Así se dice! Level 3 Notes
CAPÍTULO 1 - COCINA HISPANA
Gramatica
El Subjuntivo (Part 1)
When it’s used: The subjunctive mood is used when expressing desires, doubts, wishes, or possibilities that are not certain or factual. In sentences with dependent clauses, like those using que, the subjunctive is needed when the main clause expresses something uncertain.
How to form it: For regular verbs, drop the "o" ending of the yo form of the present indicative. For -ar verbs, add e endings, and for -er/ir verbs, add a endings.
El Subjuntivo (Part 2) – Irregular Verbs
How to form it: Some verbs are irregular in the subjunctive mood, but their endings are consistent with other verbs. Here are some examples.
Summary: Subjunctive for uncertainty and possibilities. Regular: Drop o, add e/a. Irregulars: memorize!
El Imperativo Formal
When it’s used: Formal commands in usted/ustedes forms, both affirmative and negative, use the subjunctive form of the verb.
How to form it: Simply take the usted/ustedes form of the subjunctive. Pronouns are attached in affirmative commands and placed before in negative commands.
Summary: Formal commands = subjunctive! Attach pronouns for affirmatives, and place them before negatives.
El Imperativo Familiar (Formas Negativas)
When it’s used: For negative tú commands (informal).
How to form it: Use the tú form of the verb in the subjunctive. Pronouns are added after affirmative commands and placed before negative ones.
Summary: Negative tú = subjunctive. Pronouns before negatives.
Vocabulario
Kitchen appliances and utensils:
la cocina – kitchen
el refrigerador, la nevera – refrigerator
el congelador – freezer
la estufa, la cocina – stove
el horno – oven
el horno de microondas – microwave
el lavaplatos – dishwasher
el/la sartén – frying pan
la olla, la cacerola – pot, saucepan
la tapa – lid
la cazuela – casserole dish
la parrilla – grill
Talking about food preparation:
la receta – recipe
el/la cocinero(a) – cook, chef
el sabor – flavor
pelar – to peel
picar – to chop
cortar – to cut
en pedacitos – in little pieces
en rebanadas – in slices
añadir – to add
poner al fuego – to put on the stove
cocinar, cocer a fuego lento – to simmer
quemarse – to burn oneself
hervir – to boil
freír – to fry
asar – to roast, grill
revolver – to stir
Identifying more foods:
la chuleta de cerdo – pork chop
el escalope de ternera – veal cutlet
el muslo de pollo – chicken thigh
las alitas de pollo – chicken wings
la pechuga de pollo – chicken breast
la cebolla – onion
la zanahoria – carrot
el pepino – cucumber
el pimiento – bell pepper
el aguacate – avocado
el ajo – garlic
el condimento – seasoning
CAPÍTULO 2 - ¡CUIDATE BIEN!
Gramatica
El Subjuntivo con Expresiones Impersonales
When to use: The subjunctive follows impersonal expressions when the outcome is uncertain or unknown. These expressions reflect the possibility of something happening but do not confirm it.
How to form: Use the subjunctive form of the verb after the impersonal expression.
Examples:
Es importante que sepa lo que tiene.
Es necesario que vea al médico.
Es probable que él esté bien.
Summary:
Rhyme: "It's not certain, so use the subjunctive curtain!"
Impersonal expressions pull the subjunctive into action when things are uncertain.
¡Ojalá! ¡Quizás! ¡Tal vez!
When to use: Use the subjunctive after expressions like "¡Ojalá!" (Would that...), "¡Quizás!" (Perhaps), and "¡Tal vez!" (Maybe), as they reflect uncertainty.
How to form: Follow these expressions with the verb in the subjunctive.
Examples:
¡Ojalá que vengan!
¡Quizás lleguen mañana!
¡Tal vez estén aquí!
Summary:
Acronym: OQT – Ojalá, Quizás, Tal vez – always followed by the subjunctive since we don't know what will happen.
El Subjuntivo de los Verbos de Cambio Radical
When to use: Verbs with stem changes in the present indicative will also have stem changes in the subjunctive.
