Reference — up to week 5

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Week 1 — Introductions, pronunciation & house vocab

phraseWhat's your name? (informal)¿Cómo te llamas?
HolaHello,,¿cómohowteyou (reflexive)llamasyou call yourself??YoIsoyamAleAle.

This is how your tutor Ale might ask your name.

phraseMy name is Dave.Me llamo Dave.
MeI (reflexive)llamocall myselfDaveDave,,yandsoyI amdefromMelbourneMelbourne.

Remember 'll' sounds like 'y' in 'yes' in most of Latin America, including Colombia.

verbTo be called (reflexive)Llamarse
MiMyesposawifeseshe (reflexive)llamacalls herselfRosaRosa.
👤me llamo👥nos llamamos

This is a reflexive verb, so it always uses a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos).

phraseWhat do you do for a living? (informal)¿A qué te dedicas?
¿A quéWhatteyou (reflexive)dedicasyou dedicate yourself,,DaveDave??SoyI amingenieroengineerdeofsoftwaresoftware.

A common way to ask about someone's profession.

verbTo workTrabajar
YoItrabajoworkcomoasingenieroengineerdeofsoftwaresoftwareeninMelbourneMelbourne.
👤trabajo👥trabajamos

This is a regular -AR verb, a good one to practice your first conjugations.

phraseI am from...Soy de...
SoyI amdefromMelbourneMelbourne,,AustraliaAustralia.

Use 'soy' (from 'ser') to state your origin or permanent characteristics.

verbTo liveVivir
VivoI liveeninMelbourneMelbourneconwithmimyparejapartner,,RosaRosa.
👤vivo👥vivimos

This is a regular -IR verb.

verbTo haveTener
TengoI havetreinta y cincothirty-fiveañosyears.
👤tengo👥tenemos

Tener is an irregular verb, especially in the 'yo' form. Use 'tener' for age.

phraseWhat do you like to do?¿Qué te gusta hacer?
AleAle,,¿quéwhatteto yougustapleaseshacerto doenintuyourtiempo librefree time??

A great way to ask about hobbies and interests.

phraseI like to cook.Me gusta cocinar.
MeTo megustapleasescocinarto cookyandjugarto playhockeyhockey.

Remember 'me gusta' literally means 'it pleases me'. You can add an infinitive verb or a noun after it.

phraseHow are you? / How's it going?¿Qué tal?
HolaHi,,DaveDave,,¿qué talhow's it going??¿Todo bienAll good??

A very common and informal greeting, similar to 'What's up?'

phraseHow are you? (informal)¿Cómo estás?
AleAle,,¿cómohowestásare youhoytoday??

This uses 'estar' for temporary states, like how you are feeling.

phraseVery well, and you?Muy bien, ¿y tú?
—¿Cómo estás?—How are you?—Muy bien—Very well,,¿y túand you??

A polite and common response to '¿Cómo estás?'

phraseI have a question.Tengo una pregunta.
AleAle,,tengoI haveunaapreguntaquestionsobreaboutlathepronunciaciónpronunciation.

Useful in class with Ale. Notice the 'ción' ending, which sounds like 'syohn'.

phraseWhat does... mean?¿Qué significa...?
AleAle,,¿quéwhatsignificameans'cobija''blanket'??

Another essential phrase for your Spanish lessons.

phraseHow do you say...?¿Cómo se dice...?
AleAle,,¿cómohowseitdiceis said'coffee''coffee'eninespañolSpanish??

This phrase is crucial for asking about new vocabulary.

vocabLast name, surnameEl apellido
¿CuálWhichesistuyourapellidolast name,,DaveDave??

In Spanish-speaking countries, people often have two last names.

vocabMarriedCasado/a
EstoyI amcasadomarriedconwithRosaRosa.

Remember adjectives like 'casado' change ending based on gender: 'casado' for male, 'casada' for female.

vocabBedLa cama
Me gustaI likemimycamabedcómodacomfortabledespués deafterunalargolongdíaday.

This word uses the 'CA' sound, like in 'car'.

vocabPillowLa almohada
NecesitoI needunaaalmohadapillowsuavesoftparatodormirsleepbienwell.

