Category: Culture around Spanish language

Categories
Culture around Spanish language

National Holidays in Spanish-Speaking Countries

iscribo-festivitiesinspanish-blogimage
Los Días Festivos en Países Hispanohablantes | iScribo

Everyone likes to have days off. Do you know how many public holidays there are in Spain? You might also be wondering about public holidays in Argentina. It is no longer just a matter of comparing how many holidays each country has, but of finding out why they exist.

National holidays in Spanish-speaking countries are related to religious celebrations and to historical or cultural events in each place. It should be noted that each country has national, regional and local public holidays, but today we will talk about the national ones. Discover them with iScribo.

Public Holidays in Spain

The Spanish working calendar is always published in the BOE (Spanish State Gazette) before the end of the previous year. These eight public holidays are paid for workers and can be moved to a Monday so that they do not fall on a Sunday and almost everyone can enjoy them.

– January 1st: of course, the new year must be celebrated in style.

– January 6th: the Epiphany of Jesus is celebrated with the arrival of the Wise Kings laden with gifts.

– Good Friday: this day is determined according to the lunar calendar in terms of the celebration of Easter.

– May 1st: Labour Day is celebrated, well deserved for all of us.

– August 15th: The Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

– October 12th: the day of Spain is celebrated.

– November 1st: All Saints’ Day is celebrated.

– December 6th: Day of the Spanish Constitution.

– December 8th: the Immaculate Conception forms, together with the previous public holiday, a week with a little more rest.

– December 25th: the great day of Christmas celebrating the birth of Jesus.

National Public Holidays in Colombia

Colombia has eighteen annual public holidays, here we tell you which ones:

– January 1st: New Year, like in most parts of the world.

– January 6th: The Wise Men’s Day, as in other Spanish-speaking countries.

– Mars 19th: San Joseph Day.

– Good Thursday and Good Friday: as in the rest of the Spanish-speaking countries, depend on the lunar calendar and the celebration of Easter.

– April or May: Ascension Day, depending on the celebration of Holy Week.

– May 1st: Labour Day.

– Corpus Christi: also depends on the moon.

– June 27th: Sacred Heart is celebrated.

– June 29th: the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul.

– July 20th: Independence Day, a great holiday of national pride.

– August 7th: Celebration of the Battle of Boyaca.

– August 15th: The Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

– October 12th: Día de la Raza (Day of the Race).

– November 2nd: All Saints’ Day is celebrated.

– November 11th: Celebration of the independence of Cartagena de Indias.

Public Holidays in Argentina

Argentina has fifteen national holidays, as follows:

– January 1st: New Year’s celebrations.

– February: this month celebrates two days of carnival, depending on the lunar calendar.

– Mars 24th: Día Nacional de la Verdad y la Justicia (The Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice).

– Aprill 2nd: Malvinas Day, a day of Argentine pride par excellence.

– Good Friday and Easter Monday: again according to the lunar calendar.

– May 1st: International Labour Day, as in most countries of the world.

– May 25th: Día de la Revolución de Mayo (May Revolution Day).

– June 17th: Death of General Martín Miguel de Güemes.

– June 20th: Death of General Manuel Belgrano.

– July 9th: Independence Day, also widely acclaimed in the country.

– August 17th: the Passage to Immortality of General José de San Martín is celebrated.

– October 12th: Día del Respeto a la Diversidad Cultural (Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity).

– Novemeber 20th: National Sovereignty Day.

iScribo & Cultural Diversity

We love to bring you the celebrations in Spanish-speaking countries. There are many countries where Spanish is the main language, so it is impossible for us to tell you what is celebrated in each one of them. However, we invite you to find out more about them so that you can continue learning. Do you know what all Spanish-speaking countries have in common? The good use of Spanish as a language. You can practice your written Spanish with iScribo’s spelling and grammar checker which, in addition to correcting what they write in real time, will provide you with suggestions to improve your writing. Have you tried it yet? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Categories
Culture around Spanish language

The Wine Industry in Spain: Tradition and Culture

iscribo-wineinspain-blogimage
El Sector del Vino en España: Tradición y Cultura | iScribo

The Spanish wine industry is undoubtedly important for Spanish culture. The wine market in Spain has a long-standing tradition based on respect for wine, tradition and vineyards.

It is worthwhile to make a vineyard tour and several visits to bodegas in Spain as there are numerous wineries and official Spanish wine appellations. Wine culture teaches us from the planting of the vines to the bottling of the wine, from the grape harvest to the ageing in barrels or containers.

