Here’s a very quick quiz, Warning: It’s not as easy as it looks. In fact, if you get more than 5 out of ten correct, you’ll be doing well. How many of these very common Spanish phrases do you know? Grab a pen and translate these ten phrases: It’s a good bet that you know every individual word on the list, but the meanings of the phrases will surprise you Let’s see how you did? Remember your target is to get more than five out of ten correct. So, if you get 6 or more correct, bien hecho (well done). Ok, you didn’t peek right?
Here are the answers: Sure, in context, literal translations will work. But the translations I just gave you are the ones you’ll hear the most. You’ll hear them, when you chat with your Spanish speaking friends, go to shops or But it’s not casual Spanish or a slang Spanish or regional Spanish. This is just as real as any Spanish you’ll find in a dictionary. From the man in the local store to the president, from a farm worker to a PHD graduate, they’ll all use these phrases. And they use them very often. Very often! It’s everyday Spanish Yet, there it’s rarely taught. A while back I started tracking the use of these types of phrases. It was part of my research for the Spanish Ear Training Masterclass series. You see, even if I train your ears, it won’t do you much good if you don’t understand what people are saying anyway. If you’d like to give your Spanish a boost, I’ve made a mini dictionary of the 99 most essential Spanish collocations. It’s full of common, useful everyday language that goes mas alla del dictionary beyond the dictionary. So, that what I called it Más Allá Del Dicionario Español, (Beyond The Spanish Dictionary). To get the mini dictionary FREE, just enter your name and email below and I’ll email it to you right away. saludos Marcus Related Posts:
Comments:
229 Comments posted on "Spanish Quiz"
richard
thanks very much [Reply]
Ina Mundell
These Spanish phrases are excellent – even if you don’t know that much Spanish! Please Marcus! We want MORE of these. Saludos – from South Africa! Ina Mundell [Reply]
Paresh D Gajjar
Thank you – you are truly innovative. I wish I could take up all that you offer. Your approach to teaching Spanish is really wonderful. Please continue the good work. [Reply]
JUDITH
muchas gracias muy interesante por favor SEND MORE [Reply]
PETER
Very useful phrases, very different from the literal translations. [Reply]
james joyner
Marcus, I only got close with one, so am looking forward to receiving your other phrases. from Spain [Reply]
Thelma
Muchas gracias. I knew most of the words but I’m afraid I only got 3 right! Thanks again. [Reply]
Abbas Baba
very useful. All these will be helpful in everyday speech. Thank you very much. [Reply]
ngoh jessica
Marcus, i must say, this is the first challenge i have ever had since i started learning spanish. I had 0/10.i need more of such lessons. [Reply]
David Akers
These phrases seem very helpful [Reply]
Donald MacDonald
every little bit helps [Reply]
Shirley Stickland
Good to see Ina’s comment. I bet she is doing better than me and I live in Spain ! [Reply]
Francis Blane Mr.,
I’m a 78yr old widower living alone & have chronic heart disease & prostrate cancer. Your lessons have renewed my interest in Life. Muchos Gracias Marcus. [Reply]
Dave hall
thank you marcus [Reply]
James
Marcus we are greatful for all you do to increase the ability to speak and learn Spanish. [Reply]
R J Liptrot
Gracios Marcus, [Reply]
Dot
Thank you so very much [Reply]
Gary Black
I think these phrase are great and when I use them, it impresses the locals. [Reply]
Bill Worthley, TX
Marcus, Great timing! My wife and I are going to be driving through the Mexican Highlands during the month of January, 2010. No tourists there, so thank you for the extra help! !Salud! [Reply]
Adam Tabacki
Thank you [Reply]
Marie
I have learnt more from your Synergy course and the helpful phrases, than at any of adult spanish classes I have attended over the years. [Reply]
Cynthia Jurgens
Thanks de nuevo, Marcus. [Reply]
Teresa
Muchas Gracias Marcus! Muy informativa. [Reply]
J. Peart
Marcus, its a pleasure having your quiz even when it might be a challenge it shows how much you are interested in those who you correspond with. I am very impressed by what you are doing, keep it up. [Reply]
verschoor
thank you marcus it is fine the way you do this lessons. Saludos from Belgium and the Netherlands. [Reply]
Charlotte
These are excellent. By the way, I did know 8 of them. Keep up the good work in sharing with us who need it. [Reply]