The 'h' in 'almohada' is silent, just like in 'hockey' in Spanish.

vocabRefrigeratorLa nevera
LaTheneverarefrigeratorestáisllenafulldeofcomidafoodparaforlathesemanaweek.

Also commonly called 'el refrigerador'.

vocabKnifeEl cuchillo
UsoI useunacuchilloknifeafiladosharpparatocortarcutlastheverdurasvegetables.

The 'ch' in 'cuchillo' sounds like 'ch' in 'cheese', and 'll' like 'y' in 'yes'.

vocabToiletEl inodoro
ElTheinodorotoiletestáiseninelthebañobathroom.

A basic but important piece of house vocabulary.

vocabComputerLa computadora
MiMycomputadoracomputeresisesencialessentialparaformimytrabajojobdeofingenieroengineer.

Also commonly called 'el ordenador', especially in Spain.

vocabCell phoneEl celular
SiempreAlwaystengoI havemimycelularcell phoneconmigowith me.

This word uses the 'CE' sound, which is like 'se' in 'sell' in Latin America.

vocabCarEl carro
VamosWe goatoMéxicoMexicoenin20262026,,¿iremoswill we goenbycarrocar??

In Spain, 'coche' is more common, but 'carro' is widely understood in Latin America.

Week 2 — Present tense regular verbs & chat simulation

vocabIYo
YoIsoyamDaveDave,,soyamdefromMelbourneMelbourne
vocabYou (informal singular)
YouhablasspeakespañolSpanishmuyverybienwell,,AleAle

Used when speaking to friends, family, or children.

vocabHe / She / You (formal singular)Él / Ella / Usted
UstedYouesaremuyveryamablekind,,señorsir

Usted is used for formal singular 'you'.

vocabWe (masculine/mixed / feminine)Nosotros / Nosotras
NosotrosWecompramosbuycafécoffeeeninlathemañanamorning

Nosotras is used if all members are female.

vocabThey (masculine/mixed / feminine) / You (plural)Ellos / Ellas / Ustedes
EllosTheyvivenliveeninMéxicoMexico

Ustedes is the plural 'you' in most of Latin America.

phraseHello, what is your name?Hola, ¿cómo te llamas?
HolaHello,,¿cómohowteyoullamascall yourself??MeMyllamoname isDaveDave

A common way to introduce yourself.

phraseMy name is Dave.Me llamo Dave.
HolaHello,,AleAle,,memyllamoname isDaveDave

Literally translates to 'I call myself Dave'.

phraseWhere are you from?¿De dónde eres?
AleAle,,¿defromdóndewhereeresare you??YoIsoyamdefromMelbourneMelbourne

Used for asking someone's origin.

phraseI am from Melbourne.Soy de Melbourne.
SoyI amdefromMelbourneMelbourne,,AustraliaAustralia,,perobutmimyfamiliafamilyesisdefromInglaterraEngland

Use 'Soy de [city/country]'.

phraseWhat do you do for a living?¿A qué te dedicas?
DaveDave,,¿atoquéwhatteyoudedicasdedicate yourself??YoIsoyamingenieroengineerdeofsoftwaresoftware

A polite way to ask about someone's profession.

phraseI am a software engineer.Soy ingeniero de software.
MiMyamigofriendesisingenieroengineerdeofsoftwaresoftware,,comolikeyome

Remember to use 'soy' for professions.

verbto speakhablar
YoIhablospeakespañolSpanishconwithAleAle
👤hablo👥hablamos

Regular -AR verb.

verbto neednecesitar
NecesitoI needunacafécoffeeahoranow
👤necesito👥necesitamos

Regular -AR verb.

verbto buycomprar
NosotrosWecompramosbuyvasosglassesnuevosnewparaforlathecasahouse
👤compro👥compramos

Regular -AR verb.

verbto eatcomer
RosaRosayandyoIcomemoseatpastapastaa menudooften
👤como👥comemos

Regular -ER verb.

verbto livevivir
EllosTheyvivenliveeninMéxicoMexico,,perobutnosotroswevivimosliveeninMelbourneMelbourne
👤vivo👥vivimos

