0.2.1 Basic Conversation Flashcards Preview

Literally this means “forgive [me]” for disturbing you, although it’s not really an apology.

In contrast, the potential synonym perdón (a bit less commonly used to get someone’s attention) can also be used to apologize, say, for bumping into someone.

Literally this means “permission”. You’d say it to politely ask someone to step aside to let you through.

Literally, “it’s well” / “There’s no problem”.

cómo - “how”; you are - estás.

well - bien

Translation: “How are you?” / “Well, thank you. And you?” / “Well.”

Note that ¿y tú? means “and you?”.

Sir - señor

Ma’am - Señora.

Señora is typically used to refer to an older woman (or married woman), as a sign of respect. For this reason, we’d use Ud. rather than tú, and therefore the third-person singular (es) form of the verb ser.

Mister X - señor X.

Note that when addressing Mr. Ramos directly, you could just say Sr. Ramos, but when talking about him indirectly, you’d typically use the definite article el.

Mrs. X - señora X.

Note that when addressing Mrs. Cortez directly, you could just say Sra. Cortez, but when talking about her indirectly, you’d typically use the definite article la.

Also note that addressing someone with their title and surname like this is quite formal and/or is a sign of respect. Beware that calling a more casual acquaintence Señora can make her feel like an old woman!

Miss - Señorita.

This term is used for girls or young (unmarried) women.

please - por favor

no - no.

(Finally, an easy one!)

(Answer: Nothing! It’s a gibberish word we made up for this example.)

(Answer: “Chicken”)