Spanish 104

Lesson 1: Vocabulary: Transportation & Travel (tren, avión, etc.)

In this lesson, you will learn essential transportation vocabulary such as tren, avión, autobús, taxi, barco, and coche. You will understand the difference between tren and metro and when to use each term appropriately. Common phrases for buying tickets will be introduced, including “¿Dónde puedo comprar un boleto?” and “Necesito un billete para...”, along with an explanation of the difference between billete and boleto depending on the Spanish-speaking country. Key verbs related to travel such as viajar, volar, conducir, tomar, and abordar will be covered to help you describe your actions. You'll also learn how to ask about schedules with phrases like “¿A qué hora sale el tren?” and “¿Cuándo llega el avión?”.

The lesson introduces important airport vocabulary such as terminal, equipaje, aduana, tarjeta de embarque, and puerta de embarque. You will be taught how to inquire about transportation prices using expressions like “¿Cuánto cuesta el pasaje?” and “¿Hay descuento para estudiantes?”. Different types of trains, including tren rápido, tren de cercanías, and tren bala, are also discussed. For everyday communication on public transportation, common expressions such as “¿Me puede ayudar?”, “¿Esta parada es...?”, and “¿Este asiento está libre?” will be introduced.

Maritime travel terms like barco, crucero, puerto, and muelle are presented to expand your vocabulary beyond land and air transport. You will practice describing travel plans using transportation terms, for example, “Voy a viajar en avión a Madrid.” Directions relevant to travel such as izquierda, derecha, recto, and cruce are reviewed to help you navigate. The lesson also covers travel-related amenities including maleta, mochila, pasaporte, and visa, with useful phrases for asking help in case of lost luggage like “He perdido mi equipaje, ¿dónde puedo encontrarlo?”.

You will learn how to express transportation preferences, for example, “Prefiero viajar en tren porque es más cómodo.” Emergency phrases such as “Necesito ayuda,” “¿Dónde está la estación de policía?”, and “He perdido mi pasaporte.” are introduced for safety and preparedness. Regional variations in terms, for instance, taxi versus colectivo, are discussed to help you understand different dialects. Sentence structures using ir en mode of transport, such as “Voy en autobús al centro,” will be practiced. Finally, important cultural tips for navigating transportation systems in Spanish-speaking countries will be highlighted to ensure confident and smooth travel experiences.

Lesson 2: Talking About Future Plans Using “Ir a + Infinitive”

In this lesson, you will learn how to talk about future plans in Spanish using the common structure ir a infinitive. This form is widely used to express what someone is going to do. We begin with an introduction to the verb ir and its present tense conjugations before the infinitive verb, which remains unchanged. Understanding the infinitive form is important because it does not change after ir a. You will see examples of simple sentences describing personal future intentions, helping you differentiate immediate plans from more distant events. The lesson explains how to form negative sentences by placing no before ir, and how to ask questions to inquire about someone's future plans.

Common verbs like visitar, comer, and viajar fit seamlessly into this structure, especially when combined with time expressions such as mañana, el próximo fin de semana, or en dos días. You will also explore the differences between ir a infinitive and other future tense forms like the futuro simple. A useful cultural note highlights how native speakers frequently use ir a infinitive in everyday conversations.

The lesson covers expressing plans that involve going somewhere by combining ir a location para infinitive, along with rules for using pronouns, which may attach to or precede the verb. You’ll practice conjugating ir for different subjects, including yo, tú, él, and nosotros, and will review key irregularities in ir’s conjugation with tips to help you memorize them. Time indicators are combined with the structure to set clear timelines for your travel plans.

Example dialogues demonstrate how ir a infinitive is used in practical situations such as booking hotels or buying tickets. The lesson also discusses the role of intonation and stress in emphasizing the certainty of future plans. You will learn how to talk about plans with friends or family and polite ways to invite or suggest activities using this structure. Finally, some quick tips help you avoid common mistakes, such as mixing present tense verbs incorrectly after ir a. By mastering this lesson, you will confidently communicate your future intentions in Spanish in a variety of everyday contexts.

Lesson 3: 
Describing Locations (esta ciudad, aquel país)

In this lesson, you were introduced to the essential demonstrative adjectives and pronouns in Spanish such as este, esta, ese, esa, aquel, and aquella. You learned how to use esta ciudad to refer to the city you are currently in or locations nearby, while paying close attention to gender and number agreement between demonstratives and nouns, for example, esta ciudad versus estos edificios. A key point was differentiating between ese país and aquel país, which express relative distance in both space and time, with aquel país signaling a more distant or faraway country in conversation. You also explored how demonstrative adjectives vary with masculine nouns such as este país, ese lugar, and aquel sitio, and the important difference between demonstrative adjectives and pronouns when describing locations.

The lesson highlighted the role of accent marks in distinguishing demonstrative pronouns, for example, éste (pronoun) versus este (adjective). You practiced using ese lugar to describe a place close to the listener but farther from the speaker, as well as common phrases combining demonstratives with verbs that describe movement or position, such as Voy a esta ciudad and Llegué a aquel país. Incorporating prepositions like en esta ciudad or desde aquel país was also emphasized to enhance your location descriptions.

Additionally, you studied how aquel lugar can express nostalgia or refer to a place that is distant in time or space. The lesson covered differences in the use of demonstratives between Spain and Latin America, especially regarding spatial references. You learned to compare multiple locations within a sentence, for example, “Esta ciudad es bonita, pero aquel país es más interesante.” Using demonstratives to talk about landmarks or tourist sites also helps provide clear spatial references.

In practical travel contexts, you practiced asking for information with phrases like “¿Dónde está esa estación?” versus “¿Dónde está aquella estación?” and addressed frequently confused terms such as ese versus ese (homophones with subtle contextual differences) and aquel versus aquí or allí to emphasize specific locations. You also described locations in relation to other places using demonstratives combined with directional phrases, and expressed temporal distance with aquel in travel stories or past descriptions. Finally, you practiced real-world dialogue examples to effectively communicate when asking for directions or describing places while traveling. This lesson strengthens your ability to use demonstratives accurately and confidently in everyday Spanish conversations about locations.

Lesson 4: Using “Hay” vs. “Está(n)”

In this lesson on Using “Hay” vs. “Está(n)”, you learned that hay is the impersonal form of haber used to indicate existence or presence, equivalent to “there is” or “there are” in English. It is important to remember that hay does not change according to singular or plural nouns, making it unique as an impersonal verb. In contrast, estar and están are forms of the verb estar, meaning “to be,” which are used for indicating location and temporary states. Specifically, está is singular, while están is its plural third-person form.

The key distinction is that hay refers to existence or the presence of something undefined or newly introduced in conversation, such as in the example, “Hay dos restaurantes en la calle”. Meanwhile, estar/están locate specific, known people or objects temporarily, as in “El restaurante está en la esquina.” When describing temporary location or condition of people and things, estar is used. You also learned that when asking questions, hay is used to inquire about the existence of something, whereas está/están ask about the location of known items.

Negative forms also differ: hay negation expresses that something does not exist, for example, “No hay bancos aquí,” while estar negation indicates that known entities are not located somewhere, e.g., “Los bancos no están aquí.” Additionally, hay can refer to future or unspecific times, as in “Habrá una fiesta mañana,” but estar is reserved strictly for current, specific locations or conditions.

Common phrases combine hay with numbers or quantity words like muchos, algunos, and pocos to express indefinite quantities. When using estar/están, spatial prepositions such as en, cerca de, and lejos de help indicate exact locations. Sometimes, both hay and estar appear in the same sentence serving different functions, highlighting the difference between existence and location.

As a cultural tip, native Spanish speakers commonly use hay to introduce directions or new places and estar to describe where something currently is, helping listeners understand both what exists and where it is situated. Understanding when to use hay versus estar/están will greatly improve your ability to communicate practical information about locations, existence, and states during travel and everyday conversations.

Lesson 5: 
Vocabulary: Places in a City (biblioteca, supermercado, etc.)

