Hola amigas y amigos!

Autumn is here! It’s freezing in Madrid! Marina found a funny Spanish phrase this morning, ‘Los únicos marrones que me gustan, son los del otoño’…

It looks like it means, the only brown colours I like, are the autumnal ones (the leaves, of course), but… did you know what else ’un marrón’ is?

It’s something which is a massive a pain in the neck! For example:

Me ha caído un marrón tremendo en el trabajo – I’ve been given a real nightmare to do at work

Tengo un marrón en casa, todos tienen la gripe y yo no puedo faltar al trabajo – Things are really tough at home, everyone has got ‘flu and I can’t miss work (You can also say, ‘tengo un marranazo en casa’ which sounds even more dramatic!)

Menudo marrón, me han pillado copiando en un examen – What a nightmare, I’ve been caught copying in an exam

So what’s the opposite of ‘un marrón’? how do you say something is really great? We asked our son, and he said, ‘¡Es la pera limonera!’

For example, ‘¡El parque de atracciones de Madrid es la pera limonera!’ – Madrid’s theme park is fantastic!

We looked up ‘pera limonera’ and found it is an actual type of pear. One Spanish fruit website I found made the following fantastic statement:

‘Las características de esta fruta, fresca, viva y positiva pero algo ácida y explosiva, también definen en cierta manera nuestra cultura española’ – The characteristics of this fruit, that it is fresh, alive and positive, but a little acidic and explosive, also define to a certain extent our Spanish culture’ – Spot on!

We’ve got a ‘pera limonera’ for you a week from today, on Monday November 5th, when the first of our brand new Advanced-level ’Notes in Spanish Conversations’ audios will be ready for you to listen to! We’ll be back with more details, more Real Spanish, and more big news, before the end of the week.

Until then, keep listening to our Real Spanish audios!

¡Un abrazo!

Ben y Marina

The photo at the top of this email: Autumn in Madrid’s Retiro Park, Palacio de Cristal, back in 2011, Via our Instagram feed.

The post Fun Autumn Spanish with Double Meaning! appeared first on Free Podcasts In Spanish - Learn Real Spanish With Notes in Spanish.

Vocab from this video:

Está en Babia, Está en las nubes, Está en su mundo, Está despistado – All mean: she/he is lost in his own thoughts, she/he’s in a dream

Es un despistado – she/he’s a dreamy person

Ha perdido el norte – she/he’s a bit lost

Big News! Notes in Spanish Conversations and The Real Spanish Archives report!

On Monday November 5th (this coming Monday!) we release the first episode of our new, weekly, Notes in Spanish Conversations podcast.

PLUS, we’ll be letting all our listeners know about a very special way to support our work, and how to get hold of the 18 page Real Spanish Archives report mentioned in the video – it’s great for ALL levels, Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.

How can I get the Real Spanish Archives report?

Stay tuned to our newsletter (you can sign up via this page if you haven’t already, and we’ll let you know first thing on Monday about how to get the report, how to listen to the new audios, and how to get the new transcripts. Not long now!

Who is the new ‘Notes in Spanish Conversations’ podcast for?

Advanced and Inspired intermediate listeners – If you are Advanced, these audios and the transcripts will help keep you at the highest level. If you are a higher level and Inspired Intermediate listener, the transcripts will help you get a LOT out of the new audios.

What will be in the transcripts?

These new transcripts include a full transcript of our conversation, and a special list we call ‘Real Essential Spanish’, where we pick out the most important real Spanish words and phrases from our conversation, what we feel you really need to know whatever your level.

How can I get the weekly transcripts?

We’ll let you know on Monday – we’re using a new system that will easily deliver the new transcripts for you week by week, to coincide with the new audios every Monday. So stay tuned! Whatever your level! All will be revealed on Monday!

The post 5 Great Spanish Phrases when you are lost in your thoughts… and ‘Conversations’ news! appeared first on Free Podcasts In Spanish - Learn Real Spanish With Notes in Spanish.

Photo: La Buena Vida – The good life in one of Andalusia’s pueblos blancos

[Download MP3]

Welcome to Notes in Spanish Conversations! Our Brand-New Weekly Real Spanish conversations for Advanced and Inspired Intermediate Spanish learners, designed to help you learn all the real Spanish you’ll never find in a classroom! A new episode every Monday!

