Does anyone know Spanish?

Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.

Does anyone know Spanish?

I imagine a powerful, resounding Si!  reply.

Ah the blessing of being bilingual.

Most achieved some sort of mediocre proficiency through proper education.  Others through the languages spoken at home. Some have forgotten what they’ve learned while others can get by after a brief immersion. Then there are the rest of us.  The ones without formal language training.  My high school offered Spanish & French as an elective, but taking the course was not required for graduation.  I opted to focus my studies photography and small engine repair.

Looking back, I should have at least attempted one of those language classes.

At work my eyes glaze over as 75% of my co-workers rattle off words in their mother-tongue.

Uh… Hable por favor en ingles…

My request falls on deaf ears spelled (usted americano estúpido).  I am in the minority here.  Only knowing my native English.  While some of my colleagues can converse in several.  These foreign languages sure must be filled with happy vibrant adjectives.  As I see a lot of smiles, rolling of the eyes and laughter when demonstrated in front of me.

While I don’t necessarily need to know Spanish (yet) to be competent at work.  There may be a time when I will be more marketable by knowing conversational Spanish.  More importantly is my upcoming wedding to be held in Mexico.

Playa del Carmen to be exact.  I would like to (at least) appear more capable during this event.  And not relying on my bride to translate basic Spanish for her marido.  I’m marrying a lady who took high school Spanish and then actually applied what she learned in the real world.  On our last visit to Mexico, I was like a little boy, unable to order a simple un café con leche y azúcar after dinner.  So now I’m motivated to learn.

Here are two resources for free Spanish lessons.

Destinos: An Introduction to Spanish Web Site

• This telenovela, or Spanish soap opera, immerses students in everyday situations and teaches speaking, listening, and comprehension skills in Spanish.

Mi Vida Loca Web Site

• An immersive video mystery set in Spain to help you learn simple Spanish. Created by the BBC.

As I begin my studies, I came across some phrases that don’t translate well…

A otro perro con ese hueso. (You’re putting me on.)

Literal: To another dog with that bone.

Antes que te cases mira lo que haces. (Look before you leap.)

Literal: Before you marry, look at what you do.

Cada quien tiene su manera de matar pulgas (There’s more than one way to skin the cat.)

Literal: Everyone has their own way to kill fleas.

Como el burro que tocó la flauta. (By pure luck.)

Literal: As the donkey played the flute.

Salir de Guatemala y meterse en guatepeor. (Out of the frying pan and into the fire.)

Literal: To leave Guatemala and arrive in worse cornstalks.

El hijo de la gata, ratones mata. (Like father, like son.)

Literal: The son of the cat kills mice.

Entrada de caballo, salida de burro. (Don’t start something you can’t finish.)

Literal: Enter on horseback, leave on a donkey.

Tener más lana que un borrego. (To have money to burn.)

Literal: To have more wool than a lamb.

Yo tengo una tía que toca la guitarra. (What’s that got to do with the price of tea in China?)

Literal: I have an aunt that plays the guitar.

Ir a donde la reina va solo. (To powder one’s nose.)

Literal: To go where the queen goes alone.

Enjoy!