All Questions
7
votes
2answers
166 views
Basque words in Spanish vocabulary
Which are the words, parts of words and structures coming from Basque to Spanish language? And possibly in which periods did they become part of spoken Spanish and official Spanish (Castellano)?
4
votes
1answer
7k views
¿Cómo se dice, “a caso” o “acaso”?
En español, cual de las dos siguiente es la forma correcta para hacer la pregunta:
¿A caso estuviste ahí?
o se debe de decir:
¿Acaso estuviste ahí?
4
votes
1answer
97 views
What is the origin of word endings like -ducir, -vocar, -locar, -ludir, -mitir?
The word-endings -ducir, -locar, -vocar, -ludir, -mitir are quite common, each can take a lot of common prefixes to form real words, for example:
conducir, producir, introducir, aducir, inducir, ...
4
votes
3answers
456 views
Names of children's games
There are many children's games that are played throughout many parts of the world. Do the following games exist in Spanish-speaking countries, and, if so, what are they called? (I found many of these ...
4
votes
2answers
336 views
Translation of “to talk behind someone's back”
What is the typical Spanish translation of the English idiom "to talk behind someone's back" (as in saying something bad about another person to others instead of to them directly)?
3
votes
1answer
261 views
Board game vocabulary
What are the typical translations in Spanish for the following terms related to board games?
board game
board
(playing) pieces
deck of cards
to roll the dice
to move forward
to move backwards
to ...
1
vote
2answers
86 views
Translation of “to play favorites”
What is the best Spanish translation of the English idiom "to play favorites" (as in favoring individuals in a group instead of treating everyone equally)?
4
votes
1answer
95 views
What is the etymology of the “diéresis” or “crema”?
This entry of the Diccionario panhispánico de dudas explains the uses of the diéresis or crema (the ¨ mark) in Spanish (it is mandatory over a u to indicate that this vowel must be pronounced in the ...
4
votes
1answer
164 views
Any rhyme or reason to the names of playing cards?
Playing cards A-10 are named expectedingly, As, followed by dos through diez. But the Jack, Queen and King are called (at least in my experience):
Jota
Qüina
Rey
I can understand calling a card ...
2
votes
2answers
363 views
Proper response to “con permiso”
When someone says con permiso, for example when squeezing through a crowd, what is the appropriate response? For example, in English we might say something like "sorry" or "go ahead."
2
votes
1answer
73 views
Why is “buena” in different places depending on its use? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Significance of adjective placement
In these phrases below, why is the word "buena" in different places?
Are there good things? => ¿Hay cosas buenas?
Are there ...
7
votes
3answers
2k views
Is “me gustas” ever right?
We have been taught that gustar is an unusual verb and that you only ever use gusta or gustan depending on whether you like singular or plural things. Would you use "me gustas" to say "I like you"?
3
votes
2answers
206 views
Algún to represent an indefinite quantity?
I'm using the textbook Fuentes: Conversación y gramática, and in it it states:
"To talk about indefinite quantity in affirmitive sentences and questions, use the following adjectives and pronouns."
...
2
votes
1answer
129 views
Using “qué” or “quién” when talking about people
Imagine for a moment you know who stole your car (some thiefs for example):
Sabemos qué personas lo hicieron.
The above sentence is the same as saying:
Sabemos quiénes lo hicieron. (Persons ...
5
votes
1answer
229 views
A good word for “quest” in Spanish
The translation for Quest is "búsqueda" but it just does not work properly. In English we say "I'm on a quest for the holy grail" this is not quite the same as "I'm searching for the holy grail." So ...
5
votes
1answer
71 views
What adjective ending to use with “algo masculino y/o algo femenino”
When you're using y/o with options of different genders, what's the correct ending to use for an adjective that modifies both?
Specifically, I was writing:
Si entras un usuario y/o contraseña ...
8
votes
1answer
381 views
¿Cómo se dice “cheers” en español?
