In Spanish, Santa Claus is known as Papá Noel, one of the most iconic figures of Christmas worldwide. His image is closely linked to the night of December 24, when he travels across the sky in a flying sleigh delivering gifts to children on every corner of the planet.

This magical journey would not be possible without the help of his inseparable reindeer, who are responsible for pulling the sleigh and guiding him through the night. Although many people know their names in English, they don't always know what Santa Claus's reindeer are called in Spanish or the meaning attributed to them.

Learning these names not only expands your Christmas vocabulary, but also helps you better understand Christmas songs, stories, and movies in Spanish, providing a very interesting cultural value for language learners.

The origin of Christmas reindeer

The popularity of Santa's reindeer has its origins in the 19th-century poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” better known as “The Night Before Christmas.” This text initially mentioned eight reindeer accompanying Santa Claus on his journey.

Decades later, in the 20th century, a ninth reindeer was added, which would become the most famous of all: Rudolf, known in Spanish as Rodolfo, the reindeer with the red nose. Over time, the original names were adapted to Spanish, with slight variations depending on the country or translation.

Names of Santa Claus' reindeer

Traditionally, Santa Claus' sleigh is pulled by nine reindeer, each with a name that evokes qualities such as speed, strength, or joy:

• Rodolfo (Rudolf): He is the best-known reindeer. His bright red nose allows him to light the way when the night is dark or foggy. He represents the acceptance of differences and the value of self-esteem.
• Centella: his name refers to something fast and bright. He is a symbol of speed and energy.
• Bailarín: he stands out for his elegance and coordination. He brings rhythm and dynamism to the group.
• Saltador: agile and light, he can dodge obstacles with ease during flight.
• Traviesa: associated with a restless and playful personality, full of curiosity.
• Cometa: evokes the celestial bodies that cross the night sky, in clear connection with the journey of the sleigh.
• Cupido: inspired by the mythological figure of love, it symbolizes affection, union, and the Christmas spirit.
• Trueno: represents strength and power. He is one of the most robust reindeer on the team.
• Rayo: he is associated with extreme speed; he complements Thunder to form a powerful duo.

The cultural significance of reindeer

Beyond their magical nature, Santa's reindeer symbolize values closely linked to Christmas: teamwork, cooperation, diversity, and solidarity. Each one has different abilities, but all are essential to the success of Santa's journey.

The story of Rudolph conveys an inspiring message for both children and adults: what makes us different can become our greatest virtue. That is why he is such a recurring character in Christmas stories, songs, and movies.

Learning the names of Santa's reindeer in Spanish is a fun way to get closer to Christmas culture and enrich your vocabulary. This topic combines tradition, language, and values, making learning Spanish more accessible and entertaining.

Fun facts about Santa's reindeer

• The order in which the reindeer are mentioned in many classic songs and poems has influenced the way their names are remembered in different languages.
• Rudolph was not part of the original group of reindeer in the 19th-century poem. His story was created later for a children's story that ended up becoming one of the most popular Christmas tales.
• The names of several reindeer refer to natural phenomena such as thunder, lightning, or stars, reinforcing the idea of a sleigh capable of flying at high speed through the night sky.
• In Spanish, some names have been adapted to make them easier to understand and remember, especially in educational materials aimed at children.
• In different cultural versions, the personality of each reindeer varies slightly, but the idea that they all play an essential role within the team always remains.
• The figure of Santa Claus's reindeer has influenced the way these animals are represented in popular culture, associating them with magic, Christmas, and winter.
• Although they are referred to as male reindeer, in real life, the reindeer that keep their antlers in winter are usually female, a curious detail that is often mentioned in studies and scientific publications.
• Stories about reindeer are often used in education to convey values such as cooperation, respect for diversity, and the importance of collective effort.

If you want to continue discovering more about Christmas and traditions in Spain, don't miss our articles and follow the don Quijote school closely to master the language like a native.

Vocabulary is essential to continue your adventure of learning Spanish in Spain, and if there is one thing that characterizes the country, it is its cuisine. Therefore, it is essential that you know all the kitchen appliances and utensils in Spanish that you can use to cook and prepare traditional Spanish food during your stay.

Whether you are staying with a host family or in a student residence where you share an apartment, the kitchen is a gathering place where you can continue learning, and to do so, you need to know the names of kitchen appliances and utensils in Spanish.

In this article from don Quijote, you can learn all the kitchen vocabulary you will use in your daily life. You can also read this article in Spanish, French, Italian, German, or Portuguese.

Kitchen appliances in Spanish

Below is a list of kitchen appliances in Spanish that you can find in any house:

• Nevera (Refrigerator)
• Congelador (Freezer)
• Horno (Oven)
• Microondas (Microwave)
• Vitrocerámica (Ceramic hob)
• Campana extractora or extractor (Extractor hood or extractor fan)
• Licuadora (Blender)
• Batidora (Hand mixer)
• Tostadora (Toaster)
• Cafetera (Coffee maker)
• Hervidor eléctrico or tetera eléctrica (Electric kettle or electric teapot)
• Procesador de alimentos (Food processor)
• Exprimidor (Juicer)
• Freidora (Deep fryer)
• Freidora de aire (Air fryer)
• Arrocera (Rice cooker)
• Sandwichera (Sandwich maker)
• Plancha eléctrica or parrilla eléctrica (Electric griddle or electric grill)
• Robot de cocina (Food processor)
• Lavavajillas or lavaplatos (Dishwasher)
• Dispensador de agua (Water dispenser)

Other useful words that are not appliances but can be found in the kitchen are: grifo (faucet), fregadero (sink), encimera (countertop), or despensa (pantry).

Kitchen tools in Spanish

With appliances, you can prepare many dishes, but you also need utensils to complete the recipes. These are some of the most used kitchen tools in Spanish. Are there any you think are missing? Let us know!