How to form: Stem-changing verbs follow these patterns:
-ar/-er: Stem change in all forms except nosotros/vosotros.
-ir: Stem change in all forms, but nosotros/vosotros have partial stem changes.
Examples:
Cerrar (e → ie):
Cierre, cierres, cierre, cerremos, cerréis, cierren
Dormir (o → ue, u):
Duerma, duermas, duerma, durmamos, durmáis, duerman
Pedir (e → i):
Pida, pidas, pida, pidamos, pidáis, pidan
Summary:
Phrase: "Stem changes stick around, but ease up for nosotros!"
Verbs with stem changes in indicative hold on to those changes in the subjunctive too!
Comparación de Igualdad
When to use: Use to compare equality between quantities or qualities.
How to form:
For quantities, use "tanto/a(s) ... como".
For qualities, use "tan ... como".
Examples:
Tanto/a(s):
Elena tiene tanta energía como yo.
No tiene tantos accidentes como yo.
Tan:
Él está tan enfermo como su amiga.
Se va a curar tan rápido como ella.
Summary:
Acronym: TT – Tanto for things, Tan for traits!
Use "tanto" for amounts and "tan" for qualities to keep comparisons equal.
Vocabulario
Identifying parts of the body:
la frente - forehead
el cuello - neck
el hombro - shoulder
el pecho - chest
la muñeca - wrist
el tobillo - ankle
el dedo del pie - toe
Talking about physical fitness:
el gimnasio - gym
el buzo - sweatsuit
el casco - helmet
las rodilleras - knee pads
los ejercicios - exercises
las planchas - push-ups
las pesas - weights
el movimiento - movement
la respiración - breathing
el monopatín - skateboard
el jogging - jogging
el/la corredor(a) - runner
una carrera de relevos - relay race
a campo traviesa - cross-country
de larga distancia - long-distance
una vuelta - a lap
un maratón - marathon
estirarse - to stretch
patinar en línea - to rollerblade
practicar yoga - to practice yoga
descansar - to rest
liberar - to release
Talking about an accident:
una herida - wound
hinchado(a) - swollen
cortarse - to cut oneself
torcerse - to twist/sprain
caerse - to fall
romperse, quebrarse - to break
doler - to hurt
hacerse daño - to get hurt
Talking about medical emergencies and a hospital:
la ambulancia - ambulance
el/la socorrista - paramedic
la camilla - stretcher
la sala de emergencia - emergency room
la silla de ruedas - wheelchair
andar con muletas - to walk with crutches
Talking about medical care:
el/la cirujano(a) - surgeon
ortopédico(a) - orthopedic
el/la enfermero(a) - nurse
una radiografía - X-ray
un yeso - cast
un hueso - bone
los puntos, las suturas - stitches
una venda - bandage
reducir, acomodar - to set (a bone)
Other useful words and expressions:
el espíritu - spirit
la tensión - tension
lento(a) - slow
CAPÍTULO 3 - PASAJES DE LA VIDA
Gramatica
El Subjuntivo con Deseos
When to use: The subjunctive is used when expressing a wish, desire, or hope that is uncertain or unlikely to happen. This includes verbs like querer, esperar, desear, temer, preferir, tener miedo de, insistir en.
How to form: The verb in the main clause expresses the desire, and the verb in the dependent clause is conjugated in the subjunctive.
Examples:
Quiero que mis amigos vayan a la fiesta.
Espero que no lleguen tarde.
Tengo miedo de que él no me haga caso.
Summary:
Phrase: "If you wish or hope, use the subjunctive slope!"
The subjunctive comes after expressions of desire or fear since the outcome is uncertain.
Los Pronombres Posesivos
When to use: Possessive pronouns replace a noun modified by a possessive adjective (e.g., "mi carro" → "el mío"). These pronouns must agree in gender and number with the noun they replace.
How to form: The possessive pronouns are formed by adding the appropriate definite article (el, la, los, las) to the possessive form (e.g., el mío, la mía, los tuyos).
Examples:
Yo tengo mis regalos, no los tuyos.
