Teach Me!

I’ve realized that lately I have become a bit lazy in my quest to learn Spanish. I need to start making more of a concerted effort or I’m never going to be able to have a serious conversation with anyone here.

I learn a little each day just by living here.  For example, yesterday the gas company called us from the apartment complex gate to let us know that there was someone here to collect our payment for the monthly gas bill (they come a couple times at the beginning of each month – it makes the whole payment process pretty convenient).  Dave answered the call and they asked if he wanted to come to the gate to pay or “que suba.”  He repeated “que suba,” looked at me quizzically to see if I knew what it meant, I shrugged my shoulders, he told them he didn’t understand the phrase, and then he headed down to the front gate.  While paying the bill he asked the guard at the gate what the phrase meant and he in turn motioned up to the apartment.  Aha!  We could ask them to come up to our apartment rather than coming down to the gate ourselves.  Tada, we learned a new phrase!  Que suba means to go up or to rise.

Side note: In addition to learning Spanish we’re developing some amazing pantomime skills.  We’re going to be killer charades players when we get back to the states.  Watch out for future game nights at our house!

Anyway, I need to be far more intentional about learning Spanish.  In an effort to do this I’m asking for a little help from you, dear reader.  Do you know a useful Spanish word or phrase that you could teach me?  Please share! (Please note: I’m already well aware of how to ask where to find the bathroom.)

3 comments:

  • TBunting | October 6, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    a) me gusta su blog look
    b) quisiera=I would like (much more polite way of saying I want)
    c) Monday= means what in spanish. I dont' exactly know how to spell it, but its pronounced monday with an accent.

    LOVING YOU!

  • Abby | October 7, 2011 at 9:34 AM

    Thanks Tal! Love you too!

  • Ari | October 11, 2011 at 9:53 PM

    I only know "con fuego" which means, "with fire," which I hope you will never use! ;-) Oh, and I also know a useless phrase, "I like your big butt," which you should also never use! lol. Love your blog, Abby! Keep keeping us posted!

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