When learning a new language, one thing we all want to avoid is making a fool of ourselves. For those of you learning Spanish, here is a little cheat sheet to steer clear of future embarrassment:
When asking for a spoon at a restaurant, be sure to say:
¿Puedo tener una cuchara, por favor? = Can I have a spoon please?
And make sure not to say:
¿Puedo tener una cucaracha, por favor? = Can I have a cockroach please?
Also if you have made a mistake, spare yourself further embarrassment by saying:
Estoy avergonzado = I am embarrassed
And be sure not to heighten your embarrassment by saying:
Estoy embarazada = I am pregnant
(or even worse – Estoy embarazado = I am a pregnant man!)
If you ask for an onion salad at a restaurant be sure to say:
¿Puedo tener una ensalada con cebolla? = Can I have a salad with onion?
And make sure not to say:
¿Puedo tener una ensalada con caballo? = Can I have a salad with horse?
Then, if you’re quite hungry after refusing to eat a horse, and you’re a woman, be sure to say:
Tengo hambre = I am hungry
And refrain from blurting out:
Tengo hombre = I have a man
Because that could invite some quizzical looks (especially from your date!)
Also, if you arrive back from a long trip away from your parents, be sure to say:
Estoy cansado = I am tired
And spare them a cardiac arrest by avoiding the phrase:
Estoy casado = I am married
Unless that is in fact the case…
Finally, if you’re exploring a mountain with your friend, be sure to specify whether you mean:
Vamos a la cima = let’s go to the summit
Or…
Vamos a la sima = lets go to the chasm
Otherwise you could find yourself lost in the harsh landscape of Mount Everest.
Any Spanish speakers out there with more examples to share?
Cameron