• Cuchillo (Knife)
• Tenedor (Fork)
• Cuchara (Spoon)
• Plato (Plate)
• Vaso (Glass)
• Taza (Cup)
• Copa (Bowl)
• Espátula (Spatula)
• Varillas (Whisk)
• Pelador (Peeler)
• Rallador (Grater)
• Abrelatas (Can opener)
• Sacacorchos or abrebotellas (Corkscrew or bottle opener)
• Tijeras de cocina (Kitchen scissors)
• Embudo (Funnel)
• Escurridor (Colander)
• Rodillo (Rolling pin)

• Mortero (Mortar)
• Colador (Strainer)
• Pinzas de cocina (Kitchen tongs)
• Cazo or cazuela (Saucepan or casserole dish)
• Olla (Pot)
• Sartén (Frying pan)
• Cacerola (Saucepan)
• Tapa (Lid)
• Taza medidora (Measuring cup)
• Bol or cuenco (Bowl or basin)
• Jarra (Jug)
• Tabla de cortar (Cutting board)
• Servilleta (Napkin)
• Mantel (Tablecloth)
• Fuente or bandeja (Platter or tray)
• Balanza (Scale)

Did you know all these words? Now that you know the names of kitchen utensils and appliances in Spanish, you can use them and put them into practice.

This new vocabulary will come in handy if you live in a student apartment and need to ask for something, or if you go to the supermarket and can't find a kitchen utensil. It will even be useful for your host family if you want to prepare a typical dish from your city. The list is endless!

Below is an exercise to complete using the vocabulary above. You will find the answers at the end of the article. Good luck!

Por la mañana, Sara entra en la cocina y enciende la (1) __________ para prepararse un café. Mientras tanto, mete dos rebanadas de pan en la (2) __________.

Saca la mantequilla y la mermelada de la (3) __________, y corta una fruta con un (4) __________ sobre la (5) __________.

Después del desayuno, pone los platos y los (6) __________ en el (7) __________ para lavarlos.

A la hora de la comida, Sara decide preparar una sopa. Para ello usa una (8) __________ grande y un (9) __________ para servirla.
También cocina arroz en la (10) __________ pequeño.

Mientras hierve el agua, enciende la (11) __________ para que no se llene la cocina de vapor.

Más tarde, prepara una salsa con la (12) __________ y la pasa por el (13) __________ para que quede más fina.

Pone la carne en una (14) __________ especial y la mete en el (15) __________ durante una hora.

Cuando todo está listo, sirve la comida en un (16) __________, y pone la mesa, en la que comerá con un (17) __________ y un (18) __________.

Por la noche, limpia y friega la cocina, pero también seca los platos con una (19) __________.

Were you able to fill in all the blanks? We'll give you the answers at the end. Don't forget to keep practicing your vocabulary and learning new words to become a fluent Spanish speaker. If you don't know how, our intensive Spanish courses will help you do just that. Don't miss this opportunity and start your adventure with us at one of our schools. You have 11 Spanish cities to choose from.

Solutions to the exercise: 1. cafetera; 2. tostadora; 3. nevera; 4. cuchillo, 5. tabla de cortar, 6. cucharas, 7. lavavajillas, 8. olla, 9. cucharón, 10. arrocera, 11. campana extractora, 12. batidora/licuadora, 13. colador, 14. bandeja, 15. horno, 16. plato, 17. tenedor, 18. cuchillo, 19. servilleta.

September is here, and for many, it's synonymous with new resolutions, changes, and a return to routine. That's why this month is perfect for discovering the easiest way to learn Spanish, and at don Quijote, we want to help you achieve your goal.

Spanish has become one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and it's no coincidence that more people want to learn it. Whether for professional or academic reasons, or simply for pleasure, mastering Spanish will open many doors for you in different areas. So, if you're looking for the easiest and most natural way to learn Spanish in Spain, these tips will help you achieve your goal.

Beyond textbooks, online classes, and mobile apps, learning a language is taken to the next level when you connect it with the culture, cuisine, music, and people who speak it every day. That's why Spain's cultural richness and hospitality make it the perfect place to immerse yourself in the language in a close and authentic way.

Learning daily

There is no magic formula that will enable you to learn a language quickly and speak fluently. However, there are simple ways to learn Spanish, in this case, and enjoy the process. The first step would be to take a Spanish level test to see where to start.

One of the main mistakes many students make when they start learning a language is limiting themselves to theory. They memorize lists of verbs or grammar rules and often don't understand how they work. Although all of this can be useful, it doesn't guarantee that you'll be able to hold a conversation in the language in a real-life context. Therefore, the key is to integrate the language, in this case Spanish, into your daily routine.

One of the easiest ways to learn Spanish is to do so in its place of origin, Spain. It is the perfect place to study, as you can practice and surround yourself with Spanish naturally 24 hours a day. Order a coffee in any café, ask for directions or information about a monument, chat with your colleagues or neighbors, or go shopping in a supermarket. You will practice and speak the language in different environments and become part of the daily life of Spaniards: one of the easiest ways to learn Spanish.

In addition, the great advantage of Spain is that its locals are patient and open-minded, so don't be afraid to make mistakes: every mistake is an opportunity to continue learning. Another easy way to learn the language is to listen to it constantly in real contexts, on television, in markets, or on the radio. This will help you train your ear and familiarize yourself with colloquial expressions that rarely appear in textbooks. Experience natural learning without even realizing it.

The fundamental role of culture

Spanish is not just about words and rules; it also reflects the way of life of the people who speak it. That's why living and learning the language in Spain gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in its culture while improving your Spanish communication skills.

Culture is essential to understanding a language. Studying vocabulary or Spanish verb tenses while sampling paella in Valencia or visiting the Alhambra in Granada is a unique experience that you can only have in Spain. The new Spanish words you learn will be linked to experiences that you will remember fondly forever. All of this is one of the easiest ways to learn Spanish.

