From Spanish to English – Building a Strong Vocabulary for Language Fluency

Nearly all language students eventually reach a point when their dream of fluency seems out of reach, rendering vocabulary acquisition futile. At such moments, learning vocabulary words individually may feel futile.

Building vocabulary requires practice in context, so reading various texts is often effective for learners to bolster their vocabularies. Cognites are words from different languages with shared roots or meaning that help strengthen lexical banks.

1. Know the Words

Start learning English today – whether traveling abroad or taking English in school – by memorizing these essential English words! From getting around town with ease to impressing new acquaintances and making lasting impressions.

Spanish speakers have an advantage when it comes to learning English: we already recognize a number of words with similar sounds and spelling that make the learning process simpler and faster. These are known as cognates, and can make picking up this new language much less daunting.

Due to Latin influence, Spanish and English share many cognates; up to 60% of English words contain roots found in Spanish! Furthermore, this shared origin leads to several common spelling patterns between them; hundreds of English words share similarities with similar forms in Spanish that can help broaden your vocabulary exponentially.

To elevate your vocabulary, it is beneficial to become acquainted with several high-frequency English words with specific meanings. These can help enhance conversational skill, such as phrases such as manyas veces, por favor and muy bien. We have included these on the list because they are so frequently used; however, this list doesn’t include personal pronouns or conjugated verbs that may be found within Spanish language.

What follows is a short list of commonly used phrases to get you started:

1. How are you? – A common greeting asking about someone’s well-being.

   Example: “Hey, John! How are you? Long time no see!”

2. Thank you – An expression of gratitude.

   Example: “Thank you for helping me with my project.”

3. Excuse me – A polite phrase used to get someone’s attention or to apologize.

   Example: “Excuse me, can you please tell me where the nearest restroom is?”

4. I’m sorry – An apology for a mistake or wrongdoing.

   Example: “I’m sorry for being late to the meeting.”

5. Could you please…? – A polite way of making a request.

   Example: “Could you please pass me the salt?”

6. What’s your name? – A question asking for someone’s name.

   Example: “Hi there! What’s your name?”

7. How can I help you? – A question offering assistance or support.

   Example: “Welcome to our store! How can I help you today?”

8. Nice to meet you – A polite phrase used when meeting someone for the first time.

   Example: “Nice to meet you, Sarah. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

9. I don’t understand – A phrase indicating a lack of comprehension.

   Example: “I don’t understand this math problem. Can you explain it to me?”

10. Where is the nearest…? – A question asking for the location of something.

    Example: “Excuse me, where is the nearest gas station?”

11. Can I have the bill, please? – A request for the check at a restaurant.

    Example: “We’re ready to leave. Can I have the bill, please?”

12. I’m sorry, I don’t know – A phrase expressing lack of knowledge or information.

    Example: “I’m sorry, I don’t know the answer to that question.”

13. How much does it cost? – A question asking about the price of something.

    Example: “I really like that dress. How much does it cost?”

14. What time is it? – A question asking for the current time.

    Example: “Excuse me, do you know what time it is?”

15. Can you repeat that, please? – A request to have something said again.

    Example: “I didn’t catch what you said. Can you repeat that, please?”

16. Where are you from? – A question asking about someone’s place of origin.

    Example: “You have an interesting accent. Where are you from?”

17. I need help – A statement indicating a need for assistance.

    Example: “I’m lost. I need help finding my way back home.”

18. What do you think? – A question seeking someone’s opinion.

    Example: “I’m considering changing careers. What do you think?”

19. Can you give me a hand? – A request for someone’s assistance or support.

    Example: “I have a lot of boxes to move. Can you give me a hand?”

20. Have a nice day – A farewell phrase wishing someone a pleasant day.

    Example: “Thank you for your help. Have a nice day!”

2. Use the Words

Applying what you learn to language fluency is one of the cornerstones of developing fluency, including reading and listening. Reading as often as possible will help expand your vocabulary without even realizing it! Books, newspapers/magazines/podcasts/movies – whatever works for your level of proficiency is fine!

Use television, movies and restaurants, as well as your daily activities, to listen out for new English words and gain an understanding of its rhythm and natural contexts. Note the words and phrases you hear so you can commit them to memory more easily.

When encountering unfamiliar words, take some time to research their definition. This can be accomplished online or using an etymological dictionary; remembering its definition becomes much easier once you understand its origins.

As soon as you become acquainted with a word, try using it immediately in conversation! This will cement it in your memory and increase its odds of staying put into everyday use later.

3. Practice the Words

An extensive vocabulary is an indispensable asset when communicating effectively. But learning new words should be seen as a continuous process – whether that be through classes, language exchange partners or daily reading and listening activities; find opportunities to practice what you learn!

Reading materials in your target language such as newspaper articles, books and poetry is one way of doing this effectively; doing this will introduce new vocabulary while showing you their usage within context. Another effective strategy is watching videos in that language such as movie trailers, news segments or even vlogs where speakers enact different tones of voice and accents which you can emulate to improve your speaking skills.

Search dictionaries to gain new words; be sure to select a bilingual one which provides English translations as well. Practice using them in everyday conversations. If someone uses an unfamiliar term in conversation with you, ask them for an explanation or examples of its usage.

Knowledge of synonyms is also useful, as this allows you to select the correct word without searching.

4. Listen to the Words

An effective vocabulary involves more than memorizing words; it should also include understanding their sounds. When hearing new words, take time to listen closely so you can get their sound right (or close enough). This will allow you to speak correctly when using them in conversation and avoid embarrassing yourself by saying them incorrectly.

Try listening to a podcast in your target language or watching a movie with subtitles as a great way to quickly pick up words without constantly stopping to consult a dictionary. Even better – get subtitles translated into English so you’ll know what words you missed!

One way to introduce new words is through following a “Word of the Day” feed, which usually provides definition and usage examples of each term. Listening to other people talk, particularly those with extensive vocabularies can also help. Listening will show you how their words are pronounced and used while motivating you to develop more expressive vocabulary of your own when conversing with others – remember Mark Twain’s advice that “if it can be said with fifty cents instead,” you should adapt your vocabulary according to each situation