Who is speaking spanish fluently?

Question

Im kinda seeing the improvement of me speaking Spanish but there are just some i cant understand an some that are hard.My spanish teacher says translating is not word for word.And im kinda stuck and the worst part exams coming up

Answer 1

If you watch english movies and read spanish subtitles, you will see that they are not word for word either, the same with watching spanish movies with english subtitles.

Some people see it as a shortcut to learn spanish words that sound similar and have similar meaning to english words. I think can delay progress it keeps you in translating mode.

The way spanish is phrased and words are used is different from english. The same with common phrases and sayings.

If you want to get good at spanish, you will eventually need to stop translating and start thinking in spanish.

A good phrase book might help you.

Super idea! - territurtle, Jun 18, 2011

Watching Spanish movies with Spanish subtitles is a good idea too. And surprisingly the Spanish subtitles don't always match the audio. - rodneyp, Jun 18, 2011

I do that too sometimes I can understand the subs better than the spoken also sometimes you miss something in the audio and see it in the sub - coolclay, Jun 19, 2011

Answer 2

Do you have any specific questions that we can help you with? I'd be happy to help [but keep in mind, I'm learning, too ].

Answer 3

What is the difference between viva and vivir?

Aside from a verb conjugation, "viva" has other meanings as well.

(Ella) está viva ....... She is alive

(Ella) es muy viva ....... She is very clever

Mhmm :) - GuitarWarrior, Jun 18, 2011

So musch to learn thanks - coolclay, Jun 19, 2011

Answer 4

What is the difference between viva and vivir?

Great question. "Vivir" is an infinitive that means "to live". "Viva" is the "yo" and "él, ella, usted" form of vivir in the present tense subjunctive. Also, "viva" is a command in the "usted" form. - SonrisaDelSol, Jun 18, 2011

Also, welcome to SpanishDict :D - SonrisaDelSol, Jun 18, 2011

Precise, Sonrisa :-) - GuitarWarrior, Jun 18, 2011

Gracias - SonrisaDelSol, Jun 18, 2011

Answer 5

Prepositions are notorious for not translating word to word. Also, to learn the subjunctive, you have to "think" like a Spanish speaker. Many single Spanish words can translate into two or more different English meanings. The list goes on. If you want to learn, practice practice practice!

If you have a specific question, maybe we can help you