3 Essential Spanish Cleaning Words Explained

A short question helps you discover when something began. [very slowly] Your friend has started learning Japanese.[pause][very slowly] You already know what she’s doing.[pause][very slowly] Now you want to know when she began.[pause][very slowly] Spanish has a neat little question for that.[pause][slow and deliberate] ¿Desde cuándo?[pause][very slowly] It means... Since when?[pause][very slowly] It asks about the starting point of something.[pause][very slowly] Listen to the question again.[pause][very slowly] ¿Desde cuándo?[pause][very slowly] You can use it when a situation is already clear.[pause][very slowly] Maybe your friend mentions a new job.[pause][very slowly] Or says she has been taking dance classes.[pause][very slowly] You’re asking when that began, not how long it lasts.[pause][slow and deliberate] ¿Desde cuándo?[pause][very slowly] The question sounds brief because the context does the work.[pause][very slowly] Now it’s your turn to practise.[pause][very slowly] Imagine your friend has a new hobby.[pause][very slowly] Repeat the question after me.[long pause][very slowly] ¿Desde cuándo?[pause][very slowly] Good. Here’s your quick challenge.[pause][very slowly] Someone tells you they’ve been learning to cook.[pause][very slowly] You want to ask when they started.[pause][very slowly] Think of the question before I say it.[long pause][slow and deliberate] ¿Desde cuándo?[pause][very slowly] Exactly. A tiny question, and suddenly the story has a beginning.[pause][very slowly] This is no ordinary lesson.[pause][very slowly] It’s your daily minute of Spanish.[pause][very slowly] To help you reach your goal...[pause][very slowly] Of speaking Spanish.[long pause][very slowly] Subscribe for free...[pause][very slowly] To the "Free Spanish Course" podcast.[pause][very slowly] If you haven't already...[pause][very slowly] So you don't miss any upcoming lessons.[long pause][very slowly] I’m Borja Girón.[pause][very slowly] Sending you a big hug...[pause][very slowly] And see you tomorrow!Sigue aprendiendo con el Canal de YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeSpanishCourseToday

A polite, practical way to ask for the check—without sounding abrupt. [very slowly] Dinner is over... and the conversation is winding down.[pause][very slowly] You’re ready to leave, but the bill hasn’t arrived.[pause][very slowly] Here’s a polite way to ask for it.[pause][slow and deliberate] ¿Me trae la cuenta, por favor?[pause][very slowly] It means... Could you bring me the bill, please?[pause][very slowly] In some places, people say check instead of bill.[pause][very slowly] The Spanish phrase works naturally in either situation.[pause][very slowly] Listen again.[pause][very slowly] ¿Me trae la cuenta, por favor?[pause][very slowly] The wording is polite, clear, and useful.[pause][very slowly] You can say it to a server when you’re ready to pay.[pause][very slowly] It’s also handy if the restaurant is busy.[pause][slow and deliberate] ¿Me trae la cuenta, por favor?[pause][very slowly] Notice the friendly ending... por favor means please.[pause][very slowly] Now it’s your turn to practise.[pause][very slowly] Imagine you’ve finished your meal and need the bill.[pause][very slowly] Repeat after me.[long pause][very slowly] ¿Me trae la cuenta, por favor?[pause][very slowly] Quick challenge... you’re at a café with a friend.[pause][very slowly] You’ve both finished, and you’re ready to pay.[pause][very slowly] What could you ask the server?[long pause][slow and deliberate] ¿Me trae la cuenta, por favor?[pause][very slowly] Perfect. You’ve just handled one small moment with confidence.[pause][very slowly] This is no ordinary lesson.[pause][very slowly] It’s your daily minute of Spanish.[pause][very slowly] To help you reach your goal...[pause][very slowly] Of speaking Spanish.[long pause][very slowly] Subscribe for free...[pause][very slowly] To the "Free Spanish Course" podcast.[pause][very slowly] If you haven't already...[pause][very slowly] So you don't miss any upcoming lessons.[long pause][very slowly] I’m Borja Girón.[pause][very slowly] Sending you a big hug...[pause][very slowly] And see you tomorrow!Sigue aprendiendo con el Canal de YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeSpanishCourseToday

In Spain, one short word can mean “okay,” “agreed,” or “that works.” [very slowly] Today... one tiny Spanish word can keep a plan moving.[pause][very slowly] You hear it all the time in Spain.[pause][slow and deliberate] Vale.[pause][very slowly] It means “okay,” “all right,” or “deal.”[pause][very slowly] It’s a quick way to show agreement.[pause][very slowly] Listen again... and imagine making a plan.[pause][very slowly] Vale.[pause][very slowly] Your friend says, “Let’s meet at seven.”[pause][very slowly] You agree. You can answer with this word.[pause][slow and deliberate] Vale.[pause][very slowly] Now... repeat it after me.[long pause][slow and deliberate] Vale.[pause][very slowly] Good. It sounds simple because it is simple.[pause][very slowly] But here’s the useful detail: it’s especially common in Spain.[pause][very slowly] In other Spanish-speaking places, people may choose different words.[pause][very slowly] For example, “okay” can be expressed in several ways.[pause][very slowly] So listen to the people around you.[pause][very slowly] Quick practice. Your friend suggests lunch at two.[pause][very slowly] You’re happy with the plan. What do you say?[long pause][very slowly] The answer is...[pause][very slowly] Vale.[pause][very slowly] One more time... say it like you mean “deal.”[long pause][slow and deliberate] Vale.[pause][very slowly] It’s short, friendly, and useful.[pause][very slowly] Try it the next time you agree to a plan.[pause][very slowly] This is no ordinary lesson.[pause][very slowly] It’s your daily minute of Spanish.[pause][very slowly] To help you reach your goal...[pause][very slowly] Of speaking Spanish.[long pause][very slowly] Subscribe for free...[pause][very slowly] To the "Free Spanish Course" podcast.[pause][very slowly] If you haven't already...[pause][very slowly] So you don't miss any upcoming lessons.[long pause][very slowly] I’m Borja Girón.[pause][very slowly] Sending you a big hug...[pause][very slowly] And see you tomorrow!Sigue aprendiendo con el Canal de YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeSpanishCourseToday

It’s not a dish or a dessert. It’s what happens when the meal is over. [very slowly] The plates are empty... but nobody gets up.[pause][very slowly] In many Spanish-speaking homes, that moment has a name.[pause][slow and deliberate] La sobremesa.[pause][very slowly] It means the time people spend talking together after a meal.[pause][very slowly] It’s not the food... and it’s not the dessert.[pause][very slowly] It’s the conversation that keeps everyone at the table.[pause][very slowly] Listen again... and picture a long lunch with friends.[pause][very slowly] La sobremesa.[pause][very slowly] Now imagine the meal is finished, but the stories continue.[pause][very slowly] What do you call that time in Spanish?[long pause][very slowly] La sobremesa.[pause][very slowly] Your turn. Think of a meal with good company.[pause][very slowly] The plates are cleared... everyone stays and chats.[pause][very slowly] Remember the Spanish word before you hear it.[long pause][slow and deliberate] La sobremesa.[pause][very slowly] In English, we might describe the moment with a whole sentence.[pause][very slowly] Spanish gives this lovely little tradition one word.[pause][very slowly] This is no ordinary lesson.[pause][very slowly] It’s your daily minute of Spanish.[pause][very slowly] To help you reach your goal...[pause][very slowly] Of speaking Spanish.[long pause][very slowly] Subscribe for free...[pause][very slowly] To the "Free Spanish Course" podcast.[pause][very slowly] If you haven't already...[pause][very slowly] So you don't miss any upcoming lessons.[long pause][very slowly] I’m Borja Girón.[pause][very slowly] Sending you a big hug...[pause][very slowly] And see you tomorrow!Sigue aprendiendo con el Canal de YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeSpanishCourseToday

Borrowing and lending use one verb—but the sentence tells you who does what. [slowly] Today... one Spanish verb works from both sides of a loan.[pause][slowly] Listen to this request.[pause][slowly] ¿Me prestas un bolígrafo?[pause][slowly] In English... this means... Can you lend me a pen?[pause][slowly] The person speaking wants to borrow it.[pause][slowly] But the Spanish verb describes lending.[pause][slowly] Listen to the question again.[pause][slowly] ¿Me prestas un bolígrafo?[pause][slowly] Now... repeat the question after me.[long pause][slowly] ¿Me prestas un bolígrafo?[pause][slowly] Good. Now imagine you are offering your pen.[pause][slowly] Te presto mi bolígrafo.[pause][slowly] This means... I’ll lend you my pen.[pause][slowly] The verb stays the same. The little words show who gives and who receives.[pause][slowly] Listen again.[pause][slowly] Te presto mi bolígrafo.[pause][slowly] Your turn. Repeat the offer.[long pause][slowly] Te presto mi bolígrafo.[pause][slowly] Quick practice. You need a pen. Ask your friend politely.[long pause][slowly] ¿Me prestas un bolígrafo?[pause][slowly] Your friend needs a pen. Offer yours.[long pause][slowly] Te presto mi bolígrafo.[pause][slowly] Same verb, opposite sides of the loan. Let the sentence tell you who’s lending.[pause][slowly] This is no ordinary lesson: it’s your daily minute of Spanish to help you reach your goal of speaking Spanish.[slowly] Subscribe for free to the "Free Spanish Course" podcast—if you haven't already—so you don't miss any upcoming lessons. I’m Borja Girón; sending you a big hug, and see you tomorrow!Sigue aprendiendo con el Canal de YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeSpanishCourseToday

A familiar translation can sound like you couldn’t care less. Here’s a warmer way to agree. [slowly] Here’s a small Spanish trap in everyday conversation.[slowly] In English, “I don’t mind” sounds relaxed and friendly.[slowly] But a direct Spanish translation can sound much colder.[pause][slowly] No me importa.[long pause][slowly] This can mean “I don’t care” or “It doesn’t matter to me.”[slowly] Depending on your tone, it may sound dismissive.[pause][slowly] Imagine someone asks if you mind opening a window.[slowly] A warmer answer is...[pause][slowly] No tengo problema.[long pause][slowly] This means “I have no problem with that.”[slowly] It’s a friendly way to say, “I don’t mind.”[pause][slowly] Listen again.[pause][slowly] No tengo problema.[long pause][slowly] You can also say...[pause][slowly] Por mí, está bien.[long pause][slowly] This means “That’s fine with me.”[slowly] It’s useful when choosing a time, place, or plan.[pause][slowly] Your turn. A friend suggests meeting at six.[slowly] You’re happy with the idea. What can you say?[long pause][slowly] No tengo problema.[pause][slowly] Or, Por mí, está bien.[slowly] Try both phrases aloud.[long pause][slowly] Save No me importa for when you truly mean, “I don’t care.”[slowly] This is no ordinary lesson: it’s your daily minute of Spanish to help you reach your goal of speaking Spanish.[slowly] Subscribe for free to the "Free Spanish Course" podcast—if you haven't already—so you don't miss any upcoming lessons. I’m Borja Girón; sending you a big hug, and see you tomorrow!Sigue aprendiendo con el Canal de YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeSpanishCourseToday

One short question can keep a conversation moving, even when you miss a word. [slowly] Someone speaks Spanish. You catch every word... except the last one.[pause][slowly] Don’t panic. You don’t need a perfect sentence.[pause][slowly] Just ask... ¿Cómo?[pause][slowly] In this situation, ¿Cómo? means “Sorry? What was that?”[pause][slowly] It’s a natural, quick way to ask someone to repeat.[pause][slowly] Listen again... ¿Cómo?[pause][slowly] Imagine a friend says, “La calle está cerrada.”[pause][slowly] You missed the street name. Ask... ¿Cómo?[pause][slowly] Your friend can repeat it more clearly.[pause][slowly] For a warmer, more polite version, say... ¿Perdona?[pause][slowly] ¿Perdona? means “Sorry?” or “Could you say that again?”[pause][slowly] Repeat it with me... ¿Perdona?[long pause][slowly] Good. Now choose the best phrase.[pause][slowly] You’re chatting with a friend. You missed one word.[pause][slowly] Think for a moment...[long pause][slowly] You can say... ¿Cómo?[pause][slowly] Or, a little more politely... ¿Perdona?[pause][slowly] Try them today. A small question keeps you in the conversation.[pause][slowly] This is no ordinary lesson: it’s your daily minute of Spanish to help you reach your goal of speaking Spanish.[slowly] Subscribe for free to the "Free Spanish Course" podcast—if you haven't already—so you don't miss any upcoming lessons. I’m Borja Girón; sending you a big hug, and see you tomorrow!Sigue aprendiendo con el Canal de YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeSpanishCourseToday

Learn what to say when you need to get past someone politely. [slowly] You’re on a crowded bus. Someone is blocking the way. You need to get past them. What do you say in Spanish?[slowly] Try this useful phrase: Con permiso. It means “excuse me” when you’re moving past someone.[pause][slowly] You’re not asking for official permission. You’re politely letting people know you’re coming through.[pause][slowly] Listen again: Con permiso.[pause][slowly] Now repeat it with me.[long pause][slowly] Con permiso.[pause][slowly] Good. You can also say: Con permiso, voy a pasar. That means, “Excuse me, I’m going to get through.”[pause][slowly] Imagine you’re leaving a busy café. Say the phrase in your head...[long pause][slowly] The answer is: Con permiso. Or, Con permiso, voy a pasar.[pause][slowly] Try saying the first phrase once more. Con permiso.[long pause][slowly] Small phrase. Big difference. You sound considerate, not pushy.[pause][slowly] This is no ordinary lesson: it’s your daily minute of Spanish to help you reach your goal of speaking Spanish.[slowly] Subscribe for free to the "Free Spanish Course" podcast—if you haven't already—so you don't miss any upcoming lessons. I’m Borja Girón; sending you a big hug, and see you tomorrow!Sigue aprendiendo con el Canal de YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeSpanishCourseToday

One small verb choice can turn a temperature complaint into a very different message. In English, you can say “I’m hot” when the room feels warm. In Spanish, translating that sentence word for word can lead somewhere unexpected.[pause]If you feel too warm, say: [slowly] Tengo calor. It means “I feel hot.” Literally, Spanish says something like “I have heat.”[pause]Imagine you’re sitting in a sunny café and need to open a window. Say: [slowly] Tengo calor. It means “I feel hot.” Now repeat it.[long pause]Good. Here’s the phrase to be careful with: [slowly] Estoy caliente. It can mean “I’m hot,” but when you’re talking about a person, it can also sound like “I’m sexually aroused.” Context matters, but it’s not the safest way to complain about the weather.[pause]Let’s practise. You’re on a warm bus, and you want to say you feel hot. Which phrase should you use? Think for a moment...[pause]The answer is: [slowly] Tengo calor. It means “I feel hot.” Say it once more.[long pause]Exactly. Use “tener” for this sensation: you have heat. One tiny difference, and you avoid a very awkward misunderstanding.This is no ordinary lesson: it’s your daily minute of Spanish to help you reach your goal of speaking Spanish.Subscribe for free to the "Free Spanish Course" podcast—if you haven't already—so you don't miss any upcoming lessons. I’m Borja Girón; sending you a big hug, and see you tomorrow!Sigue aprendiendo con el Canal de YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeSpanishCourseToday

One familiar-looking Spanish word can send your sentence in the wrong direction. A Spanish word can look like English, sound familiar, and still trick you. Today’s culprit is actualmente.[pause][slowly] Actualmente vivo en Londres.It means “I currently live in London.” Actualmente is about what’s true now. It does not mean “actually.”[pause]Now repeat the sentence.[long pause][slowly] Actualmente vivo en Londres.Good. If you want to say “Actually, I work from home,” try [slowly] En realidad, trabajo desde casa.[pause]En realidad means “actually” or “in fact.” It can introduce a correction or a detail that might surprise someone.[pause]Repeat it with me.[long pause][slowly] En realidad, trabajo desde casa.[pause]Here’s your quick test. You want to say, “I’m currently studying Spanish.” Which phrase starts your sentence: actualmente, or en realidad?[pause]The answer is actualmente. [slowly] Actualmente estudio español. It means “I’m currently studying Spanish.”[pause]One more time: [slowly] Actualmente estudio español.So remember: actualmente points to now. En realidad means actually. They look like close cousins, but don’t invite them to do the same job.This is no ordinary lesson: it’s your daily minute of Spanish to help you reach your goal of speaking Spanish.Subscribe for free to the "Free Spanish Course" podcast—if you haven't already—so you don't miss any upcoming lessons. I’m Borja Girón; sending you a big hug, and see you tomorrow!Sigue aprendiendo con el Canal de YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreeSpanishCourseToday