10 Differences in Latin Culture Compared to U.S. Culture
How does Latin culture compare to U.S. culture? We live in a rich and diverse world with a cornucopia of cultures. Although Latin America and the U.S. share the same hemisphere, many cultural differences exist between the two. If you haven’t spent time immersed in Latin culture, some of these differences may surprise you. Ultimately, the key to meaningful and appropriate interactions...Read More
What’s in a Name? The Origin and Meaning of Spanish Surnames
Have you ever wondered why Spanish names are so long? As you may have noticed, the names of people in Spanish-speaking countries consist of a first name and two surnames. Traditionally, you will see the first surname of the father followed by the first of the mother. Presently, laws have changed on gender equality and now allow any order, but we normally see the original order. People...Read More
50 Spanish Idioms To Use in Your Everyday Conversations
If your goal is to speak Spanish like a native, then at some point you will have to learn to use a variety of Spanish idioms. Why not start today? In this post, I’m discussing what Spanish idioms are and why you should learn them. I will also give you a list of some of the most common Spanish idioms that you can use in your everyday conversations. What’s an Idiom?...Read More
9 Sensational Latin American Music Genres
Latin American music seems to be everywhere these days! From the popular Reggaeton in all its forms to the joyful dance styles of salsa, merengue, and samba—Latin American music has something for everyone. Keep reading to discover the most popular Latin American music genres, their history, instruments, famous artists, and videos showing the most iconic figures in Latin America...Read More
55 False Cognates in Spanish That Will Kill Your Conversation
Ever heard of false friends? And I don’t mean the pseudo-friends you need to watch out for in your social circle. I mean false cognates! False cognates are words that look and sound very similar in two languages, but don’t have the same meaning. The English-Spanish false cognates in our list are definite “conversation killers” that can hinder or entirely derail the message...Read More
How to Say ‘You’ in Formal and Informal Spanish
If English is the only language you (currently) speak, the you (formal) concept in Spanish is new. Even if you don’t yet know about the formal and informal you in Spanish, you probably already know when to use each one. Would you call the attention of your teacher by shouting out, “Hey dude”? Of course not! A message you write to your boss is surely different from the one...Read More
A Brief Introduction to Spanish Culture, Traditions, and Beliefs
Spanish culture has contributed powerfully to the evolution of the Spanish language. The customs and identity of Spain stand out for several reasons. Particularly, Spanish traditions are unique and have influenced the culture of Latin American countries. Still, some Spanish traditions are only possible to admire and experience if you take a trip to Spain. The breathtaking...Read More
The History and Origin of the Spanish Language
The history and origin of Spanish is truly fascinating and a must-know for all Spanish learners. Currently, Spanish is spoken by 400 million people around the world. This number continues to grow, even in countries where Spanish isn’t the official language (such as the United States). Embracing the origin of the Spanish language allows you to understand the journey and...Read More
The History and Significance of Guatemalan Jade
What’s all the fuss about Guatemalan jade, you wonder? Here’s a whistle-stop tour of Guatemalan jade: some science, the history, and why it’s so popular. What’s Jade? Jade is a rare metamorphic rock made deep underneath the layers of the earth from thousands of years of heat, pressure, and time. You won’t find a recipe for it on WikiHow, that’s for sure! Since it’s so...Read More