Ordering food abroad can be tricky sometimes. Eating out is often one of the first things people do when they travel, so at that early stage you may not know the expressions and vocabulary to communicate properly.

Don’t worry! Here you’ll find everything you need to know to get by fluently and order your food in Spanish without batting an eye.

You can also read this post in Spanish.

How to get a table

The most important thing if you want to sit down to eat is to get a table. You can call the restaurant in advance to book, or just go in person and try your luck. If you are with a large group, we recommend you make a reservation ahead of time to ensure you can get a table.

Remember that meal times in Spain may be different from what you’re used to. (How does dinner at 10 p.m. sound?)

Here are some expressions you can use as an example to get a table:

Cliente (customer) —Buenos días/ buenas tardes/ buenas noches, ¿para comer / cenar?

(Good morning/afternoon/evening. For lunch/dinner?)

Camarero (waiter) —¡Hola! Claro, ¿tienen reserva? / ¿cuántos son?

(Hello! Of course, do you have a reservation? How many people?

Cliente —Sí, tengo una reserva a nombre del señor Smith. / No, solo somos dos personas

(Yes, I have a reservation for Mr. Smith. / No, we need a table for two.)

Camarero —Por aquí, por favor

(Right this way, please).

Cliente— ¡Gracias! (Thank you!).

Frequently Asked Questions about Spanish menus

Although you can often find an English version of the menu, it’s good to know what to order and how to do it so that no one has an unpleasant surprise.

There’s one question almost always comes up if you order meat (especially beef). The waiter will usually ask you how you’d like your meat, or as Spanish would say,

¿Cómo quiere el punto de la carne? / ¿Cómo quiere la carne?

You can answer with poco hecho (rare), al punto (medium), and “muy hecho / pasado” (well done). If they don’t ask, don’t hesitate to tell them anyway (e.g. “me gustaría tomar la carne al punto.”)

In Spain, it is also very common to ask what the specialty is. You can say, for example, “¿Qué nos recomienda tomar?” (What do you recommend) or “¿Cuál es la especialidad de la casa?” (What is the house’s specialty?)

If you need to know the specific ingredients of a recipe, you could ask something like this: “¿Este plato lleva algo de marisco / gluten / cebolla…?” (“Does this dish contain seafood/gluten/onion?”), “Soy alérgico al huevo, ¿me puedes recomendar algo que no lleve?” (“I’m allergic to eggs, could you recommend something for me?”).

Also, don’t forget about the menú del día. It is a set-price menu usually offered Monday to Friday at midday. It generally consists of a first and second course and a dessert or coffee, and a drink and some bread are usually included, too.

How to order food in Spanish

When the moment to order comes, the confusion arises. This may occur since protocol varies from one culture to another and depends on the different customs of each country.

Here are some useful expressions in Spanish to use in restaurants:

Camarero (waiter) —¿Ya saben lo que van a tomar? / ¿Qué quieren tomar? (Are you ready to order? / What would you like to order?).

Cliente (customer)—Sí. De primero tomaremos la crema de verduras y una ensalada mixta. (Yes. We’ll have the creamy vegetable soup and a salad to start.)

Camarero —Perfecto. ¿Y de segundo? (Perfect. What about the main course?)

Cliente —De segundo tomaremos solomillo de ternera. (We’ll have the sirloin steak.)

Camarero —¿Cómo prefieren la carne? (How would you like the meat?)

Cliente —Al punto y muy hecha, por favor. (Medium and well done, please.)

Camarero —¿Qué quieren para beber? (Anything to drink?)

Cliente —Para beber, una botella de agua y una Coca-Cola, por favor. (Sparkling water and a Coke, please.)

Camarero —¿El agua fría o del tiempo? (Do you want the water cold or room temperature?)

Cliente —Fría, por favor (Cold, please.)

Camarero —¿Desean algo más? (Anything else?)

Cliente —Así está bien de momento, gracias. (That’s all for now, thanks).

How to order dessert and coffee in Spanish

As a rule, the waiter will ask if you are going to have dessert or coffee when you finish the second course:

Camarero (waiter) —¿Desean algo de postre o café? (Would you like any coffee or dessert?).

Cliente (customer) —Sí, por favor ¿podría traernos la carta de postres? (Yes, please. Could we see the dessert menu?)