John Curtis
Thanks again, great help. [Reply]
paul mullins
these phrases really threw me,they seem way out of context but wil be helpful. thanks marcus! [Reply]
John Holter
Marcus, [Reply]
Oriel G. Bayliss
I did know the words, but not the phrases, you’re right! More please! [Reply]
Pearl Bowen
thank you so much [Reply]
Richard Turley
I got two. One that I knew and the other from talking with a friend from Argentina. The rest certainly aren’t obvious through literal translations. [Reply]
Yuki Sasaki
I want to receive your mini dictionary of the 99 most essential Spanish collocations. [Reply]
Thomas
i have studied Spanish in many countries, however i have learned how to “speak” the language from your exercises, thanks so much. [Reply]
Bobbie Blakely
Thank you very much Marcus, [Reply]
Stephen Hill
This is the sort of language training that you really need to get by in a foreign language. Salud amigo y Felicidades. [Reply]
Tom Sauer
That is what we need. Along with speech at normal speed. [Reply]
Jeanne
I’ve long believed that phrases like these are vital. In fact I have compiled my own list. Even so I got only three right out of these ten! [Reply]
tony
Thanks,look forward to receiving the mini dictionary [Reply]
Sandra
These phrases are very helpful. Looking forward to the mini dictionary. Thanks [Reply]
Simon Bos
Thanks. It’s almost a year now that I started with Synergy Spanish, whenever time allows I keep coming back to it wanting to expand my Spanish vocabulary. It’s been a great mental challenge for me, which someday I would like to use in a meaningful way. God Bless. [Reply]
Terry Topham
Thanks [Reply]
Terry Topham
Thank you [Reply]
Mounir
Muchas gracias Marcus es Muy interesent. [Reply]
Aundria McMillan Humphrey
I love my Bola De Nieve course, but I really appreciate all the little extra offerings that boost my fluency even further. Muchas gracias! [Reply]
Ann Belair
These phrases will definitely help when listening to my telenovelas. Gracias. [Reply]
Rhonda
Marcus, The quiz is a great way to learn and remember. I hope to see more of them. Muchas Gracias [Reply]
Avril
These are so helpful, Marcus, thank you. I echo most other people because I only got one! What’s this mini dictionary that people are talking about please? [Reply]
Fran
Managed to get 5 right. I love being able to use the language this way. Thankyou so much. [Reply]
Hans
thank you very much I’m 73 years old [Reply]
olav strand
Muchas gracias! [Reply]
dafna
I missed only 1 and 5, but the rest I have really learned from your lessons. Thank you. I am looking forward to receiving the new “text”. You are very kind. [Reply]
sierra montgomery
plz send me more spanish words [Reply]
Bob
Comment [Reply]
Ilona
Hola Marcus, muchas gracias por estas frases. Hice solo tres faltas [Reply]
abby gail leclair
About 40% I am serving near Juarez, and this seems a bit different dialect but still appreciated the training. [Reply]
Donna Judd
thanks! [Reply]
Budd Blume
Muchissimo gracias, Marcus. Cmae just in time! [Reply]
LEE Ting
To me Spanish is more difficult than Chinese. I am still learning but your excercise makes learning more interesting. Keep it up. [Reply]
Teri
Thanks, its very helpful! [Reply]
hadi Moallemi
Thank you so much Marcus. You made me very happy. Please send more of these! [Reply]
myrtle saville
very good indeed and very usefull [Reply]
Elizabeth
Would love to receive the dictionary as I think it would be very useful, but cannot get the link to work. PS love your way of teaching, have told several friends about your course [Reply]
Michael Dobbs
Very useful, I can make good use of these phrases, Thank You [Reply]
roger tipton
preciate ya [Reply]
Yogesh Saini
Thank you. It was totally new learning for me. [Reply]
jim
I enjoy being contacted by you if only to remind me how neglectful I am about learning to speak Spanish.It would be nice to find a course locally. [Reply]
Doris Nassauer
These are very useful to know thank you. [Reply]
Beverly
great test I got 8 correct and I knew most of these, continue your great method [Reply]
Yvonne Matthews
I just love your way of teaching Spanish. As a matter of fact. I am going to take sign language and apply the same patterns to my self-taught lessons in ASL. You help me tremendously. Thank you, [Reply]
brian
your lessons so far have been very [Reply]
Betty Dunn
I was shocked at how few phrases I knew – I think if was only one! [Reply]
Helen
Muchas gracias amigo. Yo recibo la palabra cada dia ayuda mi mucho mas para años pasados. Gracias. Eso listo de phrases esta MUY bueno [Reply]