Today, Ben and Marina discuss La Buena Vida, the good life in Spain – Spain’s version of Hygge – all the elements of Spanish life that lead to great happiness, from tapas to terrazas, long lunches, the sobremesa and more.

Important Information For Everyone! Transcripts, The 18-page ‘Real Spanish Archives’ Bonus, Subscribing and Listening Tips!

1. Become a Patron – Get the Transcripts – Support your Spanish and our work!

The new Notes in Spanish Conversations audios have new transcripts, including a full transcript of everything we say (so you miss nothing!), and a special list of ‘Real, Essential Spanish’ from the audio that we feel you must know (no matter what your level!)

We are delivering these weekly transcripts, in time with the weekly audios, via the popular crowd-support website Patreon.com. It’s widely used, and a fantastic way for our listeners to support our work and get our new transcripts (as well as other great Bonuses!)

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A PATRON AND GET THE WEEKLY TRANSCRIPTS!

2. Become a Patron, get the ‘Real Spanish Archives’ 18-page bonus!

We hope listeners of all levels will consider becoming a Notes in Spanish Patron even if you don’t need the transcripts right now, it’s a wonderful, innovative way to support our work (and your Spanish!)

Plus every Patron gets a copy of our brand new 18-page ‘Real Spanish Archives’ PDF report (the very best Real Spanish we’ve sent out over the last 12 years).

SEE THE VIDEO ON OUR PATRON PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS!

3. Subscribing to the new Conversations podcast in Apple Podcasts and other apps – Help us get the word out!

The new Notes in Spanish Conversations audios will be released weekly on Mondays and put out on a brand new podcast feed. (Episode 2 will be out on Monday November 12th)

If you haven’t subscribed yet:

– Subscribe to the Podcast in Apple Podcasts/iTunes – And do leave us a review in Apple Podcasts/iTunes if you can, it’ll help get the word out!

– Search for ‘Notes in Spanish Conversations’ in your favourite podcast app

– Here’s the raw RSS feed if you want to enter it manually: http://nisconversations.libsyn.com/rss

4. Tips on How to Use the Notes in Spanish Conversations Audio

Advanced Learners: Listen to the audio the whole way through. Listen again with the transcript to make sure you don’t miss a thing, and to be sure you know all the ‘Real, Essential Spanish’ we outline in the second part of the transcript, it’s really important at your level.

Inspired Intermediate Learners: Don’t panic if the Spanish feels really challenging! It should! Listen to the Spanish conversation, ideally with the transcript – we promise that no matter how challenging this may seem, this ‘real immersion’, with the transcript to help, is the best possible thing you can do for your Spanish!

As Kathleen said about our previous advanced conversations, “I’m one of those you describe as a ‘motivated intermediate’. I want to assure others in that category that this podcast is definitely approachable with the aid of the notes [transcript]. I wasn’t surprised that I understood little listening to the podcast without the notes, but I was amazed at how much I could understand having the notes to read alongside.”

Un abrazo desde Madrid!
Ben y Marina

The post New! Notes in Spanish Conversations – La Buena Vida appeared first on Free Podcasts In Spanish - Learn Real Spanish With Notes in Spanish.

In today’s video we look at words that use -azo or -aza to add emphasis, using these words will make you sound very good at very real Spanish.

If you enjoy our videos, please consider supporting us with a monthly donation via Patreon – it helps us to keep making more videos like these: https://www.patreon.com/notesinspanish

Words and phrases from the video:

Un marronazo – a real pain in the neck, a nightmare
Un marranazo – a big pig
Eres un guarro – you are a real pig
Que gustazo, que bien se está al sol – how lovely, how nice it is to be out in the sun
Un cochazo – A big or impressive car
Que cochazo te has comprado – what a big car you have bought
Un perrazo – A big dog
Menudo perrazo se me ha echado encima hoy – What a huge dog jumped up on me today
Una madraza – An incredible mum
Que madraza – What a mum!
Un padrazo – A fantastic dad
Es un padrazo – he’s a really amazing dad
Un puñetazo – A thump
Mama, me ha dado un puñetazo – Mum, he just thumped me
Un portazo – A door slam
No des un portazo – Don’t slam the door
Pedazo – A portion
Que pedazo de casa te has comprado – What an incredible/enormous house you’ve bought
Ese hombre tiene un pedazo de nariz – That man has an enormous nose
Pedazo de video que acabamos de hacer – what a fantastic video we’ve just made

Other examples of the suffix -azo to add emphasis:

Tener morrazo – to be very cheeky
Mi hermana tiene un morrazo, nunca ayuda en casa – My sister is very cheeky, she never helps at home
Un golpazo – whack, crash
Me he dado un golpazo con el coche – I’ve really pranged the car
Un currazo – A big piece of work (from curro, which is slang for work)
He hecho un currazo en casa hoy, he limpiado la cocina a fondo – I’ve done a massive amount of work at home today, I’ve cleaned every inch of the kitchen.