¿Qué dicen los españoles cuando juntos levantan la copa de vino solemnemente? ¿Cómo se dice "cheers" en español?
6
votes
3answers
634 views
Regional usage and literal meaning of “¡No manches!”
The phrase ¡No manches! is quite common here in Mexico, and it's easy to tell from context when it ought to be used (similar to "No way!" in English), but what does it literally mean? And where is ...
5
votes
1answer
1k views
When to add prepositions before an infinitive verb (por/para/a/de)?
With the infinitive form of a verb in English, (e.g. to speak), the word 'to' seems to convey a specific meaning where, in Spanish, an additional preposition is used in some cases.
Examples:
I ...
5
votes
3answers
253 views
What is the plural of 'Cuba Libre' (the beverage)?
For example, how would one say 'More Cuba Libres' in Spanish?
0
votes
3answers
388 views
Interpretation of quotes or famous sayings [closed]
I know you can't translate everything directly, sometimes it doesn't make sense, specially when it comes from quotes.
What would be the best intepretation of the following quotes?:
What goes ...
3
votes
1answer
388 views
When should the subjunctive be used after 'cuando'?
I thought that any statement after 'cuando' should be in the subjunctive tense if it implied anything other than habitual events or was used in a question, but wasn't sure if this is actually the ...
5
votes
1answer
238 views
What do Mexicans always mutter to me after I say, “Feliz año”?
When I say, "Feliz año" to Mexicans, they usually mutter something and trail off. Is this a standard response to my holiday valediction, am I being dissed, or am I being neurotic?
3
votes
1answer
84 views
Is there a consistent rule for constructing reflexive verbs?
Is there a consistent rule to create reflexive verbs?
When utilizing reflexive verbs are all verbs able to become reflexive verbs by adding, se at the end of the infinitive verb?
I.E.: "lavarse", ...
2
votes
3answers
253 views
Difference between usage of “por favor” and “please”
I heard that Spanish puts much less value on "por favor" than English does on "please". If this is true, could someone elaborate? Are there any situations where in English 'please' is expected, but in ...
2
votes
1answer
119 views
How important is 'proper' pronunciation in Spanish and is it incorrect to 'make up' a dialect?
All languages have dialects, but there tend to be "major" dialects (e.g. For English, Canadian/American, a few of the British accents could be considered as the main dialects to consider learning ...
3
votes
2answers
94 views
Are nonsensical lyrics common in Spanish lyrics?
Based on the answer given to my other question, I'd like to know if it's common to have completely nonsensical lyrics in Spanish music. I know English music has some ridiculous lyrics, but generally ...
2
votes
2answers
78 views
Why is “por” prefered to “para” in the example within?
From Shakira's Suerte:
Yo puedo escalar los Andes solo
Por ir a contar tus lunares
Why is por preferable to para in this case. If one translation of para is roughly "for the purpose of", ...
2
votes
1answer
68 views
Difference between some verbs and pronomial forms of the verb with the same translation
SpanishDict translates some verbs and their pronomial forms (+de, +a, etc.) as the same thing. Off the top of my head:
Escapar - to escape
Escaparse de - to escape
Olvidar - to forget
...
4
votes
1answer
253 views
Names of mythical beings/creatures
Another question I asked made me realize that English has many names for mythical beings. Many of these can refer to both a historical myth or superstition as well as a more modern definition (in ...
2
votes
3answers
83 views
video vs. grabación
What is the difference between video and grabación? In other words, what types of "videos" does each describe? Which of the two would best describe a video recorded using a home video recorder or ...
1
vote
2answers
70 views
Translating “peripheral” (computer device)
In English, "peripheral" or "peripheral device" refers to most devices that can be connected to a computer: keyboards, mice, digital cameras, external hard drives, webcams, etc.
Is there an ...