Regular -IR verb.

vocabfanventilador
MiMyhermanasisternecesitaneedsunaventiladorfanparaforeltheveranosummer

Useful for hot Melbourne summers.

vocabglasses (for drinking)vasos
CompramosWe buyvasosglassesnuevosnewparaforelthecafécoffee

Not to be confused with 'gafas' (eyeglasses).

phraseThree sad tigers swallowed wheat in a wheat field.Tres tristes tigres tragaban trigo en un trigal.
EsteThistrabalenguastongue twisteresisdifícildifficultdetopronunciarpronouncerápidoquickly

Practice this for pronunciation.

verbto speakhablar
YoI____speakespañolSpanishconwithAleAle
👤hablo👥hablamos

Conjugate 'hablar' for 'yo'.

Week 3 — Irregular verbs: ir, tener, querer, ver, escuchar

verbto goir
YoIvoygoa lato theoficinaofficeeninMelbourneMelbourne
👤voy👥vamos

This is a highly irregular verb; the 'v' in 'voy' is pronounced strongly, like an English 'b' (bilabial).

phraseto go to + placeir a + lugar
Dave y RosaDave and Rosavangoalto themercadomarketdeofSouth MelbourneSouth Melbourne

Use 'al' for 'a el' (to the masculine singular), and 'a la' for feminine singular.

phraseto be going to + verbir a + infinitivo
Este fin de semanaThis weekend,,voy a cocinarI'm going to cookalgo ricosomething deliciousparaforRosaRosa

This construction expresses future actions, similar to 'will' or 'going to' in English.

verbto havetener
YoItengohaveunaareuniónmeetingde equipoteamde softwaresoftwarea las nueveat nine
👤tengo👥tenemos

Another highly irregular verb; note the 'go' ending in the 'yo' form.

phraseto have to + verbtener que + infinitivo
DaveDavetiene que estudiarhas to studymuchoa lotparaforel viajethe tripa Méxicoto Mexicoen 2026in 2026

This expresses obligation, similar to 'must' or 'should' in English.

verbto wantquerer
YoIquierowantunacafé con lechelattedespués deaftermimypartido de hockeyhockey game
👤quiero👥queremos

This is a stem-changing verb (e > ie) in all forms except 'nosotros'.

verbto see / to watchver
Dave y RosaDave and Rosavenwatchuna películaa movieen casaat homelos vierneson Fridays
👤veo👥vemos

Note the irregular 'yo' form 'veo'; the 'v' sound is often soft, like a 'b' between vowels (fricative).

verbto listen (to)escuchar
A Dave le gustaDave likesescucharto listenmúsicamusicmientraswhilecocinahe cooks
👤escucho👥escuchamos

This is a regular -ar verb; 'escuchar' already includes 'to', so no 'a' is needed after it.

verbto neednecesitar
YoInecesitoneedmásmorecafécoffeeparatoempezarstartmimydía de trabajoworkday
👤necesito👥necesitamos

This is a regular -ar verb.

phraseWhat's up? / What else then?¿Qué más pues?
Ale de ColombiaAle from Colombiasiemprealwaysdicesays::¿Qué más pues?What's up?

A common informal greeting in Colombia and other parts of Latin America.

phraseWhat's up? / What happened?¿Qué hubo?
CuandoWhenDaveDavelleguearrivesa Méxicoin Mexico,,puede decirhe can say¿Qué hubo?What's up?a sus amigosto his friends

Another informal greeting, very common in Mexico.

phraseHow's it going (for you)?¿Cómo te va?
Después deAfterun largo díaa long day,,RosaRosale preguntaasks him/hera DaveDave::¿Cómo te va?How's it going?