Art also plays an important role. Spending an afternoon or morning at the Prado Museum in Madrid or the Guggenheim in Bilbao will allow you to discover terms related to painting and architecture, but also to engage in conversations about creativity and inspiration. The same goes for music: from singing along with your new friends at a party to listening to flamenco in an Andalusian tablao, it will become a practical Spanish lesson.

And let's not forget the most popular sport: soccer. Attending Real Madrid, Barcelona, or any local team's game is an opportunity to learn expressions and chants and share emotions with locals who share your interests.

Simple tips for studying Spanish

If you've already decided to take the plunge and live the experience in Spain, here are some tips that will make your learning even easier:

• Live with locals. Look for shared accommodation with Spanish or international people with whom you can speak the language. The more you speak, the faster you will progress in the language.
• Aim for variety. Spain is a diverse country, and each region has its own accent and expressions. Traveling to different cities will help you understand the language.
• Enjoy the cuisine. Ordering tapas, asking about ingredients, or following recipes in Spanish is a delicious way to practice and try new dishes.
• Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Remember that making mistakes is part of the process and, moreover, helps you improve.
• Combine practice and theory. Although immersion is key, an intensive Spanish course at an accredited school can help you consolidate what you have learned.
• Live the experience. Learning a language is fun, not an obligation. Every conversation, anecdote, and cultural discovery becomes another step toward fluency.

Spain, an unforgettable destination

If there's one thing that makes Spain the ideal destination for studying Spanish, it's the opportunity to experience the language in all its glory. After all, the easiest way to learn Spanish isn't by endlessly repeating exercises, but by surrounding yourself with the language until it becomes part of your life. And there's no better place for this to happen than Spain.

So, if you dream of speaking Spanish fluently, come to Spain, immerse yourself in its culture, and let the language accompany you in every experience. Don Quijote school helps you have a unique experience, learning and feeling excited at every turn.

Spanish mistakes are common, especially if you are studying a second language like Spanish. Many of these mistakes can help you improve and understand the language so you can speak it fluently and communicate with all Spanish speakers. That's why don Quijote wants to help you in this article so you can learn what common Spanish mistakes students make and how to avoid them.

This article is also available in Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.

Common Spanish mistakes

Learning a language from scratch is not easy, and Spanish, in particular, has a grammar and Spanish verbs tenses that are not easy at first. Spanish students often make several Spanish grammatical errors when they start out. Among the most common are:

• Pronunciation errors
• Confusion between gender and number of words
• Unnecessary use of pronouns
• Use of prepositions
• Grammatical errors in the use of verbs
• Changing the order of words
• Adding indefinite articles before professions
• Confusing homonymous words
• Not knowing the rules of capitalization
• False friends
• Forgetting the rules of accentuation
• Not differentiating between tú and usted

Below, don Quijote will break down some of these Spanish mistakes, why and how they are usually made, and how to avoid them so that your journey to learn Spanish in Spain is a success.

Pronunciation errors

Many students make mistakes in Spanish when pronouncing certain words because there is no similar or identical sound in their native language. The most difficult sounds for students to pronounce are “r”, “ll” and “j”, and sometimes the general intonation of the language.

The phonetic system of Spanish is very different from that of other languages, so many sounds do not exist in other languages. These Spanish mistakes are common when reading aloud or speaking quickly. Words with “r” such as ratón, guitarra, perro, or arroyo are quite difficult for many students to pronounce.

To try to avoid these types of mistakes in Spanish, you can listen to songs, podcasts, or programs in native Spanish and pay attention to the pronunciation of words with these sounds. You can also improve by repeating the words aloud at the same time and recording your voice to compare the sounds later.

Confusion in the gender and number of words

The use of nouns or adjectives with the incorrect gender and number is also one of the most common grammatical errors among Spanish learners. That's why don Quijote has several articles that can help you better understand the feminine and masculine gender of words, as well as the gender and number of adjectives in Spanish.

Why does this mistake occur in Spanish? Because in many languages, such as English, nouns do not have gender. Thus, students must learn the rules and how to use Spanish nouns.

How can you avoid this mistake? Learn Spanish nouns with their corresponding articles from the beginning. For example: el problema, la mano, el barco, el cuaderno, la galleta.

Unnecessary use of pronouns

In Spanish, it is often unnecessary to use a pronoun as the subject, as the meaning of the sentence does not change. For example, in the sentence: “Yo hablo español cada día” (I speak Spanish every day), the subject “yo” can be omitted and the sentence will sound more natural if you say: “Hablo español cada día”.

This grammatical Spanish mistake occurs because in other languages, such as English, pronouns are always required. If you translate literally, you may make this mistake.

To avoid it, remember that the conjugated verb already contains the subject in the previous sentence: hablo = yo. And, if you want, you can use pronouns only to emphasize or contrast a sentence.

Use of prepositions

Spanish learners can misuse Spanish prepositions, especially when they accompany a verb.

These Spanish mistakes occur because prepositions do not follow an exact logic and are different from those in the learner's native language. Thus, these types of errors occur when translating word for word.

You can avoid this by learning verbs together with their prepositions, for example, pensar en or soñar con. You can also make a list of real examples to help you understand and see how to use prepositions in Spanish.

Grammatical errors in the use of verbs

The misuse of verb tenses or conjugations is very common among Spanish learners. This is because the Spanish verbal system is very complex due to the tenses, modes, and conjugations of irregular verbs.

For example:

• Error: Ayer caminaba al parque
• Correct: Ayer caminé al parque

These types of grammatical errors occur when talking about past, future, or conditional actions. We recommend practicing verbs a lot, using online tools that can help you, or signing up for one of our intensive Spanish courses so that our teachers can help you with all your questions.