The post ¡Que Gustazo! – A New Notes in Spanish Video! appeared first on Free Podcasts In Spanish - Learn Real Spanish With Notes in Spanish.

Photo: Scooter-sharing near Madrid’s Templo de Debod

[Download MP3]

Welcome to the second episode of Notes in Spanish Conversations! Our Brand-New Weekly Real Spanish conversations for Advanced and Inspired Intermediate Spanish learners!

Today, Ben and Marina discuss the invasion of Madrid by shared electric scooters, cars and bicycles, that are revolutionising the very infrastructure and regulations of the city’s transport system. Where will it all end?

Double your Spanish with the Transcripts! Become a Patron to Supercharge your Spanish and support our work!

The new Notes in Spanish Conversations audios have new transcripts, including a full transcript of everything we say (so you miss nothing!), and a special list we call ‘Real, Essential Spanish’, everything from today’s audio that we feel you must know to be very good at Spanish no matter what your level! (e.g. Me echó una bronca, Me has pillado de lleno, Me rechina and much more!)

We are delivering the transcripts via the popular crowd-support website Patreon.com:

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A PATRON AND GET THE WEEKLY TRANSCRIPTS! – They will help improve your Spanish much faster!

PLUS! Become a Patron, and you get the ‘Real Spanish Archives’ 18-page BONUS!

We hope listeners of all levels will consider becoming a Notes in Spanish Patron even if you don’t need the transcripts right now, it’s a wonderful, innovative way to support our work and your Spanish!

Plus every Patron gets a copy of our brand new 18-page ‘Real Spanish Archives’ PDF report (the very best Real Spanish we’ve sent out over the last 12 years).

SEE THE VIDEO ON OUR PATRON PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS!

Subscribe to the new Conversations podcast in Apple Podcasts and other apps – Help us get the word out!

If you haven’t subscribed yet:

– Subscribe to the Podcast in Apple Podcasts/iTunes – And do leave us a review in Apple Podcasts/iTunes if you can, it’ll help get the word out!

Tips on How to Use the Notes in Spanish Conversations Audio

Advanced Learners: Listen to the audio the whole way through. Listen again with the transcript to make sure you don’t miss a thing, and to be sure you know all the ‘Real, Essential Spanish’ we outline in the second part of the transcript, it’s really important at your level.

Inspired Intermediate Learners: Don’t panic if the Spanish feels really challenging! It should! Listen to the Spanish conversation, ideally with the transcript – we promise that no matter how challenging this may seem, this ‘real immersion’, with the transcript to help, is the best possible thing you can do for your Spanish!

As Kathleen said about our previous advanced conversations, “I’m one of those you describe as a ‘motivated intermediate’. I want to assure others in that category that this podcast is definitely approachable with the aid of the notes [transcript]. I wasn’t surprised that I understood little listening to the podcast without the notes, but I was amazed at how much I could understand having the notes to read alongside.”

Un abrazo desde Madrid!
Ben y Marina

The post Notes in Spanish Conversations – Revolución en Madrid. appeared first on Free Podcasts In Spanish - Learn Real Spanish With Notes in Spanish.

Today’s video is connected to our Notes in Spanish Conversations podcast, La Vendimia. The first part of the video is in English, and from 4m50s we only speak Spanish – hopefully the first half of the video will prepare you for that.

The post Pucheros y cachorros – Spanish words and real Spanish conversation appeared first on Free Podcasts In Spanish - Learn Real Spanish With Notes in Spanish.

Photo: Eating beneath the olive trees.

[Download MP3]

Today, Ben and Marina discuss a wonderful picnic in the vineyards south of Madrid, to celebrate the ‘vendimia’, the grape harvest.

We’ve made a video that goes with today’s podcast, explaining some of the words and phrases connected with the picnic (and an amusing mistake Ben often makes involving small dogs and saucepans!) – check it out then read about how to help us, and how to get the transcripts:

Double your Spanish with the Transcripts! Become a Patron to Supercharge your Spanish and support our work!

