These  words from Lady Gaga, a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, encapsulate the essence of the LGBTQ+ Pride movement, where love, in all its forms, is celebrated and championed.

Artists like Lady Gaga have been an inspiration to the LGBTQ+ community, because they not only lend their voices to the cause but also infuse their music with messages of acceptance and self-love.

So let's dig into music to highlight the best LGBTQ+ Pride songs of all time, showcasing tracks that have become anthems for the community. These songs not only provide a soundtrack to Pride events but also carry powerful messages of love, resilience, and acceptance.

What are the queer song anthems?

Music has always been a cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ movement.

In the early days of the movement, songs like Judy Garland’s "Over the Rainbow" and Gloria Gaynor’s "I Will Survive" became symbolic anthems. Garland’s ballad offered hope and a vision of a better world, while Gaynor’s disco hit provided an empowering message of resilience and triumph.

So wether you're preparing the perfect Pride Month song list to hit the gym or to throw your Pride party, this roundup of songs has all it takes for a perfect heart-thumping session.

Songs are also an excellent way to learn languages. So why not practice your Spanish or French vocabulary while you tap your toes to a playlist of Pride-themed hits? If you want to make the most out of it, sign up for Lingopie! Learning languages through music has never been easier!

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1. "Don't Stop Me Now" (Queen)

Let's start with a classic. "Don't Stop Me Now" has transcended its status as a mere song; it's an anthem of resilience and defiance. With unapologetic joy and liberation, Queen's song is perfect for any soirée.

2. "A Quién Le Importa" (Alaska y Dinarama)

If you're learning Spanish you must sing out loud at least once "A quién le importa lo que yo haga, a quién le importa lo que yo diga, yo soy así y así seguiré, ¡nunca cambiaré!" ("Who cares what I do, who cares what I say, that's who I am and that's how I will remain, I will never change!").

Alaskas anthem has become a cherished symbol of empowerment within the LGBTQ+ community, resonating with those who have faced discrimination and prejudice.

3. "Born this Way" (Lady Gaga)

This catchy melody will get you on your feet. Lady Gaga's iconic track has become a rallying cry for individuals around the world to embrace their authentic selves with pride and defiance. As she reminds us, "Don't hide yourself in regret, just love yourself and you're set, I'm on the right track, baby I was born this way."

4. "Amour Censure" (Hoshi)

Mathilde Gerner, also known as Hoshi, is a French queer icon. Whether you're wanting to master your French pronunciation, or want to explore LGTBQ+ themes in French music, you must listen to Hoshi's "Amour censure". The song's poignant refrain, "Mon amour est censure, comment on vit si on n'existe pas?" will make you hit those high tones in the shower.

5. "Grace Kelly" (Mika)

That iconic "I'd like to be like Grace Kelly, uh uuuuh!" will light up any get-together. Emerging as a whimsical and exuberant anthem of self-expression and liberation, Mika is nowadays in iconic figure in the LGBTQ+ community.

So as you sing along, remember that the most beautiful thing you can be is yourself.

6. "Todos Me Miran" (Gloria Trevi)

As Trevi boldly declares in the anthemic chorus, "Todos me miran, me critican, me señalan, se mueren por dentro," ("Everyone looks at me, criticizes me, points at me, they die inside"), listeners can't help busting a move to the catchy tune. Celebrate your individuality while mastering those Spanish lyrics.

7. "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" (Wham!)

ancing is the theme of this song, which tells the story of a guy who is head over heels for his girl, and bummed when he finds out she went dancing while he slept.

After several years of public speculation about his sexuality, the former Wham! singer George Michael  openly admitted being gay. His example made life easier for many other people.

8. "Santa Rosalia" (Levante)

"Santa Rosalia" has become a cherished anthem within the Italian LGBTQ+ community, offering solace and inspiration to individuals who have felt marginalized or misunderstood. As you belt out "Sei come sei. Chissà chi sei se non lo sai" (You are as you are. Who knows who you are if you don't know) you can practice your Italian pronunciation.

9. "Let's Have a Kiki" (Scissor Sisters)

If the term "kiki" leaves you confused, let me tell you it's a term from ballroom culture; it refers to a social gathering for gossiping and chit-chat.

Many of Scissor Sisters' songs deal with themes in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. In any case, if anyone can make you stand up and start grooving, it's the Scissor Sisters.

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10. "Rise Like a Phoenix" (Conchita Wurst)

Yes, the same Conchita Wurst, the Austrian singer and drag queen who came to international attention after winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2014. The song encapsulates the meaning of the means rising phoenix from the ashes: to achieve success again after seeming to have failed completely.

As Wurst stated: "I felt like tonight Europe showed that we are a community of respect and tolerance."

11. "Arcoiris" (J. Balvin)

Roll your Spanish Rs with J Balvin's "Vamos a vivir la vida con amor y sin prejuicio, porque somos arcoiris, todos con un mismo brillo." (Let's live life with love and without prejudice, because we are rainbow, all with the same shine). J Balvin has stated in interviews that his song "Arcoiris" represents “union, inclusion, love, happiness, good vibes, tolerance and life.”

12. "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)" (C+C Music Factory)

The song is featured and played in “Homer's Phobia”, a hillarious episode of The Simpson's in which Homer makes friends with John, a kitschy antiques store dealer. However, when he finds out that John is a homosexual, Homer freaks out and fears that his son Bart will become gay too.

Homer takes Bart to a steel mill to revel in a manly environment; however, the entire workforce is gay, which Homer learns when the steel mill turns into a gay disco during breaks, hence the song "Gonna Make You Sweat".

13. "Gay Bar" (Electric Six)

With the opening ‘You! I want to take you to a gay bar,‘  ‘Gay Bar’ is a catchy melody of nonsense. It's worth mentioning that since the song made its air debut at the start of the Iraq War, some words like "nuclear" and "war" were censored due its open criticism.  

14. "Y.M.C.A." (Village People)

No Pride Month playlist is complete without Village People's "Y.M.C.A.", which has become a gay emblematic song. This song has a dance associated with it where participants form the letters with their arms. It is commonly performed at weddings and other celebrations, and of course in any Pride jam.  

15. "Raise Your Glass" (Pink)

A song for all underdogs. Pink's androgynous style has been a consistent part of her public image, something widely appreciated in the LGTBQ+ community. She stated that "Raise Your Glass" a "celebration for people who feel left out from the popular crowd." Rock on.

Celebrate Pride Month and sing along!

Ready to dance the night away? Whether you're preparing the perfect Pride Month playlist or simply seeking inspiration and empowerment, let these songs be your guide. As you sing along to the catchy melodies of "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga or dance to the pulsating beats of "Todos Me Miran" by Gloria Trevi, remember the power of music to unite, inspire, and uplift.

And if you're looking to make the most out of your musical journey, why not try listening to LGBTQ+ songs on Lingopie? Learning languages through music has never been easier, and what better way to celebrate diversity and inclusion than by exploring Pride-themed hits from around the world?

If you find yourself in France on June 21st, you will likely encounter bustling streets filled with music, cheerful groups of people sharing an evening of concerts, and impromptu gigs in the streets of any city or town in France: La Fête de la Musique.

What began as a French cultural initiative has blossomed into a global phenomenon, uniting people across continents through the universal language of music.

If you want to know more about this event that highlights the power of music to connect communities and cultures, keep reading!

But before we start, did you know that with Lingopie you can access a wide catalogue of songs in French and other languages? Music is a great way to make language learning live and motivating! Start your language learning now with Lingopie.

Why is Fête de la Musique celebrated?

La Fête de la Musique traces its roots back to France in 1982, born from an ambitious vision to democratize music and transform the way people experience it. The festival was initiated by the French Ministry of Culture under the leadership of Jack Lang, who served as the Minister of Culture at the time.

The French governement sought to create an event that would make music accessible to everyone, breaking down the barriers between amateur and professional musicians. Their idea was simple yet revolutionary: to encourage people of all ages and skill levels to take to the streets and public spaces to share their musical talents freely.

This inclusive and participatory approach was aimed at fostering a sense of community and cultural expression. The inaugural Fête de la Musique saw an enthusiastic response, with thousands of musicians performing across France in a spontaneous celebration of music. The success of the first festival demonstrated the universal appeal of music and set the stage for its annual recurrence.

Over the years, this grassroots initiative grew exponentially, resonating with people around the world and inspiring countless countries to adopt and adapt the festival to their own cultural contexts.

Today, La Fête de la Musique stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together and create a shared sense of joy and connection.

When is Fête de la Musique celebrated?

It's that one special day each year when your neighbors can't be mad at you for blasting your favorite tunes, and when everyone across France gets their groove on. La Fête de la Musique is celebrated annually on June 21st, a date that coincides with the summer solstice.

This timing is not coincidental; the summer solstice marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Dance to your heart's content to the music on every street corner, and bask in the warmth of the maximum daylight!

This choice of date carries deep symbolism, representing light, warmth, and the joy of summer, perfectly aligning with the festival’s mission to spread music. As the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, people come together to groove and move with the sounds of music, transforming public spaces into stages for free, spontaneous performances.

What is the meaning of World Music Day?

La Fête de la Musique is guided by a set of core principles that shape its unique character and enduring appeal. At its heart, the festival aims to promote music in all its forms and diversity, celebrating genres ranging from classical and jazz to rock, hip-hop, electronic, and traditional folk music.

There is something for everyone! Whether you're here for some opera, or just wanting to show off your hip-hop moves, there's surely a band, DJ or jam session to your taste.

A fundamental goal of La Fête de la Musique is to provide a platform for both amateur and professional musicians. By encouraging everyone to participate, the festival breaks down barriers that often separate performers of different skill levels, creating a vibrant, communal space where music can be enjoyed by all.

This open invitation to perform fosters a spirit of spontaneity and creativity, with free, outdoor musical events taking place in streets, parks, and public squares. In the main cities such as Paris, Marseille or Lyon the official festival programs coexist with spontaneous gig perfomances in street corners and small squares.

Word Music Day around the world

Since its inception in France, La Fête de la Musique has expanded far beyond its origins, becoming a global celebration of music. Today, the festival is celebrated in over 120 countries and 700 cities worldwide, highlighting its universal appeal and adaptability.

In cities like New York, Tokyo, Berlin, and Buenos Aires, La Fête de la Musique has become an eagerly anticipated event. Each location brings its unique flavor to the festival, reflecting the local culture and musical heritage.

In New York, the festival might feature a blend of jazz, hip-hop, and indie rock performances, while in Tokyo, attendees might enjoy a mix of J-pop, traditional Japanese music, and electronic dance music. Similarly, in Berlin, the festival often highlights the city's vibrant electronic and techno scenes, alongside classical and folk music performances.

Types of activities and events

La Fête de la Musique is renowned for its wide array of activities and events that transform cities into a unique music festival. The idea is that any place can become a stage during this festival.

The festival typically features an eclectic mix of street performances, concerts in parks, public squares, and other open spaces, creating an immersive and accessible musical experience for everyone. So you may find concerts in public libraries, museums, universities, churches and public buildings, as well as in bars, restaurants, shops or private buildings. There are also stages set in squares, streets and parks, but one of the magical features of this event is that anyone can perform spontaneously on the streets.

Another unique aspect of the festival is the participation of both famous musicians and amateur performers. It's not uncommon to see well-known artists sharing the same stage or street corner with local bands, solo performers, and community choirs. This blend of talent levels breaks down traditional barriers in the music industry, encouraging a more democratic and participatory approach to performance.

Community involvement is a cornerstone of La Fête de la Musique. Local organizations, cultural institutions, and municipalities often play a crucial role in organizing and promoting events.

Fun Facts and Trivia

La Fête de la Musique is filled with fascinating tidbits and stories that highlight its unique and eclectic nature. Here are some interesting facts and memorable moments from past festivals:

Diverse Instruments and Performances

The festival is known for its embrace of all forms of music, including performances featuring unusual and exotic instruments. For instance, in 2017, a group in Lyon organized a concert entirely using traditional African instruments like the kora and the balafon, showcasing the rich diversity of global musical traditions.

Famous Venues

La Fête de la Musique has graced many iconic venues around the world. In Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate serves as a majestic backdrop for numerous performances. Similarly, New York’s Central Park and Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing have been transformed into open-air stages, bringing music to some of the world’s most famous landmarks.

Memorable Performances

There have been countless memorable performances throughout the festival’s history. One such instance was in 2005 when the legendary musician Manu Chao gave an impromptu performance in the streets of Barcelona, drawing a huge crowd and creating an unforgettable experience for those present. Another unforgettable moment occurred in 2012 in Paris, where the famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma performed a free concert at the Jardin du Luxembourg, enchanting audiences with his masterful play.

Global Participation

In 2016, La Fête de la Musique saw an exceptional global turnout with events in cities as diverse as Cairo, Beijing, and Johannesburg. This particular year highlighted the festival’s incredible international reach, with each city adding its own cultural twist to the celebrations.

Innovative Formats

The festival has also seen innovative approaches to music performance. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many events were live-streamed, allowing people to participate from the safety of their homes. This adaptation demonstrated the resilience and enduring appeal of La Fête de la Musique, even in challenging times.

Want to know more about French culture?

If La Fête de la Musique has sparked your interest in French culture and language, why not dive deeper with Lingopie?

Lingopie offers an engaging way to learn French through popular TV shows, movies, and music, providing a rich cultural context to enhance your language learning experience. By exploring French media, you can immerse yourself in the  nuances that make the French language so captivating.

Start your journey with Lingopie today and discover a world of music, film, and cultural insights that will not only improve your French but also enrich your understanding of France’s rich artistic heritage. Visit Lingopie to learn more and begin your adventure in French culture and language.

FAQS

Where is Fête de la Musique celebrated?

La Fête de la Musique originated in France and is celebrated all around the country. However, Paris is one of the most important venues of the festival. This year, the city will host more than 1,000 concerts.

How much does it cost to attend la Fête de la Musique?

La Fête de la Musique is a free event, both to attend and to participate in. The festival is based on the principle of accessibility, with the goal of making music available to everyone, regardless of economic background. Whether you're a professional musician or an amateur performer, there are no fees or tickets required to take part in the festivities. Likewise, for attendees, there is no cost to enjoy the multitude of performances taking place in public spaces throughout the day and into the night. La Fête de la Musique is a celebration of music that is open to all, inviting people to come together and enjoy the universal language of music without any financial barriers.

Is the Fête de la Musique a national holiday?

La Fête de la Musique is marked on the national calendar, but it's not a public holiday. Unfortunately, June 21st is not a jour férié.

七転び八起き (Nanakorobi yaoki) means "Fall down seven times, stand up eight." This simple yet powerful Japanese proverb perfectly captures the spirit of resilience and perseverance which is the essence of Japanese culture.

In Japan, quotes and proverbs aren't just wise sayings; they're part of the country's rich heritage and reflect important values and beliefs. These short expressions often reveal deep truths and life lessons that have been passed down through generations.

In this blog post, we'll look at the beauty of the Japanese language, explore famous Japanese quotes, and what they mean. So, whether you're looking for inspiration, wisdom, or a deeper connection with Japanese culture, these quotes offer a unique glimpse into the heart and soul of Japan!

Famous Japanese Quotes and Their Meanings

Historical Quotes

Japanese history is rich with wisdom from samurai, poets, and philosophers. Here are some notable examples:

Quote #1: "今日の敵は、明日の友" (Kyō no teki wa, ashita no tomo) "Today's enemy is tomorrow's friend."
- Miyamoto Musashi

Explanation: Musashi's quote emphasizes the transient nature of relationships and conflicts. It reflects the idea that animosities can turn into alliances with time and understanding, promoting the values of forgiveness and the fluidity of human connections.

Quote #2: "己を知れ" (Onore o shire) "Know yourself."
- Yamamoto Tsunetomo

Explanation: This quote from Yamamoto Tsunetomo, author of "Hagakure," highlights the importance of self-awareness. Understanding one's strengths and weaknesses is essential for personal growth and wisdom, a core principle in samurai philosophy.

Quote #3: "花より団子" (Hana yori dango) "Dumplings over flowers."

Explanation: This proverb suggests valuing practicality over aesthetics. Originating from the samurai era, it reminds people to prioritize substance and utility over mere appearances.

Anime Quotes

Contemporary Japanese culture, including anime and manga, offers memorable quotes that resonate with modern audiences:

Quote #4: "努力は裏切らない" (Doryoku wa uragiranai) "Effort never betrays you."
- "Naruto"

Explanation: This quote underscores the importance of perseverance and hard work, resonating with the anime's themes of determination and personal growth. It encourages individuals to keep striving towards their goals, reinforcing the belief that persistence will eventually lead to success.

Quote #5: "未来を変えるのは、いつだって自分だ。" (Mirai o kaeru no wa, itsu datte jibun da.) "The one who can change the future, is always yourself."
- "One Piece"

Explanation: This quote from the popular anime "One Piece" empowers individuals to take control of their destinies. It emphasizes personal responsibility and the power of self-determination in shaping one’s future.

Quote #6: "自分を信じて、仲間を信じて。" (Jibun o shinjite, nakama o shinjite.) "Believe in yourself, believe in your friends."
- "Fairy Tail"

Explanation: This quote highlights the importance of self-confidence and trust in others. It encourages a sense of community and mutual support, essential themes in the series "Fairy Tail."

Japanese Proverbs

Japanese proverbs (ことわざ, kotowaza) encapsulate timeless wisdom in a few words. Here are some examples:

Quote #7: "七転び八起き" (Nanakorobi yaoki) "Fall down seven times, stand up eight."

Explanation: This proverb teaches resilience and persistence. It conveys the message that no matter how many times you face setbacks, it's crucial to keep getting back up and trying again. It's a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of perseverance in overcoming challenges.