Elena tiene el suyo.
Elena tiene el de él.
Summary:
Acronym: M-T-N-V-S – Mine, Too, Not Very Specific, just the pronouns for possession!
Use possessive pronouns to replace nouns that show ownership.
Vocabulario
Talking about a wedding:
la ceremonia - ceremony
el anuncio nupcial - wedding announcement
el matrimonio, el casamiento - marriage
la boda - wedding
la iglesia - church
el cura - priest
la novia - bride
el novio - groom
la pareja - couple
el/la recién casado(a) - newlywed
la dama de honor - maid of honor
el padrino - best man
el paje - ring bearer
el traje de novia - wedding dress
el velo - veil
el anillo de boda - wedding ring
casarse - to get married
Talking about a civil ceremony:
la ceremonia civil - civil ceremony
el registro de matrimonio - marriage registry
el ayuntamiento - city hall
el alcalde, la alcaldesa - mayor
firmar - to sign
por (el, lo) civil - by civil law
Talking about a wedding reception:
una recepción - reception
una cena - dinner
un banquete, un bufé - banquet, buffet
un regalo - gift
en honor de - in honor of
¡Enhorabuena! - Congratulations!
Talking about a baptism:
el bautizo - baptism
el recién nacido - newborn
el padrino - godfather
la madrina - godmother
la pila - baptismal font
bautizar - to baptize
Talking about a birthday party:
el cumpleaños - birthday
el pastel - cake
el bizcocho - sponge cake
la torta, la tarta - cake, tart
la vela - candle
nacer - to be born
cumplir... años - to turn... years old
celebrar - to celebrate
Talking about a funeral:
una esquela, un obituario - obituary
el velorio - wake
el ataúd - coffin
la viuda del difunto - widow of the deceased
el cementerio, el camposanto - cemetery
el cortejo fúnebre - funeral procession
el entierro, el sepelio - burial
Other useful words and expressions:
los pasajes de la vida - life stages
la alegría - joy
alegre - happy
alegrarse - to be happy
sorprender - to surprise
esperar - to hope, wait for
intercambiar - to exchange
tener lugar - to take place
CAPÍTULO 4 - QUEHACERES
Gramatica
El Subjuntivo con Expresiones de Duda
When to use: Use the subjunctive after verbs or expressions that imply doubt or uncertainty. If an expression implies certainty, use the indicative.
How to form: When expressing doubt, the verb in the subordinate clause is in the subjunctive. When expressing certainty, the verb is in the indicative (often in future tense).
Examples:
Dudo que él vaya por un corte de pelo.
No creo que él vaya a la peluquería.
No dudo que él irá a la peluquería.
Creo que él irá a la peluquería.
Summary:
Phrase: "Doubt equals subjunctive, certainty equals indicative!"
If you're unsure, use the subjunctive, but if you're sure, stick to the indicative.
El Subjuntivo en Cláusulas Adverbiales
When to use: The subjunctive is used after certain conjunctions to indicate that the action in the dependent clause is uncertain or dependent on another action.
How to form: Use the subjunctive in the dependent clause after conjunctions like para que, a menos que, sin que, and others.
Examples:
Marta no irá a menos que tú vayas.
Yo les voy a escribir para que ellos sepan lo que está pasando.
Él no podrá pagar la matrícula a menos que le den un préstamo.
Summary:
Phrase: "Use the subjunctive with para que!"
Whenever the conjunction adds uncertainty or dependence, go with the subjunctive.
Otros Tiempos Compuestos (Pluperfect, Conditional Perfect, Future Perfect)
When to use: These compound tenses are used to express actions that are completed either before another action (pluperfect), hypothetical situations (conditional perfect), or actions that will be completed before a specific time in the future (future perfect).
Pluperfect: Action completed before another past action.
Conditional Perfect: Hypothetical past action that did not happen.
Future Perfect: Action that will be completed before a specific point in the future.
How to form:
Pluperfect: Imperfect of haber + past participle
Conditional Perfect: Conditional of haber + past participle
Future Perfect: Future of haber + past participle
Examples:
Pluperfect: Yo ya había salido cuando él llegó.