Changing word order

The word order can sometimes change the meaning of a sentence or make the sentence structure sound strange in Spanish. If the word order of adjectives has rules in your native language, this may influence your learning, especially if you translate a sentence literally.

For example, in Spanish “El coche rojo y grande” (The big red car) is correct. However, it is incorrect to say, “El coche rojo grande.”

Learn the common structure of a sentence in Spanish: subject + verb + predicate. And remember that adjectives in Spanish come after nouns. Example: coche rojo.

Adding indefinite articles before professions

Translating literally from your native language can lead to mistakes, especially when talking about professions in Spanish. When talking about professions in Spanish, the indefinite article is not used; instead, the verb is simply used followed by the profession.

In English, the article is used when talking about professions or identities. For example:

• Soy doctor --> I’m a doctor
• Soy artista --> I am an artist
• Eres profesora --> She is a teacher
• Tú eres jardinero --> You’re a gardener

Remember that in Spanish, you don't use an article with professions after the verb ser, unless it is modified, for example: “Es un excelente medico” (he is an excellent doctor).

In addition to all these, there are also common grammatical errors such as:

Confusing homonyms in Spanish because they are pronounced the same as other words but have different meanings. In our article on homonyms in Spanish, you will find examples and more details about this type of word.

Not knowing the rules of capitalization is another grammatical error, as Spanish and English do not follow the same rules. You can learn the capitalization rules in Spanish in our article.

Many false friends can lead you to misunderstand a word that looks similar in two different languages. For example: “exit” and “éxito” (English and Spanish); or “bizarre” and “bizarro”, which do not mean the same thing in French and Spanish.

Forgetting the rules of accentuation in Spanish and not putting accents on words written is a common mistake among international students. Another mistake is not knowing the difference between tú and usted and when to use each one in conversation.

These are some of the most common grammatical mistakes made by Spanish learners, but with practice and lots of follow-up, you'll be able to master them all and become fluent in the language. Come to don Quijote schools and explore cities in Spain with us while you learn all the tricks to speaking Spanish fluently.

If you are thinking about traveling to learn Spanish in Spain, let us tell you that it is an ideal opportunity to discover typical phrases in Spanish, experience the culture, delicious food, varied landscapes, and improve your language skills.

If you are planning your vacation in Spain to try jamón serrano and tapas, here are some typical phrases in Spanish to make your stay more enjoyable. In addition, in Spain you will learn many expressions that do not appear in textbooks and vocabulary that is perfect Spanish for travelers.

Everyday Spanish phrases

When you arrive in Spain, if you are not used to it, you may find that the way the locals speak is very fast. Many use nuances and expressions that are not learned in intensive Spanish courses. That's why we've put together a list of phrases you're likely to hear while traveling around Spain:

• Perdona, una cosa (Excuse me, just one thing): This typical Spanish phrase is used to get someone's attention before asking a question. It's more natural and informal than saying “excuse me”.
• ¿Sabes si por aquí hay un cajero? (Do you know if there's an ATM around here?): An informal and very typical way to ask for an ATM or directions.
• Esto está petado (This is crazy): this common Spanish phrase means that there are a lot of people in a place. You'll hear it in different contexts, such as at the beach or in a bar.
• Voy tirando: if you ask someone how they are, this is a common response that means “I'm getting by.” You may also hear “voy tirando yo,” which in this context means that someone is going ahead or continuing their own.

In bars and restaurants

In Spain, eating out or having a drink on a terrace is part of the culture, especially in the summer. Here are some common phrases in Spanish that will make you sound more local in casual conversation with friends or colleagues:

• Una caña, por favor (A beer, please): used to order a small draft of beer from waiters.
• ¿Tenéis algo fuera de carta? (Do you have anything off the menu?): to ask if they have any dishes of the day that aren't on the menu.
• Vamos a hacer el café aquí (Let's take coffee here): means that you're going to stay and drink it there, rather than taking it away.
• ¡Está de muerte! (It’s awesome): if something is delicious, this is a very typical way of saying so.

In shops and markets

If you like shopping or visiting local markets, Spain has a wide variety in all its cities and towns. Enjoy a fun experience among the locals, where you can hear typical Spanish phrases such as:

• ¿Esto cómo va de precio? (How much does this cost?): a very colloquial way of asking the price of something.
• ¡Venga, va! Me lo llevo (Come on! I'll take it): An informal way of saying that you've decided to buy something.
• ¿No tendrás algo más apañado? (Will you have something more suitable?): Ask for something cheaper than the item you're interested in.
• ¿Me haces precio? (Can you give me a price?): A friendly way of asking for a small discount, typical in street markets.

Common Spanish phrases

In addition to all the common Spanish phrases you have learned so far, Spaniards use many colorful expressions. Some very common ones that you can hear and use if you dare are:

• Está tirado (It’s very cheap): refers to something that is very easy or cheap.
• Menuda pasada (What a blast): used in many contexts to indicate that something is impressive or great.
• Ni fu ni fa (It makes no difference): an expression used for something that is neither good nor bad, but completely neutral.
• Me estoy quedando sopa (To conk out or To drop off): when you are tired and falling asleep anywhere, you can use this expression, which means you are very sleepy.
• No me rayes (Don't bother me or Don't annoy me): a very popular expression used to say, “don't bother me” or “don't make things difficult for me.”
• Estoy hecho polvo (I'm exhausted): means to be very tired.

To meet up or make plans

If you make friends or meet someone during your stay in Spain, these Spanish typical phrases will be very useful:

• Nos vemos en un rato (See you in a little while): informal way of saying that you will meet up soon.
• Quedamos donde siempre (Let's meet where we always do): very common among locals; it implies that both of you already know the place.
• Vamos a tomar algo (Let's go for a drink): an open invitation that can mean anything from a coffee to a few drinks.
• ¿Nos vamos de terraceo? (Shall we go out to a terrace bar?): this expression is very colloquial and means to have a drink, usually in the afternoon, at a terrace.