In this lesson, you learned the importance of knowing city-related vocabulary in Spanish-speaking countries to improve both travel experiences and everyday communication. You were introduced to key places such as the biblioteca, a public library where people can read and borrow books, and the supermercado, which serves as the main location to buy food and household items. The farmacia was explained as a pharmacy where you can obtain medicine, while the restaurante is a place to eat and often socialize with others. You also explored the concept of the parque, a green space for relaxation or exercise, and the hospital, a center for medical treatment.

Transportation hubs like the estación de tren (train station) and aeropuerto (airport) were highlighted as essential for moving around cities and countries. You learned to distinguish between types of libraries such as the biblioteca pública and biblioteca universitaria. Cultural locations like the museo (museum) and plaza (town square) were introduced as social and historical gathering spots. Entertainment venues including the cine (movie theater) and the specific sala de cine (movie theater room) were also discussed. Religious and civic places such as the iglesia (church) and the oficina de correos (post office) were covered, along with the role of the estación de policía in city safety.

You examined marketplaces like the mercado, where vendors sell food and crafts, and the centro comercial, a shopping mall or commercial center. Key public transport terms such as parada de autobús (bus stop) and estación de metro (subway station) were explained to help with urban navigation. Accommodation options like the hotel were presented, as well as casual spots like the cafetería, a common coffee shop. Fitness centers called gimnasio and educational institutions like the universidad were also introduced.

Special city features including the bibliobús, a mobile library, and the contrast between zona peatonal (pedestrian zone) versus regular streets were clarified. Financial and service locations such as the banco (bank) and lavandería (laundromat) were discussed for daily living needs. Finally, the oficina de turismo was introduced as an essential tourist office providing city maps and helpful information. With this vocabulary, you are better prepared to navigate and communicate effectively in Spanish-speaking urban environments.

Lesson 6: Introduction to Demonstrative Adjectives (este, esa, aquellos)

In this lesson, you learned about demonstrative adjectives in Spanish, which are words that modify nouns to indicate specific items based on their relationship to the speaker's location. The three main demonstrative adjectives introduced were este, ese, and aquel, each differing by the distance from the speaker. Este refers to something close to the speaker, with examples highlighting its masculine singular form as well as the feminine singular form esta and plural forms estos and estas, demonstrating important gender and number agreement.

Ese is used to indicate something near the listener but farther from the speaker. You explored its masculine singular form and feminine and plural variants (esa, esos, esas), emphasizing agreement rules with helpful example sentences. Meanwhile, aquel points to objects or people far from both the speaker and listener, often translated as “that over there.” Its feminine and plural forms—aquella, aquellos, and aquellas—were explained with conversation examples to show how spatial context guides their use.

The lesson also compared este, ese, and aquel in terms of spatial referencing: near the speaker, near the listener, and far from both. You learned the difference between demonstrative adjectives and demonstrative pronouns, focusing on their form and function. Practical applications were covered, demonstrating how these adjectives are useful in travel-related conversations, such as pointing out landmarks or objects close to or far from travelers. Additionally, the use of demonstratives in time references (e.g., este año, esa semana, aquel día) was introduced.

A strong emphasis was placed on adjective-noun agreement in both gender and number to ensure correct usage of este, ese, and aquel. You were also made aware of regional variations in pronunciation and slight preferences depending on the Spanish-speaking country. Common learner mistakes, especially confusion between ese and aquel, were highlighted alongside helpful memory tips based on distance rules.

Furthermore, you saw how demonstrative adjectives function to clarify meaning when multiple items or people are involved, and how they appear in common phrases useful in airports, hotels, or restaurants. The lesson touched on subtle emotional or psychological distances sometimes implied by choosing between ese and aquel, going beyond physical space. Finally, you learned about the importance of contextual cues—such as the speaker’s viewpoint and shared knowledge—to select the appropriate demonstrative adjective and were encouraged to listen carefully for these words in native speech to improve understanding of spatial and conversational references.