Camarero —¡Claro! Aquí tienen. (Sure! Here you go.)

Cliente —Probaremos el arroz con leche y la tarta de chocolate. (We’ll have the rice pudding and a piece of the chocolate cake).

You might also want to have a coffee or tea. In Spain, the most popular options are café cortado (espresso with a small amount of milk), café solo (espresso, which you can ask for “con hielo” or with ice in the summertime), and poleo menta (mint tea). Café con leche is usually enjoyed in the morning, but you can order it any time you want.

Asking for the check in Spanish

In some countries it’s common for waiters to bring the check automatically when customers finish their meal, but Spain is not one of them. Spaniards like to take it easy and enjoy what they call la sobremesa. This means people like to chat while they have a coffee or even a digestif. But, if you’re in a hurry,

Cliente (customer) —¿Me/Nos puede traer la cuenta, por favor? (Could you bring me/us the check, please?).

Camarero (waiter) —¿Van a pagar en efectivo o con tarjeta? (Cash or card?)

Cliente —Con tarjeta. ¿Me puede traer el datáfono? (Card. Could you bring the card reader?)

*Note that in Spain when you pay with card, the waiter will usually bring a wireless card reader to the table.

Camarero —¡Por supuesto! (Sure!)

By the way, tips aren’t mandatory in Spain, but they are very common. The better the service, the higher the tip should be.

Useful Spanish phrases to use in a restaurant

To finish, we propose some helpful language you might want to use at the restaurant:

• La comida está muy fría/caliente – The food is too cold/hot
• ¡Felicite al cocinero! – My compliments to the chef!
• ¿Dónde están los aseos / el baño / los servicios / los lavabos, por favor? – Where is the bathroom, please?
• No estoy satisfecho con el servicio. ¿Tenéis hojas de reclamaciones para clientes? —I’m not satisfied with the service. Are there any complaint sheets available for customers?

¡Que aproveche! (Enjoy your meal!)

When our students use a dictionary — whether it’s a physical one or an application installed on their phone — to look up the Spanish verbs saber and conocer, they usually find the same translation for both words: in English, to know. As a result, in addition to realizing their search was pretty useless, they start to feel a bit stressed as they remember other classic Spanish grammar issues they’ve studied, like the differences between ser and estar or por vs. para.

Today we aim to ease your mind by explaining the differences between saber and conocer. If you want to read this post in Spanish, click here.

Since both verbs have very similar meanings, and in many languages a single verb is used to translate both of them, we recommend you keep the following cheat sheet in mind:

When to use SABER

We use the verb saber to talk about knowledge we have acquired through instruction, training, study, or any other means.

• Sabemos cuál es la capital de Bolivia, sabemos las reglas de juego del baloncesto, sabemos los verbos irregulares o sabemos el significado de una palabra.
  •  (We know what the capital of Bolivia is, we know the rules of the game of basketball, we know irregular verbs, and we know the meaning of a word.)

We also use saber to talk about abilities.

• Sabemos hablar español, sabemos nadar, sabemos dibujar o sabemos preparar una paella.
  •  (We know how to speak Spanish, we know how to swim, we know how to draw, and we know how to make a paella.)

When to use CONOCER

We use the verb conocer to talk about knowledge we have gained through experience (or perception).  

• Conocemos a los padres de mi novia, conocemos el norte de España o conocemos el mejor sitio para comer paella en la ciudad. 
  •  (We know my girlfriend’s parents, we have been to* the north of Spain, or we know the best place to eat paella in the city.)

*Note that conocer + a place means that you have been there

SABER vs. CONOCER

Take a look at these pairs of sentences:

1. Sé el calor que hace en Málaga en verano.
   • (I know how hot it gets in Malaga in summer.)
2. Conozco el calor que hace en Málaga en verano.
   • (I know how hot it gets in Malaga in summer.)

In the first case (a), we are referring to knowledge that we have acquired through studying or reading about the weather in Malaga.

In the second case (b), we are talking about a lived experience we have had. We have personally enjoyed/suffered the summer heat in Malaga.

1. Sé quién es el jefe de estudios.
   • (I know who the director of studies is.)
2. Conozco al jefe de estudios.
   • (I know the director of studies.)

