Category: Writing in Spanish

Categories
Writing in Spanish

7 Useful Tips When Trying to Learn Spanish Online

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When attempting to learn Spanish, you should be enthusiastic and

have the drive to succeed.

The following are some helpful tips on your journey, learning Spanish:

Tip #1: A lack of time is not an acceptable excuse

There’s a common justification for individuals who don’t learn Spanish but wish they could. They claim they don’t have enough time to learn, study, and exercise. Well, it’s just an excuse… 

You don’t have to sit down and spend hours studying Spanish and performing exercises all the time. There are hundreds of online tutorials that include audio content. 

Whilst waiting for a bus or working out you could listen to your favourite audio course on your MP3 device or CD player. It’s that easy.

For a change, switch to a Spanish channel and attempt to figure out the meaning of the words and phrases you hear. Get a Spanish magazine or browse a Spanish website, for example.

So, don’t create any excuses. Even if you don’t have much time, you can study Spanish online.

Moving on to Tip #2: Learn the fundamentals

Many individuals begin studying hundreds of Spanish words and phrases to become Spanish vocabulary experts… but guess what? 

When they speak Spanish with someone, they only employ a tiny proportion of their vocabulary. I believe it is more important to study and understand the fundamental words or phrases, as well as their grammar and pronunciation. 

Then, if you choose, you can go on to study the remaining thousands of Spanish words.

Sometimes, teachers attempt to teach you old-fashioned Spanish, grammatical rules that can be not enough when speaking Spanish. You must learn current Spanish. 

Learn the fundamental words and phrases, master their pronunciation and writing norms, and only then will you be able to extend your vocabulary.

Tip #3: Avoid worrying about the Spanish language

What I mean is that you shouldn’t be concerned with why the Spanish language and words are written, formed, or spoken the way they are. 

Leave it alone. 

That’s the way it is. You can’t call the language’s origins or definitions into dispute. You could, but it will not help you learn Spanish. 

So don’t ask yourself, your tutors, or your Spanish lover why a word is spoken or written a certain way, or what the meaning of a specific word or phrase is, and so on.

Concentrate on acquiring the language in its current form. Don’t spend your time debating the wordings.

Tip #4: Of course, motivation is key

Okay, so you’re driven and excited when you start studying Spanish online. But what happens after a few weeks?

If you start losing interest in learning Spanish, plan a vacation to Spain or a Spanish-speaking nation, or if you can’t afford it, try visiting a Spanish-speaking neighbourhood, a Spanish market, or a Spanish restaurant. 

This will be beneficial to you and will encourage your drive to continue learning and studying.

You might perhaps look for a Spanish-speaking partner or a buddy who speaks Spanish well.

This should greatly urge you to keep going and learning Spanish. If you have a Spanish-speaking friend or lover you will notice a significant improvement in your ability to acquire Spanish words or phrases.

And if that person cares about you, he or she will make an effort to enhance your self-esteem and keep you going. 

When it comes to learning Spanish, it’s all about the drive.

Let us now move on to tip #5: You have every right to make errors

I encourage you to make as many errors as possible. And then create more, and more, and more. After that, please feel free to create even more errors. If you want to study Spanish online, this is the easiest method to get started. 

However, there is a catch. You must be able to admit and learn from your errors. And try not to make the same errors over and over again.

If you start making errors when speaking Spanish, writing a sentence in Spanish, or trying to pronounce anything in Spanish and realize you made a mistake, your brain recalls that mistake and it’s simpler for you not to make that mistake again.

So, please don’t be discouraged if you make errors when learning Spanish. That’s how it works.

Tip #6: Pretend you’re a parrot

You should, without a doubt. Parrots, these amazing birds, have a very great memory because they can reproduce what they hear and pronounce it the way they hear it. 

When attempting to learn Spanish, acting like a parrot will be beneficial. 

Begin by imitating.

Remember the Spanish lover or buddy I mentioned? Imitate your friend’s pronunciation and how he or she employs Spanish words or phrases.

If you go to a Spanish market or a Spanish restaurant, pay attention to how the Spanish-speaking individuals use the language.

Interacting with fluent Spanish speakers and behaving like a parrot is a valuable skill if you use self-learning techniques.

And last Tip #7: Find the Right Lesson

Finally, if you are interested in studying Spanish online and want to purchase some interactive courses, you should be aware that not all classes are created equal.

They all employ distinct strategies and approaches. 

And not all strategies are appropriate for everyone. So it’s best to try them first, then evaluate whether it’s the correct lesson or method for you… and then go on. Alternatively, you can use iScribo, it will make you write like a professional Spanish speaker or at the very least, not like a fool.

Categories
Writing in Spanish

5 Rules to Learn the Use of Commas in Spanish

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The use of commas in Spanish is not an easy task to perform, in fact, many Spanish speakers find it difficult to use them correctly. People often worry if they are using commas correctly, but if your answer is ‘sometimes’, we recommend you to read this guide to learn a little about when to use a comma in Spanish.

Let’s start with the basics: punctuation marks

The comma is a punctuation mark (,) that usually indicates a short pause in a sentence. Now, learn some rules to use it properly and master the comma in Spanish grammar.

Rule 1: Never use a comma between subject and verb

Yes, you heard it right. This is a very common mistake when translating from English to Spanish as it is frequently used in English. As the Fundéu says, this is a criminal comma.

Rule 2: Use a comma after a vocative

A vocative is a noun that we use to call or name the speaker. Don’t forget to use the comma even if it is a short sentence: Hola, Pedro, te echo de menos (Hey, Pedro, I miss you).

Rule 3: Use a comma after an interjection

Interjections are words that are used to express feelings, reactions or sounds that we want to imitate. It is very important not to forget the comma in these cases: Ay, me he hecho daño en la pierna (Ouch, I hurt my leg).

Rule 4: Use a comma to separate elements of the same sentence

This is perhaps one of the easiest rules of punctuation, but… It’s also tricky! Never use a comma when the elements are complete in a sentence, as the last element is introduced by a conjunction (y, e, o, u, ni): No le gusta el fútbol, el baloncesto ni el tenis (He doesn’t like football, basketball or tennis).

Rule 5: Use a comma when circumstantial complements precede the verb

This rule applies to simple sentences unless they are very short: En esos campos de pasto, los días eran idílicos (In those grassy fields, the days were idyllic), but En tu casa no puedo dormir (I can’t sleep in your house). Note that if what precedes the verb is any other complement, such as direct, indirect, regulative, etc., a comma should never be used: Muy contento estás tú (I can tell you feel very happy).

How difficult is to use punctuation marks!

Yes, we know. Punctuation marks, particularly the use of commas, are among the most difficult elements of a language to master. But, if you do manage to master them, along with prepositions, you can consider yourself a bilingual Spanish speaker. Don’t give up! iScribo is here for you to improve your writing while learning Spanish grammar properly.

Categories
Writing in Spanish

The Best Phrases to Use When Writing a Letter in Spanish

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Letter writing has been around in one form or another ever since the days of the first cloth parchment paper. In recent times, we’ve seen it go digital in the form of email and text. Despite advances in technology, however, there are still precious few people who know how to write a well-structured, professional email – especially in another language like Spanish.

It’s a subtle art and an important skill to learn. Essential to becoming such a multilingual person of letters is to understand that there are differences in what words to use depending on the formality of the letter. We’ve compiled a guide to help overcome these obstacles – one that provides the best phrases for writing a letter in Spanish.

Informal letters

Greetings

When writing a letter in Spanish, you’ll always start with a greeting. For informal letters, you can use any one of the two:

  • Hola: Similar to if you were casually greeting someone on the street in Spain, informal letters can begin with a simple hola. It translates very simply to ‘hi’, ‘hi there’, or ‘hey’ and is the most basic way to start an informal letter. An added bonus is that hola easy to remember because it doesn’t have any differences between masculine and feminine.
  • Querido/Querida: is slightly more formal than hola, but you wouldn’t use it in a formal letter. It translates as ‘dear’, but the adjective’s ending will depend on the gender of the person to whom you are writing. You can also use the plural form when writing to a group of people, such as ‘Mis queridos amigos’, or ‘My dear friends’.

Body text

For informal letters, it’s really up to the writer as to which phrases he or she wants to use. Setting a casual tone is fine, so feel free to say what you like. Here are some common phrases to consider:

  • Te escribo porque – I’m writing to you because…
  • ¿Cómo te va? – How are you doing?
  • Saluda a tu familia de I parte – Say hello to your family
  • Me alegró mucho recibir noticias tuyas – It was lovely to hear from you.
  • Espero que estés bien – Hope you’re doing well
  • Tanto tiempo sin hablarnos – Long time no talk

Valedictions

There are many more ways to end an informal Spanish letter than there are greetings. That aside, here are some of the most common ones:

  • Besos y abrazos: This is great when you want to say goodbye to a loved one, as it literally means ‘hugs and kisses.’ It’s also quite a common farewell at the end of English-language letters.
  • Afectuosamente: Similar to the above, afectuosamente is a loving farewell typically reserved for family and friends. It translates to ‘yours, affectionately’, and it’s traditional to finish the phrase with the name of the person sending the letter.
  • Saludos: This goodbye is useful in informal letters for people the writer isn’t close to, such as acquaintances. It simply means ‘greetings’ and finishes the letter off nicely.

Formal letters

For formal letters, it’s important to ensure your Spanish is perfect because it’s a reflection of the professionalism of the writer. Never use slang, and always double-check infinitives before sending.

Greetings

Similar to when drafting an informal letter, there are two main opening phrases you can use at the beginning. Choose between these formal Spanish phrases:

  • A quien pueda interesar: It’s best to use this phrase at the beginning of a letter when the recipient’s name is unknown. It translates to ‘to whom it may concern.’ It’s typically the easier option when feminine and masculine infinitives are confusing to the writer.
  • Estimado/Estimada: Although querido is an informal Spanish word for ‘dear’, estimado means the same thing but can also be used in formal letters. It’s best accompanied by señor or señora and then the recipient’s last name. Be sure to remember to use the correct ending for the recipient’s gender.

Body text

The phrases used in a formal letter will depend on the message the writer is trying to communicate. However, when in doubt it’s best to use usted instead of tú throughout the text to show the recipient respect. Here are some examples of popular formal Spanish phrases used in letters:

  • Adjunto encontrará – Enclosed you will find
  • Les escribo para informarles – I am writing to inform you (plural)
  • Quedo a la espera de sus noticias – I look forward to hearing from you
  • Por favor no dude en contactarme si necesita más información – Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information
  • Gracias por su asistencia con este asunto – Thank you for your assistance in this matter

Closing

There is a large selection of polite and professional farewells you can use to end a formal letter. Here are some of the most popular options:

  • Saludos cordiales: This farewell is best when you want to wish the recipient well. It translates to ‘warm regards’ and is one of the best ways to end a formal letter.
  • Atentamente/Cordialmente: Another polite way to end the letter is with this phrase, which means ‘yours sincerely’ or ‘yours faithfully’ and typically goes before the writer’s name.
  • Muchas gracias: And if you’d like to thank the recipient while signing off, use this phrase, which simply means ‘thank you very much.’

Informal and formal letter examples

Now it’s time to put these phrases together. Below are some examples you can use as a framework when writing a letter in Spanish:

Informal example

Spanish:

Hola, Jose:

Me alegró mucho recibir noticias tuyas. ¿Vas a la fiesta de cumpleaños de Patricia? ¡Me encantaría verte!

Besos y abrazos.

Óscar.

English:

Hey Jose,

It was lovely to hear from you. Are you going to Patricia’s birthday party? Would be great to see you!

Hugs and kisses,

Oscar

Formal example

Spanish:

Estimado Sr. González:

Gracias por su rápida respuesta. Adjunto encontrará una copia de la solicitud, junto a otros documentos informativos. Por favor no dude en contactar conmigo si necesita más información. Quedo a la espera de recibir noticias suyas tan pronto como le sea posible.

Atentamente.

Cecilia López.

