Español para hablantes de inglés: diferencias (vídeo)

In this video we comment on some differences between Spanish and English that English speakers should keep in mind when they learn Spanish.

In Tilde Madrid Spanish school in Madrid, we have Spanish lessons specially designed for English speakers.

Key points

Spanish has five pure vowels that always sound the same, unlike English vowels.
Ser and estar, the subjunctive and the two past tenses have no direct equivalent in English.
Adjectives usually go after the noun in Spanish: una casa blanca.
Watch out for false friends: embarazada means pregnant, not embarrassed.

What is the hardest part of Spanish for English speakers?

Usually ser and estar, the subjunctive and the contrast between the past tenses, because English does not make those distinctions in the same way.

Is Spanish pronunciation difficult for English speakers?

Not too difficult: Spanish is read as it is written. The main challenges are the rolled r and keeping the vowels short and clear.

What are typical false friends for English speakers?

Embarazada means pregnant, not embarrassed (avergonzado). Actual means current, not actual (real).

Part of Spanish Sessions, the YouTube channel of the teachers at Tilde Madrid — more than 3 million views.