The new Notes in Spanish Conversations audios have new transcripts, including a full transcript of everything we say (so you miss nothing!), and a special list we call ‘Real, Essential Spanish’, everything from today’s audio that we feel you must know to be very good at Spanish no matter what your level!

We are delivering the transcripts via the popular crowd-support website Patreon.com:

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A PATRON AND GET THE WEEKLY TRANSCRIPTS! – They will help improve your Spanish much faster!

PLUS! Become a Patron, and you get the ‘Real Spanish Archives’ 18-page BONUS! (…and other rewards!)

We hope listeners of all levels will consider becoming a Notes in Spanish Patron even if you don’t need the transcripts right now, it’s a wonderful, innovative way to support our work and your Spanish!

Subscribe to the new Conversations podcast in Apple Podcasts and other apps – Help us get the word out!

If you haven’t subscribed yet:

– Subscribe to the Podcast in Apple Podcasts/iTunes – And do leave us a review in Apple Podcasts/iTunes if you can, it’ll help get the word out!

Un abrazo desde Madrid!
Ben y Marina

The post Notes in Spanish Conversations – La Vendimia appeared first on Free Podcasts In Spanish - Learn Real Spanish With Notes in Spanish.

Photo: Beach life, Formentera.

[Download MP3]

Today, Ben and Marina discuss news that the Spanish will soon surpass the Japanese in life-expectancy.

We look at the reasons why, from diet, to culture, plus some of our favourite things from the Spanish way of life that we are convinced are bound to make people live longer.

Double your Spanish with the Transcripts! Become a Patron to Supercharge your Spanish!

The new Notes in Spanish Conversations audios have new transcripts, including a full transcript of everything we say (so you miss nothing!), and a special list we call ‘Real, Essential Spanish’, everything from today’s audio that we feel you must know to be very good at Spanish no matter what your level!

We are delivering the transcripts via the popular crowd-support website Patreon.com:

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A PATRON AND GET THE WEEKLY TRANSCRIPTS! – They will help improve your Spanish much faster!

PLUS! Become a Patron, and you get the ‘Real Spanish Archives’ 18-page BONUS! (…and other rewards!)

We hope listeners of all levels will consider becoming a Notes in Spanish Patron even if you don’t need the transcripts right now, it’s a wonderful, innovative way to support our work and your Spanish at the same time!

Help us get the word out!

– Subscribe to the Podcast in Apple Podcasts – And do leave us a review in Apple Podcasts if you can, it’ll help get the word out!

Un abrazo desde Madrid!
Ben y Marina

The post Notes in Spanish Conversations – Españoles Longevos appeared first on Free Podcasts In Spanish - Learn Real Spanish With Notes in Spanish.

We don’t publish all our Real-Spanish-packed newsletters here (so make sure you are signed up to receive them!), but this one has particularly good and important news for all our listeners/viewers, so we wanted to include it here on the blog…

Hello dear Spanish-lovers!

Today another very useful, real Spanish phrase (¡Que buen rollo!), a new audio, news of our sale (ends tomorrow, Tuesday!), and most important or all, the latest Notes in Spanish Charity contributions – with your help we’ve been able to send 4000 euros to very good causes – please take a minute to read about all of this below.

En primer lugar…  the phrase:

Siempre hay muy buen rollo en este restaurante – there is always a really good vibe in this restaurant.

Los audios de Notes in Spanish tienen muy buen rollo – Notes in Spanish audios have a good vibe (we think so!)

(The opposite of course, is ‘mal rollo’: ¡Que mal rollo hay aquí! – This place has a really bad vibe! – But we are much more into ‘buen rollos’ – good vibes – at NIS!)

This phrase, ‘buen rollo’ is included in the ‘Real Essential Spanish’ list from this week’s Notes in Spanish Conversations transcript (available to our Patreon supporters).

All The Good News!!

New Audio: We have a brand new Notes in Spanish Conversations audio out today, ‘Españoles longevos’, all about the recent discovery that Spain is going to overtake Japan in the longevity stakes! We look at the reasons why, and add our own interpretations: Listen here now!

Charity: Thanks to all the support we receive via purchases in our store, and via our Patreon page for NIS supporters, this week we have sent a total of 4000 euros (2000 euros each) to two charities that are very important to us.