A common way to ask 'How are you?' informally, focusing on how things are going for someone.

vocabalwayssiempre
DaveDavesiemprealwaystomadrinksun caféa coffeeantes debeforeir a trabajargoing to work

A frequency adverb, usually placed before the verb.

vocabnevernunca
YoInuncaneverjuegoplayal hockeyhockeysinwithoutmimyequipo de protecciónprotective gear

Another frequency adverb, often placed before the verb; can also be used with 'no' before the verb for emphasis.

vocabevery daytodos los días
Dave y RosaDave and Rosasalengo outa caminarto walktodos los díasevery dayporaroundMelbourneMelbourne

This phrase indicates daily frequency.

vocabsometimesa veces
A vecesSometimesDaveDavecocinacooks,,yanda vecessometimesRosaRosacocinacooks

This phrase indicates occasional frequency.

phraseWhat are you going to do this weekend?¿Qué vas a hacer el fin de semana?
AleAlele preguntaasksa DaveDave::¿Qué vas a hacerWhat are you going to doel fin de semanathis weekend??

A common question to ask about future plans using the 'ir a + infinitive' construction.

Week 4 — Conversational practice & fluency markers

verbto drivemanejar
Dave,Dave,¿túdo youmanejasdrivemuchoa loten Melbournein Melbourneoorusasuseel transporte público?public transport?
👤manejo👥manejamos
verbto walkcaminar
A Rosa y a míRosa and Inos gustalikecaminarto walkpor la playaalong the beachen St Kilda.in St Kilda.
👤camino👥caminamos
verbto go out, to leavesalir
Después del trabajo,After work,Rosa y yoRosa and Isalimosgo outa cenarto dinnera veces.sometimes.
👤salgo👥salimos

The 'yo' form is irregular: 'salgo'.

verbto sleepdormir
CuandoWhenestoy enfermo,I am sick,duermoI sleepmás de lo normal.more than usual.
👤duermo👥dormimos

This is a stem-changing verb (o>ue) except for 'nosotros' and 'vosotros'.

verbto have lunchalmorzar
NormalmenteNormallyalmuerzoI have lunchen mi casa,at my house,perobuta vecessometimescon mis colegas.with my colleagues.
👤almuerzo👥almorzamos

This is a stem-changing verb (o>ue) except for 'nosotros' and 'vosotros'.

phraseWell (to start a response)Pues
¿Escuchas música todos los días?Do you listen to music every day?Pues,Well,sí,yes,escuchoI listen tomúsicamusiccuandowhenprogramo.I code.

Used to introduce a response or thought, often implying a slight pause.

phraseWell (to transition, agree, or pause)Bueno
¿Vas a México en 2026?Are you going to Mexico in 2026?Bueno,Well,sí,yes,estoyI ammuy emocionadovery excitedpor el viaje.for the trip.

More versatile than 'pues', can also mean 'okay' or 'good'.

phraseI mean, in other wordsO sea
No me gustaI don't likeel cafécoffeemuy fuerte,very strong,o sea,I mean,prefieroI preferun flat white.a flat white.

Used to clarify or rephrase something previously said.

phraseSo, thenEntonces
No tengoI don't havemucho tiempomuch timehoy.today.Entonces,So,¿comemosshall we eatalgo rápido?something quick?

Used to indicate a consequence, a transition, or to summarize.

phraseThat's why, thereforePor eso
Me encantaI lovecocinar,to cook,por esothat's whysiemprealwayspreparoI preparela cenadinnercon Rosa.with Rosa.

Explains the reason or cause for something.

phraseDo you listen to music every day?¿Escuchas música todos los días?
AleAleme preguntó:asked me:"¿EscuchasDo you listen tomúsicamusictodos los díasevery daycuandowhentrabajas?"you work?Le dijeI told herque sí.yes.

A common conversational question to practice present tense verbs.

phraseDo you walk a lot or take the metro?¿Caminas mucho o tomas el metro?
En Melbourne,In Melbourne,caminoI walkmucho,a lot,perobuta vecessometimestomoI takeel trenthe traino el tranvía.or tram.

Practice using 'o' for choices and 'caminar' vs. 'tomar'.

phraseDo you normally eat at home?¿Normalmente comes en tu casa?
Sí,Yes,normalmentenormallycomoI eaten casaat homecon Rosa,with Rosa,nos gustawe likecocinarto cookjuntos.together.

Useful for discussing daily routines and preferences.

phraseWhere do you buy your food?¿Dónde compras tu comida?
ComproI buymi comidamy fooden el supermercadoat the supermarketlocal,local,a vecessometimesen el mercado de agricultores.at the farmers' market.