Conditional Perfect: Habría ido pero tuve que trabajar.
Future Perfect: Habré terminado antes de las ocho.
Summary:
Phrase: "Haber holds the key to perfect times!"
Just remember "haber + past participle" for all perfect tenses!
Vocabulario
Talking about the hair salon:
la peluquería - hair salon
el/la peluquero(a) - hairdresser
un corte de pelo - haircut
un recorte - trim
corto(a) - short
cortar - to cut
Talking about the laundromat:
la lavandería - laundromat
la ropa sucia (para lavar), el lavado - dirty clothes (for washing), laundry
el jabón en polvo, el detergente - powdered soap, detergent
la lavadora - washing machine
la secadora - dryer
arrugado(a) - wrinkled
lavar - to wash
planchar - to iron
Talking about the post office:
el correo - mail/post office
la tarjeta postal - postcard
la carta - letter
el sobre - envelope
el sello, la estampilla - stamp
el buzón - mailbox
echar una carta - to mail a letter
Talking about the bank:
el banco - bank
el dinero en efectivo - cash
los billetes - bills
la moneda - coin
el suelto - loose change
la cuenta corriente - checking account
el saldo - balance
el cajero automático - ATM
los fondos - funds
el préstamo a largo (corto) plazo - long-term (short-term) loan
la tasa de interés - interest rate
endosar - to endorse
cobrar - to cash (a check)
depositar - to deposit
retirar - to withdraw
Other useful words and expressions:
la matrícula universitaria - university tuition
apresurado(a) - hurried
habría de + infinitivo - was supposed to (do something)
CAPÍTULO 5 - ¿BUENOS O MALOS MODALES?
Gramatica
El Imperfecto del Subjuntivo
When to use it:
The imperfect subjunctive is used in dependent clauses when the verb in the main clause is in the past or conditional, and the action of the dependent clause is uncertain or hypothetical. It is often used in sentences expressing doubt, wishes, or hypothetical situations.
How to form it:
To form the imperfect subjunctive, take the third-person plural form of the preterite, drop the -ron ending, and add the following endings:
-ra, -ras, -ra, -ramos, -rais, -ran
Example Sentences:
Era importante que tú hablaras con ellos.
Me alegraba que ellos vinieran a la fiesta.
Summary:
"In the past, doubt is a blast—use -ra endings fast!"
Subjuntivo o Infinitivo
When to use it:
Use the subjunctive when the subject of the main clause is different from the subject of the dependent clause. Use the infinitive when the subject stays the same in both clauses.
How to form it:
Subjunctive is used after expressions with change of subject: quiero que, prefiero que, es necesario que.
Infinitive is used when there is no change of subject: quiero, prefiero, es necesario.
Example Sentences:
Nosotros preferimos que ustedes se lo digan.
Prefiero decírselo.
Summary:
"Two subjects switch, subjunctive pitch. One subject stays, infinitive plays!"
Sufijos (Suffixes)
When to use them:
Suffixes such as -ito and -illo are added to nouns to create diminutives. These forms express either small size or affection, and are often used in a favorable or affectionate way. If the noun ends in -n or -e, the suffix -cito is used.
How to form them:
-ito or -illo for most nouns:
casa → casita
perro → perrito
-cito for nouns ending in -n or -e:
ratón → ratoncito
café → cafecito
Example Sentences:
Me dio un besito.
Tomamos un cafecito juntos.
Summary:
"Small and sweet, -ito’s a treat!"
Vocabulario
Discussing manners:
el/la recién llegado(a) – newcomer
el/la invitado(a) – guest
un besito – a little kiss
un abrazo – a hug
los modales – manners
el comportamiento – behavior
la mejilla – cheek
cortés – polite
formal – formal
saludar(se) – to greet (each other)
despedirse – to say goodbye
ponerse de pie – to stand up
darse la mano – to shake hands
besar – to kiss
abrazar(se) – to hug (each other)
comportarse – to behave
enfadarse – to get angry
Other useful words and expressions:
el/la conocido(a) – acquaintance
el/la chico(a) – boy/girl
el malentendido – misunderstanding
el amor – love
enamorarse – to fall in love
malentender – to misunderstand
castigar – to punish
¡Cuidado! – Watch out!