The first is Aldeas Infantiles SOS – it’s mission is to protect vulnerable children. We have donated to their Madrid centre, which includes a large fostering centre in El Escorial (see their video 1, 2, 3… Casa to really understand what they do). The Madrid centre also provides vital emergency support throughout the Madrid region for families in grave risk of breaking apart.

The second charity, which we have supported in the past, is ACNUR, the Spanish division of UNHCR, the UN’s refugee agency. We have donated to their Christmas Campaign to help women and children displaced by, and in danger from, the Boko Haram crisis in Nigeria.

Thank you for your help in allowing Notes in Spanish to fulfill this charitable role, as well as teaching people the real Spanish that we love so much.

And finally…

Our Black Friday sale is still running! You can get 25% off any of the products sold in our store until midnight Tuesday November 27th (pdt) – just use the coupon code bf2018 on the store checkout page (note: this does not include ‘Notes in Spanish Conversations’ transcripts which are sold via our Patreon page.)

Just head to our store now with the coupon code bf2018

Un abrazo desde Madrid,

Ben y Marina

The post ¡Que buen rollo! NIS Charity News – Newsletter for November 26th appeared first on Free Podcasts In Spanish - Learn Real Spanish With Notes in Spanish.

Thanks to all our Patrons who sent in questions this month. If you would like to send in questions for our next Q and A, join our Patrons at Patreon!

Language Notes for the Video

Question 1 – Spanish for ‘What’s the point?’

Mi nombre es Randi. Mi pregunta es: ¿Cómo decir “What´s the point” en español? Por ejemplo: What´s the point in doing that?

Simple answer – ¿Para qué?

Here’s an example: Voy a pedir una subida a mi jefe – I’m going to ask my boss for a raise.

Answer 1. ¿Para qué? – What’s the point?
Answer 2. Total, para lo que te va a servir – Right, for all the good it’s going to do you (much more ironic.)

Question 2 – Useful words for vegetarians in Spanish:

David – my question is part language/part cultural: how, as a vegetarian, should I deal with being given meat-based tapas without appearing rude or ungrateful? I was recently in Granada and felt uncomfortable sending the tapas back.

Answer 1. Muchas gracias, te importaría cambiarme la tapa por una que no tenga carne? Soy vegetariano. – Thank you, would you mind changing it for a tapa that doesn’t have meat? I’m vegetarian.

Answer 2. Culturally . it’s fine! The Spanish always send stuff back! You can’t be too British about it!

To confirm something is vegetarian on a Spanish menu:

Perdona. ¿Este plato tiene carne, pescado o embutido? Es que soy vegetariano – Excuse me, does this dish include meat, fish or cured meat (e.g. chorizo, cured ham)?

Question 3 – Christmas words in Spanish:

Marcus – I have a question regarding the word “navideño”. I saw this word on a poster several years ago, but I rarely see this word used when I read Christmas-related articles in Spanish. I know that people say “árbol de Navidad” for “Christmas tree”, “canciones de Navidad” for “Christmas songs”, “época de Navidad” for “Christmas time”, “regalos de Navidad” for “Christmas presents/gifts”, so when would you actually use “navideño”? Could I instead say:

– árbol navideño – no, this is not common
– canciones navideñas – yes, this is fine
– época navideña – yes, this is fine
– se acerca la época navideña – yes, this is fine

Would it be correct to say this? – Me encanta la época de Navidad, el amor está en el aire y todas las casas de mi ciudad están adornadas con cosas navideñas. – Yes, perfect!

Here are a few more:
7 curiosidades navideñas – the name of a podcast we are releasing soon!
Este mantel es muy navideño – this table cloth is very Christmassy.
Hay un ambiente muy navideño en la plaza mayor – There is a real Christmas atmosphere in the Plaza Mayor.

Question 4 – How to use ‘A flor de piel’.

Marcus – Last month I came across an interesting expression: a flor de piel. If I remember the sentence correctly it went like this: Un día vas a despertar con la nostalgia a flor de piel. Are there any other examples you could give me to correctly use this expression?

Tiene los nervios a flor de piel, mejor que le dejes tranquila – She’s on the edge of her nerves, you better leave her in peace.

Tiene las emociones a flor de piel – Her emotions are just under the surface

Question 5 – using ‘hombre’ in Spanish.

Gill from New Zealand – In the episode about scooters in Madrid, Marina said to Ben, ‘Hombre, tampoco te pases.’ What does that mean, and when would you use it?

Ben said he used to walk across half the city to work, a big exaggeration.

