengo coche. - Yo tampoco tengo. / Yo tampoco.
Spanish uses 'tampoco' for negative addition, not 'también no'.
Wrong position of 'también'
Quiero también yo ir a la fiesta.
Yo también quiero ir a la fiesta.
'También' works best right before the verb or after the subject it emphasizes.

A1Connectors

Time Sequence (primero, luego, después)

Secuencia temporal

When telling a story or describing your routine, you need words to show the order of events. Use 'primero' (first), 'luego/después' (then/after), and 'finalmente/al final' (finally). These words help listeners follow your story: 'Primero desayuno. Luego voy al trabajo. Después almuerzo. Finalmente vuelvo a casa.' You can also use 'antes' (before) and 'más tarde' (later). These connectors make your Spanish sound natural and organized!

Key rule

Use primero (first) → luego/después (then) → finalmente/al final (finally) to organize events in sequence; add antes (before) and más tarde (later) for more precision.

Examples

Primero me levanto. Luego desayuno.
Me levanto. Desayuno.
Sequence connectors clarify the order of events and improve flow.
Después de comer, tomo café.
Después comer, tomo café.
'Después de' requires 'de' before the infinitive verb.
Antes de salir, cierro las ventanas.
Antes salir, cierro las ventanas.
'Antes de' + infinitive; don't forget the 'de'.

Common mistakes

Forgetting 'de' after 'antes' and 'después'
Antes comer, trabajo.
Antes de comer, trabajo.
'Antes de' and 'después de' always require 'de' before infinitives.
Using only one connector repeatedly
Después levanto. Después desayuno. Después trabajo.
Primero me levanto. Luego desayuno. Después trabajo.
Vary your connectors for natural, flowing discourse.

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A1 Spanish Grammar — 78 Topics & Common Mistakes

Present Tense - Regular Verbs

Present Tense - Ser and Estar

Present Tense - Tener and Haber

Present Tense - Ir and Venir

Present Tense - Stem-Changing Verbs (e→ie)

Present Tense - Stem-Changing Verbs (o→ue)

Present Tense - Stem-Changing Verbs (e→i)

Present Tense - Irregular Yo Forms

Present Tense - Highly Irregular Verbs

Present Continuous (estar + gerund)

Gerund Formation

Immediate Future (ir a + infinitive)

Reflexive Verbs - Basic

Reflexive Verbs - Daily Routine

Gustar-type Verb Structure

Hay for Existence

Ser vs Estar - Basic Distinction

Ser for Permanent Characteristics

Estar for Location and States

Tener Expressions

Hacer for Weather

Modal Verb - Poder

Modal Verbs - Querer/Desear

Written Accents - Basic Rules

Basic Punctuation

Inverted Question/Exclamation Marks

Tú vs Usted Selection

Formal Greetings and Closings

Informal Greetings and Closings

Recognizing Cognates

Cardinal Numbers 1-30

Days of the Week

Months of the Year

Telling Time (Hours)

Expressing Age with Tener

Basic Time Expressions

Noun-Adjective Agreement - Basic

Adjective Position

Grammatical Gender - Basic

Gender Exceptions

Plural Formation - Basic

Article-Noun Agreement

Subject-Verb Agreement

Definite Articles

Indefinite Articles

Demonstrative Determiners

Possessive Determiners

Basic Quantifiers

Cardinal Numbers

Subject Pronouns

Subject Pronoun Omission

Direct Object Pronouns

Indirect Object Pronouns

Reflexive Pronouns

Pronoun Placement - Conjugated Verbs

Possessive Adjectives

Demonstrative Adjectives

Interrogative Pronouns

Indefinite Pronouns Algo/Alguien

Indefinite Pronouns Nada/Nadie

Tu vs Usted vs Vos

Vosotros vs Ustedes

Preposition A - Basic Uses

Preposition De - Basic Uses

Preposition En - Basic Uses

Prepositions Con and Sin

Preposition Para - Basic Uses

Preposition Por - Basic Uses

Location Prepositions

Time Prepositions

De for Possession and Material

Basic Word Order (SVO)

Question Formation

Basic Negation

Null Subject Properties

Coordination (y, o, pero, sino)

Addition Connectors (y, también)

Time Sequence (primero, luego, después)