¡Mucho ojo! – Be careful!
Common words:
la villa – village, town
los demás – the others
el apodo – nickname
el/la mozo(a) – young man/woman, waiter/waitress
el provecho – benefit, profit
sabio(a) – wise
mejorar – to improve
suceder – to happen
olvidar – to forget
hacerle caso – to pay attention
CAPÍTULO 6 - VIAJES
Gramatica
El Subjuntivo con Conjunciones de Tiempo
When to use it:
The subjunctive is used with adverbial conjunctions of time when the action in the main clause refers to the future and is uncertain if it will happen. The indicative is used when the action in the main clause refers to the past and has already happened.
How to form it:
Use subjunctive with time conjunctions like "cuando," "después de que," "hasta que," "tan pronto como" when the main verb is in the future.
Use indicative with the same conjunctions when the main verb is in the past.
Example Sentences:
Te llamo tan pronto como pueda. (subjunctive - future action)
Te llamé tan pronto como pude. (indicative - past action)
Summary:
"In the future, we’re unsure, subjunctive is pure!"
El Subjuntivo con Verbos Especiales
When to use it:
The subjunctive is used after certain verbs that imply a command, advice, or suggestion because the action is uncertain. These verbs include decir, exigir, pedir, aconsejar, rogar, and others.
How to form it:
After verbs of command or suggestion in the main clause, use the subjunctive in the dependent clause to express uncertainty about whether the action will be carried out.
Example Sentences:
Les pedí que llegaran temprano.
Te recomiendo que no lo hagas.
Summary:
"For suggestions or commands, use subjunctive hands!"
Sustantivos Irregulares
When to use it:
Certain feminine nouns that begin with a stressed a or silent h followed by a stressed a take the masculine article el or un in singular form, though they remain feminine. Other nouns that end in -a but are masculine are derived from Greek roots and take the masculine articles el and un.
How to form it:
For feminine nouns starting with stressed a or ha, use el or un (e.g., el agua, un águila).
For masculine nouns of Greek origin ending in -a, use el or un (e.g., el día, el sistema).
Example Sentences:
El agua limpia es buena para la salud.
El programa es muy complicado.
Summary:
"A tricky start gets el, Greek nouns are swell!"
Vocabulario
Getting around an airport:
el aeropuerto – airport
la maleta – suitcase
el equipaje – luggage
el talón – luggage tag
la etiqueta – label
el peso – weight
la correa – conveyor belt
la pantalla – screen (flight information screen)
la puerta de salida – departure gate
el reclamo de equipaje – baggage claim
el control de pasaportes – passport control
la inmigración – immigration
la aduana – customs
pesar – to weigh
reclamar, recoger – to claim, to pick up
Talking about flights:
un vuelo directo sin escala – a direct flight (non-stop)
el destino – destination
una demora – delay
un asiento, una plaza – a seat
el pasillo – aisle
la ventanilla – window (seat or window itself)
la fila – line, row
completo(a) – full
disponible – available
anular – to cancel
confirmar – to confirm
hacer escala – to lay over (make a stop)
perder el vuelo – to miss the flight
Getting around a train station:
la estación de tren (ferrocarril) – train station
el tren de cercanías – commuter train
el tren de largo recorrido – long-distance train
cercano(a) – close, nearby
enlazar – to link, connect (trains)
cambiar de tren, transbordar – to change trains
Talking about renting a car:
la agencia de alquiler – rental agency
el/la agente – agent
el contrato – contract
la póliza – policy (insurance)
los seguros – insurance
contra todo riesgo – full insurance (comprehensive)
la tarifa – rate, fare
el kilometraje – mileage
el mapa – map
un rayón – a scratch (on the car)
una abolladura – a dent
ilimitado(a) – unlimited
alquilar, rentar, arrendar – to rent
firmar – to sign
aceptar – to accept
declinar – to decline
incluir – to include
verificar, chequear – to check, verify
CAPÍTULO 7 - ARTE Y LITERATURA
Gramatica
El Subjuntivo: Presente Perfecto y Pluscuamperfecto
Present Perfect Subjunctive (Presente Perfecto del Subjuntivo)
When to use it:
The present perfect subjunctive is used to describe actions that may have happened in the past but are relevant to the present, especially when there is doubt or uncertainty.