matthias
thanks, very usefuel and I am still learning, [Reply]
Ahron Bakshi
Thanks. [Reply]
Donald Clarke
These Spanish phrases are excellent – even if you don’t know that much Spanish! Please Marcus! We want MORE of these. Saludos [Reply]
Ita Batstone
Many, many thanks. [Reply]
victory
This is another way of getting into spanish deeply,sotherefore,we appreciate it and more of this thanks. [Reply]
Ron Bowman
Thanks a lot Marcus, keep up the good work and I will soon be getting the full course. You are keeping my interest in learning Spanish alive ! [Reply]
Barbara Wilson
Mucho Gracias from a beginner who wants to be able to speak to Nicaraguan friends when I return there this summer. [Reply]
Sher Gegenheimer
Been receiving emails from Marcus for many years. He leads me to great Spanish sites, cool lessons. Many thanks [Reply]
yuxuxin
Muchas gracias por su ayuda. It is very a good material to be trained to get real meaning of Spanish people say. [Reply]
sheri Ann
Thanks alot! This has really propelled my spanish. [Reply]
Phyllis
Gracias, muchas gracias. [Reply]
Ilona Hodge
Muchas gracias! [Reply]
james gray
Looking forward to your helpful phrases. [Reply]
Rosie
Thanks very much Marcus, 2/10 more work needed. Looking forward to your mini dictionary. [Reply]
Stan Kenwood
With your help, I am learning Spanish. [Reply]
Indra Devi
I am so happy that I started studying with you. There are no accidents. When I first saw your synergy course, I knew intuitively that yours was THE ONE. Thank you. [Reply]
Carol Miller
Thanks Marcus you are always coming up with new and inovative things to learn. I am slow with my learning but with your help I am feeling more confident and slowly getting there. I wish I had started learning when I was young, but I am determined to keep going. [Reply]
Guin
Thanks, Marcos. Very helpful. Muchas gracias! [Reply]
Juan
Gracias Marcus this lesson was totally new to me. [Reply]
JAMES COYLE
brilliant [Reply]
Joan Lumpkin
Thanks, Marcus! I always enjoy your lessons. And it’s so nice of you to send so much free stuff. Merry Christmas to you and your family! [Reply]
ELLE
gracias marcus [Reply]
andrew ritchie
just managed to get one right. now at lesson 2201. Must try harder.para todo el mundo. involved. [Reply]
aran
you are the best. [Reply]
Pat Worthington
Muchas Gracias Marcus I only got 2 out of 10. I really appreciate the freebees! I hope you and your family have a peaceful and happy festive season. [Reply]
Geoff Hughes
Great stuff! Many thanks . . . . . [Reply]
Megan Fernandez
Muchas Gracias Marcus. I’m really enjoying the Spanish. Have a Blessed Christmas. [Reply]
charmaine
muchisimas gracias:)You give hope and encouragement constantly and you add such amazing value to so many lives. I appreciate what you do.God bless you. [Reply]
Chloe Bristow
Thanks for the help, I had heard a lot of these phases before but they didn’t make sense to me. I knew 4 of them. [Reply]
Linda Miller
I need to take some of your classes. I’m in Mexico now. As soon as I get back to the states and can actually print some of these things. How do I find our what level would be good for me? [Reply]
Kimball Meyer
It’s working! I actually managed to have a conversation with a cab driver in Oaxaca the other day; yes, in Spanish. [Reply]
kamani chetty
thanx so much. [Reply]
Ezell Mclilly
Having a great time learning Spanish with Marcus [Reply]
catherine
thank you marcus .i am enjoying learning spanish with your teaching [Reply]
Don
Thank you very much For your effort on the information of español. [Reply]
Anne Pratt
I always love the innovative ideas that you have. [Reply]
Fred Leis
I get more out of your synergy system then the last 5 years of nightschool and various courses…great stuff.. [Reply]
Geoff
Wow, I only got 2 correct out of 10! I’ve got a lot of studying to do… [Reply]
Karen
Thank you SO MUCH… for this and for all of your excellent courses. You are the BEST! [Reply]
David
amazing..plan on using all these this winter in Costa Rica [Reply]
Yvonne Haring
Muchas gracias, Marcus. I really enjoy your way of teaching. I only got 1 correct! [Reply]
Gail
This certainly helps me with my spanish pocket books I look forward to more. Thank you. [Reply]
Jan Grover
Thank you so much Marcus, I was amazed, never got one correct, I will test my friends now [Reply]
James Speedie
Thanks in advance for the new phrasing. [Reply]
Annie Burke
Thanks just what I need, Marcus [Reply]
John
Just what I needed. Thanks. [Reply]
sarah
Many thanks [Reply]
Åse R.
