Reference — up to week 4
← cardsWeek 1 — Introductions, pronunciation & house vocab
This is how your tutor Ale might ask your name.
Remember 'll' sounds like 'y' in 'yes' in most of Latin America, including Colombia.
This is a reflexive verb, so it always uses a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos).
A common way to ask about someone's profession.
This is a regular -AR verb, a good one to practice your first conjugations.
Use 'soy' (from 'ser') to state your origin or permanent characteristics.
This is a regular -IR verb.
Tener is an irregular verb, especially in the 'yo' form. Use 'tener' for age.
A great way to ask about hobbies and interests.
Remember 'me gusta' literally means 'it pleases me'. You can add an infinitive verb or a noun after it.
A very common and informal greeting, similar to 'What's up?'
This uses 'estar' for temporary states, like how you are feeling.
A polite and common response to '¿Cómo estás?'
Useful in class with Ale. Notice the 'ción' ending, which sounds like 'syohn'.
Another essential phrase for your Spanish lessons.
This phrase is crucial for asking about new vocabulary.
In Spanish-speaking countries, people often have two last names.
Remember adjectives like 'casado' change ending based on gender: 'casado' for male, 'casada' for female.
This word uses the 'CA' sound, like in 'car'.
The 'h' in 'almohada' is silent, just like in 'hockey' in Spanish.
Also commonly called 'el refrigerador'.
The 'ch' in 'cuchillo' sounds like 'ch' in 'cheese', and 'll' like 'y' in 'yes'.
A basic but important piece of house vocabulary.
Also commonly called 'el ordenador', especially in Spain.
This word uses the 'CE' sound, which is like 'se' in 'sell' in Latin America.
In Spain, 'coche' is more common, but 'carro' is widely understood in Latin America.
Week 2 — Present tense regular verbs & chat simulation
Used when speaking to friends, family, or children.
Usted is used for formal singular 'you'.
Nosotras is used if all members are female.
Ustedes is the plural 'you' in most of Latin America.
A common way to introduce yourself.
Literally translates to 'I call myself Dave'.
Used for asking someone's origin.
Use 'Soy de [city/country]'.
A polite way to ask about someone's profession.
Remember to use 'soy' for professions.
Regular -AR verb.
Regular -IR verb.
Useful for hot Melbourne summers.
Not to be confused with 'gafas' (eyeglasses).
Practice this for pronunciation.
Conjugate 'hablar' for 'yo'.
Week 3 — Irregular verbs: ir, tener, querer, ver, escuchar
This is a highly irregular verb; the 'v' in 'voy' is pronounced strongly, like an English 'b' (bilabial).
Use 'al' for 'a el' (to the masculine singular), and 'a la' for feminine singular.
This construction expresses future actions, similar to 'will' or 'going to' in English.
Another highly irregular verb; note the 'go' ending in the 'yo' form.
This expresses obligation, similar to 'must' or 'should' in English.
This is a stem-changing verb (e > ie) in all forms except 'nosotros'.
Note the irregular 'yo' form 'veo'; the 'v' sound is often soft, like a 'b' between vowels (fricative).
This is a regular -ar verb; 'escuchar' already includes 'to', so no 'a' is needed after it.
This is a regular -ar verb.
A common informal greeting in Colombia and other parts of Latin America.
Another informal greeting, very common in Mexico.
A common way to ask 'How are you?' informally, focusing on how things are going for someone.
A frequency adverb, usually placed before the verb.
Another frequency adverb, often placed before the verb; can also be used with 'no' before the verb for emphasis.
This phrase indicates daily frequency.
This phrase indicates occasional frequency.
A common question to ask about future plans using the 'ir a + infinitive' construction.
Week 4 — Conversational practice & fluency markers
The 'yo' form is irregular: 'salgo'.
This is a stem-changing verb (o>ue) except for 'nosotros' and 'vosotros'.
This is a stem-changing verb (o>ue) except for 'nosotros' and 'vosotros'.
Used to introduce a response or thought, often implying a slight pause.
More versatile than 'pues', can also mean 'okay' or 'good'.
Used to clarify or rephrase something previously said.
Used to indicate a consequence, a transition, or to summarize.
Explains the reason or cause for something.
A common conversational question to practice present tense verbs.
Practice using 'o' for choices and 'caminar' vs. 'tomar'.
Useful for discussing daily routines and preferences.
Practice using 'comprar' and places to buy food.
This question uses the 'ustedes' form of 'salir'.
Combines a conditional clause with the verb 'dormir'.
A direct question about a daily habit.
Practice using 'con quién' and describing lunch companions.
Practice telling time and discussing schedules.
Useful vocabulary for Dave's upcoming trip to Mexico.
This is an adjective, so it changes ending based on gender (enfermo for masculine, enferma for feminine).