Categories Spanish

January Q and A Video Number 1

Welcome to the first of our two January 2019 Q and A videos!

Below you will find all of the language notes and links for the video…

Question from Parker:

I often want to say I had a great time at something, that it was fun, or that I thoroughly enjoyed it. Often talking about a trip, a party, a date, etc. What are various ways to say: I had a great time?

Answer:

Mil gracias, me lo he pasado muy bien – Thanks, I’ve had a great time
Me lo he pasado pipa – I’ve had an awesome time (a bit old-fashioned)
Me lo he pasado genial / ha estado genial – (I’ve had a great time / it’s been great)
He disfrutado un montón – I’ve really enjoyed myself
He disfrutado mogollón –  It’s been totally awesome (teenager speak!)

Question from Randi:

Ayer vi las noticias en TVE y pensé que algunos corresponsales hablan muy rápido. Me parece impresionante que pueden decir tantas palabras durante un tiempo corto. Conozco la expresión “hablar por los codos”, pero ¿hay otras maneras de expresar que alguien habla muy rápido?

Answer:

“Hablar por los codos” is more that you talk a lot, it’s not so much to do with speed, though they often go together. Also, you can say “No se calla ni debajo del agua” – he never shuts up!

To say someone is speaking fast, we’d say:

Habla a mil por hora – he speaks really fast
Juan habla a mil por hora – Juan speaks really fast

Question from Daniel:

¿Por que se dicen “buenos días”, “buenas tardes”, etc. en lugar de “buen día”, en singular, como vemos en idiomas como ingles y portugués? Es un poco raro, ¿no?

Answer:

Well, we do say “buen día”, and “buena tarde” in the singular form, but not so much – it’s not so common. Yes, it’s a bit odd! But it’s connected with a wish that all your days should be well.

Question 1 Mike:

Quedar is a verb much used. As far as I know it can mean to stay, remain, and many more things, but I’m not sure of its use. Do you have some examples?

Answer:

No me he quedado con tu nombre – I don’t remember your name
Me quedo con tus datos – I’ll keep your details (In case I need to contact you in the future)
¿A que hora quedamos? – What time should we meet
He quedado con Ana a las ocho – I’ve arranged to meet Ana at eight
Quédate ahí, ahora vuelvo – Stay there, I’ll be back in a minute
Me voy a quedar aquí un rato – I’m going to stay here for a while
Me quedo tres meses más en Madrid antes de ir a Portugal – I’ll be staying in Madrid for three more months before I head to Portugal.
Solo me quedan tres meses en Londres – I’ve only got three months left in London

See Inspired Beginners Spanish Podcast 14 – Quedar (for meeting people and excuses for not meeting people!)

Question from Martina:

I have a question about the use of “Ya” meaning yes. I notice people use “Ya” in Spanish TV shows or movies a lot, and I can’t find anywhere what the difference is between “Sí” and “Ya”. Thank you for your help.

Answer: “Ya” is like an affirmation of something that someone has just said, the same way in English that we nod our head and say “aha, yes…”

See also: Our “Ya” video

Question from Paul:

My question is about the use of “está por”. I assume that it can be used in many ways, for example: I think that “está por ver” translates as something like “it remains to be seen”
and “eso está por…” means something along the lines of “that is why”? Are my translations correct and can you give some more examples using por in this way. Thanks and regards.

Answer:
“Está por ver” translates as something like “It remains to be seen” – Correct
“Eso está por…” translates as “that is why” – Incorrect

Some examples of how to use “that is why” with “por” correctly:

That is why people live in Madrid – Eso es por lo que la gente vive en Madrid
That’s why I’m going to London on my holidays – Es por eso que voy a Londres de vacaciones

Another use of “está por…”:

Marta está por Juan – Marta fancies Juan.

See also our Inspired beginners episodes on Por and Para:

Inspired Beginners 27 – Por y Para 1: Por
Inspired Beginners 28 – Por y Para 2: Para

Thank you to everyone that sent in questions! Make sure you listen to our Real Spanish podcasts and pick up the accompanying Spanish-boosting worksheets in our store!

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