Muchas gracias, Marcus, por tu buena atención. [Reply]
Donald Ballantyne
I didn’t even get the 5. Muchas gracias. [Reply]
Ian
This is excellent. Thank you Marcus [Reply]
Catarina Paulin
I think I managed 2 [Reply]
Catarina Paulin
what a good idea to make this phrases. I cannot wait to try to learn them [Reply]
Jim Atkinson
Worked through Synergy Spanish with great enjoyment and now learning through the booster classes. Have never know learning be so much fun and addictive. Thank you. Still have problems with the listening to the Spanish speaking in the streets etc which can be a bit disheartening however because of your courses I can now usually make myself understood and have the confidence at least to try. [Reply]
Greg Wheeler
Thanks [Reply]
Carol
Thank you very much! I love your way of teaching. [Reply]
Poul Ehlers
Thank you 2 correct time to improve [Reply]
David Akers
At the age of 68 I have found it difficult to learn spanish, but since recieving your help it has been much easier. many thanks [Reply]
Anthony John Lucock
I got two [Reply]
Doug Weldon
Muchas gracias ! [Reply]
Noel
Very good indeed. These expresiones are great! Keep up the good work. [Reply]
David J. Woodman
Looking forward to receiving the phrases. [Reply]
John Burgess
Do you have these phrases in German please? [Reply]
Elaine Ashley
Even though I have lived in Spain 8 years, I still struggle(age 66)with the language, but your course is great and I will ‘seguir perseverar en’. [Reply]
Dave
thank you for your help. [Reply]
David Akers
Many thanks it helps a lot [Reply]
Banu
Thank you Marcus. Despite I did not get any correct, I am learning all the way. [Reply]
Dwight Carter
Thanks ever so much….keep up the good works. [Reply]
Bob Kennedy
Muchas gracias [Reply]
Yvonne Haring
Muchas Gracias, really appreciate your encouragement. [Reply]
Susan Butler de Sejas
Gracias. You change ‘studying the Spanish language’ from bookwork to colloquial chat. Impressive and thank you. ‘ [Reply]
gerry
Thanks Marcus for your continued efforts to help us in our quest to speak Spanish. This is great info. Feliz Navidad [Reply]
Ahmed, munir
Thank you very much for the quiz though and would love to receive more of it to improve my Spanish. Thank you again [Reply]
ellen.browne
thankyou so much for your latest quiz [Reply]
Derek Kay
Hola Marcus…Only a “measly” 2! I shall echo what other students have said: “Keep them coming”, and much appreciated. [Reply]
Eddie Simpson
Thanks for all your help Marcus, even though I am finding my spoken Spanish is muy despaçio whilst here in Costa Rica, my friends all tell me that my pronunciation is very good. The only practice I get back home in England is from your lessons. [Reply]
Patti
This is terrific. Thank you! [Reply]
pat
thanks [Reply]
Linda Wolfish
Hi – I have a question about one of your courses, please. How many months long is the “Spanish Ear Training” course? Thanks so much, Linda Wolfish [Reply]
Tony Filippi
Muchas Gracias, the innovative way you teach spanish certainly makes it easier to learn [Reply]
Maureen A. Howard
Muchissimas gracias.Tengo que estudiar mucho mas. [Reply]
Carol
de nuevo, you have provide more learning experiences for others. Quiere decir, todo el mundo on board the Synergy Spanish will appreciate these tips and examples. [Reply]
Debbie Beghetto
Gracias Marcus for all your hard work on these spanish books. I really enjoyed the Synergy Spanish,Shortcut to spanish(level 1). It’s awesome.Boy that quiz really twist my mind, I only 1 out of 10 right. [Reply]
mary ann manaig
thanks for posting those phrases..it´s very useful..am looking forward for more examples..merry christmas! [Reply]
Ann
Thank you so much, I am grateful for all your help [Reply]
chinyere
thanks a lot for your good work God bless you. [Reply]
friartuck
