Blanca
Professional Teacher
Learning Article : 6 Mistakes You Want To Avoid When You Speak In Spanish

Discuss the Article : 6 Mistakes You Want To Avoid When You Speak In Spanish

<a href='/article/999/6-mistakes-you-want-to-avoid-when-you-speak-in-spanish' target='_blank'>6 Mistakes You Want To Avoid When You Speak In Spanish</a>

Do not get discouraged on your language learning journey whenever you made a mistake. This is common! The trick is to figure out where you’ve stumbled and go on from there. Read here to figure out the common mistakes Spanish learners have made – and how you should avoid them.

Mar 29, 2017 12:00 AM
Comments · 8
3

A common error that's actually on public signs here in California: not using the reflexive form when the verb is reflexive. For instance, this sign is seen in public restrooms:

"La ley del estado requiere que LAVEN SUS MANOS antés de volver a trabajar."

Washing one's hands is reflexive, so the command should be "LAVENSE LAS MANOS." How this sign was approved and posted in so many public restrooms in a state where Spanish speakers are abundant is anyone's guess.

March 29, 2017
2

Sorprendido es la persona y sorprendente es la cosa:<o:p></o:p>

Tú estás sorprendido porque algo es sorprendente.<o:p></o:p>

Espero que esto te ayude J<o:p></o:p>

March 31, 2017
1
"I know in English you do not have plural for a person, so this might be confusing. Just keep the above example of the song in mind."

Unfortunately like all languages, English is full of exceptions and less common usages.

English does in fact use the word persons, but it is typically used in formal speech or documentation such as legal documents and formal signage. I do concede that it is not excessively common, but it does exist. There are numerous examples on the internet so I won't waste time copying and pasting them here.

I apologize for being pedantic!

That being said, this is a fantastic article and I learned a lot when I read it. It is well written and easy to understand.

Thank you so much!
February 4, 2020
1
Thank you!  I was making many of these errors.  Very helpful,
April 6, 2017
1
Gracias, Blanca.

April 1, 2017
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