Quote #8: "猿も木から落ちる" (Saru mo ki kara ochiru) "Even monkeys fall from trees."

Explanation: This proverb reminds us that everyone makes mistakes, no matter how skilled they are. It teaches humility and the understanding that errors are a natural part of learning and growth.

Quote #9: "石の上にも三年" (Ishi no ue ni mo sannen) "Three years on a stone."

Explanation: This proverb emphasizes the value of patience and perseverance. It suggests that even sitting on a cold stone will warm it after three years, meaning that consistent effort and endurance will eventually yield positive results.

Inspirational Quotes

Inspirational quotes are designed to uplift and motivate, providing encouragement in challenging times.

Quote #10: "明日は明日の風が吹く" (Ashita wa ashita no kaze ga fuku)
"Tomorrow's wind will blow tomorrow."

Explanation: This quote encourages people to live in the present and not worry excessively about the future. It suggests that each day brings new opportunities and solutions, reminding us to stay hopeful and positive.

Quote #11: "不可能を可能にするのは努力だ" (Fukanō o kanō ni suru no wa doryoku da)
"It is effort that makes the impossible possible."

Explanation: This quote emphasizes the power of hard work and determination. It motivates individuals to push beyond their limits and strive for their goals, reinforcing the belief that effort can overcome obstacles.

Quote #12: "一期一会" (Ichi-go ichi-e)
"One encounter, one chance."

Explanation: This proverb reminds us to cherish each moment and each encounter in life, as they are unique and fleeting. It encourages mindfulness and appreciation for the present.

Wisdom Quotes

Wisdom quotes offer deep insights into life, providing valuable lessons and reflections.

Quote #13: "知恵は石の上にも三年" (Chie wa ishi no ue ni mo sannen)
"Wisdom comes even to a stone after three years."

Explanation: This proverb teaches patience and persistence in acquiring wisdom. It suggests that continuous effort and experience lead to deeper understanding and insight over time.

Quote #14: "虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず" (Koketsu ni irazunba koji o ezu)
"Without entering the tiger's den, you cannot get the tiger's cub."

Explanation: This quote advises courage and determination in pursuing goals. It implies that risks are necessary to achieve significant rewards, encouraging individuals to face challenges bravely.

Love and Relationships Quotes

These quotes focus on the themes of love, friendship, and human connections.

Quote #15: "愛は盲目" (Ai wa mekimeki)
"Love is blind."

Explanation: This phrase suggests that love overlooks faults and imperfections, emphasizing the depth of emotional connection and acceptance in relationships.

Quote #16: "友達以上恋人未満" (Tomodachi ijō koibito miman)
"More than friends, less than lovers."

Explanation: This quote explores the delicate balance between friendship and romantic love. It reflects on the complexities and nuances of relationships that may evolve over time.

Nature and Simplicity Quotes

Quotes in this category reflect a deep appreciation for nature and the beauty of simplicity.

Quote #17: "木漏れ日" (Komorebi)
"Sunlight filtering through leaves."

Explanation: This word captures the serene beauty of sunlight filtering through trees, evoking a sense of peace and tranquility in nature.

Quote #18: "物の哀れ" (Mono no aware)
"The pathos of things."

Explanation: This phrase conveys a deep sensitivity to the impermanence and transient beauty of life and nature, emphasizing the appreciation of fleeting moments and emotions.

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How To Learn Japanese Through Quotes?

Language Learning

Japanese quotes are an excellent resource to learn Japanese. By studying quotes, you can:

Enhance Vocabulary: Quotes often use a variety of vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions and less common words. This exposure helps expand your word bank.

Improve Grammar: Analyzing the structure of quotes helps understand Japanese grammar in context. Seeing how particles, verb forms, and sentence structures are used in meaningful sentences can reinforce your learning.

Practice Pronunciation: Reading quotes aloud can improve your pronunciation and fluency. It’s a great way to practice intonation and rhythm.

For instance, the quote "七転び八起き" (Nanakorobi yaoki - "Fall down seven times, stand up eight") not only teaches the word for "fall" (転び, korobi) and "stand up" (起き, oki), but also reinforces counting and perseverance as a cultural value.

Cultural Understanding

Quotes provide a window into Japanese culture, philosophy, and values:

Philosophical Insights: Many quotes are rooted in Zen Buddhism, Shinto beliefs, or the samurai code of Bushido. Understanding these quotes can give you a deeper appreciation of Japanese thought and spirituality.

Historical Context: Quotes from historical figures like samurai or poets reflect the times they lived in and the values they upheld. Learning about these quotes can enrich your knowledge of Japanese history and social norms.

Everyday Life: Proverbs and sayings often reflect common wisdom and practices. For example, "花鳥風月" (Kachōfūgetsu - "Flower, bird, wind, moon") emphasizes the importance of nature in daily life.

Practical Tips

Here are some resources and methods for finding and practicing Japanese quotes:

Books: Look for books that focus on Japanese proverbs, idioms, and sayings. Titles like "Japanese Proverbs and Sayings" by Daniel Crump Buchanan offer a great starting point.

Websites and Apps: Websites like Tofugu and apps like Memrise or Anki can be useful for finding and memorizing quotes. They often provide context and usage examples.

Flashcards: Create flashcards with quotes on one side and their meanings and explanations on the other. This method is particularly effective for memorization and review.

Language Exchange: Engage with native Japanese speakers through language exchange platforms. Discussing quotes can be a great conversation starter and a way to gain insights into their meanings and cultural significance.

Calligraphy Classes: Take a calligraphy class to learn how to write quotes beautifully. This practice not only improves your writing skills but also deepens your connection to the language and its artistic traditions.

Final Words

Japanese quotes offer more than just words—they provide deep insights into Japan's culture and values. From ancient wisdom shared by samurai to modern anime sayings, these quotes teach us about resilience, simplicity, and the importance of understanding oneself and others. Exploring these quotes not only helps us learn Japanese but also gives us a glimpse into the heart of Japan itself, where every phrase carries a story and a lesson about life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are famous Japanese quotes?

Famous Japanese quotes include timeless sayings from historical figures like Miyamoto Musashi ("今日の敵は、明日の友" - Today's enemy is tomorrow's friend) and cultural proverbs such as "七転び八起き" (Nanakorobi yaoki - Fall down seven times, stand up eight), which symbolizes resilience and perseverance.

2. What are some cool Japanese sayings?

Cool Japanese sayings include phrases like "一期一会" (Ichi-go ichi-e - One encounter, one chance), emphasizing the uniqueness of every moment, and "花鳥風月" (Kachōfūgetsu - Flower, bird, wind, moon), celebrating the beauty of nature and the changing seasons.

3. What is the Japanese humble quote?

A humble quote in Japanese is "我が身を省みずして、人を論ずるなかれ" (Waga mi o kangaemizu shite, hito o ronzu ru nakare), meaning "Do not criticize others without first examining yourself." This reflects humility and self-reflection as essential virtues.

4.What is the best quote for success in Japanese?

A powerful quote for success in Japanese is "努力は裏切らない" (Doryoku wa uragiranai), which translates to "Effort never betrays you." It encourages hard work and perseverance, highlighting the belief that consistent effort leads to success.

Learn Real Japanese Through TV Shows With Lingopie!

Ready to learn Japanese in a fun and relaxed way? Lingopie's got you covered! Dive into a world of Japanese TV shows, movies, and anime, handpicked to help you learn the language naturally.

With Lingopie's easy-to-use platform, you can enjoy your favorite entertainment while picking up new words and phrases. Whether you're into dramas like "Terrace House," classic films like "Spirited Away," or popular anime series like "My Hero Academia," Lingopie has something for everyone. Start learning Japanese today with Lingopie and have fun while doing it!

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If you are looking for fun new ways to learn English, then you should consider watching great English language movies.

Exposing yourself to the language in this way allows you to pick up the natural usage of words and phrases, slang, colloquialisms, curse words, and more!

See also: 10 Foreign Idioms and Phrases that Sound Oddly Cool in English

In this post, we will break down our top 11 picks for movies on Netflix to learn English and detail the learning content in each.

We will also demonstrate how watching great movies is a valid and efficient way to develop your English language proficiency. Learn any language with Netflix and Lingopie.

The Top 11 Netflix Movies for Learning English

1. If Beale Street Could Talk

The first movie on our list, If Beale Street Could Talk, tells the story of a pregnant woman, Tish, who seeks justice for her fiancé, who has been wrongfully imprisoned.

Based on James Baldwin's novel of the same name, this romantic drama movie explores themes of racism and corruption in the American judicial system.

This story is set in 1970s Harlem and is brought to life by the excellent performances of its ensemble cast, including Kiki Layne, Stephan James, Colman Domingo, Teyonah Parris, and more.

The movie was nominated for three Oscars, one of which Regina King won for best actress.

Learning Content

You will learn some American history as well as vocabulary relevant to topics of justice, police brutality, race, discrimination, and social politics.

2. Darkest Hour

As the threat of Nazi occupation looms over Britain, its new Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, must rally the country to fight back and maintain freedom and democracy.

Darkest Hour deals with a fascinating snippet of history. It stars Gary Oldman and boasts two Academy Award wins, as well as four additional nominations.

It is one of the best movies on Netflix for learning English culture and history as well as developing your language skills.

Learning Content

You will pick up new words and phrases related to war and politics, as well as some Briticisms, such as using the word "terribly" to mean "very."

Learn the true story of Britain's World War Two military losses and ultimate victory.

3. The Lost Daughter

This psychological drama was written and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal and stars Olivia Coleman, Dakota Johnson, and Jessie Buckley.

The Lost Daughter was Gyllenhaal's directorial debut and was based on Elena Ferrante's novel by the same name.

In The Lost Daughter, Leda, a middle-aged professor, meets Nina, a mother, and her young daughter on vacation in Greece.

Nina is growing wary of motherhood and struggles with the young girl. This brings up old feelings of guilt in Leda from her own experiences as a mother.

Learning Content

You can watch The Lost Daughter to practice vocabulary related to gender and family.

Explore themes of womanhood and motherhood and consider how a mother's mental health can impact an impressionable young girl.

4. The Hateful Eight

This movie is set in 1877 Wyoming, after the American Civil War. It tells the story of eight strangers seeking refuge from a blizzard in a stagecoach stopover. Our characters include a bounty hunter, a fugitive, and a sheriff. Drama and tension ensue.

This modern western stars Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Walton Goggins, Demián Bichir, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Bruce Dern, and Jennifer Jason Leigh.

Directed by Quentin Tarantino, it features his usual stylistic gore, great dialogue, and gripping power dynamics.

Learning Content

This movie will teach you a little about the American Civil War, and the social unrest that existed in the country decades ago.

Moreover, as this movie is almost entirely conversation-based, with very little action until the end, it is a great pick for intensive listening practice.

5. Monty Python and the Holy Grail

This classic comedy-fantasy stars Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, John Cleese, and Eric Idle.

Directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones, who also feature, the Holy Grail is an iconic surrealist film by the British comedy group who called themselves Monty Python.

This movie is a satirical re-telling of the King Arthur legend and the Knights of the Round Table.

With a musical number, modern-day slang and significant plot changes, this version of the famous tale is one you have never experienced before.

Learning Content

The Holy Grail is hailed as one of Monty Python's best movies and, while it is not an accurate telling of the Arthur legend, there is still learning content for language learners.

You can pick up Briticisms and colloquialisms and practice listening to various English accents.

6. The Social Dilemma

This hybrid documentary drama stars Skyler Gisondo, Kara Hayward, and Vincent Kartheiser.

Directed by Jeff Orlowski, The Social Dilemma deals with the effects of social networks on the human psyche.

This is one of the more unique and informative of the Netflix movies we recommend, as it features tech experts issuing warnings about their own creations.

Learning Content

This is the best movie on the list to watch for vocabulary relating to technology, social networking, and the human condition.

Read Also:

7. Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age childhood

Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood is a family-friendly coming-of-age animated feature film. It is a moving and beautifully made example of the genre.

Animation, when done well, can be truly transportive, and this film makes you feel as if you are in the control room and the rocket with the characters through its stunning visuals.

This is one of the best movies for learning English on Netflix as it is easy to watch, so you can focus on the language and not get lost in the plot.

If some of the other movies on this list seem too heavy or complex, kick start your English listening practice with this sweet film.

Learning Content

As this story is told from the perspective of a young boy, the language used is simple and appropriate for beginner and intermediate English learners.

8. To the Bone

This 2017 drama movie about living with an eating disorder is a tough watch at times but offers a raw and close-up look at the emotional and physical toll mental illness can take on a person.

Starring Lily Collins, directed and written by Marti Noxon, To the Bone tells the story of a young woman navigating life with anorexia. We see ups and downs, weigh-ins, and treatment centers in this raw and emotional film.

Learning Content

In this Netflix original movie, you will come across vocabulary related to food, health, and family relationships, as well as hopes and dreams for the future.

Remember that if you or someone you love has struggled with an eating disorder, the content of this movie could be upsetting.

9. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

This movie is based on August Wilson's 1982 play of the same name which in turn was inspired by real-life blues singer Ma Rainey. Starring Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman, among others, the memorable performances in this movie are part of what makes it so special.

Set on a July afternoon in 1927, Ma Rainey attends a recording session at Paramount's Chicago studios. However, tensions and temperatures run high as band politics and issues of race come to the forefront.

Learning Content

This movie is a great pick for anyone interested in the American blues music scene and its roots. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom also deals with the political tensions of the 1920s and uses a lot of colloquial language specific to the characters and time in which the movie takes place.

Advanced learners of English could benefit from this test in listening comprehension.

Related:

https://lingopie.com/blog/english-expressions-you-heard-in-bridgerton/

10. The Irishman

If you love mafia movies, check out this 2019 film based on the Bufalino crime family in Pennsylvania. This is a fine example of the genre. Drama ensues as secrets are revealed.

With world-famous movie star Robert De Niro fronting the cast, The Irishman also features Al Pacino and Joe Pesci, making it one of Martin Scorsese’s most iconic movies. Few films can boast such an iconic cast.

The Irishman was the fourth most-watched Netflix movie on the streaming service in 2019.

Learning Content

This movie uses mafioso colloquialisms from its early moments and provides good listening practice for Italian American accents and slang.

11. The Nice Guys

This 2016 buddy comedy follows a private eye and a tough guy for hire as they team up in 1970s Los Angeles to investigate the mysterious death of a porn star.

The Nice Guys is a Warner Bros production starring Russel Crowe and Ryan Gosling, which is a mark of quality in itself.

If you love an easy laugh and the aesthetic of seedy 70s LA, check out this mysterious action-comedy flick.

Learning Content

Practice listening to American accents, pick up some US slang and, if you are an advanced learner, see if you can spot Crowe's false accent compared with the native North Americans.

Language Learning by Watching Movies

Immersion in a language is the best way to develop language skills authentically and learn to speak like a native. Listening to native-speaking actors allows you to develop a nuanced understanding of natural language use and different regional accents.

There are countless excellent Netflix movies to choose from, but below we offer a list of 11 top picks that range in genre and plot. Hopefully, there is something for everyone on this list.

If you like the sound of language learning through exposure to great TV and movies, you can also check out Lingopie.

This is a streaming service designed to help you learn popular languages (French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, German, Russian, Korean, and Japanese) by binging foreign language films and TV content.

Lingopie offers interactive features, such as digital flashcards for new words, quizzes, and subtitles that you can click on for word definitions when needed. You can binge your way to fluency in no time!

FAQs: Learning English with Netflix

Which movie is best for improving English on Netflix?

The best movie depends on your level and interests. Beginners might enjoy "Finding Nemo" or "Toy Story" for simple language, while intermediate learners could watch "The King's Speech." Advanced learners might prefer complex dramas like "The Social Network." Additionally, Lingopie offers real TV shows and movies designed for language learning.

Can I improve my English by watching Netflix?

Yes, watching Netflix can improve your English by expanding your vocabulary and listening skills. Choose content that matches your language level and interests, and use subtitles strategically. Lingopie enhances this experience with interactive captions and language learning tools.

How can I learn English on Netflix?

Choose shows or movies that match your language level, use subtitles starting in your native language and then English, and pause to repeat difficult scenes. Note down new words and try to use them in conversation. Lingopie offers additional tools like quizzes and interactive captions to make learning more effective.

Related:

4 Hacks to Learn English With Movies [2023 Guide]

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The blog for language lovers | Lingopie.comMilena Andrade

What movies should I watch on Netflix to improve my English vocabulary and accent?

For beginners, try "Finding Nemo" or "Toy Story." Intermediate learners might enjoy "The King's Speech" or "Forrest Gump," while advanced learners could watch "The Social Network" or "Inception." Lingopie provides similar content tailored for language learning, enhancing your vocabulary and accent training.

What is the best horror movie on Netflix for beginners in English?

One of the best horror movies on Netflix right now is Hush. This horror-thriller stars Kate Siegel as a deaf writer who must fight off a silent masked killer.

As the main protagonist is deaf, the language used is simple and often signed. There is not an overwhelming amount of dialogue, so this movie is the perfect pick for beginners.

Moreover, It Follows, is one of the best examples of a horror movie Netflix has to offer. The supernatural psychological horror-mystery stars Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, and Daniel Zovatto. Directed by David Robert Mitchell, It Follows takes horror to epic proportions.

Summing Up: The Best English Movies on Netflix

This has been a rundown of the 11 best movies on Netflix for English language learning. We have provided a list with diverse film recommendations and explained what you can learn from each movie.

Moreover, you now know how binging great Netflix movies can improve your natural language acquisition and fluency.