Thank you very much. [Reply]
Grace Alo
It surprises me to know these phrases have these new meanings. [Reply]
Juan LaGrone
I enjoy your work. It is really practical as a great review as well as a ‘no-nonsense’, but fun way of beginning or maintaining your Spanish studies. Your style has encouraged me to put some of my ‘Spanish shortcuts’ on paper. I’ve taught for about 40 years [ouch!] thru retirement. Look for me in ‘Hispania’ magazine. I know, it isn’t PEOPLE en espanol, but it is a start. It was in this magazine that I first saw the Spanish/Portuguese work of the late John E. LaGrone [Reply]
mavis
Muchas gracias Marcus, I find your emails so helpful and even though I’m a pensioner here in England I am certainly going to buy your Spanish course in 2011. I am going to Spain on holiday in February so I find your Emails so helpful for me to practise with and look forward to receiving your mini dictionary. Feliz Navidad a tu y su familia. Mavis, England. [Reply]
SUKANTA SAHA
Though i have completed 2 years diploma in spanish language ,i never find such spanish phrases ever before .i cant help without saying that its really very good for communicative part and if we get any Explanation or any” ejemplo ” to understand that how d words or phrases r being used in daily life.if possible fwd me. [Reply]
Peter Mole
Hi Marcus, Pete. [Reply]
JONATHAN LEE
YOU’RE VERY KIND…THANK YOU. [Reply]
era
thank you very much to for sending me some phrases its quiet helpful.regards your family and God Bless. [Reply]
Flemming Knudsen
Hi Marcus, [Reply]
Sten Pears
Muchas Gracias Marcus.Your email with translations has brought me back to focus on Spanish. Thanks, just when I was distracted with the festive season.So, Feliz Navidad y prospero Ano Nuevo a tu y su familia. Sten Pears -Ireland. [Reply]
Susan
Thank you sooooooooooooo much for your wonderful (and very practical) lessons. [Reply]
gloria
Muchas gracias Marcus. MUY INTERESANTE. [Reply]
Leona
I will be listening on the buses and in the streets [Reply]
kourosh
Thanks Marcus,these phrases are excelent.when I used them with my amigos they became surprised. [Reply]
Pat Davis
Please send the Mini Dictionary [Reply]
Teresa Suit
I would like the free dictionary. [Reply]
James C. Green
Thank you [Reply]
Sten Pears
Now that I am heading to Spain for a holiday I am refreshing my “Spanish” by reviewing all your emails I had saved and I find the process very enlightening. [Reply]
Sheila
I’d love to receive the free dictionary of Spanish Collocations. Thank you Marcus for your efforts. [Reply]
Geoff
I live in Spain and cannot understand the spoken word, this may explain it a bit. [Reply]
Jacqui Saunders
I live in Spain but am still having difficulty keeping up with the language so your dictionary would be invaluable. [Reply]
pete stern
i’m so enjoying your spanish classes. finally a course that i can actually relate to.. bring it on! [Reply]
Barbara White
I’m looking forward to receiving your dictionary. [Reply]
malcolm
bernard cody
Thanks for the lesson. But, do these expressions mean the same thing in all Spanish speaking countries? [Reply]
jpnoseworthy
Lazing around in San Miguel de Allende, enjoying your lessons. I will take these phrases out for a test drive tomorrow. [Reply]
Aki Airth
Thank you for not just selling your product then moving on for new conquests. I can see from reading the other comments that your students deeply appreciate what you do — so do I. I, too, would like to receive the dictionary. [Reply]
anna
Muchisimas gracias por este excelente trabajo! [Reply]
Bisho kumar shrestha
it’s a very good job for us who is lerning spanish language so many many thanks for this lesson and i hope for next lesson. [Reply]
Carmencita
Hi Marcus! Yes, please send me this dictionary. Very valuable. Gracias. [Reply]