How to form it:
Formed by using the present subjunctive of haber followed by the past participle of the main verb.
Example:
Es posible que hayas terminado el proyecto. (It’s possible you have finished the project.)
Pluscuamperfecto del Subjuntivo
When to use it:
The past perfect subjunctive (or pluperfect) is used to talk about hypothetical situations in the past, or past actions that preceded another past action, often accompanied by doubt or emotion.
How to form it:
Formed by using the imperfect subjunctive of haber followed by the past participle of the main verb.
Example:
Si hubiera estudiado más, habría pasado el examen. (If I had studied more, I would have passed the exam.)
Summary:
"Have you in doubt? Haya helps out! Hubiera if it’s past unclear!"
Cláusulas con "Si"
When to use it:
"Si" (if) clauses are used to express conditions that may or may not happen. They follow a specific sequence of tenses depending on the likelihood or reality of the condition.
How to form it:
If the condition is possible or likely, use indicative in the si-clause and future in the main clause.
If the condition is unlikely or hypothetical, use imperfect subjunctive in the si-clause and conditional in the main clause.
If the condition is impossible or refers to the past, use pluperfect subjunctive in the si-clause and conditional perfect in the main clause.
Examples:
Si tengo tiempo, iré a la fiesta.
Si tuviera tiempo, iría a la fiesta.
Si hubiera tenido tiempo, habría ido a la fiesta.
Summary:
"If in the present or real, use future deal. If it’s unreal, subjunctive appeal!"
Los Adverbios que Terminan en -mente
When to use it:
Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. In Spanish, many adverbs are formed by adding -mente to adjectives.
How to form it:
For adjectives ending in -e or a consonant, simply add -mente.
For adjectives ending in -o, change the ending to the feminine form -a and add -mente.
Examples:
El proyecto se completó rápidamente.
Ella habla sinceramente sobre el tema.
Summary:
"Adjectives to adverbs it’s meant, just add mente to the end!"
Vocabulario
Talking about painting:
el arte – art
el/la artista, el/la pintor(a) – artist, painter
el lienzo – canvas
el caballete – easel
el pincel – paintbrush
la pintura – painting
el óleo – oil paint
la acuarela – watercolor
el cuadro – painting (the finished work)
una obra figurativa (abstracta) – figurative (abstract) work
una naturaleza muerta – still life
una superficie – surface
la perspectiva – perspective
el primer plano – foreground
el fondo – background
pintoresco(a) – picturesque
plano(a) – flat
pintar – to paint
Talking about sculpture:
el/la escultor(a) – sculptor
el taller – workshop/studio
la escultura, la estatua – sculpture, statue
de bronce (de madera) – of bronze (of wood)
una cerámica – a ceramic
de yeso – of plaster
el cincel – chisel
tallar – to carve
Talking about literature and poetry:
la literatura – literature
el género – genre
la obra – work
la prosa (la narrativa) – prose (narrative)
la novela – novel
el capítulo – chapter
los personajes – characters
el/la protagonista – protagonist
el argumento – plot
el lugar – place
el ambiente – setting/atmosphere
el cuento – short story
la poesía – poetry
el/la poeta – poet
el poema – poem
el verso – verse
la estrofa – stanza
la rima – rhyme
dividirse – to divide
desarrollarse – to develop
Other useful words and expressions:
el talento – talent
trasero(a) – rear/back
CAPÍTULO 8 - LATINOS EN ESTADOS UNIDOS
Gramatica
El Subjuntivo con -quiera
When to use it:
In Spanish, many words can be made indefinite by adding "-quiera." These words, like quienquiera (whoever) and dondequiera (wherever), are typically followed by the subjunctive to express uncertainty or possibility, similar to the English "ever" as in whoever, wherever, etc.