Netflix is one of the best streaming platforms for movies and TV shows. However, remember that if you want to learn a language by binge-watching Netflix  content, you can't beat Lingopie!

Lingopie's interactive learning features and catalog of Netflix TV shows and movies make it the best pick for effective and engaging learning in 8 popular languages (and counting!)

Let's be honest, the vocab in George R.R. Martin's twisted fantasy world can get pretty confusing at times. All those made-up words and bizarre names start blending together after a while. As hyped as we all are for House of the Dragon, it would be nice if HBO hooked us up with a guide to refresh our memories on the Valyrian language, am I right?

I mean, it's been almost two years since we got our Thrones fix!

Are you REALLY confident you still remember every single High Valyrian phrase that rolled off Dany's tongue as she struggled to control her "children"? Or those intricate sacred whispers from the Lord of Light's followers?

If you're like me, all that stuff is a jumbled mess in your brain right now. But don't worry, we've got you covered! In this guide, we'll go over the basics of the Valyian language so you can speak a foreign language like a true dragonlord, impress fellow fans, and summon ancient magic (if you can!).

What Is The High Valyrian Language?

High Valyrian was the prestigious language spoken by the noble dragonlord families that ruled the Valyrian Freehold. It's part of the Valyrian language family that spans the A Song of Ice and Fire novels and Game of Thrones/House of the Dragon shows.

Think of it like the Latin of Westeros - while High Valyrian and its descendant languages were often mentioned in the books, they weren't fully developed beyond a few lines (about 56 Valyrian phrases to be exact!). It wasn't until the TV series that language creator David J. Peterson actually constructed the guttural, harsh-sounding High Valyrian tongue from scratch.

And he didn't just slap some random made-up words together - Peterson developed High Valyrian as a proper language system with legit linguistic rules. In fact, the Colangers community defines it as a head-final language, meaning adjectives come before nouns in their sentence structure.

High Valyrian also features four gender classes:

• Hūrenkon Qogror (Lunar Class ) from the word hūra "moon"
• Vēzenkon Qogror (Solar Class ) from the word vēzos "sun"
• Embōñor Qogror (Aquatic Class) from the word embar "sea"
• Tegōñor Qogror (Terrestrial Class ) from the word tegon "earth"

On top of that, this fictional language also has four grammatical numbers, eight noun cases, and conjugated verbs. So you're talking about a full-fledged, logically cohesive tongue with its own unique grammar rather than just jumbled fantasy words.

As for the Valyrian writing system, you can see that it's the same as Latin so it's pretty easy to pick up!

What Are The High Valyrian Languages?

High Valyrian wasn't the only language game in town once the mighty Valyrian Freehold fell. After that catastrophic "Doom of Valyria" event, High Valyrian transformed from the lingua franca of an empire into more of a scholarly lore language kept alive by the elite nobles, poets, and scholars across Essos and Westeros.

Bastard Valyrian Or Low Valyrian

Each of the Nine Free Cities developed their own distinct Low Valyrian tongue like the Braavosi, Lorathi, Lysene, Myrish, Norvoshi, Pentoshi, Qohorik, Tyroshi, and Volantene.

So while High Valyrian remained the sacred, elite lore language, these Low Valyrian offshoots became the common vernacular - the everyday language of the peasants and lower classes throughout the former Valyrian empire's colonies and territories.

The (invented) Languages of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon

Curious about what languages are spoken in Game of Thrones (and House of the Dragon)? Wonder no more. Check all of them here!

The blog for language lovers | Lingopie.comLorena Macedo

Who Speaks High Valyrian Language In House Of The Dragon?

Unlike Game of Thrones where there are other fictional languages, in House of the Dragon we'll be hearing a lot more of the ancient dragonlord tongue.

The Targaryen family drama at the center of the prequel series is steeped in their Valyrian heritage, so expect those harsh syllables to be flying! Here are some of the major House of the Dragon characters you'll hear rocking that magical mother tongue.

Rhaenyra Targaryen

As the firstborn child of King Viserys I, the heir apparent Rhaenyra was undoubtedly trained from birth in the prestigious language of the dragonlords. Her mastery of High Valyrian reflects her status as the initially chosen successor to the Iron Throne.

Daemon Targaryen

The rogue prince Daemon, younger brother to King Viserys, personifies Valyrian arrogance and ambition. This dragon rider's linguistic skills likely match his martial prowess on the battlefield and penchant for mischief.

Aemond Targaryen

One of the younger sons of Alicent Hightower and Viserys I, Aemond's fluency in High Valyrian represents his blood claim to power as a descendant of Old Valyria's rulers. Despite his youth, he wields their ancient language as skillfully as he does dragon fire.

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From Hermione Granger to James Bond, we listed 29 of our favorite fictional characters who speak another language in this blog post!

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Easy High Valyrian Words

Ready to start dropping High Valyrian vocabulary like a true Targaryen? This essential word list will let you fake it until you make it. Sprinkling in these basic nouns, verbs, and adjectives is an easy way to boost your Thrones cred and impress even the most devoted fans.

Greetings

Family And People

Animals

Descriptors And Misc.

Easy High Valyrian Phrases

If words are not enough and you want to speak High Valyrian like a pro, then read this section. Trust me, your watch party will bow down to your newly-acquired language skills. Just don't burn down the living room with your new dragon-riding talents!

Greetings And Conversational Phrases

Questions

Affirmations And Responses

Exclamations

Easy High Valyrian Commands For Your Pets

Let's be real - every Game of Thrones fan has dreamed of commanding their dog or cat using the ancient guttural language of the dragonlords. With these easy High Valyrian commands, that fantasy can finally become a reality!

Take On A Real-World Language With Lingopie

There you have it - all the essential High Valyrian words, phrases, and commands to start speaking like a true scion of the dragonlords. You're now equipped to impress fellow Game of Thrones fans and maybe even awaken some dormant magical abilities.

But if simply mastering the ancient Valyrian tongue isn't enough for your fandom goals, give Lingopie a try. Our engaging language learning features and TV and Movie content can help you pick up new languages while staying entertained. While High Valyrian may be off the table (for now), you can still explore real-world tongues to expand your cultural horizons.

Who knows, you may even discover a new passion for language learning along the way! Just don't go expecting Lingopie to help you communicate with your zaldrīzes! Some mysteries of the Known World are better left unsolved...

If you’re reading this article, you’re obviously somebody who is passionate about language learning. Learning a new language does so many fantastic things for us: it opens up new worlds and groups of people, it helps us make new neural connections in our brain, it provides us with a hobby that has an accompanying set of goals and achievements we can work towards, and it is simply a lot of fun.

But anybody who has embarked on learning a new language will eventually face challenges with motivation.  Whether it be due to not having enough time to study as much as we’d like, not having enough opportunities to use the language we are learning in real life, or hitting a plateau in our learning progress, experiencing problems with motivation can be discouraging.

Drawing from my experience as both a language learner (French, Korean) and as the co-founder of Online English Teaching, I’d like to share a few effective tips and tricks I’ve gathered over the years to help myself and my students stay motivated.

Understanding Motivation in Language Learning

The first step to overcoming problems with motivation is to understand motivation better.  There are two main types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic.

Intrinsic motivation is when someone is motivated to do something simply because they enjoy doing the thing itself. This means that the person isn’t motivated by some reward at the end of the pursuit, nor are they pressured by some external factor making them feel like they have to do the thing.

For example, somebody who plays a sport simply because they enjoy the sport itself, not because they want to become fitter or win championships.

Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is when a person is motivated to do something as a means to an end or as a way to avoid external pressure or punishment.

If we stick with our sports example, it would be like a young person continuing to play soccer because they know that if they quit, their parents would be really disappointed.

For language learning, you ideally want to start with a foundation of intrinsic motivation.  Learning a language can be a lifelong pursuit, and if you don’t enjoy the process, it will be particularly difficult to stick with it.

That being said, extrinsic motivation can also be very valuable, especially when getting over slumps.  Sometimes studying for an important language exam, or prepping for a trip abroad where you don’t want to be embarrassed can be great motivators in getting you past those hurdles.  And don’t be afraid to reward yourself for completing certain tasks you’ve set out on your learning path.  Just be aware that implementing too many extrinsic motivating factors may diminish your intrinsic motivation.

Setting Clear and Achievable Goals

A surefire way to lose motivation on your path to learning a new language is to stop seeing progress.  This is bound to happen if you haven’t set any goals for yourself. When you first start learning a language, your improvements come quick and easy, so your progress is clear and your motivation is high.  However, as you improve, it can be harder to see the small advances you are making month after month.  That’s why it is so important to set goals.

One popular method for setting goals is called the SMART method.  It’s an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Let’s say you’re learning Mandarin. Take a look at these two goals:

1. Get better at conversation
2. Learn 5 new conversation topics, 10 new vocabularies for each topic, and two new verb tenses in 60 days.

Look at Goal #1. Getting better at conversing in a language is a great thing to want to do, but setting that as your goal might leave you feeling disappointed because it’s hard to really tell if you’re making progress.

Examining Goal #2 we can ask ourselves a few questions:

1. Is it specific? Yes, we’ve outlined that we want to learn a certain number of topics, words, and tenses.
2. Is it measurable? Sure is! 5 topics, 50 vocabulary, and 2 tenses, which we can measure using any kind of simple test we make for ourselves.
3. Is it achievable? This one is very much based on your personal situation, but this seems like a pretty reasonable goal.  It’s not like we are saying we will be fluent in Mandarin in two weeks.
4. Is it relevant? Yes, these language elements are important to becoming better at conversation.
5. Is it time-bound? Certainly, we have 60 days to complete it.

You can see how Goal #2 is a much better goal to set for yourself.  And even if you don’t complete it, you can use it as a learning opportunity to see where you went wrong.  Learning is progress. Was the goal too lofty? Did you need more time? Perhaps you want to re-work the goal to add in more practice conversation with a tutor or partner.

Either way, you’re making progress. And this will help keep you motivated.

Short-term vs. Long-term Goals

It’s important to have bigger, broader, long-term goals that are supported by smaller, more short-term goals.

If you only set long-term goals, it might be hard to see your progress along the way. Similarly, if all your goals are short-term, you might lose sight of what you are working towards.

Let’s use the example of an English teacher who is going to be moving abroad to South Korea to teach English there. They want to be able to communicate effectively as they navigate their daily public lives there.

Their long-term goal might be something like “reach an intermediate score on the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) before moving there in one year.” We use the exam here because it allows us to turn a big, lofty ambiguous goal such as “be good at Korean” into something more measurable.

An example of one of the first, smaller, short-term goals on the path to that big goal might be to “learn all 24 letters of the Korean alphabet and their sounds in the first two weeks of study.”

As we can see, both of these goals are SMART, which will go a long way in helping us track and achieve them.

Creating a Consistent Study Routine

This is one that I personally have always struggled with.  I always thought that I needed the perfect plan, the perfect time, and the perfect place to study. The truth is, the more consistent you are, the better you will get, regardless of how good your plan or situation is.

In addition to improving your progress overall, consistency always helps with motivation.  Think about how much easier it is to do a little bit every day if you’re already practicing it.

Starting from scratch or starting up again after time away is much harder to do because you feel like you have to make up for time lost. This can be daunting.  If you commit to 10 minutes every day, and you’ve done that for a month, how hard is it to do 10 minutes today?

A consistent study routine looks different for everybody.  For some people, it might be 10 minutes a day on their smartphone while they take the bus. For others, it could be once a week for three hours at their local library.  Whatever you decide, be sure to make it consistent.

And try to commit to a schedule that almost seems too easy.  If you overcommit and can’t meet your commitments, you’ll feel like a failure.  If you commit to something that seems almost too easy, you’ll be more likely to regularly stick to it, and you’ll be motivated to go above and beyond when you have the time.

Make things Engaging and Interesting

With today’s modern technology, we don’t have to stick to learning a language strictly through books. Books are a great way to learn the basic rules and structures of a language, but to keep your levels of motivation high, you’ll want to spice things up a little from time to time.

Try to think “outside of the book” whenever you’re looking to expand on your base knowledge of a language.

One great way to do this is through TV shows or movies.

If you’re here reading this, you’re probably already aware of Lingopie.  Lingopie is a fantastic platform to help you become fluent naturally by watching and listening to native speakers on TV.

Having exposure to native speakers of your target language is so important and Lingopie is an incredible way to do that.

Their interface even allows you to focus in on words and expressions you don’t know, add them to a list of things you want to learn, hear them repeated by a native speaker, and record your own voice to see if your pronunciation is accurate.

Here are a few other ideas to get you started.  Find some things you love to do anyway and think about ways you can incorporate the language you are learning:

1. Use VR platforms to immerse yourself in virtual environments where the language is spoken.
2. Follow recipes and cooking videos in the target language to learn culinary terms and practice comprehension.
3. Play board games designed for language learners, or use popular games like Scrabble or Pictionary with rules adjusted for the new language.
4. Listen to and sing along with songs in the target language. Translate lyrics to understand the meaning and context.
5. Read comic books or graphic novels in the new language to make learning more visual and context-driven.
6. Play GeoGuessr or similar geography games in the language you’re learning, guessing locations based on clues provided in that language.
7. Use augmented reality apps that can place virtual objects around you with labels in the target language.
8. Keep a daily journal or blog in the new language, writing about your day, thoughts, and experiences.
9. Set up daily or weekly challenges for yourself, like ordering food in the new language or giving a small speech.
10. Listen to podcasts or audiobooks and repeat what you hear to practice pronunciation and fluency.
11. Pair up with a language partner for physical activities like jogging or yoga, giving each other instructions in the new language.
12. Host a cultural night with friends where you only speak the new language, cook traditional food, and watch films or shows from the target culture.
13. Participate in an escape room experience conducted in the target language to enhance problem-solving and language skills simultaneously.
14. Create or join scavenger hunts that require you to find items or complete tasks using the new language.
15. Follow social media accounts that post memes in the target language to understand slang and cultural references.
16. Pair up with someone learning your native language and help each other through regular conversations.
17. Join online forums or communities that operate in your target language, like Online Teaching English.

Plateaus and Burnout

One of these things is not like the other. One of these things just doesn’t belong.

Plateaus are bound to happen in any learning process. We should expect and embrace them.  After all, plateaus only happen when we reach a respectable level of proficiency, so we can rejoice in the fact that they indicate progress.

Burnout can and does happen, but it is something we should try to avoid.  Doing less, but being consistent over time will lead to better results than doing more, suffering burnout, and needing to take lengthy absences.

Overcoming plateaus

Some signs that you’ve reached a plateau include:

1. You aren’t reaching your goals (make sure they are SMART, otherwise how can you know?)
2. You keep repeating the same mistakes
3. Your teachers or tutors keep giving you the same feedback, but nothing changes

There may be many other factors that indicate you’ve reached a plateau, so just trust your gut–you’ll know when you have.

If, once you’ve reached a plateau, you’re still motivated to bust through it, here are some things that might help you:

1. Mix up your routine
2. Challenge yourself more
3. Find different materials or learning methods to study with
4. Find another study partner or teacher
5. Set different goals for yourself
6. Seek more detailed feedback
7. Take time to assess and reflect on your progress to date

Burnout

If you’re at a point where you feel your learning is stagnant, but you have no motivation to keep going, you may be experiencing the early stages of burnout.

Here are some telltale signs:

1. You are not interested in study or learning
2. You make excuses not to learn
3. You feel physically and mentally tired at the thought of, or during the process of learning
4. You feel like you have no idea what to do next
5. You feel overly frustrated
6. You feel overwhelmed
7. You procrastinate
8. You have a negative attitude towards your learning

If you’re experiencing these types of feelings, my first recommendation would be to try and consider whether these feelings are coming from your life situation as a whole, or just from trying to learn a language.  If it’s the latter, I highly recommend you seek professional help, as those issues could indicate something more serious and are outside the scope of this article.

However, if you’re sure the symptoms are just coming from your language learning efforts, there are a few things you can do.

Remember how I said that consistency is king/queen? Well, not in this case.

If you’ve already tried to “tough it out” a little bit and that didn’t help and learning is no longer enjoyable, it’s time to step away for a bit.

How long of a break you need to take varies from person to person.  You’ll know when you are ready to get back to it.

When you do return to your studies, assess whether you were setting realistic goals for yourself. Think about whether or not your study routine was appropriate. Brainstorm some new ways of approaching your learning, even if they aren’t things you’ve traditionally done.

And if you never do return to learning that language, perhaps you’re better off.  There’s no sense in pursuing language learning if it doesn’t spark joy and interest.

You got this!

Learning a language is a long and continuous process. Be aware that you won’t always be 100% motivated. That being said, there are a few things you can do to keep your motivation levels high. To recap:

1. Use intrinsic motivation as your base, but implement extrinsic motivation where appropriate.
2. Set both long-term and short-term SMART goals.
3. Create a realistic, consistent study routine.
4. Make your learning engaging and interesting by incorporating fun ideas and media.
5. Implement techniques to break through plateaus and take a break if you’re experiencing burnout.

Before I go, I’ll leave you with this:

May your language learning journey be as enjoyable as binge-watching your favorite series with subtitles, may your vocabulary grow faster than a teenager’s social media following, and may your grammar mistakes be as rare as a unicorn sighting.

Bonne chance and happy studying!‌‌

¡Bienvenidos! In this post, you'll find a brief guide to the best Spanish podcasts from Spain and Latin America for Spanish learners.

Each of the Spanish-language podcasts that you'll find in this post is hosted by native speakers, and each one is designed specifically to help listeners learn Spanish.

Today, we will describe the setup and themes of each Spanish podcast and explain why they are such great choices for developing your listening comprehension and Spanish grammar, among other useful language skills.

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But before we dive into our ultimate list of the best Spanish language podcasts, let's look at why listening to Spanish podcasts is a great way to learn Spanish.

