Learning Spanish is like preparing a killer tapa: you need good ingredients, a bit of patience, and to avoid dumping salt like it’s a seasoning contest… or, in this case, making mistakes that could totally ruin the vibe. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back to make sure your Spanish is on point. Let’s dive into those classic blunders and how to dodge them like a language pro.
Mixing up "ser" and "estar"
The ultimate Spanish showdown: "ser" vs. "estar". Both mean "to be" in English, but don’t be that person who uses them interchangeably. "Ser" is for things that are permanent (I’m a cheese lover), while "estar" is for temporary stuff (I’m full after all those tapas).
Pro tip: If it could change in a few hours, you will probably need "estar". ⏳✅
Getting twisted with "por" and "para"
The never-ending debate that confuses everyone. "Por" is cause, means, or duration (I traveled around Spain for two weeks), while "para" is for purpose or destination (I study Spanish to flirt with locals).
Think of it like this: if you’re answering “¿para qué?” (what for?), go with "para"; if it’s more like “¿por qué?” (why?), use "por". Simple, right? 😉
Mixing up verb tenses
Spanish has more verb tenses than tapas on a menu, but chill, we got this.
Two that often get jumbled are the preterite and the imperfect. If you’re talking about a one-off, finished action, use the preterite (Yesterday, I ate an amazing paella). If you’re describing something that was happening in the past, go with the imperfect (When I was a kid, I always ate churros).
Golden tip: Tell stories to practice. 😄
Translating word for word
If you say "estoy aburrido" when you actually mean "I am boring", we’ve got a problem (in Spanish, that means you’re boring). Stop trying to translate word by word; try thinking straight in Spanish. Otherwise, you might end up saying something like "estoy caliente" when you just meant you’re hot… and trust me, people will be giving you weird looks. 🥵 Pay attention to how natives say it and pick it up.
Using "tú" when you should be formal
In Spain, we mostly use "tú", but sometimes you’ve gotta throw some respect in the mix. With strangers, at work, or with older people (depending on the context), it’s better to start with a more respectful tone. In Spain, most people are chill with "tú", but if you’re unsure, watch how they speak to you and adjust. 😉
Mispronouncing ñ, rr, and b/v
No, the "ñ" is NOT just an "n" with an accent, it’s a whole different letter, and if you say it like an "n", you might be saying something totally different. Same goes for "rr", which is like a powerful growl (think "perro"), versus the regular "r" (think "pero"). And the b/v thing? No difference in Spain—they sound exactly the same ("valla", "baya").
Tip: Listen and repeat those tricky words until they sound natural. 🎧🔁
Forgetting articles
In English, you can say "I love coffee", but in Spanish, you gotta add the article: Me encanta el café. Don’t leave your nouns all lonely without articles, or you’ll sound like a weirdo. Always use them, and you’ll sound way more natural. 🌟
Not just going for it
The BIGGEST mistake? Waiting to "feel ready" to speak Spanish. There’s no such thing as the perfect moment—just go for it, mess up, and learn. Listen to Spanish all around you: podcasts, videos, Instagram accounts, and interact as much as you can. Have fun with it, no stress.
Remember, at Español en Tapitas, we’re here to help you with those common mistakes when learning Spanish, to speak with confidence, and most importantly, with flavor. 🌮😋
See you in class! 📚💡
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