Hombre is used as a filler word, for men or women. It has different meanings.
In this case it means ‘come on’, ‘yeah right’.

Tampoco te pases – don’t exagerate

Hombre Can also mean ‘well…’ for example:

– No seria mas fácil para ti ir a San Sebastián en el tren?
– Hombre, no lo había pensado.

Thanks again to all our Patrons who sent in questions this month. Join our Patrons at Patreon to participate in our next Q and A!

The other Q and A videos from this month:

Seasonal Christmas Holiday Greetings in Spanish

The Mighty Echar! Super Useful Spanish Verb

The post Patrons Q and A For November appeared first on Free Podcasts In Spanish - Learn Real Spanish With Notes in Spanish.

In today’s video we look at the many uses of the Spanish verb Echar. Watch the video, and download this super, free PDF that accompanies it, which includes all the uses and example phrases with Echar from the video, and more!

Click here to download the free Echar PDF now

The post The Mighty Echar! Super Useful Spanish Verb appeared first on Free Podcasts In Spanish - Learn Real Spanish With Notes in Spanish.

This video has been moved to here: Seasonal Christmas Holiday Greetings in Spanish

The post Post moved appeared first on Free Podcasts In Spanish - Learn Real Spanish With Notes in Spanish.

In today’s video we look at Christmas holiday greetings in Spanish. Here’s all the great vocab and Spanish Christmas phrases from the video:

Feliz navidad y prospero año nuevo – Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year (more formal, for writing in a Christmas card)
Feliz navidad – Happy Christmas
Feliz año nuevo – Happy New Year
Que lo pases muy bien estas navidades – Have a wonderful time this Christmas
Que lo pases muy bien estas vacaciones – Have a fantastic holiday
Te deseo unas vacaciones llenas de paz y alegría – May your holidays be filled with peace and joy
Te deseo lo mejor en estas vacaciones – I hope you have a wonderful holiday

We also have many podcasts for all levels that cover Spanish Christmas!

Thanks to Bruce for asking this question in our monthly Patrons Q and A. Join our patrons at Patreon.com to ask us questions in the next Q and A!

The post Seasonal Christmas Holiday Greetings in Spanish appeared first on Free Podcasts In Spanish - Learn Real Spanish With Notes in Spanish.

Photo: A legend of play in Madrid’s Retiro Park

[Download MP3]

Today, Ben and Marina discuss the sociology and practice of play, and why it is so important in both children’s and adults’ lives. We talk about how play fits in to our own lives (it can be as simple as riding a bike!), plus how difficult it can be for adults to just let go and have a fun, purpose-less time.

Double your Spanish with the Transcripts! Become a Patron to Supercharge your Spanish!

The new Notes in Spanish Conversations audios have new transcripts, including a full transcript of everything we say (so you miss nothing!), and a special list we call ‘Real, Essential Spanish’, everything from today’s audio that we feel you must know to be very good at Spanish no matter what your level!

We are delivering the transcripts via the popular crowd-support website Patreon.com:

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A PATRON AND GET THE WEEKLY TRANSCRIPTS! – They will help improve your Spanish much faster!

PLUS! Become a Patron, and you get the ‘Real Spanish Archives’ 18-page BONUS! (…and other rewards!)

We hope listeners of all levels will consider becoming a Notes in Spanish Patron even if you don’t need the transcripts right now, it’s a wonderful, innovative way to support our work and your Spanish at the same time!

Help us get the word out!

– Subscribe to the Podcast in Apple Podcasts – And do leave us a review in Apple Podcasts if you can, it’ll help get the word out!

Un abrazo desde Madrid!
Ben y Marina

The post Notes in Spanish Conversations – Vamos a Jugar appeared first on Free Podcasts In Spanish - Learn Real Spanish With Notes in Spanish.

In today’s video we look at ways to express enthusiasm, excitement, and how to say you can’t wait for something in Spanish. Thanks Molly for the question!

Spanish words and phrases from the video:

Estupendo / genial /fantástico /maravilloso – Wow!

¡Qué lo pases muy bien! – Have a great time

¡Disfruta un montón! – I hope you really enjoy yourself

¡Qué sortudo! / ¡Qué suerte tienes! – Lucky you

No puedo esperar mas / estoy super impaciente – I can’t wait

Mañana me marcho a esquiar a los Alpes, estoy super impaciente – I’m going skiing in the Alps tomorrow, I can’t wait!

