Language Learning

1. Estoy aprendiendo español.

   I am learning Spanish.

   Usage

   Used to introduce yourself as a Spanish language learner

   Grammar Note

   "Estoy + gerund" forms the present progressive. "Aprendiendo" is the gerund of "aprender" (-er verbs end in -iendo)

2. ¿Puede hablar más despacio, por favor?

   Could you speak more slowly, please?

   Usage

   Used to ask someone to slow down when speaking so you can understand better

   Grammar Note

   "Más + adverb" forms the comparative. "Despacio" means "slowly" as an adverb, synonymous with "lentamente"

3. ¿Cómo se dice esto en español?

   How do you say this in Spanish?

   Usage

   Used to ask how to express something in Spanish

   Grammar Note

   "Se dice" uses the passive reflexive and means "one says/it is said." It's the standard phrase for asking translations

4. ¿Puede corregir mi español?

   Can you correct my Spanish?

   Usage

   Used to ask a native speaker to point out your mistakes while practicing

   Grammar Note

   "Corregir" is an irregular verb. Also useful: "¿Puede corregir mis errores?" (Can you correct my mistakes?)

5. ¿Qué significa esta palabra?

   What does this word mean?

   Usage

   Used to ask for the meaning of an unfamiliar word

   Grammar Note

   "Significar" means "to mean/to signify." "¿Qué quiere decir...?" (What does ... mean?) is an equally common alternative

6. Me gustaría tomar clases de español.

   I would like to take Spanish classes.

   Usage

   Used to inquire about or express interest in enrolling in Spanish classes

   Grammar Note

   "Me gustaría" is the conditional of "gustar," a polite way to express desire. More formal than "Quiero tomar clases"

7. ¿Puede escribir eso, por favor?

   Can you write that down, please?

   Usage

   Used to ask someone to write down a word or phrase you couldn't understand

   Grammar Note

   "Eso" is a neuter demonstrative pronoun referring to something near the listener. "Esto" (this), "aquello" (that over there)

8. Quiero practicar español con nativos.

   I want to practice Spanish with native speakers.

   Usage

   Used when seeking language exchange partners or conversation practice with native speakers

   Grammar Note

   "Con nativos" uses the preposition "con" (with). "Hablantes nativos" (native speakers) is the more formal expression

9. No entendí. ¿Puede repetirlo?

   I didn't understand. Can you repeat that?

   Usage

   Used when you didn't catch what someone said and need them to repeat it

   Grammar Note

   "Entendí" is the preterite of "entender." "Repetirlo" joins the infinitive with the pronoun "lo" (it)

10. ¿Habla usted inglés?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Used to ask if someone speaks English when struggling to communicate in Spanish

    Grammar Note

    Using "usted" makes this question formal and respectful. "¿Hablas inglés?" uses the informal "tú" form

Browse all TravelPhrases languages