Practice using 'comprar' and places to buy food.

phraseDo you (plural) go out to bars or restaurants?¿Salen a bares o restaurantes?
Sí,Yes,Rosa y yoRosa and Isalimosgo outa restaurantesto restaurantsen Melbournein Melbournelos fines de semana.on weekends.

This question uses the 'ustedes' form of 'salir'.

phraseWhen you are sick, do you sleep more?Cuando estás enfermo, ¿duermes más?
Sí,Yes,cuandowhenestoy enfermo,I am sick,siemprealwaysduermoI sleepmucho másmuch morepara recuperarme.to recover.

Combines a conditional clause with the verb 'dormir'.

phraseDo you have lunch every day?¿Almuerzas todos los días?
AleAleme preguntóasked mesiifalmuerzoI have lunchtodos los díasevery dayy le dijeand I told herque sí,yes,sin falta.without fail.

A direct question about a daily habit.

phraseWith whom do you have lunch?¿Con quién almuerzas?
NormalmenteNormallyalmuerzoI have lunchsoloaloneen casa,at home,perobuta vecessometimescon mis compañeros de trabajo.with my coworkers.

Practice using 'con quién' and describing lunch companions.

phraseAt what time do you have lunch?¿A qué hora almuerzas?
AlmuerzoI have lunchentre las doce y la una,between twelve and one,depende deit depends onmi horario de software.my software schedule.

Practice telling time and discussing schedules.

vocabthe subway, metroel metro
En México,In Mexico,el metrothe subwayesismuy eficientevery efficientpara moversefor getting aroundpor la Ciudad de México.Mexico City.

Useful vocabulary for Dave's upcoming trip to Mexico.

vocabsickenfermo/a
SiIfestoy enfermo,I am sick,no puedoI cannotir a jugargo playal hockeyhockeycon mi equipo.with my team.

This is an adjective, so it changes ending based on gender (enfermo for masculine, enferma for feminine).

Week 5 — Restaurant vocabulary & dialogue

phraseDo you have a reservation?¿Tiene reserva?
Buenas nochesGood evening¿tienedo you havereservaa reservationparafordos personastwo people??

Formal way to ask if someone has a reservation.

phraseHow many people?¿Cuántas personas?
HolaHello,,¿cuántas personashow many peoplesonare therepara la mesafor the tablede Dave y Rosaof Dave and Rosa??
phraseCan I offer you something to drink?¿Les ofrezco algo de tomar?
BienvenidosWelcome,,Dave y RosaDave and Rosa..¿Les ofrezcoCan I offer you (plural)algo de tomarsomething to drinkmientraswhilevenyou (plural) look atel menúthe menu??

A polite way for the waiter to ask if you want drinks.

phraseWhat would you like to order?¿Qué desean pedir?
Ahora queNow thattienenyou (plural) havelas bebidasthe drinks,,¿qué desean pedirwhat would you (plural) like to orderpara cenarfor dinner??

Formal plural question from the waiter.

phraseAre you ready to order?¿Están listos para ordenar?
DisculpenExcuse me (plural),,¿están listosare you (plural) readypara ordenarto orderoornecesitando you (plural) needun poco más de tiempoa little more time??
phraseIs everything okay? / Is everything good?¿Todo bien?
El meseroThe waiterse acercóapproacheda DaveDavey preguntóand asked::'¿Todo bien'Is everything okaycon la comidawith the food,,señorsir?''?

A common way for a waiter to check on customers.

phraseExcuse me (formal)Disculpe
DaveDavelevantó la manoraised his handy dijoand said::'Disculpe'Excuse me,,¿me puede traercan you bring memás aguamore water?''?

Used to get someone's attention politely.

phraseI want...Quiero...
Para mi viajeFor my tripa Méxicoto Mexicoen 2026in 2026,,quieroI wantprobarto trymuchos tacos al pastormany tacos al pastor..