No puedo esperar, este viernes es mi último día de trabajo antes de las vacaciones – I can’t wait, this Friday is my last day of work before the holidays

Estoy emocionado – I’m so excited

Estoy muy emocionado porque esta tarde me dan mi coche nuevo – I’m really excited because this afternoon they are giving me my new car

Tengo muchas ganas de… – I’m looking forward to…

Tengo muchas ganas de verte – I’m really looking forward to seeing you

Tengo muchas ganas de que nos vayamos de excursión – I’m really looking forward to the outing

Thanks for the question Molly!

The post Expressing enthusiasm and excitement in Spanish appeared first on Free Podcasts In Spanish - Learn Real Spanish With Notes in Spanish.

[Download MP3]

Today, Ben and Marina discuss Madrid’s new ‘Madrid Central’ initiative which aims to solve pollution problems in the city center. We look at why this has taken so long, and ask if it is connected to the way politics works in Spain (never upset the voter!), and the anti-law nature of the Spanish character in general.

Double your Spanish with the Transcripts! Become a Patron to Supercharge your Spanish!

The new Notes in Spanish Conversations audios have new transcripts, including a full transcript of everything we say (so you miss nothing!), and a special list we call ‘Real, Essential Spanish’, everything from today’s audio that we feel you must know to be very good at Spanish no matter what your level!

We are delivering the transcripts via the popular crowd-support website Patreon.com:

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A PATRON AND GET THE WEEKLY TRANSCRIPTS! – They will help improve your Spanish much faster!

PLUS! Become a Patron, and you get the ‘Real Spanish Archives’ 18-page BONUS! (…and other rewards!)

We hope listeners of all levels will consider becoming a Notes in Spanish Patron even if you don’t need the transcripts right now, it’s a wonderful, innovative way to support our work and your Spanish at the same time!

Help us get the word out!

– Subscribe to the Podcast in Apple Podcasts – And do leave us a review in Apple Podcasts if you can, it’ll help get the word out!

Un abrazo desde Madrid!
Ben y Marina

The post Notes in Spanish Conversations – Madrid Central appeared first on Free Podcasts In Spanish - Learn Real Spanish With Notes in Spanish.

Photo: Turrón, Polvorones and other Spanish Christmas treats.

[Download MP3]

Today, Ben and Marina discuss 7 Spanish Christmas curiosities that you may not be aware of.

Have you eaten cardo? Or been a victim of the día de los inocentes? Why are they selling jokes in Spanish Christmas markets?

Double your Spanish with the Transcripts! Become a Patron to Supercharge your Spanish!

The new Notes in Spanish Conversations audios have new transcripts, including a full transcript of everything we say (so you miss nothing!), and a special list we call ‘Real, Essential Spanish’, everything from today’s audio that we feel you must know to be very good at Spanish no matter what your level!

We are delivering the transcripts via the popular crowd-support website Patreon.com:

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A PATRON AND GET THE WEEKLY TRANSCRIPTS! – They will help improve your Spanish much faster!

PLUS! Become a Patron, and you get the ‘Real Spanish Archives’ 18-page BONUS! (…and other rewards!)

We hope listeners of all levels will consider becoming a Notes in Spanish Patron even if you don’t need the transcripts right now, it’s a wonderful, innovative way to support our work and your Spanish at the same time!

Un abrazo desde Madrid!
Ben y Marina

The post Notes in Spanish Conversations – 7 Curiosidades Navideñas appeared first on Free Podcasts In Spanish - Learn Real Spanish With Notes in Spanish.

Thanks once again to all our Patrons who sent in questions this month. If you would like to send in questions for our next Q and A, join our Patrons at Patreon!

Language Notes for the Video

Tener ganas

– ¿Qué te apetece? – What do you feel like/what do you fancy?
– ¿Qué te apetece comer hoy? – What do you feel like eating today?
– ¿De que tienes ganas? – What do you feel like (less common usage.)

– ¿Tienes ganas de ir al cine hoy? – Do you want to go to the cinema today?
– ¿Tienes ganas de comer algo? – Do you feel like eating something?
– ¿Tienes ganas de comer pollo? – Do you fancy some chicken?
– ¿Tienes ganas de comer algo de fruta? – Do you fancy some fruit?
– ¿Tienes ganas de dar un paseo? – Do you feel like taking a walk?
– ¿Tienes ganas de ir a la playa? – Do you feel like going to the beach?
– Tengo ganas de ir a la playa, ¿te vienes? – I feel like going to the beach, are you coming?