Lesson 7: Ser vs. Estar (Deeper Practice)

The lesson “Ser vs. Estar (Deeper Practice)” in Spanish 104: Practical Spanish for Travel, Locations, and Everyday Communication provides an in-depth understanding of the fundamental differences between ser and estar. You will learn that ser is used to describe inherent or permanent characteristics, such as origin, nationality, professions, and possession, while estar indicates temporary states or conditions, including physical and emotional states, locations of people and objects, and changing circumstances. The lesson highlights how ser identifies time, dates, and relationships, and is also used in passive voice constructions and to express material composition. Conversely, estar is essential to describe ongoing actions via the present progressive tense (estar gerundio), moods, health, appearance, and results of recent actions. Important distinctions are drawn between when to use ser or estar for personality traits versus moods, and how context plays a crucial role in choosing the correct verb. You will also explore adjectives that change meaning depending on whether they follow ser or estar. Additionally, the lesson covers how events or gatherings’ position and place use ser, along with addressing exceptions and irregularities in their usage. This comprehensive practice session ensures you grasp the nuances to confidently apply ser and estar in everyday communication.

Lesson 8: Talking About Weather & Climate

In the lesson Talking About Weather & Climate in Spanish 104: Practical Spanish for Travel, Locations, and Everyday Communication, you will learn key vocabulary related to weather such as sol, lluvia, nieve, viento, nublado, despejado, frío, and calor. You'll discover how to ask about the weather using phrases like “¿Qué tiempo hace hoy?” versus “¿Cómo está el clima?” and how to describe temperature with expressions like “hace frío,” “hace calor,” and temperature degrees in Celsius. The lesson also covers expressing weather conditions with verbs such as “llueve,” “nieva,” and “está soleado.” You will talk about the seasons — primavera, verano, otoño, invierno — and their typical weather, as well as learn common phrases about sudden changes like “Está cambiando el tiempo” and “Se viene tormenta.”

You'll practice expressing your preferences about weather — for example, “Me gusta cuando hace sol” or “No me gusta la lluvia.” Understanding and using “el pronóstico del tiempo” for weather forecasts is also emphasized. The lesson encourages asking about seasonal climate differences in various Spanish-speaking countries and describing climate using “clima”, such as “El clima en México es cálido” versus “El clima en Madrid es templado.” Additionally, you'll learn how to talk about humidity with phrases like “Hace humedad” and “El aire está seco.” Wind speed and direction are described with expressions such as “Hace viento fuerte” and “El viento viene del norte.”

The lesson includes explaining how weather impacts travel plans using the future tense, for example, “Si llueve, no iremos a la playa.” You'll also practice expressing past weather events in the preterite tense, like “Ayer nevó mucho” and “La semana pasada hubo tormenta.” Discussion of natural disasters related to weather, such as huracanes and sequías, and their effects will provide important cultural context. To describe different climate zones, you'll use adjectives like “templado,” “extremo,” and “variable.”

You'll learn how to talk about clothing choices depending on weather — for instance, “Llevo abrigo porque hace frío.” The lesson also covers comparing climates with sentences like “Mientras que aquí hace frío, en el Caribe hace calor.” Finally, you will practice asking for and giving advice based on weather, such as “¿Qué debo llevar si va a llover?” and explore cultural notes on how weather affects festivals and daily life in different Spanish-speaking countries. This lesson equips you with practical language skills to confidently discuss the weather and climate in real-life travel and communication situations.

Lesson 9: Telling Time and Schedules (¿Qué hora es?)

In this lesson, Telling Time and Schedules (¿Qué hora es?), you will learn how to ask and express time in Spanish, starting with the fundamental question ¿Qué hora es?. You will explore the differences between the 12-hour and 24-hour clock formats used in various Spanish-speaking countries and how to say exact hours using phrases like en punto (e.g., Son las tres en punto). You will also learn to express half past the hour with y media, quarter past the hour with y cuarto, and quarter to the hour using menos cuarto. The lesson covers telling time with minutes past the hour using y (e.g., Son las seis y diez) and minutes before the hour using menos (e.g., Son las siete menos diez). An important distinction between Es la una (singular) and Son las (plural) for other hours is explained. To specify times of day, you will use expressions such as de la mañana, de la tarde, and de la noche, as well as en la madrugada for very early morning hours before sunrise. The lesson also introduces vocabulary for midnight and noon: medianoche and mediodía. You will encounter key verbs like ser, estar, and tener used in time contexts. To inquire about schedules, you will use ¿A qué hora...? (e.g., ¿A qué hora sale el tren?). The lesson includes vocabulary related to daily schedules, travel, and appointments, as well as time expressions paired with prepositions like desde, hasta, and antes de. You will become familiar with time interval words such as minuto, hora, segundo, and día. A cultural note highlights differences in punctuality and scheduling across Spanish-speaking countries. Finally, you will learn how to express approximate time using phrases like más o menos, sobre, or alrededor de and how to use time expressions effectively to make plans or provide directions related to schedules.