Learning From Spanish Podcasts

There are several reasons why listening to podcasts in Spanish is a proven method for learning a foreign language.

First, listening to Spanish podcasts is a great way to expose yourself to native Spanish speakers. Hearing how native speakers use the language is a great way to naturally absorb it and pick up grammar and vocabulary organically.

Moreover, hearing different accents from around Spain and Latin America will improve your listening comprehension and understanding of the differences between European Spanish and Latin American Spanish.

Finally, Spanish language podcasts that deal with current events or conduct interviews with people from the Spanish-speaking world will teach you about Latin and Spanish culture.

Once you have learned basic Spanish, you can visit Spanish-speaking countries and communicate with millions of people worldwide. This should be motivation enough to begin learning Spanish today!

Now, let's look at the best podcasts in Spanish for Spanish learning. If you want to imporove your conversational Spanish check out our new guide.

1.How I met your language

Looking for a way to learn a language while immersing yourself in different cultures? Look no further than the captivating podcast "How I Met Your Language" by Lingopie. Hosted by Alissa Ludanskaa and Pedro Dalmolin, this podcast is perfect for language enthusiasts and travel buffs alike. Through personal stories and expert interviews, it offers an insightful and entertaining exploration of language learning. Whether you crave entertainment or education, "How I Met Your Language" delivers both as you embark on a journey to discover the world through language.

Where can I listen to the podcast?

1) Spotify:

2) Apple podcast link to How I met your language

3)  TuneIn Link to How I met your language

4) Google Podcasts link to How I met your language

2.Coffee Break Spanish

This is a great Spanish-language podcast that focuses on Spanish grammar and interesting topics related to life in Spain.

The first season of Coffee Break Spanish is geared toward absolute beginners, and the level gradually increases as the seasons go by.

All of the episodes are free, but there is also a Coffee Break Spanish online course that you can pay for.

This Spanish podcast is a real favorite among beginner and intermediate learners and when you listen, you join a worldwide community of people learning Spanish.

Binge-listen to this podcast for unlimited Spanish practice.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

3. News In Slow Spanish

If you want to learn Spanish and keep up with current affairs at the same time, you can listen to the News In Slow Spanish podcast.

The hosts are native speakers and use basic vocabulary to make it accessible for all language learners. They cover news stories from around the world and unpick useful words and phrases.

Choose to listen to News In Slow Spanish (Spain) or News In Slow Spanish (Latino), depending on whether you want to practice European Spanish or Latin American Spanish.

By listening to the Spanish audio, you will notice that accents vary in Spanish hugely depending on the country of origin. So, you should know which country or geographic area you would like to focus on.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

4. Nómadas

This is one of many great Spanish podcasts from Radio Nacional de España.

This podcast is best for intermediate to advanced learners, as the hosts speak more quickly than the above-listed podcasts and some of the vocabulary used is more advanced.

In Nómadas, the world's most interesting cultures, stories, people, and ideas are discussed by native Spanish speakers.

It can be hard to find material that is interesting and new for intermediate and advanced learners, but this podcast features fascinating stories told by native speakers. This makes it ideal for an advanced Spanish student.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

5. Spanish Obsessed

Liz and Rob, a Columbian and English couple, discuss Spanish phrases, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation for beginners.

Listen to their conversational Spanish to pick up on many useful and practical examples of the Spanish language. This is great for developing your Spanish listening skills, especially as Liz, who is a native Spanish speaker, has a Latin American accent.

The Spanish Obsessed podcast deals with learning Spanish as an English speaker and provides a great insight into what they call "real Spanish" that is spoken around the world but not necessarily taught in textbooks.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

6. StoryLearning Spanish Podcast

This is one of the best free Spanish podcasts for low-intermediate and intermediate learners.

Each episode of the podcast is a new chapter in a Spanish-language story. By listening to the story, you naturally take in useful new vocabulary and grammar points. Every day a new chapter is released.

You can also sign up for a paid subscription to access the transcripts of each chapter. The StoryLearning Spanish podcast teaches Spanish students to speak Spanish - "real" Spanish - through immersion in the language.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

7. Radio Ambulante

Generally, listeners with intermediate to advanced Spanish follow Radio Ambulante, which addresses various Latin American stories that everyone should learn. The podcast covers hot topics such as gender, human rights, immigration, and mental health.

This podcast is a great way for intermediate to advanced learners to develop more niche vocabulary.

The anchors of Radio Ambulante are Peruvian, Argentinian, Costa Rican, and more, so they have Latin American accents from different countries. Transcripts and notes in Spanish are available on the Radio Ambulante website.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

8. Charlas Hispanas

Charlas Hispanas is a great educational podcast that focuses on Latin American History and is narrated by hosts from Colombia, Peru, Argentina, and Mexico.

You get to hear a range of accents from different Spanish-speaking countries as you learn about South America.

The language and pace of speech are ideal for intermediate Spanish learners who want to build their Spanish skills and eventually learn to speak Spanish fluently.

Engage with this Spanish audio to boost your listening skills, absorb "real" Spanish and study how Spanish speakers use the language.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

9. Spanish Language Coach

Spanish Language Coach is a series of podcasts made by a Spanish language teacher from Spain.

He makes episodes for Intermediate Spanish, Advanced Spanish, and Spanish for False Beginners. He also provides free transcripts for each episode.

The episodes are designed to aid in developing listening comprehension skills and Spanish fluency by engaging with natural and level-appropriate spoken Spanish.

The host is a native speaker of European Spanish and is one of the best Spanish teachers online offering free content. There are so many episodes already available, and this podcast offers practically unlimited Spanish practice.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

FAQs: Best Spanish Podcasts

Where can I find podcasts in Spanish?

You can find many free Spanish podcasts on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Look for those made by native speakers that offer notes and free transcripts for better learning.

Can I learn Spanish through a podcast?

Yes, you can learn Spanish to an intermediate or advanced level through podcasts. They expose you to new vocabulary, grammar, and culture. However, combining them with other learning resources is recommended.

Through these different channels, you can practice listening, reading, writing, and even speaking Spanish. Check out Español Con Juan today.

What are the best Spanish podcasts about Latin America?

"Españolistos," made by a Colombian Spanish teacher, is great for intermediate to advanced learners. "La Mesa Con León Krauze" interviews Latin American immigrants in LA about profound topics.

Can I become fluent by listening to a Spanish podcast?

Listening to Spanish podcasts improves your listening skills, which is crucial for fluency. However, practice speaking as well to enhance your communication skills.

How do I choose the right podcast for me?

Choose a podcast that matches your language level and decide if you prefer Latin American or European Spanish. Find a topic that interests you to make learning enjoyable.

Summing Up: Learning Spanish Through Spanish Podcasts

This guide to the best Spanish podcasts for learning Spanish has something for everyone, from the intermediate to advanced Spanish learner to the absolute beginner.

Whether you like listening to the news, grammar lessons, or stories in easy-to-understand Spanish, there is a Spanish podcast here for you.

Spanish learners can further develop their listening skills by signing up to Lingopie's streaming service, where they can binge Spanish-language TV and movies. Just as listening to podcasts in Spanish builds language skills, so too does watching native speakers on screen.

Related: Top 15 Best Songs to Learn Spanish: Sing Your Way to Fluency with Lingopie Music

Other great way to learn and improve vocabulary is through music! If you like music we absolutely recommend Lingopie Music, a free tool which compiles playlists with all the best Spanish-language songs and provides interactive lyrics on-screen. Make sure to try it out!

So, what are you waiting for? Start learning Spanish today with your online free Spanish teachers and become Spanish-obsessed!

¡Buena suerte!

In our globalized world, being able to speak multiple languages is a huge advantage, especially for world leaders. It helps them connect with people from different cultures, build stronger international relationships, and handle complex global issues more effectively.

In this blog post, we'll see if the most influential world leaders can speak other languages or only their native language. We'll understand how their language skills have impacted their political careers, helped them in international diplomacy, and allowed them to understand different cultures better.

Is Multilingualism Important In Leadership?

Yes, speaking multiple languages helps leaders communicate better with other countries. They can talk directly with other leaders, building trust and avoiding misunderstandings. This makes international negotiations smoother and more effective.

Knowing different languages helps leaders understand and respect other cultures. It shows they care about different customs and traditions, which can lead to stronger partnerships. Being able to speak someone's language shows respect and helps bridge cultural gaps.

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Popular World Leaders And The Languages They Speak

1. Joe Biden (USA)

Languages: English (native), some Spanish

Brief Biography: Joe Biden, born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is the 46th President of the United States, having assumed office on January 20, 2021. Before his presidency, Biden served as Vice President from 2009 to 2017 under President Barack Obama and represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate from 1973 to 2009. He has a long history of public service and a strong focus on domestic and foreign policy issues.

Impact of His Linguistic Skills: While English is Biden's native language, he has made efforts to speak Spanish during his political career. His use of Spanish, though not fluent, is a strategic tool to connect with the growing Hispanic population in the United States. This effort to address Spanish-speaking citizens in their language demonstrates his commitment to inclusivity and helps build trust and rapport within this important demographic. Additionally, Biden's attempts to communicate in Spanish during international visits to Spanish-speaking countries show respect and foster better diplomatic relations. His multilingual efforts, although limited, contribute to his image as a leader who values diversity and cross-cultural communication.

2. Emmanuel Macron (France)

Languages: French (native), English, Spanish

Brief Biography: Emmanuel Macron, born on December 21, 1977, in Amiens, France, is the President of France, having assumed office on May 14, 2017. Before his presidency, Macron served as Minister of the Economy, Industry, and Digital Affairs. He founded the political movement La République En Marche! and won the 2017 presidential election with a platform of economic reform and European integration.

Impact of His Linguistic Skills: Macron's proficiency in English and Spanish has significantly benefited his political career and international diplomacy. Fluent in English, he effectively communicates with leaders from English-speaking countries, strengthening France's diplomatic ties with the United States, the United Kingdom, and other English-speaking nations. His ability to speak Spanish allows him to engage with leaders and citizens in Spanish-speaking countries, fostering closer relationships with Latin America and Spain. Macron's multilingualism showcases his commitment to international cooperation and cultural understanding, enhancing his image as a global leader.

3. Angela Merkel (Germany)

Languages: German (native), English, Russian

Brief Biography: Angela Merkel, born on July 17, 1954, in Hamburg, Germany, served as the Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021. Before her tenure as Chancellor, she held various political positions, including Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety. Merkel is widely recognized for her pragmatic leadership style and her role in strengthening the European Union. She has a background in physical chemistry, having earned a doctorate in the field.

Impact of Her Linguistic Skills: Merkel's proficiency in English and Russian has played a crucial role in her international diplomacy. She often used English in her communications with leaders from English-speaking countries, which helped her build strong relationships with key allies such as the United States and the United Kingdom. Her knowledge of Russian, acquired during her youth in East Germany, allowed her to engage directly with Russian leaders, including Vladimir Putin. This linguistic ability was particularly valuable during tense negotiations, as it facilitated more direct and nuanced communication. Merkel's multilingual skills enabled her to navigate complex diplomatic landscapes and contributed to her reputation as a respected global leader.

4. Xi Jinping (China)

Languages: Mandarin Chinese (native), some English

Brief Biography: Xi Jinping, born on June 15, 1953, in Beijing, China, has been the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China since 2012 and the President of China since 2013. He is considered one of the most powerful leaders in the world, overseeing significant economic and geopolitical developments in China.

Impact of His Linguistic Skills: Mandarin Chinese is pivotal in global politics due to China's rising influence. Xi Jinping's fluency in Mandarin strengthens his leadership within China. While his English proficiency is limited, he engages in English-language discussions at international events, showcasing China's commitment to global dialogue. Xi's multilingualism underscores China's diplomatic approach and reinforces his role on the world stage.

5. Narendra Modi (India)

Languages: Hindi (native), Gujarati, English

Brief Biography: Narendra Modi, born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, India, is the Prime Minister of India since May 26, 2014. Prior to his premiership, he served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Modi's leadership is characterized by his effective communication strategies.

Impact of His Linguistic Skills: Modi's fluency in Hindi connects him with the majority of Indian citizens, while his command of Gujarati strengthens his bond with his home state of Gujarat. Additionally, his proficiency in English facilitates effective communication on the global stage, enhancing India's international representation. Overall, Modi's linguistic skills enable him to communicate with diverse audiences, reflecting his commitment to inclusivity and effective leadership.

6. Justin Trudeau (Canada)

Languages: English (native), French (native)

Brief Biography: Justin Trudeau, born on December 25, 1971, in Ottawa, Canada, has been the Prime Minister of Canada since November 4, 2015. He is the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. Trudeau's political career is marked by his emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and progressive policies.

Impact of His Linguistic Skills: Canada is officially bilingual, with English and French recognized as the country's two official languages. Trudeau's fluency in both languages reflects Canada's linguistic diversity and cultural heritage. His ability to communicate effortlessly in English and French allows him to connect with Canadians from all regions of the country, regardless of their linguistic background. Trudeau's commitment to bilingualism underscores his dedication to unity and inclusivity within Canada, emphasizing the importance of embracing linguistic diversity as a source of strength and national identity.

7. Vladimir Putin (Russia)

Languages: Russian (native), German, some English

Brief Biography: Vladimir Putin, born on October 7, 1952, in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Russia, has been a prominent figure in Russian politics for decades. He served as President of Russia from 1999 to 2008, Prime Minister from 1999 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2012, and President again since 2012. Putin's leadership is characterized by his assertive foreign policy and consolidation of power within Russia.

Impact of His Linguistic Skills: Putin's proficiency in German has facilitated communication and diplomatic engagements with German-speaking leaders and representatives. Germany is one of Russia's key partners in Europe, and Putin's ability to converse in German has enabled him to establish rapport and conduct negotiations more effectively with German counterparts. His knowledge of German may have also played a role in informal discussions and interactions during international summits and meetings, allowing for more nuanced exchanges and understanding between Russian and German officials. Overall, Putin's linguistic skills in German contribute to his diplomatic toolkit, enhancing Russia's diplomatic relations with German-speaking countries and influencing outcomes in international negotiations.

8. Benjamin Netanyahu (Israel)

Languages: Hebrew (native), English, some French

Brief Biography: Benjamin Netanyahu, born on October 21, 1949, in Tel Aviv, Israel, is a prominent Israeli politician who has served multiple terms as Prime Minister.

Impact of His Linguistic Skills: Netanyahu's fluency in English has strengthened Israel's ties with the United States and enhanced his effectiveness in international diplomacy. His ability to communicate directly with American leaders facilitates cooperation on key issues, while his English proficiency allows him to engage with global audiences, amplifying Israel's voice on the world stage.

9. Boris Johnson (UK)

Languages: English (native), some French, Latin, Ancient Greek

Brief Biography: Boris Johnson, born on June 19, 1964, in New York City, United States, is a British politician who has served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom since July 24, 2019. He previously served as Mayor of London from 2008 to 2016 and Member of Parliament for Uxbridge and South Ruislip since 2015. Johnson is known for his charismatic leadership style and his involvement in the Brexit referendum.

Impact of His Linguistic Skills: Johnson's classical education, including his proficiency in Latin and Ancient Greek, has influenced his intellectual background and rhetorical style. While his fluency in French may not be as advanced as his other languages, his knowledge of the language has been useful in diplomatic contexts, particularly in interactions with French-speaking leaders and during European Union negotiations. Johnson's ability to engage in French conversations demonstrates his commitment to effective communication and his appreciation for linguistic diversity in international relations.

10. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (UAE)

Languages: Arabic (native), English.

Brief Biography: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, born on July 15, 1949, in Dubai, UAE, serves as the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai. He is known for his transformative leadership in diversifying the UAE's economy and promoting innovation.

Impact of His Linguistic Abilities: Sheikh Mohammed's fluency in Arabic connects him with Emirati citizens, while his proficiency in English allows him to engage with the international community. His ability to communicate effectively in both languages facilitates domestic governance and international diplomacy, showcasing the UAE's global influence and fostering partnerships worldwide.

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Final Words

The diverse language abilities of world leaders highlight how important it is for leaders to speak multiple languages. Whether it's Macron's English and Spanish, Merkel's German, or Putin's proficiency in German, these skills help leaders connect, negotiate, and influence on a global scale. Looking ahead, multilingualism will continue to be crucial in fostering cooperation and understanding between countries. So, let's embrace language learning—it's not just about personal growth, but also about building a more connected and inclusive world.

Learn New Languages Through TV Shows With Lingopie!

Who says learning can’t be fun? Grab some popcorn and immerse yourself in foreign films or binge-watch TV shows. That's the mission of Lingopie, making language learning fun and immersive!

Lingopie makes learning a new language fun and effective by using real TV shows, movies, and documentaries. It offers interactive subtitles, so you can click on any word to get an instant translation and pronunciation.

Download Lingopie from the App Store or Play Store now and get a FREE 7-day trial!

A while back, I was an ordinary French student with big dreams. I was incredibly lucky to be offered a scholarship for a study abroad program in Paris, the city I had long dreamed of living in.

I had been studying French for years. I attended weekly classes with incredible teachers, watched original French films in the few cinemas my city offered, and had even ventured into reading a few novels.

But all those years of hard study didn't prepare me for the initial shock I experienced when I first stepped into the Denfert Rochereau train station (yes, a very hard-to-pronounce word!). In the first few days, I found myself wallowing in self-pity as I lamented that I couldn't understand the Parisians. Locals were encouraging, saying they were impressed by my level, but it took weeks to adjust.