Beverly Keubler
It is so nice how you keep everyone informed. thank you [Reply]
james smith
sounds great thank you [Reply]
Victoria Cendreda
Thank you. This is great. [Reply]
Jean
I am so looking forward to receiving this dictionary. I could translate most of the above but they didn’t make sense to me! Thanks a million! [Reply]
Barry David
I knew all of the phrases although my translation was often different. please send me your little dictionary. [Reply]
Vicki Hilliker
Thank you for this generous offer! [Reply]
gail
Thank you. Looking to see this dictionary. [Reply]
karu
very good i am very interest learn spanish [Reply]
Paul
bueno fun so far [Reply]
Francis Randall
Gracias por las leccions [Reply]
derek
thankyou / looking fwd. to dictionary. [Reply]
Oriel G. Bayliss
such a great help and I’ve been ‘learning’Spanish for a few years now but this is the best-along with Michele Thomas! [Reply]
keith affleck
thanks for that i look forward to seeing the dictionary [Reply]
William Kaye
You Sir,are the most persistent creature on this planet that I have ever encountered.In a moment of idleness several years`ago I took a look at your website and have been receiving emails ever since.Gradually I got interested.Your system DOES look pretty good so send me the last bit on offer and lets`get started or as you would probably have it “vamonos” [Reply]
Dave Griffiths
Thanks Marcus at last I am making headway with my Spanish. [Reply]
eileen
Have learned some….would love the dictionary….thanks Marcos [Reply]
Deanne
I have been receiving emails from you for a long time now and I look forward to getting this dictionary as a booster. [Reply]
James Hodgkiss
Many thanks for your help. Hoping to try it out when I go to Spain for 5 weeks in May/June. The dictionary will be handy then. [Reply]
Laura Bunting
Everything I have seen/read so far has been very helpful and easy to follow. Muchas gracias!! Laura [Reply]
Vaughan
please forward [Reply]
peter chew
please send the dictionary,it will be very intreresting,but it will probably make me more confused than i am already, [Reply]
Peter Rayner
Please send me the mini dictionary [Reply]
John Holter
Marcus, [Reply]
winky
This dictionary will be very helpful..Thank you! [Reply]
Masrie Brown
I live in Spain so will try these out in my Spanish conversation group. Thanks Marcus [Reply]
Ron Coyston
Nakyu Baek
Your mail is very helpfull to learn spanish. [Reply]
Bernie Laubly
Looking forward to receiving your dictionary and future emails. [Reply]
Nari Dadlani
thank you Marcas for help to learn spanish – your explaination is simple [Reply]
suzette
¡Gracias Marcus! Su correos electronicos siempre me hace feliz. Ojalá que mi Español es mucho mejor despues de hablar con Usted. De nuevo, gracias y Que te valla bien. [Reply]
Ferdinand Hines
Looking forward to recieving your dictionary and e-mails. THanks [Reply]
Ferdinand Hines
Please send me your dictionary. Thank you Marcus. [Reply]
Joe Di Renzi
Thanks so much [Reply]
karu
i am from Sri lanka my address 341,Hokandara north,Hokandara,Sri lanka [Reply]
Indra.Salgado
Thank you very much,your lessons are very easy to follow,looking forward to see the dictionary. [Reply]
phyllis phillpotts
sorry marcus but because of problems down loading im wa behind i never got onre right [Reply]
tim allen
I was able to memorize a few of these shortcut phrases and was overwhelmed at the expressions of some of my spanish friends. My hats off to you sir. muchas gracias [Reply]
Helena
I certainly wish my Spanish tutor had your insight re. teaching Spanish! [Reply]
Werner Wirth
it is always the same [Reply] Post a comment
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marcus
Reply:
March 15th, 2012 at 12:18 am
Yes, they are frequently used all over the Spanish speaking world.
[Reply]