Lesson 10: Ordinal Numbers (primero, segundo, tercero, etc.)

In this lesson on Ordinal Numbers (primero, segundo, tercero, etc.) for Spanish 104: Practical Spanish for Travel, Locations, and Everyday Communication, you will learn the essential role that ordinal numbers play in travel scenarios. We begin with an introduction to basic ordinal numbers such as primero, segundo, and tercero, which correspond directly to first, second, and third in English. An important point is the gender agreement, where primero and tercero change to primera and tercera when modifying feminine nouns. You will also discover that ordinal numbers are usually placed before the noun, for example, la segunda calle. This lesson highlights the difference between cardinal and ordinal numbers, emphasizing their unique uses in Spanish. You will learn how to form ordinal numbers from cuarto (fourth) to décimo (tenth) with consistent endings and understand the pattern for creating ordinal numbers beyond décimo, often by combining cardinal numbers with décimo and beyond.

A special grammatical note covers how primero and tercero drop the final “o” before masculine singular nouns. To help you sound natural in conversation, the lesson also includes pronunciation tips for ordinal numbers. Practical contexts are stressed, such as using ordinal numbers to indicate floors in a hotel, give directions, or describe addresses like la tercera avenida. You will learn how ordinal numbers are used to describe dates, e.g., el primer día del mes, and the distinction between using ordinal versus cardinal numbers when talking about months or years.

Additional travel-related contexts like public transportation use, with phrases such as la segunda parada, are explored alongside cultural notes that explain how street names and event numbering can vary in Spanish-speaking countries. The lesson also touches on ordinal numbers in restaurants or lines, for instance being el primer cliente. Common learner mistakes related to gender and placement of ordinal numbers are highlighted for avoidance. For deeper understanding, a brief look at the historical origin and Latin roots of Spanish ordinal numbers is provided.

Finally, the lesson discusses formal and informal contexts for ordinal number usage, including variations in spoken Spanish, and introduces you to ordinal number abbreviations, such as 1º and 2ª, often seen in written Spanish. By mastering these concepts, you will improve your ability to communicate clearly and accurately in everyday travel and location-related conversations.

Lesson 11: Introduction to Past Tense (Conceptual Overview of the Preterite)

In this lesson, Introduction to Past Tense (Conceptual Overview of the Preterite), you learned that the preterite tense is a past tense used to describe completed actions in the past. It is important to understand the difference between the preterite and imperfect tenses, as each expresses past events differently. The preterite is triggered by completed actions, specific time frames, and sequences of events. You were introduced to the conjugation patterns for regular verbs, including the -ar, -er, and -ir verb endings in the preterite tense. Special attention was given to stem changes that occur in some -ir verbs only. Furthermore, the lesson highlighted the role of accent marks in preterite forms, which are essential for indicating stress and differentiating verb endings, especially the first-person singular forms (-é, -í), which serve as key guides for correct conjugation.

You also explored some common irregular preterite verbs such as ser, ir, hacer, and tener. Recognizing context clues is crucial in distinguishing the preterite from the present perfect tense, especially in travel-related conversations. Common phrases like ayer, anoche, and el año pasado frequently accompany the preterite and are vital for proper usage. The preterite tense plays an essential role in telling stories and narrating travel experiences, often expressing the beginning and end of past actions. Answering questions such as What did you do? in Spanish requires using the preterite form, emphasizing its practical use.

The lesson also clarified how the preterite indicates actions that happened once versus repeated actions, as well as how it is used to provide specific details about past locations and movements. Some typical mistakes made by English speakers when forming or using the preterite were discussed, underscoring the importance of mastering this tense. Finally, you learned that proper use of the preterite is essential for effective communication during travel and everyday conversations and holds cultural relevance in polite storytelling and sharing experiences within Spanish-speaking communities.