There are different ways of classifying wines, the designations of origin (appellation) of the wines of Spain allows us to classify them according to the protection they have and the rules that regulate them in the Spanish country. On other occasions, we have talked about gastronomy but, what better than accompanying a Spanish dish with a good wine! Keep reading this iScribo post to discover the secrets of the best Spanish wine.

Spanish Red Wine

Among the Spanish red wines, it is more than an obligation to mention the most awarded designations of origin, which are D.O. Rioja and D.O. Ribera del Duero. Both produce very diverse wines with different grapes varieties. Be that as it may, the dedication to growing, harvesting and winemaking follow a tedious process by world-renowned oenologists.

Other famous red wines are D.O. Priorat, Bodegas Torres, Marqués de Cáceres, Somontano or Toro.

There are many more, both new and long-established, so the best thing to do is to make a good wine tour of Spain and discover your favourite.

Red wine is ideal to accompany a meat dish or to get you through a cold winter’s day. Many people mix it with a lemon or white fizzy drink to make a tinto de verano.

White Wine in Spain

Cava is a quality sparkling wine with its own protected designation of origin. Typical of the region of Catalonia, this type of wine is ideal for the most exquisite palates. From a Freixenet, famous at all Spanish Christmas dinner parties, to a Mastinell, the variety is endless. Cava can be mixed with white fizzy drinks to make cava sangria, another refreshing summer drink.

Of course, we also have the Albariño from the Galician Rías Baixas. This tasty wine is very smooth, so it can be enjoyed with good fish or seafood.

We should also mention the D.O. Rueda, which reminds us of a cheerful floral spring. Its freshness and floral character are more than recognised worldwide. You can combine this wine with almost anything and in any season of the year.

The D.O. Jumilla offers wines of any category but today we want to highlight its facility to produce white wine. Indulge yourself with this savoury and dedicated drink.

Rosé & Other Drinks in Spain

Although rosé wine is not a variety that is as popular as white and red wine in Spain, it has also grown a lot in recent years and has given us unforgettable experiences and it is now part of the Spanish culture.

We can highlight Las Campanas Rosé from the D.O. Navarra, which has won several national awards.

Many wineries that offer reds and whites as star products also produce prestigious rosés.

Among other varieties, we find the Tío Pepe wineries in the heart of Jerez de la Frontera, in the south of Spain, with the production of fino and amontillado wines and natural sweet wines, among others.

Vermouth is an aromatic wine in the category of fortified Spanish wine, famous along the Mediterranean coast. Drink it as an aperitif or use it in a cocktail.

iScribo & Spanish Culture

Table wines, wines with geographical indication or simply a wine that you really like, in Spain you can find any variety that will surely suit your needs. Although in this post we have focused on the designations of origin, there are plenty of wines and wineries all over Spain that are worth tasting and visiting. It only takes a quick look at a Spanish wine map and you will see that wine is produced in practically every corner of the country. Do you know wine vocabulary? Sometimes it can be complicated to write some of its words, as it is a precise technical sector. Use our tool to write correctly in Spanish and to receive suggestions for improvement in real time, have you tried it yet?

Categories
Culture around Spanish language

11 Typical & Delicious Spanish Food Specialties

iscribo-gastronomyinpanish-blogimage
11 Platos Típicos de la Gastronomía Española | iScribo

Authentic Spanish food goes beyond paella and churros. However, these dishes are the standard bearers in terms of the influence of Spanish food specialties in the world.

We could focus on Spanish traditional food by region, but instead, we are going to present you with a list of typical dishes that you cannot miss if you visit Spain or any Spanish restaurant in the world. Some of them are difficult to find outside Spain’s borders, but others are internationally renowned as the best Spanish food. Sit back, relax and have a refreshing drink while you work up an appetite.

Famous Spanish Tapas

1. Tortilla: In many foreign places it is known as tortilla española (Spanish omelette) to differentiate it from Mexican one. Be that as it may, you will love this delicacy made with potatoes and eggs. It is very common to make it with onion, which is a never-ending debate among Spaniards. There are many varieties, some people add peppers and others chorizo, you can even make tortillas with any vegetable you have at home, or with prawns. Your possibilities are endless.

2. Gazpacho: Indulge in summer with this starter made of tomato, pepper, garlic and cucumber. Let yourself be carried away by this cold soup, as they call it abroad, typical of Andalusia. There are other varieties with watermelon, avocado or beetroot.

3. Salmorejo: Another typical Andalusian starter, with almost the same ingredients as gazpacho (salmorejo does not have peppers or cucumber) but a little more consistent with the addition of bread. Add a hard-boiled egg at the end to decorate it – amazing!

4. Pulpo a feria: The difficulty of cooking octopus makes Galician people culinary masters. The paprika and coarse salt give it a special touch that makes it a star dish in many Spanish restaurants. Serve it with a bed of boiled potato, let us know what you think!

Spanish Typical Dishes

5. Paella: This Spanish dish needs no introduction. The rice base and the infinite number of ingredients with which you can combine it make it a delicacy for the enjoyment of the most exquisite palates. Our favourite is the original, Valencian paella, although we won’t turn down any variant.

6. Cocido: A typical Madrilenian dish that is very widespread throughout the country, in a multitude of delicious variations. This dish, highly recommended on a cold winter’s day, will fill your stomach for the whole day. It is made with chickpeas, chicken and beef, and sometimes noodles. Anyway, it would take up this entire blog post just to list the ingredients.

7. Migas: can be made with bread or with a special flour. Also typical of the south, this dish is prepared with fried garlic, peppers, bacon and melon. There are, of course, different variations of this dish, but whatever you put in it, it is still delicious and typical for a weekend in family.

8. Fabada: Asturian gastronomy is made up of very complete and dense dishes like this one. Based on white beans and pork, there is nothing better to combat the cold northern winter.

9. Bacalao al pilpil: we could not ignore fish, which is so important in our Mediterranean diet. This traditional Basque dish combines garlic, chilli and cod. Undoubtedly delicious and special in our culture.

Traditional Spanish Breakfast Foods

10. Torrijas: This dessert, or breakfast treat, is made with bread soaked in milk, or wine for the more daring, and then fried. Some people serve it with vanilla ice cream, an ideal tandem.

11. Churros: worldwide famous, this star product in Spanish breakfasts and afternoon snacks is made with flour and water. Typical in traditional Spanish cafés.

iScribo & the Meaningful Spanish Gastronomy

Typical Spanish dishes are cooked with our star product, olive oil. As the basis of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil not only gives flavour, but is also beneficial for our health. Have you tried any of these dishes? Do you know any Spanish recipe that you like and we have not mentioned? You can write it in our tool, iScribo’s Spanish spelling and grammar checker, have you tried it yet? Tell us about it in the comments.

Categories
Culture around Spanish language

14 Influential & Famous Spanish-Speaking Painters

iscribo-paintersinspanish-blogimage
14 Pintores Hispanohablantes Influyentes | iScribo

Painting encourages communication, creativity and richness between cultures. This is why knowing the most influential and famous Spanish-speaking painters in history can give you a clue about the culture of each country and make you learn much faster. Focusing on a work of art and practising more specific words and terms will make you learn faster and more dynamically.

Learn today the best Spanish-speaking painter, from Spanish contemporary painters to Latin American painters. Today we take an artistic stroll to remember and appreciate the most outstanding artists. Read on to find out who they are and why they are so well known.

Famous Spanish Painters from Spain

There are a few Spanish Baroque painters that we would like to highlight because of what they meant to the period and what they still influence today.

1. Diego Velázquez (1599-1660): ambassador of Spanish art par excellence, he painted for King Philip IV of Spain. He is the author of the emblematic paintings Las Meninas and Las Hilanderas, among others.

2. Francisco de Goya (1746-1828): his work extended beyond the Baroque period during Romanticism, and he is another essential artist in Spanish art. You will know him for his masterpiece La maja desnuda.

However, we would like to name some current and modern Spanish painters, we are sure you know some of them:

3. Joaquín Sorolla (1863-1923): a realist painter from an artistic family. He depicted light and the sea like no other, as shown in Los pescadores valencianos.

4. Pablo Picasso (1881-1973): the artist from Malaga needs no introduction as he is known worldwide. He brought about an artistic revolution in the 20th century, with works such as Autorretrato and Las señoritas de Aviñón.

5. Salvador Dalí (1904-1989): for many, Dalí is the master of surrealism, for others he was simply a madman. Whatever the case, Dalí is world famous for the originality of his works, such as La persistencia de la memoria and Tristán e Isolda.

6. Ferran García Sevilla (1949- ): as a versatile and complete artist, in addition to being a painter he is also a sculptor, video artist and much more. He is a benchmark of contemporary abstract art in Spain.

7. Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1617-1682): his naturalistic style and delicacy can be seen in most of his religious paintings. We can appreciate his influence on later artists.

Outstanding Latin American Painters

The Latin American art scene is quite diverse and many of its artists are world-renowned. Pre-Columbian art was already an outstanding expression, but it began to show its full potential after the arrival of the Spaniards.

8. Frida Kahlo (Mexico, 1907-1954): Frida speaks for herself! The surrealist artist continues to influence us day after day. Her worldwide recognition doesn’t need an introduction, as all her self-portraits show.

9. Fernando Botero (Colombia, 1932- ): the Colombian artist uses bright colours in his paintings, which has attracted the attention of art lovers and followers. He is also a sculptor and draughtsman, a very complete artist!

10. Oswaldo Guayasamín (Ecuador, 1919-1999): a painter noted for his depiction of human suffering and tragedy. His expressionist dark art has earned him a place among the world’s leading 20th century artists due to the quality of his masterpieces.

11. Wifredo Lam (Cuba, 1902-1982): if you are looking for a fusion of Caribbean art with surrealism and cubism, this artist will surprise you.

12. Guillermo Kuitca (Argentina, 1961- ): this famous Argentinean painter and engraver specialises in abstract and expressive art. He likes to represent issues of current importance such as space, memory and identity.

13. Carlos Mérida (Guatemala, 1891-1984): his Guatemalan painter and muralist was appreciated for the modern expression of his works. He is considered one of the best Latin American painters.

14. Fernando de Szyszlo (Peru, 1925-2017): born in Lima, this artist is still an influential painter and benchmark for abstract art in Latin America today.

iScribo & Culture

Learning a language is not only about mastering the grammar, it also means learning the culture of the countries where it is spoken. Whether it is musical, literary or artistic expression, iScribo introduces you to the most important cultural figures in the Spanish-speaking world.

To practice and improve your written Spanish you can use our tool, as it improves your writing in real time.

Today we have introduced you to the most influential and famous Spanish-speaking painters, do you particularly like someone we haven’t mentioned? Tell us in the comments.

Categories
Culture around Spanish language

Dream Vacation: What to See in Peru in 7 Days

iscribo-holidayinperuspanish-blogimage
Vacaciones de Ensueño: Qué Ver en Perú en 7 Días | iScribo

iScribo has the answer when people wonder about what most amazing places are to visit in Peru. This country is full of wonders from north to south and from east to west. If you are looking for adventure, nature and history for your holiday, we have the dream vacation for you which includes a complete Peru holiday itinerary.

What to do in Peru for a week? Find your flight, buy it and start planning the most beautiful routes with our guide on what to see in Peru in 7 days. iScribo shows you unique places to visit in Peru, a natural paradise that will not leave you indifferent. If you have 7 days in the country, apart from the time you spend flying, we suggest an itinerary with the highlights.

Day 1 – Lima

Lima is one of Peru’s main cities to visit. The capital will provide you with rich gastronomy and culture.

Visit the historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can explore the colonial buildings such as the Plaza Mayor, the cathedral, the Palacio del Gobierno and the Palacio Arzobispal.

If you are a bohemian, you cannot miss the Barranco neighbourhood with its picturesque streets and lively nights. There you can also visit the Ermita and the Puente de los Suspiros.

Delight in Peruvian history at the Museo de la Nación, one of the main attractions to see in Peru.

Do you like the beach? Head to the Miraflores district and visit Huaca Pucllana, an impressive archaeological museum.

Day 2 – Cusco

In the very heart of the Peruvian Andes, Cusco is one of the most beautiful and impressive places to visit in Peru for its Inca architecture and history.

Visit the Plaza de Armas with the cathedral and the church of the Compañía de Jesús. Visit the Templo del Sol, known as Coricancha. It is an Inca temple destroyed during the Spanish conquest.

For a panoramic view of the city, head to Sacsayhuaman, an Inca fortress. Don’t miss the central market of San Pedro.

Day 3 – Valle Sagrado de los Incas

It goes from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Visit the villages of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, Chinchero and the salt mines of Maras.

The combination of landscapes and cultures will surprise you. Don’t hesitate to get lost in its streets and discover the immense beauty of nature.

Day 4 – Machu Picchu

Visiting Machu Picchu is a must if you travel to Peru. Discover the legends and mystery that surround this citadel, which is the iconic archaeological destination per se. This wonder of the modern world, more than two kilometres above sea level, features a striking stone structure called Intihuatana, a ceremonial site for the Incas.

Day 5 – Cusco

Return to the city of Cusco from Aguas Calientes and finish seeing what you haven’t had time to see, which is sure to be a lot – this city has a lot to see!

Explore nearby archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo and Tambomachay, you won’t regret it.

Day 6 – Arequipa

Known as the White City because of the type of stone used in its buildings, in Arequipa you can visit (once again) the Plaza de Armas with its Renaissance and Baroque cathedral.

Visit the Santa Catalina monastery and the Yanahuara viewpoint, where you will see the Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu volcanoes.

Finally, visit the underground city of Sabandía, built to protect itself from pirates.

Day 7 – Colca Canyon

Did you know that one of the deepest canyons in the world is located here? The Colca Canyon is worth a visit! Here you can admire the majestic condor. So accustomed is it to this landscape that it gives its name to the viewpoint of the Cruz del Condor.

iScribo & Culture

If you have time to spare or you have decided to cut out some of the visits we have suggested about what to see in Peru in 7 days, consider doing the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, you will discover unique landscapes that end in the great citadel. iScribo enjoys the culture of all Spanish-speaking countries and our tool is adapted so that, whatever Spanish you write, you do it the right way. Have you tried it yet? Tell us about it in the comments.

Categories
Culture around Spanish language

The 24 Best Spanish Songs to Learn the Language

iscribo-songstolearnspanish-blogimage
Las 24 Mejores Canciones Para Aprender Español | iScribo

Learning Spanish through songs can be the best way to improve your language skills. In addition, it’s possible to learn Spanish by music provide you with a fun experience, which can be an interesting way to pass the time in the summer.

From learning new vocabulary and expressions to differentiating accents from different countries, iScribo provides you with a list of the best Spanish songs to learn the language. Open your favourite music player and create a playlist to get you through the summer to discover how to learn Spanish by listening to music.

Songs to Help Learn Spanish

From the most recent to old Spanish songs that have set trends, Spain has been exporting talent since forever. It’s not all flamenco or the famous reggaeton imported from Latin America, here you can find several Spanish songs for beginners.

1. Eres tú by the group Mocedades: this song from the 60s is a Spanish classic that you’ll still hear among the people today.

2. Con su blanca palidez by Cristina y Los Stop: this Spanish version from the early 70s will give you a lot of play as you can compare it with its original English version.

3. Mi gran noche by Raphael: there is no artist more iconic than the great Raphael. There is no party today without this song.

4. La lista de la compra by María Jiménez & La Cabra Mecánica: to get you into a bit of culture, enjoy this song that fuses pop and flamenco.

5. Bulería by David Bisbal: entertaining song that will make you dance, plus, it’s very summery.

6. Y, ¿Si fuera ella? by Alejandro Sanz: we can’t make a list without Spain’s most influential singer. He still fills concert halls all over the country.

7. A mi manera by Siempre Así: another song to compare with English and to learn about Spanish culture.

8. La Flaca by Jarabe de Palo: this song by Pau Donés, leader of the band, will teach you Spanish from Spain with a Latin twist. We invite you to listen to more of this iconic Spanish band.

9. París by La Oreja de Van Gogh: you can learn Spanish by listening any song from this iconic band.

10. Maquillaje by Mecano: impossible to forget the music of Mecano in the eighties and nineties. This group fought for gender equality and LGTBI+ rights when no one else was doing so. Full of positive vibes!

Mexican Songs to Learn

The variety of Mexican music genres ranges from mariachi, bolero and huapango to the most traditional Mexican music.

11. Bésame mucho by Consuelo Velázquez: it crossed borders and became an international hit.

12. La llorona by Ángela Aguilar: there are many versions, each one more beautiful.

13. Vivir sin aire by Maná: this group has one of the best drummers in the world and their music is enjoyed all over the world.

14. Amor eterno by Juan Gabriel: another artist who has achieved worldwide glory.

15. La Bamba by Ritchie Valens: you probably know it, so we couldn’t resist including it in this list for obvious reasons.

Music in Colombia

Colombia is an iconic country in terms of current songs to learn Spanish because of the amount of talent it exports around the world.

16. Hawái by Maluma: this Colombian artist has even sung with Madonna.

17. La camisa negra by Juanes: this is one of the easiest Spanish songs to learn, it is often used in teaching. Take advantage and listen to this great artist with his activist lyrics.

18. Dónde están los ladrones by Shakira: you know her more than enough but it’s worth learning Spanish with her first albums, you won’t regret it.

19. Vida de rico by Camilo: Camilo mixes rhythms and teaches you Spanish in a respectful and beautiful way.

20. La gota fría by Carlos Vives: we love Carlos’ rhythm and positive vibe, don’t miss it.

Other Talents in Latin America

All over Latin America there is unparalleled talent and rhythm, did you know? Maybe it’s the joy of its people or their philosophy of life, but you can’t miss out on everything they bring us:

21. Te extraño, te olvido y te amo by Ricky Martin: the Puerto Rican artist is an icon from the beginning of the century.

22. Torero by Chayanne: this legendary song by the Puerto Rican singer is still heard today.

23. La vida es un carnaval by Celia Cruz: nobody better than the Cuban artist to show us the joy of living.

24. Flaca by Andrés Calamaro: we already loved him with his group Los Rodríguez. This Argentinian artist has made us enjoy music since we were little.

iScribo & Culture

Enrique Iglesias, Bomba Estéreo, Luis Miguel, J Balvin, Marc Anthony, Aitana and so on. We could spend hours talking about our favourite artists. Nobody better than all of them to learn Spanish by music. These songs cover different genres and styles, enjoy them while you learn. Don’t forget to look up their translations and compare them with their English versions, if available. iScribo brings you these songs representing different eras and styles, do you know how to write them? Try our tool and let us know what you think.

Categories
Culture around Spanish language

32 Most Common Names in Latin America & Spain

iscribo-namesinspanish-blogimage
32 Nombres más Comunes de Personas en Español | iScribo

A part of the culture of each country is hidden behind the names of its inhabitants. The etymology behind the most common names in Latin America and Spain can tell you about the history of not only each country, but of each people.

Over the centuries we can see that the most common given names in Spain vary very little and that even today we still prefer to be traditional and preserve the culture that defines us.

There are some organisations that help you to know the history of each name or surname so that you can learn a little more about your origins or those of a person important to you. Sit down and read today’s article about the identity of people in Spain and Latin America.

Common Male Names in Spain

As time goes by, we see that most common first names in Spain are repeated almost year after year and through generations. Although we are in a time when foreign names are on the rise, most families still choose to preserve the exclusive and original identity of their origins:

1. Antonio: there is no Spanish family without an Antonio! However, its feminine variant, Antonia, is not so common.

2. Manuel: in regions such as Andalusia, this name is poetry.

3. José: biblical names are still a classic.

4. Francisco: a name that accompanies great Spanish literary figures, such as Francisco de Quevedo.

5. David: has gained ground in recent years to enter the list of the top ten most popular names for men.

6. Juan: as with our number one, there is no family that does not have a Juan among its members.

7. Javier: a mixture of phonemes in a singular name.

8. Hugo: nothing traditional about it but has become very fashionable.

Most Popular Female Names Spain

The most frequent names for women in Spain have evolved further since many of the traditional names have negative connotations because they are derived from the patron virgins of each municipality.

9. María: I’m sure you’ve guessed this one. The explanation is that, at the time of baptism, the priests “advised” that girls should have this name, now it’s just a tradition.

10. Carmen: a name that is becoming more and more common among Spanish girls.

11. Ana: a very international and beautiful name.

12. Laura: names with diphthongs add a musical rhythm that makes you fall in love.

13. Isabel: it seems a bit obvious because of the historical background.

14. Sofia: royalty made it fashionable.

15. Pilar: the patron saint of Spain gives her name to many girls in the country.

16. Dolores: traditional name par excellence that gave rise to the diminutive Lola, widely used internationally.

Most Popular Boy Names in Latin America

It is difficult to generalise when talking about Latin America, as it is made up of many countries in a vast territory, but here is a list of common names found in many Spanish-speaking countries in the New World.

17. Carlos: exported from Spanish royalty, very common in many countries.

18. Luis: a name with a diphthong that adds a sweet rhythm to any man who bears it.

19. Alejandro: an international name with a very powerful meaning.

20. Miguel: usually passed down from father to son in a gesture of tradition and tenderness.

21. Pedro: biblical name that identifies a multitude of boys in Latin America.

22. Fernando: very common combined with another middle name.

23. Eduardo: name coming from the Spanish high society and very widespread in the New World.

24. Joaquín: at last, a name with a hiatus makes it to the lists.

Common Names for Women in Latin America

Many of the most common names for women in Latin America coincide with those in Spain, nevertheless we have been a little more poetic so that you can understand the diversity of Latin America:

25. Carolina: an international name in its Spanish variant.

26. Andrea: although in some Mediterranean countries it is used as a masculine name, in Spanish it is a woman’s name.

27. Gabriela: like other names on the list, it is imported from Spanish high society.

28: Natalia: very popular name, especially in the southern countries.

29: Valentina: imported from Italy.

30. Patricia: name with a catchy rhythm.

31. Daniela: there is also the masculine variant, Daniel, very extended that could be easily added to the male list.

32. Jessica: most probably influenced by the United States.

iScribo in Cultural Diversity

Many names in Spain and Latin America are combined to form compound names, such as José Antonio or Ana María. A long time ago, people of a higher social status would name their kids with up to seven names, that’s right, seven! One was the name they wanted to give the baby, followed by the name of the father or mother, grandfather or grandmother, priest who baptised the baby, godfather or godmother and even an uncle or aunt.

This also coincides with the compound surnames that are still used today by people with noble titles. iScribo embraces the cultural diversity of Spanish. Our tool detects different registers and corrects your documents according to your linguistic needs. Have you tried it yet? Tell us about it in the comments.

Categories
Culture around Spanish language

16 Useful Phrases for Shopping in Spanish

iscribo-shoppinginspanish-blogimage
16 Frases Útiles Para Ir de Compras en Español | iScribo

Shopping in Spanish language is a fun experience. Every trip should include a shopping day strolling through boutiques to discover what’s hot in the country you’re in these days.

Travelling with friends? Even better, a great day of shopping is always more rewarding if it is shared. At iScribo today we teach you some useful phrases for shopping in Spanish with a guide to help you succeed in a funny day after tourism. Mind the planet! Don’t forget to shop sensibly.

Useful Spanish Shopping Words

1. ¿Dónde se encuentra la tienda de deportes?

(Where is the sports shop?) Or the perfume shop, your favourite fashion shop… It doesn’t matter, you can always change the noun to suit your tastes.

2. Buenas tardes, ¿tienen este pantalón en la talla cuarenta?

(Good afternoon, do you have this pair of trousers in size forty?) Replace the trousers by any other garment or accessory and by your size. Also, remind to convert the size with an accurate chart, sizes differ from countries.

3. Disculpe, ¿esta camiseta está en color rojo?

(Excuse me, is this T-shirt in red?) Choose your favourite colour and the garment you like the most.

4. ¿Me puede indicar dónde se encuentra la sección de caballero?

(Can you tell me where the men’s section is?) Or women’s, children’s, accessories… You have a range of possibilities depending on what you most need or what you are looking for.

5. ¿Dónde está el probador?

(Where is the fitting room?) Of course! You should check that the garment fits you well because when you finish your holidays it will be difficult to return it.

To Be Fashionable

6. ¿Qué accesorios se llevan esta temporada por aquí?

(What accessories are in season around here?) Dress like the locals! There’s nothing more fun for a tourist than immersing yourself in the culture of the country you’re in.

7. Busco unos zapatos que combinen con todo.

(I look for shoes that go with everything.) Sometimes the simplest thing is the most practical. You can apply this philosophy to any country.

8. ¿Qué me recomienda que me lleve?

(What do you recommend I take?) There are times when it is difficult to choose or you just don’t feel like it. Let yourself be carried away by the recommendations of the shop staff, you won’t regret it.

9. Necesito un sombrero pequeño, ¿dónde puedo encontrarlo?

(I need a small hat, where can I find one?) Don’t forget that the sun is treacherous in the summer months and protect your head from sunstroke.

Let’s Be Practical

10. Perdone, ¿cuándo empiezan las rebajas?

(Excuse me, when do the sales start?) Of course, the summer sales are to be taken advantage of, so find out when the shops have wonderful discounts.

11. Este pantalón, ¿lo tienen que tela más fina?

(Do you have other trousers with a thinner fabric?) Don’t be surprised by the summer heat with a fabric that is not appropriate for this season.

12. ¿Cuánto cuesta este artículo?

(How much does this item cost?) More than useful information.

13. ¿Se puede pagar con tarjeta o tiene que ser en efectivo?

(Can I pay by card or do I have to pay in cash?) Find out about payment methods to avoid last-minute surprises.

14. ¿Puedo probarme esta prenda?

(Can I try on this garment?) For hygienic reasons, there are items that you cannot try on, so it is better to ask before you make a mistake.

15. ¿Me puede dar el recibo?

(Can I have the receipt?) Many people call it a ‘tique’, which is a synonym for receipt. You will need it if you regret what you have bought or if you have tried it on again and you are not convinced.

16. Muchas gracias por su ayuda.

(Thank you very much for your help.) When you help us with our purchases, you are making our task easier than we think. Always be kind, you will see that the results are better and there is nothing like making someone’s day.

iScribo and the Correct Use of Spanish

Speaking and writing well in Spanish is essential wherever you are to preserve and spread the good use of the language. There is nothing more gratifying than a long day of shopping knowing that you have used the language as it deserves to be used. These are small, everyday tests that encourage you. Writing and speaking Spanish well is in your hands. Try our Spanish spelling and grammar checker. It also suggests improvements and synonyms, so you can learn as you write. Use it with any type of document and Spanish register, you will see that its results will surprise you. Have you tried it yet? Before you go, can you tell us in which Spanish-speaking countries you have been shopping?

Categories
Culture around Spanish language

20 Tips In Spanish For Going to a Restaurant

iscribo-restaurantinspanish-blogimage
20 Consejos en Español Para Ir a Un Restaurante | iScribo

Whether it is for business or pleasure, when visiting a country, going to a local restaurant is highly recommended, sometimes even mandatory. Do you want to go to a restaurant? There are phrases to order in a restaurant in Spanish that can be key to a completely satisfactory experience.

Language problems can lead to miscommunication and, therefore, an unpleasant situation that could have been avoided.

Read on to discover some tips on how to order food in a restaurant in Spanish so you only have to worry about preparing for your trip. Discard and avoid all the unnecessary stress of being in a foreign country and stepping out of your comfort zone. Eating abroad can be an unforgettable experience as many of the memories we create often come from the cuisine.

First Steps

Do you wonder how to ask for something at a restaurant in Spanish? Decide what type of restaurant you want to visit – you can ask someone who has already traveled to that country or friends you know who live there.

1. ¿Qué restaurante me recomiendas?

(Which restaurant do you recommend?)

2. ¿Hay algún restaurante cerca que sirva comida típica?

(Is there a restaurant nearby that serves typical food?)

Once you know where to go, we are going to give you some tips on booking a table in a restaurant in Spanish as you don’t want to wait, sometimes a long time, for the terrace to become free:

3. Me gustaría reservar una mesa para hoy a las 20 horas para tres personas.

(I would like to reserve a table for today at 8 pm for three people.)

4. La reserva es a nombre de Pedro Martín y mi número de teléfono es 123 456 789. Gracias.

(The reservation is in the name of Pedro Martin and my telephone number is 123 456 789. Thank you.)

Once at the Restaurant

5. Buenas tardes, tengo una reserva a mi nombre.

(Good afternoon, I have a reservation in my name.) This way you won’t have to wait for an available table.

6. ¿Nos puede traer agua mineral, por favor?

(Can you bring us some mineral water, please?) Water is a must for a meal.

7. ¿Tiene la carta de vinos?

(Do you have the wine menu?) If you wonder how to order how to order in a restaurant, think first that there is nothing more typical than accompanying a meal with a good local wine.

8. ¿Cuáles son las especialidades de la casa?

(What are the house specialties?) You’ll want to try the local specialties.

9. ¿Tienen algo fuera de carta?

(Do you have anything off the menu?) The local market always surprises the locals with some fresh product to prepare something special that day.

During the Meal

10. ¿Puede traernos otra botella de vino?

(Can you bring us another bottle of wine?) Conversations and after-food conversation in Spain, for example, can last a long time!

11. ¿Podría pedirle otro plato para acompañar este?

(May I ask for another dish to go with this one?) Don’t leave with an empty stomach…

12. Perdone, ¿sería posible pedir este plato sin cebolla?

(Excuse me, would it be possible to order this dish without onions?) Most restaurants adapt to the tastes and needs of the diners.

13. ¿Cuál es el postre típico de la zona?

(What is the typical dessert of the area?) Try what they recommend, it is always the best.

14. ¿Nos puede dar la carta de postres?

(Can you give us the dessert menu?) You will surely find some homemade liqueur to go with your favorite sweets.

15. ¿Tienen café descafeinado?

(Do you have decaffeinated coffee?) Maybe you don’t need more energy for the rest of the day.

Before you Go

16. Muchas gracias por todo, la comida estaba buenísima.

(Thank you very much for everything, the food was great). A good meal in the best company is always appreciated.

17. ¿Nos puede traer la cuenta, por favor?

(Can we have the bill, please?) The most unpleasant part of a meal… isn’t it?

18. ¿Podemos pagar por separado?

(Can we split the bill, please?) A trendy thing to do.

19. ¿Podemos pagar con tarjeta?

(Can we pay by card?) The most convenient way to go out nowadays.

20. ¡Hasta la próxima, volveremos pronto!

(See you next time, we’ll be back soon!) There is nothing more satisfying for the restaurant than expressing gratitude. But, mind you, say it only if you really mean it and intend to come back, there is no need to lie.  

iScribo and the Diversity of Spanish

Bear in mind that each Spanish-speaking country is different, so when it’s time to go to a restaurant, think that the vocabulary of a restaurant in Spanish varies from one area to another. For example, in Spain we call the person who works in the restaurant and serves the food “camarero/a” while in Venezuela they are called “mesero/a”.

Remember to always ask and communicate with kindness no matter what country you are in. Spanish-speaking countries generally make their living in the service sector, so the workload is usually high. iScribo helps you improve your written Spanish, which you can then practice speaking. And you, do you know more phrases to order in a restaurant in Spanish? Have you ever identified the difference in words from one Spanish-speaking country to another? Have you already tried iScribo? Tell us about it in the comments.

GET IT NOW
Sign up now

Want more Spanish tips?

Get them direct to your inbox

Sign up for tips and tricks to perfect your Spanish writing skills. You’ll be writing like a native in no time.

Free Trial until 30 September 2021: Our subscription programme does not start until 1 October 2021. So, as long as you provide us with a feedback you can use our site for free until noon 30 September 2021 (GMT)