Overall, it was an incredible life experience and taught me valuable lessons on language learning that I could have never learned in the classroom. Let’s take a look at some of tips for learning French the real way:

The Real Life French You Learn in Textbooks is not the One People Use

When you first start learning French from textbooks, you are introduced to a formal, structured version of the language. Textbooks provide a foundation of grammar, vocabulary, and standard phrases that are essential for understanding and constructing sentences correctly. However, the French used in real-life conversations often differs significantly from textbook French.

Of course, that dialogue in a restaurant you acted out in middle school with your best friend is going to come in handy when you step into a bistrot, but when you engage in conversation with locals, you will learn a lot of vocabulary you have never heard before.

In everyday interactions, French speakers use colloquial expressions, slang, and idiomatic phrases that rarely appear in textbooks. This is partly because language is always evolving and it’s not easy to keep up with the pace, especially if you have learned French in your home country. I remember when I was invited to a party and referred to it as the boum, thinking it was a modern way to say ‘party’ only to find it was a very outdated word.

The pronunciation can also be more relaxed, with syllables often shortened or blended together. Moreover, the conversational rhythm and cultural references embedded in casual French speech can be challenging for learners who have only encountered the formal version of the language. This discrepancy can be confusing and overwhelming for new learners when they first engage with native speakers.

While textbooks are invaluable for building a solid linguistic foundation, immersing oneself in authentic French through media, conversations, and cultural experiences is crucial for achieving fluency and truly understanding how French is spoken in everyday life.

Before we move on, why not sign up for a Lingopie free trial to learn conversational French? Access our catalogue of French films, TV shows and documentaries and experience real life vocabulary.

You Think You Understand French Until You Set A Foot in Paris

I had been living in Paris for nearly a year when a friend of mine came to Paris for a work study program. We had both learned French in the same class in high school, but after going to university she pretty much stopped learning French. It was a great shock for her trying to have a phone conversation with her landlady-to-be. She broke off the conversation, turned around to me and said: “She just finished by saying something about a petit suisse, how strange!” For a Spanish listener, what she thought was a petit suisse turned out to be the expression “à tout de suite” (see you in a bit).

For any foreign speaker, French people “eat” words. In fact, elision - omission of one or more sounds in a word or phrase- is common in most languages and any advanced learner will want to master it to sound more natural.

Here’s a few examples:

Pas de problème (No problem) - pad problem

Qu’est-ce que tu fais ? (What are you doing?) - Kess tu fay

A toute à l’heure ! (See you later!) - a tout

Fortunately, it's a case of getting used to it. Parisians shorten words to the extreme, but with a fine ear you will get to talk like them in no time!

Get the Formality and Politeness Right

Coming from Spain, it took some time to get used to formality in France. In general, you should use the formal vous (you) everywhere: when you're talking to strangers, authority figures, work colleagues, older people, or groups of people.

In English both forms are you, so bare in mind that vous is going to be the norm for anyone you have just met: a waiter in a café, the person behind the counter when you go to open a bank account, that work meeting and, yes, very important, in-laws !

Tu is the pronoun you'd use for someone you know fairly well, like a friend or family member. Unlike Spain, you wouldn't use tu with an acquaintance, or someone you've just met.

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French Humour

One of the delightful aspects of living in Paris is experiencing the local humor. Once I started socializing with locals, humor was part of every evening and dining conversation. Although stereotypes say otherwise, the French are extremely humorous and witty. However, you need to dive into it. I remember sitting in bars and people around me cracking up with jokes that wouldn’t be acceptable in Spain. French humor, particularly Parisian humor, has its own unique characteristics that set it apart from humor in other cultures.

French humor often relies heavily on wit and wordplay. They love playing with words, using puns, double entendres, and clever twists of phrases. This type of humor can be challenging for non-native speakers because it often involves subtle nuances and a deep understanding of the language.

French people also appreciate dark humor, which often deals with serious or taboo subjects in a light-hearted way. This type of humor can be shocking to some, but it’s a way to cope with life’s difficulties through laughter.

Master Small Talk and It Will Take You Far

In French, making small talk is called ‘parler de la pluie et du beau temps’. Indeed, it was quite amusing for me to find out that Parisians talk about the weather all the time (ironically, Paris is grey and dark for the most part of the year!). In France, before getting down to business, you first make a bit of small talk. It usually doesn’t last more than a couple of minutes, but it’s a polite way to ensure that you come across as congenial, especially when you show interest in the other person. Here are some useful phrases:

Vous avez fait bon voyage ? (How was your trip?)

Vous avez trouvé facilement ? (Could you find it easily?)

Vous connaissez déjà Paris ? (Do you already know Paris?)

Il fait beau, aujourd’hui ! (The weather’s good today!)

Most importantly, avoid overly personal topics like income, religion, or politics unless you know the person well.

Final words

Living in Paris has provided invaluable lessons about learning conversational French that go far beyond what any textbook can teach. This immersive experience highlights the importance of adapting to local speech patterns, understanding the nuanced humor, and mastering the subtle art of small talk.

Embracing these cultural aspects and linguistic nuances not only improves your French but also enriches your overall experience in Paris. As you continue your journey in learning French, remember that textbooks are just the beginning. Real fluency and understanding come from immersing yourself in the language and culture. Bon courage et bonne chance!

Learn Real French with Lingopie!

If you’re eager to move beyond textbook French and immerse yourself in the authentic language as it’s spoken by native speakers, Lingopie is the perfect tool for you! Lingopie offers a vast library of French films, TV shows, and documentaries that allow you to experience the richness and diversity of real-life French. With interactive subtitles and language-learning features, you can easily pick up colloquial expressions, slang, and idiomatic phrases that are rarely covered in traditional language courses.

Additionally, Lingopie helps you improve your listening skills and comprehension by exposing you to various accents and speaking styles. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your fluency, Lingopie makes learning French engaging, practical, and fun!

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Have you ever stopped to think about how funny English speakers must sound to speakers of other languages when they say "there's a frog in my throat" or "I'm going to spill the beans"?

One of the more entertaining aspects of language learning is getting to know the idioms and metaphors in a second language and it's no different for all of you who are learning Spanish.

Today, we'll break down 20 Spanish idioms and metaphors that can sound silly and even rude in English. Each will be figuratively and literally translated.

Then, we'll leave you with a further 20 everyday Spanish idioms for day-to-day use. Get ready to sound like a native with these useful and entertaining new phrases!

Why You Should Learn Idioms

Learning idioms is the key to taking your language skills to the next level and sounding like a local. Idioms are special expressions that native speakers use all the time, but their meanings can't be understood from the individual words alone.

For example, if someone says "it's raining cats and dogs," they don't literally mean animals are falling from the sky. It's just a colorful way of saying it's raining heavily. Idioms like these add personality and culture to the language.

When you start using idioms correctly, your conversations will instantly sound more natural and fluent. Here are some specific reasons why learning idioms is so valuable:

1. Understand Native Speakers Better: Idioms are used constantly in movies, books, and everyday conversations. Learning them helps you comprehend the real meaning behind what natives are saying.
2. Add Color to Your Speech: Idioms make your language more vivid, expressive, and interesting. You'll sound much more engaging than just using literal translations.
3. Fit in Culturally: Idioms are deeply rooted in a culture's history and way of thinking. Using them shows true cultural understanding.
4. Sound More Fluent: Sprinkling idioms into conversations makes your speech flow smoothly like a native speaker.
5. Develop Cultural Awareness: Learning idioms gives insight into a culture's values, humor, and mindset in a way textbooks can't teach.

Funny Spanish Idioms That Sounds Rude in English

1. Dame pan y dime tonto

Let's start with a silly one. The literal meaning of this phrase is "give me bread and call me stupid." It basically means "call me what you want, as long as I get what I want". This is a phrase best suited to the world of business and the tendency to step on toes in order to succeed.

2. Aunque la mona se vista de seda, mona se queda

Okay, this one sounds a bit rude because it is! This Spanish idiom means "even if the monkey dresses in silk, she's still a monkey." It is similar to the English-language idiom "you can't put lipstick on a pig," and it means some things are just ugly!

3. Camarón que se duerme, se lo lleva la corriente

Are you calling me a shrimp?! Well, yes. This phrase means "a shrimp that falls asleep is taken away by the current," meaning if you don't pay attention, opportunities will pass you by.

This phrase isn't insulting, but someone unfamiliar with the context might misunderstand.

4. Lavar cerdos con jabón es perder tiempo y jabón

The literal translation of this Spanish idiom is "washing pigs with soap is a waste of time and soap." You'd be forgiven for thinking someone is getting called a pig here, but they aren't.

This figuratively means that something is a waste of time. If you want to dismiss what someone is doing as a wasted effort, this idiom is useful.

5. No hay burro calvo, ni calabaza con pelo

This is a funny one. Its literal translation is "there is no bald donkey nor any pumpkin with hair," but it means that you should only talk about what you know.

Any saying involving bald donkeys sounds potentially offensive in English, but this isn't an insult! It is a caution to stick to what you know.

6. No tener ni pies ni cabeza

If you say in Spanish that someone has "neither feet nor a head", this means that they make no sense. Honestly, this one can be a bit rude, so your instincts were probably right.

7. Estar como una cabra

The figurative meaning of this idiom is to be crazy but literally, it means "to be like a goat". Calling someone a goat pretty much always seems offensive in English - and in this case, that's a fair assessment!

8. Tener la negra

This is an odd one. In Spanish, you can say "to have the black" meaning "to have bad luck". Unfortunately, to an English ear, this can sound a little uncomfortable. However, there is no offensive connotation in Spanish.

9. Tomar el pelo

The literal translation of tomar el pelo is "to take the hair", which doesn't really mean anything, offensive or otherwise. However, this saying metaphorically means you are teasing someone. The English equivalent is "pulling someone's leg".

10. De tal palo, tal astilla

This interesting idiom literally translates as something like "such as the stick, such the splinter."

That doesn't make a whole lot of sense in English, but you might discern that you are, in fact, being called a stick. This could cause offense, or at least confusion, if you don't know the metaphorical meaning of this phrase, which is "like father, like son."

11. Ponerse la mala leche

The literal translation of this phrase is "to get in bad milk", which just sounds bizarre in English. It means "to be bent out of shape" or "to be in a bad mood".

If there's one thing Spaniards love, it's a phrase that uses the word "milk"!

12. Ser la leche

Perhaps this one doesn't sound offensive to native English speakers, but it certainly sounds bizarre. If you say something like "It is the milk!" then you are saying it's really awesome!

The English equivalent would be "it's the bomb!" or simply "it's great!"

13. Cagarse en la leche

It can be a little confusing that some "milk" phrases are so positive, while others are very very negative. Make sure you have learned the meaning of each phrase and know exactly when to use them in context.

If you say in Spanish that you "sh*t in the milk" (me cago en la leche), it means you are deeply disgusted or angry about something. It is a very vulgar expression and about as offensive as it sounds in English!

Check out this guide to Spanish curse words - some of them are pretty colorful.

14. Echando leches

If you translate this saying literally, it means that someone is "throwing milk" or "ejecting milk". Yes, it sounds a bit gross.

However, what this means figuratively is that you are "getting the hell out of there." You can also say cagando leches, or "sh*tting milk," which sounds even ruder!

15. Ser una rata

You probably don't need too much help with these next Spanish expressions.

The literal meaning of ser una rata is "to be a rat" and it means the same as it would in English - to be an untrustworthy person.

16. Ser un gallina

Something English and Spanish speakers have in common is their love of animal-themed metaphorical expressions.

The literal translation of this metaphor is "to be a chicken", and once again, it means the same as it would in English. To be a chicken is to be a coward. If someone calls you a rat or a chicken in Spain, feel free to take offence!

17. Ser un melón

The literal translation of ser un melón is "to be a melon" and it means to be stupid. This is another one that English speakers shouldn't have too much trouble with.

18. Buscar la quinta pata al gato

Literally translated, this saying means "to look for the fifth leg of the cat". While your first instinct might be to assume this is a dirty expression, it actually means "to make something much more complex than it needs to be".

19. No importar un pepino

If you say something "doesn't matter a cucumber", the literal meaning is that it doesn't matter at all. No me importa un pepino is roughly equivalent to the English "I don't give a damn."

20. Dormir a pierna suelta

Last but not least, the literal meaning of this idiom is "to sleep with loose legs"! This could definitely be misinterpreted by an English speaker, but it just means to sleep very well.

The English equivalent idiom is "to sleep like a baby". Phew!

Other Funny Spanish Idioms for Everyday Use

1. Costar un ojo de la cara - To cost an arm and a leg (literally: "to cost an eye from the face")
2. Tirar la casa por la ventana - To spare no expense (literally: "to throw the house through the window")
3. Estar hasta las narices - To be sick to death of something (literally: "to be up the noses")
4. Hablar sin pelos en la lengua - To be outspoken (literally: "to talk without hair on the tongue")
5. En casa del herrero, cuchillo de palo - The shoemaker's son always goes barefoot (literally: "in the house of the blacksmith, knife of stick"). This basically means that often when someone has a skill or a trade, their own family is the last to benefit from it.
6. Quedarse de piedra - To be stunned or shocked (literally: "to stay like a stone")
7. Dar la vuelta a la tortilla/ darle la vuelta a la tortilla - To turn the situation around (literally: "to flip the tortilla")
8. Lo dijo de labios para fuera - To say something you didn’t mean (literally: “said it from the lips outwards”)
9. Más vale tarde que nunca - Better late than never
10. Estar hecho un ají -  To be very mad (literally: "To be made into a chili")
11. No hay mal que por bien no venga - Every cloud has a silver lining (the literal meaning of this phrase is a little hard to translate due to the double negative but it is something like "there is no bad that for good does not come")
12. Donde comen dos, comen tres - There's always room for one more (literally: "where two eat, three eat")
13. Al mal tiempo buena cara - Look on the bright side (literally: "to bad weather a good face")
14. Encontrar tu media naranja - To find your other half (literally: "to find your half orange")
15. Buscar el príncipe azul - To look for Prince Charming (literally: "to look for the blue prince")
16. Entre la espada y la pared - Between a rock and a hard place (literally: "between the sword and the wall")
17. Tener sangre azul - To be born with a silver spoon in your mouth/ be from a rich family (literally: "to have blue blood")
18. A falta de pan, buenas son tortas - Beggars can't be choosers (literally: "if there's no bread, cakes will do")
19. Ser pan comido - To be easy (literally: "to be eaten bread")
20. No pegar ojo - Not to sleep a wink (literally: "not to hit an eye")
21. Llover a cántaros - Raining cats and dogs (literally: "to rain pitchers")
22. Mi casa es su casa - You are welcome here (literally: "my house is your house")
23. No hay color - There's no comparison (literally: "there's no color")
24. Dar en el blanco - To hit the bullseye (literally: "to give in the white")

FAQs: Spanish Language Idioms

Should I learn the literal meaning of Spanish idioms or just the metaphorical meaning?

Learning the metaphorical meaning of idioms will serve you far better than the literal meaning, as literally, these phrases do not mean much at all.

It is a good idea to learn the English equivalent of Spanish idioms rather than the literal meaning so that you know when to use them correctly in context.

Will the literal translation Of an English idiom make sense in Spanish?

No, the literal translation of an idiom in English will make no more sense in Spanish than it does in English.

For instance, if you say "he is pushing daisies" in English, you are relying on the figurative meaning of this phrase being understood. Translating this directly into Spanish will not get you far.

Do I REALLY NEED TO LEARN Spanish idioms?

It is a good idea to learn the most common Spanish idioms so when you watch TV and movies, read books, or speak Spanish with natives, you can understand the situation.

At least knowing some basics will make you sound more authentic when you speak and help you to follow social situations.

Don't forget to also listen to a lot of Spanish music to help you build vocabulary and improve pronunciation.

How does watching TV and reading in Spanish help me to learn idioms?

Any content made in a Spanish-speaking country, whether it is TV or literature, will expose you to metaphors and idioms used in appropriate situations.

This helps you to deepen your vocabulary and determine the meaning of idiomatic phrases based on context.

Related: Learn How to Say Slang Words and Phrases in Spanish

Idioms tend to mean very little when translated literally, so exposure to these phrases in authentic situations is very helpful.

Summing Up: Common Spanish Idioms and their English Translations

Congratulations! You're now an expert in Spanish idioms!

As you know, learning idioms and metaphors in Spanish is an essential part of language learning if you want to sound like a native speaker and understand social situations.

Knowing these phrases will also help you to understand movies, TV shows, and other forms of Spanish-language media on a deeper level.

If you are looking for some great Spanish TV shows and movies to sink your teeth into, check out Lingopie.

Related: The 8 Best Podcasts to Learn the Spanish Language

On this streaming platform, you will find a lot of great content from Spain and Latin America with dual subtitles, interactive transcripts and more engaging features.

If you're thinking of taking a trip to a sunny Spanish-speaking country this summer, and you can't wait to eat the famous Latin American or Spanish food, we at Lingopie suggest you check out our ultimate guide to Learn Spanish restaurant vocabulary.

In this post, we’ll list some basic words and phrases that will help you order food, explain your allergies, and communicate politely with the waiter. What more could you ask for?

Before we get started, remember to check out Lingopie's streaming platform, where you can binge-watch Spanish TV and movies to speed up your language learning, build vocabulary, and work on your listening skills.

If you want tips on what shows to watch, check out our list of the best telenovelas to help you improve your Spanish.

Now let’s get started on some restaurant vocab!

Basic Spanish Restaurant Vocabulary

Before you can sink your teeth into delicious Spanish tapas, world-famous paella, or a classic tortilla de patatas, you'll need to know how to make a reservation, get a table, and ask for something in a Spanish restaurant.

