Spanish grammar and vocabulary guides

Spanish: common questions

1. 1What is the difference between ser and estar?Both translate as to be. Ser describes permanent or defining qualities: identity, origin, profession, and time. Estar describes temporary states and locations: mood, condition, and where something is. The same adjective can change meaning depending on which verb you pair it with.
2. 2When do I use the Spanish subjunctive?The subjunctive is a mood, not a tense. It marks how the speaker views an action: as doubtful, desired, hypothetical, or emotionally coloured rather than as a plain fact. It appears most often in subordinate clauses after expressions of wish, doubt, emotion, or necessity.
3. 3Is Spanish pronunciation consistent?Largely yes. Spanish spelling maps closely to sound, so once you learn the five vowel sounds and a handful of consonant rules you can pronounce almost any written word. This makes Spanish notably easier to read aloud than English or French.