Say NO to translation
Removing the translation component from your language studies and habits is crucial to gaining proficiently in any language. Word-to-word translations from one language to another prohibit a truly stream-of-consciousness thought process that allows for seamless communication between individuals and groups. Switching back and forth between two languages isn’t necessarily the
¿Tienes confianza o confidencia?
How do we say “confidence” in Spanish? Is it “confianza” or “confidencia”? Well, it depends on what we mean to say; both words have very different meanings. Let’s take a look: Confianza: We use this word to talk about our trust or belief in ourselves or someone else, or
Una “agencia de colección”
En español existen tres verbos para el verbo to collect en inglés: colectar, recolectar y coleccionar. Asimismo, tenemos tres sustantivos relacionados con estos verbos: la colecta (collect), la recolección (gather, harvest, collect, raise [money]) y la colección (collection). Además hay un falso amigo del verbo to collect relacionado con el dinero:
Tres traducciones de “race”
(1) RACE AS RAZA When used in reference to a person’s lineage or genetic group, we translate “race” as “raza”: Las prácticas culturales varían notablemente entre las personas de diferentes razas. Cultural practices vary greatly among people belonging to different races. En Nueva York viven personas de muchas razas, culturas y
Tres traducciones de “to brush”
(1) TO BRUSH AS CEPILLAR When we use this term to describe using a brush to clean something or someone or to groom someone’s hair, we translate “to brush” as “cepillar”: Siempre cepilla sus botas antes y después de montar a caballo. He always brushes his boots before and after
Expresiones con la palabra “luz”
A buena luz: thoughtfully, after some reflection. A la luz de: in light of. A primera luz: at first light, at the break of dawn. A todas luces: to do something with confidence and certainty. Bombilla, bombita: light bulb. Brillar con luz propia: to stand out on your own, to succeed.
“Severe” doesn’t mean “severo”
When you first see or hear the Spanish word “severo” you immediately think to yourself “oh, it must mean “severe”! They are spelled and pronounced almost identically.” Well, in fact that’s where the similarities stop; their meanings are quite different. “Severo” is an adjective that we use to describe the
Tres traducciones de “pintar”
(1) PINTAR AS TO PAINT When we talk about the process of creating a work of art by using paint, brushes, or other techniques, or covering a surface with paint, we translate “pintar” as “to paint”: Goya comienza a pintar en Zaragoza como aprendiz de José Luzán. Goya starts painting in
Expresiones con la palabra “orden”
¡A la/su orden!: At your service! You’re welcome! (Conceder) la orden de: (to grant) a military or civil honor for services rendered. Del orden de: approximately. El orden del día: items to be discussed at a meeting or assembly. Estar a la orden del día: to be in vogue, something