However, not all phrases are typical expressions. There are many pet words and phrases that are used in every conversation and are very common. Learning them will help you fit in better:

• ¡Vaya tela! (What a mess): expresses surprise or resignation during a conversation.
• ¡No me digas! (No way!): used when someone tells you something surprising.
• ¡Madre mía! (Oh my god!): another expression of surprise, annoyance, or enthusiasm, depending on the context.
• En plan...: a very commonly used filler to explain something with examples.
• Tú verás: used in a warning tone or to leave the decision to someone else.

Of course, to end any conversation, there are thousands of ways that are more familiar than a simple “adiós”:

• Venga, ¡nos vemos! (Come on, see you later!)
• ¡Cuídate mucho! (Take care!)
• ¡Un abrazo! (Hugs!)
• ¡Dale recuerdos de mi parte! (Say hi to everyone for me!)
• Chao, hasta mañana (Bye, see you tomorrow)
• Te veo mañana, cuídate (See you tomorrow, take care)

Examples with typical phrases

Here are some examples to clarify the typical phrases in Spanish that we have explained above:

1. Hola, perdona, ¿sabes si por aquí hay un cajero que no cobre comisión? (Hello, excuse me, do you know if there is an ATM around here that doesn't charge a fee?)
2. ¡Buah, esto está petado! No hay ni sitio para sentarse (Wow, this place is packed! There's nowhere to sit!)
3. ¿Qué tal vas con el curro? Bueno, voy tirando, no me puedo quejar (How's work going? It's okay, I'm getting by, I can’t complain)
4. Me apetece pescado. ¿Tenéis algo fuera de carta hoy? (I feel like eating fish. Do you have anything special today?)
5. ¿Te apetece moverte o hacemos el café aquí? (Do you want to go somewhere or have coffee here?)
6. Prueba esta tarta... ¡está de muerte! (Try this cake... it's awesome!)
7. Me gusta, pero se me va un poco de precio... ¿no tendrás algo más apañado? (I like it, but it's a little pricey... Do you have anything else that's more affordable?)
8. Si me llevo dos, ¿me haces precio? (If I take two, can you give me a discount?)
9. ¡Oye, este vuelo a Mallorca está tirado! Solo 20 euros (Hey, this flight to Mallorca is very cheap! Only €20)
10. ¿Te ha gustado la peli? Sí, pero ni fu ni fa. Esperaba más (Did you like the movie? Yeah, but it was okay. I was expecting more)
11. Necesito un café, me estoy quedando sopa (I need a coffee, I'm falling asleep)
12. No salgo hoy, estoy hecho polvo después de la caminata (I'm not going out today, I'm exhausted after the walk)
13. ¿Te parece a las 8? Quedamos donde siempre (How about 8 o'clock? Same place as usual)
14. Hace un día espectacular... ¿nos vamos de terraceo? (It's a beautiful day... shall we go to a terrace?)
15. Madre mía, cómo ha crecido tu hijo (Oh my goodness, your son has grown!)

Although you don't need to master all these phrases before getting on the plane, we do recommend that you at least familiarize yourself with some of them. You're sure to hear many of these typical Spanish phrases and even use them during your time in Spain. What's more, using these expressions will open doors, bring smiles to people's faces, and make you feel like a local, even if it's only for a few days.

Have you ever wondered how many words are there in the Spanish language? As a student of this language, curiosity has surely struck you during your classes. And one of the most frequently asked questions by students, beyond vocabulary and grammar, is how many words there are in Spanish. Discover it with don Quijote!

You can read this article in Spanish too.

Is it difficult to find out how many words are in Spanish?

The answer is simple: yes. It can be difficult to establish an exact number of words in Spanish, as there are many variants of the language in different countries, and each one has its own expressions, idioms, and vocabulary. In addition, new words are constantly being created due to technological advances, social media, and cultural adaptations. Not to mention that there are words in Spanish that are no longer in use but can still be found in dictionaries and ancient texts, even though they are no longer used daily.

So, although it is not easy to determine exactly how many words are there in the Spanish language, it is possible to make a very rough estimate. It should be borne in mind that Spanish as a language is constantly evolving, with new words being added to the dictionary every year and many others becoming obsolete.

According to the Royal Spanish Academy (Real Academia Española or RAE), the Dictionary of the Spanish Language (DLE) currently includes more than 93,000 words. However, this figure does not represent the entire vocabulary, as it does not include regionalisms, technical terms, Spanish slang, and neologisms that are not officially accepted.

Therefore, Spanish is one of the richest languages in terms of vocabulary, with thousands of words recorded in the dictionary. Even so, you may wonder if all these more than 93,000 words are used in everyday Spanish. Here is the answer.

How many words do Spanish speakers use?

Although Spanish has tens of thousands of words, the average person actively uses between 3,000 and 5,000 words in their daily life. This is called active vocabulary, as it refers to the set of words that speakers regularly use when speaking or writing. On the other hand, there is passive vocabulary, which refers to words that a person understands but does not use frequently. This set of words can reach 20,000 or more.

Likewise, speakers who specialize in specific fields, such as doctors, engineers, or writers, tend to have a broader lexicon due to their professional field. Thus, depending on the speaker's level of education, reading, age, and sociocultural environment, passive vocabulary can be broader, up to 25,000 words.

For example, a university student usually has a richer and more extensive vocabulary than a primary school child. Meanwhile, someone who regularly reads novels, newspapers, or essays will enrich their vocabulary more than someone who does not read daily. Professionals in specific fields also use additional technical vocabulary that is not part of everyday language.

In addition, it is important to note that many speakers know regional words or localisms, which can vary between countries or regions. For example, the word “computadora” in Mexico and “ordenador” in Spain. These are two different words, but they have the same meaning, and their use varies only according to the geographical area of the speaker. These differences further enrich the global vocabulary of Spanish as a language and make the number of words in Spanish increasingly broad and extensive.