In the latter case (b) we know the director of studies personally (we have talked to him, said hi to him, or asked him a question at some point or another).

In the former case (a) we know his identity (who he is, what his name is, where his office is) but haven’t actually had the pleasure of meeting him in person.

Now that you know the difference between saber and conocer, we invite you to put what you’ve learned into practice on the ground. Visit one of our 32 destinations in Spain and Latin America!

Thanks to Ramón from our school in Malaga for writing this post.

Eating well is part of the Spanish lifestyle! The wide variety of products makes Spanish cuisine one of the richest and most varied in the world. The diversity of cultures, climates, and landscapes has created a great range of meats, fish, seafood, legumes, fruits, and vegetables to taste in each region.

Below, you will find our compilation of some of the most typical Spanish foods you’ll find in the different areas of the country.

If you’d like to practice your reading comprehension as your mouth waters, read this post in Spanish.

Northern Spanish Cuisine:

1. Have you ever tried octopus? Pulpo a Feira is probably the most popular recipe in Galician cuisine. However, since food is one of the great tourist attractions of Galicia, this is not an easy call to make. Although there is a huge variety of local fish and seafood, you could argue that the gastronomic treasure of this region is Pulpo a Feira con Cachelos (cooked octopus and potato seasoned with olive oil, salt, and paprika).

2. As we move a little eastward, we reach the Principality of Asturias. Asturian cuisine is perhaps one of Spain’s most varied due to the region’s combination of mountains and sea. However, there is one dish you cannot miss if you go to the land of King Pelayo: La Fabada Asturiana. It is a stew made with fabes (Asturian beans) and compango, a trio of smoked meats (chorizo, morcilla, and tocino).

3. Once in the Basque Country and Navarra, you should give the popular pintxos a go. In Gipuzkoa, Donostia, and Pamplona, ​​one of the most beloved customs among food lovers (a group that includes almost all the locals) is to go out for pintxos. Tourists who visit this area of ​​Spain for the first time are surprised by the counters of the different bars and restaurants, which are full of this delicious delicacy. Normally, a pintxo consists of a slice of bread with food on top.

Spanish Mediterranean Cuisine:

4. Arriving at the Spanish Mediterranean coast, we will taste the famous pan tumaca, or bread with tomato. It is considered one of the oldest and simplest examples of Mediterranean cuisine, and although it has spread throughout Spain (especially as a breakfast food), it is a recipe especially typical of ​​Catalonia.

5. If we head south, we will reach the Valencian Community. Along with Spanish tortilla, paella is surely one of the most internationally known dishes of Spanish cuisine. But not everyone knows where this recipe comes from. Although there are many variants nationwide, the most authentic one is paella Valenciana, which only contains rice, saffron, rabbit and/or chicken, green beans, and garrofones (a typical type of bean from the region).

Southern Spanish Cuisine:

6. Gazpacho is possibly the most refreshing dish of all Spanish cuisine. Although it is common in the whole country, it is the star dish of Andalusia. Gazpacho is consumed especially in summer (since it is a cold soup made with tomato, peppers, garlic, hard bread, cucumber, olive oil, and vinegar) and must be served very cold.

7. There is no person in the world (or at least there shouldn't be) who has gone to the Canary Islands and left without tasting their famous papas arrugadas (literally, wrinkled potatoes). They are made with the so-called papas bonitas (“pretty potatoes”), one of the hallmarks of the archipelago. The skin of these very small and soft potatoes is so thin that it’s common to eat the potatoes without peeling them. You just cook the potatoes with salt and make the mojo (a special sauce made with local ingredients). The mojo is usually green (made with coriander) or red (watch out, it’s a bit spicy).

Inland Spanish Cuisine:

Although Spain is a country famous for its wonderful beaches, the interior of the country is also worth visiting, and it’s full of good recipes to discover.

8. One of the most typical dishes in the Spanish heartland is cocido. Due to its great caloric value, this very filling stew is usually eaten in winter. Although there are different variants (the best known are the montañés and the madrileño), the common procedure is to serve it in several separate dishes. The first is usually a soup, and the second consists of chickpeas and potatoes garnished with meat and vegetables. The broth obtained when cooking this garnish is used to make the soup.