The importance of letters

Writing a letter in Spanish doesn’t have to be difficult – and with the right words, it will always lead to success. However, there’s one principal thing to keep in mind if you’re trying to appear professional: it is vital to use formal Spanish phrases. If you employ the above recommendations, rest assured that you will do no wrong. So, break out that pen and paper and send a letter today with iScribo.

Categories
Writing in Spanish

Spanish Writing Guidelines for Beginners

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Do you want to learn how to write Spanish properly? 

Stuck with the blank screen syndrome?

Don’t worry, this small guide will tell you all you need to know about writing Spanish that gets compliments.

To write better Spanish hassle-free, you’ll need iScribo, an artificial intelligence (AI) language helper. 

Whether you need assistance with vocabulary, grammar, tone, or fluency, this tool is there to help.

The fundamentals to write Spanish properly

It doesn’t matter if you are starting from a beginner level of Spanish, an intermediate level, or an expert level and whether you are learning Spanish as a kid or an adult.

You must understand certain fundamentals to write Spanish properly.

Spelling

You can’t write if you don’t know the language’s orthography. Fortunately, Spanish has relatively consistent spelling conventions. 

Spelling out a Spanish word by sounding it out is relatively straightforward after you’ve learned the sounds for each letter. 

That being said, if you’re not sure how to spell a word, you may always ask: ¿Cómo se escribe? (How is it written?) or ¿Cómo se deletrea? (How is it spelt?).

You should be aware of the following common errors:

Is it Y or LL?

The letter “y” and the double-l (“ll”) are frequently pronounced the same way. However, it is a common mistake to confuse them in their spelling. We recommend that you memorise the spelling of these words to make them easier to use.

Is it C, Z, or S?

The letter S sounds like it does in English in European Spanish, but the letter C sounds like the “th” sound in English.” The issue is that the Z in Spain creates the same “th” sound as the Z in English. So, be cautious.

Grammar

To write properly, you must understand both your grammar and Spanish grammar. You’re halfway there if you know what a subject, verb, and complement are.

Capitalisation

The capitalisation rules differ from one language to the next. You don’t capitalise as much in Spanish as you do in English. 

Languages, for example, are not capitalised (e.g., español, inglés, italiano, francés, etc.). 

Proper nouns, country names, and so on must still be capitalised (for example, Francisco, Ana, España, Estados Unidos, Inglaterra, and so on).

Accents

There are no accents in English. As a result, native English speakers may find it difficult to adjust to Spanish accents. (e.g., tendrá, comerá, iré, etc.).

In Spanish, we use the accent, an oblique dash ‘, which appears on numerous words and is written (or not) following various syllabic norms.

To prevent blunders, you’ll need to master these guidelines.

Punctuation

Punctuation is an underappreciated aspect of the written language. 

Every language has its own set of norms and quirks. 

As a result, if you wish to write like a native, you need to be aware of this. 

Some tips to improving your Spanish writing skills

Strong writing abilities are required not just to ensure excellent written communication, but also to strengthen your spoken language. 

Although it is difficult to predict how long it will take to learn Spanish and how difficult it will be to learn this language.

By following these tips, you will undoubtedly enhance your Spanish abilities, particularly your written ones.

1. Begin by using brief sentences

Language acquisition, like everything else, is a protracted process that involves perseverance and self-acceptance. 

Trying to construct elaborate, extensive words at first will just confuse and demotivate you. 

Begin with short, basic phrases, then as you gain confidence, strive to make them longer and more complicated.

2. Look it up online

If you have any doubts, don’t be embarrassed: even native speakers have them! 

Checking the proper structure will help you memorize it so that the next time you will remember and apply it correctly right away! 

In addition to utilizing the Internet to do research, you should be aware that there are several effective online resources for learning and improving your Spanish.

3. Read it in Spanish

Reading is an excellent approach to development. You will encounter new grammatical structures and idioms, which you will be able to write down, examine, and then attempt to employ in your writing.

4. Double-check

It is critical to double-check grammar, punctuation, spelling, connectors, nouns, and verbs…

You must double-check everything, not only at the start (and not just while writing in Spanish!).

All of the tips given above may feel daunting, that’s when our tool iScribo comes in handy. So, take action NOW and start writing Spanish with confidence

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