Lesson 12: 
Polite Requests & Simple Commands (por favor, haga, etc.)

In this lesson, you will learn how to make polite requests and give simple commands in Spanish using expressions like por favor and the formal command form with usted, which is essential for respectful communication, especially in travel situations. We begin by exploring the placement of por favor in sentences and then move on to the conjugation of regular -ar verbs such as haga, escuche, and pague, as well as regular -er and -ir verbs like coma and escriba in the formal imperative. Understanding the difference between informal tú commands and formal usted commands helps you address strangers politely.

You will also learn how por favor can be used both before and after a command to adjust the tone and politeness. The lesson includes practical examples of polite requests in airports and restaurants, such as Por favor, muestre su pasaporte and Por favor, tráigame el menú. Negative formal commands are formed with no followed by the verb in the present subjunctive, for example, No fume aquí, por favor.

Additionally, the lesson covers common irregular formal command verbs like sea, vaya, and dé, illustrating how to use them politely. You'll discover how to combine commands with indirect object pronouns to make requests clearer and more courteous, such as Por favor, hágamelo saber. The use of modal verbs like puede and podría is introduced to soften requests, differentiating between commands and suggestions, which is useful in travel dialogues.

The lesson includes a cultural note on the varying levels of formality and politeness across Spanish-speaking countries. You will also practice using querer in polite conditional requests, for instance, Quisiera una habitación, por favor. The importance of intonation in conveying politeness, even when using commands, is highlighted, along with pairing expressions of gratitude like Gracias, por favor ayúdeme with polite requests.

Finally, the lesson emphasizes the role of body language and non-verbal cues in virtual communication to complement polite phrases, and teaches you how to politely interrupt or get attention using Disculpe combined with a request. A review of common everyday phrases combining polite commands and requests rounds out the lesson, helping you enhance your travel communication skills in Spanish.

Lesson 13: 
Listening to Basic Directions (audio-based)

In this lesson, Listening to Basic Directions (audio-based), you will explore the essential skill of understanding basic Spanish directions, a crucial ability when traveling in Spanish-speaking countries. You will become familiar with common verbs like seguir, girar, doblar, and continuar, which are frequently used when giving directions. Key phrases such as a la derecha, a la izquierda, recto, and hasta are presented along with their contextual meanings to help you follow instructions accurately. Special attention is given to pronunciation tips to ensure you clearly comprehend spoken directions, especially when listening to audio.

The lesson also clarifies distance terms like cerca and lejos and teaches you to recognize phrase cues that indicate turns or stops in spoken directions. You will learn how landmarks play a vital role in orientation, using expressions such as al lado de, frente a, and detrás de. Numeric references such as la primera calle and la segunda avenida help you identify specific points during navigation. Understanding the difference between formal and informal commands is also covered, so you know how direction-giving varies based on context and relationships.

Prepositions like entre, alrededor de, and delante de enhance your grasp of spatial descriptions, while temporal phrases such as por cinco minutos and unos metros más help you interpret length or duration in travel instructions. You will also recognize common expressions related to modes of transportation, including a pie, en autobús, and en coche. The lesson introduces typical question forms like ¿Dónde está...? and ¿Cómo llego a...?, essential for asking or clarifying directions.

You will study the typical structure of conversational direction-giving in Spanish, focusing on sequencing cues to follow multi-step instructions effectively. Regional variations in expressions are discussed to improve your comprehension across different Spanish-speaking areas. Additionally, you will understand the importance of intonation and stress as auditory clues, especially in commands and safety instructions. Practical audio examples simulate real-life scenarios at places such as airports, bus stations, and city streets, providing you with hands-on listening practice.

Throughout the lesson, you learn how to distinguish between multiple-step directions within a single audio instruction and the value of repetition of key directional terms as a learning aid. Finally, cultural tips emphasize the importance of politeness and clarity when both asking for and giving directions, helping you navigate social interactions smoothly in Spanish-speaking countries.