• El restaurante / El bar - The restaurant / The bar
• Tengo una reserva para dos personas - I have a reservation for two people
• Una mesa para cuatro, por favor - A table for four, please
• Perdone - Excuse me

"Perdone" is a polite way to get a waiter's attention when you want to ask for something. It's easy to remember as it is super similar to "pardon me."

Now that you know how to get the waiter's attention, let's talk about ordering food.

Spanish Vocabulary: Asking For The Menu

When seated in the restaurant of your choice, you will want to peruse the menu and start getting excited about your meal.

It could be that the restaurant is offering specials, a fixed menu at a set price, or a time-specific menu, so here are the phrases to look out for:

• ¿Puedo ver el menú / la carta? - Can I see the menu? (Either word will do)
• El menú del día - Today's menu/specials
• Un menú de precio fijo - A fixed menu, which will generally include two or three courses and a drink for a fixed price
• Desayuno, almuerzo, cena - Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Ordering And Formality

In Spanish, there are two ways to say "you" singular. We have tú (informal) and usted (formal).

You don't need to worry too much about this as a beginner, but you'll notice the phrases below have an optional "s" in brackets at the end of the verbs.

With an "s", it is the informal you, without it is the formal you.

• ¿Qué quiere(s)? / ¿Qué va(s) a tomar? - What would you like (to eat)?

The waiter might address you formally or informally. If you pick up on this, you can respond with the same level of formality. However, if in doubt, just use the formal ending without the "s".

• ¿Qué me recomienda(s)? - What do you recommend?
• Me pone(s) ... por favor - This literally means give me ... please. This might sound strange to an English-speaking audience. However, in Spanish, as long as you say please, it is a perfectly normal way of ordering food and drinks.
• Me trae(s)... porfa - Can you bring me ... please, which is another common way to order. "Porfa" is a casual way that many locals will use to say please, and is a combination of the words "por favor".

Simple Food & Drink Vocabulary

Then you can insert the item that you would like to order, such as...

Drinks

There are an infinite number of drinks you can order in Spanish and Latin American restaurants, and we will only scratch the surface here. The basics include:

• Un vaso de agua - A glass of water
• Una caña - A beer
• Una copa de vino blanco/ vino tinto - A glass of white wine / red wine
• Un tinto de verano (con gasera/ con limón) - a popular drink in Spain in the summer, which is red wine mixed with soda water or lemonade
• Un zumo de naranja (Spain) / jugo de naranja (Latin America) - an orange juice
• Un café (con leche) - a coffee (with milk, which is like a latte)
• Otra cerveza / Otro tinto de verano, porfa - Another beer/ tinto de verano, please

Common Restaurant Food Items

Once you have your drink of choice, you can dive into the much-anticipated food.

Spain and many other Spanish-speaking countries are famous for various meat, soup, and seafood dishes.

Many Spanish restaurants will offer tapas, which are very small plates for one individual to taste a dish.

Or, you can order a ración, which is a plate of small bites to share. While you're in Spain, you must try these iconic tapas/raciones:

• Gazpacho - Cold vegetable soup
• Jamón y queso - Ham and cheese
• Pescaíto frito - Little fried fish
• Pimientos de padrón - Padrón peppers
• Pincho de tortilla - A piece of tortilla

Seafood

Craving for that buttered shrimp? Here are the common seafood-related words and Spanish dishes that are sure to make you drool!

Meat

Need something heavy on the tummy? Here are the common meat-related words and Spanish delicacies that are sure to make you ask for more servings!

Want to order steak? Here are the words to help you specify your desired level of doneness.

• muy crudo — very rare
• poco asado — a little rare
• termino medio — medium
• bien cocida — well done

Fruits

Have you ever wondered how these juicy treasures are integrated into the country's mouthwatering cuisine? Well, let me tell you, the Spanish-speaking world has truly mastered the art of showcasing the vibrant flavors and natural sweetness of fruits in their dishes.

Personalizing Your Order

Don't worry if you get confused about whether to order tapas or raciones, or how many dishes you will manage to eat.

You can always consult the prices in the restaurant to judge how big the plate will be or ask the waiter. If you are unsure of the size of a dish, or whether it comes with sides, you can ask:

• ¿Este plato viene con...? - Does this dish come with...?
• Ensalada - Salad
• Pan - Bread
• Patatas fritas (Spain) / Papas fritas (Latin America) - Fries
• Sí, viene con ensalada, pero no con pan - Yes, it comes with salad, but not with bread
• Vamos a compartir - We are going to share
• Me trae un poco de sal/ azucar, porfa - Can you bring me some salt/ sugar, please

Preferences and Allergies

When you're ordering food, you'll need to make sure you can tell the restaurant staff your preferences, as well as any allergies or intolerances you might have.

One of the most famous examples of Spanish cuisine is the delicious tortilla de patatas, which is a Spanish omelette with potatoes.

However, Spanish opinion is divided between those who like their tortilla with onions and those who prefer it without. We recommend that you try both and make up your own mind!

• Con/ Sin cebolla - With/ Without onion
• Tengo alergia (a las nueces/ los mariscos) - I am allergic (to nuts/ seafood)
• Soy vegetariano/a - I am a vegetarian (use the "o" ending if you are male, and the "a" if you are female)
• El bocadillo no contiene carne, gluten ni lactosa - The sandwich does not contain meat, gluten or lactose
• El postre tiene cacahuetes - The dessert has peanuts
• Leche de avena/ soja/ almendras - Oat/ soy/ almond milk

Want to request a specific dish? It's also helpful to know these common Spanish terms for how to prepare that:

• a la plancha — on the grill
• a la parrilla — barbecued
• asado — roasted
• al ajillo — with garlic
• apanado — breaded
• filete — filleted
• frito — fried

Restaurant Etiquette

Finally, we should talk about manners and the Spanish vocabulary you will need in order to be polite. You will hear these phrases in any Spanish restaurant, as well as bars and other tourist spots.

When any Spanish-speaking waiter brings your food, they will almost certainly say the phrase:

• ¡que aproveche! or buen provecho - bon appétit, for want of an English equivalent

To which you can say:

• Gracias - Thank you
• Este postre está muy rico - The dessert is very tasty

Finally, if you want to reach across another person at the table or move past someone in the restaurant, you can say:

• Permiso - excuse me (your body is in my way).
  This is a very useful word. It is a formal and polite way to ask permission to pass or to reach across someone at the table, entering into their personal space.
  This word comes in handy in busy places like restaurants, the metro, and crowded streets.
• De nada - you're welcome

The Check and The Tip

At the end of the meal, you can do the classic writing-in-the-air sign for the check, or you can use your words and ask the waiter:

• ¿Me trae la cuenta? - Can you bring me the check?
• La cuenta, por favor - The check, please
• Con efectivo - With cash
• Con tarjeta - With card
• Aceptamos tarjetas de crédito - We accept credit cards

Something that might stand out to you in Spain as a big cultural difference is that it isn't common to leave a tip.

Often when locals pay for their beers, they will leave the exact change and the waiter will not expect a tip.

However, if you have had good service or enjoyed your restaurant meal, a tip is certainly appreciated!

• La propina - the check (or the tip, if you are from the U.K)

FAQs

How do Spanish people say restaurant?

In Spanish, the word for "restaurant" is "restaurante". It's pronounced "res-tow-rahn-tay". Some examples:

1. ¿Dónde hay un buen restaurante por aquí? - Where is a good restaurant around here?
2. Vamos a cenar a un restaurante esta noche. - Let's go eat at a restaurant tonight.
3. Ese restaurante tiene una estrella Michelin. - That restaurant has a Michelin star.

So in summary, to say "restaurant" in Spanish, simply use the word "restaurante". It derives from the French word "restaurant" and has the same basic meaning.

What are the Spanish phrases for waiters?

The Spanish words for "waiter" are El camarero (masculine) and La camarera (feminine). here are some common Spanish phrases using these words:

• ¿Podría venir el camarero, por favor? - Could the waiter please come over?
• La camarera tomó nuestra orden. - The waitress took our order.
• Necesitamos un camarero para esta mesa. - We need a waiter for this table.
• ¿Dónde está nuestra camarera? - Where is our waitress?

You can also use the more formal "mesero/mesera" which directly translates to "table server". Additionally, "jefe de salón" refers to the headwaiter or maître d' in charge.

What are the Spanish dinner words?

The Spanish word for "dinner" is "cena". Some common Spanish words and phrases related to dinner:

• La cena - Dinner
• Cenar - To have dinner
• El plato principal - The main course
• La entrada - The starter/appetizer
• El postre - The dessert
• A la carta - From the menu
• El menú del día - The daily set menu

Examples:

• ¿A qué hora cenamos esta noche? - What time are we having dinner tonight?
• El plato principal de la cena es pescado - The main course for dinner is fish
• Después de la cena, pedimos un postre - After dinner, we ordered a dessert

Have A Great Time In Spain - ¡Que Aproveche!

This has been a simple guide to Spanish restaurant vocabulary. From asking for the menu to ordering food and being polite, we hope that you feel ready for your trip to a Spanish-speaking country.

If you are learning Spanish and want to speed up the language learning process, check out Lingopie's streaming service, where you can watch TV and movies in Spanish.

This is a great way to pick up lots of Spanish vocabulary, as listening to a native Spanish speaker in a TV show will expose you to authentic language, slang words, colloquial phrases and more dinner-time-specific words.

In addition to our TV and movies content, Lingopie has launched a new free project called Lingopie Music! Check out our article listing some of the best songs in Spanish for you to sing your way to fluency.

You will develop your confidence and language skills while having fun. That's all for now - thank you for learning Spanish words and phrases with us.

¡Hasta Luego!

Did you know that some languages are spoken so quickly that listeners can barely keep up? Take Japanese, for instance, which often tops the charts in speech speed, with speakers averaging about 7.84 syllables per second.

The speed at which a language is spoken—often measured in words or syllables per minute—can reveal fascinating insights about cultural communication styles and cognitive processes.

In this blog post, we'll dive into the fastest spoken languages in the world, exploring what makes them so rapid, how they're measured, and what this speed means in various contexts.

What Is The Criteria For Determining Speed In A Language?

Speech Rate: Words per Minute (WPM)

One of the primary metrics used to determine the speed of a spoken language is the speech rate, typically measured in words per minute (WPM). This metric quantifies how many words a speaker can articulate within a minute. By analyzing speech patterns across different languages, researchers can identify which languages have a naturally faster pace of word delivery.

Syllable Rate: Syllables per Minute (SPM)

Another crucial metric is the syllable rate, measured in syllables per minute (SPM). This measure accounts for the complexity and phonetic structure of languages, as some languages use longer words with more syllables. By focusing on syllables, researchers gain a more nuanced understanding of speech speed that transcends the variability in word length across languages.

Methodology

To determine the fastest-spoken languages, researchers collect and analyze extensive linguistic data. This typically involves recording native speakers engaging in various types of speech, such as casual conversations, storytelling, and reading predefined texts. Advanced software is then used to transcribe these recordings and calculate the WPM and SPM. The data is often aggregated from multiple speakers to ensure accuracy and representativeness.

Researchers also consider factors like the speakers' ages, regional dialects, and speaking contexts to provide a comprehensive analysis of each language's speed. By synthesizing this data, they can accurately rank languages based on their spoken speed.

What Are The Fastest Spoken Languages In The World?

1. Japanese

Japanese is the official language of Japan, spoken by over 125 million people. It has a rich history and is characterized by its use of three writing systems: Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana.

Speed Statistics:

• Words per Minute (WPM): Approximately 240 WPM.
• Syllables per Minute (SPM): Around 7.84 SPM.

The fast pace of spoken Japanese reflects the efficiency and precision highly valued in Japanese culture. The language's syllabic structure, with many short and simple syllables, facilitates rapid speech. Additionally, the context-heavy nature of Japanese often requires fewer words to convey complex ideas, allowing speakers to communicate quickly and effectively.

2. Spanish

Spanish, or Español, is a Romance language spoken by over 460 million people as a native language, primarily in Spain and Latin America.

Speed Statistics:

• Words per Minute (WPM): Approximately 260 WPM.
• Syllables per Minute (SPM): Around 7.82 SPM.

Spanish's rapid speech rate can be attributed to its phonetic consistency and rhythmic syllable timing. In many Spanish-speaking cultures, lively and expressive communication is the norm, reflecting social norms that favor dynamic and engaging interactions. This vibrant communication style is mirrored in the language's swift articulation.

3. French

French is a Romance language spoken by approximately 77 million native speakers and used as a second language by millions more across the globe, particularly in France, parts of Canada, and several African countries.

Speed Statistics:

• Words per Minute (WPM): Approximately 220 WPM.
• Syllables per Minute (SPM): Around 7.18 SPM.

French's moderate but steady speech speed reflects the language's intricate structure and the cultural emphasis on clarity and eloquence. The French value articulate and precise communication, which influences the way the language is spoken. The relatively high syllable rate also highlights the rhythmic and melodic nature of spoken French.

4. Italian

Italian, another Romance language, is spoken by about 65 million people, primarily in Italy and parts of Switzerland.

Speed Statistics:

• Words per Minute (WPM): Approximately 210 WPM.
• Syllables per Minute (SPM): Around 6.99 SPM.

The rapid and expressive nature of spoken Italian mirrors the lively and passionate Italian culture. Italian's phonetic clarity and regularity make it easy to speak quickly without losing meaning. This speed facilitates the animated and emphatic conversational style common in Italian social interactions.

5. Portuguese

Portuguese is spoken by over 220 million people, primarily in Portugal, Brazil, and several African countries.

Speed Statistics:

• Words per Minute (WPM): Approximately 230 WPM.
• Syllables per Minute (SPM): Around 7.50 SPM.

Portuguese's swift speech reflects the cultural vibrancy of its speakers, particularly in Brazil, where musical traditions like samba and bossa nova influence the language's rhythm. The language's phonetic characteristics, including open vowels and clear consonants, contribute to its rapid and flowing speech.

6. Mandarin Chinese

Mandarin Chinese is the most widely spoken language in the world, with over a billion native speakers primarily in China.

Speed Statistics:

• Words per Minute (WPM): Approximately 200 WPM.
• Syllables per Minute (SPM): Around 5.18 SPM.

Mandarin's moderate speech speed is balanced by its tonal nature, where pitch and intonation carry significant meaning. The efficiency in spoken Mandarin comes from its monosyllabic words and compact grammatical structures. The cultural emphasis on context and succinct expression influences the pace and delivery of the language.

7. Korean

Korean is the official language of South Korea and North Korea, spoken by over 77 million people.

Speed Statistics:

• Words per Minute (WPM): Approximately 220 WPM.
• Syllables per Minute (SPM): Around 5.96 SPM.

Korean's fast speech rate can be attributed to the language's agglutinative nature, where words are often formed by stringing together various morphemes. This allows for the rapid expression of complex ideas. Korean culture's emphasis on efficiency and respect in communication also contributes to its quick pace.

8. Vietnamese

Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam, spoken by over 90 million people.

Speed Statistics:

• Words per Minute (WPM): Approximately 190 WPM.
• Syllables per Minute (SPM): Around 5.28 SPM.

Vietnamese's moderate speech speed is influenced by its tonal nature and monosyllabic words. The cultural importance of concise and clear communication in Vietnamese society is reflected in the language's efficient and quick speech patterns.

9. Turkish

Turkish is spoken by over 75 million people, primarily in Turkey and Cyprus.

Speed Statistics:

• Words per Minute (WPM): Approximately 210 WPM.
• Syllables per Minute (SPM): Around 6.87 SPM.

Turkish's fast speech rate can be linked to its agglutinative structure, which allows speakers to convey complex meanings quickly by adding various suffixes to root words. The Turkish culture's emphasis on direct and effective communication is evident in the language's brisk pace.

10. Hindi

Hindi is one of the official languages of India, spoken by over 600 million people as a first or second language.

Speed Statistics:

• Words per Minute (WPM): Approximately 210 WPM.
• Syllables per Minute (SPM): Around 6.55 SPM.

Hindi's rapid speech rate reflects the dynamic and diverse nature of Indian society, where quick and efficient communication is often necessary in densely populated areas. The language's phonetic structure, with its clear vowels and consonants, supports a high rate of speech without sacrificing clarity.

Read Also:

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What Are The Factors Influencing Speech Speed?

Phonetics

The phonetic composition of a language significantly impacts its speech rate. Languages with simpler syllabic structures and fewer phonemic distinctions can be spoken more quickly. For example, Japanese has a high syllable rate due to its simple consonant-vowel syllable structure, allowing for rapid articulation. In contrast, languages with complex consonant clusters and varied syllable structures, like English, might be spoken more slowly.

Grammar

The grammatical complexity of a language also plays a crucial role. Languages with a high degree of inflection or agglutination, where words are formed by adding multiple affixes, can convey more information in fewer words. This can lead to a higher speech rate, as seen in Turkish and Korean. Conversely, languages that rely heavily on word order and separate words for grammatical relations, like Mandarin Chinese, might have a slower word rate but can still maintain a high syllable rate due to monosyllabic words.

Social Norms

Cultural attitudes toward communication significantly influence speech speed. In cultures where brevity and efficiency are valued, such as in Japan, people tend to speak quickly to convey information swiftly. In contrast, cultures that value eloquence and detailed storytelling, such as some Arab cultures, might have a slower, more deliberate speech pattern.

Communication Styles

The general communication style of a culture affects how fast people speak. For instance, in Spanish-speaking countries, lively and animated conversations are common, contributing to the fast speech rate. The emphasis on expressiveness and emotional engagement in these cultures encourages a quicker pace to keep the interaction dynamic and engaging.

Read Also:

What Are the Oldest Languages in the World that Are Still Spoken Today?

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which language is spoken the quickest?

Japanese is often considered the quickest spoken language due to its rapid syllable rate and efficient communication style.