Although not all words available in Spanish are used, each speaker has a significant command of the language sufficient to speak, communicate, and develop in different contexts. The good news is that with practice and constant reading, vocabulary can be expanded throughout life, whether you are a native speaker or about to learn Spanish in Spain.

A language that will serve you well in the future

Considering that Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages, with more than 590 million speakers worldwide, the number of words in Spanish is constantly growing. It is also the official language of 21 countries and one of the most widely used languages in business, tourism, media, and diplomacy. Mastering and studying Spanish will allow you to communicate with millions of people, but it will also open doors for you in the workplace and in cultural settings.

Without a doubt, it is a language that will serve you well in your professional and personal life, so don't think twice and take the plunge with an intensive Spanish course to discover Spain and everything this country has to offer: culture, history, gastronomy, internationally renowned festivals... Come and discover it for yourself!

Do you need to expand your Spanish vocabulary related to the home? You've come to the right place. In this article by don Quijote you will learn all the house words in Spanish that you need to know to master Spanish vocabulary.

It doesn't matter whether you live in a house, an apartment or a villa; even a studio, shared flat or terraced house. Although the rooms may vary, in some houses there will be more space than in others and more rooms to use, the vocabulary is the same for all of them.

You can also read this article in Spanish, French or Italian and learn Spanish in Spain at one of our schools.

Below, you will find all the house words in Spanish divided by rooms, so you know where to find each one.

Parts of a house in Spanish

A house can be made up of several rooms, these are house words in Spanish including:

• Habitación (Room)
• Dormitorio (Bedroom)
• Salón (Living room)
• Comedor (Dining room)
• Cocina (Kitchen)
• Cuarto de baño (Bathroom)
• Pasillo (Hallway)
• Sótano (Basement)
• Ático or Desván (Attic)
• Despensa (Pantry)
• Despacho (Office)
• Garaje (Garage)
• Trastero (Storage room)
• Escaleras (Stairs)
• Jardín (Garden)
• Piscina (Swimming pool)
• Terraza (Terrace)

Although it doesn't matter what type of house you live in, they usually all have rooms, bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and living room. Therefore, we will now teach you the house words in Spanish you need to know about each of these rooms:

Elements of the bedroom in Spanish

House words in Spanish for a bedroom:

• Cama (Bed)
• Lámpara (Lamp)
• Mesilla de noche (Bedside table)
• Cómoda (Chest of drawers)
• Armario (Wardrobe)
• Sábanas (Sheets)
• Edredón (Duvet)
• Cortinas (Curtains)
• Almohada (Pillow)
• Cajones (Drawers)
• Estantería (Bookshelf)
• Radiador (Radiator)
• Interruptor de la luz (Light switch)
• Cabecero (Headboard)
• Enchufe (Socket)
• Despertador (Alarm clock)
• Colchón (Mattress)
• Joyero (Jewelry box)
• Baúl (Trunk)
• Escritorio (Desk)
• Perchero (Coat rack)

Living room items in Spanish

Spanish house vocabulary for the living room:

• Sofá (Sofa)
• Sillón (Armchair)
• Cojines (Cushions)
• Mesa (Table)
• Sillas (Chairs)
• Aparador (Sideboard)
• Chimenea (Fireplace)
• Reloj de pared (Wall clock)
• Repisa (Shelf)
• Florero (Vase)
• Televisión (Television)
• Fotografías (Photographs)
• Cuadros (Paintings)
• Mantas (Blankets)
• Teléfono fijo (Landline telephone)
• Aire acondicionado (Air conditioning)
• Ventilador (Fan)
• Alfombra (Carpet)

Bathroom items in Spanish

House words in Spanish in a bathroom:

• Lavabo (Washbasin)
• Ducha / Bañera (Shower / Bathtub)
• Váter (Toilet)
• Espejo (Mirror)
• Alfombrilla para los pies (Foot mat)
• Peine (Comb)
• Cepillo de dientes (Toothbrush)
• Pasta de dientes (Toothpaste)
• Grifos (Taps)
• Secador de pelo (Hairdryer)
• Enjuague bucal (Mouthwash)
• Toallas (Towels)
• Albornoz (Bathrobe)
• Papel higiénico (Toilet paper)
• Jabón (Soap)

Kitchen items in Spanish

Spanish house vocabulary in a kitchen:

• Mesa (Table)
• Sillas (Chairs)
• Encimera (Worktop)
• Mantel (Tablecloth)
• Cafetera (Coffee maker)
• Vitrocerámica (Ceramic hob)
• Horno (Oven)
• Microondas (Microwave)
• Lavavajillas (Dishwasher)
• Lavadora (Washing machine)
• Nevera / Frigorífico (Fridge)
• Vajilla (Crockery)
• Cubiertos (Cutlery)
• Tazas (Cups)
• Vasos (Glasses)
• Copas (Drinking glasses)
• Cuchillo (Knife)
• Tenedor (Fork)
• Cucharas (Spoons)
• Cubo de basura (Rubbish bin)
• Campana extractora (Extractor hood)

Are there any words or household items that you miss that are not on this list? Let us know! This Spanish house vocabulary is very useful if you are doing an intensive Spanish course and need to ask your host family for a towel for the bathroom, another pillow for the bed or to tell them that an appliance in the kitchen is broken.

Therefore, knowing this Spanish house vocabulary will help you to communicate better if you are learning the language, if you live in a Spanish-speaking country or if you are studying for Spanish exams such as the DELE. House words in Spanish are perfect for expanding your oral and written comprehension in everyday situations, since talking about your home is one of the most common conversations.

Among the more than 93,000 words in the Spanish language, there are several that are unique and have no English translation. Therefore, it is not surprising that, if you are learning Spanish, you hear or read words that you don't know what they mean and that, in addition, have no English translation.