– Tengo ganas de ver a mi hermana – I’m excited about seeing my sister/I want to see my sister.
– Tengo muchas ganas de leer este libro – I really want to read this book.
– Tengo muchísimas ganas de ir a la fiesta esta noche – I really want to go to the party tonight.
– Tengo muchas ganas de irme de vacaciones – I really want to go on holiday.

Enhorabuena / Felicidades

Both words mean ‘congratulations’ and, except for birthdays when you would always use Felicidades, are mostly interchangeable for most events/occasions. Despite that, the most common uses of each word for each occasion would be:

– Los nacimientos (births) – Enhorabuena
– Los cumpleaños (birthdays) – Felicidades
– Las bodas (weddings) – Enhorabuena
– Las graduaciones (graduations) – Enhorabuena
– Las promociones (promotions) – Enhorabuena

Uses of Tardar for lateness

– Voy a tardar un poco más – I’m going to take a bit longer.
– Voy a tardar media hora en llegar – I’m going to take half an hour to get there.
– Me voy a retrasar 10 minutos – I’m going to be ten minutes late.
– Voy a llegar 10 minutos tarde – I’m going to be ten minutes late.
– ¿Cuánto vas a tardar en llegar? – How long are you going to take to get here?
– Voy a tardar una media hora/Tardaré una media hora – I’ll be half an hour.

Thanks again to all our Patrons who sent in questions this month. Join our Patrons at Patreon to participate in our next Q and A!

The post Q and A Video for December appeared first on Free Podcasts In Spanish - Learn Real Spanish With Notes in Spanish.

[Download MP3]

Today, Ben and Marina discuss one of their favourite films, 8 Apellidos Vasquos (‘Spanish Affair’ in English – You can find it on Netflix or on Amazon). We explore some of the typical comedy archetypes that make up it’s major roles (e.g. ‘el tonto’, the stupid male), asking, how close are these stereotypical roles to real-life Spanish people?

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The new Notes in Spanish Conversations audios have new transcripts, including a full transcript of everything we say (so you miss nothing!), and a special list we call ‘Real, Essential Spanish’, everything from today’s audio that we feel you must know to be very good at Spanish no matter what your level!

We are delivering the transcripts via the popular crowd-support website Patreon.com:

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A PATRON AND GET THE WEEKLY TRANSCRIPTS! – They will help improve your Spanish much faster!

PLUS! Become a Patron, and you get the ‘Real Spanish Archives’ 18-page BONUS! (…and other rewards!)

We hope listeners of all levels will consider becoming a Notes in Spanish Patron even if you don’t need the transcripts right now, it’s a wonderful, innovative way to support our work and your Spanish at the same time!

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Un abrazo desde Madrid!
Ben y Marina

The post Notes in Spanish Conversations – 8 Arquetipos Españoles appeared first on Free Podcasts In Spanish - Learn Real Spanish With Notes in Spanish.

Photo: Real Madrid Basketball

[Download MP3]

Today, Ben and Marina discuss the Spanish newspaper Marca, it’s astounding readership figures, and what it says about Spanish sport and culture, particularly the space taken up by football. We look at sport in Spain, a day Marina shone on the basketball court (and Ben didn’t!), the impressive focus placed on values in youth Basketball in Spain, and our own favourite sports.

Get the Transcripts, Double your Spanish:

The new Notes in Spanish Conversations audios have new transcripts, including a full transcript of everything we say (so you miss nothing!), and a special list we call ‘Real, Essential Spanish’, everything from today’s audio that we feel you must know to be very good at Spanish no matter what your level!

We are delivering the transcripts via the popular crowd-support website Patreon.com:

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A PATRON AND GET THE WEEKLY TRANSCRIPTS! – They will help improve your Spanish much faster!

PLUS! Become a Patron, and you get the ‘Real Spanish Archives’ 18-page BONUS! (…and other rewards!)

We hope listeners of all levels will consider becoming a Notes in Spanish Patron even if you don’t need the transcripts right now, it’s a wonderful, innovative way to support our work and your Spanish at the same time!

Un abrazo desde Madrid!
Ben y Marina

The post Notes in Spanish Conversations – Locos Por El Deporte appeared first on Free Podcasts In Spanish - Learn Real Spanish With Notes in Spanish.