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Advanced Intermediate Spanish Podcast 18 – How to Use Ya in Spanish

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¡Hola! In this free Spanish podcast episode, we’re going to explain exactly how to use ya in Spanish.

Despite being such a small word, just two lonely letters, it is probably one of the most flexible and diverse of them all.

When we compare the uses of ya in Spanish, we find a lot of similarities to the American usage of “already”. And, “already” is exactly the translation the dictionary would give you for this word. But ya is more complicated than that and it has nuances that aren’t always immediately apparent.

In this episode we run through the range of different ways that you can use this surprisingly flexible word and give you some practical examples of how you can put them into conversation.

Listen in as Cynthia and Gordon unwrap the many uses and meanings of ya. “Ya sabes que es importante.”

As always, the a full translation and transcription as well as all the additional information and guidance can be found in the comprehensive Spanish helpsheets, which have been created with you, nuestros estudiantes, in mind. With these resources, you’ll learn how to use ya in Spanish in no time at all.

Seguro que os van a gustar.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 10:14 — 9.4MB)

Advanced Spanish Video Lesson 17 – La Politica

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Ahora, ¡un tema difícil! We chose to include this subject as a Spanish video lesson not because we are experts on politics, nor because we are interested in it! In fact, we don’t really know why we made it!

However, like in most conversations in every country, the subject of politics comes up and even if you don’t have an opinion, it’s important to be able to state that and back it up with a good reason.

For example, because of “la crisis”, Spain is currently in tremendous political turmoil. Political parties are being voted in and out in the hope that one of them will be able to resolve the terrible financial problems that are crippling the country at present.

In all the major cities there are regular “manifestaciones” (protests) about the lack of work and opportunities, particularly for the youth. Thus, having some vocabulary in your pocket, so to speak, to enable you to follow and add your own personal comments to a conversation on this emotive subject.

Listen in or watch as we discuss our very limited perspective of modern day politics. As you will hear, we are not in any way, shape or form experts on the subject.

A full transcript and translation of this episode is waiting for you in our comprehensive Spanish helpsheets, which have much more information to help absorb the contents of our episodes.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 10:31 — 9.6MB)

Early Intermediate Spanish Podcast 12 – Present Progressive in Spanish

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The present progressive in Spanish as a great tense to use but can often be misused and abused be unwary Spanish students who overwork it because of its easiness. Listen in as Gordon explains how he did that very thing.

In this podcasts we show you how Spanish speakers use this particular tense. Warning! It’s different to how English speakers use it.

Remember that all the additional information and guidance can be found in the comprehensive Spanish worksheets.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 10:06 — 9.2MB)

Beginners Spanish Podcast 16 – Spanish Question Words

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Who? What? When? Where? How? Without these and all the other Spanish question words you simply cannot ask the questions that will lead you to a wonderful Spanish conversation. Join us for this Spanish podcast for beginners to hear some handy ways to commit them to memory forever.

Don’t forget that lots more information can be found in the comprehensive Spanish help-sheets available now.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 10:46 — 9.9MB)

Advanced Intermediate Spanish Podcast 17 – How to Use Para in Spanish

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This most recent Advanced Intermediate podcast is all about how to use para in Spanish.

Along with its partner in crime, por, para is one of the mysteries of the Spanish language that we will help you unravel. It seems that no matter how long people study the language, they still have problems choosing between the two.

Like everything, the more you use it, the easier it becomes, however, we have some tips that will help you use Para more effectively and “más importante”, more accurately.

One tip that is worth keeping in mind is that, para tends to be used far more frequently at the beginning of your learning journey. Most times, when students get it wrong, it’s because they’ve used por instead of para.

Thus, the tip is: If in doubt, use para. You have more chance of being correct!

Why not come and join us in this podcast and learn when to use para as well as a quick and easy trick to help you get it right most of the time.

Listen in and become demystified!

A wealth of additional information and guidance on how to use para in Spanish can be found in the comprehensive Spanish help-sheets that we have produced specifically with you, our students, in mind.

Esperamos que os sirven.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 10:22 — 9.5MB)