In this don Quijote article we are going to show you more than 20 Spanish words with no English translation. Get into the language and learn Spanish in Spain now, you can discover words that only exist in this language.

Spanish words with no English translation

Puente: you probably think that this Spanish word does have an English translation, bridge. However, puente also refers to a long weekend, with an additional non-working day joining the weekend. Therefore, a longer break of more than two days is formed.

• For example: “Este viernes es festivo, así que tendremos un puente de tres días” (This Friday is a holiday, so we will have a three-day long weekend).
• The meaning of puente would be “long weekend”.

Sobremesa: a very common practice in Spain is to make sobremesa. This term refers to the time spent chatting after a meal at the table where the meal was eaten.

• Example: “Nos quedamos en el restaurante de sobremesa hablando durante horas” (We stayed at the restaurant talking for hours)
• It could be translated as 'table talk' or 'after-dinner conversation'.

Consuegro/a: the relationship between the parents of a married couple, i.e., they are the in-laws of a person's child.

• “Mis consuegros vienen a cenar esta noche” (My in-laws are coming to dinner tonight).
• There is no exact term in English, but it can be described as “co-in-laws”.

Estrenar: means to use something for the first time, it could be clothes, shoes, kitchen utensils, a car...

• “Hoy voy a estrenar mis zapatos nuevos” (Today I am going to use my new shoes for the first time).
• It could be translated as “to use or wear for the first time”.

Anteayer: refers to the day before yesterday.

• “Anteayer fui al cine con mis primos” (The day before yesterday I went to the movies with my cousins).
• The English translation would be “the day before yesterday”. In this case, there is a translation, but not as a single concrete word.

Chapuza: means a job that is poorly done or improvised.

• “El arreglo que hizo en la puerta fue una chapuza” (The repair he did on the door was a botch job)
• It could be translated as “botched job” or “shoddy work”.

Entrecejo: the space between the eyebrows is so called.

• For example: “Frida Kahlo era conocida por su famoso entrecejo” (Frida Kahlo was known for her famous frown)
• It translates as “the space between the eyebrows”.

Tocayo: this term is used to refer to a person who has the same name as someone else.

• Él es mi tocayo, también se llama Luis (He is my namesake, his name is also Luis)
• The translation is “namesake”

Madrugar: it means getting up very early.

• Mañana tengo que madrugar para ir al trabajo (I must get up early tomorrow to go to work).
• A translation for this word in English would be “to wake up early”.

Merendar: means to eat something light in the afternoon.

• Example: Voy a merendar un bocadillo de jamón y queso (I'm going to have a lunch break and eat a ham and cheese sandwich).
• It could be translated as “to have an afternoon snack”.

Trasnochar: is the action of going to sleep very late or not sleeping all night.

• For example: Anoche trasnoché viendo películas (Last night I stayed up watching films).
• It would be translated as “to stay up late”.

Tutear: when you address someone informally instead of using the formal “usted”. It is an informal way of speaking to others, instead of using the usted in Spanish to address someone cordially.

• Puedes tutearme, no hace falta que me hables de usted (You can call me by my name, you don't have to use the formal form to talk with me).
• Translation: “to address someone informally”.

Friolero: a person who easily feels cold or is always very cold, regardless of the time of year or the place where they are.

• Example: No olvides tu bufanda y tus guantes para la nieve, que eres muy friolera (Don't forget your scarf and gloves for the snow, you are very sensitive to cold).
• It could be translated as “sensible to cold”.

Quincena: period of time of 15 days.

• Example: Mi empresa paga cada quincena (My company pays every fortnight)
• The most accurate translation would be “fortnight”.

Aturdir: means to be or to leave confused or bewildered.

• For example: El ruido me aturde y no puedo concentrarme (The noise makes me dizzy and I can't concentrate).
• Translation: 'to stun' or 'to bewilder'.

Enmadrarse: said of a child who becomes excessively attached to his mother or is very fond of her. It usually has a negative connotation.

• Este niño está muy enmadrado, no quiere separarse de su madre (This child is very attached to her mother, he doesn't want to be separated from her).
• It doesn't have an exact equivalent, but it could be “to be overly attached to one's mother”.

Mimoso/a: said of a person who likes to receive affection.

• Example: Es un niño muy mimoso, siempre quiere abrazos (He is a very cuddly child, he always wants hugs).
• It could say that a translation is “affectionate”.

Pavonearse: to show off something with excessive pride.

• Se pavonea de su coche nuevo (He is prancing around in his new car).
• A rough translation would be “to strut”.

Soler: means to do something habitually.

• Example: Suele ir al gimnasio por las mañanas (He usually goes to the gym in the mornings).
• Its closest translation would be “to usually do something”.

Picotear: is a very common word in Spain and means to eat small portions of different foods.

• No tengo hambre, pero picotearé algo (I'm not hungry, but I'll have a bite to eat).
• A very close translation is “to have a snack” or “to nibble”.

Manco: said of a person without a hand or with limited mobility in it.

• Es manco, pero juega muy bien al fútbol (He is one-armed, but he plays football very well).
• It could be translated as “one-armed”.

Tuerto: said of a person with vision in only one eye.

• Mi primo es tuerto del ojo derecho (My cousin is blind in his right eye).
• It translates as “one-eyed”.

Duende: a fantastic spirit, with the figure of an old man or a child in traditional stories, who lives in some houses and causes disorder and uproar in them.

• En mi cuento popular favorito de la infancia aparecía un duende mágico (In my favorite Spanish folk tale from my childhood there was a magical elf).
• It could be translated as “goblin” or “elf”.

Desvelado: said of a person who has not slept or has found it difficult to sleep.

• Me desvelé anoche y no conseguí dormir hasta las 4 de la mañana (I was up last night and couldn't sleep until 4 in the morning).
• The most accurate translation would be “sleep-deprived” or “wide awake”.

