Augmentatives

Spanish augmentativesIn Spanish, suffixes called augmentatives can be added to nouns, adjectives, adverbs, and names to indicate bigness, as well as other ideas such as excessiveness, contempt, or disdain. In this way, you can say that something is big without adding an adjective like grande to indicate bigness or repugnante to indicate contempt.

   

Capitalization

Spanish capitalizationThe use of capital letters (las mayúsculas) is far less common in Spanish than in English. Take a look at this summary of words that are capitalized in English but not in Spanish.

   

Clauses

Spanish clausesA clause is a grammatical unit of meaning containing, at minimum, a subject and verb. There are three different types of clauses.

   

Contractions

Spanish contractionsContractions in Spanish and English are very different, because English contractions, such as it is > it’s, are considered somewhat informal and are optional. In Spanish, however, contractions are required, and there are essentially 3 types.

   

Dates

Spanish datesIf you ever write letters, make plans, or request appointments, this lesson will be invaluable. There are a few little formulas to memorize in Spanish, but otherwise, dates are very easy to talk about.

   

Diminutives

Spanish diminutivesIn Spanish, suffixes called diminutives can be added to nouns, adjectives, adverbs, and names to indicate smallness, as well as other ideas such as affection, humor, pity, irony, or ridicule. In this way, you can say that something is little without adding an adjective like pequeño to indicate smallness or querido to indicate affection.

   

Grammar Glossary

Spanish grammarNeed a refresher on grammar basics like parts of speech and the various verb elements? Check out my Spanish grammar glossary for short explanations of all the essential Spanish grammar terms, from adjectives to written accents.

   

Hace | Desde | Desde hace

Desde haceThe Spanish verb hacer, which literally means "to do" or "to make," is used impersonally to explain when something happened.

   

Hay

HayHay is an essential Spanish expression, equivalent to the English expressions “there is” and “there are.”

   

Indirect Commands

Indirect commandsIn Spanish, indirect commands are used to state a wish or hope that something will happen or that someone will do something. Indirect commands are formed with que plus the subjunctive.