2. What is the fastest-growing language in the world?

English is the fastest-growing language in the world, largely due to its widespread use as a global lingua franca in business, education, and technology.

3. What are the fastest-spoken languages in the world?

The fastest-spoken languages include Japanese, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Korean, Vietnamese, Turkish, and Hindi, each known for their unique linguistic structures and cultural influences that contribute to their swift speech rates.

Final Words

The speed at which people speak different languages is influenced by the language's structure, cultural habits, and modern technology. For example, Japanese is spoken very quickly due to its simple syllables, while Spanish is fast because of its lively and expressive style.

By understanding why some languages are spoken faster than others, we can better appreciate the diversity of languages around the world. Whether you're learning a new language or just interested, exploring these fast languages can give you great insights into how people communicate.

Learn New Languages Through TV Shows With Lingopie!

Who says learning can’t be fun? Grab some popcorn and immerse yourself in foreign films or binge-watch TV shows. That's the mission of Lingopie, making language learning fun and immersive!

Lingopie makes learning a new language fun and effective by using real TV shows, movies, and documentaries. It offers interactive subtitles, so you can click on any word to get an instant translation and pronunciation.

The platform also personalizes content based on your progress, making sure you're always engaged. Words you click on are saved to flashcards for easy review, and there are quizzes to help you remember what you've learned. Plus, by watching different genres, you get a feel for the culture and language in real-life situations.

Download Lingopie from the App Store or Play Store now and get a FREE 7-day trial!

Hablas español? No? No problem! In this post, we're going to talk about one of the world's most useful languages - Spanish! Spoken by millions all over the globe, it's only natural for learners like you to get curious on whether it's actually worth investing your time one.  

The good news?

Spanish has a secret advantage for native English speakers - it's considered one of the easiest foreign languages to pick up! Thanks to centuries of shared history and linguistic roots, Spanish feels like a natural fit. The grammar is more straightforward, and you'll instantly recognize tons of vocabulary words.

So if you're looking for more reasons to learn Spanish then read along!

Table of Contents

1. Define Your Goals
2. Create a Study Plan
3. Start with Essential Vocabulary
4. Grammar and Sentence Structure
5. Immersion through Listening and Speaking
6. Reading Comprehension
7. Writing practice
8. Online Language Learning Plataforms
9. Language Exchange Programs
10. Stay Motivated
11. FAQs for Learning Spanish by Yourself
12. Summing Up

Can You Really Learn Spanish On Your Own?

The great news is that Spanish is considered one of the easiest languages for native English speakers to learn on their own. In fact, according to language experts, you can become fluent in Spanish in just 6 months if you dedicate around 3 hours of study per day.

Why is Spanish so achievable for self-learners from an English background? It all comes down to the close connections between the two languages. Spanish and English share Latin roots, making tons of vocab words instantly recognizable. Plus, Spanish grammar tends to be more straightforward than English rules.

Imagine - in just 24 weeks of focused self-study, you could be chatting away in one of the world's most widely spoken languages! No need for expensive classes or tutors. Just grab some fun learning apps, movies, music, and books, and immerse yourself in the language.

Of course, self-learning requires discipline and smart study habits. But with Spanish, you've got a major head start. Set a consistent routine, practice speaking out loud, and take advantage of the endless free online resources. Before you know it, ¡hablarás español como un nativo!

Define Your Goals

Before diving into the world of Spanish language learning, it's vital to define your goals. Ask yourself why you want to learn Spanish and what level of proficiency you hope to achieve. This will help you establish a clear roadmap and tailor your learning approach accordingly.

Create a Study Plan

Developing a structured study plan is crucial to maintain consistency and make progress in your language learning journey. Dedicate specific time slots each day or week to practice Spanish. Divide your study sessions into different components such as vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, listening, and speaking. By distributing your efforts across all language aspects, you will build a solid foundation.

How to Develop Effective Language Learning Habits and Routines

Language learning is a rewarding and transformative journey that opens doors to new cultures, connections, and opportunities. To embark on this path successfully, it is important to develop effective language-learning habits and routines. By establishing consistent practices and integrating languag…

The blog for language lovers | Lingopie.comMilena Quaresma

Start with Essential Vocabulary

Building your vocabulary is a fundamental step in learning any language. Begin by focusing on commonly used words and phrases in Spanish. Utilize flashcards, vocabulary apps, or online word lists to expand your knowledge gradually. Practice and review these words regularly to reinforce your understanding.

Grammar and Sentence Structure

Understanding grammar is vital for constructing meaningful sentences and expressing yourself accurately. Invest time in learning Spanish grammar rules, such as verb conjugations, tenses, pronouns, and sentence structure. Online resources, textbooks, and grammar exercises can prove invaluable in grasping these concepts.

Immersion through Listening and Speaking

Immersing yourself in the Spanish language is key to developing fluency and conversational skills. Listen to Spanish podcasts, audiobooks, and spanish songs to refine your listening comprehension. Mimic native speakers, practice pronunciation, and engage in conversation with language exchange partners or tutors. Apps like Tandem and HelloTalk connect you with native Spanish speakers willing to engage in language exchanges.

Reading Comprehension

Reading Spanish texts, such as news articles, books, or blogs, helps expand your vocabulary and comprehension skills. Start with simple texts and gradually progress to more complex ones. Utilize online translation tools, dictionaries, or language learning platforms like LingQ to enhance your reading experience.

Writing Practice

Developing your writing skills is essential for effective communication in Spanish. Write journal entries, essays, or short stories to practice constructing sentences and expressing your thoughts in writing. Seek feedback from native speakers or join online writing communities to improve your written proficiency.

Online Language Learning Plataforms

Leverage online language learning platforms like Lingopie  are specially designed to assist independent language learners. These platforms provide structured lessons, interactive exercises, and progress tracking tools to guide your learning journey. Some platforms even offer personalized coaching sessions to enhance your skills further.

Lingopie is a language learning platform that harnesses the power of authentic video content like TV shows and movies to teach languages, including Spanish. For those keen on mastering Spanish on their own, Lingopie offers a unique and engaging approach. Choose a Spanish-language series or movie and start your journey. The platform features interactive subtitles; if there's a word or phrase you're unfamiliar with, just click on it for an immediate translation. Since Lingopie's content reflects real-world conversations, you'll encounter a variety of colloquialisms and expressions. It's a fun and natural way to grasp the nuances of the language while watching popular content. Remember to practice by repeating phrases, mimicking pronunciation, and integrating what you've learned into your dialogues.

Language Exchange Programs

Participate in language exchange programs to immerse yourself in the Spanish language and culture. Websites like ConversationExchange or Meetup connect language learners with native speakers for language practice sessions in person or through video calls. Collaborating with fellow language enthusiasts fosters cultural exchange and helps you gain practical language experience.

Cultural Immersion

Language learning goes hand in hand with cultural immersion. Explore Spanish culture through music, movies, TV shows, and cuisine. This not only enhances your understanding of the language but also fosters an appreciation for the rich heritage and traditions of Spanish-speaking countries.

Stay Motivated

Staying motivated throughout your self-study journey is essential for success. Set achievable short-term goals, track your progress, and reward yourself for milestones reached. Join online language learning communities, connect with fellow learners, and engage in language challenges or online forums to find support, encouragement, and inspiration.

FAQs for Learning Spanish by Yourself

What is the best way to start learning Spanish by myself?

Start by learning basic Spanish grammar rules and vocabulary. You can use language learning apps, online courses, or Spanish textbooks. It's essential to practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Spanish regularly.

How long does it take to learn Spanish by myself?

The time it takes to learn Spanish depends on various factors, such as your learning style, the amount of time you dedicate to learning, and your previous exposure to the language. With consistent effort and dedication, you can expect to achieve basic fluency within six months to a year.

Can I learn Spanish easily by myself?

Learning Spanish by yourself requires a lot of effort and dedication. It's not always easy, but it's entirely achievable with the right resources and mindset. Anyone can learn Spanish by themselves if they have the motivation and discipline to keep practicing and improving.

What are some tips for learning Spanish by myself?

Some tips for learning Spanish by yourself include setting specific learning goals, practicing every day, immersing yourself in the language through listening to Spanish music or watching Spanish movies, finding a language partner to practice speaking with, and actively seeking out opportunities to use and practice your Spanish skills.

Is it possible to become fluent in Spanish by myself?

Yes, it is possible to become fluent in Spanish by yourself with consistent effort, dedication, and practice. However, it may take longer than learning with a tutor or attending a language school. Additionally, becoming truly fluent may also require visiting a Spanish-speaking country or participating in a language immersion program.

How Lingopie can help me to learn Spanish?

Lingopie is an online language-learning platform that can help you learn Spanish and other languages. It offers a range of features that can make your language learning journey more fun, engaging, and effective. Some ways that Lingopie can help you learn Spanish include:

1. Real-world Spanish content
   Lingopie offers access to thousands of TV shows and movies in Spanish, offering a fun and immersive way to learn Spanish. You can watch popular series and movies with accurate subtitles and follow along with native Spanish speakers, allowing you to learn Spanish in a real context.
2. Interactive quizzes and games
   Lingopie provides interactive games and quizzes that adapt to your level, helping you to consolidate what you've learned and improve your Spanish skills. You can track your progress and identify areas where you need more practice.
3. Personalized learning plans
   Lingopie offers personalized learning plans based on your level and learning goals, allowing you to focus on what you need to learn and progress at your own pace.
4. Affordability
   Lingopie is an affordable language learning option, with a range of subscription options to suit your needs and budget.

Overall, Lingopie can be an excellent tool to support your self-directed Spanish learning journey, making language learning enjoyable, effective, and accessible.

Summing Up

Learning Spanish by yourself is an empowering and fulfilling experience. With a well-structured study plan, a variety of resources, and a commitment to consistent practice, you can become proficient in the Spanish language. Embrace the challenges, immerse yourself in the language and culture, and enjoy the journey of self-studying Spanish. ¡Buena suerte! Good luck!!

Irasshaimase! (いらっしゃいませ), or "welcome!" to your guide to Japanese travel phrases.

If you're planning a trip to Japan or simply interested in learning Japanese, this guide to using and understanding Japanese travel phrases is a must-read.

You don't need to learn the entire language before you make the trip of a lifetime. Still, knowing some key phrases, cultural differences and mannerisms will make Japan more accessible for English speakers.

Related: Saying Hello in Japanese: Pronouncing Japanese Greetings

First, we'll discuss the Japanese language and writing styles. Then, we'll cover some essential Japanese travel phrases, including "please", "thank you", "excuse me" and "I don't understand Japanese". Formality in Japanese will be explained, followed by restaurant vocabulary and etiquette.

Next, we'll cover certain phrases related to transport and travel, followed by pronunciation tips for common phrases used in Japan. Finally, we will answer frequently asked questions about Japanese phrases and travel to Japan.

The Japanese Language

Japanese words can be written in symbols or in Romanized characters, so beginners can still read and write before they learn the Japanese script.

However, when you learn Japanese characters you can better understand the nuances of the language.

Kanji are Chinese characters taken from the Chinese script and used in Japanese writing. This writing system was introduced to Japan in the 4th or 5th century, as Japan had a talking system but no means to write it down. Kanji are complex symbols that represent words or ideas.

However, Kanji characters are used along with the more recently created syllabic scripts of Hiragana and Katakana, which represent sounds.

Some people find these scripts easier to read as the symbols are simpler. Hiragana is generally used to represent Japanese words, while Katakana represents foreign words imported into the Japanese language.

While it is possible to write everything in Hiragana or Katakana, i t w o u l d l o o k l i k e t h i s. So, it is better to replace words with Kanji when possible. Japanese people use the three scripts interchangeably, as they are needed.

10 Essential Japanese Words And Phrases

When starting to learn Japanese, it's helpful to familiarize yourself with some essential words and phrases. These basic expressions can help you navigate common social situations, communicate politely, and express yourself in simple ways.

1. Konnichiwa (こんにちは) – Hello/ good afternoon
2. Ohayo Gozaimasu (おはよう ご ざ い ます) - Good morning
3. Konbanwa (こんばんは) - Good evening
4. Arigatou (Gozaimasu) (ありがとう (ご ざ い ます)) – Thank you (polite way).
5. Onegaishimasu (お願い し ます)/ Kudasai (くだ さい) - Please
6. Sumimasen (すみません) – Excuse me
7. Hai (はい) - Yes/ I understand
8. Iie (いいえ) - No
9. Nihongo ga wakarimasen (日本語がわかりません) - I don't understand Japanese
10. Gomen nasai (ごめんなさい) - I'm sorry

From greetings and gratitude to requests and acknowledgments, the following Japanese phrases are fundamental building blocks for beginner learners. Let's explore their meanings and contexts:

Konnichiwa (こんにちは)

A basic greeting used during the day. Suitable for use with strangers or casual acquaintances.

Ohayo Gozaimasu (おはようございます)

A polite way to greet someone in the morning. Useful for more formal situations or when addressing elders/superiors.

Konbanwa (こんばんは)

The evening greeting counterpart to konnichiwa. Appropriate for use from around sunset onwards.

Arigatou (Gozaimasu) (ありがとう(ございます))

Arigatou is the basic way to express thanks. Adding gozaimasu makes it more polite for formal situations.

Onegaishimasu/Kudasai (お願いします/ください)

Onegaishimasu is more formal, while kudasai is slightly more casual. Both express requests politely.

Sumimasen (すみません)

A versatile phrase used to apologize, get attention politely, or ask for a favor humbly.

Hai (はい)

The most basic way to express agreement or acknowledge something.

Iie (いいえ)

A simple, polite way to express negation or disagreement.

Nihongo ga wakarimasen (日本語がわかりません)

Useful for communicating language limitations politely when first learning Japanese.

Gomen nasai (ごめんなさい)

An important phrase to apologize sincerely in both formal and informal contexts.

Formality In Japanese

Social hierarchy, or your rank compared to others, determines how you will talk to someone in Japanese.

The generally accepted pecking order puts parents above children, teachers above students, customers above shopkeepers, bosses above employees, and elders above younger people.

Moreover, familiarity plays a part in how formal or informal you are with someone. Families will speak more casual Japanese with one another, while strangers use formal terms. Good friends drop formalities entirely and use slang to communicate.

Japanese words are conjugated based on formality. Formal Japanese can be divided into three categories: polite language, honorific language, and humble language.

There is also an informal way of communicating in Japanese, but when you learn Japanese, you often learn the formal first as the conjugation is easier.

Gozimasu and Arigatou

You do not need to worry too much about this as an absolute beginner. Just remember that you can make simple adjustments such as adding gozimasu (ご ざ い ます) to ohayō (おはよう) when saying "good morning" to make it more formal, or to arigatou (ありがとう) to say "thank you" the formal way.

Domo arigato (共 ありがとう) "thank you so much" is also formal. This is a phrase many westerners are familiar with due to the song Mr Roboto by Styx!

Arigato or domo used in isolation are two ways to say "thanks", informally. Use the latter two with friends and family.

Onegaishimasu and Kudasai

Finally, let's revisit when we use Onegaishimasu (お願い し ます) and Kudasai (くだ さい) for "please".

• Kudasai is the more familiar term, while onegai shimasu is more polite and honorable.
• So, you can ask for water, for instance, by using Kudasai (ください) or onegai shimasu (を お願い し ます), depending on who you are talking to. For example:
• Mizu o onegai shimasu (水を お願い し ます) - I would like water, please (formal)
• Mizu o kudasai (水 お ください) - Give me water, please (informal)

Kudasai is a familiar request word that you use when you know you are entitled to something.

For instance, asking a friend or peer for something, or making a request from someone of a lower rank than you. Take a look at the following phrases:

• Mō yamete kudasai (もうやめて くだ さい) - Please stop
• Chotto matte kudasai (ちょっと 待って くだ さい) - Wait a minute, please
• Kutsu o nuide kudasai (靴を脱いで くだ さい) - Please remove your shoes
• Shio o watashite kudasai (塩を渡して くだ さい) - Pass the salt, please

If you are speaking to a teacher, elder, or boss in Japan and don't understand something, you can ask: Mou ichido onegai shimasu (もう一度お願いします) - Could you repeat that, please?

As well as language, gestures also play a part in formality and respect in Japanese culture. One such gesture is the bow, and it matters how deep you bend!

A short bow at 15° is appropriate for a casual greeting. A 30° bow is good for greeting strangers and bosses, while a 45° bow conveys deep respect or an apology.

10 Food & Drink Basic Phrases in Japanese

1. Menyū (メニュー) - Menu
2. O-sake (お酒) – General term for alcohol (not to be confused with the below)
3. Nihonshu (日本酒) – Japanese saké (rice wine)
4. Bīru (ビール) - Beer
5. Mizu (水) - Water
6. Gohan (ご飯) - Rice
7. Misoshiru (みそ汁) - Miso Soup
8. Sushi (すし) - Sushi
9. Mochi (餅 ) - Mochi (a traditional Japanese glutinous rice cake)
10. ___ o Kudasai (をください) – I would like __, please
    ___ o onegai shimasu (を お願い し ます) - I would like ___ please

In addition to food and drink, you might want to know how to ask for other specific services in a Japanese restaurant.

• Kin'en seki (禁煙席) - Non-smoking seat
• Kurejittokādo wa tsukaemasu ka? (クレジットカードは使えますか) - Do you accept credit cards?

Japanese Restaurant Etiquette

It is not enough simply to know a few polite phrases in Japanese. You will also need to understand a bit about restaurant etiquette.

In many Japanese restaurants, there are low tables with cushions, rather than or in addition to western-style tables and chairs.