9. Blood sausage is a very typical food in Spain too, especially in Castile and Leon. There are different varieties according to the province, but perhaps the most characteristic is the morcilla de Burgos. This sausage is made with pork blood, onion, lard, salt, ground pepper, sweet paprika, and rice, which is the ingredient that distinguishes it from other types of morcilla.

10. And, finally, we have migas del pastor (literally, shepherd’s crumbs). It is said that this recipe is a legacy from the Muslim people in Spain, and it’s typical in regions where there is a strong transhumant tradition. This dish is made mainly with breadcrumbs accompanied by meat and chopped vegetables. Although migas were traditionally consumed in rural settings, today they can also be found in many restaurants located in urban centers.

Which Spanish dish do you want to try first?

Would you like to release tension and reduce stress in a fun way? Within this post we propose one of the best plans to do so: La Tomatina festival in Buñol, Spain. Get your notepad ready!

1. What is La Tomatina?

The biggest food battle in the world takes place just over 25 miles from Valencia. La Tomatina is an internationally famous festival that turns Buñol into one of the favorite destinations for partygoers all over the world.

Although other activities are arranged throughout the week, the tomato throwing takes always place on the last Wednesday of August. In keeping with tradition, next Wednesday, August 28^th, the streets and people of Buñol will be dyed red as they host one of the most original events of the year. You’ll find some tips to take advantage of this curious holiday below.

You can also read this post in Spanish.

2. How did La Tomatina start?

The custom of throwing ripe tomatoes dates back to 1945. Although it is not known for certain how La Tomatina started, there are many popular explanations. One common interpretation is that it all began during a Gigantes y Cabezudos parade. Spontaneously, some young people began a fight using fruits and vegetables from the closest stand.

Finally, after several unsuccessful attempts to ban the celebration, La Tomatina returned to stay at the end of the 50s.

3. What do I need to participate?

To join in on one of the most unique fiestas in the world, just pick out your least favorite outfit from your wardrobe and get your hands on some eye protection (nobody likes tomato juice in their eyes). It is best to don some goggles so you can immerse yourself in this tomato pulp river with no concerns other than having a good time.

Although tomatoes are very good for the skin and are even used as a face mask, the stains are almost impossible to remove from clothes, so we recommend wearing an old t-shirt and some pants you don't mind ruining.

Do not worry about how to clean yourself up afterwards. At the end of the fight, the sticky streets of Buñol are washed down with a hose, and participants take advantage to remove any pieces of tomato they have stuck to them. You can also use the town's fountains or even take a bath in the river.

4. Rules and recommendations for La Tomatina

• The tomato throwing commences at about 10 a.m. with a contest known as palo jabón or cucaña. It consists of greasing a long pole with soap to make it slippery and putting a cured leg of ham at the top. The moment someone manages to reach the ham by climbing the pole, the starting gun is fired and the battle begins.

• Do not throw bottles or any other object that could be dangerous or cause damage. Only tomatoes are allowed.

• Squash the tomatoes before throwing them to avoid hurting other participants.

• Keep a safe distance from the trucks that carry the ammunition. They are the only vehicles you’ll see in the area.

• Stop throwing tomatoes when you hear the sound of the second gunshot, which signals the end of the fight.

• If you want to take pictures, bring a sturdy, water-resistant camera or protect it with a case.

• Book your accommodation far in advance.

• Arrive early: roads to Buñol are closed to traffic at 7:00 a.m. After that time, you will only be able to get into old town just by foot. It is highly recommended to park outside the city center.

• Follow the instructions of security staff at all times.

• You must buy your ticket in advance. Do so at one of the official points of sale.

5. La Tomatina in other places

Well, fun makes the world go round, doesn't it? Just like food, traditions cross borders: nowadays, we can find replicas of this festival in other countries around the world (Argentina, Costa Rica, Colombia, Chile, China, and South Korea, among others).

By the way, if you are thinking that La Tomatina sounds like a big waste of food, you should know the almost 140 tons of ripe tomatoes used are not suitable for human consumption. As the Spanish slogan says, “¡aquí hay tomate!

Literally, “There is tomato here.” Figuratively, this Spanish saying means there’s a lot of something.

Welcome to the second part of our por vs. para guide. Last week, we went over the common uses of por and para (cause and purpose, respectively). So, this time around we’ll focus on the different ways to use por and para. Let’s begin!

