Let's find out if there's interest in a thread for folks who want to share or expand what they know about the Spanish language.
I'm thinking tips, trix, quirks, observations, embarrassing moments, triumphal moments, and other encounters in espanol.
What do I mean by No Heavy Lifting....Well, three-hour classes and rote memorizations would be such.
One of my favorite words is "quisiera" (kee-see-AIR-uh), which means "I would like." Gringos need and want stuff all the time and you can tack just about any Spanish noun or verb on the back of this word, to make your point to your vendor, your doctor, your waiter, your landlord or anyone else. It has the wonderful advantage of being a soft way of speaking to "la gente": so much friendlier to say "I would like..." than to say "I want" (quiero), which sounds so Gringo-demanding.
On balance, Spanish just sounds more powerful to the Gringo ear than English. Take these two words, for example:
The English word "generally"...in Spanish it's generalmente. Say it aloud and you'll get it.
Or the English word "butter"...in Spanish it's mantequilla. Does that sound fancier or what....
You'll know you're making progress when you know the difference between el cuerdo, el cuerno, el cuero, el cuerpo and el cuervo.
Sane person, horn (as in an animal's horn), leather, body and crow (or raven).
cccmedia in Quito