Cushions will be placed on tatami floors, which are a traditional kind of mat flooring in Japanese restaurants. You should never wear shoes or slippers on tatami flooring, and avoid stepping on anyone's cushion except your own.

Japanese Restaurant Vocabulary in Context

When the food comes, it is customary to wait for everyone's meals to arrive, then say:

• Itadakimasu (いただきます) - "I gratefully receive (this meal)"

You should say this before starting to eat. This is similar to the French "bon appetit".

However, if a dish is best eaten hot and it arrives before the others, the following phrase can be used:

• Osaki ni douzo (お先 に どうぞ) - "Please go ahead"

Other useful Japanese resturant phrases include:

• Daijyoubu Desu (だいじょうぶです) - "I'm fine now" (this is a polite way to decline something from a waiter offering you more water or food).

You can conclude the meal by saying the phrase:

• Gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさま でした) - "Thank you for the feast."

This expresses gratitude to the chef and for the ingredients of the meal.

At the end of your meal, you should use the following:

• Okaikei wo onegaishimasu (お会計 を お願いします) - "The check, please."

Manners in Convenience Stores

The following piece of vocaulary will be useful:

• Konbini (コンビニ) - Convenience store

In Japan, simple things like unfolding your bills before you hand them over to the cashier and not throwing down your coins are considered polite as they make the worker's job easier.

Customer service in Japan is famously excellent, so treat the clerk with respect and kindness, as you should in any other foreign country.

10 Transportation-Related Phrases In Japanese

1. ___wa doko desu ka (は どこ です か) – Where is __?
2. Eki (駅) - Train station
   eg. Eki wa doko desu ka (駅 は どこ です か) - Where is the train station?
3. Basu noriba (バスのりば) - Bus stop
4. Dono Densha (どの電車)/ Dono basu (どのバス) – Which train?/ Which bus?
5. (Tōkyō) ni ikitai ( ([東京) に行きたい) – I want to go to (Tokyo)
6. Kippu (切符) – Ticket
7. Katamichi kippu (片道切符)/ Kaeri no kippu (帰りの切符) - One-way ticket/ return ticket
8. Hoteru (ホテル) - hotel
9. Toire ( = トイレ) - Bathroom / toilet
10. Ikura desu ka (いくら です 化) - How much is it?

Japanese travel phrases in context

Now, you can start to put some of the words we have learned together to create a proper phrase.

• Hiroshima e no kaeri no kippu o onegai shimasu, ikura desu ka (広島への帰りの切符をお願いします、いくらですか) - "I would like a return ticket to Hiroshima, how much is it?"

These essential Japanese travel phrases will come in handy when visiting Japan, as an estimated 70% of the population does not speak English.

You'll find more people with some level of English in the top destinations, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, while you might hit a language barrier in smaller towns.

10 Time-Related Phrases In Japanese

Whether you're inquiring about the current time, referring to specific times of the day, or discussing dates, these Japanese time phrases will prove invaluable. Let's explore 10 essential time-related words and expressions in Japanese:

1. Ima Nanji Desu ka? (今何時ですか) – What time is it now?
2. Asa (朝) – Morning
3. Kyou (今日) – Today
4. Ashita (明日) – Tomorrow
5. Nanji ni? (何時に？) – At what time?
6. Gogo (午後) - Afternoon
7. Yoru (夜) - Night/Evening
8. Kinou (昨日) - Yesterday
9. Itsudemo (いつでも) - Anytime/Whenever
10. Jikan ga arimasen (時間がありません) - I don't have time

Basic Japanese Phrases and Pronunciation in Japanese

An important phrase you will likely say a lot is desu ka (です か).

This indicates a question when placed at the end of a sentence. So, let's make sure you can say it correctly, as it may not be pronounced as you'd expect.

You want to pronounce desu like “dess.” Remember, the “u” sound at the end is dropped.

This happens a lot with words that end with “u” sounds, including:

• Arigatou Gozaimasu (ありがとう ご ざ い) - "thank you" (which is pronounced "arigatou gozaimas").

We have already seen desu ka in the phrase ikura desu ka, "how much is it?", and wa doko desu ka, "where is it?".

It is also used in the following key Japanese phrases:

• O genki desu ka (お元気 です 化) - How are you?
  (Pronounced "o genki dess ka").
• Nani desu ka (何ですか なにですか) - (polite) What?
• Sou desu ka (そうですか) - Is that so?/ Really?
  The response, Sou desu (そうです), pronounced "so dess", means "that is so" or "yes, really".
• Kore wa na ndesu ka (これ わ なん です か) - What is this?

You can create many more Japanese phrases for asking questions by using desu ka, so try to remember this pronunciation as it will get you a long way.

Basic Greetings Tourists Should Know in Japan

If you only have a short time before your trip to Japan, at the very least learn these simple greetings and make sure you know the dos and don'ts of public affection.

• Kon'nichiwa, watashinonamaeha ___ (こんにちは、私の名前は) - "Good afternoon, my name is ___"
• Konbanwa, hajimemashite (こんばんは、はじめまして) - "Good evening, nice to meet you."
• Namae wa nandesu ka? (名前はなん です か) - "What is your name?"

Making Friends in Japan

Now that you know how to greet Japanese people appropriately, you can start to build a relationship with them.

Generally, when you meet people while traveling abroad, you ask:

• Eigo o hanashimasu ka? (英語を話せますか) - "Can you speak English?"
• Anata wa doko no kuni no shusshindesu ka (あなたはどこの国の出身 です か) - "Which country are you from?"
• Doko no shusshindesu ka? (どこの出身 です か) - "Where are you from?" (more simple phrase).
• Anata wa doko ni sun deru nodesu ka? (あなたはどこに住んでるの です か) - "Where do you live?"

If you would like to become friends or make a date, you might want to gauge the person's interests:

• Anata wa (eiga ga) sukidesuka? (あなたは (映画が) 好き です か) - "Do you like (the cinema)?"

Travel Tips for Japan

Remember Japanese manners! This includes restaurant etiquette, limiting public displays of affection, using polite language, and respecting the culture.

You cannot expect everyone in the world to speak your language, but by using a simple Japanese phrase here and there you can show that you are willing to try and meet them halfway.

Choose the season wisely. Visit Japan in Winter for the ski season, or in Spring for unforgettable views of cherry blossoms.

Or, choose an Autumn trip to avoid tourist crowds and peak travel seasons. The same applies to Summer, though this is typhoon season, which puts a lot of tourists off.

What is Ryokou?

Ryokou (旅行) is a Japanese noun meaning "travel" or "trip".

Broken down, 旅 is the kanji character meaning "travel", "trip", or "journey", and 行 is the kanji character used to express the act of going or visiting.

Use this next phrase if you want to impress your new Japanese friends by using their local language:

• Watashi wa ryokou ga sukidesu (私は旅行が好きです) - "I love traveling".

If you're studying Japanese so you can take a trip to Japan, this is undoubtedly true!

How to Learn Japanese Naturally

If you are looking for additional resources for learning Japanese, check out Lingopie.

This is an online streaming platform that is designed to get you speaking Japanese and learning Kanji with ease through immersion in Japanese TV and movies.

Lingopie provides an authentic and natural way to learn other languages and makes learning Japanese fun.

This is a great tool for busy people who cannot sit through hours of Japanese classes every week.

Simply relax in the evening and watch half an hour of Japanese TV. Allow your brain to absorb the language naturally and pick up useful phrases and pronunciation.

And if you want to keep binge watching awesome shows check out our other Japanese articles. We listed 9 Japanese Movies on Netflix that can help your studies and we also did a guide to learning Japanese with anime! We also recommend you to check out our free guide "Best way to learn Japanese".

Summing up: Basic Travel phrases in Japanese

Now you can travel to Japan armed with some useful Japanese phrases and a basic understanding of the culture and mannerisms of the country.

You will be able to conduct yourself appropriately while dining, make your way around train stations, and if you speak slowly and clearly, begin to build relationships.

Remember, nobody will expect you to speak Japanese fluently, but if you can use these simple phrases, your travels will be simplified.

The average Japanese native speaker is unlikely to speak English fluently. You may hit a language barrier, but if you remember your polite gestures and restaurant etiquette, you can still do very well in Japan and impress the locals.

Hopefully, this guide has given you some travel inspiration. Have a wonderful time on your trip and good luck on your path to learning Japanese!

Dearest reader,

Should you find yourself enamored with the eloquent turns of phrase employed by the characters of Bridgerton, yet lack understanding of their import, pray attend to this missive forthwith.

This is how I would start my blog post if I were Lady Whistledown!

Netflix's "Bridgerton" has captivated audiences worldwide with its intoxicating blend of romance, drama, and intrigue set against the backdrop of Regency-era England. Set in a time of strict societal norms and elaborate social rituals, "Bridgerton" transports viewers to a world where every word spoken is laden with meaning, reflecting the intricacies of 19th-century English society.

The language used in the show not only adds authenticity but also serves as a window into the customs and etiquette of the era, making "Bridgerton" a feast for both the eyes and the ears.

In this blog post, we'll learn about the common English expressions you heard in Bridgerton, explore their meanings, and how they contribute to the allure of this beloved series!  

What Is The Regency Era In England?

The Regency era (1811-1820) in England was marked by political, social, and cultural shifts. It was a time of strict societal norms and customs, particularly within the upper classes, where class distinctions were paramount. Marriage and social status were crucial, and etiquette governed all aspects of life. Language plays a significant role in reflecting one's class, status, and adherence to etiquette.

In "Bridgerton," the significance of language is evident in the characters' dialogue, which is steeped in the conventions of the time. From the formal language used in formal settings to the subtle nuances of conversation in intimate moments, every word spoken reflects the intricacies of Regency society. The language of "Bridgerton" not only adds authenticity to the series but also serves as a window into the customs, values, and social hierarchy of the era, enriching the viewer's experience of this fascinating period in history.

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What is Shakespearean English? English Words and Expressions Invented by Shakespeare

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In this article, we’ll explore 13 poems that not only showcase the beauty of the language but also serve as excellent material for reading practice. These timeless pieces not only captivate with their beauty of language but also provide invaluable material for honing reading proficiency. Join us o…

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English Expressions From Bridgerton With Meaning and Context

1. Dearest

Meaning: A term of endearment used to express affection or closeness.

Context: Characters in "Bridgerton" often address their loved ones or close acquaintances as "dearest," conveying warmth and intimacy.

Example: "My dearest sister, I must confide in you..."

2. Scandal

Meaning: A situation involving immoral or improper behavior that shocks or offends society's sensibilities.

Context: Scandal is a recurring theme in "Bridgerton," where characters' reputations and social standing are often at stake due to gossip and rumors.

Example: "The scandal surrounding Lady Whistledown's latest revelation has sent shockwaves through the ton."

3. Ton

Meaning: The fashionable upper class or elite society.

Context: The "ton" represents the highest echelons of Regency society, where wealth, pedigree, and social connections reign supreme.

Example: "She is the toast of the ton, sought after by all eligible bachelors."

4. Rake

Meaning: A man who leads a dissolute or debauched lifestyle, often characterized by immoral behavior and libertine pursuits.

Context: Rakes are common figures in Regency society, known for their scandalous exploits and disregard for social norms.

Example: "Lord Featherington's reputation as a notorious rake precedes him wherever he goes."

5. Diamond of the first water

Meaning: A person of exceptional beauty, talent, or quality.

Context: This expression is used to describe individuals who possess unparalleled charm, elegance, or refinement.

Example: "Miss Daphne Bridgerton is truly a diamond of the first water, admired by all who have the pleasure of her acquaintance."

6. Feather in one's cap

Meaning: An accomplishment or achievement that enhances one's reputation or prestige.

Context: In "Bridgerton," characters often seek to achieve feats that will earn them recognition and admiration within society.

Example: "Securing a marriage proposal from the Duke of Hastings would be a feather in any young lady's cap."

7. Making a match

Meaning: Arranging a marriage or romantic pairing between individuals, often for strategic or social purposes.

Context: Matchmaking is a common practice in Regency society, where marriages are often orchestrated to consolidate wealth, power, or social status.

Example: "Lady Bridgerton is determined to make a match for her eldest daughter that will secure the family's position in society."

8. Fetching a bonnet

Meaning: Going to retrieve a woman's hat or head covering, typically as a gesture of courtesy or gallantry.

Context: This expression reflects the chivalrous behavior expected of gentlemen towards ladies in Regency society.

Example: "Lord Anthony gallantly offered to fetch Lady Whistledown's bonnet after their afternoon stroll in the park."

9. Society papers

Meaning: Newspapers or publications that report on the activities, events, and gossip of high society.

Context: Society papers play a significant role in disseminating news and rumors within Regency society, shaping reputations and social perceptions.

Example: "Lady Featherington eagerly awaited the latest edition of the society papers to see if her daughters' prospects had improved."

10. Courting

Meaning: Pursuing a romantic relationship with the intention of marriage, typically through formal visits and social interactions.

Context: Courting is a formalized process in Regency society, governed by rules of propriety and decorum.

Example: "Lord Bridgerton's courtship of Miss Sheffield was the talk of the town, with many speculating on when he would propose."

11. Modiste

Meaning: A fashionable dressmaker or milliner who specializes in women's clothing and accessories.

Context: Modistes are essential figures in Regency society, responsible for creating the latest fashions and ensuring that individuals are impeccably dressed for social events.

Example: "Lady Danbury recommended the finest modiste in town to ensure that Lady Whistledown's gown for the ball would be the envy of all."

12. Coterie

Meaning: A small, exclusive group of people with shared interests or social connections.

Context: Coterie refers to the circles of influence and camaraderie that exist within Regency society, where individuals seek companionship and support among peers.

Example: "Lady Bridgerton's coterie of friends and allies provided her with invaluable support during her time of need."

13. Come out

Meaning: Making one's formal debut into society, typically upon reaching a certain age or status.

Context: Coming out marks a significant milestone in a young person's life, signaling their readiness to participate in social gatherings and events.

Example: "Lady Whistledown's column speculated on which debutantes would come out during the upcoming season and make a splash in society."

14. Season

Meaning: The social season, typically occurring in the spring and summer, during which high society engages in a whirlwind of parties, balls, and other events.

Context: The season is a focal point of Regency society, providing opportunities for matchmaking, socializing, and displaying wealth and status.

Example: "The arrival of the London season brought with it a flurry of activity as the ton prepared for weeks of festivities and revelry."

15. Making an entrance

Meaning: Entering a room or social gathering in a manner that commands attention and admiration.

Context: Making an entrance is a skill prized in Regency society, where individuals strive to leave a lasting impression with their grace, poise, and charm.

Example: "Lady Featherington made quite the entrance at the ball, turning heads with her elaborate gown and sparkling jewels."

16. Ruined

Meaning: A term used to describe a person, typically a young woman, whose reputation has been irreparably damaged, often due to scandal or impropriety.

Context: In Regency society, a ruined reputation could have severe consequences, including social ostracism and diminished marriage prospects.

Example: "Lady Marina's elopement with a commoner has left her reputation in ruins, making her a pariah in polite society."

17. Conversing over tea

Meaning: Engaging in polite conversation or gossip while partaking in the ritual of afternoon tea.

Context: Tea-drinking was a popular social custom in Regency England, providing an opportunity for individuals to socialize and exchange news and gossip.

Example: "The ladies of the ton gathered at Lady Danbury's salon to converse over tea, sharing the latest scandalous rumors and societal gossip."

18. Bowing and curtsying

Meaning: Performing formal gestures of respect and courtesy, with gentlemen bowing and ladies curtsying in greeting or acknowledgment.

Context: Bowing and curtsying were essential components of etiquette in Regency society, signaling deference and respect towards others.

Example: "Lord Bridgerton executed a graceful bow upon being introduced to Lady Violet, while she responded with a genteel curtsy."

19. Gossipmonger

Meaning: A person who habitually spreads gossip or rumors, often for personal amusement or to gain social advantage.

Context: Gossipmongers are ubiquitous in Regency society, thriving on the dissemination of scandalous tidbits and juicy stories.

Example: "Lady Featherington's reputation as a notorious gossipmonger ensured that her salon was always filled with the latest scandal and intrigue."

20. Matrimonial aspirations

Meaning: A person's desires or ambitions regarding marriage and romantic relationships.

Context: Matrimonial aspirations are central to the concerns of individuals in Regency society, where marriage is often viewed as a means of securing financial stability, social status, or personal happiness.

Example: "Miss Penelope Featherington harbored matrimonial aspirations of securing a wealthy and titled husband, despite her family's precarious financial situation."

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Final Words

The English expressions highlighted in this blog post provide a window into the world of "Bridgerton" and the Regency era it portrays. From terms of endearment like "dearest" to societal concepts like "ton" and "courting," each expression enriches the dialogue and narrative, capturing the essence of a time filled with romance and scandal.

Speak English Like The Bridgertons With Lingopie!

Who says you can't improve your English by watching Bridgerton? Grab a cup of tea and immerse yourself in British movies and TV shows to learn English. authentically! That's the mission of Lingopie, making language learning fun and immersive!

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kind of English is used in Bridgerton?

The English used in "Bridgerton" is formal and reflects the Regency era, featuring intricate dialogue and expressions typical of 19th-century England.

2. How to speak like the Bridgertons?

To speak like the Bridgertons, use formal language with a touch of elegance and politeness. Incorporate Regency-era expressions and manners into your speech.

3. Is Bridgerton American or British?

"Bridgerton" is a British television series produced by Shonda Rhimes' production company, Shondaland, and is set in Regency-era London, making it British in setting and theme.

4. What is ton in Bridgerton?

In "Bridgerton," the term "ton" refers to the fashionable upper class or elite society of Regency-era London. It represents the highest echelons of society, where wealth, status, and social connections are paramount.