Click here to read this grammar guide in Spanishs.

Uses of por

• FREQUENCY
  • Voy a clase cinco veces por semana
    • (I go to class five times per week)
• APPROXIMATE PLACE
  • don Quijote está por el centro de la ciudad
    • (don Quijote is around the downtown area)
• WAY OR MEANS OF DOING SOMETHING
  • Me ha enviado la tarea por correo electrónico
    • (The homework was sent to me via email)
• PRICE
  • Te vendo este manual de español por 35 €
    • (I’ll sell you this Spanish guide for €35)
• DISTRIBUTION
  • Hay un máximo de 8 estudiantes por clase
    • (There’s a maximum of 8 students per class)
• = IN EXCHANGE FOR
  • Te doy este bolígrafo por tu goma de borrar
    • (I’ll trade you this pen for your eraser)

Uses of para

• = TO A PLACE
  • Si vas para Barcelona este fin de semana avísame y vamos juntos
    • (If you’re going to Barcelona this weekend, let me know and we can go together)
• SPECIFIC DEADLINE
  • La tarea debe estar lista para este viernes como fecha límite
    • (The homework must be ready by this Friday at the latest)
• RECIPIENT
  • Esta carpeta es para ti, se la damos a todos los estudiantes de don Quijote
    • (This folder is for you, we give one to all don Quijote students)
• OPINION
  • Para mí el subjuntivo no es tan difícil como dicen
    • In my opinion, the subjective isn’t as difficult as it’s made out to be
• = “ALTHOUGH”
  • Para llevar estudiando español solo un año, hablas muy bien
    • For only have studied Spanish for a year, you speak very well

As you can see, there are lots of different ways to use por and para! The best way to really get the hang of how to use por and para in different contexts is by spending time with native Spanish speakers. We have Spanish schools in Spain and 12 different Latin American countries. So you can choose your dream destination and come learn Spanish with us to get all the por and para practice you need!

Thanks to Lucas from our Spanish school in Seville for writing this week’s post.

Spanish is one of the most widely spoken, influential and fastest-growing languages on earth

This member of the Romance family is the second most widely spoken language in the world, with approximately 400 million native speakers, as well as the third biggest language on the internet (after Mandarin Chinese and English). Click here to keep on reading in Spanish!

The Bank of Spain predicted that the country’s GDP will grow 2.4% this year. Meanwhile, according to research from BBVA, Latin America’s GDP is expected to grow 2.6% in 2020, and Statista projects that the United States’ Hispanic population will be of 99.8 million people in 2050.

These are just three of the many reputable sources that estimate a growth in the economic power, commercial and cultural relevance of Spanish-speaking countries and communities.

With enterprises from all regions working to expand to the Spanish-speaking world or targeting Spanish-speakers at home, quality Spanish translation services are becoming a primordial need across industries, and being bilingual in Spanish is, now more than ever, a competitive advantage.

As a widely spoken language with international influence and history in several continents, there’s a lot to learn about the past, present and future of Spanish.

For instance, did you know that, in 2013, the Pew Research Center estimated that 2.8 million non-Hispanic Americans speak Spanish at home?

How about the fact that 20% of Tagalog words have a very clear Spanish origin?

In the following infographic by language services provider Day Translations, we’ll look into 10 interesting facts about Spanish that you probably didn’t know, from its Arabic influences to its unique food-related words.

Celebrate World Photography Day by planning your next photography trip

193 years ago, Nicéphore Niépce took the world’s oldest surviving photograph from his window in Saint Loup de Varennes, France. Since that blurry, black and white image was taken with an X-ray spectrometer, many things have changed in photography.

Nowadays, photography is a mass phenomenon. Millions of people can take high quality pictures with their own smartphone, and social media has radically changed the way we share images with the world. To celebrate World Photography Day, we want to explore with you the charm of one of the most photographed cities in the world: Barcelona.

Keep on reading in English or click here to switch to Spanish and discover the 5 best photo spots in Barcelona. Join our trip to this beautiful city and capture dreamy scenes with your own camera!