A direct way to state a desire or order something.

phraseCan you bring me...?¿Me puede traer...?
DaveDavele preguntóasked himal meserothe waiter::'¿Me puede traer'Can you bring meun café con lechea latte,,por favorplease?''?

A polite, formal way to request something from a waiter.

phraseWhat do you recommend to me?¿Qué me recomiendas?
DaveDavele preguntóasked hera AleAle,,su tutorahis tutor::'¿Qué me recomiendas'What do you recommend to mepara comerto eaten Colombiain Colombia?''?

Useful when you're unsure what to order.

phraseDo you have vegetarian dishes?¿Tienen platos vegetarianos?
RosaRosasiemprealwayspreguntaasks::'¿Tienen'Do you (plural) haveplatos vegetarianosvegetarian dishesaquíhere?''?cuandowhenvamoswe goa un restaurante nuevoto a new restaurant..

Essential for those with dietary preferences.

phraseThe bill, please.La cuenta, por favor.
Después deAfteruna buena cenaa good dinner,,DaveDavedijosaid::'La cuenta'The bill,,por favorplease''al meseroto the waiter..

The standard way to ask for the bill.

phraseDo you accept card?¿Aceptan tarjeta?
En MelbourneIn Melbourne,,casi todosalmost everyoneaceptan tarjetaaccepts card,,perobuten Méxicoin Mexico,,DaveDavepreguntaráwill ask::'¿Aceptan tarjeta'Do you accept card?''?

Important question for payment, especially when traveling.

phraseFor here or to go?¿Para aquí o para llevar?
CuandoWhenDaveDavepideorderssu café matutinohis morning coffee,,el baristathe baristasiemprealwaysle preguntaasks him::'¿Para aquí'For hereoorpara llevarto go?''?

Common question when ordering food or drinks.

phraseI'm hungry. (Literally: I have hunger.)Tengo hambre.
Después deAfterun partido de hockeya hockey game,,DaveDavesiemprealwaysdicesays::'¡Tengo hambre'I'm hungry!''!

Use 'tener' (to have) with hunger, thirst, etc.

phraseI'm thirsty. (Literally: I have thirst.)Tengo sed.
Después deAfterhoras de codificaciónhours of coding,,DaveDavetieneis (has)mucha sedvery thirstyyandnecesita aguaneeds water..
phraseI'm hot. (Literally: I have heat.)Tengo calor.
En el veranoIn the summerde Melbourneof Melbourne,,DaveDavea menudooftendicesays::'¡Tengo mucho calor'I'm very hot!''!

Do not use 'Estoy caliente' as it has a different meaning.

phraseI'm cold. (Literally: I have cold.)Tengo frío.
En inviernoIn winter,,Dave y RosaDave and Rosase quedanstayen casaat homeporquebecausetienen fríothey are cold..
phraseI'm starving. (Literally: I'm dying of hunger.)Me muero de hambre.
Después deAfterun largo día de trabajoa long day of work,,DaveDavele dijotolda RosaRosa::'Me muero de hambre'I'm starving,,¿qué hay para cenarwhat's for dinner?''?

An emphatic way to say you are very hungry.

phraseWhat is your favorite food?¿Cuál es tu comida favorita?
DaveDavele preguntóaskeda RosaRosa::'¿Cuál es'What istu comida favoritayour favorite foodpara cocinarto cooken casaat home?''?
vocabricearroz
A Dave le encantaDave lovescocinarto cookyanda menudooftenpreparapreparesplatos con arrozdishes with rice,,como paellalike paella..

A staple food in many Spanish-speaking countries.

vocabsparkling wateragua con gas
RosaRosaprefiere beberprefers to drinkagua con gassparkling wateren lugar deinstead ofagua sin gasstill water..

Literally 'water with gas'.

verbto sharecompartir
A Dave y Rosa les gustaDave and Rosa likecompartirto shareun postrea dessertcuandowhensalenthey go outa cenarfor dinner..
👤comparto👥compartimos

A regular -ir verb.

vocabwaiter / waitressmesero / mesera
DaveDavellamócalledal meserothe waiterpara pedirto ask forla cuentathe billdespués deafterterminarfinishingsu caféhis coffee..

Use 'mesera' for a female waiter.