2
votes
1answer
94 views
Translating “wait until” or “wait for”
How do you translate phrases involving wait until or wait for:
Wait until I call you before you leave for the restaurant.
Wait for me to come home before you buy the tickets.
You should ...
2
votes
1answer
259 views
Literal and metaphorical translation of “duende”
I have read that duende can mean both a mythical creature or, metaphorically, a kind of magical sensation to something. What exactly does duende refer to in both senses? How would both of these senses ...
4
votes
2answers
504 views
“Vegetable”: verdura vs. vegetal
What is the difference between verduras and vegetales? In what situations can one be used as a translation for "vegetables" and the other cannot?
1
vote
1answer
214 views
Speakers' location in determining venir vs. ir
In English, we use the word "come" very loosely (at least in day-to-day spoken English):
Want to come over to my place later?
Can I come over to your house for New Years'?
Can you come meet me at ...
2
votes
2answers
4k views
Translating “I'm sorry for your loss”
What is the most natural way in Spanish to say "I'm sorry for your loss," as in what you would say to someone grieving over a departed relative or friend (or even the loss of a job)?
6
votes
1answer
180 views
Free online resources for beginner course
Along with this question, what are good, free online resources to learn Spanish?
Important areas such as grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation should be covered.
4
votes
4answers
1k views
Different words for “beer”
In Mexico, besides "cerveza" we call beer the following:
cheve
chela
pisto (anything with alcohol)
bironga
helada
fría
These are used informally.
Are there any other words used to address beer in ...
3
votes
2answers
241 views
Why “camarada” means friend?
It is common in Mexico to use the word camarada as a way to call informally a friend. For example:
Tengo un camarada que es piloto.
Ayer fuimos a la fiesta un camarada y yo.
RAE defines camarada ...
2
votes
1answer
74 views
When would one use the subjunctive form of a verb?
I'm trying to recall some high school spanish and having difficulties as its been several years.
Under what conditions would one use the subjunctive form of a verb? Why would you want to use it to ...
3
votes
3answers
478 views
Other spanish synonyms to “Banana”
I remember reading in high school that the word la banana is actually a different word in several different countries. Is this true? If so what are the other similar/equivalent Spanish words for la ...
2
votes
1answer
76 views
Best English translation of “conmoción”
I was told the Spanish word conmoción refers to a strong feeling of shock or emotion shared by a group of people rather than an individual. It seems like English doesn't have a single word or phrase ...
0
votes
1answer
460 views
Translating “for the rest of the day”
What is the best way to translate the phrase "for the rest of the day" into Spanish, as in the following examples:
I'm tired, I think I want to stay home for the rest of the day.
Do you think it ...
5
votes
2answers
506 views
When does sólo have an accent?
When does the word solo have an accent (tilde) on the first o (sólo)? When does it not?
2
votes
1answer
414 views
reserva vs. reservación
What is the difference between reserva and reservación (as in a reservation that you would make at a restaurant)? Do the two words mean the same thing? Which is used in what parts of the ...
3
votes
2answers
126 views
What do the Latin American language academies do?
The Real Academia Española is the main, official language academy of the Spanish language. But there are also country-specific language academies in most Spanish-speaking countries. What do these ...
2
votes
1answer
102 views
Jumping between pronunciations of “y” in Spanish songs
I've heard a few songs (off the top of my head, A Dios Le Pido) where they pronounce "y" both with a y-sound and an English j-sound at times. In some songs, the different pronunciations occur when ...
2
votes
1answer
612 views
Translating “a sí mismo, por sí mismo”
The phrase is:
un escritor hecho a sí mismo, por sí mismo
Searching around, both a sí mismo and por sí mismo were translated as "for himself, by himself".
I figure in this context it means:
...
0
votes
1answer
116 views
caja vs. cajón vs. estuche
"Box" in English can be translated into Spanish as caja, cajón, or estuche. What exactly is the difference between these three words? What types of boxes are translated as each? Which would best ...