Up high: Barcelona From Above

One of the things that makes Barcelona a magical city is the lovely combination of mountain and sea. Browsing the Internet, you’ll find hundreds of images with a bird’s eye view of the long avenues running into the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean. Here are some of the best photo spots in Barcelona that will help you get the perfect picture:

1. Tibidabo Mountain

In the heart of the Collserola mountain range, this peak rises 1,600 feet above the city. Its viewpoint is a perfect balcony from which you’ll be able to get the whole panoramic picture of Barcelona: from Fòrum Park to Montjuïc. Even though Tibidabo’s height won’t allow you to appreciate the small details of the most emblematic buildings of Barcelona, its colorful amusement park will give your pictures a special circus-like touch.

2. Carmel’s bunkers

One of the best photo spots in Barcelona is this old anti-aircraft battery. After the Spanish Civil War it turned into a shanty town, and nowadays it is a must-see for every photographer visiting the city. At 850 feet high, its ruins offer a 360º view of Barcelona. 

From the bunkers you’ll get the famous picture of the Eixample’s grid. This is a neighborhood designed in the 19th century whose blocks are organized in a precise geometrical pattern, gifting photographers around the world an architectural spectacle for the eyes.

3. Park Güell

Antonio Gaudi’s masterpiece is a Modernist icon. Its vibrant colors, undulating shapes, and trecandís tiles are immortalized every day by hundreds of tourists looking for Instagram likes.

In addition to the Drac (the salamander that welcomes visitors at the entrance staircase), the Banco Ondulado, and the Pórtico de la Lavandera, Park Güell offers a very interesting view of Barcelona’s skyline.

Down low: from Gràcia to Barceloneta

Descending from the heights as we approach the sea, we find some of the best photo spots in Barcelona. We encourage you to go out for a walk with your camera and discover the urban landscape. Let yourself be carried away by the streets of Barcelona until you reach the sea!

1. Passeig de Gràcia

This important avenue is much more than a luxury shopping street. On both sides of the street, you’ll find two notorious houses: la Pedrera (or Casa Milà) and Casa Batlló. Both of them were created by Gaudí.

The first has a white, undulating façade that reminds us of a curtain, full of picture windows. Its towers and chimneys are two of the most photographed things in Barcelona. Casa Batlló is a colorful building whose façade, made of red, green and blue tiles, looks like dragon scales. During important festivities, Casa Batlló is dressed up and becomes even more beautiful. To celebrate Sant Jordi, for example, it balconies are covered with hundreds of red roses.

2. Barceloneta at sunset

When the sun goes down, Barcelona’s sky turns purple. One of the best photo spots to enjoy this color show (and why not, capturing it as well) is the beach. From Barceloneta you can look at Barcelona’s most popular hotel, Hotel W, standing right next to the setting sun.

We hope you found this list of the best photo spots in Barcelona interesting. Have you considered taking a trip to one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe and booking a Spanish course with don Quijote? You’ll unleash your creative skills and return home with incredible photos to share.

For now, watch the video below to get a visual idea of how some of the places we talked about today really look. Enjoy!

Along with ser and estar, one of the most common Spanish grammar difficulties that drive students crazy is knowing how to tell the difference between por and para.

In our experience, the trouble arises due to two main problems:

1. As with other prepositions, translating the Spanish into students’ native language doesn’t always work
2. In many languages, there’s only one preposition for the main uses of both por and para

We’ll help you overcome these common stumbling blocks so you can clearly understand when to use por and para and how your choice can change the meaning of the sentence. Click here to read this post in Spanish.

Por indicates the cause

The preposition por is used to point to the cause, motive, or reason of an action, the “why” behind it. Let’s see some examples:

[ por + noun ] Luis se ha mudado a Barcelona por trabajo.

(Luis moved to Barcelona for work.)

[ por + pronoun ] He preparado una paella por ti.

                (He prepared a paella for you.)

[ por + infinitive ] Ha perdido el trabajo por llegar tarde.

                (He lost his job because he arrived late.)

Para indicates the purpose

Para is used to indicate the purpose or objective of an action. For example:

[ para + infinitive ] Me he levantado más temprano para llegar a tiempo.

                I got up earlier in order to arrive on time.

[ para que + subjunctive ] He comprado arroz para que prepares una paella.

                I bought rice for you to make a paella.

[ para + noun ] Ya tengo las entradas para la película.

                I already have the tickets for the movie.