How to form it:
Combine these "-quiera" words with the subjunctive form of the verb that follows them.
Summary:
"-Quiera means 'wherever,' add subjunctive for doubt or 'ever!'"
Usos Especiales del Artículo Definido
When to use it:
In Spanish, the definite article (el, la, los, las) is used with general or abstract nouns, unlike English where it is often omitted.
How to form it:
Always use the definite article with general or abstract concepts.
Summary:
"Abstract or broad? Don't leave el or la abroad!"
Uso Especial del Artículo Indefinido
When to use it:
In Spanish, the indefinite article (un, una) is omitted after the verb ser when the noun is not modified. However, if the noun is modified (described in some way), the indefinite article is used.
How to form it:
No article after ser for unmodified nouns.
Use un/una if the noun is modified by an adjective.
Summary:
"No adjective, no article. Add a mod? Un or una’s not odd!"
Adjetivos Apocopados
When to use it:
Certain adjectives in Spanish are shortened when they come before a singular, masculine noun. These adjectives drop their final "-o" before the noun.
How to form it:
Drop the "-o" when placing the adjective before a masculine noun.
Summary:
"Before a guy, drop the -o, don't be shy!"
Vocabulario
Talking about the Spanish Conquest of the Americas
el sacerdote – priest
la colonia – colony
la lucha, la batalla – struggle, battle
el conquistador – conqueror
la guerra – war
colonial – colonial
la conquista – conquest
el soldado – soldier
conquistar – to conquer
el colonizador – colonizer
Talking about the News Media
los medios de comunicación – media
el ancla – anchor
el/la noticiero(a) – newscaster
la emisora de televisión – television station
el canal, la cadena – channel, network
las noticias – news
la emisión televisiva, el programa de televisión – television broadcast/program
la publicidad, la propaganda – advertising, propaganda
la prensa – press
el periódico – newspaper
el titular – headline
la revista – magazine
el/la periodista – journalist
el reportaje – report
la promoción – promotion
Other Useful Words and Expressions
una ojeada – a glance
acomodado(a) – well-off
el libro de bolsillo – pocket book
ilustre – illustrious
la empresa, la compañía – company
apoderarse de – to seize
sobrepasar – to surpass
tomar en cuenta – to take into account
lograr – to achieve
darse cuenta de – to realize
luchar – to fight
colonizar – to colonize
establecer – to establish
el artículo – article
el/la radio – radio
emitir – to broadcast
otorgar – to grant
invertir – to invest
CAPÍTULO 9 - HISTORIA DE LA COMIDA LATINA
Gramatica
La Voz Pasiva
When to use it:
The passive voice in Spanish is used when the focus is on the action and not on who performed it. It's common to use the pronoun se for this construction, especially when the agent (the person who performs the action) is not mentioned.
How to form it:
Use se + verb in third person (singular/plural depending on the subject).
If the agent is mentioned, the verb is followed by "por" + agent.
Summary:
"If ‘se’ you see, it's passive indeed!"
Los Pronombres Relativos
When to use it:
Relative pronouns in Spanish (like el que, la que, los que, and las que) are used to refer to people or things previously mentioned. They act like "the one(s) who/that" in English. These pronouns can be the subject or object in a sentence.
How to form it:
Match the pronoun with the gender and number of the noun it refers to.
Can be used to introduce sentences.
Summary:
"Who’s the one? El que, la que!"
Expresiones de Tiempo con Hace y Hacía
When to use it:
Use hace to express actions that began in the past and continue into the present. It’s similar to using the present perfect in English.
Hacía is used for actions that were ongoing in the past before another event.
How to form it:
Hace + [time] + que + [present tense verb] for ongoing actions.
Hacía + [time] + que + [imperfect tense verb] for actions that were ongoing in the past.
Summary:
"For time long passed, use hacía fast!"
