The Spanish Compass: Learn Spanish for English Speaker

If you’re learning Spanish, you’ve probably heard about the subjunctive mood —and maybe it sounds intimidating. Don’t worry! The subjunctive is simply a way to express wishes, doubts, emotions, and uncertainty . Understanding it early will help you speak and write more naturally in Spanish. In this guide, we’ll introduce the subjunctive mood in very basic terms , with examples, tips, and beginner-friendly explanations. What is the Subjunctive Mood? In English, we usually just use one verb form, like “I go” or “I eat.” Spanish, however, has different moods , which are ways to express the speaker’s attitude toward an action: Indicative: States facts (e.g., “I eat breakfast every day”). Subjunctive: Expresses wishes, doubts, emotions, or possibilities (e.g., “I hope he eats breakfast”). Think of the subjunctive as a way to talk about things that are not certain or that you want to happen . When to Use the Subjunctive Here are the most common situations where the subjunc...

Learning Spanish can be exciting, but small words like “pero” and “sino” often confuse learners. Both words translate roughly to “but” in English, but they are used in different contexts . Misusing them can change the meaning of a sentence entirely. In this guide, we’ll explain the differences, provide examples, and give tips so you can use pero vs. sino correctly every time. The Difference Between “Pero” and “Sino” 1. Pero – “But” for Contrast Pero is the most common way to say “but” in Spanish. Use it to contrast two ideas , without negating the first one. Examples: Quiero ir al cine, pero estoy cansado. (I want to go to the movies, but I’m tired.) Me gusta el chocolate, pero prefiero el helado. (I like chocolate, but I prefer ice cream.) Key point: Pero is used to add a contrasting idea, not to correct a previous statement. 2. Sino – “But Rather / Instead” Sino is used when the first part of the sentence is negated , and you want to correct or replace ...

One of the first things you learn in any language is how to describe what exists around you. In Spanish, expressing “there is” and “there are” is a fundamental skill that opens the door to describing people, objects, places, and situations. In this guide, we’ll break down the grammar, usage, and examples of “there is” (hay) and “there are” (hay) in Spanish, so you can use them naturally in conversation. The Basics: “Hay” = There Is / There Are In Spanish, the verb hay is used for both singular and plural nouns. This makes it simpler than English because you don’t need a separate word for “there is” versus “there are.” Examples: Singular (There is): Hay un libro en la mesa. Translation: There is a book on the table. Plural (There are): Hay tres sillas en la sala. Translation: There are three chairs in the living room. Tip: The form of hay never changes—it’s always the same, regardless of singular or plural nouns. When to Use “Hay” Describing ...

Learning Spanish can be exciting—but some words can be tricky, especially when they look similar but have opposite meanings. Two of these words are “también” and “tampoco.” Understanding how to use them correctly is essential for expressing agreement, disagreement, and adding emphasis in conversation. In this guide, we’ll explain the difference, provide clear examples, and give practical tips for using these words like a native speaker. The Basics: What Do “También” and “Tampoco” Mean? También = “also” or “too” (used to agree positively) Tampoco = “neither” or “not…either” (used to agree negatively) Think of them as two sides of the same coin: one adds agreement, and the other agrees in a negative sense. How to Use “También” “También” is used when you want to agree with a positive statement or add something positive. Examples: Positive Agreement Person A: Me gusta el chocolate. (I like chocolate.) Person B: ¡A mí también! (Me too!) Adding Inform...