Comparing por and para

It can get complicated when we have an action that can be both the cause and the purpose of another main action. In these cases, it’s important that we clearly understand the meaning we want to give our sentence before we decide whether to use por or para. Here are some examples:

Ana ha ido a Madrid por trabajo. (Ana went to Madrid for work).

Work was the cause of Ana’s trip to Madrid. For example, she had a meeting there.

Ana ha ido a Madrid para trabajar. (Ana went to Madrid to work.)

Work was the objective of Ana’s trip to Madrid. For example, she went to look for a job there.

He hecho gazpacho por ti. (I made gazpacho for you.)

I made the food because I know you like it. You are the reason, the cause.

He hecho gazpacho para ti. (I made gazpacho for you.)

I made the food so that you will eat it. You are the recipient of the action.

Questions

When we ask a question, we have to know if we’re asking about the cause (por qué or why) or the purpose (para qué or for what). Often, when we ask por qué (cause), the answer can refer to the cause (por, porque) or the objective (para), and vice versa. For example:

¿Por qué vas a estudiar español en don Quijote?

(Why are you going to study Spanish at don Quijote?)

(Cause) Porque tengo un examen en mi país y necesito ayuda.

                (Because I have an exam in my home country and I need help.)

(Purpose) Para hacer el DELE la próxima convocatoria.

                (In order to take the upcoming DELE exam.)

¿Para qué vas a hacer el DELE?

                (What are you taking the DELE for?)

(Cause) Porque quiero obtener la nacionalidad española.

                (Because I want to get Spanish nationality.)

(Purpose) Para matricularme en un máster en una universidad española.

                (To enroll in a master’s program at a Spanish university.)

Por, backwards. Para, forwards.

From a cognitive perspective, we can say that the cause (por) is behind the main action (it pushes or motivates the action from behind), while the purpose (para) is in front of the action, like the dangling carrot that makes the donkey walk forward.

por + cause >>>>>>>>>> main action

main action >>>>>>>>>> para + purpose

That pretty much sums it up! To get more por and para practice, sign up for one of our Spanish courses in Spain and Latin America. Between getting help from our experienced teachers and listening to how people talk as you experience everyday life in Spanish, you’ll be an expert on por and para before you know it.

A special thanks to Jose Ramón from our school in Malaga for writing this quick and easy por vs. para guide. 

The excitement of immersing oneself in a new language and culture as a study abroad student isn’t just reserved for the 20-something crowd. It’s never too late to have an eye-opening travel experience and learn something new. In fact, people over 50 often find they’re at an ideal age to take the cultural plunge, which is why several of our schools in Spain and Latin America offer Spanish immersion programs for seniors. If that sounds right up your alley, here are 5 reasons to get in on the study abroad action today.

Click here to keep on reading in Spanish!.

1. It may be the most practical time in life

Seeing the world and experiencing a different culture through a study abroad course takes the type of free time many younger adults just don’t have. Too often, people feel like they missed their chance to live in the country of their dreams once they assumed career and family responsibilities. Others, who’ve cherished lifelong memories of astudy abroad course they took in college, mistakenly believe that these types of experiences belong only to a romantic and carefree time enjoyed earlier in life, a time they’ve passed on like an Olympic torch to new generations.

However, people over 50 are more likely to have stable careers that may allow for extended periods of time off and older children that may have even moved out of the house. Adults currently enjoying retirement have even fewer excuses not to choose a travel destination that inspires them and embark on a fantastic international adventure.

2. Build your ability to adapt, stay younger longer

The ability to adapt seems to be one of the personality traits most shared by seniors who stay healthy and function mentally and physically at levels normally seen in people decades younger. Adapting to your host country while making new friends and discovering new passions is an invigorating challenge that can help boost your cognitive flexibility.

Numerous studies also confirm that learning a language exercises the brain in ways that keep it strong, elastic, and healthy. We’ve all heard the expression “use it or lose it,” and the brain is certainly no exception.

3. A rewarding experience at any age

Who said you have to be a certain age to relax on the beach between Spanish classes and learn Spanish in Costa Rica or hit the tapas bars with classmates in Spain? There’s no law, written or unwritten, that says you can’t step away from your routine and take a week or semester abroad at any age. Mature students are generally more used to being independent, have clearer goals, and show a stronger ability to focus on studies than their younger counterparts. Gaining intimate insight into the rich cultural heritage of a foreign country is always a valuable experience.

4. An important time for personal reflection

Taking a break from your everyday environment can allow you to observe your life from a different perspective. Getting to know classmates from around the globe and sharing your own culture and view of the world can teach you about who you are, an opportunity that may have special meaning for students over 50. If you’ve always considered searching for a new direction in life, or reinventing yourself in some way, taking a study abroad course will give you the chance to make exciting personal discoveries that will help you fulfill those types of goals.

5. Spanish courses for seniors and students over 50

The idea of learning and practicing Spanish with classmates in their age group appeals to many older students. At don Quijote, our Spanish for 50+ program includes interactive Spanish classes plus cultural activities outside the classroom to help you explore your destination more while enjoying the company of your peers.

On the other hand, some of our older students prefer to join a community of students of all ages in one of our intensive Spanish courses, while yet others choose to learn at their own pace with private Spanish lessons. No matter what your interests are, there’s a Spanish course out there for you. Take a look, choose a destination, and prepare yourself for an incredible journey. 

Have you ever thought about volunteering in a Spanish-speaking country? Donating your time to a good cause not only makes the world a better place, it also makes you, the volunteer, a happier, healthier, and more knowledgeable person. Sound good? Read on to learn what volunteering is all about and why it is important. As always, you can read this post in English or Spanish.

Make a positive impact on the community

At the most basic level, volunteering is usually about helping people, animals, or the planet. There are lots of organizations around the world that work to improve the quality of life of a certain group, but unfortunately they often don’t have the funds necessary to pay employees to do this important work. Volunteers choose to work for free because they believe in the vision an organization is trying to make a reality.

Volunteering is about taking matters into our own hands and doing something positive for the future. Not because somebody is paying us, but because we want to.

Build relationships and make new friends

Traveling abroad takes you out of your comfort zone. You are far away from your friends and family, you’re speaking a different language, eating different foods, learning new cultural norms… it’s an incredible learning experience unlike any other, but isn’t always easy.

Volunteering during your time abroad puts you in close contact with a group of big-hearted people you can connect with. As you work together on a team with local volunteers, you’ll make friends with people in a different language. You will speak better Spanish and learn more about the local culture than you ever would otherwise. You may begin to see the world from a different perspective as you share time with people from other backgrounds.

Improve your physical and mental health

Studies have shown that volunteering can help you combat stress, anger, depression, and anxiety. Who wouldn’t want that?! Instead of feeling isolated and lonely in your new environment, you’ll have a network of fellow volunteers for support.

Volunteering is hard work, but it can also be a lot of fun! And the best part is that the fun isn’t fleeting: as a volunteer, you’ll experience a deep satisfaction knowing that you’re putting your energy into helping move the world in a positive direction.

On the physical side, volunteering keeps you active! It cuts into your couch time and gives you something productive to do. You will be taking full advantage of your time in a different country by challenging yourself and gaining strength in body and mind.

Live in Spanish

Volunteering and learning Spanish are a match made in heaven. Volunteering abroad is the best way to break down any barriers that stand between you and full Spanish fluency.

Using your Spanish in practical, real life situations will change the way your brain processes the language. You will become an effective communicator in Spanish as you hone your listening skills, develop the ability to express yourself clearly and communicate new ideas in real time, and pick up lots of new vocabulary. Speaking in Spanish every day will smooth out the bumps that may be disrupting your flow, allowing you to speak naturally without stopping to think about each word. You’ll know you’re on the right track when you begin to dream in Spanish!

Advance your career

Volunteering is a powerful learning experience that will propel you forward in your academic and professional career. You will be a stronger candidate for any position when you highlight the enhanced skillset you’ve gained during your volunteering program abroad. Using Spanish in a work environment, communicating across cultures, and having international experience are just some of the highly marketable skills you’ll gain as a volunteer overseas.

You never know — your volunteering experience may even ignite a new passion and lead you to consider new career paths.

Feeling inspired? Check out our volunteer programs in Latin America and make volunteering a part of your Spanish learning experience.

With don Quijote, you can play with dogs at an animal shelter by the beach, take care of colorful toucans, help underprivileged children, work with the elderly, or take part in our medical volunteering program. We have volunteer opportunities available in Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Mexico.