Vocabulario
Identifying More Foods
las legumbres, las hortalizas – vegetables
la carne – meat
la zanahoria – carrot
el pimiento – pepper
la alcachofa – artichoke
una mazorca de maíz – an ear of corn
el orégano – oregano
la col, el repollo – cabbage
el cordero – lamb
el cilantro – cilantro
el cerdo – pork
las vainitas, las judías verdes – green beans
el trigo – wheat
el picadillo, la carne picada – ground meat
la harina – flour
las uvas – grapes
la berenjena – eggplant
Talking About Food Preparation
el/la cocinero(a) – cook/chef
el pan rallado – breadcrumbs
la olla – pot
rellenar – to stuff
la rodaja – slice
el aceite de oliva – olive oil
cocinar – to cook
hervir – to boil
el huevo batido – beaten egg
el/la sartén – frying pan
freír – to fry
rebozar – to coat/batter
Other Useful Words and Expressions
la viña – vineyard
la vid – vine
el huerto, la huerta – orchard, vegetable garden
los comensales – diners
orgulloso(a) – proud
cultivar – to grow/cultivate
CAPÍTULO 10 - CARRERAS
Gramatica
Por y Para
When and How It's Used:
Para = destination, goal, recipient, deadlines, or purpose
Por = route, cause, means, duration, exchange, or motive
Examples:
Summary:
“PERFECT PARA” and “ATTRACTED POR” — PARA is perfect for goals and POR is attracted to movement and causes!
Por y Para con Expresiones de Tiempo
When and How It's Used:
Para = deadline or specific point in time
Por = duration or an approximate time
Examples:
Summary:
"PARA el plazo, POR el paso" — PARA sets the finish line, POR talks about the journey!
Por y Para con el Infinitivo
When and How It's Used:
Para + infinitive = in order to
Por + infinitive = something left to do
Estar para = about to happen
Examples:
Summary:
"PARA means 'plan to do,' POR means 'left to do'" — Easy way to track purpose vs. pending!
Otros usos de Por y Para
When and How It's Used:
Para = comparison or opinion
Por = method, reason, or exchange
Examples:
Summary:
"PARA compares, POR prepares (mail, pay, fight!)" — PARA for opinions, POR for means!
Vocabulario
Talking about Offices and Office Personnel
la oficina – office
el bufete del abogado – lawyer’s office
el gabinete del dentista – dentist’s office
el consultorio (la consulta) del médico – doctor’s office
el/la contable – accountant
el/la ejecutivo(a) – executive
el/la asistente(a) ejecutivo(a) – executive assistant
el/la programador(a) de computadoras (informática) – computer programmer
Identifying Government Workers
el gobierno – government
el/la senador(a) – senator
el/la político(a) – politician
el/la alcalde(sa) – mayor
el/la funcionario(a) gubernamental (de gobierno) – government official
Talking about Businesspeople
el/la comerciante – merchant
el hombre (la mujer) de negocios – businessman/businesswoman
el/la dueño(a) – owner
la empresa / la sociedad / la compañía – company
el estado financiero – financial statement
el/la vendedor(a) – salesperson
Identifying Some Professions
la carrera – career
la profesión – profession
el/la arquitecto(a) – architect
el/la ingeniero(a) – engineer
Identifying Some Trades
el oficio – trade
el/la plomero(a), el/la fontanero(a) – plumber
el/la electricista – electrician
Talking About Job Opportunities
el servicio de empleo – employment agency
un puesto – a position
el anuncio (clasificado) – classified ad
el departamento de personal / recursos humanos – HR department
el/la candidato(a), el/la aspirante – applicant
la entrevista – interview
la solicitud (aplicación) de empleo – job application
el currículum vitae, el currículo – résumé
un trabajo a tiempo completo – full-time job
un trabajo a tiempo parcial – part-time job
Other Useful Words and Expressions
el/la abogado(a) – lawyer
el/la dentista – dentist
el/la farmacéutico(a) – pharmacist
el/la carpintero(a) – carpenter
el/la albañil – bricklayer
el/la estudiante universitario(a) – university student
llenar – to fill out