Morriña: means nostalgia or sadness caused by being far from home or one's homeland. It is a word with Galician origin.

• Desde que se mudó al extranjero, tiene morriña de su pueblo (Since he went to live abroad, he has missed his village).
• It could be translated as “homesickness”.

These are just a few Spanish words that have no translation in English, but there are probably many more. Do you know any? Tell us! It can also happen that you want to say a word in your language that has no translation in Spanish.

Languages are complex and each one has its peculiarities, but if you want to master Spanish like a native, don't hesitate to sign up for our intensive Spanish courses to continue practicing, improving and mastering the language and all its words, with or without English translation.

You have probably heard the saying that “ask and you shall learn” or that “if you don’t ask, you don’t get”. These popular Spanish sayings refer to the fact that, if you have any questions, the best thing to do is to ask and learn from them.

So, if you've ever wanted to ask a question in Spanish but didn't know how to structure it or how to start a conversation, don Quijote has the perfect article for you. Discover how to ask questions in Spanish, how to ask and answer Spanish questions, the most basic and easy questions you should master in the language, and much more!

You can also read this article in Spanish, French, Italian or Dutch.

Interrogative pronouns in Spanish

Asking questions in Spanish is essential for communicating on the street, in class or in a supermarket. So, you need to master how to ask questions in Spanish in order to talk to native speakers, answer questions from your teacher in class or simply give directions in Spanish.

Before you start asking questions, you need to know the interrogative pronouns in Spanish used for asking questions:

• Qué (what): used to ask about things or general information.
• Quién (who): used to ask about people.
• Cuándo (when): used to ask about time.
• Por qué (why): used to ask about reasons or causes.
• Dónde (where): used to ask about places.
• Cómo (how): used to ask about states, forms or manners.
• Cuánto (how much/many): used to ask about quantity.

Most Spanish questions begin with these Spanish interrogative pronouns, which allow you to formulate questions depending on the context. These 7 particles are essential for formulating questions in Spanish, and they always have a tilde to differentiate them from Spanish relative pronouns.

However, Spanish is such a flexible language that it also allows you to ask questions without having to use them. Here are the types of questions that can be asked in Spanish.

Basic Spanish questions

Not all questions in Spanish require an interrogative pronoun. Therefore, we can distinguish two main types of questions in Spanish:

Open questions in Spanish

Open Spanish questions require more detailed answers and cannot be answered with yes or no. In addition, this type of Spanish questions usually uses interrogative pronouns, and the answers vary depending on the information needed:

• ¿Qué haces el fin de semana? (What do you do on the weekend?)
• ¿Cómo se llama tu madre? (What is your mother's name?)
• ¿Dónde vives?) (Where do you live?)

Closed questions in Spanish

On the other hand, closed Spanish questions do not use interrogative pronouns and short answers are expected. These questions can be answered with yes or no and are formed by simply adding the question marks to the sentence:

• ¿Te gusta el chocolate? (Do you like chocolate?)
• ¿Está ocupado este asiento? (Is this seat taken?)
• ¿Vives en Madrid? (Do you live in Madrid?)

Ask a question in Spanish

Knowing how to formulate questions in Spanish correctly will help you obtain information, clarify doubts and maintain fluent conversations, which is why it is an essential skill in any language.

If you want to learn Spanish in Spain it is useful to start with simple questions that will help you in everyday life. Here are some phrases with an answer as an example:

• ¿Cómo te llamas? or ¿Cuál es tu nombre? – Mi nombre es María (What is your name? - My name is María)
• ¿Cuántos años tienes? – Tengo 28 años (How old are you? - I am 28 years old)
• ¿De dónde eres? – Soy de Asturias (Where are you from? - I'm from Asturias)
• ¿Dónde está el baño? – Al fondo a la izquierda (Where is the bathroom? - At the back left)
• ¿Qué es eso? – Un regalo de cumpleaños (What is that? - A birthday present)
• ¿Cuándo es tu cumpleaños? – Mi cumpleaños es el 3 de octubre (When is your birthday? - My birthday is October 3rd)
• ¿Dónde vives? – Vivo en Guadalajara (Where do you live? - I live in Guadalajara)
• ¿En qué trabajas? – Trabajo de camarero (What do you do for a living? - I work as a waiter)
• ¿Dónde aprendiste español? – Aprendí español con don Quijote (Where did you learn Spanish? - I learned Spanish with don Quijote)
• ¿Te gusta la comida española? – Me encanta, sobre todo las croquetas (Do you like Spanish food? - I love it, especially croquettes)

• ¿Qué hora es? – Son las 23:45pm (What time is it? - It's 11:45pm)
• ¿Puedo ayudarte? – Si, ¿puedes decirme cuánto cuesta esta camiseta? (Can I help you? - Yes, can you tell me how much this T-shirt costs?)
• ¿Cuánto cuesta esto? – Son 20 euros (How much is this? - It's 20 euros)
• ¿A qué te dedicas? – Soy traductor (What do you do? - I'm a translator)
• ¿Qué día es hoy? – Hoy es martes (What day is it today? - Today is Tuesday)
• ¿Puedes hablar más despacio, por favor? – Si, claro (Can you speak more slowly, please? - Yes, of course)
• ¿Qué has dicho? – Decía que si te gusta la pizza (What did you say? - I said: Do you like pizza?)
• Puedes repetir eso último, ¿por favor? – Por supuesto. ¿Me pasa la sal? (Can you repeat that last one, please? - Of course. Can you pass on the salt?)

Learning to formulate questions in Spanish is fundamental to improve your communication. Using interrogative pronouns correctly and practicing open and closed questions will help you speak fluently.

With don Quijote you will find it easy to ask basic questions and increase in complexity over time. Remember that the key is to practice and not be afraid to ask questions.