esta, usted, soy estoy...etc

Question

I am learning Latin American Spanish and I get confused as to when to use esta, usted, or el as opposed to un. It's these small particles in the language that are giving me so much trouble. When to use soy and nostros words like that.

If you could help me or direct me to where I can learn the difference between these and when to use them I'd appreciate it so very much.

Thank you Karen

How have you been learning? These are all very different parts of speech which you are inquiring about, so I'm curious what method you are using. I'm happy to help once I know your language background. - sullivanbcsc, Jul 5, 2012

Hola, Bienvenido al foro! - rac1, Jul 5, 2012

Well, it sounds like you're in the (beginning) stage of (learning) a (foreign) language. Time to (study) www.studyspanish.com - ruiseñor, Jul 5, 2012

Answer 1

How about you start at the beginning. Spanish Lessons We have many resources on this site which will help you to learn all about Spanish. Flashcards is another. We also have our Spanish Grammar section. This is how I have been learning as well as many other members on SpanishDict and the best part is it's all for free.

Thank you. I saw the flashcards and was going to make them up once I figured out how to use these. Also I will check out the Spanish Grammar section you recommended. Thank you. - wpracine, Jul 6, 2012

Answer 2

The video lessons on this site are very helpful, as Rac1 said.

Click this link: Subject Pronouns

As Noetol said, you can go to the blue toolbar, hover your mouse over 'Learn' then choose grammar. There are many written lessons there but this one will help you understand just the basic personal pronouns of a sentence (I, you, he, she, they, you (plural), and we). Because Spanish has a lot of ways to say 'you', there is another one that says "Spanish you" that is also under the heading "Pronouns". That is a start. Some of the words you mentioned are verbs (action words) and some are nouns (person, place, thing). Start with the nouns and learn some subject pronouns. Then you can add some verbs. The verbs in Spanish have to "match" with the subjects. We don't have as much of that kind of thing in English so it takes some getting used to.

If you have questions, you can PM me and I can help you know where to find some help.

Katy

Thanks so much. I will check out the video lesson link you provided. I will PM you if I have more questions. I appreciate your help. - wpracine, Jul 6, 2012

Answer 3

I would advise you to go to the "learn" tab, and find articles there concerning prepositions, pronouns, and articles. For one example, go here prepositions

There are many other articles, as well as the video lessons. I'm sure a little investigation there will cure a lot of your confusion!

Thank you so much. I have bookmarked the prepositions on my computer so I can reference them when I need to. - wpracine, Jul 6, 2012